Category: Skin Care Reviews


Aug
2018

Vita Liberata Summer Self Tanners

categories: Skin Care Reviews

I have been keeping my skin safe this year, which means more self tanner at home and less soaking in the sun outside. I have been trying out Vita Liberata’s products for an enviable summer tan.

Illuminaze Complexion Veil

Until I received the Illuminaze, I only thought of Vita Liberata as a tanning company. I am now realizing that there is so much more to them. This is somewhere between a moisturizer and a primer. It does moisturize the face, but calling it moisturizer would be cheating it of all its other great properties. The sheer cream also helps to control the skin tone to give you a beautiful, natural tone. It really helps to enhance the good parts of your skin. It couldn’t have come at a better time, since now is the time when I want to stop wearing heavy foundation. Vita Liberata Illuminaze stops the need for a ton of products in favour of emphasizing what you’ve got.

Beauty Blur

This is the primer for people who want more from their makeup base. Vita Liberata Beauty Blur is a primer that moisturizes the skin while giving a natural bronzed colour and glow to your face. Unlike the Illuminaze this Vita Liberata product does give you a sun-kissed and bronzed tint to your skin. This makes it a perfect solo base for the summer when you don’t want to wear a lot of makeup. You can also get colour without the concerns of tanning or self-tanner.

Invisi Foaming Tan Water

When it’s time to go the traditional route of self-tanning, Vita Liberata has innovated in this space with their new Tan Water. This totally clear liquid actually gives you a great smooth tan that’s easy to apply. The water looks clear and even applies clear, but will tan you. Because it goes on your skin clear, you need to be conscientious about application. I found that the Vita Liberata Tan Water made me feel safe in application, so I missed a few spots that I normally wouldn’t. I left harsh lines that weren’t blurred in, because I couldn’t visibly see where the product stopped. My tan though looks great though. It’s really natural and doesn’t have any weird orange tinge.


Aug
2018

St Tropez Self Tan Express Face Sheet Mask

categories: Makeup Reviews, Skin Care, Skin Care Reviews

Meet the first ever self-tanning sheet mask. Of course, my friends at St Tropez innovated this one of a kind tanning tool. Now you don’t have to fuss with using your self-tanner on your face. This sheet mask is infused with their same self-tanning product, so you know it’s good.

St. Tropez’ instructions for this mask are very easy. Clean your face, put on and smooth out mask, leave it on for up to 15 minutes, remove and massage in. It is actually that easy to use.

The mask is white, so you can’t actually see the tanner on the mask while you are applying it, but you can smell that self-tanner scent faintly. The package does give instructions for how long to leave it on for. I chose the Medium darkness option of 10 minutes to be safe.

My 10 minutes flew by and when I removed the mask, I didn’t notice any difference. Sure, my face was dewy and moist. It was also covered in the mask gel, so I would actually say it was wet. I resisted the urge to rinse it. Then I waited. St. Tropez says the colour will develop over the next 8 hours, so I will see you in 8 hours….

So, it’s been longer than 8 hours, but I needed some recovery time, before writing. I doubted the St Tropez mask, but that was a mistake. After 8 hours my face was dark! It probably wasn’t as dark as I thought, but it was dark enough that I didn’t want to go to work. Dark enough that I was too embarrassed to take a picture! Dark enough that I googled “how to fix a bad self tan” and actually did the things others recommended. So I would recommend starting light! You can always add more self tanner, but it’s really tough to get rid of it. Your face is the one place you can’t hide a fake tan.

Another tip, when you remove the mask, blend in the leftover gel really good. I don’t think the package emphasizes that enough. I had tan lines around the outside of the mask. Be sure to blend it into your hairline and way down your neck.

Despite the fact that I had a bit of a mishap, I would definitely recommend this mask to anyone who is tanning. It’s one of the easiest products that I’ve ever used and gave me the biggest results. Just know what you are getting in to!!!


Jun
2018

Summer Face Products Most Wanted

categories: Makeup Most Wanted, Skin Care, Skin Care Reviews

Summer means my face is going to be in the sun, rain, sweating and who knows what else, so having skin care products for your face that you can trust is extra important. Here are some of the things that I’ve been using this season.

