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Reviews

Acutane – My Experience

Cosmetics , Health , Personal , Reviews • Nov 16, 2014

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I have had acne for about as long as I can remember, or so i thought. I felt at times like i ‘struggled’ a lot through my teen years but looking back I don’t know that I truly did. When I think of acne I think of the worse case scenario. Those that struggle are those that have horrible acne scarring and a continuous onslaught of pimples popping up on their face. That truly wasn’t me.

I always had something popping up on my face but rarely had more than a couple pimples. My true struggle was just the hyper pigmentation that was left behind after each breakout. My pimples would be gone but the red mark left behind would stay at times for months. Even years. It was more than frustrating.

I got to a point about a year ago that I just couldn’t take it anymore. I’m sure that the majority of you know by now that I wear makeup. I’m not embarrassed by it and i’ve never been afraid to tell people about it. Those that wear foundation can attribute the fact of how frustrating it is to have breakouts when your wearing makeup. My skin was always combination/oily and I had to purchase specific products to accommodate. Half way through the day I might as well have been wearing nothing.

I went to Walgreens minute clinic to see what they could offer (they now offer solutions for acne). That was a horrible experience. I was offered the solution of buying a random face wash and mask to use on a nightly/weekly basis. Waste of money and time. I finally had enough and made an appointment with a dermatologist that a few of my other family members have seen on a regular basis for years.

This was truly the best decision that I ever made. We tried a combination of medicated washes and pills but nothing worked the way that I hoped. Progress was just to slow. Once you are on antibiotics for so long their is only so much that the dermatologist can do so they stop the pills. Antibiotics stop working after so long so it was time to move on.

That was when the dermatologist suggested Acutane. I was shocked. Acutane was for people that had severe cystic acne. That I knew I didn’t have. My problem wasn’t numerous pimples on my face it was again, the hyper pigmentation that was left behind from the pimples that I did get. Why would my dermatologist want me on something so severe?

Simply put, because it will work! Acutane isn’t just for those that suffer from severe acne, it’s also for those that suffer from more mild forms of acne that will just simply not go away. My dermatologist seemed to feel that if antibiotics don’t work then acutane will!

My treatment wasn’t horrible. My skin dried out slightly and i had quite a bit of nausea that first few weeks (the nausea went away after a short period). The only complaints I had where the severity of how dry my lips got and the annoyance of the packing it came in. I swear.. you got these big boxes that included about 2 weeks worth of medicine. Inside that box was about 4 smaller boxes. You had to then unfold the boxes, discard some security warnings, and then every day (twice a day) you had to rip through the packaging below.

Acutane Packaging

My results were worth it! I’ve been off the  medication since the very end of September and I haven’t had a breakout since stopping the treatment. The dryness that I had was never out of control and after about a month completely went away. My lips were an absolute nightmare (i couldn’t do enough to keep them moisturized) but that too cleaned up in about a month.

My concerns after the treatment were the length of time I would be clear from acne. The dermatologist said that i could be clear for anywhere from a few days, a few weeks, a few months, to the rest of my life. They can’t determine how long the medicine’s affects will remain. I’ve stock with the same basic face wash I used during treatment, used a lighter moisturizer, and then  started to occasionally use a Retin-A that my dermatologist prescribed (wrinkle benefits in that bad boy too!).

I’ve been asked a few ties if I would/would not recommend it for someone else. I can’t make that decision for anyone. I can tell you that the side effects for me were minimal and the results were fantastic. Some people don’t have that great of luck though. You can read various reviews across the internet of people who have had horrible affects from the medicine and some that have even died. Pregnancy is of course never an option on the medication so if you are planning on being pregnant or could be don’t even consider it (I believe that women have to take pregnancy tests on their monthly visits to confirm that they are indeed still not pregnant).

  • Cetaphil Face Wash  – twice daily.
  • CeraVe Moisturizing Cream – twice daily.
  • Aquaphor Healing Ointment – numerous times every day for lips.
    • Don’t waste your money on the lip version. the original Aquaphor is a better deal and the same product.
    • EOS balms, regular Vasoline, Berts Bees, Medicated Blistex and Carmex did not work for me.

REVIEW: SINISTER

Reviews • Oct 23, 2012

Stars: Ethan Hawke, Juliet Rylance
Genre: Horror, Mystery
Rating: R
Overall Rating: ♣ ♣ ♣ 

Found footage helps a true-crime author realize how and why a family was murdered in his new home, though his discoveries put his entire family in the path of a supernatural entity.

