This post is sponsored by VIIcode, a skincare brand that focuses on eyes. A few years ago, I reviewed their VIIcode O₂M Oxygen Eye Mask for All Night Repair (read my review). Today, I’ll be reviewing the VIIcode O₂M Oxygen Eye Mask for Dark Circles.
These individually wrapped gentle oxygen eye masks are designed for continuous 8 hour use overnight. They contain a natural, alcohol-free, non-irritating formula and are completely safe to use. Each mask is infused with a potent blend of nourishing ingredients that work hard to reduce dark circles and puffiness so you wake up looking youthful, refreshed and well-rested.
VIIcode recommends wearing the patches for 6-8 hours. On the back of the pack, it says to “let the masks work their brightening and hydrating magic no more than 8 hours, then remove.” Make sure to follow their instructions, since you don’t want to have any irritation (especially to your sensitive under eyes).
Comparing these to the All Night Repair masks, these also have a cotton-y side and the other is like a gel-like membrane. It’s been a few years since I reviewed the All Night Repair ones, so I don’t know if they’ve changed the shape. The ones for Dark Circles are symmetrical, while the All Night Repair masks had one side that was slimmer. I prefer the symmetrical ones since it covers more surface area. Also, I like that both eye masks aren’t scented.
To apply, your skin should be clean and dry. Make sure to put them on carefully because repositioning them will make them less tacky on the sides and they might lift while you sleep. I tried wearing them both before bed and overnight. Some people might wear a sleep mask to bed, I don’t so I’m not used to having anything on my face while I sleep. While wearing them, you can definitely feel them on your face, but it’s not uncomfortable. They aren’t like pimple patches where you can’t feel them once you put them on. I can definitely tell they are on since they are quite big and right under my eyes. So when you move your face, you can feel them.
If you’re wearing them to sleep and you’re a side/stomach sleeper, I would make sure to take them off a good amount of time before you leave the house, they left a mark on my face once or twice. Like when you wake up from a good sleep and realize you have a line on your face from your duvet.
I like that these are dry eye masks. They won’t slide down your face and because of the cotton-y side, you can wear them to bed without getting serum/product all over your pillowcase. The gel makes them stay in place, but they aren’t so sticky that it leaves a sticky residue after. It just feels tacky like you applied some eye cream, but it goes away once it absorbs into the skin and feels smooth. I didn’t get a chance to try, but I think makeup would apply nicely after wearing the masks overnight.
The gel of the eye masks makes them feel nice and cool. These would be great to use during the summer. Sometimes I throw my sheet masks into the fridge to cool them down, so I tried putting a pair of these eye masks in the fridge for half an hour. On the initial application, they felt quite cold. After a few seconds though, I got used to the cold and it didn’t feel that much different from the eye masks at room temperature. I also found it a bit harder to peel the backing off when they were cold (the gel seemed stickier), so I prefer keeping them at room temperature.
RATING: 3.5/5
I think you would have to do more than 6 treatments to know whether these help in the long-term. You would have to be using them for a few months instead of just a few weeks. A box of masks comes with 6 pairs which is only enough for three weeks if you use them twice a week.
I think I prefer the All Night Repair Masks since I don’t have dark circles. For me, these are more of a self-care item than a treatment since I’m not trying to target dark circles or wrinkles.
Today, I’m reviewing three products I received from 107 Beauty. I received these products complimentary to try without any obligations to post a review. Here’s a little information about 107 Beauty that I was sent:
107 is a unique skincare brand that was created with innovative formulations using premium 7-year aged vinegar
We use all-natural ingredients that are known to work effectively and synergistically with our exclusive vinegar ingredient
Our products include essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help attain healthier and rejuvenated skin
Chaga Jelly Low pH Cleanser
CHAGA JELLY’s gentle jelly texture and skin-friendly 4.0-5.0 pH helps create a refreshed, clean canvas without unnecessarily irritating the skin’s outer layer or stripping natural oils that keep skin hydrated. Formulated with our special 7-year aged vinegar, chaga mushroom extract and ten different botanical extracts (including German chamomile flower, paper mulberry root, apple, Japanese camellia leaf and green tea leaf), it helps soothe skin and boost glow while it cleanses. The speckles of green tea leaf powder found in the jelly also help to provide a soft and mild exfoliation when massaged onto the skin. Wash away the bad and keep in the good with this non-stripping cleanser!
It was a nice cleanser, but I didn’t find anything particularly special about it. I liked that it didn’t make my face feel dry/tight after using it. This lasted for about 2-3 months of every day use (once a day).
Dewy Glow Serum Mist
DEWY GLOW’s convenient mist form makes it easy to get probiotic nourishment any time of the day. Made for ease, it’s handily sized so you can get an instantaneous dose of glow straight from your vanity or handbag. Combining over 60% probiotic ferments (aspergillus/saccharomyces and lactobacillus), safflower extract and our special 7-year aged vinegar, this balanced formulation helps hydrate, nourish and soothe skin as well as stimulate cell turnover to promote a smoother, brighter complexion. Unlike other water-based mists or sprays, it’s a true serum that helps keep skin feeling dewy and radiant. It’s perfect for glow on the go!
