• volition beauty strawberry c brightening serum

    Review | Volition Beauty Strawberry-C Brightening Serum

    December 4, 2019

    Hi Everyone!

    Today I’m reviewing the Volition Beauty Strawberry-C Brightening Serum. I received this product complimentary, but all opinions are my own.

    A brightening serum powered by strawberry-derived vitamin C for noticeable radiance, hydration, and even-toned skin.

    Strawberries contain 14% more Vitamin C than an orange and they’re packed with antioxidants! Strawberry seed extract brightens skin and helps even skin tone, and vitamin C helps boost your skin’s collagen production for plumper, firmer skin.

    Ingredients: Water, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Water, Glycerin, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Fragaria Ananassa (Strawberry) Seed Extract, Fragaria Vesca (Strawberry) Fruit Extract, Sea Water, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Propanediol, Bentonite, Picea Abies Extract, Carbomer, Aminomethyl Propanol, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Phytate, Leuconostoc Ferment Filtrate, Citric Acid, Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77499)

    After using this daily for over a month, here are my thoughts. I love the texture of this serum. After applying it, my skin looks dewy and fresh. Since it’s winter, I add in a few drops of facial oil. It smells a bit more like radish than strawberries to me which isn’t a big deal because strawberries might be too sweet. The smell doesn’t linger which I love. So far I’m loving this!

    RATING: 5/5

    Before receiving this from Volition Beauty, I was planning to buy it. I would definitely purchase this once I finish this bottle. I prefer it over the Celery Green Cream (read my review).

    Have you tried Volition Beauty?

    Love,

    *This was gifted to me by Volition Beauty.

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  • goldfaden md bright eyes

    Review | Goldfaden MD Bright Eyes

    September 13, 2019

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I’m reviewing an eye cream that I was gifted by Calissa.

    Calissa is a British independent, luxury beauty platform that prides itself on its edited selection of premium and niche brands.

    They generously sent over the Goldfaden MD Bright Eyes.

    Goldfaden MD Bright Eyes will help you fight the early signs of ageing that form around the eyes. Everything from dark circles to fine lines.

    Soy Peptide and Rice Bran extract increase blood flow and hydration levels, helping to firm up the skin and reduce any swelling. Jojoba and Apricot Kernel Oil moisturises the skin to keep it soft and supple, whilst retaining elasticity. Seaweed extract promotes an even golden glow, and Organic Red Tea provides a powerful antioxidant effect to protect the skin.

    Ingredients: Water, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Squalane, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Xanthan Gum, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Protein, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Superoxide Dismutase, Chon-drus Crispus (Seaweed) Extract, Mica, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Tocopherol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Cellulose Gum, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Aspalathus Linearis (Red Tea) Leaf Extract

    This eye cream is Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, Cruelty-Free, and contains no parabens, silicones or mineral oil.

    One pump (or even half a pump) is more than enough for both under eyes.

    I’ve had trouble in the past with my under eyes reacting to eye creams. Usually I’ll get a red spot or something. I’ve been using this for a month now and haven’t had any reactions. Yay! My under eyes feel hydrated and look brighter. Also, this eye cream doesn’t really smell like anything. Double yay!

    RATING: 5/5

    I love that it comes in a pump so that I don’t have to stick my finger into a pot or need a spatula.

    If you would like to make a purchase on Calissa.com, use code 10FRIENDSOFCALISSA to get 10% off! (This is not an affiliate code, just a code for you to get a discount!)

    Check out my other posts on products I’ve received from Calissa!

    Love,

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  • moms everyday makeup

    My Mom’s Everyday Makeup | 2019

    August 2, 2019

    Hi Everyone!

    So, here’s an update to my mom’s makeup routine!

    Check out my previous post here!

    Her skin type is oily and she uses powder foundations. She tried a cushion, but ended up giving it to me because she doesn’t like liquid foundation. She dislikes eye makeup (especially mascara), so she only ever curls her lashes.

    Morning Skincare – Update

    Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Day Emulsion – Mom loves the Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 collection. Originally, I bought her the Day Cream, but she didn’t like that it came in a pot (for her day cream…for some reason, she’s fine with using the potted creams for nighttime). So, we got the Day Emulsion which comes in a bottle with a pump. She must like it because she bought two more bottles at the Shiseido Warehouse Sale.

    She also has a few different SPF products floating around. I don’t know which one she’s currently using on her face, but we have the Shiseido Ultra Sun Protection Lotion and the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer one.

    Primer & Colour Corrector – Update

    Make Up For Ever Step 1 Equalizer Primer (Smoothing)

    L’Oreal Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream- Anti-Redness (read my review) – My mom said the smell is starting to affect her too, so if anyone knows of a product that’s similar, please let me know!

    Foundation – Update

    After the Sephora MicroSmooth Baked Foundation, she used the Shiseido Sheer and Perfect Compact Foundation in I20 Natural Light Ivory. This was a nice foundation, but the shade wasn’t quite right and she finished it fairly quickly compared to the Sephora foundation because the pan isn’t very deep.

    Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Powder Foundation in 5.5 – The shade 5.5 is a bit dark, so if she were to repurchase, she’d go down a shade or two. She’s enjoying the foundation – it’s very smooth and looks beautiful. One thing she doesn’t like about the compact is that it comes with a sponge and the middle part with the powder flops back and forth (like the Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer), powder collects in the sponge section which is wasteful.

    Concealer – No Update

    Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Flawless Wear Concealer in Warm Light Medium

    She still uses this concealer and she likes the consistency.

    Eyes – No Update

    Tweezerman Lash Curler

    She doesn’t wear eyeshadow or mascara.

    Blush – Update

    Lancôme Blush Subtil in Aplum – Plum-mauve blushes are her favourite! The compact for this blush isn’t the best though. My mom accidentally dropped it and it chipped off the edge because it’s just plastic. Also, why do high end blushes have to come with those useless brushes?

    Lips – Update

    MAC Patentpolish Lip Pencil in Spontaneous – I bought this at the MAC Warehouse Sale and my mom is just using it to finish.

    MAC Cremesheen Glass in It’s A Strike – Same as the patentpolish pencil, this is not the right shade for her and she’s just using it to finish it.

    Makeup she has in her purse to touch-up throughout the day:

    Clinique Superpowder Double Face Makeup in Matte Neutral – to get rid of the shine.

    MAC Lustre Lipstick in Midimauve – I gave her this one since it’s a more sheer lipstick than the satin lipsticks. It has a bit of pigment and shine – looks more like a tinted balm.

    Vaseline – glossy and easy to apply without a mirror.

    What do you use for your everyday look?

    Love,

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  • anhyd organics first impressions review

    First Impressions with ANHYD Organics

    July 19, 2019

    Hi Everyone!

    **Note: The website is no longer available and the Instagram account has been inactive for a year.**

    Today I’m reviewing two products that I was sent from ANHYD Organics.

    ANHYD Organics (Founded in 2017) – All organic, vegan skincare bursting with essential nutrients; sealed with nature’s secrets to beautiful skin.

    Free from harmful toxins, ANHYD Organics healing properties nourish body and soul working to rejuvenate skin cells, hydrate skin and restore optimum balance. 

    Derived from the term Anhydrous, the essence of ANHYD Organics is to filter out impurities, ensuring our ingredients are never spoiled thus preserving the organic properties in their purest form.

    Organic Rose Water Facial Toner

    Wipe away problem skin to reveal a luminous glow.

    Restore harmony and maintain optimal skin pH balance with the Organic Rose Water Facial Toner. An Anti-inflammatory healing solution for acne, dermatitis and eczema. Essential ingredients of Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, Natural Rose, Flower Water, Certified Organic Witch Hazel and Grape Seed Extract combine to create equilibrium.

    RATING: 5/5

    I’m personally not a huge fan of rose and I also think I’m allergic to witch hazel (read my post). So, I gave the toner to my mom to try. She enjoys rose-scented products. My mom has tested it out and she loves the rose. It has the perfect amount where it smells like rose, but doesn’t smell old lady-ish. After cleansing, she uses the toner to remove any remaining makeup that she missed and then applies her moisturizer. She is really enjoying the toner because it doesn’t feel tacky after applying. She said that her face feels nice and refreshed after using the toner.

    Organic Facial Moisturizer

    Rejuvenate uneven skin tone and diminish fine lines, scars and dark marks with our Organic Facial Moisturizer. A silky formulation that is perfect as a makeup primer and protection from the elements. Discover all day hydration for normal skin. Filled with essential vitamins of Hydrating Algae, Shea Butter, Avocado Oil, Macadamia Seed Oil, Chamomile and Lavender Oil, Vitamin A, C, E and B3. A conditioning formula that will revitalise skin, regenerate skin tissue and hydrate skin.

    RATING: 5/5

    This moisturizer has a very light scent that doesn’t linger which is great for me. I really like the light texture of it. I’ve been mixing this with my facial oil and my face feels hydrated and dewy. Initially, it’s tacky for a bit, but eventually dries down. My skin feels so smooth after using this.

    As someone with dry skin, I think it’s great as a makeup primer. For those with oily skin, it might be too slippery since it’s so hydrating. Foundation and concealer layer on top of it nicely. It reminds me of the Sonia Roselli Water Balm because it’s a moisturizer that can double as a makeup primer (read my review). I don’t think it would necessarily help prolong makeup wear, but it definitely primes the skin for a smooth canvas.

    I’m impressed by these two products from this new skincare brand.

    Have you heard of ANHYD Organics?

    Love,

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  • youth to the people kale + spinach green tea hyaluronic acid green tea spinach cleanser

    First Impressions with Youth to the People

    July 9, 2019

    Hi Everyone!

