Product Review: Jergens Wet Skin Body Moisturizer

Does this describe you?

Hate the effort of putting on lotion but loathe dry skin?

Easily get cold when getting out of the shower so you rush to the finish line sans adding back needed moisture?

Use lotion but just never feel like you have enough moisture afterwards?

Although embarrassed by your snaky scaly self, you somehow do nothing about it?

Hate the feel or smell of lotion?

Think lotion is just for women?

Introducing your new best friend and my favorite product I’ve stumbled upon in 2018 – Jergens Wet Skin Body Moisturizer

What it is

Jergens Wet Skin Body Moisturizer is a silky, non-sticky feeling lotion (boom! #5) jam packed with additional emollient moisturizers and oils (bang! #3) that you use IN the shower (ca-chow! #2) that allows you to quickly slather it on (bye Felicia! #1 and #4) and makes your skin soft like a well-oiled cabana girl (or boy) plus smell like a tropical coconut paradise that is both appropriate for men and women (I got 99 problems but #5 or #6 ain’t one). The technology in this is slightly different than the other in-shower lotions I’ve tried which instruct you to use during your shower and wash off, like an extra-moisturizing body wash.

This in-shower moisturizer is used after you turn your shower off and while you’re still wet. Then, you just simply pat dry. It works by entering your pores while they are open from the steam, and the oils trapping moisture into the skin.

Not having to stand in my bathroom freezing your coconuts off while slathering lotion on? Now THIS I can get on board with.

Packaging

The packaging comes in a soft blue plastic bottle, similar to what you’d experience with any body wash. The bottle tapers to a wider bottom which also has the flip-top lid. This provides a sturdy base to keep it from tipping over and eliminates any need for shaking to get the product out. It looks appropriate for a man or woman’s shower. The blue although pale, does not come across as overly masculine and there’s no flowery imagery which shouts girl-power. It’s edges are rounded and although no frills packaging, it was well-thought out and is nice for the category. It’s a utility product which easily blends in with all your shower basics.

Application

When I squeezed the lotion out, it was a consistency you’d expect. It’s a lotion, but much more oil-based. It’s thinner, but not runny. The creamy color also has some transparency to it. I put about a silver dollar-sized dollop in my left hand, and then scooped a little here and there to place on my arms, legs, stomach, chest, and back area so that it was evenly spread. Next, I got to work rubbing it in everywhere. My hands slid around like I was putting oil on, but there was no sticky/oily/tacky feel. It was almost as if it dissipated into water.

I lathered myself up for about 30 seconds, making sure to pay special attention to my knees, elbows and decollete area which tend to get dry. It too so little time that I hadn’t begun to freeze in the shower yet and ta-dah! I was finished.

I purchased the coconut which caused some apprehension on my end. I do not like overly sweet or sugary smells. This was great. It smelled like coconut oil without the sugar and reminded me of being at the beach getting a tan (without the fake Banana Boat waft). It also wasn’t overpowering that it would interfere with other stronger scents.

The first time I tried it, I wiped myself down after the shower. I then tried it again with patting, and this seemed to work better, allowing the moisturizer to remain a bit longer and penetrate deeper.

Overall

If you can’t tell by my review, I absolutely love this product. I find myself touching my shoulders and my decollete which have been blasted by the sun over the years and they are soft as a baby’s behind. It’s not going to solve all the dry skin problems (please don’t use this on your face), but if you’re like me who’s shower water is may be heated by nuclear reactors and ANYTHING better will be an improvement, this is a great option. If you’re already using great products, this will also help kick it up a notch.

For 10 oz. at $5.59 on Amazon or availability in just about any drugstore which always carry sales, you can’t beat the price and convenience on this product. Ulta typically has buy one get one half off sales, so I plan to stock up.

I highly recommend that men and women alike give this one a try! I’m rating this one as a Certified ReadHead Best!

Overall: 5/5

*Certified ReadHead Best

Price: $$$$$

Packaging: 5/5

Have an in-shower moisturizer or lotion you love? Drop us a line in the comments.

Product Review: SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum

Here at ReadHead, we’re just a tad bit (a lot) nerdy about science in skincare. I will start this post off with saying three things right off the bat before you read on: 1) this is clinically proven to work 2) you will never get over the sticker shock 3) there are some funky ingredients. Ok now that that is settled, read on!

SkinMedica is a physician-only skincare line – meaning you have to get it from a place that is licensed like a dermatologist, medical spa or plastic surgeon’s office. Their products contain top-of-the-line ingredients, and a price tag to boot. Their #1 flagship ingredient is TNS, which I’ll talk about more in a second. This line, and TNS Essential Serum in particular, is well known, top-rated and a part of the daily skincare routine by just about any certified dermatologist/plastic surgeon/medispa professional out there.