Aspergillus/Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Arbutin, Water, PEG/PPG-18/4 Copolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Lactobacillus/Soymilk Ferment Filtrate, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Allantoin, Adenosine, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Flower Extract, Pyrus Communis (Pear) Fruit Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Prunus Persica (Peach) Fruit Extract, Hedera Helix (Ivy) Leaf/Stem Extract, Pimpinella Anisum (Anise) Fruit Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Vinegar, Cucumis Melo (Melon) Fruit Extract, Phenoxyethanol (0.36%).
RATING: 4/5
I liked the fresh, fruity scent of this mist. I would prefer if this was more serum-like and not a mist. As I sprayed it, I would obviously hold my breath so I don’t inhale it, but a few times, I breathed in too quickly and I would still breathe some of the serum into my nose. Maybe that’s just a ME problem lol. If this was more viscous and came with a pump or dropper style, I would like it more. I would use 2 spurts per use every day.
Everyday Plump Hydro Cream
EVERYDAY PLUMP’s playfully light yet richly moisturizing formulation is charged with vitamins, amino acids and probiotics. The perfectly balanced formulation of our special 7-year aged vinegar, sunflower seed oil, squalane, moroheiya leaf ferment and three types of lactobacillus ferments, helps provide daily nourishment while also protecting skin from water loss and external stressors without clogging or weighing down skin. Its smooth and silky texture glides on the skin for a glowy moisture barrier that also primes the skin for sunscreen and makeup, without feeling like it’s weighing down your skin or clogging your pores. For moisturized plump on the inside, and nourished glow on the outside!
The Everyday Plump Hydro Cream was my favourite of the three products I was sent. It had a pleasant, fresh scent and it lasted a while (5 months of daily use during nighttime routine). My skin felt hydrated with it and my face was relatively clear while I used it.
When I was first asked if I wanted to try these products, I wondered if they would smell like vinegar, but I was very pleasantly surprised that they did not. In fact, they had a light, fruity scent. If I were to purchase any of the products myself, I would get the Everyday Plump Hydro Cream and maybe try the Micro Drizzle Hydro Toner.
Love,
*Descriptions and ingredients in italics were taken from the 107 Beauty website.
Today, I’m reviewing the WetBrush Speed Dry Brush. I bought this in January, so I’ve been using it a few months. Here are my thoughts on the hair brush!
Upgrade your styling routine and protect your hair from damage with the game-changing Wet Brush® Speed Dry® Brush. Its vented design allows for air to pass through the brush, expediting your drying time and lessening your hair’s exposure to heat. HeatFlex® bristles flex as you style, preventing pulling or snagging strands and protecting against breakage.
Vented design removes excess moisture and speeds drying time
HeatFlex® heat-resistant bristles gently detangle while blow-drying
I bought the hair brush on Amazon.ca (not an affiliate link). The handle is a good size, not too wide. This brush is great, it’s so much easier to clean than the paddle brush I was using before. I never liked how my paddle brushes would get water in them when I cleaned them. Usually I just get whatever is on sale at the drugstore, but after seeing RachhLoves mention it on her channel, I decided to try it. I’ve accidentally dropped it a few times while using it (so it’s dropped about 5 ft) and it hasn’t cracked or broken a bristle. It’s easy to clean and dry off. With my old paddle brushes, I would have to dry them out, bristle side down, to make sure the water drained out properly.
RATING: 5/5
I also still love the Tangle Teezer brushes (read my review), but I don’t use them while drying my hair. Before getting the Tangle Teezer brushes, I bought one from Claire’s (an accessory store) and it melted into my hair when I was blow drying it.
I know it’s a bit late, but I’m sharing what I bought from the Sephora Holiday Sale!
I picked up a few things in store on the first day:
Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette – I know I’m super slow to buy this, but I’ve been debating which eyeshadow I wanted to get for years. I finally decided to get this one.
Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Custom Finish Powder Foundation (left – 220 Linen, right – 250 Sand)
And I ordered more online after browsing:
Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Custom Finish Powder Foundation in 250 Sand – I bought the shade 220 Linen for my mom during a sale last year. She hadn’t started using it until recently. She realized it was too light for her so she gave it to me and asked me to order a darker shade. So I chose 250 Sand. Comparing the two, 250 Sand looks lighter than 220 Linen – 220 Linen looks more orange. So I ended up returning 250 Sand and getting 310 Silk which looks a bit darker.
Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover (variety size – 200mL)
Yves Saint Laurent Libre Eau De Parfum – I wanted to try a new perfume and I sprayed this one in person when I went to the store. Apparently I wasn’t paying attention because I sprayed the Eau de Toilette in the store. There was barely anything left in the bottle, so I didn’t notice the colour was different. I don’t know why, but I didn’t spray it on me and just decided to purchase it. This was a mistake lol. The Eau de Parfum is too sweet for my liking. It gave me a headache. I went back to the store and sprayed the Eau de Toilette, but it was a bit too powdery for my liking. I actually preferred the Gucci Bloom one, but I’m going to keep browsing until I make a decision.
Today, I’ll be reviewing products I received from BeautySense.ca! This post was sponsored by BeautySense.ca and the products above were sent to me for review, but all opinions are my own. The links below are NOT affiliate links.
Beautysense.ca is a Canadian-owned website that sells beauty and cosmetics products.
We have deep roots within the beauty industry operating successful spas and salons in Canada.
BeautySense.ca was launched in 2013 with a vision of providing Canadians with a trusted and reliable source of beauty products while contributing the same customer service and education found in our spas and salons.
