first impressions review Archives

Review | Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate & Glow Face Oil

February 21, 2020

Hi Everyone!
Today, I’m reviewing the Superberry Hydrate & Glow Face Oil from Youth to the People. I purchased this during the Sephora sale last year. I tried it in September and then I had a breakout (unsure if it was from the oil, my diet or something else I was using). I stopped using it and then I started using all of these other products that I wanted to review. I’ve started using it again. Keep reading to find out what I think about the oil!

This ultra-enriched, flash-absorbing face oil packed with rare super berry antioxidants that leaves skin velvety soft, hydrated, and glowing. Intensely hydrating prickly pear and squalane oil lock in moisture with the help of omega fatty acids and high levels of vitamin C.

Maqui, the most antioxidant dense fruit in the world, is combined with açaí and goji, creating a potent antioxidant elixir. Our perfected balance of jojoba and sunflower oil illuminate and revive dehydrated skin without weighing it down.

Ingredients: Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Dicapryl Carbonate, Simmondsia Chineses (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Opuntia Tuna Extract(Prickly Pear), Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract (Acai), Lycium Barbarum (Goji) Extract, Aristotelia Chilensis (Maqui) Fruit Extract, And Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract , Squalane Olive, Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E), Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil*, Linum Usitatissimum (Flaxseed) Oil*, Borago Officinalis (Borage) Oil*, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Fruit Oil*, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil*, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil*, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil*, Natural Fragrance, Amylcinnamyl Alcohol, Citral, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene, Linalool.

*Certified Organic Ingredient
It comes in a glass jar with a dropper (which I will be keeping after I’ve finished using it). It’s vegan, no there’s no animal testing. It doesn’t contain dimethicone, but it does have natural fragrance. It has a scent that is familiar to me, but I can’t quite place it. I think it smells like a candy I used to eat?

RATING: 2/5

My skin doesn’t look very glowy with this oil. I just don’t think it’s worth the high price tag. My face has been very dry from the weather and it’s not providing enough hydration for me. Maybe in the spring/summer, it would be okay for my dry skin. There are other oils that I prefer that don’t have any fragrance and are much more affordable (e.g. The Ordinary, Good Molecules).

I stopped using it again and my skin is looking better. I haven’t changed any other skincare products in my routine so I know it’s this oil that’s causing the breakouts. I know it’s a waste, but I started using it on my hands and feet to finish the rest of the bottle.

I haven’t tried much from the brand, but I did like the Superfood Air Whip Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer.

Do you love this face oil?
Love,

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First Impressions with Perricone No Foundation Serum Broad Spectrum SPF30

February 4, 2020

Hi Everyone!
Today, I’ll be reviewing a product I received from Calissa. It’s the No Foundation Serum from Perricone MD.

Perricone MD’s No Foundation Serum instantly softens imperfections and minimises the appearance of wrinkles and pores with Neuropeptides without settling into fine lines. A luxurious fluid texture leaves a semi-matte suede finish with a breathable second skin effect.

It’s really nice, the only thing about the one sold at Calissa is that it comes in 1 universal shade. The Perricone website has multiple shades, but it’s SPF20. I don’t know if the formulation is different or if it’s just a slightly lower SPF.
RATING: 3.5/5

It wore well and it looked like skin. It has a nice, soft matte finish. By hour six, it was breaking up a little bit. I set it with the Charlotte Tilbury powder. It’s really good for someone who has dry skin like me. I don’t know how it would work on someone with oily skin. It would probably start to break up a lot sooner. I have mostly dry skin, but I do get an oily t-zone. It didn’t look cakey around my nose which was great. I prefer a more dewy look which can be achieved by mixing in a liquid highlighter. I give this specific “universal” broad spectrum serum a lower rating. If I tried a shade that matched me, I might give a higher rating.

Perricone MD replied to my Instagram review saying: We have another formula, No Makeup Foundation (vs. Foundation Serum) that we think you may like better based upon this feedback!