The science behind SkinMedica’s TNS

Major contributors to both intrinsic (meaning the actual aging process we all go through as part of our biology) and extrinsic (meaning things like diet, improper care and damage that humans expose themselves to) aging are splotchiness and freckling, wrinkles and loss of collagen. You can read my post about drinking collagen to learn more about the role and effects of losing collagen here in my blog.

SkinMedica has done research that founded and brought to the commercial pharmaceutical landscape the importance of stem cell and human growth factors into topical skincare. TNS includes a patented and to some, shocking and confusing ingredient called Human Fibroblast Conditioned Media. This ingredient, which is sourced from discarded neonatal tissue (i.e. foreskins…and here’s usually where the confusion/shock/intrigue/distain sets in) is housed in chambered solutions that allow it to function and generate as our natural bodies would. This growth factor and other cytokins mimic the skin’s natural production of elastin and collagen synthesis to promote younger-looking skin over time.

As also stated in my post about collagen, there is speculation on how much penetration these molecules have due to their large size. There is agreement that it can penetrate pores and hair follicles, but that they function at their best after skin has been compromised i.e. microneedling, a strong peel, or laser, to get deeper and get more of the benefits of the technology.

Unlike many skincare products out there, this one has been proven in multiple clinical studies, and as mentioned, is THE choice for doctors and specialists to have access to just about anything in the world to choose from.

If you want to learn more about growth factors and clinical studies, you can find sourced information from the NIH here.

Ingredients

This SkinMedica product dispenses in a dual chamber, so that you get two different “sets” of product that you mix together.

I’ve already mentioned the Human Conditioned Fibroblast Media which is the differentiator in this product, but it also has an impressive array of vitamins and extracts.

Here’s the info from SkinMedica’s website:

Chamber 1:

TNS Recover Complex – Human Fibroblast conditioned media. A physiologically balanced, naturally secreted and stabilized growth factor blend that helps improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, skin tone and texture.

Chamber 2:

APS Corrective Complex made up of peptides and antioxidants like green tea, vitamin E, alpha-arbutin and hyaluronic acid.

Full list of ingredients: Human Fibroblast Conditioned Media, Water/Aqua/Eau, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Unsaponifiables, Alpha-Arbutin, Isoceteth-20, Arachidyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Ethoxydiglycol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Dimethicone, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Ergothioneine, Hydrolyzed Sericin, Phospholipids, Ubiquinone, Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry) Leaf Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment Lysate Filtrate, Aminobutyric Acid, Phytosterols, Tocopherol, Tocotrienols, Squalene, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax (Oryza Sativa Cera), Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Polyacrylate-13, Polyisobutene, Polysorbate 20, Behenyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Alcohol, Steareth-10, Steareth-20, Butylene Glycol, Maltodextrin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Xanthan Gum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Aminomethyl Propanol, Disodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Parfum/Fragrance, Hydroxycitronellal, Linalool, Coumarin, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Geraniol, Isoeugenol

Packaging & Application

The packaging that this bottle comes in is top notch. It’s a presentation, as it should be with a $280 MSRP price tag. It has SkinMedica’s signature taupey-gray color with the silver chromatic lettering. While the box it comes in is substantial, I wouldn’t call it or the bottle the product comes in as beautiful. SkinMedica wouldn’t compete with a Lancôme or other products that spend a lot on marketing and packaging. It’s straight-forward and appropriate, but you know you aren’t paying for a beauty bottle on your counter. I care more about the science than the look of packaging, so that doesn’t bother me. But, if you like to be delighted with your packages, this one may leave you wanting more.

The chambers are also a bit annoying. Over time, the two products can misfire so that you get more of one product vs. another. I end up having to store it upside down, or forcefully tap it on it’s top to get the chambers to work properly.

I dispense a shockingly strange color of white and bright orange onto the back of my hand, dollop them around a bit to mix them up, ad put it on my skin. I’m a terrible baker, but I envision when you use a spatula device to layer in whipped egg whites – scoop and flip gently. The look, nor the smell will take you anywhere close to organic or botanical. It’s a kick you in the ass real-deal “if you don’t like it oh well” type of thing. It smelled to me like whatever chemicals they use in a Port-o-Potty. I can’t even make that sound any more refreshing. I’d turn my head and “whiff.” Not my favorite. At all.

