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Skin Care Product Reviews 4
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DDF Palacinka Product Rating Guide
DDF Ultra Lite Oil Free Moisturizing Dew
Tester: African-American, early 20’s with oily/combination skin and occasional breakouts in the t-zone.
“Doesn’t the word “dew” just make you smile? It makes me think of lovely mornings in the countryside, birds singing…OK you get the point.
Well, in this case, waking up and applying the DDF moisturizing dew was definitely a pleasure. Since I have oily skin that is often much more oily in the t zone, I needed very light moisture that would keep my t zone in check, and of course not break me out or cause other parts of my face to become drier or irritated. This little gem did all of that and more.
I applied just a pea sized amount (enough for my entire face) each morning and loved the way it sank into my skin very quickly and felt super light. This was perfect for giving my skin the moisture it needed and balance the rest of my oily areas. The end result was really soft, smooth skin.
During the day my skin looked great and my makeup went on very smoothly. After continued use, I experienced no breakouts or irritation. For all you oily people out there, this is a great addition to your skin care routine.” S.L.
Go-->DDF Ultra Lite Oil Free Moisturizing Dew
This product gets 4 "Palacinka Points" *
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MAC Palacinka Product Rating Guide
MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator
Tester: African-American with combination/dry skin and some hyperpigmentation, with occasional break outs.
“There’s not one Palacinka beauty tester who isn’t up to her knees in scrubs, and I am no different. However, this is one of the biggest beauty surprises for me so far all year.
I actually did not know that this was part of a new MAC skin care collection. (Thank you to Colleen Martin from the NYC MACPro store who raved about this product and recommended it to me!) True to its name, it is black, gooey and grainy upon opening the jar. But any unpleasant associations end there….
When I first started applying it I noted with a smile that it really did look like I was “rolling around in the dirt”. However, that temporary visual effect was worth the spectacular results I got. When I used the scrub for the first time I used it on dampened skin and immediately felt the difference – the texture of the scrub, which is a gel based-grain scrub, changed to a velvety smooth cream and exfoliated my skin gently but thoroughly. After rinsing it off my skin looked amazing and was smooth, super clean with no dryness. I also used it as a leave on mask for 10 minutes 2x week (as suggested by Colleen) and it always left my skin supple. With regular use, my skin was glowing, my blackheads were gone and my skin tone also evened out.
This is simply an outstanding scrub and I cannot live without this one! This is a run don't walk to buy product.” S.D.
Go-->MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator
This product gets 4 "Palacinka Points" *
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Mario Badescu Palacinka Product Rating Guide
Mario Badescu Special Cucumber Lotion
Tester: South American (Argentinean) with oily/combination skin and occasional break outs.
“This lotion (or toner as it is more commonly known in the US) is lovely. It has everything that I look for in a toner. It gently cleansed my skin, while not stripping it. It also left my skin with such a nice glow! I used it morning and evening after cleansing. On very hot days, I found that I didn’t even need much moisturizer on my normally drier cheek area. A little goes a long way, so it lasts a while, making it worth the $. This was especially nice after my workouts and on extremely hot days before freshening up for an evening out.
It also contains many natural ingredients, which I love. It really seemed to regulate my skin so that I had many fewer breakouts and controlled my oilies during the day.
This was my first time using Badescu and I was very impressed. I will be trying more soon!” T.G.
Go-->Mario Badescu Special Cucumber Lotion
This product gets 4 "Palacinka Points" *
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Tester: South American (Brazilian), mid-thirties with combination skin and occasional break outs.
“This took me back to using the color paints when I was in kindergarten to mix colors-- (“blue + red make purple kids!)” and it was absolutely a dream for my skin!
The product is mint green (I guess this is what started my paint nostalgia) and it comes in a short plastic squeeze bottle with a screw top. It has a dropper end on it so I was able to easily control the amount I put into my hand. The consistency is smooth, light and thin. I usually squeezed three drops into my hand along with my night cream or day time moisturizer.
It spread easily and absorbed into my skin instantly. My skin was instantly soft, smooth and firm. I also loved using it around the eye area, which really made a difference in the look and feel of the area after several weeks of use. My skin was moisturized while not having more oil added to my t zone. I didn’t experience any breakouts or irritation. I also loved that a little really goes a long way. Using it 2x day for several weeks, I barely saw a dent in the bottle.
This is going to be a permanent part of my skin care routine, and in the very hot summer months, I’ll be able to just use the drops themselves only on my drier parts of my face.” L.V.
This product gets 4 "Palacinka Points" *
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Lisa Hoffman Palacinka Product Rating Guide
Lisa Hoffman Night and Day 24 Hour Skincare Set
Tester: Hispanic (Cuban) with combination/dry skin and occasional break outs.
“This skincare set is a fantastic idea. It was simple to use and very effective. What more can you ask for?
I have been intrigued with this line since I first saw it a few months ago. The idea of having simple, individual skin care products in one set appealed to me not only for travel, but for those busy days when I just need to have a great skin care routine that works effortlessly.
