Quote:
Originally Posted by
dkzzzz 
A 1. I’d be very weary of any skin product "specifically formulated for men". In my mind it says: "we made it in manly packages but with half-ingridients of women's line, cause those blokes don’t know shit anyhow".
) I only buy women's skin-care products.
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Actually, I think these are specifically designed for men because men and women having different types of skin... especially in the facial area where we shave (most women don't need to shave their beards/mustaches on a daily/weekly basis). So, in this case, I don't think that it's just a half-assed line intended to make a quick buck. The products I suggested are very good and not absurdly expensive, which is why I recommended them. My best suggestion would be to obtain a sample and see what you think for yourself. I think the Chanel is about $40 and the Shiseido travel pack about $30-40, while the revitalizer (full size) is perhaps $80. If money is no object and you want a women's product, Chanel's Sublimage Essential Regenerating Cream is very nice as well. Nevertheless, I didn't find it to be THAT much better than either the Technique or the Shiseido, despite being 5x's as expensive (I think a 50ml container runs $300 or so). I'm sure there are many differences that make one better, but my skin isn't THAT sensitive or damaged enough to justify/feel the price difference. But, I'll be the first to admit it's sort of like somebody only driving 1 mile per day on city streets not really being able to feel the difference between a Honda and a Bentley. As for Japanese cosmetics, well, I have no idea about the legalities but in general Japan is quite rigorous in its checks for all health-related issues. So, I think you'd be fine. As well, Shiseido, Kanebo, Shu Uemura, etc. at the top-end make some of the best and most expensive cosmetics in the world. EDIT: Looking through my medicine cabinet, I have found some partially-used containers of things I've used over the past several years and will give my impressions. I think all of these are still on the market (I purchased them all in Japan, but I'm sure they are sold here as well): Clarins "Fluide Lift Anti Rides Jour" or Advanced Extra Firming Day lotion. I wasn't that thrilled with it; my skin is a little dry and so the added moisturizing elements in the Shiseido (and the Chanel) seemed much better. So, it sits mostly unused as it seemed to protect/firm, but didn't moisturize. Chanel Hydramax + Moisture Boost cream, comes in two forms, a Gel and a Creme. I liked the gel, but again not as well as the Technique PH, especially in the area where I'd shave. So, I wouldn't really recommend this one either, except maybe for trying a sample first. This one seemed the opposite of the Clarins... it still felt too oily after application. The Shiseido, Technique, and Sublimage all went on clean, which I like.
