Review: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil Free Cleanser

My thoughts ad experience:  
I wasn't too sure that this cleanser would work for me because it said it was for "normal to oily" skin type. When I was at Kiehl's, the sales associates recommended that I give this a try since the Summer months are hot and humid. He said if it didn't work out for me, I could always bring it back and try a different cleanser.

I only use a really small amount (a dime size) of this because it lathers so nicely. It does such a wonderful job of getting rid of any make up and oils. I like that the cleanser has no scent to it. I was really surprised that it left my face feeling extremely clean without drying out my face. I usually get dry cheeks. 

I'm really glad I decided to give this a try for the Summer months. I love that it is also oil–free, paraben–free, fragrance–free, colorant–free!!This is definitely something that I would repurchase, considering how well and thorough this cleans. You only need so little, it goes a long way!

Ingredients:

Retail Price: $19.50

Where to buy: www.kiehls.com 

Disclaimer: This product was purchased by me. I am not affiliated with the company, nor was I paid to do this review.  All reviews on SiSi Sparkles are my honest opinion, whether it was purchased or provided. See full disclaimer here.

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Review: Olay ProX Advanced Cleansing System

What is it?  
"An advanced cleansing system that cleanses 6x better and helps maximize the immediate hydrating effectiveness of your anti-aging moisturizer."

Retail Price:  $29.99

Where to buy:  Most retailers

My thoughts and experience:
It was time to get a new facial cleanser because my old one fell off a cabinet and the cover to the batteries broke off! This was the other affordable facial cleanser that was on my list, so I thought I'd give it a shot.
Five things that I personally love about this item is:

1. The price.
2. The brush is very soft, it's great for my sensitive skin.
3. It's small and can get all the parts of my face.
4. Waterproof - I can use it in the shower.
5. Two speeds - one for cleaning and the other for exfoliating.

It also came with a small Olay ProX exfoliating cleanser, but I found that this was too drying for my skin. It has small, fine, micro beads to help exfoliate the skin. The exfoliator will work better for other skin types, I suppose.
Olay also has the brush head refills for $9.99 at most places. You can use any facial cleanser with this tool. 
I absolutely have nothing bad to say about this cleansing tool, and highly recommend it! 

Have you tried cleansing tools like this? 


Disclaimer: This product was purchased by me. I am not affiliated with the company, nor was I paid to do this review.  All reviews on SiSi Sparkles are my honest opinion, whether it was purchased or provided. See full disclaimer here.

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Review: Exuviance moisturizing antibacterial facial cleanser

What is it?
Skin conditioners and antioxidants soothe, protect and improve skin texture, while Polyhydroxy Acids provide anti-aging benefits in a gel cleanser.

Retail Price: $28

Where to buy: Neostrata.com, Ulta stores

My thoughts and experience:
This cleanser comes in a tall container with a convenient pump. It has a clear, unscented, gel like consistency that does not seem to lathers fine. It does an excellent job cleaning my face at the end of the day. I find that it removes make up completely as well. I have dry to normal skin during this time of the year, and I noticed my skin was really tight after drying my face. I don't think it is as moisturizing as I'd hoped it to be. The bottle actually says that it is "ideal for dry or oily/acne-prone skin".

I did not notice a break out while using this cleanser, so the antibacterial part is great!  It didn't irritate my skin either.

Overall, it is a good cleanser, but not moisturizing enough for my skin type. It might be better suited for normal to oily skin types.

Thanks for reading, have you tried this brand or cleanser before?

Disclaimer: This editorial sample was sent to me for review considerations from the company or a PR firm. I am not affiliated with the company, nor was I paid to do this review.  All reviews on SiSi Sparkles are my honest opinion, whether it was purchased or provided. See full disclaimer here.

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Review: Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser

What is it? 
"Our award-winning daily facial skin cleanser is formulated to gently cleanse, tone and melt away all face and eye makeup in one simple step, while lightly hydrating the skin."

