Last December I filmed a little "get unready with me" video that I thought would be fun to share with you all. Most of these products are going to end up in my next empties post as I am almost done with each product and already have new items to replace them.
Toning is something I have really come to love in my skincare routine. If you have kept up with my skincare routines in the past, you know I like having two types of toners on hand: one that is moisturizing in the morning and one that is exfoliating for night time. I had finished up a container of Peter Thomas Roth Max Correction Pads and wanted to try something new so I ended up replacing them with First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads. So how do they compare?
Both are at similar price points with PTR being a bit more expensive than FAB ($30 versus $36). They both contain the same amount of pads (60) which are housed in screw top containers. They also have the same type of pad texturing, with one side being smooth and its reverse having a bumpy pattern.
PETER THOMAS ROTH:
PTR is the stronger of the two as it took about a week for my skin to acclimate to its effect and I have pretty resilient skin. It also has a high alcohol content, with it being the second highest ingredient listed. The Peter Thomas Roth Max Correction Pads have 10% glycolic acid and 1/2% salicylic acid as their exfoliants. The pads have a scent that is sweet and fruity. They are very saturated in that the pads are soaking wet. I felt one pad was a waste and too much for my whole face so I cut them in half and used half a pad for my whole face.
FIRST AID BEAUTY
FAB is very mild but effective. My skin had no reactions and didn't need to adjust. They have a more "green" approach with their formula and do not contain any alcohol. The First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads have lactic and glycolic acid for their exfoliants. The scent is not very nice, it reminds me a bit of not so pleasant liquid multivitamin my mother used to make me ingest as a child. The pads aren't very saturated and are drier than the PTR. I need to use the full pad to cover my whole face, cutting them in half was not an option.
OVERALL:
I like both of these offerings. I think Peter Thomas Roth is focusing more on acne and pore minimizing concerns whereas First Aid Beauty is zoning in on resurfacing the skin to attack scarring and hyperpigmentation. If I had to pick one, I think I would go for First Aid Beauty's take. They are milder yet surprisingly very effective. I noticed a difference with both pads but I felt like the First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads gave me quicker, noticeable results and kept large blemishes away the best. The Peter Thomas Roth Max Correction Pads are a good product; I still saw improvement just at a slower pace. The only things I felt the PTR pads did better FAB were the scent and the saturation of the pads. PTR gave me more bang for my buck as I was able to double the amount I had by cutting the pads in half. I am unable to do this trick with the FAB pads as they have just the right amount of liquid in one pad for your face.
I wouldn't recommend Peter Thomas Roth Max Correction Pads to the sensitive skinned...as the name implies they are at a max state formula wise so some stinging and dryness is expected in the beginning until your skin gets around to its effect. I skipped every other day using them until my skin could handle it. I didn't have to do this for First Aid Beauty's Radiance Pads. These would be better suited for sensitive skin types that still want some exfoliation in their lives.
I have had a few thoughts about a few skincare items I have been using as of lately that I wanted to share. I've hit a nice little groove of good skin days for the past few weeks and I believe it is due to my routine so here is what I have discovered.
LA-ROCHE POSAY TOLERIANE FOAMING CLEANSER
Yes, yes if you are a Caroline Hirons reader, foaming cleansers are the devil and all that. I like CH, she gives great skincare advice and insight to the naive but I also am a firm believer in something she has said herself: if something works for you, by all means keep using it. That is how I feel about certain foaming cleansers. Balms and oils are wonderful and all, but nothing gets all the crap off my face quite like a gentle yet thorough foaming cleanser. I picked this La-Roche Posay item up after reading about it so many times on Sandra's blog and I quite agree with her, this is a kick ass cleanser. It is gentle yet cleanses well without over drying. It requires the SMALLEST amount to get a nice rich foam and lather. That always impresses me. It reminds me a lot of Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser, one of my favorite cleansers I have ever used (I miss it too, I probably will get it after I use this guy up). The only difference is the Clarins smells fresher and cleaner. This La-Roche Posay version doesn't really have much of a scent to it. I think this would be best for combo to oily skin as it will balance out your skin nicely. I think normal to dry types will find this too stripping.
CLARINS LOTUS OIL
I know, I did a review on this already and I mentioned it in my night time skincare routine post but I wanted to say one more thing about this: I think this works best ONLY on problem areas and not all over. At least for me. I traveled away over July 4th and I left this behind. My oily areas stroke back with an oily vengeance but my chin area, which has been super prone to hormonal cystic breakouts, was clear as day. I came back from my trip and started using this up again and my chin started getting clogged up and hormonal again. It might just be a coincidence but I've been experimenting by applying this only to my oily areas and skipping out on my normal patches. I have noticed significant clearing up on my chin. Just something to keep in mind and something I found interesting.
PETER THOMAS ROTH MAX COMPLEXION PADS
Speaking of my chin area, let me go into more detail. I haven't had to really deal with bad breakouts in a long time ever since I did the Accutane deal back in high school. Yes I got a few bumps and spots here and there during the hormonal times of the month but nothing that I couldn't zap away with some La-Roche Posay Effaclar Duo. But the past couple months my chin area has been a nightmare! Small bumps, hormonal cystic acne, you name it. It was very frustrating as my normal remedy of Effaclar Duo had no effect on them.
