• grace & stella dr pedicure foot exfoliating mask

    Review | Grace & Stella Dr. Pedicure Foot Exfoliating Mask

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I’ll be reviewing the Grace & Stella Dr. Pedicure Foot Exfoliating Mask. They are currently a lot cheaper on Amazon.ca than what I purchased it for in December. I think they have new packaging, so they’re probably just trying to get rid of the old stock. A few years ago, I was sent one to try. It worked so well that I decided to buy another one. You may have read my review on the Tony Moly one. If not, you can read my review).

    Dr. Pedicure is an innovative foot care product that will unbelievably shed the old, dead, callused skin right off your feet. Made with the exact same 17 vegetable extracts to this day and promises to deliver the same kind of jaw-dropping results. Tired of having rough, dull feet? Reveal your feet’s youth with Dr. Pedicure. 

    Includes 1 pair of our Dr. Pedicure Foot Booties & 2 pieces of tape.

    Regular booties fit up to size 13 US Men. Original XL fits up to size 16 US Men.

    There are warnings to consult your doctor before use if you are pregnant, nursing or diabetic. Also, do not use if you have any open sores or cuts on your feet.

    grace & stella dr pedicure foot exfoliating mask

    Treatment

    So, you put these plastic booties on for an hour. The booties have an inner lining that’s soaked in liquid/gel that contain AHAs. The instructions tell you to put the booties on and then put socks over them. Apparently the added heat will speed up the process. Once you have them on, remain seated while keeping your feet on the ground or parallel to the ground. You want the liquid to get the whole sole of your foot, so if you your feet up, the liquid will pool to your heels. I like to keep a hand towel beside me just in case.

    After the hour is up, you take off the booties and wash your feet with soap and water. After you’ve washed your feet, they may look a bit pale. Not to worry, they’ll go back to your normal colour after a bit. It says the peeling will start in 6-10 days.

    Post-Treatment

    After 5 days, between my toes were starting to peel and my heels looked like they were cracking. The next day, the pads of my toes and heels were peeling. It looked like I had blisters on my toes.

    It was a bit uncomfortable for me once the peeling started because my feet felt really dry. I read somewhere that it’s best not to put lotion on your feet because it can interfere with the peeling process. If you absolutely must, use an oil-free moisturizer. The soles and sides of your feet will peel the most since that’s where most of the liquid is when you’re wearing the booties (gravity, duh!). The tops of my feet just look dry and flaky instead of peeling.

    I like wearing socks once my feet start to peel so I’m not shedding dead skin everywhere. Ankle socks are easiest for me. Just make sure to put any socks on slowly and carefully. When I take my socks off, I do it over the garbage can as I turn them inside out to shake out the dead skin.

    It’s very tempting to scrub or rub your feet (especially when you’re in the shower and your feet are wet), but don’t do it! After showering, gently pat dry. Also don’t pull off the dead skin. If it’s hanging off your foot and annoying you, carefully cut with cuticle cutters.

    Hopefully by the end of this ordeal, your feet will be nice and smooth! My feet aren’t super calloused or bad to begin with, so I don’t know how well it works on someone who has really rough heels/feet.

    If you decide to try a foot peeling mask, a few things to consider:

    • I think the best time to do the treatment is when it starts getting warmer (right before sandal weather) because you won’t want to wear sandals while your skin is peeling
    • The dead skin will stick to fluffy socks, so I like to wear regular ankle socks made of cotton

    If you want to see the gross, but satisfying pictures on the 7th day, click the arrows below in my IG post.

