• volition beauty products

    Volition Beauty | My Hits & Misses

    May 26, 2022

    Hi Everyone!

    I’ve actually enjoyed all of the products that I’ve tried from Volition Beauty. So, I don’t really have any for MISSES. Although I’ve been sent a lot of the Volition products, I plan to repurchase some of them in the future.

    Check out my other Hits & Misses posts!

    MAKEUP || Primers | Foundations | Powders | Concealers | Brows | Mascara

    SKINCARE || Eye Creams

    BRANDS || Bobbi Brown | Burt’s Bees | L’Oréal | Maybelline | Nude by Nature | NYX | TULA

    Before you read this post, please remember that we all have difference preferences and skin types. These are MY hits, misses and likes. You might love something I don’t like or dislike something I love.

    HITS

    Strawberry-C Brightening Serum* (read my review) – I really liked this serum. My skin looked dewy and fresh after applying this serum.

    How long does it last? 1oz bottle – about 120 uses (half pump per use) = 4 months, once daily OR 2 months, twice daily

    Snow Mushroom Water Serum – I really liked this serum too. It does have a slight smell to it that I can’t really describe. It’s not strong and doesn’t linger though.

    How long does it last? 1oz bottle – about 10 uses (half pump per use) = 4 months, once daily OR 2 months, twice daily

    Unspottable Hibiscus Correcting Oil* – I really enjoyed this oil and it lasted about a year of daily use (twice a day). I think it did help fade a dark spot I had on my nose too.

    How long does it last? 1.1oz bottle – about 320 uses (1-2 drops per use) = 10 months (twice daily = about 4 drops daily). Drops are a single droplet, not a full dropper’s worth.

    Skin Rhythm Balancing & Clearing Serum* – This is a great product, but I think they should put it in a bottle with a pump. The product is so thick that the dropper mechanism is harder to use (comparing it to the unspottable hibiscus correcting oil’s dropper, it sticks more). I had a painful pimple on my chin and I used this for two days and it was no longer painful and angry. It also didn’t feel dry or itchy.

    How long does it last? 1.1oz bottle – I’m still using this one, but it’ll probably last a while. The consistency of this serum is different from the oil and I use it as more of a spot treatment to target the areas with hormonal acne and acne scars

     

    LIKES

    Yaupon Tea Glow-Awakening Moisturizer* – This moisturizer has been perfect for the spring weather. I’ve been keeping my morning routine fairly simple with this moisturizer, the Skin Rhythm Balancing & Clearing Serum and an eye cream. It has this gel cream texture that makes it bouncy.

    How long does it last? 2oz pot – I’m still using this one, but using the other products’ calculations, it should last 3-4 months.

    Neroli Complete Crème* – I think this one is meant for oily and/or aging skin. While it was nice and it had a pleasant scent, I prefer the serums from the brand more.

    How long does it last? 1.7oz pot – Since it comes in a pot, it’s easier to use more or less each time. I used it once a day. It took me about 2-3 months to use.

    Celery Green Cream* (read my review) – This is more geared toward oily skin so it didn’t quite give me the hydration that I need for my dry skin.

    How long does it last? 1.7oz pot – Since it comes in a pot, it’s easier to use more or less each time. I think I used it once a day. It took me about 2-3 months to use.

    Helix AM/PM Eye Gel (read my review) – I didn’t dislike this, but it was more of a silicone/smoothing eye cream than a hydrating or moisturizing one. I didn’t get to try it under makeup which I wish I had. For a while, I only used this eye cream for morning and night. I think if I used a different eye cream during night time, this might’ve worked for me. Also, I probably should’ve tried it during a warmer season because my under eyes get dry in the winter and this eye gel did nothing to help it. I previously purchased this eye gel when they sold it in a pot. They now sell it in a bottle with a pump.

    How long does it last? 0.5oz pot – For a couple months, I used this in the morning and night and then I added another eye cream. So it lasted about 4 months. It could probably be stretched to 5 or 6 if you only use it once a day.

    I don’t really have any products on my wishlist. I’ve tried all the ones I wanted so far. The Orangesicle Balancing Daily Cleanser sounds nice, but lately I prefer using a cleansing balm as my first cleanse and the Cetaphil or Cerave cleansers for my second. I don’t really want to spend more than $20 on a daily cleanser. 

    Love,

    Products marked with * were gifted to me. Illustrations on featured image by me.