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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First Impressions with Aromatherapy Associates

January 17, 2020

Hi Everyone!
I received the Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Muscle Gel from Calissa.com

This best-selling body gel contains Rosemary, Black Pepper, Lavender and Ginger essential oils. After a long day at work, or an intense workout, give your aching muscles the love they need. De-Stress Body Gel instantly cools aches and pains, then warms muscles over time leaving them feeling soothed.

Apply generously and massage directly over muscles and joints before and after physical activity. Use up to twice daily. Can be used in flight to maintain circulation in ankles and legs. For optimum results follow with De-Stress Body Oil to give your body some extra TLC. TOP TIP: If you suffer with tension headaches, apply muscle gel to the back of your neck whilst at work, or on the go.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Water, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Water, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavendar) Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Melaleuca Leucadendron Cajaputi (Cajput) Oil, Parfum**, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Leaf Oil, Juniperus Communis (Juniper) Fruit Oil, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Oil, Pinus Sylvestris (Pine) Leaf Oil, Piper Nigrum (Black Pepper) Seed Oil, Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Citral*, Coumarin*, Geraniol*, Limonene*, Linalool*.

*Natural Essential Oil Contents **Natural Plant Extracts

I’ve used it a few times now and it’s really good. Usually I use something like Voltaren on my sore muscles. My arm was sore and throbbing one day, so I applied it and it has this cool feeling. At some point in the next couple hours the throbbing stopped. It still stinks like any muscle gel (I smell the rosemary and black pepper the most I think), but it works!! Luckily, the scent doesn’t linger. You can still smell it if you sniff your arm or wherever you applied it, but you can’t smell it from a distance. I probably wouldn’t use it on a flight. I wouldn’t want to be THAT person on the airplane.

RATING: 4/5

It’s great, but it is on the more expensive side.
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,
*This product was sent to me, but all opinions are my own.

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First Impressions with Revlon Salon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer

October 24, 2019

Hi Everyone!
Today, I’m reviewing the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer that was sent to me for review.

The Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer is a designed Hot Air Brush to deliver gorgeous volume and brilliant shine in a single step. The unique oval brush design smooth hair while the rounded edges quickly create volume at the root and beautifully full-bodied curls at the ends in a single pass, for salon blowouts at home.

Designed with Nylon Pin & Tufted Bristles for detangling, improved volume and control. 1100-Watt power provides just the right heat. Unlike conventional hair dryers, this volumizer can be placed closer to the scalp for lift. 3 Heat/Speed Settings for Styling Flexibility. Built with a genuine ION generator to promote faster drying and create styles full of shinier and healthier-looking hair. Ceramic Coating helps protect hair from over-styling with even heat distribution that penetrates hair quickly and dries from the inside out.

A quick fact about my hair: it’s straight and doesn’t hold a curl well. When I use the brush, it makes my hair look sleek, smooth and shiny. I haven’t gotten the volume that I’ve seen other ladies get from using this brush, but that’s because I need to work on my technique. I’ve seen awesome results on people who have curly hair.
RATING: 4/5

My initial thought when I took it out of the box was that it was big. Even though the brush is fairly lightweight, it does get heavy after a while. Since the brush part is lighter, it’s not perfectly balanced. Even though the handle is curved to fit in your hand easily, I feel like it’s still a bit big for people with smaller hands. I’d say my hands are average-sized. Someone with dexterity issues might have trouble gripping it. Maybe a silicone grip could be useful.

Sometimes when I use a round brush, I get it tangled in my hair. I haven’t gotten my hair tangled in the Revlon brush at all…yay! I probably wouldn’t travel with it because I’d be worried about the bristles getting squished. It would be nice if it came with some sort of protective hard case. I’m worried that over time the bristles will bend because I store it sideways.

I’ve found that the best way to use it is with slightly damp hair. You don’t want your hair dripping wet. The brush easily detangles hair, but I like to comb my hair out with a brush before I start using it.