But dammit if it doesn’t work, and then you have to suck it up on the painful price tag, it’s faulty mechanics and it’s awful smell because your face glows, your skin is tighter and your wrinkles less. And such is life.

Final Assessment

This is a supreme luxury treatment and is right for the right type of consumer. This is prime for someone in your 30s or 40s (who can afford it) before you start to see the full signs of aging. This is a bit overkill for anyone younger. I’d suggest a drugstore or Sephora-like buy of the beautycare basics an exfoliant, moisturizer, retinoid and sunscreen for that age range.

There are other products that will do great things for your skin. But, they won’t do great things like this. Growth factors are the future of pharmaceuticals, but they also have their risks. It’s new and groundbreaking, but it is also not tested over time. I also maintain that no topical product is a replacement for surgery or injections, so you have to be realistic about what it can do for you.

For now I’m going to hold my breath and wait until my local spa has it on sale. For $281 MSRP for one oz, that is a bit of like breathing in smelling salts (or Port-o-Potty chemicals) and feeling like you need to go o confession each time you press “buy.” But I’ll give it a ReadHead best and save my pennies to purchase this little dose of the fountain of youth.

Consumer warning: this is a product that is certified to be sold at licensed skincare professionals only. You buy at your own risk from Amazon and other sellers. In my opinion the savings is not worth the risk.

Overall: 5/5

*Certified ReadHead Best

Packaging: 3/5

Price: $$$$$

Have you used SkinMedica TNS? Drop us a line in the comments.

Product Review: belif’s The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb

As ReadHead readers and friends will know, I am pretty upfront about the struggles of my skin both as an early teen and continues in adulthood. While I’ve thankfully never struggled with the extremes of the worst, I’ve experienced, and continue to experience, the bits of bad things that add up to being detractors of beautiful skin.

One of the hardest products for me to find is a suitable moisturizer. I am guessing there are a lot of you out there like me, the Goldie Locks of moisturizers – too oily, not enough moisture, ingredients break me out, causes skin irritation, not enough skin-beneficial ingredients….on and on. I definitely don’t turn my nose up to drugstore finds which have some excellent products with good technology for the money (I’ll review a few of those) but I’m also willing to drop some coin on the thing that will work for me because most just do not.

The Introduction:

I ran into the JC Penny Sephora since it was closer to where I was running errands to pick up what I was currently using that I used up the last drop. They don’t offer all the same products as a true Sephora store and didn’t have the Drunk Elephant La La Retro I was currently using, so I went on the hunt to see if there was a new relationship to be made. La La Retro is pretty good, but we were transitioning from winter to spring which changes my skin, and it wasn’t HG (holy grail) status for performance or price.

I was also doing some research for a client looking at packaging and in a sea of overdone sameness this one caught my eye as a Korean brand and therefore worthy of a closer look. It has about ten lines of ingredients ranging from every botanical and antioxidant you could think of on the box, so I pulled out my phone to look up reviews on my trusted sites and into my bin it went.

THIS, the True Cream Moisturizing Bomb from belif, IS my holy grail. For a skincare expert to say HG status, well, that’s a league all in its own and its also a Certified ReadHead best. Read on!

What it is:

Belif is a Korean skincare brand that touts itself as the most truthful skincare company that focuses on superior botanical ingredients, safety, honesty and efficacy originating from Europe hundreds of years ago. They are definitely on the natural and botanical side and approach skincare as a natural benefit vs. the scientific cutting-edge new innovation to hit the interwebs.

I’m typically the science-buyer focused around results and clinical studies, so this one is a bit off the radar for me. Truthfully their brand positioning pangs me in a way that my day-job background just won’t let me let go, but their product is so good that I’ll give them a pass. ::Belif – call me!:: This one definitely got consideration due to reviews and ingredients.

There are two belif products that have entered cult status – the Aqua Bomb and the True Cream Moisturizing Bomb. The Aqua Bomb is a lighter formulation geared towards those with oily skin and may be a better option for some in the summer and in humid climates. The True Cream is for those who are on the dryer side. I use a lot of anti-acne and aging ingredients which can dry my skin, so while I’m oily/combo by nature, I went for the option that would help keep my skin barrier in tact and hydrated.

Ingredients:

Remember me mentioning the ten lines of ingredients on the package? They are impressive. There’s no fillers in there. Where I will say that it’s not always the case that more is better, if your skin likes natural products it will love this. It does have traces of alcohol and ‘cones in it as well as a slight fragrance that occurs naturally, which could be problematic if you’re very sensitive to these ingredients.

