Birchbox September 2013

[Meggpi]

Originally Posted by roxysurfajk /img/forum/go_quote.gif

The steam thing is a very good idea, Ill give that a try, thanks. And yes I never used again and Ill just toss it. I would hate for a friend to have the same reaction. I bought some cotrizone cream and am going to try that. I really hope it goes away fast. How long did it take for yours to clear up after it happened to you?

I would write down/type up/copy and paste the ingredients in a text file somewhere in case you ever have another reaction to a product.  That way you can look at the ingredient list and see if there are any ingredients in common that might be the culprit.

 

[KayEss]

I just love dreaming period. I've even dreamed full length movies twice. I have a vivid imagination, and if I get to sleep long enough to dream, it tends to come out. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> (No dreams about boxes yet though, lol!)

I wish I was like you! My imaginations uses itself for evil rather than good so I am prone to very vivid bad dreams. When I have a good or neutral one it is a godsend.

 

[invisiblebike]

Originally Posted by roxysurfajk /img/forum/go_quote.gif

The steam thing is a very good idea, Ill give that a try, thanks. And yes I never used again and Ill just toss it. I would hate for a friend to have the same reaction. I bought some cotrizone cream and am going to try that. I really hope it goes away fast. How long did it take for yours to clear up after it happened to you?

I would try looking it up in the Cosmetics Cop Beautypedia. If the brand or product isn't reviews, I would check the ingredients against this ingredients dictionary. It could help you narrow down the culprit, as anything that's an irritant is rated as "poor." That way, you'll be able to check if anything new you try has the bad ingredients.

I have sensitive skin, so i'm used to religiously reading labels. I can't put fragranced things on my skin. Sometimes companies don't add fragrances, but they'll add fragrant essential oils which offer no benefit to the skin except for making it smell good AND irritate the heck out of it. I don't get it, quite frankly.

 

[roxysurfajk]

Originally Posted by audiophilekate /img/forum/go_quote.gif

I like the Aveeno hydrocortisone cream.  I know they're all the same ingredient, but my body seems to have the most favorable reaction to the Aveeno one.  In addition to the hydrocortisone cream, you might want to, like KayEss said, just use a mild cleanser and moisturizer.  Skip any other skincare products (especially astringents - OUCH!).  I would also go without wearing makeup until a few days after my skin had healed, but I know that's a pretty terrifying thought for some.  If you can do it though, I'd recommend it.  I have sensitive skin and have a tendency to have a reaction to new products.  It takes a few days for my skin to go back to normal, but it usually feels better once I clean my face and put on some of the Aveeno hydrocortisone cream.  I hope you feel better soon.

Yeah no makeup for a few days, I dont wear it at the gym and til this clears up not leaving my house unless going to the gym lol....Thanks for the tip

 

[roxysurfajk]

Originally Posted by Meggpi /img/forum/go_quote.gif

I would write down/type up/copy and paste the ingredients in a text file somewhere in case you ever have another reaction to a product.  That way you can look at the ingredient list and see if there are any ingredients in common that might be the culprit.

Super smart Idea.....Ill never use Micheal Todd stuff again...Dang you Ipsy I am sticking to Birchbox

 

[roxysurfajk]

Originally Posted by invisiblebike /img/forum/go_quote.gif


I would try looking it up in the Cosmetics Cop Beautypedia. If the brand or product isn't reviews, I would check the ingredients against this ingredients dictionary. It could help you narrow down the culprit, as anything that's an irritant is rated as "poor." That way, you'll be able to check if anything new you try has the bad ingredients.

I have sensitive skin, so i'm used to religiously reading labels. I can't put fragranced things on my skin. Sometimes companies don't add fragrances, but they'll add fragrant essential oils which offer no benefit to the skin except for making it smell good AND irritate the heck out of it. I don't get it, quite frankly.

Never heard of that Ill have to look that up, Thanks all you MUT ladies I needed some help and support

 

[meaganola]

On the topic of dreams: I had an oddly specific dream the other night about using a particular mascara from my stash.  It was unbelievably mundane.  I had been going through my unopened tubes to see how many I have earlier that day, so that's probably why it was on my mind to be quickly dredged up by my subconscious.  I'm thinking that's a sign that I need to go ahead and use that particular mascara when it's time to switch tubes next month.

And that's why I'm convinced that I will get mascara in this month's box:  I received five from various sources last month, but I haven't received any in a while from Birchbox.  If I talk about mascara in this month's box as if it's a foregone conclusion, this is why.  It should not be construed as a real spoiler in any way.  I'm not even really a fan (I only use it to control my eyeshadow, although I do at least use it nowadays.  I didn't bother with it until about two months ago), but if I assume I'm getting it, I won't be disappointed when it shows up, and if I get a nice autumnal wine lipstain or natural oil-based fragrance from an indie perfumer instead, it will be an amazing surprise.