Retail Price:
$10 for 3 fl oz
$20 for 8 fl oz
$32 for 16 fl oz
$40 for 24 fl oz
$47.50 for 32 fl oz

Where to buy: www.philosophy.com

My thoughts and experience:
I received a 1 fl oz size of this in my July Birchbox and was really excited to try it out! It's a first for me to try anything from Philosophy. I find it was really easy to do a one step thing and move on at the end of a long day.
The product lathers easily, has a very light gingery scent. It cleanses and tones gently, as well as hydrates afterwards. It leaves my face feeling soft and smooth after using it. I can actually see this healthy glow around my cheeks! It also does a good job removing eye make up without stinging my eyes (I'm a contact lens user).

My only issue with this product is the price, it's a little bit on the pricier side (for me atleast).  However, it is definitely a splurge that is well worth it! They do have alot of different size options available for this product. I look forward to trying other items from Philosophy in the future, and  even repurchasing this (of course when it goes on sale, lol. I can't help it!)

Have you tried this before? What did you think of it?

Disclaimer: This product was purchased by me. I am not affiliated with the company, nor was I paid to do this review.  All reviews on SiSi Sparkles are my honest opinion, whether it was purchased or provided. See full disclaimer here.

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Review: Olay Regenerist micro-derm cleansing cloths

What is it?
Olay Regenerist Micro-Derm Cleansing Cloths exfoliate to improve skin's tone and texture, remove dirt, oil and makeup, even stubborn waterproof mascara, and condition to soothe and hydrate dry skin. These convenient cloths are infused with vitamins and witch hazel to leave your skin feeling healthy and refreshed. Perfect for travel.

Retail Price: $9.99

Where to buy: Most retail grocery and drugstores, www.amazon.com

My thoughts and experience:
These cloths come in a wrapper that sits in the black tub. Once you unwrap the cloths (they are dry), you leave them in the black tub to keep it clean.

To use, first, you must wet the cloth. Then, rub with your palms to make it lather. Third, cleanse your face. The bumpy side is to clean and remove make up. The smooth side is for delicate areas such as the eyes. After using the cloth, rinse your face with water.

It has a fresh, baby powder scent when cleansing. These are excellent for people on the go, and also for travelers. These micro-derm cleansing cloths does an excellent job on removing any make-up. It exfoliates and cleans gently. Afterwards, my face feels really soft and clean. I have dry, combination skin and I do not see any dryness after using this (in the Summer time, atleast). I do feel a little tightening of the skin.

The third picture is what it looks like after I remove my make up with this cloth. 

I would definitely recommend it!


Have you tried these cleansing cloths before?


Disclaimer: This product was purchased by me. I am not affiliated with the company, nor was I paid to do this review.  All reviews on SiSi Sparkles are my honest opinion, whether it was purchased or provided. See full disclaimer here.

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Review: Sigma Cleansing and Polishing Tool

What is it?

Say goodbye to dull and uneven skin! With the new Sigma Beauty Cleansing and Polishing Tool you can polish your skin to be perfectly smooth and flawless before and after your makeup application.

Retail Price: $39.00

Where to buy: www.sigmabeauty.com

My thoughts and experience:
The Sigma Cleansing and Polish Tool comes in a neat little case which holds the device with brush, and two extra brushes for different skin types. The pink head brush, the soft brush, is good for sensitive skin and daily exfoliation. The pink and white brush head, the medium brush, is good for normal skin and daily exfoliation. The white brush head, the firm brush, is good for weekly exfoliation. The tool has two speeds, and requires two AA batteries to work.

Onto my experience with the brush - I've completely changed the way I clean my face everyday with this tool. I use it at the end of every night in the shower (it's water resistant) with my favorite facial cleanser. I wet my face a little bit, squirt a pump of my favorite facial cleanser, and turn it to the low setting and let it do its thing. I could immediately feel the smoothness in my face after the very first try. I was hooked!

