Burt's Bees Orange Essence Facial Cleanser

After a long while, the beauty blog bug bit me hard today. I've tried some new things during the last year, and am eager to share! Burt's Bees (BB) Orange Essence Facial Cleanser is a good place to start.

My skincare routine has not changed much since The Neverending Skincare Story II post in July 2010. I repurchased and continue to use Avene Cold Cream Emollient Soap-Free Cleansing Bar, Nivea Soft moisturizer, and Neutrogena Dry-Touch SPF 55 sunscreen. I did, however, move on from the oil-cleansing-method (OCM) with jojoba oil. No reason, other than the fact that I used up the whole bottle (good) but was ready to try something new (good and bad). I wanted something that would remove makeup well (since I try to make the most of my collection lately, and because the Avene bar isn't the best for this) and was as all-natural as possible. Since I had a good experience with 2 BB cleansers in the past (Soap Bark & Chamomile Cleansing Cream and Peach & Willowbark Deep Pore Scrub), I thought it would be fun to try a third.

I'm sure that if I suggested this orange-tinted, Vaseline-like cleansing balm, they would be pretty skeptical. But after Avene's cleansing bar, this has been my next-best find. In terms of texture, it is a happy medium between liquids, creams, and gels, both in terms of use and effect on the skin. For me, this is also a refined version of Vaseline in high school to remove makeup (mostly eye makeup at the time). Let's face it, we've all been there! I, for one, rather miss the simplicity of it. So while the Orange Essence Cleanser might seem scary to some, it is actually a treat to use.

Once massaged onto the skin (with or without moistened fingertips/face), this cleanser softens and spreads smoothly into a thin layer. It's nowhere as thick and greasy as Vaseline, and washes off easily. This does not lather, so if you need something sudsy, you'll either be pleasantly surprised or just not into it. I don't have a problem with the lack of lather, because unlike many cleansing milks which also do not lather, this stays on my face before I wash it off. My skin feels moisturized and balanced, without an oily or waxy residue, and it is super soft in the morning. I think come summertime, I could get away without using moisturizer after. Many reviews on MakeupAlley suggested wiping this off with a washcloth, but I found that a water rinse works just fine. I imagine that this is what Clinique Take Off the Day Cleansing Balm is like, but I've never tried that and prefer the both price-tag and all-natural goodness of BB's version.

I'm a big advocate of this cleanser because the texture makes it versatile, regardless of skin type or purpose. For oily skin, this could replace oils for the OCM. Since the texture is thicker and doesn't absorb the same way an oil would, I actually find it easier to apply and remove than say, jojoba oil, especially if you prefer a water rinse afterwards (since the oil repels water). You could also try: 1) Removing it with a cleansing towelette like Yes to Cucumbers Facial Towelettes; water rinse optional 2) Rinsing with water, following-up with a toner to remove any residue if you feel it. For dry skin, this is a no-brainer. For basic cleansing, also a no-brainer. As a makeup remover, using the cleanser along with either of the 2 steps above is especially effective but still gentle. However, I wouldn't suggest using this as an eye makeup remover - the orange essence (acidic, although I'm not sure how strong) maybe not be a good idea in that area, and the company website warns against it. Removing very light eye makeup or just eye shadow is probably fine, but if you really need to get in there, try a separate remover. I haven't experienced any stinging or bad reactions myself when this came near my eyes, but it's better to be careful.

I'm usually a major skeptic when it comes to marketing claims that involve a "special" ingredient like orange oil. But I must say, my face looks fresher and brighter after using this. And not just because it's clean and dewy from water. I think the orange oil really does act like an exfoliator and makes a difference in the texture of my skin and complexion - a slight brightening effect and a noticeable smoothness. Not complaining!

Overall, this is an effective cleanser that does improve my skin, and fulfills my desire for new and interesting products. $12 @ drugstores and the like.