I bought these pads to chemically exfoliate my face at night and to also clear up pesky spots. This worked very well for me. It cleared up my chin in no time. However, it is a VERY strong formula! It took some time for my skin to acclimate. The first time I used it, my skin was in bad shape and quite vulnerable. I swiped a pad over my chin and went to bed. The next day all the spots were dried up and gone, BUT, it left my skin so dry! It was peeling and quite unattractive. I had to rescue my chin with some Avene Soothing Moisture Mask to repair the damage. If you do want to try these out and have sensitive skin, I would be very, very cautious. My skin is used to it now so now it clears breakouts in a breeze without leaving peeling skin behind but I took baby steps to get there. I also cut the pads in half to extend the life of the product. I find half of a pad is more than enough to cover my face.
BOTTOM LINE
Quite a lengthy chat! In summary: La Roche Posay Foaming cleanser is kick ass and recommended for combo to oily skin. Very great at balancing and will last you a while. Very similar to Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser. Clarins Lotus Oil is best for application on only your oily areas, if you have hormonal patches try to skip those parts as I believe it exacerbates the problem. The Peter Thoomas Roth Pads are really great at clearing up stubborn breakouts but are quite strong so if your skin is prone to peeling I wouldn't risk it unless you are desperate. Phew. Any skincare bits you have been enjoying lately?
OIL CLEANSER: Boscia Makeup Breakup Cool Cleansing Oil
This is a repeat purchase, I think I have gone through about 3 bottles of these. I like it but I prefer Shu Uemura more. This is a bit thicker than Shu and takes a few rinses to get off. Still, it cleans off makeup well and helps keep my skin hydrated. I've noticed when I skip out using oil cleansers, my skin gets a few rough patches. Never again. The ingredients in the Boscia would appeal more to the natural junkies compared to the Shu since Shu is mostly mineral oil (which I have no aversion to).
SECOND CLEANSER: Ole Henricksen On the Go Cleanser
I have only been using this for 2 weeks or so I don't have a real opinion on it yet. So far it is decent but not the best cleanser I have tried. It has a vitaminy citrus scent and squeezes out as a thick gel. I actually hate the set up of dispensing the product, it is thick so squeezing it out of the nozzle is a pain. It cleans well and doesn't irritate my skin. I think this wouldn't be a good idea for dry skin though, it is ever so slightly stripping.
TONER: Kiehl's Clarity Activating Toner
I'm about done with this and I can say that this is nothing special. There is no noticeable difference in my scarring nor in the healing time of the redness after a blemish makes its way out. It doesn't sting and it doesn't make me break out but it is absolutely not worth the retail $42 USD. I'm glad I got this discounted or else I'd be quite irate with this. Skip it!
FACIAL OIL: Clarins Lotus Oil
I did a review on this HERE. I feel the same way as my review: I'm now a believer in facial oils and their benefits. It has dramatically helped with my sebum production and overall balance of my skin.
MOISTURIZER: CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion
It ain't HG for nothing.
For my night time routine, I am only unhappy with my toner choice. Luckily I'm almost finished with it so I can move on to better things. I already picked up its replacement: Peter Thomas Roth Max Correction Pads. I've actually tried these before in the past but I forgot how they fared.
A brief summary on my skin type and skincare philosophy: oily, acne prone, scarred, and not all that sensitive. My main concerns are controlling oil without over drying as well as working at diminishing the appearance of my hyperpigmentation and scarring. I prefer to have a morning cleanser that is mild and usually non foaming just to wash away the night's oil production and residue from the lotions and potions I applied the night before. I also am a firm advocate of oil cleansers and second cleansing at night. I am not obsessively concerned with ingredients but I do read what is in what I purchase and tend to pick items that have a higher percentage of the beneficial ingredients rather than the fillers. I like having two types of toners on hand, one to hydrate and one to mildly exfoliate. Now on to specifics:
CLEANSER: Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip
This is quite expensive, $45 USD, but the price per use for this ends up making that price tag manageable. I am about 9 months in using it and I still have enough left for a good solid 2 months I would say. I like this cleanser. It doesn't feel stripping yet it cleans thoroughly. It claims to tighten pores and smooth out skin but I don't see much of that. It is very balancing which is what I'm looking for in the mornings. I would recommend it if you have the funds. I would think about repurchasing as I think this has been the best non foaming gentle cleanser I have tried so far (I have tried Cetaphil, CeraVe, and Dr. Hauschka).
TONER: Thayer's Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner
This is actually a repurchase for me. I enjoy this and think it will be a staple in my routine. It is inexpensive, alcohol free, and soothing. I thought about trying another type of toner in Thayer's range but I ended up coming back to this.
TREATMENT: La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo
HG and can't live without it. When I don't use this my skin is very congested and my pores get very clogged up quickly. A thin layer over my problem areas fixes this in a snap and the effects don't diminish over time.
TREATMENT: LUSH Grease Lightening
I bought this having very low expectations for some reason. But I love this. My skin seems to really respond well to tea tree oil. My skin is noticeably less oily during the day when I use this. I would repurchase and recommend it if you have oily skin or any oily zones in general.
MOISTURIZER: CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion
You guys are probably sick of me singing praises of this by now. Another HG product. I have been using this close to 10 years now and haven't had the guts to switch out or explore any other options. Why fix what isn't broken? Moisturizes, sinks in quickly, not greasy, unscented, easy to find, inexpensive...my list of pros goes on. If you have dry skin this isn't the best option as I think it will be too light for you, but if you have combo to oily skin you MUST try this out.