    View this post on Instagram

    It's 7 days after using the Dr. Pedicure Foot Exfoliating Mask. You put these plastic booties on for an hour. Inside, they're lined with a sheet mask material soaked in liquid that contain AHAs. Google how foot peeling masks work if you want more info. After taking the booties off, you wash your feet and then it's a waiting game. After 5 days, between my toes were starting to peel and my heels looked like they were cracking. Yesterday, the pads of the toes (it looked like I had blisters) and the heels were peeling. Today, as you can see, it's peeling even more and the ball of my foot (I wish I could call it the 'Padfoot' because Harry Potter lol) has started to peel as well. You can see where the skin has peeled away on my heel looks baby smooth. If you decide to try these (can buy on Amazon), a few pointers: firstly, it warns not to use if you're pregnant or if you have a cut or open sores. It will be a bit uncomfortable for a couple days while they peel. The bottoms of your feet will peel the most because gravity, duh. I like wearing socks once they start to peel so I'm not shedding dead skin everywhere. Ankle socks are easiest for me. Just make sure to put them on slowly and carefully. Take off the socks over a garbage can. It's very tempting in the shower, but don't scrub or rub your feet. After showering, pat dry gently. Also don't peel off the dead skin. If it's hanging off your foot and annoying you, cut with cuticle cutters or something. Hopefully your feet will be super smooth at the end! My feet aren't super calloused or bad, so I don't know how well it works on someone who has rough heels. RATING: 5/5 (I've used it before so I know my feet will be super smooth after it's done peeling)

    A post shared by Jen (@jencatbeauty) on

    RATING: 5/5

    The peeling is a bit of an inconvenience and the dryness is a bit uncomfortable, but it does work (for me). If you plan to do this before a special event, I would try it in advance to see how long it takes your feet to start peeling. Then, you can do it again before your special event (maybe add a few extra days just in case).

    Have you tried a foot peeling mask? If you haven’t, would you try one?

    Love,

  • This or That | COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches vs. Rael Miracle Patches

    Hi Everyone!

    I’ve tried out the Rael Hydrocolloid Acne Healing Patches (name has been changed to Miracle Patches) and compared it to my beloved COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches (read my review) and here are my thoughts:

    COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches

    The thin clear hydrocolloid patch feels similar to a hydrogel sheet mask in texture, adhering your skin strongly. It’ll stay on through showering and washing! It treats breakouts by eliminating infection and bacteria, which is what causes them in the first place. It’s able to breakdown debris from blackheads and absorb gunk from whiteheads overnight, so you won’t experience a harsh dry patch from using this. It even helps flatten and heal cystic acne faster!

    24 patches per pack (3 sizes):

    • 10 x 7mm
    • 5 x 10mm
    • 9 x 12mm

    The COSRX are the first patches I tried and I’ve compared them to the Nexcare ones which I didn’t like (read my review). I buy the COSRX patches on Chuusi.ca for $4.50 each.

    Rael Miracle Patches 

    Our high-grade absorbent hydrocolloid extracts impurities and provides a protective barrier that guards your skin from bacteria and irritants. These super-effective patches reduce inflammation and also prevent potential acne scarring.

    24 patches per pack (2 sizes):

    • 12 x 10mm
    • 12 x 12mm

    I bought these on Amazon.ca and got 4 packages for $24.46 which means 1 pack is $6.12


    The Rael ones remind me of the COSRX Clear Fit Master Patches (read my review) because they are tapered on the edges, but the COSRX Clear Fit only comes with 18 patches in 10mm size.

    Rael costs a little more, but they are better if you are wearing them out of the house. COSRX are cheaper, but they’re a little more noticeable (especially if it’s somewhere obvious like your cheek). COSRX comes with 10 of the small sized patches and I mostly use the medium and large patches. Sometimes when I peel off the COSRX ones, it folds over onto itself (like when you’re opening a bandaid and it sticks to itself and you can’t unstick it). The Rael (and the COSRX Clear Fit) patches are easier to peel off because the sheets are perforated.

    Cosrx (white sheet), Rael (clear sheets)
    Rael patches

    WINNER: It’s a tie!

    I think that since the COSRX ones aren’t tapered, they can absorb more. From now on, I will buy both and use the Rael ones if I need to wear one out of the house and use the COSRX for home.