BeautySense.ca currently offers well over 4000 quality products from top Canadian and International brands and we continue to add new brands every month. We cater to each of you, our customer, to reach a goal of 100% satisfaction.
They sell a wide variety of skincare, home, bath & body, makeup and wellbeing products.
Free shipping on all orders within Canada, no minimum!!
They have promotions every now and then. A free gift with purchase, discounts on certain brands, etc.
I don’t know if they have sales throughout the year, but I have signed up for the newsletter to email me. So I will update this post if I am notified of any sales throughout the year.
They have a loyalty program. Receive 1 point for every $1 you spend
BeautySense let me choose the products to try out so I went with a 3 products from brands I’ve never tried before and 2 products from amika (love the scent of their dry shampoo and soulfood nourishing hair mask).
Colorescience: Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Flex SPF 50 | $63
A lightweight mineral sunscreen with tinted color coverage immediately evens skin tone for a flawless look. Available in four uniquely flexible shades for a range of skin tones, it features innovative, tone-adapting pigments that offer medium, buildable colour coverage with a natural finish.
This is drier than I thought it would be. I think I could’ve tried the medium shade instead of fair because it’s very white on me. For sunscreen, I usually just squeeze it out onto my hand and then apply to my face, but I think maybe it’s better to do a little at a time for this one. Instead of trying the medium tinted shade, I think I would just try the original (non-tinted) one next time.
Amika: The Wizard Detangling Primer | $34.50
A weightless, multi-benefit priming spray that detangles, cuts blow dry time and protects against thermal and environmental damage. Leaves hair smooth, soft and radiant.
This detangled my hair so quickly and my hair felt smooth and sleek. It looked shiny and smelled really nice. It has the same scent as the normcore conditioner and dry shampoo.
Amika: Normcore Signature Conditioner | $26
Boost hydration, softness and shine daily with this everyday conditioner, loaded with vitamins and antioxidants.
I used to love the Perk Up Dry Shampoo, but I stopped buying products with aerosol cans. Since this has the same scent description, I figured this would be the same and it is. At the time, the shampoo was out of stock, but I would definitely get the shampoo. My hair is healthy because I don’t dye it and I don’t use styling tools all the time. So I usually stick to buying shampoos and conditioners from the drugstore. I have bought a few expensive shampoos and conditioners and I use them every couple weeks when I feel like a pick-me-up.
Jane Iredale: PurePressed Blush in Barely Rose | $41
A silky, easy-glide pressed blush that builds like a powder and blends like a cream for seamless, long-lasting color and a fresh, healthy glow.
The blush is a pretty pink shade that looks like a natural blush to my cheeks. I did notice that the blush had faded by the 6 hour mark though. I purposely applied more blush than usual just to see how it wore throughout the day. So, by the 6 hour mark, it was no longer noticeable and by the 9 hour mark, it was definitely gone. I used a cotton pad to wipe the makeup and no blush came off.
Blinc: Ultravolume Tubing Mascara – Black | $32
Whether your daily activities take you from the office, to your sweaty workout then out to dinner, Blinc Tubing Mascara Ultra Volume will make your lashes look as good in the evening as they did when you first applied it in the morning.
I have typical Asian lashes that don’t keep a curl for very long so I was surprised at how well this mascara kept the curl. I was wearing the mascara for about 9 hours and my lashes were still curled. They might’ve gone down a little bit, but they definitely had a curve to them still (not sticking straight down). I did notice a few flakes on my eyelid and under eye by the 9 hour mark. I think I may have touched my eye at some point. The mascara removes easily with warm water. I would say to remove the mascara with warm water before removing the rest of your makeup. So the tubes don’t get all over your face.
They have a number of brands that I’ve never tried, so I’d be interested in buying those in the future and reviewing them on my blog.
For me, they all performed about the same. I don’t wear waterproof mascara or eyeliner, so I can’t say how well these cleansing balms work for those. I cleanse with a regular cleanser after using the cleansing balms, so I don’t mind if there’s a film from the cleansing balm.
Texture
Youth to the People (YTTP)’s cleanser is the most crumbly and it’s not as emollient as the others. Due to the texture being more crumbly, it didn’t remove my makeup as well. I had to work it in longer than the others. The Inkey List one comes in a tube, so it’s a more runny texture. I have to make sure to massage the tube first before squeezing any out. I was sent the Juno & Co cleansing balm and it came melted . They sent me a new one, but I’m worried about how easily it melted.
Comparing the textures to food: The YTTP one is like mashed potatoes (with nothing added in). The melted Juno & Co one was like melted butter that had cooled down a bit (still runny, but not completely liquid). The new tub I was sent still wasn’t as solid as the other ones.
Packaging
The K-beauty cleansing balms come with spatulas, while most of the others don’t come with one. Glow Recipe wins for best packaging since it comes in a glass jar that closes nicely. I wish the spatula could fit inside the jar, but I understand why they have a larger one since the jar is quite deep. I keep all of my spatulas in a little glass container, but it’d be nice to have it in the jar if you travel. The Youth to the People one also comes in a glass jar, but when I unscrew the lid, it doesn’t feel as smooth as the Glow Recipe. The Clinique, Heimish and Banila Co. cleansing balms come in sturdy, plastic containers. When you open the lids of the Heimish and Banila Co balms, there is a spatula inside. The Juno & Co one is a cheaper container that I sometimes have trouble closing if the inner lid isn’t perfectly aligned. The Inkey List one comes in a tube. This is my least favourite packaging since the cleansing balm is already more emollient than the others. I would not travel with the Inkey List or Juno & Co ones. A few times, I’ve had to wash off both of them because the products got onto the packaging.