In happy excess are hydrators like glycerin and traces of oils (traces being the optimal word here to someone who gets clogged pores), and botanicals/extracts. Noticeably absent is SPF and targeted anti-aging ingredients like retinoids or AHA/BHA acids. This means you’ll need to apply them separately.

Derivatives of vitamin C like L-ascorbic acid that you’re typically used to seeing will not be listed. You’ll have to do more digging into the benefits of botanicals to really understand what they’re bringing to the table and quite honestly is one of the frustrations I have with natural products over the more straightforward scientific approach.

belif – and other natural brands that fall into this camp – should better educate their consumer about why they are choosing what they are and the benefits of those ingredients.

From Sephora’s website:

-Comfrey Leaf: Detoxifies skin, leaving it smooth, soft, and clear.

Water, Glycerin, Cyclohexasiloxane, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Dipropylene Glycol, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Triethylhexanoin, Stearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, PEG-40 Stearate, Saccharomyces/Viscum Album (Mistletoe) Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Saccharomyces/Imperata Cylindrica Root Ferment Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteayl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sorbitan Stearate, Stearic Acid, PEG-100 Stearate, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Poncirus Trifoliata Fruit Extract, Panthenol, *Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, *Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, *Nepeta Cataria Extract, *Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Leaf Extract, *Baptisia Tinctoria Root Extract, *Stellaria Media (Chickweed) Extract, **Alchemilla Vulgaris Leaf Extract, **Viola Tricolor Extract, **Rosa Damascena Flower Extract, **Spiraea Ulmaria Flower Extract, **Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Symphytum Officinale Leaf Extract, Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Flower Extract, Achillea Millefolium Flower Extract, Euphrasia Officinalis Extract, Thuja Occidentalis Leaf Extract, Menyanthes Trifoliata Leaf Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Chelidonium Majus Extract, Urea, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Glycosyl Trehalose, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Trisodium EDTA, Tromethamine, ***Fragrance, Citronnellol, Limonene. *Napiers Original Formula. **Napiers Moisture Formula. ***Fragrances of Natural Origin.

Packaging:

The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb comes in an understated box with a texturized cardboard feel, light blues, black and white. It’s appropriate for it’s earthy vibe and it’s price tag. The jar itself is a sturdy and white plastic jar with a black plastic top. It feels sleek, does the job, but I always prefer a pump for sanitary and product stability reasons.

Application & Consistency:

I opened the jar to find an opaque white cream that was heading more towards a typical moisturizer with a bit of a gel-like consistency and some slip, rather than anything super heavy or whipped. It had a very slight clean, citrus smell to it which didn’t scream chemical, and wasn’t overpoweringly flowery or earthy as some botanicals can be. These are both deal-breakers for those with very sensitive skin (or noses).

I use a Q-tip to apply my moisturizers from a jar to save any contamination from my fingers. I scooped some up, dabbed it across my face, and here’s where the magic comes in – smoothed it on.

This spread on like a dream. Thin yet substantial, moisturizing but not oily, calming but not tingling. It sank right in to my skin and left a matte yet hydrated look in impressively appropriate timing – meaning not instantly which means watery and alcohol-filled, and not forever and risking too heavy or emollient. I didn’t glow like a disco ball, but when I touched my skin you felt that moisture was there. Wow! Did I just stumble upon the 8th Wonder of the World? This porridge was JUST. RIGHT.

As we all know with skin care and skin like ours that is finicky and reactive, the true test is the days afterwards. This stuff continued to power through and provide me unparalleled moisture and if anything, helped to clear up some of my pimples likely caused by the stress of products on my skin. I’ve been around the block and don’t overhype products for that reason, but my skin has never – even after peels and scrubs – felt so soft.

I’ve noticed my skin elasticity on my neck getting a little firmer because it’s being more properly hydrated and bouncy (and not breaking out praise the Lord) and my decollete, which is prone to wrinkling due to being blasted by the sun over the years mixed with how I sleep and that I have to wear substantial over the shoulder boulder holders to function everyday, is soft and hydrated more than it ever has been.

I actually look forward to and enjoy putting this on each time. I haven’t said that about a moisturizer in well…maybe ever.

Overall:

I went into this purchase with no expectation given it was a brand I had never heard of, and was in a category which has let me down in the past. This is absolutely, hands down the best moisturizer that I have ever purchased. And, the fact that it has out-performed and cut my cost in half to replace my other go-to, puts a smile on my face and some dough in my pocket.

For you to love this you’ll need to really understand it’s purpose because it’s going to do only that – hydrate and calm your skin so that it functions in an optimal way. It’s not a super anti-ager, nor is it a multi-tasker to get you out the door in one step. This is designed for the no-frills simple-yet-effective type of person who is ingredient-conscious, or those like me that already have targeted products to take care of the heavy lifting.