All the products are in a clear, zip-top bag with two individual sets of five, single-use ampoules of skin products. So the products stayed fresh until I actually used them, which I loved. Each product has a twist off cap so I was able to re-seal them if I had not used up the entire product. This is a perfect design.
Everything I needed was included in the kit. Each airtight ampoule contains: Day and Night Cleanser, Toner, A Day Cream with/SPF 15 and a Night Cream, Day and Night Eye Cream, and Day and Night Lip Serums. Each ampoule is named and numbered which made it clear which ones to use for day and night time use.
The Daytime Cleanser was great, and the Night Cleanser took off all my make up and cleansed gently without stripping my skin. The Night Cream and the Night eye cream were amazing – they felt soothing and hydrating, but they both absorbed quickly. The Lip serums are clear and really made my lips soft and plump – perfect for prepping them for my lip stick. After using all the products on a regular basis, my skin was soft, hydrated in my drier areas, more toned and glowing! For any busy woman who travels often or just needs a great easy skin care routine this are a must have product!” Y.L.
Full sized versions of each product are also available.
Editor’s Note: The daytime moisturizer is SPF 15. If you are going to be outside in the sun for a prolonged time (beach, park, driving, etc.) we recommend layering a stronger SPF product over this moisturizer.
This product gets 4 "Palacinka Points" *
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Bobbi Brown Palacinka Product Rating Guide
Bobbi Brown Balm Rinse
Tester: African (Somalian), early twenties, with very dry skin and occasional skin sensitivity.
“This is a great cleansing option for those of you who have dry skin (even in the summer months!). The consistency and method for using this product is a little different that what I’m used to, but it’s also what makes it so effective.
The actual texture of the balm coming out of the tube is somewhat thick and tacky feeling, and it has a lovely orange fragrance. As per the instructions, I warmed it up in my hands a bit to liquefy it, which made is easy to spread on my face. It went on silky smooth and felt so soothing on my skin. After massaging it into my face for a few minutes, I then used a warm washcloth to remove. It cleansed my skin thoroughly without drying it out and left it soft and supple. At the same time, it left no greasy feel (which I hate) yet still moisturized my skin. After using consistently, especially after traveling, my skin looked much softer and my makeup application was easier. I never had any dry patches during the day and no breakouts. Since it takes a little time to warm up, I preferred using this in the evenings when I had more time to use it.
This is a lovely cleanser that’s a bit of a luxury but a really nice way to keep dry skin soft and supple year round!” T.A.
This product gets 4 "Palacinka Points" *
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Avene Palacinka Product Rating Guide
![Eau Thermale Avene Thermal Spring Water](/<a%20href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=v8WW1x4BpdI&offerid=43440.168119&type=2&subid=0" ><IMG border=0 src="http://a1468.g.akamai.net/f/1468/580/1d/pics.Drugstore.com/prodimg/168119/100.jpg" ></a><IMG border=0 width=1 height=1 src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=v8WW1x4BpdI&bids=43440.168119&type=2&subid=0" >)
Eau Thermale Avene Thermal Spring Water
Tester: Asian (Japanese) with combination/dry skin and good skin tone.
“Many people would say water is water, but I think that it’s not always the case. In Asia and Europe most of my friends and associates always have a water spray on hand and use it regularly. They also have great skin!
I loved this thermal water and can say that it is one of the best water sprays I have used. I think it worked wonders for setting my makeup and also when I wanted to dampen my cosmetic sponge to apply my foundation for a natural, dewy effect. It’s a very convenient sized tube that’s perfect for any bag, the plane or the office/gym. It was so refreshing during the day or after work before touching up my makeup for an evening out. This was also wonderful to use in power masks or cloth masks as opposed to regular water.
It was also wonderful to use on my body after a gym workout or day at the beach – it left my skin soft and hydrated and also more soothed. The nozzle on the bottle is small but spray is a very strong fine mist (only a press or two is enough for the entire face), and there is no fragrance. This also made the perfect starting point to applying my richer night creams before bed. I found that my skin really absorbed the creams better, and after using it this way for several weeks, my skin has never looked better! This is a must have product for everyone’s skin care routine.” V.T.
Go-->Eau Thermale Avene Thermal Spring Water
This product gets 4 "Palacinka Points" *
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Eau Thermale Avene Cicalfate Cream
Tester: African-American with combination/dry skin and occasional skin sensitivity.
“Due to some changes in the weather and (some recent skin treatments I think), I recently had some red patches on my skin – my cheeks lower jaw and chin. This cream came into my life at just the right time. I applied at night and woke up to find that it had soothed and cleared up my irritations overnight. My skin was soft, clear and glowing!
It’s a soft, medium weight white cream which takes a minute or two to sink it, but does not feel greasy or heavy. I use this now whenever I have a peel or apply an AHA or glycolic mask, as well as after shaving to keep my skin clear and irritation-free. This is also a good cream for bumps or pimples that are red or irritated as well. I was truly amazed and will keep a tube of this on hand forever in my medicine cabinet, just as I do Band-Aids or rubbing alcohol -- it’s that essential!” SD
Editor’s Note: This is best not used as a treatment cream for Eczema.