Update: I’ve cut my hair short – now it hits my collarbone. When I first used the hair tool, it was a few inches longer. I like the hair tool a lot more now that my hair is short.

Whether you want a sleek, straight hair look or a salon-like blowout, this is a great tool. On the Revlon website, it comes in 3 different colours (pink, mint and teal) and if an oval brush isn’t your thing, they also have one that’s like a paddle brush.
Love,
*Product was gifted to me for review.

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Review | Dr. Jackson’s Night Cream

October 16, 2019

Hi Everyone!
Today, I’m reviewing Dr. Jackson’s Night Cream. A product I received from Calissa.

Overloaded with leading botanical ingredients, Dr Jackson’s 02 Night Cream is intensely moisturising in order to hydrate and soften your skin. The calming aroma will help you to gradually drift off as your skin is enriched whilst you sleep.

The replenishing combination of baobab seed oil, mango seed butter, kigelia fruit extract and frankincense tree resin in Dr Jackson’s 02 Night Cream 30ml helps to give you a rejuvenated, glowing complexion. Kigelia fruit extract helps to firm, soothe and brighten the complexion and even out skin tone. Baobab seed oil helps to improve skin firmness and strength and to diminish the look of fine lines to reveal radiant skin. Frankincense resin calms and soothes the skin and is often recommended for the treatment of blemishes. Mango seed extract helps to protect the skin against environmental aggressors.

It comes in a black opaque glass jar and comes with a little spatula. It smells a bit woodsy and also reminds me a bit of Vick’s. It’s nowhere near as strongly scented, but just has a hint of that scent. The cream itself is quite thick – a little goes a long way.

For me, I think night creams are a bit too thick to use every day. My face has a bit of a freak out if I use a cream that’s too thick. I would prefer to use a mask a couple times a week instead of using a daily night cream that’s too heavy.
RATING: 3/5

This would be a great cream for men (especially since a lot of men’s products come in black packaging).

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,
*I was sent this product by the team at Calissa. All opinions are my own.

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First Impressions with Spacemasks

October 11, 2019
Hi Everyone!
Today, I’m reviewing Spacemasks! My friend bought me one as a gift and Spacemask kindly sent me one as well. The one with the red packaging is in aid of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity box.
The heating process works by a thin layer of iron filings entwining with the oxygen molecules in the air. It is totally safe. The ever so relaxing jasmine is in a low concentration. So you can enjoy its fragrance without irritating the skin.

The designs on the masks are super cute. The jasmine scent is very very light. It’s meant to help relax and relieve tiredness and eye strain. You can definitely feel the warmth of the mask (it’s not hot, just toasty warm). You slip the loops around your ear and sit back while enjoying the heat. It’s a dry mask, so you don’t have to worry about it being messy. After 15 minutes, you can definitely feel the warmth on your eyes and under eyes. It’s probably best to use it when the weather is colder and when you’re getting ready for bed.

RATING: 3.5/5

It’s a cool idea to help relieve tiredness and eye strain. I think it would be really nice if they were reusable. You know those hand warmers that you can heat up and re-use? It would be great if these were reusable.
Check out Spacemasks on Instagram!
Love,
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First Impressions with MOR Emporium

October 9, 2019
Hi Everyone!
Last month, I received a box from Calissa with 3 products and today, I’ll be reviewing the MOR Emporium Trio of Treasures. The trio includes: a soapette, hand cream and perfume oil. They sent over the Lychee Flower scent. It looks like Calissa doesn’t have the Trio of Treasures, but they do have the soap and candle in the lychee flower scent as well as a variety of other products from the brand.
First of all, I love the beautiful design on the products and the tin is such a cute little container.

All 3 products smell very strongly of lychee especially the perfume oil and hand cream.
Hand Cream

Enriched with Vitamin E, Shea and Cocoa Seed butters for smooth, soft and perfectly perfumed hands.

