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.
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.
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.
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.
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!)
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.
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:
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.
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.
**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.
This post is sponsored by XOLuxe.com, a Canadian-owned and operated company that sells a variety of different Korean Beauty sheet masks.
Our philosophy? Beautiful skin begins with great skincare. Our ultimate goal? BARE SKIN CONFIDENCE. Because we believe that beautiful skin is the secret to beauty.
I love their ultimate goal. I would love to be able to go out of the house without makeup on. My skin has been getting better lately and I’ve been wearing less makeup when I go out.
XOLUXE has sorted all of their sheets masks into categories to help you choose which one will best suit your needs. They categorize their sheet masks by skin type, skin concern and by brand. You can also buy one of their kits or subscription boxes.
I think the kits or subscription boxes are great to try out new masks and save some money. Their masks have a price range of $4-6 with most masks in the $5 category.
So, let’s get onto the reviews for the two masks I received. They were beautifully packaged in tissue paper and came with a little instruction sheet
How to use sheet masks like a pro:
Wash and tone your beautiful face first – a good cleanse will assure that your skin soaps up every bit of the mask’s serum. (If your pack includes essence apply it to face now)
Place the sheet on your face making sure to align the perforations with your nose, eyes, and moth.
Smooth the mask out to make sure there are no wrinkles for best fit.
Keep mask on for 15-20 minutes, then remove and discard. Rub any remaining serum into the skin. (If your pack includes an eye mask apply it now)
Refresh and Rejuvenate – Tightening, Soothing, Moisturizing, Cooling
Suitable for All Skin Types
A concentrated essence created using the natural and effective ingredients of the Tea Tree that efficiently rebuilds, repairs, and soothes irritated skin. It leaves your skin cool refreshed.
My face was a little red on the day I tried this sheet mask. I usually have redness on my nose, under the nose and on my chin. I washed my face and put on this sheet mask. The mask was nicely soaked in the serum (it wasn’t dripping wet, but it was saturated). I was walking around while I was wearing it and it didn’t slide off my face at all.
It smelled faintly of tea tree. I’ve used The Body Shop tea tree oil products which definitely have a strong tea tree scent. I couldn’t smell the mask when I was wearing it. I wore it for 15 minutes and then massaged the remaining essence onto my face. It does stay a little tacky, but it doesn’t feel greasy or oily. My face looked a little less red afterwards. I love tea tree oil products because they help dry out those painful underground pimples.
Calms and moisturizes the skin aiding in blemish relief by providing a heavy dose of moisture and essence with a rich blend of 8 indigenous botanical ingredients that help treat areas of concern and a blend of 13 indigenous botanical ingredients that protect against skin barrier build up.
The sheet mask was very thick. The tea tree scent was stronger than the other mask, but it wasn’t overpowering. When I used this sheet mask, I had an angry pimple on my chin – It was red, but still underground and hadn’t reared its ugly whitehead. After removing the sheet mask, the mask felt warm because it’s so thick, it trapped the heat under it. I massaged the remaining essence onto my face. The essence from this mask felt a bit more oily than other ones I’ve tried. It stayed tacky and it also felt like I had product on my face. My chin pimple looked a little bit calmer. My chin was still a bit pink, but it didn’t look as bad.
I would definitely consider buying one of the kits that XOLuxe offers. It would be a good way to try different brands. I don’t use sheet masks that frequently, so the kits or buying them individually would be the best option for me.
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.
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!)
Today, I am reviewing the AERO device from Spa Sciences which they kindly gifted to me.
This is device claims to help your skincare absorb into your skin better and faster. Keep reading to find out what I think about this device and if the claims are true!
AERO is a Trans epidermal delivery system that provides Triple Clinical Infusion™ a scientific research-based 3-in-1 technology. This innovative combination of sonic, ionic and thermal infusion maximizes the performance of ANY skincare product for better absorption and faster results. AERO is clinically proven, and Dermatologist approved to be 7 times more effective than when applying products with fingers alone to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, skin hydration, skin tone, skin brightness and other signs of premature aging. AERO is a true anti-aging breakthrough.