This product gets 4 "Palacinka Points" *
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Murad Palacinka Product Rating Guide
Tester: Asian (Vietnamese) with combination skin and frequent break outs in the t zone.
“This little wonder came into my life the very day that a pimple cropped up in my t- zone (usual) and under my eye! (not usual at all!). Needless to say I was expecting great results from this product as I wanted these pimples out of my life -- pronto!
I applied my first application in the evening. I cleansed with a gentle cleanser first and then applied the treatment using the applicator tip (no fingers really helps with keeping the area clean). The texture is fairly thick with a gel/cream feel. I only needed press lightly on the tube to release enough cream for my blemishes. It took about a minute to dry completely and then I was off to bed…
In the morning I was simply stunned. The redness of the pimples was significantly reduced and the pimples themselves had almost completely disappeared. I did not experience any flaking around the trouble spots either. I applied a bit more in the morning and by the end of the day I could barely see the pimples!
This is an excellent spot treatment for those of you who even have drier skin, since the formula is not super drying. In short, this is effective, convenient and the perfect size for travel/gym!” T.H.
Go-->Murad Acne Spot Treatment
This product gets 4 "Palacinka Points" *
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Murad Age-Proof Suncare Waterproof Sunblock SPF 30
Tester: Hispanic (Puerto Rican), late 30’s with combination skin.
“This was my first time using a Murad product and I was very pleased. This sunblock has a light lemony scent, which I liked. It was not greasy, and didn’t flake or ball up in the heat. I also found it very moisturizing for my drier areas of my face and small lines around my eyes, and even my legs and elbows. The tone and texture of my skin was fantastic after using this daily!
I used this successfully on both my face and my body and I did not experience any irritation or break outs. For the face, it does leave a sheen however, so if you want a more matte look, then it will be necessary to blot it and then apply a little pressed or loose powder over it. I usually wore this during a recent vacation without much other makeup and didn’t mind the sheen. I also liked that the Sunblock didn’t leave a sticky or grayish cast to my skin (which I hate!).
It was definitely water resistant, but after going in and out of the water several times I did reapply as most experts say is necessary. However, when I was home and used it for everyday wear I found that even through very hot days it stayed put and was effective. A little goes a long way with this product which also makes it a great buy.” T.L.
This product gets 4 "Palacinka Points" *
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Murad Age-Proof Suncare Firming Bronzer SPF 15, Face & Body
Tester: Hispanic (Dominican) about Zoë Saldana’s complexion with combination skin on face and dry skin on body.
“In the spring and summer I am all about bronzers! They really warm up my skin and enhance my tan, giving me glow that I love. I have not used many liquid bronzers, but I was intrigued that this formula was not only firming but suitable for face and body. I think this is a great bronzer and perfect for 2-in-1 double duty, especially for travel.
The bronzer is a lightweight, thin, silky liquid that appears muted copper out of the bottle. Two pumps were all that was needed to cover my face. It glided on my skin and dried fairly quickly. The formula really evened out my skin tone and gave me a fantastic glow. It made my skin a shade deeper brown with copper undertones. It does have a touch of orange in it as well, which was flattering on my skintone. There is no shimmer, so it worked well with my powder blushes and bronzers to not provide overkill. It also stayed put and didn’t rub off during the day. It did not break me out or clog my pores and it hydrated my skin in the right places without feeling or looking greasy.
On my body I really liked using it on my décolletage and my legs at night when I wore a dress and heels. I loved the feeling of the firming elements in the bronzer on my body especially, (after using it daily for a few weeks on my legs I did indeed see an improvement in the overall look of my legs). This will work best (and look the most natural) on shades in the Lucy Liu to Eva Mendes range by mixing a dime sized amount of the bronzer with a little moisturizer for the face. On darker shades and brown skin tones this is not needed. Note: Remember to wash hands after applying!” D.G.
Go-->Murad Age-Proof Suncare Firming Bronzer SPF 15, Face & Body
This product gets 4 "Palacinka Points" *
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C'watre Palacinka Product Rating Guide
Tester: African-American with combination skin and occasional breakouts.
“I have obviously used many different types of products to cleanse my face, but I am absolutely floored with this product. This is by far one of the best overall facial cleansers on the market today – without question.
What makes it so different?
Well, first the consistency is lovely – a creamy, lightly textured cream with a light, fresh/marine fragrance. It’s a light blue/green, echoing the packaging. Since this is an oceanic product (I have to admit I am drawn to many “marine” type of beauty products since I so often have great results with them).
After using this wash daily for just 2 weeks I could not believe what a glow my skin had and my breakouts were non-existent. My skin was softer and yet toned in my t-zone. I couldn't be more thrilled with these products... and considering the benefits they are VERY reasonable in price. The wash is perfect for everyday use and it even removed every last trace of my makeup (and I usually wear it all from mascara to foundation to blush/eye shadow).
I cannot wait to try more from this line, which is also environmentally conscious as well!” R.L.B.
Go-->C'watre Kanreki Wash 120 ml.
This product gets 4 "Palacinka Points" *
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