    During the Sephora sale, I purchased the Youth Mini Travel Duo which includes a mini of the Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser and the Superfood Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer. I’ve seen Youth to the People all over Instagram and finally decided to try it to see if it’s worth the hype.

    With 100% vegan ingredients, YTTP is a clean brand at Sephora.

    Clean at Sephora is formulated without: Sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, triclosan, triclocarban. All skincare, hair, and makeup brands with the Clean Seal have less than one percent of synthetic fragrances.

    Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser

    A daily green juice cleanse for your face with cold-pressed antioxidants to remove makeup and prevent build-up in pores, while keeping skin’s pH balanced.

    RATING: 4.5/5

    It makes my face feel really clean. I’ve been trying to use it only twice a week at the most since it’s so cleansing. Would I repurchase the full-sized? Possibly. While it is a great cleanser, it’s also quite expensive for the bottle that you get. I do like that the full size comes with a pump, so it’d be a nice reusable bottle for hand soap or something.

    Superfood Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer

    A multifunction, lightweight face cream loaded with superfoods—kale, spinach, and green tea—and hyaluronic acid to moisturize skin.

    RATING: 5/5

    I really enjoyed the moisturizer! I like that the smell isn’t too strong and doesn’t linger. My face feels nice and hydrated. I’ve been using it day and night mixed with my facial oil and I think I would definitely buy a full size pot of this cream.

    I am definitely interested in trying out more products from Youth to the People. I love that it’s clean and also they products come in glass containers which are so useful to reuse!

    What are your faves from Youth to the People?

    Love,

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  • Luxury Haul | March 2019 Giorgio Armani

    March 15, 2019

    Hi Everyone!

    Giorgio Armani Beauty was having a 15% off sale and the Luminous Silk Powder Foundation was on my list of things to purchase from Sephora for my mom. I decided to take advantage of the sale to buy from Armani. I recently made my first purchase from Lancôme as well. I decided to spend $5 extra to get the gift box because who wouldn’t want to have a beautiful Giorgio Armani gift box? My plan is to eventually buy from the luxury brands that I want to try and also get their beautiful gift boxes.

    The package arrived really quickly. I ordered it on the 12th and received it yesterday. I also love that they’re smart: they ship it in a regular brown box that doesn’t have any logos on it (so no one is going to know that it’s Armani and steal it). It was shipped from L’Oréal in Québec.

    I ordered three products to make the order over $150:

    • Fluid Sheer in #7 (I’ll write a review on it once I’ve tried it out)
    • 2 Luminous Silk Powder Foundations in 5.5 for my mom

    If you spent over $150, you got a little gift:

    • Sì Eau de Parfum Mini
    • Mini Rouge Ecstasy Lipstick in 400

    This is a gorgeous red! My kind of red (blue-red) because I don’t like orange-red lipsticks on me.

    The order also comes with 3 samples and I chose:

    • Luminous Silk Foundation in 5.5
    • Power Fabric Foundation in 3.5
    • Luminessence CC Cream

    What are your faves from Giorgio Armani Beauty?

    Love,

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  • laneige lip sleeping mask

    Review | Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

    December 24, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I’m doing a review of the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. I got a sample of the very popular Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. I have been seeing it everywhere on IG.

    Lip Sleeping Mask has a softening balm texture that closely adheres to lips for quick absorption. Enriched with vitamin C and antioxidants, its Berry Mix Complex™ offers a nutritiously sweet and fragrant blend of raspberry, strawberry, cranberry, and blueberry extracts to indulge the senses. Its exclusive Moisture Wrap™ technology boasts hyaluronic acid and minerals to form a protective film over the lips to lock in moisture and active ingredients. A generous layer of this soothing mask at bedtime helps reduce flakiness so you can wake up to lips that feel refreshed, supple, and soft to the touch.

    RATING: 5/5

    I can see why people love it so much; unlike Vaseline, it doesn’t absorb into your lips after a few hours. It has the consistency and smell of a balm (made me think of Lip Smackers lip balms), but the look of a gloss (without the stickiness). It made my lips look smooth and plump from the shine and even though it’s scented, it doesn’t taste like anything. I put it on a few hours before I went to bed, so I was wearing it for about 12 hours and when I woke up, I could still feel a bit of the balm on my lips. I could probably get 3-4 uses out of the little sample, so, depending on the frequency of use, I assume the pot will last a very long time and make it worth the price.

    Doing a bit of math…I got 7 uses out of the sample size, but I probably could’ve stretched it out to 10 if I used less. The full size pot is about 25 times as much as the sample, therefore the pot would last about 175-250 uses depending on how much you use each time. If you use this once a day, it should last at least 5 months (by my calculations…again, depends on how much you use).

    Update: I’ve had the tub for a year now and I’ve barely made a dent. I don’t use it every single day. There was also a month or two where I didn’t use it because I was trying other products.

    Have you tried the Lip Sleeping Mask yet?

    Love,

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