It’s a rechargeable device that comes with a USB cable. It’s available in two colours: mint and white. Spa Sciences sent me the mint and I love it. It’s that retro mint shade that’s really pretty.
When I first took it out of the packaging (before reading the instructions), I was like, ‘where’s the button to turn it on?!’ I realized that when it comes into contact with your skin, it turns on. The device is super smart because it won’t turn on if you’re gently wiping it down with a towel.
I wish I had one of those devices that can tell you how hydrated your skin is because then I could really see how well the AERO works. I can feel a physical difference when I use it because some of my skincare doesn’t feel as tacky or oily after using the AERO.
RATING: 4/5
From what I can tell when I touch my face, it does help skincare absorb faster. I can’t say if it helps with fine lines or wrinkles, but this is a great little device for a reasonable price.
Founded by a pharmacist with over fourteen years experience in the pharmaceutical industry, we saw market demand for a product that is effective, derived from natural ingredients and have multiple benefits to fit in with our busy lifestyle.
Anti-Stress Age Perfector Rejuvenating & Brightening Cream
Designed to help improve skin clarity, brighten skin complexion and reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Benefits: · Provide skin hydration for softer skin · Brighten skin complexion · Reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Skin Types: All skin types, except very sensitive and eczema
Based on the description, it’s probably not the best for my skin type since I have both sensitive skin and eczema. I tried it out anyway and while I don’t have fine lines and wrinkles, I do have acne-prone skin and this cream has squalane and salicylic acid. I had a bad breakout on my chin from my period and the cream seems to be helping. It doesn’t have much of a scent which I like. It stays a bit tacky throughout the day, but that just means it doesn’t absorb too quickly and keeps your face hydrated. I used to use salicylic acid products all the time, but now I’ve cut it down to using it only when I need it.
This is a nice cream, but it isn’t geared towards my skin type. I will continue using it when I have a breakout. It’s more beneficial for someone who doesn’t have sensitive skin or someone older since it helps with wrinkles and fine lines. Also, it’s an Australian brand and you have to pay shipping for international orders. If you live in Australia, this is a nice brand to try out.
Have you heard of Ellé Derm Australia? Check them out on Instagram or Facebook!
They sent over a box which contains 6 pairs of eye masks. When I was reading the description, I wondered how these masks worked. Are they saturated in serum/essence like sheet masks? How do they stay on while you sleep?
These easy-to-use under eye pads are the first eye masks that are safe to use for 8 hours. With the most natural potent antioxidants, skin will be refreshed and invigorated overnight. Peel, stick, and go to sleep.
BENEFITS
Skin is instantly refreshed
Minimize visible signs of aging around eyes
Reduce fine lines and wrinkles effectively
Instantly moisturize and soothe delicate under eye area
I eagerly opened the package to see what the eye masks looked like. One side is cotton-y and the other has a gel-like membrane covered by a plastic backing.
Unlike other eye masks I’ve tried, they aren’t soaked in serum/essence. They have a very light, fresh scent and they are comfortable to wear.
It’s a bit hard to see, but I’m peeling the plastic backing off of the top eye mask.
Apply to cleansed, dry skin and wear for up to 8 hours. The masks stay on well and can easily be repositioned.
When I removed the masks, my under eyes felt cool and refreshed. The under eye area is a bit tacky right after removing the masks, but they’re not a sticky tacky – It’s like after you apply an eye cream.
These masks are meant for overnight use. I tried sleeping with them, but I’m not used to having something on my under eyes in bed. I personally prefer using them while I’m awake – either right before bed or as soon as I wake up!
RATING: 4/5
I can’t comment on how effective the masks are at targeting fine lines and wrinkles, but my under eyes felt smooth and hydrated. Also, you can use them as eyeshadow shields once you’ve used them. These masks felt refreshing and they’re different from any other eye masks I’ve tried.