I don’t like using scented hand creams, so I gave it to my mom to use. She tried it on and she said the cream felt very nice and moisturizing, but it was a bit too strong for her. So, she ended up giving the cream to my grandma who loves scented hand creams.

RATING: 3/5

While it is a nice scent and the hand cream itself is nice, the scent is so strong that you wouldn’t be able to wear it in an office.
Perfume Oil

Bountiful with Rosehip, Vitamin E, Sweet Almond Oil and flourishing with fragrance for silky-soft skin and perfectly perfumed pulse points.

The perfume oil is a rollerball and as soon as I applied some to my wrists, I could instantly smell the lychee. The product felt very nice (not too oily). After a while, it started to mix with my body chemistry and faded a bit after I washed my hands. By the end of the day, it smelled quite nice. Personally, I love fruity fragrances, but this one is a bit on the sweet side for me.

RATING: 3.5/5

Soapette

Housed in a collectable tin, each precious Soapette creates a decadent lather that leaves skin brilliantly refreshed.
- Enriched with nourishing Shea Butter and Vitamin E
- Velvety Triple-Milled soap for a smoother, creamier and more luxurious lather
I think the soapette is my favourite product. It smells like lychee, but when you walk into the bathroom, you can’t smell it. You can definitely smell it when you use it though and it’s the most subtle of the three products. I’ve been using it for a few weeks as the soap on my sink and it hasn’t softened (like some soaps I’ve tried). There’s still quite a bit left.

RATING: 4/5

All of these products were nice, but if you have a sensitive nose like I do, you probably won’t like these. If you don’t mind stronger scents and you like lychee and sweet-smelling products, you’ll like these products.

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,
*I was sent this product by the team at Calissa. All opinions are my own.
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First Impressions with Girl Voyager (formerly In-Flight Magic)

October 4, 2019
Hi Everyone!

Today, I’ll be reviewing one of two masks that I received from Girl Voyager.

Here’s a little bit about the brand from their website:

“Your usual skin care routine is fine for a usual day. But when you travel, skin needs more. Our products are carefully formulated to match the demands on skin of your particular travel journey – whether that is long-haul flying, a beach holiday, embarking on a desert adventure, attending a special event, or over-nighting in an air-conditioned hotel. Every one of these environments places a different set of demands on skin. At In-Flight Magic we design not for skin type but for the environmental conditions into which the woman or man is traveling (or working).”

Their products are formulated without: Mineral oil, synthetic fragrances, sulfate detergents, parabens, PEGs, PPGs, DEA, TEA, urea or phthalates.

I received the two masks a while back and finally decided to try them because I don’t have any travel plans in the near future.

You can apply it at home before you leave for your flight or apply it on the plane when the lights have gone down. It doesn’t have any added fragrance, but it has a subtle watermelon scent that doesn’t linger. So you don’t have to worry about the person sitting next to you.

The packets have 5mL which is more than enough for 2 times (could maybe even use it 3-4, depending how generously you apply). If you have a travel buddy, you could share with them or you could pack it up nicely and save it for your return flight.
Long-Haul Hydration Mask
- 36 Hour 3D Hydration Booster
- Micro-Film In-Door Pollution Barrier
- Reduces Risk of Sensitisation
- Leave On, Invisible Clear Mask
I opened the package and the mask was quite thick. It felt a lot like a pore-filling primer because it feels silicone-y (similar to the Touch In Sol No Poreblem Primer, but a bit thicker). I can definitely see how this acts as a barrier between your skin and the pollution.

It made my face look nice and smooth. I enjoyed the mask and it kept my face feeling smooth and hydrated for 6 hours. It probably would’ve lasted longer, but it was time for me to wash up. My face did feel slightly tacky the whole time and I could definitely tell there was something on my face, but it wasn’t uncomfortable.