In the Summertime, I have normal to dry skin, which can be sensitive at times, so I've only used the pink brush head. I use this device for less than a minute each time as recommend, and I am loving the results so far. I have noticed that my face feels smoother, appears more radiant, and it does not dry out my face at all. I've also noticed smaller pores after using it for only two weeks! I'm so impressed.

I do have one small concern while using this tool. I have a harder time cleaning under the eye area, between the eyes, and nose area. Don't get me wrong, I am still able to do it with the brush heads provided, I just wish there were smaller sizes available (and maybe they will in the future!).

Have you tried this or another brand of face cleansing tool? What are your thoughts? Thanks for reading!



Disclaimer: This product was purchased by me. I am not affiliated with the company, nor was I paid to do this review.  All reviews on SiSi Sparkles are my honest opinion, whether it was purchased or provided. See full disclaimer here.  This post contains referral links.

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Review: DNA EGF Renewal Foaming Cleanser

What is it? 
Gentle, foaming formula provides an innovative, non-irritaring version of glycolic acid delivering gentle exfoliating action. Removes old, dull, surface dead skin to reveal clean, vibrant skin.

Retail Price: $28 for 200 ml


Where to buy: www.dnaegfrenewal.com



My thoughts and experience:
I always love products with a pump because it is so convenient and clean. I've been using this product for about three weeks, twice a day to cleanse my face. I find that the foam does not lather well; it "melts" while I am rubbing my skin. There is a heavy scent that is not very pleasant, it smells very medicinal. However, after three weeks, I am finally getting used to the scent.

The formula is very mild, but it's one of the most effective cleansers I've ever used. It removes all make up and dirt at the end of the day without over drying my face. It works for all skin types, including sensitive skin. I also noticed that I haven't had to exfoliate as much during the two weeks of using this product.

Along with the use of the DNA EGF Intensive Renewal, I have noticed a healthier glow in my face. This is something I would definitely re-purchase.


Disclaimer: This editorial sample was sent to me for review considerations from the company or a PR firm. I am not affiliated with the company, nor was I paid to do this review.  All reviews on SiSi Sparkles are my honest opinion, whether it was purchased or provided. See full disclaimer here.  

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Review: REN - Clean Bio Active Skincare - Six of the Best

I've used this set long enough to be able to do a review for you all. An associate from Sephora diagnosed my skin as "super dry" while I thought it was oily/combination. She introduced me to this line of skin care products, because taking care of my skin should be the first step. She recommended REN - Clean Bio Active Skincare - Six of the Best.

Info and claims from Sephora.com:
An essential ensemble of complexion care favorites. Cleanse, scrub, renew, and repair with this all-in-one kit that will make your skin more healthy and radiant than ever.

Retail Price: $40.00

My thoughts:
This was a completely new thing for me, to splurge on something like this. I've always used drugstore branded skincare products. After using this for two weeks, my skin does feel more radiant, hydrated, and healthier looking. Even though the back of the box says that this is for a one week use, I've used it for over two weeks now, and still have product left. Overall, this is a great skin care line and will be sharing my thoughts on each REN product separately.

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Mayblossom and Blue Cypress Balancing Facial Cleansing Gel - $32 - 150ml
"For Combination Skin - a balancing, antibacterial facial cleansing gel for skin that is prone to oiliness and breakouts, particularly in the T-zone. Removes dirt and dissolves excess sebum; unclogs pores; reduces the appearance of pore size." - REN

I've only used this twice because it says that it's more for people with oily/combination skin. When I did use it, it made my skin dry out. It also had a very strong scent that kinda bothered me.