Today, I’m be reviewing two products that I purchased from Fourth Ray Beauty. I was making my first order from Colourpop and thought I would give Fourth Ray a try. I love the packaging of their products – simple and clean. I decided to try the Rainfall 2% Hyaluronic Acid Serum and the Matcha Face Milk.
Rainfall 2% Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Instantly drenches skin with hydration, immediately delivering replenishing and plumping benefits for a more bouncy, youthful-looking complexion.
RATING: 4/5
I love Hyaluronic Acid. This serum was very nice, but I did notice that it pilled sometimes if I used too much. Eventually, I figured out the right amount and I would also apply it to a slightly damp face. I also layered cream on top by pressing it in (making sure not to accidentally rub) which prevented pilling as well. I would definitely consider repurchasing this serum.
Matcha Face Milk
A creamy, lightweight moisture booster to refreshen tired skin. Formulated with Matcha Milk, Jojoba Milk, Rice Milk, White Tea, and Kale, this formula will quench your skin with antioxidants for a more energized complexion.
RATING: 3/5
I like the texture of this face milk and it makes your skin look radiant. It dries down after a while. I love matcha – the taste and the smell, but this doesn’t really smell like matcha to me which was disappointing. I don’t really love the smell of this and for that reason, I wouldn’t repurchase this one.
I do want to try their other face milks – they released a bunch of products after I purchased the matcha one. I would definitely try some of their other products next time I make an order.
Today’s post is brought to you by Urban Juve! I am sharing my first impressions with Urban Juve skincare. I received their Hemp Daily Ritual Kit (Vitalize) which includes 5 products.
Urban Juve makes natural wellness products infused with hemp.
Our approach is based in Ayurveda, one of the oldest holistic healing systems in the world. All our products are formulated by an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner and clinical researcher. Each is designed to meet the nutritional needs of the skin.
They are the first skincare company in Canada to use Hemp Root Oil. Their products contain NO dyes, artificial fragrances, sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, phthalates and other toxic fillers. See the full list of ingredients that their products DON’T contain.
They have three kits depending on your skin type: Vitalize (for Dry Skin- deeply hydrating), Align (for Oily Skin- refreshing) and Balance (for all skin types- soothing and calming). Each kit contains: an Anti-Aging Serum, Lip Balm, Face Mist, Face Moisturizer and Daily Ritual Oil.
As you may know, I am very sensitive to scents. These are all natural and don’t have any added fragrances, but I can detect a scent in each of the five products. Since I am so sensitive to scents, I will rate all of the products based on their performance alone and also identify the key ingredient(s) that I can detect.
I’ve been incorporating the Urban Juve products into my skincare routine and here are my thoughts on each of the individual products:
Face Mist
The ultimate pick-me-up. This spray toner soothes and tones, while helping control excess oil and refresh acne-prone skin. Use throughout the day or as a first step before moisturizer. With a powerhouse combo of peppermint and aloe leaf, this formula reduces the look of puffiness and helps pores appear smaller. We add cucumber skin powder for its astringent properties, as well as our signature hemp root oil, which can help boost absorption.
Key Scent: roses with a hint of spice (probably from the black pepper oil)
This has witch hazel in it which I am allergic to, so I had to pass this one along to a friend. It comes in an aerosol can that sprays more of a spurt than a fine spray. I think it would be great as a toner!
Lip Balm
This all-season balm softens and smooths chapped, rough lips. Made by blending beeswax and coconut oil with hemp seed and hemp root oil, this soothing formula creates a barrier that seals in moisture and protects against the elements. Expect a cool, refreshing feel.
This lip balm has a tingling sensation (like soft lips lip balm). It adds a bit of a sheen to your lips and keeps them moisturized.
Spoons (from top): Face Moisturizer, Daily Ritual Oil, Anti-Aging Serum
Face Moisturizer
Restore radiance to tired, dry skin. This natural formula seals in moisture and helps your skin look plumped and renewed. Made with warming essential oils (think: ginger, cinnamon, lavender, and copaiba), our Vitalize Moisturizer encourages your natural glow. The smoothing, hydrating formula contains ulta-rich jojoba oil and hemp seed oil, as well as gently astringent chamomile flower water.