The Neverending Skin Story II

I thought I had it all figured out when I talked about products for the late-20-something in Skin Story last year, but alas, all is never well in the beauty/skincare world. Since then, I have changed up my skincare routine considerably. I've never been one to use too many products but for the last 6 to 8 months, I've found a couple of products/techniques that have kept my face remarkably clearer than usual. The essentials of what has been working for me thus far:

1) My Non-Cleansing Cleansing - My hands-off approach to cleansing still involves a few products, but I don't use them regularly and because I don't wear much makeup on a daily basis, I can get away with it. In the cleanser rotation, I have 4 very gentle products:

- Pure jojoba oil (Desert Essences brand) - To gently cleanse (Oil Cleansing Method) every couple of weeks. Also use to remove eyeliner or mascara.
- St. Ive's Apricot Scrub - To exfoliate once a week (no more).
- Burt's Bees Soap Bark and Chamomile Cleansing Cream - To use once in a while or about once a week because it feels refreshing and soothing, especially during summer. This made it onto my list of Things I Bought That I Continue To Love.
- Avene Soap-Free Emollient Cleansing Bar - Use about 1-2 times a week just for gentle cleansing.

With minimal use, these 4 work for me namely because they cleanse and exfoliate gently. If I had to pare this down, it would be the Avene cleansing bar and the St. Ive's scrub.

2) My Special Pomegranate Green Tea Non-Toner Toner - I think used an astringent when I was like 14, and last year, I discovered Dickenson's witch hazel. I don't even bother with that anymore, because I still find it drying. Instead, I brewed 2 parts Bigelow Green Tea (Pomegranate flavor, and widely available), mixed it 1 part rose water (Dabur, an Indian brand but also widely available), and put it in an empty squirt bottle from the drugstore. Voila, instant "toner." I don't use this every time I wash my face, but it removes any makeup if I've been wearing more than usual and it is a refreshing and quick pick-me-up for your face. Plus, it is completely natural and cost me practically nothing.

3) Moisturizer - Day or night, it is no-frills Nivea Soft moisturizer for me. This tub is sort of the younger woman's Pond's Cold Cream, and a much lighter version of both that and the original, blue-tin Nivea cream. Nivea Soft is non-greasy but completely moisturizing, and I use it day and night. I have no problems with it. The soft, whipped texture might be comparable to Pond's Extra Dry Skin Cold Cream (although far less greasy) and the First Aid Beauty creams (from what I've read online).

Optional:

4) Sunscreen - I've tried a couple of SPF-moisturizers (Biore and L'Oreal) that I liked and one that didn't work for me (Eucerin), but now prefer the combination of a regular, simple moisturizer like Nivea Soft and Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock-SPF 55. This is largely because the Neutrogena is a great value - higher SPF, great formula, and better performance than the standard SPF-moisturizer.

I had searched high and low for a good SPF-moisturizer that is also a good value, but at nearly $16 for a small amount (1.5 oz), the Biore didn't seem worth it, and the L'Oreal is only SPF 15 (not a major fault, but I thought I could do better). The Neutrogena is about $11 for a huge tube (3.0 oz) of SPF 55, and works just fine with a regular moisturizer or even alone. The truly non-greasy and "dry-touch" formula actually seems to make my skin smoother with an almost primer-like effect. For once, I agree with everything the tube states - "lightweight clean feel," "fast-absorbing," "leaves skin soft and smooth," "waterproof." It should also include "Leaves no embarrassing white cast." Most importantly, it really seems to work in terms of its SPF properties - if this means anything, I've been walking to and from work everyday in the relentless NYC heat, and have just a touch of warmth to my skin and not a crazy tan (sorry, I admit that I don't like getting tanned, and since it's not great for your skin anyway, I'll continue to avoid it). Love it.

