Review- Murad Hydrate for Hope Set

From the Hydrate for Hope Set, Murad will donate 10% of the sales to City of Hope's breast and women's cancers research, treatment and education programs. 


The three-piece Hydrate for Hope set (a limited-edition) from Murad includes a pink cosmetics bag, the Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture Eye Cream (.12 oz), and the Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisturizer (1.7 oz). This is a super convenient set for travel or on-the-go purposes, yet the moisturizer comes in a nice full size. The eye cream is one of the smoothest creams I've tested. It really cools and soothes the eye area and amazingly conceals under eye bags and the effects of stress! I had the flu the past week, but you couldn't tell from this eye cream.

The moisturizer is very rich, nourishing and creamy and lasts throughout the day. It will definitely hydrate the skin and give a really smooth appearance - a bonus for those looking to soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles - this will do it. 

The best part, of course, is that it supports a worthy cause by donating a portion of its proceeds to City of Hope's all cancer research for women, making the set a lovely gift for someone close to you or even a gift to yourself to help another!

Other ways to support Women's Cancer research: Murad will donate $1 for every like on Facebook (Murad), Follow @MuradCares or Tweet #Murad4Hope or post on Pinterest with #Murad4Hope. 

Review- KohGenDo Makeup Color Base N Yellow

Tones down diffuse redness. Brightens skin tone. Controls uneven colorings. Hides Blemishes. Minimizes pores. Smooths the appearance of the skin. Reduces shine with oil-absorbing powder. UV Protection. Nourish your skin as you use this rich oriental botanical extract based primer.
Moisturizes and protects skin with SPF16 while concealing trouble spots like dark circles, diffuse redness and minimizes the appearance of pores for that smooth healthy look. Long-lasting skin care formula brightens the skin for a natural look and is the perfect start for high-definition makeup. $44 for .17 oz.

Right around the time I read great things about this Japanese line, this product popped up in my bag to review--what good fortune! It's professional, practical and incredibly good at what it does. The yellow warms up skin complexions while softening red and blue discolorations. I tried it as the site suggests, before foundation as a layer to make the face a more even canvas but had even more luck adding a few drops to a creme and liquid foundation, respectively. (I work with both in my job). I wouldn't hesitate to stipple some into the skin if i had gone too pink with a foundation skin tone match on someone, as well. Basically, this product is awesome, multi-purpose and the quality of it is up there with any other professional line I have used.

Review - Pevonia SpaTeen Blemished Skin Line

I'm not a teen, but my face still thinks I am, so this line is probably appropriate for me. This line includes five items: a cleanser, a toner, a mask, a moisturizer, and a spot treatment called "Blemish-B-Gone." I'll discuss each a little bit.

SpaTeen Blemished Skin Cleanser: I love this cleanser. I know that's not enough to say in a review, but seriously - it is wonderful. It has just the right amount of scrubby grit in it to make you feel like you're accomplishing something, but not so much that your face will revolt and turn red. I didn't notice a huge difference in the number of breakouts I had when I started using it, but I did notice that when I stopped using it, my face was like "wait, what? No! We liked that!!" I don't know if this means that I have to use it forever or what, but in any event, it is effective.

SpaTeen Blemished Skin Toner: I'm not so great at remembering to even use toner, but for the purposes of this review, I tried to be diligent. This toner smells a little weird to me, but it was refreshing after a hot shower.

SpaTeen Blemished Skin Mask: My face felt nicely tight after using this, like I'd just had a mini-facial. (note: I have never had a facial, so I guess it's "like I imagine a mini-facial would feel like.")

SpaTeen Blemished Skin Moisturizer: I loved this stuff. It's light without being ineffective, and pleasantly ungreasy. Four thumbs up!

SpaTeen Blemish-B-Gone: I got two tubes of this - it comes in a tube that looks like it might be lip gloss, except that it's white and has a lime green cap - and I couldn't be happier. For spot treatments, this stuff is great. One time, I even managed to catch a little baby blemish and zap it literally overnight (obviously, larger ones will take more time).

Overall, definitely worth a try if you're a teen (or just have skin like one), and the cute packaging doesn't hurt.

Review -Nutrimin C Re Day Crème with SPF 8

Protect, moisturize and visibly firm with Day Crème. Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles $49.50 item #373

I used this only for the mosturizing and antiaging qualities. I havn't used an spf on face since Desert Storm. So having said that the creme is emollient and rich. I found it to absorb pretty quickly and it left my skin dewy and ready for the the rest of the arensal! I found that it really helped to keep the moisture in my skin throughout the day. My foundation never faultered or looked flakey while using. I also want to mention that the scent is strange, its not flowery or fruity! It's got a weird scent and it might just be the spf.. It works and it does a good job but if you are looking for a 2 in 1 then I really don't think this is it, I think that there needs to be more spf to help all beauties be protected!