    UPDATE: I’ve started to love the Rael patches more because I get pimples on my face where there’s curves (nose, jaw, chin). It’s easier for the Rael ones to stick since they’re thinner. I have noticed that if you wear the Rael ones for too long and there’s a lot of stuff to absorb, they will get gummy (for lack of a better word). The COSRX ones, since they’re thicker, they don’t get gummy.

    Have you tried acne patches? What’s your fave brand?

    Love,

  • amazon fashion haul

    I Bought Two Skirts from Amazon

    Hi Everyone!

    I bought two skirts from Amazon.ca and it wasn’t a disaster! I’m not talking about the brand name clothes like Adrianna Papell or Calvin Klein on Amazon, I bought two skirts that were shipped from Asia. To my surprise, both were well made and looked exactly like the pictures.

    Buying clothes from any store online is a gamble because you may not know what size you are. Even though there is a sizing chart to help you figure out what size you are, you could be between sizes or the measurements are off. I’ve ordered several pairs of ankle pants from different stores, but none of the pants have fit nicely and I had to return them to the stores. Luckily, I chose stores that I can easily return the pants: Old Navy, Hudson’s Bay and Abercrombie & Fitch. Unless you know exactly what size you are, it’s best to try them on in-store first if you plan to buy them online (if anyone else is a sucker for ebates, like me, you know that you can get some cash back if you order online and now they offer in-store ebates too…yay!).

    For both skirts I ordered on Amazon.ca, I wish they came in an XS because I think that would fit me better, but given the dimensions in the size chart, I knew they might be a bit big. They both fit at my hips, but based on the pictures for both skirts, they’re supposed to sit a little higher. I wanted to find a midi pleated skirt, but didn’t have any luck with finding one that I liked or was the price I was willing to pay. So, I bought a ponte midi full skater skirt by Star Vixen in black, size small and a flowy maxi skirt with a side slit by Urban CoCo in black, also size small. They no longer offer the Urban CoCo skirt I got in black, but they still have red and some sizes in a teal colour that they call blue. Both skirts were about $40 with tax. I liked that the Star Vixen skirt had free returns because I wasn’t sure if it would be too hippy, but it turned out fine.

    The Star Vixen skirt is very thick and made in USA. Even though the description says its ponte, I wasn’t sure if it would be exactly as described. Ponte knit is a thicker fabric than jersey. This skirt will be great for fall, paired with some pointed toe pumps, I personally love the look of the skirt with my blue pumps by Louise et Cie.

    20170523_1054413.pngI was expecting the flowy skirt to be a chiffon-looking material, but it has a bit of a sheen to it, which I think makes it more of a night-time, party skirt than a typical maxi skirt that you could wear everyday or to a daytime party. I have an H&M maxi skirt with side slits on both sides that would work at a party because it’s chiffon. The flowy maxi skirt is very long, and since it should go higher up, I adjusted it by folding the waist at the back and sewing together. There’s a part that overlaps now and sort of creates a pleat at the top, but since the skirt is so flowy, you can’t tell it’s been altered unless you look really closely. The zipper is a bit harder to zip up now since there’s more material near it, but I didn’t want to pay to get the skirt taken in or have the length altered professionally. Before I altered it, the skirt would stop just above my hips, but since the material is so thin, the waist wouldn’t lie flat against my body. I think the zipper is almost too heavy for the material, so the part of the skirt with the zipper would sort of stick out.

    Both skirts would look good with a Portofino shirt from Express, or any button up shirt that’s a chiffon material or a loose-fitting tank that can create a blouson dress look (where the dress has an elastic waist or belt and then the material above hangs over the waist).

    Love,

    jen

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  • CUCNZN Blackhead Remover Suction Black Peeling Mask

    Review | CUCNZN Blackhead Remover Suction Black Peeling Mask

    Hi Everyone!

