Olay's Definity Penetrating Foaming Cleanser Review...and Other Beauty Goodies

It's been so long since I've written about beauty on this blog, that I'm afraid I've sank into the "I'm preggers so it's taken over my brain cells" phenomenon.  I try to remedy this by buying cute tops (non-maternity whenever possible) and cool makeup, but I HAVE become even more conscientious of what I put on my body than before I became pregnant. My hubby thinks it's just an excuse for me to buy more products (maybe he has a certain point here...hehehehe).  But I think most women experience this as they only want the best for, and prevent harm to, their unborn babies. 

Recently I came across a few great products so thought I'd share:

Mass Market Product

• Olay Definity Penetrating Foaming Cleanser (approx. $8.50 at Wal-Mart/Target).  No sodium or ammonium laureth/lauryl sulfates, propylene glycol, or parabens.

Method of Use: just like styling mousse.  Shake the can well and press the pump!

Texture: soft, elegantly fine foam, with a small amount of tiny granules to deep clean skin and remove makeup (even my stubborn eye liner).  The granules were gentle and non-irritating.

Fragrance: a nice, slightly powder-y floral.

Result: really clean skin that doesn't feel stripped of moisture at all, even a few minutes after washing & drying face without applying anything else.  Nice refined texture to allow easy application of skincare products.  So nice for the summer!

Natural Skincare Products*

*doesn't mean 100% natural - just contains more naturally derived ingredients than man made chemicals.

• Juara Tamarind Tea Hydrating Toner ($27; http://www.skinstore.com).  No alcohol, phthalates, propylene glycol, parabens or oils. 

Method of Use and Texture: like any toner

Fragrance: herbal

Result:  This is a great toner to soften the skin. I have combination skin with a t-zone that tends to be oily or dry depending on the season. This toner provides light moisture that's just enough to please both my temperamental t-zone and my drier cheek areas.

• Juara Sweet Black Tea and Rice Facial Moisturizer ($47; http://www.skinstore.com).  No phthalates, mineral oil or propylene glycol.

Method of Use: after toning

Texture: lightweight cream / silky emulsion

Fragrance: fruity-floral, really nice!

Result:  I've tried many global department store brands and both Juara's products listed here exceeded my expectations. The moisturizer is thicker than a lotion but lighter than typical facial creams. It quickly sinks into the skin, keeping my face soft, hydrated and supple all day. The cream works well both day and night.  During the day it doesn't cause my skin to look like a greasy mirror, and can double as a nice primer for mineral makeup.  When I wake up in the morning my skin is soft and smooth.

Full ingredients' lists available at skinstore.com.  Have fun!

CG