Sheba says this Nutrimin C Re Day Crème with SPF 8 is a product that definitely moisturizes and keeps your skin feeling soft and smooth. Yes, I would prefer a higher spf but since just about everything I use does contain some I think I am well covered when I use this. I am not out in the sun with just this moisturizer on. I usually have much more of my cosmetic arsenal applied to my face. If I am going out to laze around I would definitely apply a product designed for protection and I use those that are well over 30 as I have damaged my skin in the sun in my past foolishness. I am usually very aware of strong scents or fragrances near my face yet I was not bothered by the scent to this product. As Cityslicker mentioned -- it is difficult to define but it is not unpleasant. It fades relatively fast. The moisture does not fade as my skin just soaks it up when I apply it and it stays nice and moist for the full day. If you are using this alone on your skin you will need to look for a higher spf but if you use other products with spf in conjunction with this -- you will be very happy.

Maria says: I have no problems with any product in the Nutrimin C line. I think it is a quality line, and long before I had the opportunity to review the products here on Beautifile, I had raved about the eyecream in this line on a different review board...I'll do that here under separate post. The Day Cream is very nice - light (a little too light for my dry skin, but with an added serum underneath it's fine) and carries with it an 8 SPF which is always a bonus, but in my experience, I need something a little more beefy in the SPF department. I didn't detect a real scent to the creme - more or less citrusy I'd say. This also does not make my foundation ball up like many other moisturizers out there, so again, another bonus. Again, I'd say the Nutrimin C line is my favorite of the Arbonne products - I am a repeat purchaser of the line and will continue to count on their products for a delivery system that works at a price that is refreshingly affordable.

Review - Bio Oil

Bio-Oil® is a specialistskincare product that helpsimprove the appearance ofscars, stretch marks anduneven skin tone. Its advancedformulation, which contains thebreakthrough ingredient PurCellin Oil™, also makesit highly effective for numerousother skin concerns, includingaging skin and dehydrated skin.

There are many uses for Bio-Oil. I have been using this in the evening over my night products. It's been working really well for me. I add a couple of drops and when I wake my skin is still hydrated and plump. I swear it seals my skin and doesn't rub away. You might get freaked that I am adding oil to my skin therefore I must be breaking out.. Not at all, my skin is soft, smooth and plump. It's not expensive and is now a staple for me. I will rebuy and the best part is that it's avail everywhere. It's also great on my hands at night with cotton gloves.. I also want to mention that in the shower it rinses away leaving no oily residue behind.. I love this stuff and have read that it also works on scars that is my next test, seeing if I can escape some of the razor battle scars on my stem.. This is a great addition to my regimen!

Deedlejuse Says: I have also grown very fond of my little bottle of Bio Oil. This lightly scented oil is the perfect addition to my moisturizer! I have found that even with a generous dollop of cream at night my skin is often very thirsty come morning, but with a bit of Bio Oil over the top this sensation is lightened substantially. The best part is it fades scars and stretchmarks for me. I have been using it daily for about a month and a half and it has already performed miracles! I have used it both on my gams and on my face and in both places I have seen remarkable results. I haven't broken out once on my face, but I'm really not prone to breakouts, so you might be a bit more cautious if you are. All in all I'd say this is one of my favorite products I have had the pleasure to try recently. I reccomend this product without any shadow of a doubt!

Review - Serious Skincare Omega 3 Serum

03 is the first product in our Olive Oil line that specifically addresses the look of fine lines, wrinkles and aging skin. 03 is a olive oil based serum which we loaded with Omegas 3,6,and 9 to help keep skin looking healthy and young.