Cost
In the table below, I’ve calculated the cost per mL for the cleansing balms I’ve tried. I also added others that are available on Sephora and K-beauty ones I want to try.
Price (CAD)
Size
Cost per mL
Packaging
Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm (Original) - 100mL
25
100mL
0.25
plastic with spatula
Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm (Original) - 180mL
Youth to the People Superberry Dream Cleansing Balm
45
100mL
0.45
glass jar, no spatula
Looking at the cost per mL, I was surprised which ones were more expensive. The Drunk Elephant one actually isn’t the most expensive one on the list.
The Clinique one was the first one I tried. I finished it before trying other ones, so I wasn’t able to compare them side by side. I liked it a lot because it doesn’t have a scent and I don’t remember it having a filmy feeling after using it. I will buy it again once I’ve finished my current ones and update this post with a final verdict. For now, I will exclude it from the ranking. My favourite is the Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Smoothing Enzyme Cleansing Balm. It is on the more expensive end, so for the lower range, I would pick the Heimish All Clean Balm. It doesn’t have any added fragrances and you get more in the tub (120mL vs 100mL for most of the other brands).
Have you tried these cleansing balms? Which is your fave?
Love,
Products marked with * were sent to me for review.
I’ve actually enjoyed all of the products that I’ve tried from Volition Beauty. So, I don’t really have any for MISSES. Although I’ve been sent a lot of the Volition products, I plan to repurchase some of them in the future.
Before you read this post, please remember that we all have difference preferences and skin types. These are MY hits, misses and likes. You might love something I don’t like or dislike something I love.
HITS
Strawberry-C Brightening Serum* (read my review) – I really liked this serum. My skin looked dewy and fresh after applying this serum.
How long does it last? 1oz bottle – about 120 uses (half pump per use) = 4 months, once daily OR 2 months, twice daily
Snow Mushroom Water Serum – I really liked this serum too. It does have a slight smell to it that I can’t really describe. It’s not strong and doesn’t linger though.
How long does it last? 1oz bottle – about 10 uses (half pump per use) = 4 months, once daily OR 2 months, twice daily
Unspottable Hibiscus Correcting Oil* – I really enjoyed this oil and it lasted about a year of daily use (twice a day). I think it did help fade a dark spot I had on my nose too.
How long does it last? 1.1oz bottle – about 320 uses (1-2 drops per use) = 10 months (twice daily = about 4 drops daily). Drops are a single droplet, not a full dropper’s worth.
Skin Rhythm Balancing & Clearing Serum* – This is a great product, but I think they should put it in a bottle with a pump. The product is so thick that the dropper mechanism is harder to use (comparing it to the unspottable hibiscus correcting oil’s dropper, it sticks more). I had a painful pimple on my chin and I used this for two days and it was no longer painful and angry. It also didn’t feel dry or itchy.
How long does it last? 1.1oz bottle – I’m still using this one, but it’ll probably last a while. The consistency of this serum is different from the oil and I use it as more of a spot treatment to target the areas with hormonal acne and acne scars
LIKES
Yaupon Tea Glow-Awakening Moisturizer* – This moisturizer has been perfect for the spring weather. I’ve been keeping my morning routine fairly simple with this moisturizer, the Skin Rhythm Balancing & Clearing Serum and an eye cream. It has this gel cream texture that makes it bouncy.
How long does it last? 2oz pot – I’m still using this one, but using the other products’ calculations, it should last 3-4 months.
Neroli Complete Crème* – I think this one is meant for oily and/or aging skin. While it was nice and it had a pleasant scent, I prefer the serums from the brand more.
How long does it last? 1.7oz pot – Since it comes in a pot, it’s easier to use more or less each time. I used it once a day. It took me about 2-3 months to use.
Celery Green Cream* (read my review) – This is more geared toward oily skin so it didn’t quite give me the hydration that I need for my dry skin.
How long does it last? 1.7oz pot – Since it comes in a pot, it’s easier to use more or less each time. I think I used it once a day. It took me about 2-3 months to use.
Helix AM/PM Eye Gel (read my review) – I didn’t dislike this, but it was more of a silicone/smoothing eye cream than a hydrating or moisturizing one. I didn’t get to try it under makeup which I wish I had. For a while, I only used this eye cream for morning and night. I think if I used a different eye cream during night time, this might’ve worked for me. Also, I probably should’ve tried it during a warmer season because my under eyes get dry in the winter and this eye gel did nothing to help it. I previously purchased this eye gel when they sold it in a pot. They now sell it in a bottle with a pump.
How long does it last? 0.5oz pot – For a couple months, I used this in the morning and night and then I added another eye cream. So it lasted about 4 months. It could probably be stretched to 5 or 6 if you only use it once a day.
I don’t really have any products on my wishlist. I’ve tried all the ones I wanted so far. The Orangesicle Balancing Daily Cleanser sounds nice, but lately I prefer using a cleansing balm as my first cleanse and the Cetaphil or Cerave cleansers for my second. I don’t really want to spend more than $20 on a daily cleanser.