Nivea MicellAIR Micellar Water

The new Nivea Micellair Micellar Water promises a new way to cleanse your face. If you are anything like me, then you have used a lot of other face washes and micellar water. I had a hard time imagining something new in face wash. Nivea has made one of the lightest cleansers that I’ve ever used on my face. It has a faint alcohol smell, but it’s so light that you probably won’t even notice it. When I used the Nivea MicellAIR Water on my face, I honestly thought I had made a mistake. It just felt like wiping my face with a damp cloth. I didn’t feel the product at all. My face just magically looked and felt totally clean and fresh. My makeup was off. It even worked on my mascara!

The Body Shop Roots Of Strength Firming Shaping Essence Lotion

‘Tis the season for lightening up my face routine and I always want a lighter moisturizer in the summer. The Body Shop Essence Lotion is a new take on moisturizing. I honestly thought this was a toner the first time I saw it. It is light as a water, but is actually a moisturizing gel lotion. It’s made for more mature skin, because it’s also for firming your skin, but I love the lightweight freshness on my face!

 

The Body Shop Drops Of Youth Bouncy Eye Mask

I know that I’m giving a lot of love to The Body Shop lately, but they have really upped their skin care game. This gel based eye mask is great for summer. The cooling gel feels wonderful under my eyes. My dark circles look a little less prominent after using it. It’s light enough that you can use it during the day or as an overnight treatment.

La Roche-Posay Serozinc Purifying Mist

I’ve been waiting for the summer to use this purifying face mist. It’s like those oil blotting papers that I keep in my purse (but always forget about), in spray format. I’ve been using it at all different times to help my skin feel fresh and clean. Use it on those no makeup days to just freshen up. You can also use it over your makeup those to reduce shine. I’ve even used it under my makeup as a first step to reduce the look of pores. There is no need to rinse your face or even wipe it off. The mist is so fine you will barely even notice it. Summer can’t win this year!


Jun
2018

Olay Luminous Whip Moisturizer Quick Review

categories: Skin Care, Skin Care Reviews

Olay has always had fantastic moisturizers. There is a reason why they are one of the most trusted beauty brands in the country. The new Whip Moisturizer is the same quality as all of the other Olay products. Whip Moisturizer is actually light as air. I know it sounds cheesy, but it’s true. It does leave a bit of a residue on my skin that’s noticeable to the touch. It also has a little perfumed smell that for some might not be so pleasant. To me though, this is a great addition to the Olay family. It has everything I want and expect from Olay moisturizer.


Apr
2018

Bliss Mask-A’Peel’ Radiance Revealing Rubberizing Mask

categories: Skin Care, Skin Care Reviews

I love a good weird treatment, but this Bliss Mask intimidated me. This mask turns into a rubber texture on your face and gets peeled off after it dries. I had visions of it getting stuck on my skin and not coming off. I would look at the box on a monthly basis and think nope, not yet.

When I finally decided to jump in, I read the instructions on the Bliss Mask box very closely. I wanted to make sure I got it just right. Since it was going from a powder to a paste to a rubber, I knew that I would have to work fast.

To activate and create the Bliss face mask, you have to add cool water into the powder cup and mix it. When you use the little spatula to spread it on your face, it’s going to be cooler than you expect. It is also a funny texture. That makes it a bit difficult to spread. It’s not going to be the same smooth perfect mask as on the box. Don’t worry about how it looks as long as you can spread it all around. Since you are using the whole cup in one use, it’s going to be thick. It comes off easier when it’s thick, so don’t skimp out.

This Bliss face mask stays cool on your skin while it dries. It was kind of nice, even though part of me wanted it to dry warm. It does get solid, even while cool. It definitely feels like rubber. It doesn’t get tight.

Peeling off the mask was the scary part for me. Because it doesn’t get tight, it doesn’t really stick to your skin and peel off. It is actually very easy to come off. I did wish it stuck to my skin more to clean out my pores. I have to admit that my skin does feel nice under the mask. It’s not damp and dewy or dry and tight. It’s the perfect feeling of clean and fresh.

So my fear was for nothing. While the rubber feel and peel is a fun gimmick, it’s really just another ace mask. I did like the results though, so bonus!