For $38 for 1.68 oz, it’s not outrageously priced, either, and is approachable for the average skin-conscious consumer. I’ve had it for about two months and use it twice a day. I see it lasting for another month or so. As I mentioned I’m using the heavier/more moisturizing option and that seems to be OK for me in the summer, albeit right at the line on the most humid days.

Anytime a product does what it says, is affordable, improves my skin complexion and function AND doesn’t break me out in pimples or a rash, it’s miracle-status.

This is one I highly suggest you run out and try (or get a sample of) yourself. I’m looking forward to using this for years to come.

Overall: 5/5

*Certified ReadHead Best

Packaging: 4/5

Price: $$$$$

Have you tried the belif brand? Drop us a line in the comments.

Product Review: Dr. Jart Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45

BB stands for beauty or blemish balm. They were all the rage overseas with Japan and Korea leading the way. I wrote a blog post about the difference in BB, CC and tinted moisturizers which can be helpful before digging into this review.

BB creams are fantastic options for those who want more than sheer coverage, don’t want the sometimes heavy or clogging feel of full foundation, and want a multi tasker with SPF and skin-improving properties. The down sides is that they can be hard to color match with the fairest and darker skin colors being left with little to no options, and sometimes finishes can be spotty.

Dr. Jart, a Korean-based brand focused on skin care readily available at Sephora, has a range of BB creams that target different skin needs. They are all very different, and the Premium Beauty Balm is no exception.

Ingredients – Dr. Jart is a Korean company, and focuses on skin care as much as the makeup aspect. Since my 20s I’ve been willing to forego coverage for skin care so this is a total win for me. This BB cream has arbutin to lighten skin, hefty doses of UVA/UVB filters for an impressive 45 SPF and does not cause irritation. The ‘cones, which can be problematic for some, creates a smooth surface.

List from Sephora’s website:

Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide: Provide broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
-Bio-Peptide Complex: Provides antiaging properties and supports natural collagen.
-Arbutin: Brightens skin; evens skin tone.
-Adenosine: Improves elasticity and firms skin.

Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Phenyl Trimethicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Hexyl Laurate, Dipropylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Arbutin, Cyclohexasiloxane, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Magnesium Sulfate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Calcium Stearate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Polysorbate 80, Propylene Glycol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Talc, Tocopheryl Acetate, Adenosine, Alcohol, Lecithin, rh-Oligopeptide-1, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, PVP, Platinum Powder, Steareth-20, Chrysin, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Propylparaben, Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide.

Application – The product comes in a hard plastic pump (more on this in the packaging section). One pump seemed to not be quite enough to cover my face and neck. Two was too much. So, for me 1.5 pumps is where it’s at. I put this on with my fingers after I put my serums and moisturizers on and out the door I go. It spreads easily, isn’t streaky and blends well into the skin. Lots of people use beauty blenders or brushes, but for me I’m no fuss no muss and fingers works just fine for me!

Color/Finish – Dr. Jart has two color options: light/medium and medium/tan which is newer to the arsenal. I have only used the light/medium, so my review will focus on that. The color is a light beige with a slightly gray cast to it. This is typical in many Korean BB creams that are geared towards lighter skin tones. It does adjust slightly once it dries down to fit an impressive amount of varying shades of skin. For me it’s a fantastic color match as I range in a golden fair base but could pass for neutral with some redness, but for those with very warm undertones may find it makes you look washed out. The finish is slightly to definitely dewy depending on the types of moisturizers (if you use one) you put on before this. Sometimes I do get a bit of high-wattage going on with particularly emolient moisturizers that I need to tone down with powder. If you don’t like that finish or have very oily skin, this might not be for you. You can also use that to your advantage if you have extremely dry skin – put on moisturizer and immediately follow up with this to have an easier time spreading. For those with dry or dull skin, this provides a beautiful finish that will give you a youthful glow without the down sides of a heavy foundation. It is light to light/medium coverage which does well with average redness but will not fully cover acne or dark circles. Think your skin, but better.

Packaging – You will see 99% of reviews raving from the rooftops about this product. And you’ll see a ton of complaints about the packaging. The package is a hard plastic tube with a pump top. If the tube lays on its side, you have to pump it a ton of times to get the product out. You also can’t get the last drop, which I can only imagine how much is wasted without being able to squeeze or get into the tube. It can be faulty, which is very annoying. Not enough to keep me and the hordes of loyal followers away, though.