I use these products in the order I described them. I am very happy with the state my skin has been in with this current routine. The only complaint I have is trying to battle hormonal acne in which case certain products really won't have a huge effect as the problem lies within the body.
This past Christmas my boyfriend gifted me this oil because he knew I had been wanting to give it a whirl. It comes in a nice weighty glass bottle holding 1 oz of product. I have been using it for over a month and in short, this has been extremely lovely. Like, I'm considering a long lived future together and everything, it is that serious.
Since I had never used a facial oil before, I relied on the handy dandy instruction pamphlet that came with the box. It instructed for me to use it at night after my toner so my skin was still slightly damp. The action of application is quite pleasant and soothing: it instructs to place 3-4 drops of oil in your hands and to gently press-and-release the product all over the face. Not going to lie, this part of my routine is something I look forward to all day. Am I alone in this?
I use 4 drops all over my face. It does have a scent, it is quite herbal but not in a bad way. I read on Makeup Alley that it reminded them of a spa which I agree with. When I first started using this, my face flushed up quite a bit after application but I didn't feel any sensation at all which surprised me. Now my skin has acclimated and doesn't pink up anymore. It soaks in nicely after I press it into the skin for about 20 seconds and doesn't feel overly greasy. I like sandwiching my moisturizer, CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion, on top after application to really inject the most nourishment into my skin. I did try skipping lotion a couple nights to see if the oil could work well as a moisturizer on its own. It worked fine this way, but I preferred the layering method for maximum effect.
INGREDIENTS:
Corylus Avellana (Hazel) Seed Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Parfum/Fragrance, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Oil, Belumbium Speciosum Flower Extract, Tocopherol, Citronellol, Linalool, Geraniol, Limonene, Citral, Coumarin, Benzyl Benzoate
I think almost everyone will be okay with the ingredients in this one. It is made of mostly plant based oils and at the end there are a few fragrance oils and one trace preservative. I thought it was nice that the bulk of the product was what the brand highlights. I thought of Gummy when I saw hazelnut oil as one of the top oils used; she wrote on her blog a few times about it and recommended me to try it out as it is one of the best oils to use for oily skin. Right she was!
Since using this I have seen a dramatic decrease in oil production on my face. I still get oily, but not nearly as fast and not nearly as much. I previously had to blot halfway throughout my day and after using this I can make it to the 6-7 hour mark before doing so. Amazing. I was a skeptic but this truly is balancing yet moisturizing. My skin responds to this very well. I feel like it even heals faster too because when I get hormonal acne (booo, the worst) it always leaves a mark behind but this helps the scarring process go by quicker so it doesn't linger.
I really recommend this to anyone, even if you had dry skin since it is quite nourishing and moisturizing. It balances, moisturizers, and makes my skin feel less congested and at its peak for renewal. I would definitely repurchase and am now a believer in facial oils. The only downside is the price, a hefty $52 USD, but seeing as I use 4 drops at a time I believe I will go through this at a snails pace. What to try next? Perhaps Pai Rosehip Oil...
A few months back, a representative from Sibu contacted me asking if I would like to try out one of their products. I had heard of the brand before from Michele and Sandra, both who had positive experiences so I was curious myself. After browsing the website to see if their products were something I'd be interested in, I ended up liking what I read and chose to try the *Balancing Facial Cleanser.
This cleanser claims to leave the skin balanced and clean while still being gentle. It also claims to remove makeup and be non foaming. From what I read Sibu is a very health conscious brand; it emphasizes natural, fair trade ingredients and recyclable materials. They pride themselves in the incorporation of sea buckhorn into their products, which you can read a little excerpt of the claimed benefits HERE.
The product comes in a 4 fl oz no fuss white plastic bottle with a pump. The cleanser itself is a transparent light orange color with some colorless micro-particles suspended throughout. I don't find the particles harsh or too abrasive; they have just the right amount of texture to feel like they serve a purpose. The scent is a zingy citrus, I find it rather pleasant.
I use this as my morning cleanser to cleanse away the residue of my evening products and excess sebum from the night. I take about one pump of it into my wet palms and lather it up to its full potential. It is indeed non-foaming, the picture above is about the fullest lather I can get. This can feel a tad bit drying, after washing my face I do feel a slight tautness in my skin. This isn't too bothersome to me since it is easily remedied by following up with my moisturizer.
When I first started using this I tried using it in both the morning and evening but I found it was a bit too stripping for this. I switched to morning use only and received much better results. I agree with the namesake in that this is a balancing cleanser. I found on the mornings I used this, my skin was not as oily during the day.
I have not used this as a makeup remover, as if you have been following me for some time, you know I am a full believer in oil cleansers for that purpose. Liz has tried it for this purpose and reported that she found it to do a decent job, leaving no makeup behind.
INGREDIENTS:
water, decyl glucoside, coco betaine, sd alcohol 40-b, lauryl glucoside, hydrogenated jojoba oil, carrageenan, glycerin, phenethyl alcohol, sea buckthorn fruit extract (hippophae rhamnoides), sea buckthorn seed oil (hippophae rhamnoides), panthenol, coco-glucoside, glyceryl oleate, xanthan gum, sodium levulinate, sodium phytate, sodium anisate, fragrance (from orange and lemon essential oils
OVERALL:
I have been using this for over two months and I really like it. I would purchase it myself in the future. It smells nice, isn't harsh, and it balances my oily skin when used regularly in the morning. I also think it is fairly priced at $17.95 USD. This cleanser appeals to natural product junkies that have concerns about ingredients as Sibu has a philosophy that you will appreciate.