I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this movie as much as I actually did. I’m not a big horror movie fan but this time of year I just can’t help but indulge myself in a good horror flick (or two). I had seen previous for this and though that it looked like it might be something a little different then the horribly cheesy movies that come out around this time of year.

The plot to the movie is interesting, VERY interesting. I’m realizing that as i’m typing this there really isn’t much that I can say without giving away the movie. So please, be prepared, there may be an accidental spoiler leak so please proceed with caution.

The story is about a one-hit-wonder true crime author that moves to a small town. The key thing is that the town is home to a brutal crime and a missing child. Not only does the man move his family to this small town be he moves them right into the house where the crime happened. The story unfolds as unusual things begin to happen to the family within the home. The story continues to evolve as the family deals with the house changing as well. I know.. sounds weird. Thats the point!

The author ends up unravelling more and more gut wrenching details about the crimes he came to write about as the story goes on and slowly he becomes lost in his own nightmare. The ending to this movie is great. It really ties everything together better than most. You are in no way left hanging. I rate this a 3 and a definite must see! CAUTION: nightmares are to be expected!

REVIEW: Harry Potter 7

Reviews • Jul 24, 2011

Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, and Mystery
Rating: PG-13
Overall Rating: ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣  

The final chapter begins as Harry, Ron, and Hermione continue their quest of finding and destroying the Dark Lord’s three remaining Horcruxes, the magical items responsible for his immortality. But as the mystical Deathly Hallows are uncovered, and Voldemort finds out about their mission, the biggest battle begins and life as they know it will never be the same again.

I have to admit that I did very much enjoy the final installment of Harry Potter, but overall  felt it could have been a bit better. Being that this was going to be the final installment of the ever successful movie/book franchise I was expecting so much more that what the movie delivered. The plot was very simple, the magical objects that held the key to Lord Voldemort where all easily destroyed, and the acting from two of the lead actors (Emma Watson and Rupert Grint) was very dismal (I do LOVE LOVE LOVE Emma Watson though!).

I was much anticipating this movie because of how boring the last movie was. I’m not saying that in a bad way either, I fully understand that part 6 was only leading into part 7 but still found it to be completely and utterly a waste of my time (sorry Harry). Understanding that part 6 was leading into part 7 made me want to see 7 so much more. I do feel as if part 6 was designed to be somewhat boring to lead you head first into part 7. And that I have to admit it did well.

As I said previously the means by which each magic object that held Lord Voldemort’s power were each obtained and destroyed was displayed as being very simple. I felt there should have been more involved and a bit more exciting. The first item, the cup, I though was silly in how it was obtained. (really? everything multiplying?) I do admit that the second item, the tiara, was a bit more exciting and less predictable. The third item (i won’t spoil what it was) I though could have been a bit more exciting. I mean… doesn’t Hermione know more magic tricks?

Now, I know that people disagree with my comments on Rupert and Emma but I stand by them. I don’t think the poor acting was completely their fault. I’m sure it has to do with poor script writing for them. They are such huge characters and it almost seemed as if their scenes could have been filmed in a days time.

The effects in this movie are absolutely stunning! Visually, I think that this movie is one of the best. It seems to be one of the least stunning out of the franchise but there are a few scenes that really take your eyes for a strong journey through the world of Harry Potter. One of the first items to really stand out was when the force field around Hogwarts was destroyed. Visually this was a very appealing scene to watch.

Even though I have never been a Harry Potter follower I have scene all of the movies in theaters and very much enjoyed all of them as they have been released. I am a bit bummed that the series is ending. The one things about the ending of this movie is that (1) its predictable, i won’t tell you why for fear of running the movie, and (2) it does successfully wrap up the series and potentially lead into a new series!

REVIEW: Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder

Reviews • Jul 14, 2011

Manufacturer: Laura Mercier
Purchased At: Sephora
Price Point: $34.00 (us)
Overall Rating: ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ 

A silky, sheer setting powder  infused with the finest French cashmere talc, this powder looks and feels natural. A unique light-reflecting ingredient creates a “soft-focus” appearance that smoothes fine lines and imperfections as it sets your makeup.

// container set upon packaging //

PACKAGING IMPRESSIONS: Overall, I feel that the packaging is great.  The outer box that the powder comes in is very chic. Its a light gray packaging that features a plain font and carries that traditional Laura Mercier logo. I do apologize that my box is dented, it was my only casualty in the review process The jar is a clear semi-frosted jar that features a top and bottom that are a purple/pink shade. The top has a shiny surface that does tend to grab onto fingerprints

The one thing that I am not a fan of in regards to the packaging is the lack of detail about the product. The majority of Laura Mercier products name the product, give a quick summary of what the product does (in one to two lines) and thats it. I for one enjoy a lot of information on the product especially when there are no store clerks available for assistance.