Overall – This product is a great one for sensitive, fair skin and is a Certified Readhead Best. I still use other products (including sunscreen) but this can be a great multi-use product for people who don’t want a lot of steps in their routine. At 45 SPF it’s great for protecting the skin and what I love most about it is that my skin looks and feels healthier when I wear it. I’ve strayed many times over the years and although I may find a formula with a silky finish that can’t be topped (like Dior’s Hydralife) inevitably I start getting dehydrated and break out. This one keeps me looking fresh and rejuvenated and washes off easily and CLEAN. My acne subsides, and my skin looks more hydrated and bouncy when I use this. And if I (gasp) fall asleep in it, I don’t pay with breakouts the next day. Definitely a great buy for winter dry skin. Summer may need some extra setting powder. At almost $40 it’s not cheap, but when you factor in the performance, convenience and that you don’t necessarily need a foundation, moisturizer or sunscreen, it’s definitely worth the splurge. I’ll keep buying this and wishing they change the packaging for years to come!

Overall – 5/5

Packaging – 2/5

Price – $$$$$

Have you used Dr. Jart’s BB creams? Drop us a line in the comments.

Product Review: Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Lotion

For those of you faithful ReadHead readers (thank you!) you have read about my past abuse to my skin a la the sun. I went from worshiper to demonizer in as fast as you can say UV. Thanks to this trusty sunscreen – Neutrogena’s Beach Defense Sunscreen Lotion – I can go back to feeling safe but not like I have to wear a head-to-toe shield from sun Armageddon whilst taking a brisk walk on the sand.

This sunscreen is readily available in drugstores and online, and frequently has sales. I have become sort of a hoarder of this lotion for that reason and will impose my will of “you NEED to use THIS” to all my friends.

First things are first. I am not an ingredient purist when it comes to sunscreen. There are others, like the Honest Company and other organic/vegan/crunchy companies that probably make things a little (or a lot) less chemical-laden than this one. If that is important to you, understandable. What’s important to me is that it’s no hassle and WORKS.

That out of the way, this is the BEST sunscreen I have used hands down and is a Certified ReadHead Best. Read on for more deets:

What it is

Here’s the description from Ulta’s website: The first line of sunscreen by Neutrogena clinically proven to provide multi skin defense from sun + water damage; a full body suncare and outdoor skin protection for the active family.

Ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Oxybenzone, Water, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Dimethicone, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Benzyl Alcohol, Silica, Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Trisiloxane, Cetyl Dimethicone, Beeswax, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Polyacrylate, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Acrylates/C12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Behenyl Alcohol, Trideceth-6, Disodium EDTA, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Caprylyl Glycol, Fragrance.

This is a chemical sunscreen (vs. physical). There are a few ingredients in here that are of concern for the EWG – namely oxybenzone. However, these ingredients are common in effective sunscreens. To my earlier point above, you will need to weigh your options and decide for yourself on what you deem more harmful; the occasional sunscreen slathering or the sun’s rays. I happen to be OK with some chemicals that will help prevent skin cancer and premature aging. Chicken or the egg, perhaps.

Options: There are both aerosol spray and lotion options in 30 and 70 SPF. I prefer lotions because there is less waste and the coverage is better, but I utilize both.

Application: The spray option is just like any other. It’s a constant stream of spray, doesn’t clog and goes on clear . I happen to use the 70 SPF lotion. Unlike others I’ve used in the past, this stuff goes on like a dream. It spreads easily and is more of a lotion texture vs. the sticky glue-like consistency of others. Immediately after there may be a slight white cast, but after letting this dry down, you can’t tell you have it on. It even gives you a slightly dewey look without being greasy. It does have a slightly different fragrance than a typical sunscreen which I happen to really enjoy but it’s not faint. Those who are sensitive to fragrance should do a sniff test first.

Performance: For a sunscreen to work as it should, you need to make sure you’re using the proper amount with good coverage, and let it soak in for 30 + min before you go outside. I use the lotion for this purpose and then bring the spray with me for easier application with sand, etc. If you use the product in its intended way and use other proper protection methods, the lasting performance of this will exceed expectation. I spent a week in Jamaica and Costa Rica with 0 base tan (I was as white as I was out of the womb) and did not burn once. This was while playing volleyball for hours on the sand and ziplining right near the equator. I even (gasp!!!) used this on my face because I didn’t think my 55 zero oil for acne prone weenies would work given my propensity for retinol and peels and did not break out. PERFECTO. Pale friends rejoice!

Price: For around $12 a bottle, it’s not outrageously priced given it’s performance. This is also why I like the lotion better to eliminate waste.