It should be noted that I don't recommend this to be used twice in one day as I think it can be a bit stripping if done so. I also disagree with Sibu that this cleanser is for all skin types, I reckon normal to dry skin types might need more hydrating options unless you are in the market for a clarifying type cleanser.
++ A Sibu representative sent the Balancing Cleanser to me free to review. This post does NOT contain any affiliate links.
The box contains the product itself as well as a little muslin cloth. I appreciate the effort and inclusion of the cloth but it is a bit unsubstantial and thin. Pai's muslin cloth is superior.
The claim of this mask is to improve tone, texture and radiance of the skin. What first attracted me to this product was its impressive content of chemical exfoliants; it has lactic, glycolic, AND citric acid. It also has no parabens and sulfates if you care about that sort of thing (I am indifferent).
The mask is dispensed out of a nozzle that has a little doodad attached to it for covering after use. I would imagine this is so dessication is avoided. I use about a pump and a half for each application spread in a thin layer all over my face and upper neck.
The consistency and smell is much like marmalade jam. I enjoy the scent; it is sweet and citrusy yet not overpowering. I leave it on for about 20 minutes, or until the prickling sensation subsides completely, and then rinse it off with warm water and the provided cloth. The tingly sensation is noticeable but it isn't supremely irritating. I do, however, find myself unable to stop myself from itching some places that are more sensitive to the feeling during the process (nose, around the lips).
INGREDIENTS
Most of the reviews I read raved about the immediate radiance they saw in their skin after using this. As for me, I didn't see it. I did notice a certain added softness to my skin and it didn't break me out or feel congesting. I think this is an okay product but certainly nothing I hold with high esteem. Especially with its whopping $55 USD price tag. With a price like that, I expected better results. I even waited to use this with time to check if the results needed it but it made no difference. Almost a year later and still lacking.
While I don't think this is a terrible product, I do believe it is overhyped and overpriced. I wouldn't recommend it unless you are insatiably curious about it. I much prefer Ole Henriksen Blue/Black Berry Enzyme Mask, it is cheaper and gives immediately pleasing results.
LAY OFF THE ACIDS
When my skin starts feeling uncomfortably dry, I start off first by limiting my AHA and salicylic acid use. In my normal oily conditions, my skin responds very well to the gentle acidic effects. When my skin is dry, I notice they just irritate and worsen my condition. Lately I have been only spot treating and even skipping out on using my normal picks of La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo and La Roche-Posay Mela-D Pigment Control Serum. I also have been sparingly using the Kiehl Clarity Activating toner I mentioned in my last post and instead rely solely on Thayer's Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner which is much more soothing.
RELY ON THE POWER OF CLEANSING OILS
I always had a feeling cleansing oils dramatically impacted the moisture content of my skin but now I have confirmation. When I visited my parents for the holidays for over a week, I went without a cleansing oil for the whole trip. Big mistake. I think that is what kick started this dry spell. I almost kissed my bottle of Boscia Cleansing Oil when I returned home.
BRING ON THE MECHANICAL EXFOLIATION
I don't overcompensate and scrub my face raw but I do prefer mild mechanical exfoliation over chemical exfoliation when I start seeing dry patches. Physically buffing away flakes gives me no irritation and smooth results. I like using my Clarasonic Mia paired with a non drying cleanser. This year was the first time I was able to use a hydrating, cream cleanser: Pai Camellia and Rose Hydrating Cleanser. This cleanser is proving to be such a great SOS response to my skin extremes. I still rinse off with the provided muslin cloth for good measure since it isn't severely abrasive.
RESTORE YOUR MOISTURIZE BARRIER
Okay this next part might be surprising to those who have kept up with my opinion on Avene Soothing Moisture Mask (if not see THIS post as well as THIS one). As predicted in the footnotes of my original review, this did indeed work very well in repairing my skin's moisture barrier. I still think it feels unnecessarily greasy so next time I use it I will only slather onto my dry areas (forehead, around the nose) and reserve it for overnight use so the product has time to really seep into the epidermis. It did help but I still wouldn't recommend it to the oily skinned. There has to be a better option on the market for a non-greasy yet moisturizing mask.
These steps might not be for everyone but I have found this to yield immediate results that restore my skin back to normal. If you have oily/combo skin that tends to get seasonal dryness, I hope these tips help. Dry skin be gone!
Let me tell you, I want to give perpetually dry skinned ladies and gents a monument, shrine, and/or any other beacon of a structure to commemorate how you deal with this ALL THE TIME. Although perhaps they would feel the same way about us oily skinned folks if they had to deal with a short spell of excess sebum...
I actually don't believe this product is even meant to be a primer. Bioderma describes it as a "correcting concentrate". To me that sounded like a fancy glorified lotion. It is marketed to improve the appearance of the skin by refining texture, making pores less visible, maintaining sebum, and giving a velvet finish. Lots of promises with this little tube.
My first impression was that the tube was small! You get 30 mL of product which is just shy over 1 oz. I think I am too used to my huge CeraVe lotion bottle as comparison. If I think of it as a primer, the size is around what other primers tend to be. The product squeezes out as a light lotion-like consistency, as you can see in the above picture (Please excuse my parched hands! Note to self, invest in hand lotion). That is around the amount I use all over my problem areas (inner cheeks, nose, forehead, chin...sometimes I smear the residual moisture over my eyelids for good measure). It sinks in very quickly and doesn't feel greasy or heavy. There is a scent but it is very pleasant, almost cucumber/fresh smelling.