It must say something for this product as I have no real loyalty to a lot of skincare items - but I have ordered this product at least 10 times and I still love it. After cleansing and applying any actives (i.e. vitamin c) and letting them sink in, I apply this serum to my face and faster than you can say "baby's bottom" your skin is as smooth as silk. You won't want to stop touching your face. This, in addition to making your skin look silky smooth and poreless, is an excellent make-up primer. I have never had a break out problem with this product even though it does have 'cones in it and I hope they never discontinue this product. I believe this line is the brainchild of Sylvester Stallone's wife, Jennifer something or other....she's on HSN and from what I hear, when she's a featured seller her items sell out. I've only ordered from the Olive Oil line so I don't know about any of her other products - but this serum, coupled with the face/neck moisturizer in the same olive oil line, are just T-riffic. Love it! : )

Review- NIA24 Intensive Recovery Complex

In clinical studies, patients have seen dramatic results with daily use of the NIA24 skin care line:

• 90% reduction in hyperpigmentation
• 82% inprovement in texture
• 81% improvement in tone
• 80% increase in skin smoothness
• 68% reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• 53% improvement in skin firmness

This "extreme cream" has a heavier consistency than the Skin Strengthening Complex, so I've been using it at night (although it can be used at any time). If you read my other NIA24 reviews you'll see that I'm quite pleased with the results I'm seeing. I really like the feel of this cream. When you have it on you feel like your skin is immune to everything yet it's not greasy. I'm now a believer in the whole NIA24 line because I can't remember the last time my skin looked so good. I suggest you follow the link above to the NIA24 page and look at the ingredients. They are very impressive. My skin is very dry (sometimes to the point of cracking), but I haven't had any problems with overly dry skin since about the second or third day of using these products. This is a line that delivers on it's promises. And as an added bonus, it smells great!

Deedlejuse says:

I am 23 years old, and I have very pale, pretty naturally clear skin. So, when I was sent this Intensive Recovery Cream to test I sort of laughed. How big of a difference could this stuff possibly make, it is for sun damaged skin, shouldn’t I be like 75to use it???

I am very happy with the results of this product. Even for someone who really did not have any complaints with their skin beforehand, this stuff did wonders for me. My skin looks paler than it was before, more as it did 10 years ago if you can believe it! I also had a few scars on my face from various things, these scars were not particularly noticeable to anyone but me, but it still bothered me. After two weeks, the scars are almost not noticeable, even to me! It is amazing how this cream settled my skin. I used the cream both in the morning and at night, and I did not find that it was too thick for all the time use. I really liked the consistency it isn’t oily at all, and I have not felt dried out since I started using it. The smell is very pleasant and natural smelling. I would recommend it to anyone, even if you don’t think you have sun damage it will work wonders!

Joyce says:

I’m using the Intensive Recovery Complex, Skin Strengthening Complex, and Gentle Cleansing Cream. By day 4, I happened to brush my hair from my cheek and felt my skin. It felt retextured─noticably smoother. By day 5, I noticed pore refinement. I could go on and on giving these products the kudos written in the other posts, but I’ll add that I got an additional pleasant surprise. Though the company has a product for décolletage and hands, I didn’t have it, so used what I had. I was naughty this past summer and kept forgetting to apply sunscreen before I went for daily walks. The backs of my hands and forearms turned crepe-like. Big ick! I really did some sun damage, but I’m pleased to say the products designed for the face are repairing these areas. I can only imagine the product created specifically for this must be even better. Saw hot young guy from the first floor of my building after using the products for two weeks. He got inspired to ask me out. I’d like to think it wasn’t only my cheery personality that moved him, but also the fact that I Looked Good (wink).

Review- NIA24 Skin Strengthening Complex

• Continuous, deep delivery of Pro-Niacin strengthens the skin barrier
• Pro-Niacin is clinically shown to visibly improve skin tone, texture and hyperpigmentation
• Evening Primrose and Wheat Germ Oils deliver moisture
• Contains Vitamin A, Green Tea and Rosemary

This cream is designed to deliver long lasting moisture and bolster the skin's ability to hold on to moisture. NIA24 products are also engineered to repair and heal past sun damage from moderate to severe. Pro-Niacin helps repair and strengthen the skin barrier which is what improves moisture retention. Add to that effect all of the great humectants and antioxidants in the ingredient list and you can see why I love these products. I am using the Skin Strengthening Complex as a day moisturizer (I'm adding a sunscreen) but it is suitable for night use as well. I can't say I can pinpoint the exact benefits of each NIA24 product as I am using them as a complete system, but I can say that I am seeing results! I don't usually expect for a moisturizer to do all it says it's going to do. So imagine how pleasantly surprised I was when I started seeing an improvement in my skin tone. I have some sun damage, not a lot, but I can see a difference between now and two weeks ago when I started using the NIA24 products. It's not only the discolorations fading, it's seriously improved the moisture level in my skin. The company is very forthright and warns that you may break out a bit at first (I did), but it has since disappeared and my skin looks great. If you have sun damage (and logically who doesn't?) you should definitely give this cream a look. Oh, and all the NIA24 products smell wonderful!