    I recently bought the CUCNZN suction black mask (the one I bought is currently unavailable, so I found a new link that sells two bottles instead of one, which I think is a good deal) from Amazon.ca and I must say, wow! It works much better than any nose strip I’ve ever used, but, man, does it hurt to peel it off. I did a full face mask the first time I used it and it pulled out some hairs and quite a few whiteheads. I used it a second time just on my nose area (like a blackhead strip) and it definitely pulled out more the second time because I steamed my face with some hot water before using it. Make sure your face is dry after steaming it, because the mask won’t dry as well. And also make sure that when you apply the mask, don’t get too close to your eyebrows or hairline (put on a hairband) because it will rip off any hairs in its wake!

    The best way to apply this is with a disposable makeup sponge. Even though your fingers will give you a more even layer, this sticks to your hands like tar and it just spreads around when it’s wet and it will take a while to get it off your fingers and under your nails. So definitely don’t use a nice makeup brush to apply this because it will be ruined. The easiest way is to use one of those triangular sponges or cheaper round sponges you can get at Walmart or a drugstore.

    Before peeling the mask off, check that the mask is completely dry because otherwise, you will have to scrub it off your face if it’s still sticky and your face may get a bit red and irritated from the scrubbing. Don’t leave it on any longer than you have to since it’s basically like putting glue on your face, your skin isn’t getting a chance to breathe. When you peel off the mask, do it slowly, I know it’s painful and you would think it hurts less to peel it off like a bandaid, but if you do it too quickly, it won’t grab those whiteheads and blackheads. If you need to, pause for a bit and then continue when you’re ready. I know my eyes have teared up a bit, and I had to stop for a second to catch my breath. Even from peeling off the mask, my face gets a bit red after.

    ORIGINAL RATING: 4/5

    UPDATED RATING: 2/5

    This is not worth the money! Get a peel off mask instead or use something long-term like AHAs or BHAs to get rid of blackheads and whiteheads.

    If you do decide to buy this, avoid your hair and make sure you don’t have any spots that can drip down. Make sure you apply a thin, even layer that will dry and peel off easily.

    Love,

    jen

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  • Review | COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches

    Hi Everyone!

    I recently found the COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches on Amazon and read some reviews about how good they are, so I thought I’d give them a try. I also picked up the Clear Fit Patches which is a thinner version. The Acne Pimple Master Patches were $6.65 CAD (free shipping) on Amazon.ca for 24 patches (3 different sizes). To be honest, I would prefer if they sold it by size. I don’t really use the small ones that often.

    dddsdsds

    The thin clear hydrocolloid patch feels similar to a hydrogel sheet mask in texture, adhering your skin strongly. It’ll stay on through showering and washing! It treats breakouts by eliminating infection and bacteria, which is what causes them in the first place. It’s able to breakdown debris from blackheads and absorb gunk from whiteheads overnight, so you won’t experience a harsh dry patch from using this. It even helps flatten and heal cystic acne faster!

    aads

    I had an underground pimple, you know, the ones that hurt but haven’t reached the surface yet, so I put a small-sized patch on the spot after I washed my face and went to bed. When I woke up, I noticed the patch had turned cloudy (it starts off a bit translucent). I peeled it off and it was no longer an underground pimple. The pimple had come to the surface and the patch had absorbed some of the pus. It left a small hole where the pimple had been, but it healed within a few days (less healing time than if I had aggravated it by squeezing it out).

    To my surprise, the patches stick really well (make sure the area is clean and dry before putting it on). I read that people sleep with the patches on and I wondered how they would stay, but once you place it on, you can barely feel it and they stay in place.

    RATING: 5/5

    I give these a 5/5 because they are amazing and actually suck up all the liquid from your pimple. I will definitely be buying these again!

    Check out my This or That posts comparing the COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches to other acne patches:

    COSRX vs. Rael | COSRX vs. Nexcare

    I’ve also tried out the COSRX Clear Fit Patches, click here to read my review.

    Have you tried acne patches? What’s your fave brand?

    Love,

    jen

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