Key Scents: Cloves and Cinnamon…it smells like Christmas!
My skin feels smooth and hydrated after applying this cream – it stays a little bit tacky, but it’s not oily or greasy.
Anti-Aging Serum
This potent serum smooths fine lines while helping to prevent the signs of aging. Hyaluronic acid acts as a magnet for water, making your skin visibly more plump and hydrated. This youth-enhancing formula also contains sea buckthorn oil (extremely rich in minerals, antioxidants, fatty acids and plant sterols) and our signature hemp root oil (which can help boost absorption).
Key Scent: I can’t identify the scent in this one…possibly the balsam or frakincense?
I love a serum with Hyaluronic Acid! My dry skin needs all the moisture. This serum is very nice and light. It absorbs quickly into the skin leaving the skin smooth and not at all tacky!
Daily Ritual Oil
Hydration at the deepest level. This naturally fragrant body oil seals in moisture after bathing, leaving skin velvety soft—and never greasy. The best part of your day. With a nutrient-rich base of hemp seed, avocado and sweet almond oils, our Vitalize formula regenerates skin as it smooths and firms. Warming essential oils, including ginger, cardamom and cinnamon, stimulate blood flow—and give this daily essential its invigorating scent.
Key Scents: Ginger, Clove and Cinnamon, but the scent goes away after a few hours.
This oil comes in an aerosol can which I find interesting. I’ve only seen oils come in glass/plastic bottles. This is the first body oil I’ve tried and I’m enjoying it. This would be especially great in the winter time when my skin is really dry!
I think this would be a great skincare line for men. Most skincare products have either a floral/fruity scent or no scent. If you like products that have a ‘spicy’ scent like cloves and cinnamon, you will like this brand!
I love that Urban Juve has kits that cater to different skin types. It was a great introduction to hemp-infused products. I think my favourite product is the Daily Ritual Oil. If you want to try natural wellness products, then Urban Juve is the brand for you!
**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.
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!
Today, I’m comparing two different jelly highlighters. These were both gifted to me and I thought I would do a review comparing the two. Jelly highlighters are interesting, but they’re not great for every day use since the shimmer is a bit chunky (for my liking). I would say this jelly is good for a festival/unicorn/halloween look. Keep reading to find out which one I prefer!
Almay Make Them Jelly Hi-Lite in 24K Dreams
This gorgeous jelly highlighter with an addictively bouncy texture gives your skin a dewy, holographic glow that’s utterly irresistible.
There are 2 shades available.
from left: 24K Dreams 004, Unicorn Light 003
Both of these highlighters are fun shades – yellow gold and pink. Although once you apply it, it’s not as pink as it looks in the tub. It’s like a sheer, jelly glitter. I’m not a huge fan of this one because when I press my finger into it, the jelly breaks up and crumbles (for lack of a better word). I’ve noticed that the gold one has a firmer texture whereas the pink one tends to crumble more.
NYX A Bit Jelly Gel Illuminator in Luminous
Dip right into our new A Bit Jelly Gel Illuminator. Available in three shades swimming in sparkles, this jelly-like formula feels and looks seriously amazing. Just scoop some up with your finger and pat the water-based gel onto the face or body. It slips on like a dream as you smooth it onto the skin, leaving behind a lightweight wash of radiance—that glistens even after it dries down! Gettin’ a bit jelly right now? Same, this dewy glow is lit.
There are 3 shades available
From top: Opalescent, Bronze, Luminous
I have the shade Luminous and it’s a champagne shade with blue glitter. This highlighter is a water-based product which washes away easily with water (which makes me think it might just melt down your face if you sweat). I would suggest spraying any setting spray before applying this highlighter. The texture of it is nice – when I dip my finger into it, it doesn’t separate or become chunky. It’s almost like a putty because it moves with my finger which is a good thing because then you don’t get any jelly chunks on your face when you apply it.