CitySlicker Says:

I am already onboard with the NIA 24 skincare system.. I can't be separated from their sunscreen. It's amazing & if you want to know more scroll down to read my thoughts. This is wonderful too! This line is truly results driven! Their claims are reality for me. In the short time of using Skin Strengthening Complex, I am noticing vibrant skin that is clear and fresh looking. My skin can look sallow in the winter. I think that over time, I will see more repair. I am fair so every mark, blemish & scar shows. I do use this in the AM & PM. I am using this with another moisturizer and I swear that by using 2, I am holding moisture longer & my skin is plump throughout the day. This has a quick absorbtion time also. I put this right on my naked skin to ensure my skin is reaping the full benefits. I am starting to see the bit of reddness I get on my lower cheek fade.. I am overjoyed by this. I highly recommend this & their sunscreen, nothing short of AMAZING!

Maria says: Could I please just steal everything that Hillary and CitySlicker posted about this product? I am in love with NIA24. I love the Skin Strengthening Complex so much so that it is ALL that I have used since receiving the product a little under a month ago. My skin feels stronger somehow - more resilient - less droopy? Trying to find a way to explain it. I don't have a lot of sun damage per se but do have hormonal melasma patches that the SSC seems to have helped minimize - my skin just looks more even toned. When I first started using the line, I found my face reddened up - and I was all "oh no, it's too strong for my skin!" But just give it time - a day or two was all I needed - then the joy began! I didn't have any breakouts which was great - and I know without a doubt that the SSC will be a repeat purchase for me.

Review- Ocean Actives Topical Deep Water Squalane Skin Moisturizer

Ocean Actives Topical Deep Water Squalane, a highly-concentrated moisturizer, soothes and nourishes your skin.
This all-natural Deep Sea Secret:
~Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
~Smoothes and softens the texture of your skin
~Hydrates and soothes dry, rough skin

First, it’s pronounced squa-lon (and is the same ingredient found in our built-in skin regenerator), but I think it should be called liquid silk. When I first squirted a few drops onto my palm, I thought, “Hmmm…it really is an oil. How’s that going to work with my mineral powders and my silk pillow cases?” I didn’t have to worry. Not only is it silky, it’s like air. My skin didn’t drink it in as much as it seemed to breathe it in, and loved it. I’d ordered the one scented with real lavender, so got two skin soothers in one. After a few days (and nights), I noticed my skin was definitely smoother and brighter. Those little lines were getting less noticeable by the day. I started using it on my neck, décolletage, and hands…sometimes my arms. I put some on my face while a guy was “visiting” and asked him if he wanted to try some on his face. He said, “No, but you could give me a massage with it.” I Don’t Think So.

I order from Dr. Susan Lark’s website. One of her ads said the 2oz. bottle would last for a month. My bottle lasted for almost four months, which to me was nothing short of a miracle (the guy, however, was gone after the second date).

A 2oz. bottle costs $34.99, but she offers a discount shipping plan and usually runs a special for three bottles at a nice savings. If one bottle lasted nearly four months for me, three would almost cover a year. Where’s my debit card?!

Review - Juice Organics SPF 30 Light Tint Moisturizer

Nourish your skin with safe, healthy organic ingredients. You'll love the way your skin looks and feels. This mineral-tinted daily moisturizer combines chemical-free sun protection with certified organic white grape and pomegranate juices, vitamin antioxidants and essential nutrients to replenish and protect for maximum anti-aging benefits.

Tinted Moisturizer! It's light, right? Airy! Like you're not even wearing makeup! That's the idea, at least. Apparently the folks at Juice Organics missed that meeting, because this tinted moisturizer is thicker and more unmanageable than some actual foundations I've used. Perhaps it's because I'm only using Step 3 in what is set up as a 3-part system, but somehow I don't think more of their products will make this one work any better. I just felt like it was too thick to be a moisturizer, but didn't go on as easily as a regular foundation would. The worst of both worlds! Don't waste your money. I'm not even going to tell you where it's sold.

Hillary says:
I couldn't agree more with Maven! This stuff feels like liquid latex! The first time I wore it I went to the gym. After about 1 squat my face started sweating profusely. I thought 'Well it might just be because I'm exercising'. How wrong I was. I wore it the other day out to the store in 40 degree weather. Again with the sweating. Not only that, it doesn't cover jack! Every flaw was still visible. I do recommend you try their Vitamin Anti-Oxidant Serum. It's very good & has lots of ingredients that are good for your face. But stay clear of the tinted moisturizer.