Love,
Products marked with * were gifted to me. Illustrations on featured image by me.
This is a 4-in-1 ultrasonic skin spatula for deep cleansing, exfoliation, lifting & serum infusion to reveal radiant skin.
Cleaning Mode – deeply removes and cleans dirt and oil from the skin and unclogs pores
Ion+ Technology – removes dirt and debris from your skin at a particle level using water to help rid your pores of buildup
Ion- Technology – apply your serums/cream or moisturizers so the products get deeper in the skin
Lifting Mode – tighten and lift your skin + electronic muscle stimulation
The Lela comes in two colours Pink and Mint (currently unavailable). It retails for $29.99 USD. I have the mint AERO device, it might be slightly different since the AERO is shiny and the LELA has a different texture. The pink appears slightly different from my pictures.
I had only seen pictures of it straight on, so I didn’t realize the device would be so flat. I thought it would be similar to my AERO device. It’s good that it’s flat because it allows you to hold it at all angles. Especially if you’re using the lifting setting. The lid goes on tightly, I think it could use a ridge/ribbing so it’s easier to grip when you pull it off.
The ultrasonic sound from the device might affect some people. It’s different from just having the device on, but when you make contact with your skin, the ultrasonic sound is obviously much closer and you can feel the vibrations/sound in your head (if that makes sense lol). One time, I was using my noise cancelling headphones and I couldn’t hear it as much, so you can block out the sound with music.
When I used the cleaning and ion+ technology mode, I noticed that there was a fine mist of water spraying when I lifted the spatula off my face. It did remove some buildup from my face. It was cool and gross at the same time lol.
Sometimes when I apply my nightly skincare, it FEELS like I have a layer of products on my face, but since I’ve been using this, I haven’t felt that.
RATING: 4/5
Is this device absolutely necessary? No, but I think it’s a fun one to use every now and then.
Have you tried any devices from Spa Sciences?
Love,
This product was sent to me in exchange for review. No obligation to post on my blog.
Today, I’m reviewing the Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal Extract Toner. I was sent the Limited Edition holiday bottle.
Our cult-classic Calendula toner is formulated with hand-picked Calendula flower petals to visibly reduce redness, oiliness and minimize the appearance of pores. Our gentle, alcohol-free toner, gently cleanses and soothes skin for a balanced and refreshed-feeling skin!
Helps visibly reduce redness, excess oil and appearance of pores
Gently soothes, calms and refreshes skin
Cleanses skin without harsh or synthetic drying agents
For normal-to-oily skin types, including sensitive skin
The limited edition bottle is no longer available since it was a holiday collection. The original bottle retails for 500mL ($98 CAD), 250mL ($57 CAD), 125mL ($35 CAD), 75mL ($26)
It comes in a plastic bottle. Sometimes I find the bottle cap a bit hard to open. I think the calendula petals floating around are unnecessary. It’s cool to have on display, but when I pour the toner out onto a reusable cotton pad, the petals stick to the pads and I have to pick them off.
Looking at the website, the 500mL bottle comes with a cap too. It’d be nice if it came with a pump because lifting a 500mL bottle each time would be a bit heavy. I have a 250mL bottle which is fine, but the cleanser I used was 500mL which was quite heavy when full. Plus, turning the bottle sideways or upside down might waste some product if it spills out.
I’ve been using this toner for four months now (I use it every night). It’s a nice toner that doesn’t make my skin feel dry and tight. It doesn’t feel tacky. The toner smells like iced tea (the pure leaf or gold peak iced tea). I’ve previously used the Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash which I liked. From what I remember, the cleanser smelled like tootsie rolls. The toner itself is brown, so it did slightly stain my reusable cotton pads.
I usually have redness around my nose and chin, so I was hoping that the claims of reducing redness were true. I have noticed the redness has gone down, but I don’t know if it’s only from the toner or if other products I’ve been using have helped as well.
Even though it says this toner is for all skin types, I think it’s more geared toward normal and oily skin types since it claims to reduce oiliness and shine.
RATING: 3/5
I had to dock some points for the floating calendula petals and the fact that I have trouble opening the lid sometimes. I don’t think I would purchase this once I finish this bottle.
Have you tried the Calendula products from Kiehl’s? What are your faves?
Love,
*I received this product complimentary from Kiehl’s with no obligation to review. Description and ingredients taken from Kiehl’s Canada website.
What do you get when you combine “Swedish” and “Audio”? Sudio! This Swedish brand offers a variety of headphones (over-the-ear, ear buds and earphones for an active lifestyle).
Today, I’ll be reviewing three products I received from Sudio. I won’t talk too much about the specifications, so if you want to know the battery length, etc., click the links below (not affiliate links).
These are my first wireless earphones. I love the soft matte black look. It makes them look chic and sleek. The sound is great too. Sudio has previously sent the over the ear headphones, I’ve been impressed with their quality (both sound and headphones). I’m the type to just use whatever headphones come with my phone or buy what’s on sale. I also don’t really listen to music when I’m in public, so I haven’t really needed to invest in earphones.
Recently, I upgraded my phone. It had been a long time since I last upgraded my phone, my old one still had a headphone jack. Most new phones don’t have a jack anymore, so you need ones that connect via Bluetooth. It was really easy to connect the Sudio earphones.
I like that the earphones have certain functions when you tap them (1, 2 or 3 times). Tap left one to play/pause, go to previous track, decrease volume. Tap right one to play/pause, go to next track, increase volume.