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  • pimple patches

    This or That | Pimple Patches

    May 19, 2022

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I’m comparing Pimple patches! I’ve only tried hydrocolloid patches. I’ve never tried the microneedling ones and/or the ones with salicylic acid. I just use spot treatments instead. I may be missing out on the other types of pimple patches, but they’re so expensive for one time use.

    The COSRX acne pimple master patches were the first one I tried. Then I tried the clear fit ones, nexcare acne absorbing covers and last, but not least, Rael.

    I have tried eight different acne patches from six brands:

    Tapered patches

    • COSRX Clear Fit Master Patch
    • Rael Invisible Spot Cover
    • Nacific Fresh Herb Origin Clear Spot Patch
    • Subi Beauty Perfect Pimple Patch

    Non-tapered patches

    • COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches
    • Rael Overnight Spot Cover
    • PanOxyl PM Overnight Spot Patches
    • Nexcare Acne Absorbing Covers

    I was sent the Subi Beauty Perfect Pimple Patches and PanOxyl PM Overnight Spot Patches to try, but all other patches were purchased by me.

    Even though some claim that you can wear them with makeup, I wouldn’t. They’re less noticeable without any makeup (see my reviews for some pictures).

    I’ve written about five different reviews/comparison reviews on my blog, so I thought I would collect all the information and update my thoughts in one post. You can check out my previous posts below:

    Comparing Acne Patches | 2019

    Reviews

    COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches | COSRX Clear Fit Master Patches

    This or That

    COSRX vs. Rael | COSRX vs. Nexcare

    acne patch
    The pimple patch sizes I’ve tried so far

    Non-tapered

    Pros

    • absorb more than tapered ones
    • can wear them overnight

    Cons

    • easier to detect (but you could still wear them out of the house, if you don’t care)
    • aren’t as flexible, so it could stick out if you have it on a curved part of your face
    • if they absorb too much or get wet, the edges can start to peel off

    Tapered

    Pros

    • harder to detect, so you can wear them out of the house
    • they stay on well, even if you get them a bit wet. I’ve washed my face with one on

    Cons

    • don’t absorb as much
    • COSRX ones only come in one size
    • if they absorb too much, they could come off easily
    • if you wear them for too long, they get sticky/gummy
    Rael Overnight Spot CoverCOSRX Acne Pimple Master PatchNexcare Acne Pimple PatchPanOxyl Pm Overnight Spot PatchesRael Invisible Spot CoverCOSRX Clear Fit Master PatchNacific Fresh Herb Origin Clear Spot PatchSubi Beauty Perfect Pimple PatchRohto Mentholatum Blemish Cover PatchCOSRX AC Collection Acne PatchJUMISO AC Cure Vegan Cover Patch Blemish CareBY WISHTREND Clear Skin Shield PatchPeace Out Salicylic Acid Acne Healing DotsTHEKSHOP Acne Pimple PatchSome By Mi 30 Days Miracle Clear Spot PatchSKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tea-Trica Spot Cover Patch
    type - hydrocolloid only vs. hydrocolloid with salicylic acid, tea tree, etc. hydrocolloidhydrocolloidhydrocolloidhydrocolloidhydrocolloidhydrocolloidhydrocolloidhydrocolloidhydrocolloidhydrocolloidhydrocolloidhydrocolloidhydrocolloid with salicylic acid
    		hydrocolloidhydrocolloidhydrocolloid
    perforated sheet?perforatednot perforatednot perforatednot perforatedperforatedperforatedperforatedperforatednot perforatedperforatedperforatedperforatednot perforatedperforatedperforatedperforated
    Tapered vs. non-taperednon-taperednon-taperednon-taperednon-taperedtaperedtaperedtaperedtaperednon-taperedtaperedtaperedtaperednon-taperedtaperedtaperedtapered
    # in a pack52243640481818182826303620391822
    7mm-10--------------
    8mm16-24-------------
    9mm---20----28-------
    10mm205--2418918--18--24912
    12mm129122024-9---1224-15910
    13mm------------20---
    14mm-----------12----
    9x13mm (oval)---------9------
    11x16mm (oval)---------9------
    15x23mm (oval)---------8------
    thickness--------0.2mm-0.4mm with 0.39 mm edge-----

    COSRX Acne Pimple Master patches are the cheapest in terms of cost per patch. I didn’t take into account the sizes. There are more 7mm ones in the pack, so if you don’t use those as often, maybe one of the other brands is more cost effective for you.