BEFORE APPLICATION, BARE FACE
Hopefully you can see the state my au naturel skin is in: pore galore, shine to share, a little pink. My camera, bless its heart, cancelled out some of the sebum that was shining through on its own. Trust me when I say in person it looked slicker.
AFTER APPLICATION
Notice a difference? It is huge! Well to me at least. Pores are blurred, oily spots are matte, skin is not as angry with me. The effect is immediate and noticeable. It gives such a great base for makeup application. When I use this my makeup lasts much longer and I am not nearly as oily. I even tried wearing this with Revlon's Nearly Naked foundation (which normally melts off me quickly) and it helped make it stick around for my entire day.
INGREDIENTS:
WATER (AQUA), METHYL METHACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, CYCLOHEXASILOXANE, DIMETHICONE, GLYCERIN, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, FOMES OFFICINALIS (MUSHROOM) EXTRACT, SODIUM POLYACRYLATE, SALICYLIC ACID, DODECYL GALLATE, GINKGO BILOBA LEAF EXTRACT, MANNITOL, XYLITOL, RHAMNOSE, FRUCTOOLIGOSACCHARIDES, LAMINARIA OCHROLEUCA EXTRACT, SILICA, TRIDECETH-6, C30-45 ALKYL CETEARYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, LAURYL PEG/PPG-18/18 METHICONE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, PEG/PPG-18/18 DIMETHICONE, CAPRYLIC/ CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, DISODIUM EDTA, CHLORPHENESIN, PHENOXYETHANOL, FRAGRANCE (PARFUM)
I have nothing bad to say about this product. It is kind of a godsend? I want to try out other primers to compare but I am very happy with this and would wholeheartedly recommend it to any oily skinned ladies/gents. My only word of caution is if your skin is prone to dryness, this will make your skin feel tight. But it is a silly word of caution as dry skinned ladies/gents shouldn't be investing in this type of product.
OVERALL:
I am in love with this and don't want to let it go. It has an immediate effect, controls oil, sinks in the skin beautifully, and makes any makeup base last longer than normal. If you have oily skin it is an absolute must try. If you have dry skin avoid this as it will zap your skin, but I hope that goes without saying. I bought mine from Amazon for around 26 USD. I believe Canadian and European consumers will be able to find this in stores. Us Americans and other regions have to settle with searching on Amazon or other sources.
What are your favorite primers? I am curious about Hourglass Mineral Veil and perhaps even more curious about Becca Poreless Priming Perfector. The Becca primer almost made it into my cart for the Sephora VIB sale but I skipped out on that this year...
Recently I have won out in this gamble since there are a couple new skincare heroes that I have been really digging. I have also bumped into a skincare zero but I'm not complaining too loudly. Two out of three, the odds are still in my favor.
HEROES
I bought the Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser half hoping I wouldn't be wowed by it because it costs $45 USD. Well that was a failed attempt because it is a pretty awesome cleanser. I have noticed my pores on my nose and inner cheeks have been flushed out and I haven't had any new breakouts whatsoever. I'm waiting to see if this good bout of skin will last before giving this cleanser my full praise but so far it has me impressed. And yet I am appalled at myself that I like a $45 cleanser so much! Ack what have I done...
I originally purchased this La Roche Posay Mela-D Pigment Control Serum as a gift for my mother as she has sun spots she wants to be rid of. Turns out she was allergic to this so she gave it back to me to return. I figured I might as well give it a go to see if it has any effect on my hyper-pigmentation. This smells straight up like alcohol, which makes sense as unfortunately it is the second highest ingredient. The horrible scent evaporates after a few seconds (thankfully) and this sinks in quickly with no stickiness.
I think both these items paired together has made a real difference in my skin complexion. Or perhaps only one of them is responsible for the healthy skin. I can't be sure as I started using them at the same time. If I didn't have such bad acne scars I would totally forgo foundation since my skin has been looking really clear and radiant. We will see if they can battle my hormonal acne, that would have me shouting my love from the rooftops.
ZERO
The lone zero: Murad T-Zone Pore Refining Gel. This smells decent enough and has a nice gel texture that absorbs quickly. I really wanted to make this work but I had to stop using it. It was making my skin feel and look very congested. I used this at night and woke up looking hideously oily like my poor pores had been working over time during the night. I tried using a small amount, a large amount, only a couple times a week to no avail. Not for me! I stopped using it and immediately my skin felt relieved. I have over half a bottle left and I don't know what to do with it. I wouldn't feel comfortable giving it to anyone since I don't recommend it or believe in it.
Have you had any skincare woes lately? Or have you found something that has really made a difference in your skin? I hope the latter. I am going to live up this new complexion of mine until every last drop of the expensive items are gone. Beauty really is pain, but in this case a pain in my wallet...
This mask claims to hydrate and renew the skin while also gently smoothing out and relieving skin stress. The main ingredients advertised are hyaluronic acid to bind moisture, lavender extract to act as an anti-inflammatory agent, & of course blue/black berry extract to oxygenate and refine skin texture. Here is the full ingredients list:
INGREDIENTS:
Water (Aqua), Glycereth-7, Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Carbomer, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract Rubus Villosus (Blackberry) Fruit Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Papain, Sodium PCA, Allantoin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Panthenol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Triethanolamine
I had never heard anyone ever talk about this mask which was one of the main reasons I was interested in buying it. The description and ingredients sounded promising and the little reviews I did read raved about the scent. So how does this mask fare?
