Smashbox Hybrid Luminizing Primer [Discountinued] (8/10)

Summary

Cons

• Expensive
• Luminizer clumps
• Scented
• Squeeze tube difficult to control

Pros

• Oil reduction
• Smooths imperfections and fine lines

In-depth Review

I got Smashbox’s hybrid primer in a kit and I believe it’s not available in stores anymore. However, you can take this review as one for their primer and their highlighters as this product is literally two different products packaged into one.

In total, you get just under 1 fl oz. of product (I’m assuming you get a half of primer and the other half of luminizer). I don’t much appreciate the packaging; the primer and luminizer are kept separate and when you squeeze the tube, there are two holes on the bottom that allow for each product to come out separately. What ends up happening is that either too much primer or luminizer comes out and you (I) have to plug one hole to get more of the other product out so that I have a healthy mix. I have gotten used to this over the year but it just takes a little more attention when applying this product.

Since the product comes out of the tube separately, you have to take a couple seconds mixing the two (on the back of your hand). What I have noticed is that the lumizer formula tends to clump up forcing you to pick out the clumps before application – another hassle. Application from here on out is simple: apply a thin layer over your entire face (larger than pea size amount for me) or if you have drier or combo skin, the areas where you would like to control oils and enhance the staying power of you foundation. There is an old perfume-y scent to this product which I don’t like at all and it does linger for more than I would like after application (about an hour).

To be honest, I mostly use this product for its primer component. I’m sure that this formula is exactly the same as Smashbox’s Photo Finish Primer. I have oily skin and rarely do I find that a luminizer/highlighter of any sort enhances my look. The same applies with this product. When I do end up using the luminizer I just look oily from the get-go. Even when I apply it to the high points on my face (cheeks, bridge of noes, etc.) this luminizer takes away from my finished look. As for the quality of the luminizer, I’ve definitely seen better. The sheen that this product provides is a little too metallic for my tastes (think shiny fish scales). While I don’t notice any sparkles, the product does fall into fine lines so you really do have to use it in conjunction with the primer.

The primer on the other hand is great. I haven’t used any other face primer before this so I can’t really compare but it is a silicone-based primer and you will feel this product sitting on top of your skin (rather than soaking in hopefully like your moisturizer). Because of the silicone content, your face does feel very smooth even over problem areas (fine lines, acne, large pores). I’m most satisfied with the reduction of face oil when I apply this primer. It generally gives me twice as long of a time for my face to become uncomfortably oily (4 vs 8 hours). Near the end of a long day with this product on my face does tend to feel quite heavy but it’s manageable. Primers, including this one, can be used alone or in conjunction with your foundation. I notice that with this primer on, foundation application is a little easier as it spreads more easily across your face.

To conclude, the primer component of this Hybrid Luminizing Primer from Smashbox is what I like and what I will most likely repurchase. The luminizer’s formula and the overall packaging of this product are definite cons which is perhaps the reason why this product has been discontinued. Also, to quickly note, chaffing gel (monistat) is suppose to be a dupe (same effect, cheaper price) for Smashbox primers. They’re around ¼ of the price of smashbox if you can manage to find them!

Clean and Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets (9.5/10)

Summary

Cons

• Finicky packaging
• Small size of sheets

Pros

• No residue
• Quick and easy
• Great value
• No scent
• Works with sensitive skin

In-depth Review

I haven’t been a fan of Clean and Clear skin care products in the past (too harsh for my skin) but I haven’t been able to stop using their Oil Absorbing Sheets. I’ve probably been using them now for around six years as they’re an effective means of getting rid of excess oil on your face and they are reasonably priced. Many other companies (Clinique, MAC, The Body Shop, etc.) carry the exact same product but are priced higher so I stick with Clean and Clear.

The packaging of the sheets come in a small flimsy cardboard envelope that I’ve crushed several times when I throw them in my bag. To get the sheets out, there’s a sticky portion of the lid that adheres to the individual sheet and pulls one out when you open the flap. While this mechanism works for maybe the first 10 sheets, the adhesive looses its stickiness and it become frustrating to get the other 40 sheets out. Personally, I don’t use the adhesive at all and use my fingers instead to pick up each sheet as I need them.

To use them, simply take a sheet and either wipe or blot your face where there is excessive oil. The sheet, which is light blue, will turn a noticeable shade darker when it has absorbed oil. I blot when I’m wearing any kind of make up so to reduce the transfer onto the sheets. You may also want to blot your skin if you have dry skin as this may promote flaking of the skin. The difference before and after is instantly noticeable – your face will feel cleaner and shine will be eliminated. A downside about these sheets I find is that I tend to need about 1.5 of a sheet to absorb all the oil from my face and neck and so I end up using 2. Other brands I believe do carry larger sheets but again, for the price, I’ll stick with Clean and Clear.