    Cost (CAD)Cost per patch
    Subi Beauty Perfect Pimple Patch (54 count)$24 USD from subibeauty.com0.44
    Rohto Mentholatum Blemish Cover Patch (28 count)$9 from chuusi.ca0.32
    Rael Overnight Spot Cover (52 count)$15.99 from amazon.ca0.31
    Rael Invisible Spot Cover (96 count)$24.46 from amazon.a0.25
    Rael Invisible Spot Cover (72 count)$21.400.30
    Rael Invisible Spot Cover (48 count)$14.52 from amazon.ca0.32
    PanOxyl PM Overnight Spot Patches (80 ct)$20.99 from amazon.ca0.26
    PanOxyl PM Overnight Spot Patches (40 ct)$11.99 from amazon.ca0.30
    Nexcare Acne Pimple Patch (36 count) $13.400.37
    Nexcare Acne Pimple Patch$12.49 from shoppersdrugmart.ca0.347
    Nacific Fresh Herb Origin Clear Spot Patch$5.99 from thekshop.ca0.33
    Mighty Patch Original Hydrocolloid Patches (36 count)$12.77 from iHerb0.35
    COSRX Clear Fit Master Patch (18 count)$4.80 from chuusi.ca0.26
    COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch (24 count)$5 from chuusi.ca0.208
    COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch (10 packs of 24 count)$37 from amazon.ca ($3.70 per pack)0.15
    COSRX AC Collection Acne Patch (26 count)$7.00 from chuusi.ca0.27
    JUMISO AC Cure Vegan Cover Patch Blemish Care (30 count)$6.99 from thekshop.ca0.23
    BY WISHTREND Clear Skin Shield Patch (36 count)$9.99 from thekshop.ca0.278
    Some By Mi 30 Days Miracle Clear Spot Patch (18 count)$7.99 from thekshop.ca0.44
    THEKSHOP Acne Pimple Patch (39 count)$9.99 from thekshop.ca0.256
    SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tea-Trica Spot Cover Patch (22 count)$8 from thekshop.ca0.36

    Ranking the hydrocolloid patches in different categories:

    Ease of use

    Both Rael patches have perforated backings to make it easier to peel off the patches without folding them or ruining the side of the patch. One time I accidentally folded a bit of the side and then the patch didn’t lie flat on my skin. COSRX Clear Fit, Nacific and Subi Beauty patches also have perforated backings. PanOxyl and Nexcare do not have perforated backings.

    Packaging

    The Rael patches and the Nexcare patches come in boxes. The COSRX patches comes in a shiny plastic pouch, as does the Subi beauty (holographic) and Nacific which can’t be recycled. They all come in a little sleeve that keeps the patches sterile. My least favourite is the PanOxyl ones, it’s almost similar to the packaging of a bandaid where it’s hard to slide it back in because it’s a bit tacky. 

    Variety

    The Rael and COSRX patches are best for variety of sizes and tapered vs. non-tapered. Rael also offers larger sizes (for body) and micro-crystal patches. COSRX also sells AC Collection ones that are oval-shaped. 

    Accessibility

    COSRX and Rael can be bought on multiple sites. Nexcare is available on Amazon.ca and the Shoppers Drug Mart website. Subi beauty, I think, can only be purchased on their website. Nacific patches are pretty accessible to Canadians, but they’re more expensive than the others that I like.

    Most of the patches perform the same, but the Nexcare ones weren’t sticky enough (stuck to my hair in the middle of the night) and the PanOxyl ones are almost too sticky that I’m afraid it’ll pull off some skin (especially if the pimple has popped and it’s an open wound.)

    My top choices out of the brands would be Rael and COSRX. For me, the Rael ones are slightly more worth it because of the sizes available for both tapered and non-tapered. I rarely used the 7mm COSRX ones and, for some reason, they have more 7mm ones in their pack than the other sizes. I also like that Rael switched from a pouch with foil to a recyclable box.

    What pimple patch brand is your favourite?

    Love,

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  • spa sciences lela device

    Review | Spa Sciences LELA Device

    May 15, 2022

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I’m reviewing the Spa Sciences LELA device. I’ve previously reviewed the AERO device (read my review).

    This is a 4-in-1 ultrasonic skin spatula for deep cleansing, exfoliation, lifting & serum infusion to reveal radiant skin.

