I have a number of old reviews that I've been meaning to write, but for whatever reason have been utterly uninspired to write them and put them up on the blog!! Do you have those...you know...you've taken the pictures, but they keep getting pushed to the back burner in favor of reviewing newer and more shiny products?!! 

In order to keep these from haunting me for who knows how long, I'm starting a new series called Back Burner Blast. You'll be 'blasted' with mini reviews of several products at a time that I've been sitting on for awhile. And please forgive how different the picture quality/style may look since these particular ones were from last Summer/Fall...and well...hopefully my pictures look better now! Ha ha!

Sunday Riley Charisma Creme Cleanser

Charisma Creme felt amazingly soothing and soft on my skin, and did a great job removing makeup!! It had a faint milky scent that was nice and not overwhelming. 

I like my cleansers to leave my skin feeling clean (read: no daily oil buildup left, please!!), but not stripped. I felt 

Charisma Creme left behind a slight residue, that I'm assuming is meant to help moisturize those with dry skin. It didn't feel like a film, it just felt as if I had already applied a very light serum. So those with dry skin might really love this!! As much as I really wanted to love this...eh...I didn't, but only because I didn't like how my skin felt afterward.

From Barneys:

Skin softening blend of milk and aloe works with multi-fruit acids to leave your skin supple and refreshingly clean. Chamomile, lavender, and green tea soothe, and restore, reducing inflammation. Lines seem to literally melt away with this softening, satiny, but non-greasy cleanser. Regenerates the skin and provides vital antioxidant and vitamin-packed protection for a youthful glow. Suitable for normal to dry skin.

Sunday Riley Charisma Creme Cleanser. Left - thickly applied, Right - thinly applied.

Avene Cold Cream Hand Cream

Ugh. I couldn't stand the smell of this AT ALL. It is a very strong perfumed scent. I don't mind a light fragrance, but I really don't want something that will compete with anything else I might be wearing!!

Aside from the scent, this was nicely moisturizing and felt really good going on. Not too greasy and it sank in quickly. However, I don't think this is a must have or offers anything life changing. Unless, of course you are just an Avene fan and want to try it!

From drugstore.com:

With its ultra - rich formula, the Hand cream with Cold Cream restores the skin barrier of dry, chapped, rough hands.  The skin rapidly regains suppleness and comfort.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser

This removed all of my makeup very quickly and without much effort! It felt very creamy, and a very little bit goes a very long way. Serious...less than a pea-sized amount and you are good to go!! This is paraben/silicone/fragrance/oil-free!! However, I felt this left a film on my skin and I gave up after about a week. But my Husband inherited the tube and absolutely loves it!!!

From Kiehls.com:

Our Ultra Facial Oil–Free Cleanser is a quick–lathering cleansing foam that thoroughly removes impurities and visibly reduces excess oil on skin’s surface, while leaving skin looking more balanced. With Imperata Cylindrica Root and Lemon Fruit Extracts, our non–stripping, sulfate–free formula leaves skin clean and refreshed without over–drying. Gentle enough for sensitive skin. Oil–free, paraben–free, fragrance–free, colorant–free.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream

I was intrigued by the gel/cream texture!! This actually felt lightweight, yet substantial enough to offer longer lasting hydration than you might 'think' you would find in a traditional gel formula. This wasn't enough for my dry areas, but layered over a serum or oil it worked really well to keep me hydrated all day. On my slightly oily areas, this worked well when patted very lightly. It didn't lessen the oil by any means, but it also didn't make me any oiler! Again with this one, a little goes a long way.

I actually would have continued using this gel cream, but after a couple of weeks it started to cause clogs. I gave it to one of my friends though who has severely oily skin, and he really likes it!!

From Kiehl's.com:

Our Ultra Facial Oil–Free Gel Cream is a non–oily, quickly absorbed hydrator that visibly reduces the appearance of oil and leaves skin looking and feeling more balanced. The oil–free gel cream works synergistically with skin’s natural lipids to visibly reduce excess oil on skin’s surface. It is non–greasy, and retains essential moisture in skin for a healthier, re–balanced skin barrier and a smoother, fresher appearance. With Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Antarcticine, and Cucumber Fruit Extract, this unique preparation helps skin retain moisture and protect it from arid conditions. The unique gel cream texture is instantly absorbed leaving a dry feel. Oil–free, paraben–free, fragrance–free, colorant–free.

Have you tried any of these products? What did you think?