Since I’m a newbie to good quality ear phones, I was surprised to see that they come with extra ear tips in different sizes. I was able to use the default ones, but it’s nice that they cater to everyone. The E2 earphones have wireless charging. Right now, if you purchase the earphones, it comes with a wireless charger.
Illustration by me.
Ladd+ Wireless Charger
The Ladd+ Wireless Charger has been great. I’ve even been using it to charge my phone too. I have noticed it getting warm when it’s charging a device for a while.
Klar White
I received these over-the-ear headphones a couple years ago, but I realized I hadn’t posted a review on the blog.
I love the minimalist designs of the headphones. The Klar over-the-ear wireless headphones are noise-canceling. Not only can you use them via Bluetooth, but it comes with a wire so you can connect them using a headphone jack. The headphones are comfortable, but like all headphones, it does get a bit hot when you wear them for too long (my ears, not the headphones).
Use my discount code JENCAT to get 15% off your purchase (valid for the next 2 months).
Love,
*Products were sent to me. (Slideshow pictures were taken from Sudio website. I used a picture from the Sudio website as a template for my illustration)
Today, I’m reviewing three products I received from La Roche-Posay. I’ve always seen this brand at the drugstore, but I never got around to trying it. Find out what I have to say about these three products!
CICAPLAST BAUME B5
Thanks to its quick-absorbing texture and invisible, non-oily and non-sticky finish, all activities can be immediately resumed after application.
Soothing Repairing Balm: Optimal skin recovery for sensitive skin after dry skin irritations and superficial cutaneous heating sensations.
I like that the product comes in a tube. Usually for products that have a thicker formula, they come in tubs/pots with a spatula. I find this balm a bit too thick for my liking, but I have noticed that my skin doesn’t look dry at all. Sometimes I’ve applied it and then looked in the mirror a few hours later and realized I missed a spot blending (because it’s so thick). When you apply it, it looks like it has a white cast, but as you work it into the skin, it goes away. I’m not a huge fan of the scent of the two cream products. I find that my face still feels tacky hours after application. It doesn’t feel greasy though. They both have this school glue smell to them and also a similar thick, sticky texture. Luckily, you can’t smell it once you apply it (or maybe it’s because I apply an oil that has a light, fruity scent). I guess it’s better than an overly scented product. I’ve been using the tube for about a month and a half now and I think I’m getting close to finishing it. I use about a pea-sized amount (sometimes a bit more) in AM and PM (rounding up, I’ve used it about 100 times).
RATING: 3/5 → 4/5
I’ll give this a medium rating since my skin has been pretty clear lately, but I probably wouldn’t purchase this on my own in the future.
UPDATE: After writing this review,my skin had a breakout and I think this balm helped it heal faster. So I’ve bumped this rating up because I like it more. I don’t think I would use it as an everyday moisturizer since it’s so thick, but I think I would use it when my skin needs it. It would probably be good for the winter time. I WOULD repurchase.
HYALU B5 ANTI-AGING SERUM
The dermatological correction for wrinkles and fine lines, loss of volume and elasticity. This intensely hydrating face and neck serum is clinically proven to replump skin, accelerate skin repair and significantly reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. The unique pro-skin recovery formula helps repair by replenishing the skin’s moisture barrier and activate skin renewal. It combines concentrated pure hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 and madecassoside for optimal effectiveness while also being suitable for sensitive skin.
The smooth, fresh, and rich water-gel texture leaves skin feeling plump and hydrated to the touch.
The serum comes in a glass bottle with a dropper. For some reason, the top feels kind of cheap to me. It also might be hard for people to open since it’s all smooth. It would probably be better to have some ridges to grip it.
RATING: 2/5
I will say that I couldn’t give this a proper test because the product is so scented, that it gave me a headache. When smelling it from the bottle, it is a nice, refreshing scent, but it’s too overpowering once it’s on the face. I tried applying it on my face, away from my nose, but the texture of it was too tacky. I know it might sound like a waste, but I tried it out on my feet so I could test how it makes the skin feel. My feet do feel quite smooth so I won’t give this one a super low rating, but I wouldn’t repurchase this one.
LIPIKAR BAUME AP+M ECO TUBE
Lipikar Balm AP+M is a moisturizing body balm clinically proven to immediately soothe dry to eczema-prone skin for less itching. The new AP+M triple-action formula has a reinforced anti-scratching, anti-relapse efficacy and helps rebalance the skin microbiome. This balm replenishes skin’s essential lipids to strengthen its moisture barrier and provides long-lasting 48-hour hydration. It can be used on the face, hands and body and is suitable for adults, children and babies as young as 2 weeks.
Our NEW ECO-CONSCIOUS TUBE uses 45% less plastic than the previous AP+ 200ml plastic tube.
Non-greasy, non-sticky finish. Skin is soft and comforted from sensitivities.
I love that they’re being eco-conscious by using less plastic, but I used this tube up so quickly since I used it on my whole body after showering. I finished the 200mL tube in a month (used one daily). Once it started getting low, it was hard to squeeze out. I cut the tube open and I was able to use it for a few more days. Similar to the balm, this also smelled like school glue and I could smell it more. It also had a thick texture that kept my skin moisturized.