RATING: 4/5

I have yet to try the Oil-Free mask (I will post a review once I’ve tried it), but here’s a comparison:
Long-Haul Hydration Mask

Packed with scientifically proven mega-hydrators and protectants, all held together in a beautiful base of Certified Organic Babassu Oil and Certified Organic Aloe Vera, this clear mask is the perfect saviour to prevent dehydrated, irritated skin.

Arrive even-toned, no redness, calmed, plumped and with happy skin that glows.

Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Propanediol, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Chondrus Crispus (Red Marine Algae) Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Betaine from Beets, Sugar Cane Squalane, Cetearyl Glucoside, Polysorbate 60, Organic Orbignya Oleifera (Babassu) Seed Oil, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Organic Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Lecithin, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexyglycerin, Biphenyl Azepanyl Methanone, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Watermelon Natural Flavour.

Long-Haul Hydration Mask (Oil-Free)

Dehydrated air on planes can make oily skin more oily, so the solution to acne-prone and oily skins on long-haul flights is hydration, hydration, hydration.

This jelly mask keeps your skin hydrated, preventing oiliness, so you arrive plumped fresh and glowing with even skin tone.

Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Propanediol, Glycerin, Betaine, Methyl Gluceth-20, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Chrondrus Crispus Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Organic Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexyglycerin, Biphenyl Azepanyl Methanone, Watermelon Natural Flavour.

**The ingredients in bold are listed in both ingredient lists.
I think this is a really cool idea to help protect your skin while traveling.

Girl Voyager has a variety of different masks and it looks like more are coming soon! They will also be selling the Long-Haul Hydration Masks in tubes which would be great if you’re a frequent flyer.
Love,
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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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First Impressions with Derma Roller System

June 18, 2019
Hi Everyone!
I was sent some products from Derma Roller System to try out. I’ve always wanted to try a derma roller. I always see them at Winners, but since they’re only like $10, I feel like those aren’t made with stainless steel. Keep reading to find out what I think about derma rollers!
Derma Roller

The patented, award-winning Derma Roller System® provides a natural way to improve the appearance of skin. By painlessly rolling 200 gamma-sterilized stainless steel needles over your skin, the Derma Roller creates tiny microchannels to stimulate and trigger the skin’s natural healing process and increase collagen and elastin production (the two proteins that help make up the structural components of skin).

Performing treatments with the Derma Roller once every few weeks results in visibly firmer, smoother, and younger-looking skin.

The Derma Roller has been clinically proven to help treat common signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, cellulite, scars (including acne scars), and stretch marks, providing smoother skin and promoting hair growth (when used with Minoxidil 5%).

Benefits
- Improves the appearance of acne scars, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles
- Firms skin
- Evens out skin tone
- Increases the effectiveness of topical skin care
- Great for all skin types
I chose the 0.5 mm size because I thought it’d be best to start with the smallest size. They also sell 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5mm. Below is a chart from their website to show you what the benefits are of each needle size.
I’ve been using the derma roller for a few months now and I think I’m noticing a difference in my skin. On my nose, I have some little ‘pits’ from being bad and squeezing out whiteheads. I noticed that after a few weeks, one of the larger pits looks smaller. I will admit that the dermaroller kind of hurts because you are poking skin with tiny needles. I don’t apply any pressure. I’m rolling it over my face or body with the lightest touch. I’ve used it on my leg where I have a dark spot from eczema and I think it has lightened it a bit.

To clean it, I place the derma roller inside a cup and pour in some isopropyl alcohol (just enough to cover the head of the derma roller). I let it sit for about 30 minutes (as instructed).

RATING: 4/5
DermaC+ Anti-Aging Serum

A powerful anti-aging serum highly concentrated with vitamin C (creates elastin and collagen) and vitamin E (antioxidant and moisturizer) to minimize the appearance of deep wrinkles and reduce the look of age spots and discoloration.

RATING: 3/5

The anti-aging serum smells nice from the Hyaluronic Acid and doesn’t feel too tacky. I like that it doesn’t pill like one of my other Hyaluronic Acid products. However, it’s not that different from other skincare products on the market.
Love,
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