Things I Bought That I Continue To Love

Since it is the start of the New Year and every blogger on the internet has given some sort of summary of their favorites or Top 10s of something or another, I thought I'd kick off my return with a similar run-down of all the things I consistently use and would repurchase. They are not necessarily things to gush about (for that, you can check out Mindy Kaling's blog), but what else could consistent use and restocking of a product be but love? Every girl knows that products have to fight hard to make it to such a list - we are all, after all, extremely fickle about such things, and if we used the same products consistently, there would be no beauty blogging or beauty industry. But there are some things that don't need to be changed or updated or replaced.

I came up with a similar list in 2008, which was more makeup-heavy and not as well thought-out. Hopefully this one will need less revision in the future.

The List

1. The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Blemish Stick - I keep one in my work bag and one at home. It dries up any baby pimples before you know it, and without drying out the surrounding skin or leaving a crusty film. I recently got 4 during The Body Shop's annual holiday clearance sale for $5.00 each (they are usually $9.00 - a bit steep in my opinion, but worth every penny). While I still endorse this as a non-sale purchase, it's even sweeter to stock up on it when it's almost 50% off. A few dabs on trouble spots throughout the day, and it's taken care of.

2. Burt's Bees Soap Bark and Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream - I don't know how or why I still have this, but I do know that I use it a few times a week. It doesn't dry out my skin or make it too oily (even in the summertime). It's got to be magic or something since I've had it for over a year and it should have run out by now. All I know is that while I don't use it daily, if there is one cream cleanser that I would repurchase for myself, this would be it.

3. Maybelline Expert Eyes Moisturizing Mascara Remover for Waterproof Eye Makeup - I felt like giving this a shout-out because people are always talking about how hard it is to take off eye makeup. Really? Is it that hard? All you need is this (or a few drops of jojoba oil - any oil should do) and a little bit of elbow grease. I don't wear heavy makeup at all, but when I do wear more than usual, this does the job. I will never understand why anyone needs an eye makeup remover that costs more than a few bucks. Just seems like a waste to me. I've had this teeny bottle forever and alternate it with jojoba oil.

4. Make Up Forever Aqua Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner in 0L - Now is not the time to get into my search for the perfect black/brown eyeliner, but when no brown will do, this is the only black I use. In fact, I've never had any other black eyeliner pencil. Through high school and college, all I kept was black liquid eyeliner. So considering that, its somewhat of a miracle that I even have this, and that it again has lasted me well over a year. Granted, I don't use it every day. But it is just creamy and just hard enough to avoid too much sharpening, which makes it last a long while. Definitely something to be repurchased in the future, although I'm sure there are several good drugstore alternatives. I'm eyeing the 1L Star Black shade, which is an off-black with a slight sheen. And we all know how great anything "off-" is. I can't say that this never smudges, or that it is really as waterproof as it is marketed to be, but it is definitely more up my alley than black kohl and gel formulas. How do I live with a $17.00 eyeliner pencil, you ask? The answer is - I have no idea. I can't recall when I bought this (must have been on Sephora credit), or why I was interested in it. All I know is that once I got it, I kept it, and kept using it, and it still exists in my makeup bag.

5. Blistex Medex Medicated Lip Balm - I have very, very chapped lips. They are nearly always chapped, and after they smooth out, they chap up again very quickly. I used to be a Vaseline girl, but I've decided it is just time for that little tub to go (except for under my eyes occasionally!). This little blue pot needs to be sold in a tub of its own. It has a similar consistency to Vaseline, just a tad bit thinner. It also has a very pretty sheen that looks great over lipstick. One pot lasts forever, so of course, I had to have two. No need for fancy balms from Kiehl's or Neutrogena or what have you.

6. Dior DiorShow Mascara in Black - I know you are supposed to replace your mascara every 3 months (although I suspect this might be somewhat of a money-making gimmick), but I just can't let this go, both because I love it and also because it is expensive and I don't have the heart to replace it. We all know I am cheap at heart and worship the drugstore, so it is still a bit difficult for me to justify having a $24.00 mascara. But if I'm going to have one, well then I'm going to keep it until it starts to kill me!!! I don't think this is an over-hyped product at all, but then, how well a product works varies from person to person, and this happens to work really well for me. I was never into mascara. Never, ever. Had one tube of L'Oreal Voluminious which was just fine. Then I tried this and wondered why I had never worn mascara before.

