Beauty News

Acne occurs when bacteria fills up in the follicles of the skin. Why this happens is a mystery, though it’s believed that hormonal changes aggravate blockages since they accelerate oil and skin cell production. That’s why you have a better chance of preventing acne if you keep your skin clean.

Yet, don’t think that you can accomplish this with just soap and water, as they can only get rid of surface dirt. In order to try to attack acne at its source, you need a cleanser that can thoroughly clean the follicle. Stridex pads are an example of such a cleanser.

Stridex pads are one of the most unique cosmetic pimple cleansers on the market. Instead of using a cream or a gel to administer its solution, Stridex pads use a flat, round piece of cotton. And, when this cotton is applied to one’s face, it collects any dirt that is on the skin. You can even see the dirt if your skin is really oily.

Stridex pads can also help treat any existing pimples you might have. Granted, the solution cannot completely eliminate the acne, but the deep-cleaning action will help remove some of the germs causing the problem in the first place. As a result, it won’t take as long for your pimples to heal.

As far as the downsides, Stridex pads can burn you a little bit, especially if you use an extra-strength formula. However, there are Stridex pads that contain a gentler, alcohol-free solution. So, if you get one of these formulas, you shouldn’t have any issues with burning.

Another disadvantage is that the pads can dry out very easily. To prevent this problem, make sure you screw the cap on tight after each use. You can also get Stridex pads in alternative packaging, where it’s harder for them to dry out.

Let’s start off by saying Arbonne products are great. They are all natural products made with no animal products. Arbonne is one of the only Vegan approved cosmetic lines around. If that is important to you, then Arbonne is definitely the way to go. I have used several things made by Arbonne and have always been happy. That is, until I bought the Virtual Illusion Dual Volume Mascara.

First of all, this Mascara costs $28.50, add shipping to that and you are paying over $30 for mascara. That is something that simply isn’t in my budget. I usually buy $10 Mary Kay mascara. I think that is a bit pricey, but it is a good product, so it is worth it. $30 is just way too much for me to spend on make-up, but I did it because my friend had a Arbonne party, and I needed to buy something. So I thought I would give it a try.

Arbonne advertises that this mascara will give you thicker-looking lashes with this "smudge-proof, no-flake, volumizing formula with a high-tech, patent dual applicator." The mascara has two sides. One side separates your lashes and puts on the color. The other side applies a topcoat which adds conditioner and shine and is suppose to lift and curl.

I found that this mascara did look nice. I guess it did most of what it claimed to do. However, I did one eye with my Arbonne mascara and one with my Mary Kay mascara, and liked the look of my Mary Kay better. The Arbonne tends to clump up more than the Mary Kay. I didn’t want to be biased, so I tried the eye test on my husband and a few friends and they all picked the Mary Kay eye.

I am not bashing Arbonne products at all. I think they have a great line of beauty products. However, as far as mascara goes, I’ll be sticking to my $10 Mary Kay.