Mar
2018

L’Occitane Solidarity Balm 2018

categories: Bath And Body, Makeup Most Wanted, PR Sample, Skin Care, Skin Care Reviews

Happy International Women’s Day! I’ve started to really look forward to this day every year, not just because it’s all about celebrating women but also because it means L’Occitane’s Solidarity Balm is coming. Each year, L’Occitane releases a shea butter balm in a different scent for under $10 (it’s $7 CAD) and all the profits go towards women in Burkina Faso. This year the program for Women’s Leadership in Burkina Faso has three goals:

1. Writing a better future
L’OCCITANE has helped more than 10.000 women to learn how to read and write since 2008. It also supports the education of 450 girls for four years at secondary school.

2. Boosting ambitions
L’Occitane has allowed 8,000 women to benefit from micro-credit since 2009.

3. Revealing leadership
L’OCCITANE launched the “L’OCCITANE pour Elles” program, in 2016, to boost entrepreneur women’s actions and scale up their business.

The scent of the Solidarity Balm this year is apricot and while last year’s violet is still my favourite, this one is a really warm, happy scent. I literally use these balms on everything from cuticles to scrapes to random hair frizz. I currently have the cold from hell and I’ve been using on the chapped skin around my nose and my dried out lips. These last forever too. I still have a lot left of last year’s and even a little from the year before.

For $7, you’re going to want to stock up here, especially if you love this year’s apricot scent. So far I haven’t seen them repeat themselves scent wise. And you can help other women while you’re saving your own skin.

I can’t wait to see what scent comes out next year.


Feb
2018

Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Solutions

categories: Skin Care, Skin Care Reviews

I couldn’t have gotten this skin care trio from Neutrogena at a better time. I was seriously stressed out and my skin was showing it. I was excited to get this set. It comes with the Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Cleanser, Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Daily Leave-On Mask and the Oil-Free Moisturizer. It promised to get rid of acne in 4 hours. That seems crazy to me. I learned that this set is great for those small breakouts. If you have larger pimples or a serious breakout, you are going to need to look further. Also the mask sometimes made my skin feel a bit greasy, so apply with care. While this skin care trio from Neutrogena wasn’t the answer to all my prayers, I still think it can help small annoying breakouts in a flash.


Jan
2018

Intense Winter Skin Care Most Wanted

categories: Makeup Most Wanted, Skin Care, Skin Care Reviews, Uncategorized

How do you keep your skin moisturized in cold weather? This winter has been cold, really cold! Your skin is probably feeling it, just like mine. There isn’t much of a secret weapon, but hopefully theses more intense skin care products can give your dry skin a little moisture and help this winter.

Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue – Get serious with dry skin with this moisturizing duo for day and night. This Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue set leaves you with silky feeling skin all day. I love how plump and moist my face feels after just a few uses. The night moisturizer has a soft lavender scent that is relaxing for the end of a long day.  Both of the moisturizers absorb quickly, but leave your face feeling cool and refreshed. It’s also a great price, because no one should have to deal with dry skin.

M-61 Power Glow Body Butter – Your regular body butter might moisturize, but they don’t have the power of this skin care product. This body butter is super strengthened to re-texturize and smooth bumps on the skin. It also does the regular moisturizing things and packed with aloe, it helps to even the skin tone. It doesn’t smell the greatest, but beauty comes with some sacrifices. This is one I will take.

Nia24 Pro-Niacin Powered Skin Care – You will have to head to the dermatologist for this next skin care line, but if you have sensitive skin it’s worth the trip. This new skin care collection is made with some serious behind it. All you need to know is that it protects and repairs against environmental and age damage. Some of my favourites in this wide range include the soft Gentle Cleansing Cream, the Eye Repair Complex and the Sun Damage Prevention Sunscreen.

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream – My hands are suffering the worst in this cold weather. Neurogena must have seen this cold weather coming because their Norwegian Formula Hand Cream couldn’t come at a better time. This super thick cream is for extreme dryness and chapped broken hands. You only need a little everyday to help repair. Even my boyfriend who works outside in the cold was addicted to this hand cream. It’s definitely a winter must!


Dec
2017

Holiday 2017: Skin Care Gifts

categories: Gifts, PR Sample, Skin Care, Skin Care Reviews

Skin Care gifts are some of the most coveted presents but also sometimes the hardest. Everyone has a different skin type or need, so this list has a little something for everyone.

