A real mom of 4 reviewing various products & services with honesty & integrity. From beauty products to teen tech to groceries - the truth - so you can save dollars, time & sanity. No flames, no games, just a real mom reviewing.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Smoothing out the wrinkles...

Quite a few weeks back BzzAgent sent me some full size samples (& coupons for) RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Creme. I was very excited to receive these. I was just about out of night cream and hadn't bought anything, plus I've had positive experience with the RoC brand before. So, I started using the cream. First, I had to use it only every other day because the active ingredient (Retinol) was a bit too harsh on my skin, even though I've used Retinols before. The guide said that might be the case and to follow that pattern. So, after about a week I progressed to using it every night. I think it's been about 8 weeks, maybe 9 since I received the cream and started using it.
I must say that I'm disappointed with the cream's performance on my skin. I can attest to the fact that my skin is softer now. And I know by the irritation that it caused at first, that the active ingredient is probably doing its job. However, I cannot SEE any difference in my skin. I've not noticed any lessening of lines or wrinkles, of complexion/discoloration problems or even of occasional blemishes. I do have the softness, though, so I guess that's something, right?
True, I don't really have many lines or wrinkles (I'm only 36), except on my forehead, which bore the brunt of my sunburns most of my life...so maybe I would see more difference if I had more problems? I was really hoping that it would do some serious repair to my etched forehead, though. I guess I just need to cut some bangs if I want improve that area!

Should you bat an eyelash at the new lash serums?

Good question. A little while back BzzAgent sent me a set from L'Oreal that contained their Lash Boosting Serum & the Double Extend Mascara with Lash Boosting Serum. Honestly, I was pretty skeptical about the lash serum, but hopeful that the mascara would at least be really good. I've been using the serum, which you apply each night before bed, for about 7 weeks now. I don't use the mascara every day, therefore I don't use the daily serum every day, but I do use the night serum every night. With that said, let me tell you about the results I've gotten.
First, after about 4 weeks, I noticed some new growth (I examined my lashes really well when I started the testing period). There were even a few wierd eyelashes that were new & growing just a touch above my new lash line. Now, before I tell you about my 6 week results, let me give you some background.
A while back, somehow, whether by curling eyelashes or something else, I ended up having one little patch of about 1/8th of an inch where my eyelashes were only 1/2 as long as all the rest. It was like something cut them off 1/2 way down the lash. Where this happened, my lashes stuck straight out and would not curl for anything. It was strange looking & drove me nuts. This had been the case for probably 3 months? Well, I noticed after week 6 of serum usage that the patch had quickly grown out & my eyelashes were finally curling in that spot again. Yay! So, I'm assuming that the "all the sudden" growth has to be due to the serum.
Anyways, the mascara itself is great. I would buy it again even without the serums. It goes on smoothly with no clumps, it doesn't smudge, and it looks really good on.
So, should you bat an eyelash at L'Oreal's new Lash Boosting Serum & matching mascara? I'd say yes. It worked for me. I could see the improvement. I intend to purchase it again. But, I did have some specific issues that made it easier for me to see the improvements. If you decide to try it, get a pic of your lashes before you start, then after 6 weeks and compare. Put mascara (but only mascara, no eyeliner, etc.) on in both pics so you'll see your lashes better. I tried to do this, but my old digital camera is junkie & you really couldn't tell what you were looking at. It doesn't do good close-ups.
I had no side effects. I experienced no problems with this treatment or mascara. Way to go L'Oreal! I think they have a winner ;)