These oil absorbing sheets have and will continue to be part of my skin care essentials. I take them everywhere I go and even on vacation because they’re quick and effective at controlling oil. I find them more effective than any powder I’ve tried and are more beneficial for your skin (blotting your skin once a day with these sheets vs. layering powder on your face every 3 hours). Also, using tissues cannot be compared to these sheets as they do not leave a residue on your face and are less irritating on the skin (my skin turns red after using tissue to wipe/blot my face of oil).

All in all, I highly recommend these oil absorbing sheets to anyone who has an issue with oily skin as this will effectively remove excessive oils (maintain a fresh matte appearance) but will not help with controlling oil production, and reducing blemishes, acne, large pores, etc.

Anthony Logistics For Men Deep Pore Cleansing Clay (8.5/10)

Summary

Cons

• Effects not long lasting
• Ingredients separate in tube
• Doesn’t fight acne/blemishes consistently

Pros

• Nice citrus scent
• Oil-controlling
• Diminishes appearance of pores (size and blackheads)
• Great value

In-depth Review

One of the first higher-end skincare companies that I invested in was Anthony Logistics For Men. They have a great product range, a very high customer satisfaction ratio, and a great business philosophy (i.e. supports prostate cancer research, uses natural ingredients, etc.).

The Deep Pore Cleansing Clay was probably my first purchase from Anthony Logistics and it has served me well for four years. The product comes in a short squeeze tube that contains a bright, rust-red liquid that is in an easy to spread consistency and has a light citrus smell. I use this 1 to 2 times a week and its effects are immediate to very short term (1 to 2 days). First, the mask instantly gives you smoother, softer skin right after you wash it off. Second, my pores, especially on my nose, are noticeably smaller and breakouts are reduced overnight. And third, oil on my face is drastically reduced for the following day or two.

The application of the clay is simple and may tingle (never stings) depending on how sensitive your skin is – it rarely tingles my skin. After 10 – 15 minutes I rinse it off and apply my moisturizer. One thing to keep in mind is that the bottles I have purchased in the last two years have been of a different consistency than that of my first two. Most notable is the runniness of the latter bottles that require some shaking to mix the ingredients before application – a minor setback.

Overall, I am very satisfied with the Deep Pore Cleansing Clay and see myself buying this product in the near future. A bottle does last 4 to 5 months so it is a very affordable product at ~$20 CAD. My only complaint is that its effects are so short-term, an issue that all masks suffer from!

DDF Sulfur Therapeutic Mask (4/10)

Summary

Cons

• Lingering smell
• Expensive
• Not very effective
• Doesn’t reduce acne scars or blackheads

Pros

• Reduces oil
• Fights acne

In-depth Review

After reading rave reviews about the DDF Sulfur Therapeutic Mask all over the web, I decided to splurge and spend the $42 (CAD) on the mask in hopes that it would clear my face of my persistence acne.

The tub packaging that this product comes in is welcomed as it gives you easy access to the thick paste, as opposed to a squeeze tube. The product is in the form of a white thick paste with a distinctive chemical smell. It can be used as an all-over face mask or a spot treatment (I only used this product as a mask). Applying the product to the face is simple however the paste is quite thick and so I end up using a lot more product to ensure that I have an even amount spread over my face. I avoid areas that are dry or more sensitive such as the corners of my nose because the product tends to make those areas dry, red, and itchy. I leave the mask on for 15 minutes. During that time, more so than other masks, you feel the mask tighten within 3-4 minutes, however unlike other masks that I have tried, there is no tingling effect on the skin. Once the mask has dried, it turns a yellowish/green color and you can definitely smell the sulfur. When it is time to rinse this mask off, it is best done in the shower because firstly, it is hard to rinse off and requires quite a lot of rubbing, and secondly, because the smell of sulfur really sticks to your skin and so a more prolonged rinse is better. Beware of getting this product into your eyes as it will cause them to sting and water for a considerable amount of time - trust me.

Immediately after rinsing and moisturizing, my face feels quite clean and refreshed, albeit not smelling the greatest. Often when I apply this mask before I sleep I awake with less sever acne. Specifically, the size of newer pimples is often reduced however acne scars and older, more persistent pimples remain unchanged. I haven’t noticed any changes to the size of my pores or the reduction of blackheads with 3 months of usage. Of course, this mask does help with reducing oil secretion for a max of 2 days (for me) however, masks that are available for half the cost can as well – I recommend Anthony Logistics Deep Pore Cleansing Clay Mask (~$25 CAD)

All in all, I will continue to use this product until it is finished (another 3 months) however I will not be repurchasing the DDF Sulfur Therapeutic Mask. My first DDF skincare product may very well be my last.