    • Cleaning Mode – deeply removes and cleans dirt and oil from the skin and unclogs pores
    • Ion+ Technology – removes dirt and debris from your skin at a particle level using water to help rid your pores of buildup
    • Ion- Technology – apply your serums/cream or moisturizers so the products get deeper in the skin
    • Lifting Mode – tighten and lift your skin + electronic muscle stimulation

    The Lela comes in two colours Pink and Mint (currently unavailable). It retails for $29.99 USD. I have the mint AERO device, it might be slightly different since the AERO is shiny and the LELA has a different texture. The pink appears slightly different from my pictures.

    I had only seen pictures of it straight on, so I didn’t realize the device would be so flat. I thought it would be similar to my AERO device. It’s good that it’s flat because it allows you to hold it at all angles. Especially if you’re using the lifting setting. The lid goes on tightly, I think it could use a ridge/ribbing so it’s easier to grip when you pull it off.

    The ultrasonic sound from the device might affect some people. It’s different from just having the device on, but when you make contact with your skin, the ultrasonic sound is obviously much closer and you can feel the vibrations/sound in your head (if that makes sense lol). One time, I was using my noise cancelling headphones and I couldn’t hear it as much, so you can block out the sound with music.

    When I used the cleaning and ion+ technology mode, I noticed that there was a fine mist of water spraying when I lifted the spatula off my face. It did remove some buildup from my face. It was cool and gross at the same time lol.

    Sometimes when I apply my nightly skincare, it FEELS like I have a layer of products on my face, but since I’ve been using this, I haven’t felt that.

    RATING: 4/5

    Is this device absolutely necessary? No, but I think it’s a fun one to use every now and then.

    Have you tried any devices from Spa Sciences?

    Love,

    This product was sent to me in exchange for review. No obligation to post on my blog.

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  • april skincare empties

    Feb-Mar-Apr 2022 Product Empties

    May 10, 2022

    Hi Everyone!

    Live Clean Cool and Fresh Deodorant – I liked this deodorant, it smelled fresh. I had to declutter since I had it for too long though.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    How long does it last? Don’t know, I had to declutter it since it dried out.

    The Beauty of Eczema Skin Wash* – Sometimes the body wash had random globs of product (similar to when paint dries in a bottle). This body wash was a bit runny so I think I used more than I needed to use.

    Repurchase? No.

    How long does it last? The 200mL tube lasted two months.

    The Beauty of Eczema Bathing Oil* – I used it once a week to relax. I don’t know if I used a lot. Once I found out how much it cost, I made sure to use less. You can either pour it into a running bath or apply directly to your skin and then rinse it off. I think the best way to figure out how much to use is to apply it to your body. When I first read the words ‘oil,’ I was a bit unsure about it, but when I read the directions, I found out it turns into a milk.  

    Repurchase? Maybe.

    How long does it last? The 200mL bottle lasted two months (about 10 uses).

    Amika Soulfood Nourishing Hair Mask – I love the scent of this hair mask. I don’t use it too often though since it’s expensive.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    How long does it last? I had it for a year because I kept forgetting about it. I started using more of it later on. I recorded that I used it 20 times, but that could probably be doubled. I think I was using a lot.

    Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner Alcohol-Free* (read my review) – I found the petals in the toner unnecessary. I did notice that I didn’t have as much redness when I used this, but I don’t know if it was just because of the toner or if it was other products I used too.

    Repurchase? No.

    How long does it last? I had some compressed, dry sheet masks lying around, so I started using them with the toner. I think I used this toner quite generously. I will add a few uses to mine. I would say this 250mL bottle would last about 6 months. 

    La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Anti-Aging Serum* (read my review) – This serum was too scented. I got a headache from it, so I started using it on my feet. I would apply it after a shower and then put socks on. My feet did feel smooth while using it.

    Repurchase? No.

    How long does it last? I can’t say how long it would last since I didn’t use on my  face.

    La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP+M Eco Tube* (read my review) – I wasn’t a fan of the smell (it smelled like school glue). I also used it up quickly.

    Repurchase? No.

    How long does it last? The 200mL tube lasted for a month of daily use (full body). I cut it open when nothing came out after squeezing the tube, I got a few days’ worth of product.

    The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Cleanser* – I didn’t find anything special about this cleanser. I would rather use the more affordable Cetaphil or Cerave cleanser that comes with a pump.

    Repurchase? No.

    How long does it last? This cleanser was more fluid than others (Cerave, Cetaphil), I feel like I tend to waste more when it’s fluid. Especially when it’s in a bottle with a cap that you turn sideways/upside down, it just flows out easily. This 150mL bottle lasted about 4 months.

    What have you finished lately?

    Love,

    Products marked with * were sent to me to try.

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