7. Aveda Smooth Infusion Style-Prep Smoother - Love this stuff. I don't have the best relationship with hair products, and for the most part, can live without them. I got this on a whim after a haircut at an Aveda salon. At $24.00, it was an unusually expensive purchase for me, but it was worth it. I've had it for almost a year and use it nearly every time I blow out my hair. It is creamy but light, and keeps my hair smooth without weighing it down. Would repurchase if it was okay to splurge in the future, but another 2 products that do an okay job and are far less expensive - Garnier Sleek & Shine Leave-In Conditioning Cream and Pantene Humidity Protection Leave-In Cream.

8. Atina Hair Shine - I'm not sure I really need to mention this product, because it is not the greatest thing in the world. But, I've had it for almost 2 years, it does its job, and is a great value. This is basically a John Frieda Frizz-Ease type of serum - only you get a huge bottle (0.15 lbs) for about $8.00 and it has a nice, herbal-y fragrance. I use it after I dry my hair to smooth it out a bit and give it some shine. Nothing complicated here, and would repurchase - at Rani salons only, of course. Yeah, don't ask why I was at this Indian salon on Long Island 2 years ago and how my friend talked me into getting this. But I'm glad I did. You know something works for you when you're willing to take out the broken pump dispenser and slather it over your hands. Really - using a broken bottle of hair goo? That must be some kind of love. And if love for value is all that it is, well, I can live with that.

Fall/Winter Makeup Update

Wow, is it almost December already? Scary thought. I can't believe my evolution is - still evolving. The time is flying so fast, I really do forget how many days go by without detailing my current makeup trials and tribulations.

Given that I was still somewhat of a newbie when I first started blogging about them and the current fall/winter season, I thought it was time to update you on what has become near and dear to me.

On a daily basis, I've been using my L'Oreal liquid eyeliner in Defined by Plum, Cover Girl TruShine Lipcolor in Chocolate Shine, and the love of my life, Almay's Amazing Eye Liner in Black Brown. Blush enters in somewhat of a variety show, but big stars have been NYX Blush in Pecan and L'Oreal's TruBlend Blush in Subtle Sable.

Other products I continue to use regularly and which serve me well (both makeup and skincare):

Clinique Almost Powder (SPF 15) in Deep
Clinique Line-Smoothing Concealer in Deep Honey
NYX Eye Shadow Trio - Guru
The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Blemish Stick (a real life-saver)
Burt's Bees Soap Bark & Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream
Phisoderm Gel Clarifying Moisturizer
Nivea Lip Care
MAC Lipstick in Polished Up combined w/ Milani Lip Gloss in Taboo

The cooler weather and much clearer skin (thank you, Tretinoin) have been helping things along quite a bit, and I'm grateful. Fall/winter are definitely favorable makeup evolution seasons - too bad I started this over the summer. You live, you learn.

Skin Breakthrough - Burt's Bees Soap Bark and Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream

My cleanser dance continues...

Pears' was a good cleanser, but my skin was dry for days even after 1 use. I don't attribute this to Pears', however - my skin has just become increasingly sensitive over the years. Even the simplest products just won't do.

I reconsidered my options and thought back to what I did in high school/college. Back then, my staples were either Oil of Olay foaming cleanser, Clean & Clear foaming cleanser, or Clean & Clear cream cleanser.

I used the C&C cream cleanser the longest, stopping only after reading too many beauty magazines and convincing myself that it was too greasy for my combination/oily skin. But in retrospect, chances are that my skin issues then had more to do with lifestyle and stress than what cleanser I was using. My skin was never irritated or dry as a result of my cleanser then. Now in my 20s, I thought it would be worth a shot trying something similar.