Overall: This is my 100% go-to for sunscreen. It smells great, spreads easily, is easy for me to get, leaves little-to-no white cast, still allows me to get some color and keeps me from burning. I really can’t ask for anything more from a sunscreen. Thanks, Neutrogena!

Overall Rating: 5/5

*Certified ReadHead Best

Price: $$$$$

Packaging: 5/5

Have you used this sunscreen or have one you love? Drop us a line in the comments.

Product Review: Boots No7 Total Renewal Micro-dermabrasion Exfoliator

A few months ago I ran out of my trusty Boots No7 Total Renewal Micro-dermabrasion Exfoliator and although it’s a product near and dear to my heart, I have largely replaced manual exfoliators (those with physical particles that essentially sand the skin) with acids. It continued to fall off my online basket radar. I got it back in and realized just why this product is so fantastic and I had to apologize to Boots for leaving it behind like the old toy on Christmas. Read on!

Physical exfoliators are not all created equal and should be taken seriously. When looking for one, do your research to see what types of particles they use. Those like St. Ives Apricot Scrub which was all the rage, use things like pieces of shells that are jagged and can tear the skin. Please, if you use this product, time to toss it.

Boots No7 Total Renewal Micro-dermabrasion Exfoliator is a Certified ReadHead Best. With a drugstore price, it is in my opinion, the best bang for your buck out there today. Fine particles gently scrub your skin, and it’s hypoallergenic formulation is both gentle and effective.

Texture: is like a mixture of a lotion and gel. Gritty particles feel a bit like sand and are evenly distributed in the lotion. It has no smell and no other ingredients to cleanse so there’s no foaming or tingling. It’s a basic formula designed to do all it says it will do. And it does it well.

Application: is easy. Using it on dry skin will give you more friction and a deeper exfoliation. Putting water on your skin first will soften the skin and is likely a better option for those with sensitive skin. A dime-sized amount of the white gritty product is all you need. I squirt it on my two fingertips, rub them together, then distribute some on my forehead, cheeks, nose, chin and neck. I then gently use my fingertips in circles across my face, bringing the little dollops of product together. Then rinse!

Packaging: is a white, no frills squeezable tube (yay!) with a flip top lid. The hole in the top is large enough to not gunk up, but small enough that you can easily control the amount you distribute.

Overall: this product is excellent. It won’t replace a professional microdermabrasion session, but it’s pretty darn effective. At less than $18 for a tube that can last you a long time, it’s safe for most skin types and is also incredibly economical. Just be careful to not overuse the product. Those with acne can benefit from this, if your acne is caused by clogged pores and slow skin turnover. Hormonal acne will likely not see much difference. You also must be careful when using this or any physical exfoliator on active acne as scrubbing and breaking open the comedones will distribute all the icky stuff to your skin (which could cause more bumps) and irritate it.

Overall Rating: 5/5

*Certified ReadHead Best

Price: $$$$$

Packaging: 5/5

Have you tried this exfoliator? Drop us a line in the comments!

Product Review: Drunk Elephant’s T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial

I am a self-proclaimed Drunk Elephant product line fan. I believe in what they stand for (like saving my favorite animal, the elephant) and that their products contain what’s good and leave out what’s not.

The T.L.C Sukari Babyfacial does not disappoint. Since I am a Sephora VIP Rouge customer, I was able to get my trembling hands on this baby before it was available to the masses. The cute, yet not over-the-top packaging in eggshell and light pink flanked by one happy pachyderm was convenient and reflects understated luxury. True to my trusted favorite brand, it’s rated a certified ReadHead best. It’s pricey at $80 for 1.69 oz but I’ll make it rain for this product.

What is it?

The Babyfacial is a wonderful mask + peel. Two pumps of the wheat-colored concoction of goodness covers your face and after 20 minutes provides an effective shellacking of your skin due to the powerful punch of 25% AHA and 2% BHA acids.

Ingredients:

Drunk Elephant’s products always contain top of the line ingredients that are designed for effectiveness but cut down on irritants. There’s no fillers here. Chock full of acids, sodium PCA and hyaluronate for hydration and extracts (which equal antioxidants) and this gem is sure to brighten and tighten dull, dehydrated skin.

Here’s the list from Sephora’s website:

-Blend 25% (Glycolic + T.L.C. (T) Tartaric, (L) Lactic, (C) Citric Acids) and Salicylic Acid (BHA) 2%: Exfoliate surface dead skin cells and support surface turnover to smooth and brighten the appearance of skin; exfoliates pores as well as on the surface of the skin, refining pores and providing greater skin clarity while soothing redness.
-Gram/Chickpea Flour: Absorbs excess oil without over-drying, balances, and brightens skin’s appearance while combating dullness.
-Pumpkin Ferment Extract: Aids in gentle exfoliation with a rich source of fatty acids and antioxidant components, carotene, lutein, and carotenoids, and contains naturally occurring enzymes.
-Matcha (Green Tea Leaf Powder), Milk Thistle, and Apple Extracts: Contain potent antioxidant and anti-pollution properties, helping to condition and soothe.