Sunday Riley – Bright Young Thing


Winter does a great job of drying out our skin and make it look dull. This adorable set of minis from Sunday Riley will brighten you right back up. Start with the Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment to exfoliate, add C.E.O Rapid Flash Brightening Serum and finish off with Tidal Water Cream and you’ll end up with skin that glows. Even in the middle of a snow storm.

Avon A Box For Fall Moisture

Fall might be over but this little kit will take care of a good chunk of your skin care issues. With cuticle and lip conditioners, a hand cream and a Moisture Therapy body wash and lotion duo, you’ll be covered head to toe. I love the triangle box it comes in as well.

Fresh Picture Perfect Mask Set

If you’re like me and love Fresh’s face masks, you’re going to adore this gift. It includes their Rose Face Mask, Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask and Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask. Plus you get two coloured pencils to colour in the gift box while you’re waiting to take off your masks.

Korres Greek Beauty Sleep Set

There’s really nothing I love more than skin care that works while I sleep (less work for me!) and  this little gift set is amazing good at hydrating and brightening your skin while you sleep. It has their Wild Rose Vitamin C Brightening Oil and the matching Wild Rose Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial. If you want to wake up to magically transformed skin, you need to get this.

Burt’s Bees Travel Essentials

If you’re shopping for someone who travels a lot, this is a great little bag to help them take care of their skin. Inside the carry-on friendly bag is Milk & Honey Body Lotion, Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream, Facial Cleansing Towelettes, Beeswax Lip Balm and a Coconut & Pear Lip Balm. It’s great for a family trip because kids can use these as well.


Dec
2017

Makeup Most Wanted November 2017

categories: Hair Reviews, Makeup Most Wanted, Makeup Reviews, Palettes, PR Sample, Reviews, Skin Care, Skin Care Reviews

It literally feels like it was just yesterday that I was writing my Most Wanted of October and now I’m onto the November list. We have a ton of posts coming up this month with all things holiday, so it was fairly hard to narrow down the list of what I used in November, but it turns out these have been taking up space next to sink for quite a while and that means I’ve been using them a lot.

Matrix Biolage R.A.W. Frizz Control Styling Spray with Lavender

I’m constantly looking for anything that’ll take away my frizz and this lightweight spray does a good job of minimizing it without making my hair crunchy or sticky. I find I need to use this one with another product for various styling issues but I can use it to touch up dry hair and it smells really really good. That said, if you’re not a fan of lavender, I’d stay away.

nia Sunday Detox Whipped Clay Peel-Off Mask

nia is StriVectin’s millenial friendly skin care line that’s available at Ulta in the U.S. or Shoppers Drug Mart/Murale in Canada. All the products have really cute names and better yet, they work. This mask has a definitely learning curve. It starts off as a foam and dries down so that you can peel it off. You need enough product that you’re able to peel it off but the foam makes that tricky. The best way I’ve found to do it is layers. I do about three thin layers of foam (you’ll have to wash your hands between each one) and let them dry for about 30 seconds before adding more. Once it’s dry though, it’s the gentlest peel-off mask I’ve ever used. I can get the whole thing off in one piece and even if I get a bit in my hair line, I don’t feel it tugging off. If your skin is on the drier side, you might need a richer moisturizer after.

Glossier Cloud Paint in Dusk

As someone who generally prefers a powder blush I was really surprised at how much I love this cream one. I shouldn’t really be too surprised though, I haven’t tried anything I haven’t loved from Glossier. I prefer the Dusk shade, it’s a peachy shade that’s really neutral, even on my super fair skin. You really only need a tiny bit of Cloud Paint. Squeezing the tube is going to get you way too much, so I just gently shake it over my finger. Layering is super easy and it’s extremely blendable.

Too Faced Just Peachy Mattes Palette

I am really not a fan of this red/pink eyeshadow trend, so I wasn’t sure if I would love this palette as much in person as I did online. But I really do. Peach Butter makes the perfect base shade, while Fresh-Picked and Peach Cobbler are great crease shades for me. I still haven’t really gotten into the darker shades yet but I’ve been using this delicious peach-smelling palette exclusively for daytime. As usual with Too Faced, the shadows are really creamy, blendable and have zero fallout that I’ve seen.