RATING: 3/5
At $26 for the tube, I can’t justify purchasing it again when other products are the about the same in terms of moisturizing. During the winter, Aveeno daily moisturizing lotion and Cerave moisturizing cream have both worked well for me.
Have you tried La Roche-Posay products? What are your faves?
Love,
*Products were sent to me with no obligations to post. Slideshow pictures taken from Google search. Descriptions and ingredients lists taken from La Roche-Posay Canada website.
Today, I’m reviewing the NuMe hair products: Classic Curling Wand and Rise And Prime Hair Primer.
Hair Type(s): Safe for all hair types, including thick, curly, frizzy, and damaged hair.
Features
100% tourmaline ceramic barrel
Clipless design for crease-free curls
Heats to 410°F in seconds
On/off power switch with indicator light
Far infrared heat
Negative ion conditioning technology
Fully rotating swivel power cord
Ergonomic design
19mm barrel for tight ringlets, 25mm barrel for glam curls, 32mm barrel for beach waves
includes a heat-resistant styling glove
Far infrared heat – sends a gentle heat directly into the hair follicle and out to the cuticle to protect strands over time.
Tourmaline ceramic – offers a smooth, friction-free surface to reduce breakage and naturally conducts far infrared heat and negative ions for healthier heat styling.
Negative ion conditioning technology – maintains moisture and eliminates frizz by sealing the hair’s cuticle while boosting shine.
The classic curling wand also comes in 6 different colours: Black, Pink, Turquoise, Blush, Mint Green and White. The 19mm only comes in Black and some of the colours are currently sold out.
Currently on sale for $62 USD, regular price is $89 USD.
HOW TO
Curl: Wrap small sections of hair around the barrel for three to five seconds. Catch the curl to cool and set, then release. Wear the heat-resistant styling glove for added protection.
I chose the 32mm barrel curling wand in black. Personally, I prefer beachy waves because I look older with curls. Also, my hair is stick straight, so it usually doesn’t hold a curl really well.
This is my first time using an actual curling wand. I’ve only used curling irons with clips. I’d say my hair is pretty thick, but it styles my hair well. I get the waves that I want. I tried using it without applying hairspray because I wanted to see how long the waves would last. I did my hair early in the afternoon and it still had some waves by the evening.
Pictured is right after curling my hair. I ran my fingers through it to soften the waves. I will try to take a selfie and post it on my Instagram.
RATING: 4/5
This curling wand is their most basic one. If you have thinner hair, you may want to choose one that controls the temperature. They have the Magic Curling Wand (retails for $129 USD).
I wish it had a bit of a stand so that the wand part doesn’t touch my desk after I’m finished using it. Since it’s a bit top heavy, the barrel touches my desk. Luckily, I have a silicone mat heat protector. The fingers of the heat protecting glove are really long. I don’t think anyone’s thumb could be that long.
Protect and nourish your strands without weighing hair down. Use Rise and Prime Hair Primer on its own as a base prior to heat styling or on its own as a leave in conditioner.
Directions: Apply a generous amount onto wet or damp hair directly out of the shower. Use before heat styling for added protection or on its own as a leave in conditioner.
Hydrolyzed Silk replenishes hair with amino acids, improves against breakage and forms a protective barrier
Sunflower Seed Oil, an antioxidant with fatty acids, rich in beta carotene which moisturizes and controls frizz and prevents thinning of hair; packed with vitamin E and oleic acids which helps nourishes and softens hair
Honey Extract prevents drying of hair; natural humectant, keeping hair lustrous and moisturized
Straight out of the bottle, the scent is a bit strong for me. It’s a bit sweet for my liking, but once you dry your hair, it’s very faint. It felt like my hair dried faster after using this and my hair feels and looks silky smooth.
This was a great first introduction to NuMe hair products for me. I would definitely consider buying other products from their collection.
Have you tried NuMe hair products? Which are your faves?
Love,
*Product was sent to me for review. Links are affiliate links. Information in italics taken from the Nume Hair website.
Today, I’m reviewing two products I received from SkinCeuticals. I know I included these in my empties posts, but I thought I would do a separate review. I received the Blemish + Age Defense Potent Treatment for Aging Skin and Phlorectin CF. I had heard of @skinceuticalsca before, but didn’t know a lot about the brand. Their mission is to “provide advanced skincare backed by science.” Thanks to @bnation_bicom and @skinceuticalsca I get to try these two products out.
Their products come in simple packaging which I don’t mind. While it’s fun to take pictures of pretty skincare bottles, I’d rather spend my money on effective products than pretty pink/blue/purple packaging.
SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense Potent Treatment for Aging Skin
Skin Type: Oily, Combination
Skin Concern: Acne, Aging
Blemish + Age Defense is an oil-free, targeted approach for aging and blemished-prone skin. This first-to-market acid blend uniquely combines 2% dioic acid with an optimal alpha- and beta-hydroxy acid formulation to reduce the formation of acne and clogged pores, while improving the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin tone.
Retails for $112 CAD on the SkinCeuticals.ca website
RATING: 4/5
I did notice that my skin looked better while using this and it didn’t make my skin too dry or too oily. Since my skin is already dry, I made sure to use a hydrating serum with it and I only used it on my problem areas instead of using on my whole face (to save product).
