Beauty

[Tinkrbl44]

This thread is a carry over from a thread on favorite skin care lines.

I once worked for an international cosmetics company, and had the great pleasure to test product for the R & D lab.    Since that time I'm always investigating new products, formula changes,  ingredients, etc etc.

A little know fact:    Did you know that new products can have as high as a 70% failure rate ..... so when a new product hits around the 18 month point, and sales are still very strong, the manufacturer goes back to "reformulate" the product, to see if they can produce the same thing, using cheaper ingredients?    If you've ever had a mascara you love suddenly "change" and not be the same, this could be why ..... it was reformulated!    Companies with product lines at all price points often modify the ingredients for increased profitability.

Anyway ......   One thing I like to do on a fairly regular basis is talk to the cosmetics reps stationed in department stores ... to pick their brain and gain insights.    My favorite question is "What is the best seller in your line?"  or worded another way, "What is the star of your product line?".

It's my experience that many product lines have a couple really effective products ..... and the others are okay.    Frankly, I have no allegiance to just one line .... I'm on the lookout for the "superstar" from each line.

So ............    with the vast wealth of knowledge we have on this board, let me pick your brain, and let's share insights ....  In your opinion, what is the best "superstar" beauty product you are using right now?

[SmallTownChic222]

For skin care, I love anything Neutrogena-- Cleansers, moisturizers etc.  I use their cream cleanser cause I'm super allergic to sulfate and I deal with sensitivity on my cheeks.  The oil-free moisturizer is AMAZING! 

[millieshops]

@Tinkrbl44Interesting background -  and probably is part of the reason I decided just last week that I will continue to buy Dr. Denese's Hydroshield serum, but not any other products in that line. 

Nothing scientific -  but my skin loves the serum and I just don't see any great advantage to the rest of the line for me.

Purity probably also fits what you're saying - it's my only Philosophy must have.

[Rachb]

HK Girl Glisten and Glow fast drying topcoat. It doesn't have the same warnings as Seche Vite but dries nail polish to a super-shiny, hard finish in about 10 minutes.

[Tantallum]

The makeup product I have purchased again and again more than any other is Laura Mercier Eye Basics.   I have very fair skin and my eyelids are very discolored and vein-y. I use the linen color and it completely covers it and makes for an excellent primer/canvas for eye shadow and eye-liner.  Lasts all day.   A couple other brands make similar products but others are either too greasy and/or do not provide enough coverage. 

Tinkrbl44, I'd love to hear YOUR faves! 

[Tinkrbl44]

Oh yeah ......

One product I really love and is highly effective are the Neutrogena Makeup Remover Towelettes .... boy, do they take every bit of makeup off ..... everything !!!

[3DogMom]

I am all about proven ingredients. I don't want or need the latest/greatest miracle product out there. 

I use Paula's Choice almost exclusively.  The products are very well formulated, feel good on my skin, and are affordable.

There are no miracle ingredients or products. I use what makes my skin look its best and what keeps it healthy :-)

[AngelPuppy1]

@Tinkrbl44

Hmm -- that's awful -- a product does well -- they get people hooked and then they change the formulation and use cheaper ingredients? That's just wrong!!! 

I can't afford to buy what are called "high end" cosmetics and/or skin care products.  I don't know whether they are necessarily better than the regular products that are out there???  

I try things here and there but usually go back to my basic things they do not cause me problems with my sensitive skin.  I am a long time user of Cover Girl products.  Surprisingly, most of their products, I do well with.  I have used for ages their CG Smoothers concealer stick.  I use different foundatiions of theirs, kind of switching around.  As for a powder, I generally use Physician's Formula.  They have a compact mineral powder that I swish on with a large brush.  It leaves a nice finish which is not heavy.  

For makeup removal, I love CVS brand sensitive skin wet wipes.  These things take off   all makeup easily - even mascara - and no irritation.  I then follow with Cerave cream cleanser.  My go to moisturizer is Eucerin CoQ10 - sensitive skin.  Currently my eye cream is L'Oreal Revitalift.  I also like and use Boots eye creams.  

These are pretty much the products that I use more often than not.  I try other things but am never as satisfied.  

[TY]

i'm not brand loyal to makeup and skin care lines. I'm too much of a Gemini to ever stick with one favorite of anything as that would be boring. If I don't like something I don't keep it around for long. I prefer unscented skin care products but I will smell just about any product. I do not like to use makeup or skin care testers and I do not like other people to touch my face so I never go for free makeovers. I avoid pushy sales people.

[shiloh 81]

My Holy Grail skin care is CeraVe hydrating cleanser and CeraVe SA lotion. I've tried alot of Paulas Choice skin care and other high end brands but my skin is so sensitive and I always go back to my beloved CeraVe. But I have a Holy Grail Paulas Choice product and that is her Lip and Body Treatment Balm. This is the only product I can use on my lips. DermStore Lip quench was my favorite till they reformulated it and now its nasty.