The texture of this mask is a clear gel. I was expecting the scent to be fruity but it distinctly smells like lavender. It isn't bothersome to me but if you hate the scent of lavender you could give it a whiff in store as a test since it does linger while on your face. I apply a thin layer all over my face and upper neck and let it rest for about 20 minutes. The effect at first is cooling, but not the same sensation as menthol. More like if you constantly had cool water caressing your face. It is very pleasant.
During the 20 minutes this sits on the face, it does not harden. After the 20 minutes are up, there is still gel residue on my face but the amount is significantly reduced since some of the ingredients soaked into the skin. I tend to know when to rinse this off once I don't feel the cooling sensation anymore. One thing I absolutely love about this mask is that it is a breeze to rinse off since it is just a gel.
The after effects of this mask are soft, refreshed skin. My skin absolutely loves this stuff. It immediately feels and looks fresher, cleaner and well rested. When I first used this I was so amazed on how my skin reacted to it that I thought it was a fluke. I have since then repeated many rounds with this and have had the same results each time. A real winner!
OVERALL:
This is a wonderful mask that refreshes, plumps out and freshens up the skin. It is gentle enough that it doesn't irritate yet it is effective to the point where I see immediate results of well rested skin after removal. I can't think of a single negative aspect of this mask unless you hate the scent of lavender since it lingers during wear. All skin types would benefit. I definitely plan to repurchase once I run out so my skin always has this pick-me-up ready.
Have you tried this mask? I really recommend you check it out if you haven't. Ole Henriksen, you are two for two. What else to try...
If you are a dedicated reader of mine you know I need an oil cleanser at all times. Currently I am using the Shu Uemura Skin Purifier Cleansing Oil. So far I think I like this best out of all the brands I have tried (Bosica, MAC). It is thinner and requires less product to get the job done.
The Indian Healing Clay has got to be the most bizarre skincare item I own to date. I mix a bit with apple cider vinegar, apply all over the face and feel the strangest pulsating sensation as it dries. It's a bit like your skin being mummified. I think I will do a full review on this after I test it out a few more times.
After finishing up my Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Milk I needed a new gentle cleanser. I randomly picked up this Garnier Radiance Renewer Cleansing Gelee at my local drugstore because 1. it was on sale for cheap (around $5 USD) 2. I'm a sucker for wording. Doesn't a Cleansing Gelee sound neat? Not for the natural product junkies, I'm afraid, since the ingredients has sulfates and alcohol perfumes. I am not loyal to that lifestyle so I feel no shame in saying I really enjoy this so far.
I WAS using Neostrata Toning Solution Level 1 as my toner but I seem to have misplaced it. To take its place until the lost is found is Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner. This packs quite a punch! I thought it would be quite mild but I definitely detect a soft prickling sensation. Nothing uncomfortable though. I actually was relieved to feel the acid in this since it had so little ingredients to begin with.
Finally we have Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser which has fitted into the slot as my thorough cleanser. I haven't tried it out yet but I must say I am the most excited about this item above all others. Here's to half hoping I don't fall in love with it as it costs a pretty penny.
So my readers, any new skincare bits you have added to your routine that you are excited about? Rejoice in the new skincare glory with me.
I have been using the Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Milk for the past few months as my gentle cleanser so I thought I would give my thoughts on it.
This cleanser retails for around $37 USD. It comes in a glass pump container that holds 4.9 fl oz of product. It claims to clean away impurities as well as makeup gently without over stripping or drying out the skin. The brand goes on to say that this cleansing milk contains ingredients that nourish the skin, control oil production, and soothe irritation. Sounds like appealing stuff, eh?
INGREDIENTS:
Water/Aqua, Alcohol, Anthyllis Vulneraria Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Glycerin,Fermented Grain Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Bentonite, Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Fragrance/Parfum (Essential Oil), Limonene, Geraniol, Linalool, Citronellol.
The cleanser itself has a creamy lotion-like consistency. True to its name, it stays milky and doesn't lather up. It has a very herbal scent to it which I found a little funky. Luckily it doesn't linger. I like this cleanser. It was gentle and non drying just like the brand claims. It does NOT clean off makeup though, which isn't too heartbreaking for me since I don't use it this way.
With the past gentle cleaners I have tried (CeraVe, Cetaphil), the product had no bangs and whistles. They gently cleansed the skin which was all well and good but there was no added benefits. This is the first gentle cleanser that I found had some kind of effect beyond just standard cleaning. I found that it mildy kept small breakouts at bay and felt refreshing on the skin.
OVERALL:
This really is a nice product. It feels nice on the skin, it cleans gently, it pretty much does every thing it says on the packaging besides remove makeup which isn't a big deal for me since I don't use it for that. But is it worth $37? I honestly don't think so. I think that amount is a bit of a stretch for such a gentle cleanser, even if it did have some small benefits. I appreciate that the cleanser was gentle and mildly astringent but I still don't think that justifies the price.
I would recommend it if you don't mind coughing up the dough. It would work with all skin types; it is gentle enough for sensitive skin. The brand is reputable and gets a lot of love from people.
