Well, that's probably what they should have named Lancome's Primordiale Optimum. This reeks of “elderly matron clutching her pearls,” but...and this is a strong but, this product is fantastic. It purports to be a skin correcting moisturizer and after using this for a few months, I have to agree that my skin looks amazing and I have noticed fewer fine lines. Botox in a bottle? Definitely not, but for someone like me who's pushing thirty and needs just a bit of extra work here and there, it's a good buy.

Also, this has SPF 15, not at lot, but it makes the perfect non-greasy moisturizer for those days when I'm only outside to go from the house to the car to work and back again.

Now, you may be wondering why I've come out of hiatus to review this product and the reason is that it's been discontinued! I have gone and purchased 3 extra bottles of this stuff to take me though. I urge you to check your local counters as well as Lancome outlets and grab any remaining bottles.

Posted by theworldsdresser at 5:09 PM EDT

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I'll warn you though, this carries a distinct I'm-an-Alpha-Male scent, so be prepared to smell like the HDIC, but otherwise this is money gloriously spent. The lotion is oil free, dye free and it doesn't break out my super sensitive (and naturally oily skin). Will I buy this again? Absolutely!

Click here for more of my reviews on hair removal/shaving products.

Posted by theworldsdresser at 6:22 PM EST

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Well it has happened again.  I've found more products that I actually hate too much to review.  In this case, the items are:

• Origins The Way of the Bath Body Lotion in Matcha Tea (Part of the usually good Dr. Weil Line)

• e.l.f.'s Shimmering Facial Whip in Pink Lemonade

I'll start with the Body Lotion.  Usually, Origins products are top notch - stunningly good. This time though, I just don't know what happened.  The lotion smells like grim death.  As soon as you open the container, you get a scent that can best be described as a mixture of the rec room in a nursing home and rotting meat.  I hoped it would pass and continued to rub it in, but the smell was so bad that I ended up dousing my arms and legs with antibacterial gel at work in hopes of killing the smell.  This.is.bad.stuff.

The second item is the Shimmering Facial Whip by e.l.f.  Its meant to be a highlighting gel, but instead comes off as an overly frosty and very noticable streak of silver.  It also dries instantly so work quickly or else you're stuck with a silver clown circle on your face until you wash it off.  I even tried to use it as an eyeshadow base to see if it would help color adhere - nope - useless at that as well.  This proves to me that when it comes to e.l.f., I'm only meant to order from their (freakishly good) Studio Line.

So that's the sum of it.  Every few products, beauty bloggers run into some really crappy stuff.  I hope my misfortune prevents your from wasting your money on these items!

Posted by theworldsdresser at 12:01 AM EDT

Updated: Tuesday, 21 July 2009 11:59 AM EDT

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I don't like changing up my SPFs - when I find a good one, I tend to stick with it forever.  When I got a sample size of this product, I prepared myself for a breakout that NEVER CAME!  My face is extremely sensitive to physical and chemical sunscreens so this gets major points for not making my skin go crazy.

It took a long time (about 3 to 5 minutes) to fully rub it all into my skin, but after letting it set for about 10 minutes, it seemed to have fully absorbed.  The lotion was indeed moisturizing and I didn't find myself having to use anything else, as I sometimes have to with sunblocks.

The lotion has no overwhelming smells nor weird textures.  I haven't tried much Mark/Avon in years, but if this is any indication, I'll be back for more!

Posted by theworldsdresser at 12:01 AM EDT

Updated: Monday, 15 June 2009 4:59 PM EDT

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I've been using this on my face at night with glorious results. Origin's Antioxidant Moisturizer leaves my face soft when I wake up without having me look greasy or sweaty!

Meant to be "anti aging and anti stress," this moisturizer is packed with white tea to soothe skin at the end of the day.  This is a must have for anyone with dry or sensitive skins since it causes no irritation.  Also, I didn't have a single breakout with this product - awesome!

You can get a bottle of this from any Origins counter for $36.  Please don't let the price put you off - a little goes a long way.  The bottle suggests using this morning and night, but I would advise against it.  While awesome in many ways, this does NOT have SPF and so I cannot recommend it for day time use. 

Posted by theworldsdresser at 3:45 PM EDT

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If you know me, then you know this is a big deal: I purchased drugstore skincare.  Awhile back this was recommended to me and I decided to try it against my better judgement.  My Shiseido 55 is great, but much to heavy for winer months when the sun is only outside maybe 20% of the time.  This is one of the few chemical, photostable drugstore sunscreens available with both octinoxate (6%) and zine oxide (3%).  They come in strengths of SPF 15 and SPF 30 and in formulations for dry skin, oily skin and sensitive skin.  In each case the SPF remains stable.  This is more than just a sunscreen, it's also a moisturizer rich with antioxidents - this is what Clinique's superdefense should have been the first time around. 

I originally picked up the Oily Skin formula which broke me out at the end of Day 1.  Next I tried the Sensitive Skin version and have had great success. Olay Complete provides UVA and UVB protection and is infused with Vitamins E (fights skin damage) and Aloe.  It's lightweight and NOT greasy.  This results in two things: first, you don't have the sunscreen ghostface that makes you look like you are fool wearing a foundation three shades too light for your skin. As for the non-greasy bit, well, this is crucial. Nothing is worse then looking like a GREASY fool with too much light foundation on. Nothing. 

They claim that it's non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) but just the same, make sure you remove this with an oil based or foaming makeup remover each night before using your regular face wash. The 4.0 oz runs $8-9 and the 6.0 oz is $9-11 depending on your store. 

PSA: Please remember that sunscreen is only stable for 1 year after you open it so write the date of first use on the bottom with a Sharpie.  70-80% of our wrinkles come from sun damage and wearing year old sunscreen is just as bad as wearing nothing at all.  Also, as with all sunscreens remember to wait 20 minutes before applying any makeup to ensure your makeup doesn't ball up on you or turn colors.

Posted by theworldsdresser at 9:10 AM EST

Updated: Monday, 16 March 2009 1:33 AM EDT

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