I used a couple of drops morning and night. I like that it doesn’t have a scent. When you first put it on, you can smell the Alcohol in it (that’s the ingredient that’s listed first), but the alcohol smell dissipates after applying it. Unlike some other acne care products, this treatment doesn’t feel as tacky as other products I’ve tried and I like that. It’s one of the few products I’ve tried that has salicylic acid that hasn’t made my face red and/or itchy after using it. I can’t say how well it works for anti-aging since I don’t have wrinkles or fine lines. Before using this product, I have had a bit of texture on my forehead, I don’t know if it was from products I was testing out or diet (or maybe a bit of both). While I used this product, my forehead cleared up.
Skinceuticals Phlorectin CF
Phloretin CF features a patented unique combination of 2% phloretin, 10% pure vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid), and 0.5% ferulic acid for enhanced protection against atmospheric skin aging – environmental stressor damage and premature signs of aging caused by free radicals from infrared radiation (IRA), UVA/UVB, and ozone pollution (O3). In addition to antioxidant protective benefits, Phloretin CF visibly enhances the appearance of discoloration, reduces fine lines and uneven skin tone.
Retails for $190 CAD on the Skinceuticals.ca website
RATING: 2/5
This product isn’t really geared towards my skin type since I have dry skin. I didn’t like the smell of this one. It smelled sweet like brown sugar. It also made my face feel tacky the whole day and I didn’t notice a huge difference in my skin either. Even if this was a more reasonable price (it’s $190 CAD for 30 mL), I wouldn’t purchase because of the scent.
I think I would consider using SkinCeuticals products when I’m a bit older since they are quite expensive. I might consider repurchasing the Blemish + Age Defense serum again.
Have you tried SkinCeuticals products? Did you think they were worth the high price?
Love,
*Products were sent to me for review. Ingredients and descriptions in Italics were taken from the SkinCeuticals.ca website.
Elevate your morning routine. This first-of-its-kind clinical-grade 15% vitamin C serum is boosted with clean, plant-derived caffeine from superleafs yerba mate and guayusa to immediately brighten, visibly reduce morning puffiness, and hydrate.
15% Vitamin C Complex: Visibly brightens to reduce the look of hyperpigmentation give skin a firmer appearance
Yerba Mate and Guayusa (Clean Caffeine): Naturally high in caffeine and antioxidants to visibly depuff and contour
Passion and Dragon Fruit: High in antioxidants to help scavenge for free radicals and replenish moisture
How to Use: In the morning, apply 2-4 pumps to cleansed face and neck. Follow with Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream or Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream. With daily use, this super dose of antioxidants helps reduce the look of hyperpigmentation, even skin tone, and visibly firm.
I like that it comes in a glass container with a pump. The spout has a bit of a lip on it where the serum tends to collect and dry down. So I often have to use my finger to wipe it clean which I find a little annoying. Also, I don’t know if I have a faulty pump, but instead of pumping out smoothly (I can hear it make a sound) onto my hand, sometimes the product spurts out.
I’ve been using it for a while now and I haven’t noticed anything different in my skin. To me, it just feels like a serum which is quite expensive for $90. I haven’t noticed any pilling with the products I use, but this serum can make your face a bit tacky. Most vitamin C products I’ve tried have a citrus scent, so I was surprised when I smelled this serum. It smells like ginger, but it’s a light, pleasant smell that isn’t overpowering. Considering the price, I wouldn’t purchase this when I’m finished this bottle.
What’s your favourite Youth to the People product?
Anti-Dandruff Shampoo formulated to realign the hair scalp to eliminate 100% of visible dandruff*. You can now break up with flakes, itch, and irritation associated with dandruff and dry scalp. Up to 6 week anti-relapse promise. Recommended by dermatologists.
The Dercos Anti-Dandruff Shampoo exfoliates and treats visible dandruff on the scalp from the very first application. More importantly, this professional product is the best dandruff shampoo to prevent its return. Results are continuous for up to six weeks post-use. Efficacy tested under dermatological control.
In the past, I used to wash my hair every day, but now I try to do every other day. Sometimes I’ll stretch it to 2 days, but that’s my limit because my hair will get greasy and I tend to get headaches easily. I can easily wash hair every other day and I don’t have any dandruff, but if i stretch it to longer, the oil can build up to cause dandruff. TMI, I’m also prone to acne on my scalp (usually the back of my head), so I was hoping that this shampoo would help since it has salicylic acid and it did!
I followed the directions and tried using it twice a week (the website advises using it 1-3 times a week). So I went for twice to see. On the second time I used it, I noticed the next day that my hair was oilier than usual. I think my scalp was over compensating for the active ingredients in the shampoo. I decided to decrease to using the treatment once a week which worked best.
RATING: 3/5
Whenever I used the shampoo, I noticed that my hair looked quite shiny (healthy shine, not oily shine) the next day, but I just don’t love the scent. It smells a bit like chemicals to me, so I would use the Vichy shampoo on my scalp and then follow up with a nice-smelling shampoo/conditioner on the ends. I wouldn’t purchase this one on my own and I I’d rather try a different shampoo that’s not as expensive. I know Head & Shoulders shampoos have come a long way since I last tried it (probably like 10 years ago). Now they have scented shampoos instead of just the regular Original Head & Shoulders scent.
Have you tried Vichy Dercos shampoos? What are your faves?
I chose the 32mm barrel curling wand in black. Personally, I prefer beachy waves because I look older with curls. Also, my hair is stick straight, so it usually doesn’t hold a curl really well.
