Being Careful With Beauty Products

All I wanted was a basic facial cleanser and moisturizer. I stood in Sephora for probably an hour, comparing foaming cleansers to oil cleansers and debating between gel or lotion moisturizers. For some time, I had been using Sephora's branded skincare line and while it kept my face moisturized I was really wanting something more. I had started reusing some leftover Ole Henriksen products I had from last year and was really happy with the outcome, but sadly Sephora didn't have them in stock. Since I work outside in the elements and jet fuel emissions I needed something ASAP. I decided on Philsophy's Purity Made Simple cleanser and their cult-favorite Hope in a Jar. Shortly after using them for the first time on Sunday morning, I broke out into a mass of hives. I had a horrible bumpy, itchy, and scaly red rash all over my face and neck and even parts of my body that I had touched while getting dressed.

Most of the hives are gone now, but I still have some rash on my forehead and cheeks that I'm worried might scar. From what i've read, this rash could stick around for another few weeks. Great, fantastic, WONDERFUL. But, this isn't so much a story about a product that didn't work out for me. This is more of a story about how I was an idiot and didn't do things properly that could have avoided this whole hives episode.

I usually see it on the instructions of hair dye, but you should always try new skincare or cosmetics on the back of your hand or your forearm instead of just slathering it on your face. I'm pretty positive it was the moisturizer that cause the hives, since I've used Purity Made Simple in the past with no problems. I have even sampled it on my arm in two places before I decided to purchase it. In one area, I had two small bumps that resembled tiny ingrown hairs and on the other spot I had nothing happen. I didn't even notice the two tiny bumps until I was trying to figure out what had caused the reaction.

I don't have sensitive skin or allergies so I've never worried about having reactions before. Now I'm mildly terrified of breaking out again. I've let my skin rest all week, only washing it with Cetaphil. When I returned the Philsophy products I was sort of scared to buy any skincare even if it was meant sensitive skin. In the end, I purchased to the Ole Henriksen products I should have bought in the first place. I've used them before and was happy with the results I got the second time I used them. I did do spot tests on the inside of my arm the night before I started using them and thankfully, no hives.

But take care next time you're looking at new skincare or cosmetics. Let my itch and rash be a cautionary tale for everyone.

REVIEW: Ole Henriksen's African Red Tea Kit

About two months ago, I first wrote about trying the Ole Henriksen African Red Tea kit.  I have heard so many people rave about it, so many bloggers loved it.  I had no hesitatations when I bought it, and jumped right in to test it out.

While I wasn't expecting miracles, I wasn't sure what to expect.  Everyone told me I would notice the difference in my skin.  After the first few days of using the system as prescribed, I saw an amazing glow to my skin I haven't seen in a long time.  My mom and sisters both told me my skin looked great, and I actually had one of those moments when a stranger asked me what I was using because I looked "great."  She was expecting makeup, not a skincare line.  So yes, the Ole Henriksen skin miracles are true.


Waiting for the plot twist?  The entire time I used this kit I got deep, horrible cystic acne.  The likes I haven't seen since I was a teenager.  I know that starting a new skin product can cause minor breakouts, and I know hormones and stress can do evil things to your skin.  I also wash my hands before I wash my face.  However, my stress levels haven't been high, and I know what a hormone breakout looks like on me because it's the same everytime.  I had several pimples on my cheeks that were so big I could see them without having to look down.  I do think I found the culprit, either the exfolient or the mask included in the kit.

Acne aside, there are some great products in the kit.  The best thing is the foaming facial wash.  It has a fruity smell, dissolves makeup well, and leaves my skin feeling like silk.  I'm pretty addicted to that feel, it's like a face wash high.  The moisturizer is also really good, although it's a bit on the heavy side for my oily skin.  Come winter, though, I think it will be perfect.  I used the eye cream twice a day and didn't see any results.  Not counting the acne, the exfolient was fair, I've used better.  Also minus the acne thing, the mask really didn't do anything for me.

Do I recommend this kit?  I recommend that if you're looking for anti-aging products that you might consider giving it a try.  If I wasn't concerned about my budget right now, I'd buy the face wash in a heartbeat.  I really wanted to love this set, but in the end, it just didn't work out for me.

First Thoughts: Ole Henriksen Anti-Aging Kit

I've been noticing a few lines start to form under my eyes, not doubt due to my years of refusing to wear glasses.  When it came time to purchase face wash, I decided to try some anti-aging products.  While at Sephora, I came across this Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Anti-Aging kit.  I have done some research in the past on anti-aging skincare lines, and this one came very highly recommended.  Since it was on sale, I figured why not.

Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Anti-Aging Kit, $68, DermStore

 This kit holds two month's worth of the following products:

• Foaming Face Wash, 2x a day


• Face Mist, 2x a day, can also use when you need "refreshing"


• Moisturizing face mask, 2x a week


• Eye cream, 2X a day


• Face scrub, 2-3x a week


• Moisturizer, 1x a day

So far, I've used everything in this kit other than the scrub.  Following the directions given to the letter, my absolute first thought is: "Damn, my face is greasy."  Like Valdez and the BP oil spill put together oily.  It's somewhat uncomfortable.  I have only been using the products since Friday night, but other than the greasiness, they're not bad.  The foaming fash wash makes my skin feel so incredibly soft.  I'm not getting the point of the facial mist, though.  I know it's a toner, but spraying it on your face is very awkward and it stings (the package says it will tingle).  I must say, though, that my skin looks bright and alive, so I'm excited to keep using it to see if it will help with my under-eye lines.

First Thoughts is a new series of posts that detail new products I'm using and my intial reactions to them.