 

[invisiblebike]

Originally Posted by roxysurfajk /img/forum/go_quote.gif

Super smart Idea.....Ill never use Micheal Todd stuff again...Dang you Ipsy I am sticking to Birchbox

oh, i just looked it up. they say the pumpkin mask is good for all skin types except sensitive. eek.

 

[invisiblebike]

Originally Posted by roxysurfajk /img/forum/go_quote.gif

Super smart Idea.....Ill never use Micheal Todd stuff again...Dang you Ipsy I am sticking to Birchbox

i looked up the ingredients and narrowed down the ones that are irritants and linked to more info on why they're problematic. avoid these. everything else shouldn't be a problem for your skin. don't be scared off of pumpkin, it's actually wonderful for your skin!

Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin), Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry) Fruit Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Acer Saccharinum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Extract, Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Juice, Vegetable Glycerin, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Glucolactone, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Phenoxyethanol, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Oil, Xanthan Gum (Polysaccharide Gum), Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C), Cinnamomum Cassia (Cinnamon) Bark, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Powder, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai Fruit) Pulp Powder, Myristica Fragrans (Nutmeg) Powder, Pimenta Officinalis (Allspice) Powder, Rosmarinus Officnalis (Rosemary Oleoresin), Azadirachta Indica (Neem) Oil.

 

[JamieO]

Originally Posted by invisiblebike /img/forum/go_quote.gif


i looked up the ingredients and narrowed down the ones that are irritants and linked to more info on why they're problematic. avoid these. everything else shouldn't be a problem for your skin. don't be scared off of pumpkin, it's actually wonderful for your skin!

Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin), Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry) Fruit Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Acer Saccharinum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Extract, Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Juice, Vegetable Glycerin, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Glucolactone, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Phenoxyethanol, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Oil, Xanthan Gum (Polysaccharide Gum), Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C), Cinnamomum Cassia (Cinnamon) Bark, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Powder, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai Fruit) Pulp Powder, Myristica Fragrans (Nutmeg) Powder, Pimenta Officinalis (Allspice) Powder, Rosmarinus Officnalis (Rosemary Oleoresin), Azadirachta Indica (Neem) Oil.

Isn't cinnamon way irritating on sensitive skin? I have sensitive skin, and I haven't tried my mask yet, or ever in my life put anything with cinnamon in it on my face before that I can think of, but I would think it would cause some burning for sure!

 

[invisiblebike]

Originally Posted by JamieO /img/forum/go_quote.gif

Isn't cinnamon way irritating on sensitive skin? I have sensitive skin, and I haven't tried my mask yet, or ever in my life put anything with cinnamon in it on my face before that I can think of, but I would think it would cause some burning for sure!

yup!

 

[Meggpi]

Originally Posted by invisiblebike /img/forum/go_quote.gif


i looked up the ingredients and narrowed down the ones that are irritants and linked to more info on why they're problematic. avoid these. everything else shouldn't be a problem for your skin. don't be scared off of pumpkin, it's actually wonderful for your skin!

Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin), Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry) Fruit Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Acer Saccharinum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Extract, Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Juice, Vegetable Glycerin, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Glucolactone, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Phenoxyethanol, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Oil, Xanthan Gum (Polysaccharide Gum), Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C), Cinnamomum Cassia (Cinnamon) Bark, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Powder, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai Fruit) Pulp Powder, Myristica Fragrans (Nutmeg) Powder, Pimenta Officinalis (Allspice) Powder, Rosmarinus Officnalis (Rosemary Oleoresin), Azadirachta Indica (Neem) Oil.

I use neem oil in my garden as an organic pesticide /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />  I think it is traditionally used in southern Asia in cosmetics, but my only exposure to it is in gardening.

 

[invisiblebike]

Originally Posted by Meggpi /img/forum/go_quote.gif

I use neem oil in my garden as an organic pesticide /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />  I think it is traditionally used in southern Asia in cosmetics, but my only exposure to it is in gardening.

lol i definitely wouldn't want to put a pesticide on my face.

 

[Jamie P]

That is the issue with most skin care companies. They throw random stuff in for smells or just to sound interesting... but it's usually terrible for your skin so that counteracts any GOOD stuff they do put in. 

 

[Jeaniney]

Originally Posted by Jamie P /img/forum/go_quote.gif

That is the issue with most skin care companies. They throw random stuff in for smells or just to sound interesting... but it's usually terrible for your skin so that counteracts any GOOD stuff they do put in. 