CLINIQUE HIGH IMPACT EXTREME VOLUME MASCARA
This is one of those items that I feel like I have read about from quite a few blogs that I follow but I can't for the life of me remember who the bloggers are. Recently Sandra did a review but I know I read about it elsewhere. Has anyone else tried this mascara? I am quite curious about Clinique's makeup. I have never tried anything besides a chubby lip stick.
CLARINS INSTANT EYE MAKEUP REMOVER
Currently I do not need an eye makeup remover as I have more than half of my bottle of Bioderma left but I am very interested in trying out Clarin's version. I am pretty skeptical when it come to higher end removers. I blame this on Lancome's Bi Facil, which I find mediocre. Still, I can't help but want to see what the hubbub about this is.
L'OREAL TRUE MATCH SUPER BLENDABLE CRAYON CONCEALER
I have heard this is very creamy with great coverage and decent lasting power. I plan to pick this up eventually, I just can't justify adding another concealer to my stash since I already have plenty to choose from.
ORIGINS DRINK UP 10 MINUTE MASK
I'm on the hunt to find a moisturizing mask to fill in the third step of the triple threat facial so that I can try out another round. This Origins mask seems to be a universal favorite in the beauty blogging world. I am a bit afraid to try it out because of my oily skin type; I don't want to feel too greasy. But I figure that since it is a 10 minute treatment it shouldn't be too intensive. If you have oily skin and have used this, I'd love to hear your input.
LAURA MERCIER SPELLBOUND HIGHLIGHTER
Ugh this item has been the bane of my existence (very dramatic, I know). There are probably about 10 reviews out there that I scolded to myself to avoid reading but I clicked on them anyway because apparently I'm a glutton for punishment. I seriously DO NOT need another highlighter but this keeps popping up in my newsfeed and blogroll making it very hard to resist. It being a limited edition item does not make matters easier since I have a known weakness for LE items. I might check to see if this is at my local Macy's. If it isn't available there I will take that as a sign I wasn't meant to own it.
CLINQUE TAKE THE DAY OFF CLEANSING BALM
Cleansing balms are something that I am curious about but am only mildly interested in. I think it is because I love oil cleansers so much and the balm texture seems like more work. I have never used one but was intrigued by the Emma Hardie and REN versions. Their high price tag and my lukewarm interest in them always deterred me from actually going through and trying it out. This Clinque version seems basic and the price isn't too harsh so this could be a great introduction to the cleansing balm world for me.
What are you lusting after lately? What do we think of balm cleansers? If you have tried any out I'd love to hear you sound off in the comments on what you have used and what you think of them overall.
First step is eye makeup removal. I have two options: Bioderma and Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover. Bioderma is definitely the milder, cleaner feeling of the two being that it essentially feels like water. Initially I wasn't too impressed with this cult item since I had to work harder in my removal (I wear quite a lot of smudgey kohl liner and mascara) but after using it for a few months I'll admit my admiration although I don't think it is the best at removal. It works best soaked on a cotton round and held upon the eye for a few seconds before gently wiping off. If I am wearing a heavier eye or anything with pigments or glitter, I turn to Neutrogena's version. It is tougher and requires less effort (no waiting, not as much wiping) however I think the "oil-free" claim is misleading. It definitely leaves a slight sheen to the skin compared to the Bioderma. This isn't something that bothers me since I remove eye makeup first and then follow up with cleaning my face so it eventually goes down the drain anyway.
For cleaning off my face makeup I turn to oil cleansers since I am a believer in double cleansing and find they do the best job at removing every stubborn trace of residue. I have maybe two more uses of my Boscia MakeUp BreakUp Cleansing Oil left and I would recommend it. It smells and feels pleasant and removes efficiently. Already ready to take its place is the Shu Uemura Pore Clarifying Cleansing Oil which has a much thinner viscosity than its Boscia rival. I have only used it a couple times so I can't tell which I like more yet. More details to come with use, I'm sure.
What do you use for makeup removal? I am curious to know if a majority of my readers use wipes. As long as I have been wearing makeup I have never used wipes! They always seemed unsanitary and not as thorough to me so I never bothered. I do understand the convenience appeal though.
To be honest I was skeptical of this idea, hence the question mark in the title of this post. I am not a skin care expert but I always had the notion that applying too much product to the skin would overwhelm it and be counterproductive. But I was intrigued with the idea, especially since each mask had a different job, so I looked upon my army of masks and choose three to recruit.
For the purging step, I chose the Boscia Clarifying Detox Mask as it is my current favorite for clearing out and refreshing. I dedicated a whole post to it HERE. I cleansed off with a muslin cloth and applied the exfoliating Ole Henriksen Blue/Black Berry Enzyme Mask. This was my first time trying it out but I must say my initial impression is VERY positive. To be honest I can't wait to use it again to make sure it wasn't a fluke. I finished off the last step of this facial with the Avene Soothing Moisture Mask and this is where things started to go downhill. I did a post on this mask before and I remember not caring for it but willing to give it a second chance. After using it again for this facial I am positive that I do not like this product. When I rinsed off the Ole mask my skin was looking bright and feeling refreshed. Then I applied the Avene mask and it ruined all the work the previous masks had done. My skin felt greasy and no longer look or felt great. It definitely is not meant for my oily skin type, all it does is add a filmy layer to my skin. I think drier skins would only benefit from it, if that.
So the Triple Threat Facial is a bust this round but I'm not dishearten. I plan to try again with a different hydration mask since the first two steps of the routine had great results. I've been eying the Origins Drink Up mask but I'd love to hear any of your suggestions for your favorites.