// bottom of container //

APPLICATION OF PRODUCT: Application of this powder was very nice. I tried application with MAC’s 150 brush as well as Sigma’s F30 brush first. In essence, both of these brushes are the same but application was flawless with both brushes. I also applied this product with Bare Escentuals Flawless Application brush. Although application was just okay with the BE brush it wasn’t great. Being a man I do have a bit of stubble even after staging and the BE brush seemed to deposit the powder right on the stubble thus making it look a bit more powdery than application with the other brushes.

// view of sifter //

TEXTURE/CONSISTENCY: The texture of this product does seem to be a bit lighter than other setting powders that I have found. I would compare the texture, oddly enough, to that of baby powder. Very lightly, airer, and tends to feel very fresh upon the kin.

CLAIM WORTHY: Sephora claims the that this product offers “A unique light-reflecting ingredient creates a “soft-focus” appearance that smoothes fine lines and imperfections as it sets your makeup”. I am always very skeptical when it comes to bold claims that can at times be hard to understand what exactly is being claimed. Now, I paired this setting powder with my Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation (which I want to review after more trials) and I do believe that my face did have a “soft-focus” appearance. I do believe that the foundation worked hand-in-hand with the powder to create this affect. I would compare the “soft-focus” appearance to an air brushed looked and that I do believe it provides.

OVERALL PRODUCT: Over the past year or so I have tried many setting powders. Most notably I have tried MAC’s Prep + Prime setting powder, MAC’s Mineralize Skinfinish Natural, Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil, and I also had a brief stint with Makeup Forevers HD Powder. All of them great powders but still seem to be a step below Laura Mercier. I have combination skin that tends to be a bit more oily in humid weather and controlling oil to prevent breakouts is big for me. I apply my makeup about 7:30 am and with most products I have to blot by 10:00 am and reapply around 1:00 pm. Not with this.. I have no need to blot until around 12:00 pm and generally never have a need to reapply.

I did choose not to swatch this product as of yet. The reason being that it is a transparent setting powder that has no color and does not just show up on the back of my hand. It ads a bit of a shine but its not meant to be warn alone. Its meant to be matched with foundation/tinted moisturizer. I will post with setting powder and without setting powder when I do the full foundation review.

Laura Mercier is the FIRST powder of all the above mentioned that I have found that go on without having that powdery after look and controls oil for hours. No need to reapply foundation or concealor. This powder lives up to every claim it makes.

Review & Dec. Favorite: Bath & Body Shea Cashmere Lines

Reviews • Jan 3, 2011


THIS PRODUCT CAN BE PURCHASED HERE!

I have been using this product for almost a month now and I ♥ this product! I have very sensitive skin. I have to be careful with the products that I use (especially through the winter) because I could easily end up with horrible batches of dry skin and eczema break outs on my arms and legs.

I have been using the majority of this product line. The hand cream, body cream, and shower cream are my favorites. I don’t have a bath so I have been unable to use the bath bubbles and the Body & Body stores around me don’t sell the foot cream.

The product is described as the following…

“Wrap yourself in cashmere. This ultra-moisturizing body lotion is infused with soothing cashmere extract and rich shea butter to leave skin supremely silky. The perfect everyday luxury, it absorbs quickly to nourish head to toe, leaving skin addictively soft and lightly fragranced with a creamy vanilla scent that’s both fresh and comforting.

Revolutionary spa formula combines rich, moisturizing African shea butter with luxurious cashmere extract to envelop skin in supreme silky softness. Absorbs instantly to nourish skin and deeply hydrate with no after-feel

Creamy vanilla fragrance evokes warm, soft, luxurious comfort * Not tested on animals”

I agree with everything this product says that it offers. It all starts with a luxurious smell of vanilla and almonds. The hand cream is ultra moisturizing and its great to carry in my bag. It lasts for hours at a time so there is no need to reapply continuously. The body cream is great for hands, feet, elbows and knees. I have had dry knees and elbows my entire life and this the first time I haven’t had ashy skin <b>EVER</b>!

I also love the fact that I put the body lotion on in the evening and I wake up to the great scent in the early morning. At the same time its not so overpowering that i’m smelling it throughout the day because I do prefer colognes/perfumes daily.

This is a great product for the winter that I recommend for anybody!