Water, Glycolic Acid, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Glycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Salicylic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Silybum Marianum Seed Extract, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Juice Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Powder, Cicer Arietinum Seed Powder, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium PCA, Allantoin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Dextrin, Polydextrose, Sorbitan Isostearate, Amylopectin, Niacinamide, Phytosphingosine, Lactic Acid, Propanediol, Citric Acid, Titanium Dioxide, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Polysorbate 60, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol.

Application:

Application was easy and fast. The directions say to leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse off. I did feel some tingling, which means those who have sensitive skin should take it easy and start off with shorter amounts of time. It does have a bit of a smell to me, which probably is the pumpkin ferment and apple. It isn’t off-putting and smells natural.

Results:

Ooh baby this stuff is the ish. My skin glowed and the acids helped tame some of my acne I had popping up. I had no irritation and my texture smooth. I didn’t have any peeling or dryness. Kudos again to the developers at D.E. I’m totally fan-girling over this one.

Overall Rating: 5/5

*Certified ReadHead Best

Price: $$$$$

Packaging: 5/5

Do you love Drunk Elephant or have tried the Babyfacial? Drop us a line in the comments.

Product Review: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel

Do you, Stacie, take Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel to be your lifelong partner? I DO.

Every once in a while you come across that product that makes you shed a tear of happiness. For someone with sensitive skin that requires exfoliation but then gets angry at me and goes dry, it’s a fine line between effective and…I just can’t.

I’ve used just about everything you can think of, including, serums, at-home peels, professional peels, acids and antioxidants of every letter of the alphabet…you name it.

I have to say that this product is fantastic and gets a high ranking from ReadHead. It’s easy to use, packaged in it’s own duo package for easy use and travel, and takes only a few minutes.

Application – it comes in a dual foil package that produces little folded cloths that look like wet naps.

You open package one which is full of alpha and beta acids gentle enough to be used daily but effective enough to work, swipe it on your face, neck and chest, and then wait two minutes.
Then, open package two which contains retinol and other anti-aging fighters plus an acid deactivator, swipe that on your face, neck and chest, and boom. You’re done.
You may become a little dry, but you will not see your skin peel. Pro tip – some of the most effective peels show no peeling skin whatsoever.

You’ll see a ton of reviews online for this, but since this is ReadHead and we take things a step farther into the why’s, here’s some additional thoughts from a skin care specialist.

This product does contain alcohol. I am typically against alcohol but when doing a peel, using alcohol first before the peel is recommended to strip the skin of dirt and oil that would impede the efficacy of the peel. Alcohol in this sense, is a good thing.
For those of us poor souls with large pores and acne-prone skin, this is a life saver. The mix of manual exfoliation (putting on the peel), AHA and BHA, then retinol is an acne-busting combination.
Those new to peels and with sensitive skin beware. I think it’s not wise whatsoever to use this continuously everyday, not to mention price prohibitive for some. Too much exfoliation is not good for you and will invite irritation and skin sensitivity = sun damage. You’d be better off getting a good AHA/vitamin C product to use daily, and then a retinol at night (I love Dennis Gross Retinol brightening) and use this product once or twice a week.
That being said, if you don’t use other exfoliating products, need to rev up the exfoliation for a short time, or are having a particular bout of acne or rough textured skin, perhaps use this daily for a week and then let your skin calm.
This has replaced my 30% glycolic peels for home that I was doing once a month, but it would not replace my higher percentage or TCA peels that I do twice a year.
This is a surface peel, but a good one at that. It will help with gradual fading of sun spots, and lines that come from surface dry/rough skin. It will likely not get down to the lower layers of the skin where the dramatic changes happen and require more downtime. So, as long as you have the right expectations, you’ll be happy.

The price is high, but it’s effective and will help your other products you bought work more effectively. I’ve had mine for about two months and have only used 6 or 7 pads out of the 35 (I got 5 free with the Sephora purchase). Cutting them in half will help you too.

Enjoy clear, bright, refreshed skin!

Overall Rating: 5/5

Price: $$$$$

Packaging: 5/5

*Certified ReadHead Best

Have you used these pads before? Drop us a line in the comments.