I almost went for the C&C again, but thought that something "natural" might be a small step up. Since my Burt's Bees Peach & Willowbark Scrub has actually worked for me over the last few months, I decided to try the company's Soap Bark & Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream.

After 3 uses, I think it's safe to say that this is The balancing, non-drying, non-irritating cream cleanser for me. I also feel that it's better to have a slightly moisturizing cleanser (or one that leaves your skin's natural oil balance as is) instead of a drying/stripping cleanser after which you have to slather on some moisturizer anyway.

The Deep Cleansing Cream isn't thick or waxy in the least, but is still rich and soothing. It also washes off easily without leaving any residue. It definitely creates a slight "tingle" on application, which I would normally take to be a sign of irritating chemicals. But this hasn't led to any irritation, and the benefits far outweigh it.

I would recommend this as a safe, reliable cleanser if you're skin is somewhat combination/oily, or if you'd like something richer for the winter months. It might not be the best bet for very oily skin, but could be worth a try - the prevailing wisdom on these things isn't necessarily always correct.

Most of Burt's Bees products list how "natural" it is (this one is 97%), and contain no parabens, phthalates, or sulfates. If you're interested, take a look at this helpful page on their website which advises you on How To Read Your Personal Care Ingredient Labels. And yes, it is also a bargain. $7.99 @ Drugstores

On Clean Skin

Despite my efforts to slow the aging process by using as little product as possible, clearly I'm intrigued by everything bottled, tubed, encased, and dispensable the way little kids are by fingerpaint and Crayola. Normally, this doesn't apply as much to skincare, since my own skin isn't great and I've been waiting to see a dermatologist to dump on the chemicals. For no reason whatsover, I decided cleansers were a safe enough product to explore. To make matters worse, my dermo just told me any cleanser I want is a-ok, and so begins the madness. I will of course be adding to the new collection I've established (sadly, it only has 2 products!), but for the time being, I'm liking my Burt's Bees Peach and Willowbark Deep Pore Scrub and Desert Essences Thoroughly Clean Face Wash with Organic Tea Tree Oil and Awapuhi.

The BB Scrub has worked for me when used in moderation (which is how I use scrubs - I find them too harsh for daily use). I bought it because I "needed" a scrub and because BB is supposed to be au naturel and I liked that willow bark supposedly has salicylic acid, which is supposed to be good for my skin "type" and everything it is "prone" to. I actually like the creamy texture (normally a no-no for oily skin?) that doesn't feel greasy. And yes, I like the scent and it feels all nice on my dirty little face at the end of the day (or after a few days of not-cleansing/scrubbing - happens more often that I like to admit).

There is definitely a slight "film" or "waxiness" left after rinsing but I think that's the natural effect of the natural ingredients used, and because of it, I don't have to follow-up with a moisturizer. I think most people are too used to that awful, chemical "squeaky clean" feeling which is just so unnatural - you're supposed to have some oil on your face! Afterwards, my skin always feels fresh and not too dry/tight. Normally, within a few minutes of washing off a scrub, I feel like I have to slather on some moisturizer. I also find it way better than St. Ives', which has way too many harsh granules and a much more chemical smell/feel. So far I've used it a couple of times a week and am satisfied - it actually made me want to try more BB products. Do I sound like a commercial or what?! Such a great blogger am I.

Tea tree oil and awapuhi - a naturalist's dream! I keep hearing about how awesome tea tree oil is supposed to be for zits/blemishes/scarring/all bad skin things, and have been trying to find the perfect product that has it. I haven't yet, but I do really like this organic cleanser. It has a very water consistency - good sign, not too many extra chemicals! It smells a bit acidic, but that's always okay, right? Afterwards, my face definitely looked cleaner and fresher, and there was absolutely nothing different-feeling on my face - not moisturized, not dry, not tight, not filmy, nada - just my skin. Felt good the next morning too.

I feel good not so much because my skin does actually look a bit better lately, but because I don't feel guilty about wasting money on products that were just not special enough. Patting myself on the back.