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Jojoba Micro Bead Purifying Facial Scrub - $35 -150ml 
"A deep cleansing yet gentle facial polish, formulated with microbeads of Jojoba Oil, that will leave your skin feeling purified, invigorated and smoothed. Removes dead skin cells. Deeply cleanses and purifies. Restores a healthy looking complexion. Cools, freshens." - REN

I used this 2-3 times a week. The beads are really small and gentle on the face, it does not feel harsh. It had a slight peppermint and menthol scent to it, which did not bother me at all. It felt very exfoliating; however, my face had dry patches afterwards. I do not think I will buy this product, it felt and worked the same as my St. Ives apricot scrub.

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Omega 3 Overnight Lipid Renewal Serum- $60 - 50ml
"A night serum that replenishes skin lipids to leave your complexion looking naturally smoother and healthier. Skin looks and feels plumper, healthier, fitter; calms and soothes; encourages the natural process of skin renewal; replenishes the skin’s moisture barrier." - REN

I've used this every night under the Frankincense and Boswellia Serrata Revitalising Night Cream [as recommended on the box]. This product is VERY moisturizing. Just one pump will cover my entire face. It has a pleasant green tea scent to it. It also has a very oily feel to it, I usually wash my hands after applying this on my face. When I wake up in the morning, my face feels renewed and hydrated. I would definitely buy this product again!

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Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask - $56 - 50ml
"A potent bio active peel mask designed to renew the complexion, reduce the appearance of fine lines and dramatically improve skin tone. Skin looks brighter, healthier, more radiant. Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Combats congestion, blackheads and blemishes." - REN

I'm not sure why this product is a "peel mask", you don't peel anything, you rinse it away with warm water. It's a thick paste that smells like dried apricot [not very distinct]. The texture is like honey and oil mixed together. Apply a generous amount to cover your entire face. As it was sitting on my face, I noticed oils and blackheads floating to the surface of my face [weirdest and coolest thing ever]. I did notice a tingling and light burning sensation. At times, I felt like I needed to scratch my face, because it felt itchy...After 10 minutes, you rinse it off with warm water; my face felt so soft and creamy. I noticed my blackheads were gone, my face felt tight, and there was no dried spots. I'm not sure if I will get this again, because of the weird effects. The results, however, are exactly as described!

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Frankincense and Boswellia Serrata Revitalising Night Cream - $55 - 50ml
"A night cream formulated to hydrate, recharge and revitalize the skin overnight leaving it looking radiant, smoothed and beautifully healthy. Improves vitality and radiance; skin feels softer, firmer, smoother; reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles." - REN

 A moisturizing cream that I used over the Omega 3 Overnight Lipid Renewal Serum. These two products combined together works wonders! The night cream smelled like chamomile and mint, a little stronger scent than the other products. My face feels so hydrated in the morning. I actually used this combo during the day one time [when I was off work] and it was great too! No oily face, nor did I have to blot all day. I would purchase this product with the renewal serum.

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Active 7 Radiant Eye Maintenance Gel - $45 - 15ml
"A light and cooling gel to treat, revive and brighten the delicate eye area. Cools and refreshes. Reduces the appearance of puffiness and dark circles. The eye contour looks smoother, firmer." - REN

Luckily I do not have too much dark circles, so I didn't notice too much a difference with this gel. It did feel very cooling and refreshing though.

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The associate at Sephora also gave me a sample of this for my dry and sensitive skin:

Hydra-Calm Cleansing Milk - $32 - 150ml
"For Sensitive Skin - a gentle cleansing milk designed to leave more sensitive or delicate skin purified, fresh, calm and soothed. NB, renamed from Calendula and Arctic Berry Ultracalm Cleansing Milk. Gently removes dirt, pollution and make up; skin feels purified, calm and soothed." - REN

I LOVE this cleanser, it is SO mild. It doesn't have a noticeable scent to it. It's very creamy. You rub it between your palms and then massage it into your face. While rinsing it with warm water, it feels moisturizing. There are absolutely no dry patches after washing my face with this. It definitely lives up to its claims! This is my favorite product from them, and definitely recommend it for people with dry/sensitive skin.

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Care to share your daily face routine? Leave a comment, or a link for me :]