What do you think of the Triple Threat Facial? Have you tried it? I am curious to know which three masks you used if so!
The description claims that this mask absorbs impurities and excess oil with Kaolin Clay and Phellodendron Bark while also refining the pores with Lavender and Peppermint. It also contains Willowherb which is said to be an anti-irritant that soothes the skin. See below for the full ingredients list.
Rinsing this mask off can be a chore. It really sticks on my face so thorough rinsing is needed. I use just my hands but I would recommend some sort of cloth for an easier/faster removal. After rinsing off, my skin looks very happy. It looks softly flushed and the overall texture of my skin feels plumped out and soft. My skin doesn't feel tight or zapped of moisture whatsoever. The next day I'll notice some of my blemishes look more dried out and on its way towards healing.
OVERALL
I think this mask is great and would recommend it. It makes my skin feel less congested, starts up a nice surge of circulation on my face, and softens my skin while drying up any pesky blemishes I may have. I don't recommend this for sensitive skinned gals since I think the tingle during the waiting period will be bothersome to you. But other than that, I think every other skin type would enjoy this since it isn't drying and it purges the skin pretty well. It is a nice little treat to your skin if you are feeling like your face needs a little detoxing. I highly suggest using a cloth for removal since it sticks pretty well to the skin.
This Boscia mask retails for $25 USD and can be found at Sephora. I don't see it available online at Ulta but perhaps in store it is still available since that is where I bought it.
Let's start with something that I have had on my wishlist for a long time that I spotted on sale for $33.75 USD: Tom Ford Black Orchid Lipstick. I have a soft spot for dark vampy lipstick and this definitely belongs in that category. I can't wait to try it on. I also played around with other shades they had available and wasn't interested in any of the nude shades. If I am going to splurge on a Tom Ford lipstick I want a unique color to justify my purchase. I swiped on Ginger Fawn and immediately was attracted to the warm orange color. I haven't heard much about this shade which piqued my interest even more. Notice that the packaging is the old white version (currently it is a brownish almost black color). I kind of like the white packaging more to be honest. I hope the formula isn't different. According to a few blogs I read it isn't but if any of you know differently I'd love to hear your input.
Staying in the makeup corner, I also spotted a lone Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in Pale Pink ($17 USD) in the old packaging which is becoming scarce to find nowadays. I think it is pretty obvious by now that I have an unhealthy obsession with these dang little pots. I'm positive that if I spot any other colors I don't own in the old packaging (where there is .38 oz of product versus the new .13 oz packaging and they both retailed/retail for $25 USD) I will purchase immediately. If only I could collect them all.
The last thing I picked up from the discount stores is Kiehl's Clarity Activating Toner. I know what you must be thinking. Why oh why did you pick up another toner, Kelly, when you just talked about how you have so many backups waiting to be used? Call me crazy. It's ok, I'll agree with you. But it has fancy ingredients like Peony Extract and Citric Acid! And it promises to diminish persistent discolorations (scarring!) and give me a significantly brighter complexion! Yeah, yeah I know...still crazy. But I don't regret picking it up. It originally retails for $42 USD and this store had it on sale for $18. I may be a sucker, but at least I know a deal when I see one!
Lastly we have the oddly shaped little blue bottle of Shiseido Sun Protection Liquid Foundation that I didn't purchase at discount price but rather at a full price of $35 USD at Macy's. This weekend I am going to the Bonnaroo Festival (my first time!) which means I am going to be baking in the sun all weekend. I wanted something that doubled as coverage and major protection for my face. I have heard great things about this tiny little bottle such as it has outstanding lasting power, combats oiliness, and still gives great protection. I'll be sure to dedicate a whole review post to it once I test it out fully.
A check off the wishlist, adding to my collection of favorite cream blushes, a totally unnecessary skincare addition, and popping my Shiseido cherry; I'd say I did a good job. Shopping my stash has been fun and all, but there is nothing quite like the thrill of NEW things. AMIRITE? My how spoiled I feel.
I am rationalizing my hoarding of these toners to be that they all have different aims for the skin (think I can get away with that?) Neostrata Toning Solution Level 1 is meant for acne prone skin. I was pleased to see that glycolic acid was listed as one of the top three ingredients and therefore making it have a higher quantity of the acid in the formula. Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner also has the exfoliating acid in its formula but it is the last item on the ingredients list making me believe the content isn't very high. But the ingredients list is super short (only four! Deionized Water, Aloe Vera Gel, Grapefruit Extract, Glycolic Acid) so that makes me feel hip using a pretty much all natural item. Its claim is to add more radiance to the skin. Yes please! And lastly we have Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner which seems a bit more old school. There is a little story of its beginnings on the back of the label which I thought was nice for them to share. I heard great things about this from Julie and Kar Yi who both have reported they enjoyed it and have repurchased it. It is suppose to soothe and soften skin.
I think I'll crack open the Neostrata toner first. The bottle seems so dinky next to its brothers, don't you think? I bought the Neostrata toner at Shoppers in Canada. I can't seem to find it anywhere online though. The Mario Badescu toner can be found at Nordstrom for $18 USD. The Thayers Toner I bought at a vitamin store near me for about $10 USD but it is also available at Drugstore.com and its on sale there (unluckily for me!) These aren't affiliate links btw, just trying to help you out if you were interested so feel free to click away.