I think there's some truth to this, especially when it comes to moisturizer.  I have tried all kinds for face and body, but I always return to CeraVe (reminds me a lot of the embryolisse moisturizer).  It's so inexpensive, but it moisturizers exceptionally well and doesn't include crazy fragrances and the "extra" ingredients of high end moisturizers.

Companies know with the right amount of marketing people will shell out big $$ for anti-aging products.. and that's just what it is -- marketing!  Like specific moisturizers/creams for your eye area.. phhht, IMHO you don't need a separate, crazy priced eye cream.  A good moisturizer is all you need.

Obviously YMMV for everything, but this has been my experience as I've navigated the skincare industry.  With that said, I still love trying out the skincare stuff in birchbox-- but no way would I spend much money on a full sized product.

 

[JamieO]

Originally Posted by Jamie P /img/forum/go_quote.gif

That is the issue with most skin care companies. They throw random stuff in for smells or just to sound interesting... but it's usually terrible for your skin so that counteracts any GOOD stuff they do put in. 

I actually thought when I was reading the ingredients that it seemed like they were more concerned with making it smell like pumpkin pie than they were with making it good for your face. I mean, is all the allspice and nutmeg and cinnamon and ginger and whatnot really necessary? I am kind of afraid of my pumpkin mask now.

 

[Jamie P]

Originally Posted by Jeaniney /img/forum/go_quote.gif


I think there's some truth to this, especially when it comes to moisturizer.  I have tried all kinds for face and body, but I always return to CeraVe (reminds me a lot of the embryolisse moisturizer).  It's so inexpensive, but it moisturizers exceptionally well and doesn't include crazy fragrances and the "extra" ingredients of high end moisturizers.

Companies know with the right amount of marketing people will shell out big $$ for anti-aging products.. and that's just what it is -- marketing!  Like specific moisturizers/creams for your eye area.. phhht, IMHO you don't need a separate, crazy priced eye cream.  A good moisturizer is all you need.

Obviously YMMV for everything, but this has been my experience as I've navigated the skincare industry.  With that said, I still love trying out the skincare stuff in birchbox-- but no way would I spend much money on a full sized product.

I also love trying new products, but I read the label first now. After many years of red, irritated skin... I learned my lesson. 

 

[Moonittude]

lol i definitely wouldn't want to put a pesticide on my face.

I don't think neem oil is actually a pesticide. In India they use it for almost everything, and it is known to be an antioxidant. Sort of like how soaping up your dog and letting it stay on for a few minutes before rinsing will kill fleas. Cinnamon, on the other hand, is a crazy thing to put in any cosmetic, other than a lip plumper.

 

[invisiblebike]

Originally Posted by Jeaniney /img/forum/go_quote.gif


I think there's some truth to this, especially when it comes to moisturizer.  I have tried all kinds for face and body, but I always return to CeraVe (reminds me a lot of the embryolisse moisturizer).  It's so inexpensive, but it moisturizers exceptionally well and doesn't include crazy fragrances and the "extra" ingredients of high end moisturizers.

Companies know with the right amount of marketing people will shell out big $$ for anti-aging products.. and that's just what it is -- marketing!  Like specific moisturizers/creams for your eye area.. phhht, IMHO you don't need a separate, crazy priced eye cream.  A good moisturizer is all you need.

Obviously YMMV for everything, but this has been my experience as I've navigated the skincare industry.  With that said, I still love trying out the skincare stuff in birchbox-- but no way would I spend much money on a full sized product.

Love Cerave PM, it really does work wonders. It's so cheap too that I don't mind using 3-4 pumps to really cover my face and neck.

My dermatologist actually recommended it (I go to one that is in the same practice as Madonna's dermatologist, lol), and he also said most eye creams aren't really necessary (at least not for me) -- that taking cerave or any good facial moisturizer up to under the eye is plenty enough.

I'm actually making a few switches from more expensive skincare items to some really good quality drugstore ones. Like, I've been using First Aid Beauty Cleanser, which is a GREAT cleanser, but I can get the foaming facial cleanser for sensitive skin for less than half the price (it also comes with a couple extra ounces too, so woo).

I'm thinking of trying a couple of Paula's Choice products too. I'm so impressed with the research in her website, and I've heard good things. Plus, it's about the same price as what you'd pay for a good drugstore product, maybe a little more. Although the antioxidant serums are super affordable, only $20-ish (compared to, like, $90 for the Laura Mercier stuff I've been using).

I see my dermatologist tomorrow, and I'll go over my skincare options with him /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[Jamie P]

I love all of her stuff, but I'm looking for a cheap drugstore cleanser. I go through that faster and don't like having to order it online. I'm going to try Cetaphil soon.