Luminous (top), 24K Dreams, Unicorn Light
WINNER: NYX A Bit Jelly Gel Illuminator
I think between these two jelly highlighters, I prefer the NYX A Bit Jelly Gel Illuminator. Both highlighters jiggle when you tap the containers. You can feel the jelly bounce back. I think jelly highlighters are fun, but I don’t think I would purchase any myself. I would consider trying jelly eyeshadows because I’ve seen a few on Instagram and they’re so pigmented. Obviously jelly highlighters wouldn’t be pigmented because you’d have a coloured streak on your face, but it feels like I’m just putting wet glitter on my face. I’m also not a fan of glittery highlighters and would prefer a liquid highlighter.
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!
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).
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.
Today, I will be doing a first impressions review on some Bali Body products that I received from the brand. It’s an Australian brand…I think I’m getting contacted by Australian brands because I follow quite a few Australian beauty accounts on IG lol.
I love the pastel matte bottle for the bronzing lotion and the rose gold and champagne-y gold tubes of the BB Cream and Lip Balm are so pretty.
If you live in Canada like I do, it took exactly two weeks to arrive from their distribution centre in London.
Before I start the reviews, I’d like to mention that just because certain products don’t work for me, it doesn’t mean that they’re bad. I’m just very sensitive to certain scents (especially coconut) and these products all have a scent.
Coconut Lip Balm with SPF15
A Coconut Lip Balm with SPF15 to hydrate and plump the lips while providing long lasting protection.
This natural lip balm is packed with nourishing oils to smooth & repair dry & cracked lips day or night.
RATING: 3/5
I like that it comes in a squeezy tube with a plastic tip. As far as lip balms go, this is quite expensive when I’m used to buying Vaseline. This does feel very hydrating and makes your lips look very glossy, but not sticky. I would definitely throw this into my makeup bag to apply during the day. The coconut scent is a bit too strong for me to use at night time, but it’s okay during the day. I also don’t like the taste of it (not that I’m purposely eating it lol, but you know when you accidentally lick your lips or maybe you’re eating something and taste your lip balm).
BB Cream with SPF15
A multitasking beauty cream that combines hydrating skincare benefits to protect, correct and perfect the skin.
Treat your skin in one easy step with this light-weight ultra-hydrating BB cream that provides perfect natural coverage instantly, while giving a healthy dewy glow.
They have 4 shades: Fair, Natural, Tan and Dark
I received the shade Natural and after reading reviews, I was excited to try this BB Cream.
RATING: 2/5
I don’t have a lot of luck with BB Creams on their own. I need more coverage than what BB Creams offer because I have dark spots from acne. So, this isn’t the type of base product I’m looking for, but if you want a very light coverage with SPF, you’ll love this BB Cream.
Bronzing Lotion
This antioxidant-rich moisturiser will provide a hint of tint while smoothing the skin with Vitamin E and natural oils.
Enriched with organic caramel extract to provide an instant bronzed glow.
This product isn’t a self tanner. It’s a lotion that’s tinted to give you a temporary bronzed look. It will wash off in the shower, so I wouldn’t go to sleep with this lotion on.
Before using, make sure you exfoliated the night before because you want it to go on nice and smooth. It’s also better if you aren’t too hairy wherever you apply it. I applied it on my arms and the bronzing lotion was kind of collecting around my hairs. It dries pretty fast, so make sure to blend it in evenly. If you are wearing this, do NOT get it wet. A drop of water got on my arm and it obviously left a water drop in the ‘tan’.
RATING: 3/5
My skin felt moisturized with this lotion. But I have a very sensitive nose and I wasn’t a huge fan of the scent which smells like coconut and almond. It looks very intimidating when you squeeze it out of the bottle, but once you blend it out, it gives you a nice, bronzed glow. If you are pale like me, you will definitely see a difference. Personally, I think I would prefer to use a self-tanner that will stay on for a while instead of just a few hours.
Final Thoughts
I always love trying out new brands and I’m always grateful when I am sent products for review. While these products didn’t work for me, there are a lot of positive reviews on the site and other blogs that rave about Bali Body’s products.
