Today, I’ll be sharing my first impressions review of a gadget from a brand called TrueBloom.
Hydrodermabrasion combines a 2 stage process into one quick and easy treatment for clearer and healthier skin. Stage 1 is the Detox and Exfoliation process. The warm water polishes and deeply cleanses your skin while the strong yet gentle vacuum unclogs your pores and removes toxins from your skin! Stage 2 is the Revitalization and Brightening process. The vacuum suction increases blood flow, triggering natural collagen production while stimulating new cell growth. Collagen is the essential protein which provides the elasticity in the skin, helping your skin look and feel young and healthy.
Easy 5 Minute Weekly Treatment
Sucks Dirt & Makeup From your Face
Unclog Pores, Remove Blackheads & Whiteheads
Stimulates Anti-Ageing Via Collagen Production
Improve Skin Tone & Texture
Reduces Wrinkles & Fine Lines
Suitable For All Skin Types
I’ve always been curious about these types of devices. You put warm water into the device which cleanses the skin while the vacuum removes toxins and unclogs skin. The vacuum is meant to increase blood flow and stimulate new cell growth. The device comes with 6 different attachments – 3 silicone ones and 3 hard plastic (different sizes for each). The instructions in the box aren’t the most coherent, but it gets the message across.
The suction on this device is very strong and I’m a bit concerned about it causing bruising on the more sensitive areas of my face. I made sure to read instructions carefully before using it. I tested it out on my arm to see how strong the suction was and it got a bit red. After a while it went away, so I tried it out on my face. I got a red mark on my forehead and jawline which stayed there for the rest of the night. On the website, there’s before and after shots of the water. There’s one compartment for the clean water and another for where the water goes after. I’ve seen the water look cloudy and kind of yellow in some pictures. I’m assuming the person who used it had removed their makeup with the device. When I tried it, the used water was a little cloudy and there were a few hairs in it, but I didn’t see anything else.
I’ll continue to try it out on my arms and legs just to see if it helps with blood circulation. I don’t get a lot of blackheads, but if I do, I will test it out. I’m curious to see if it’s strong enough to pull out a blackhead. For now, I will just have to test it out long-term to see if it does improve blood circulation and improve skin tone.
RATING: 2/5
At the moment, I’m not convinced this product is necessary for your skincare routine. It feels like it’s just another gadget that I’ll use for a few months and then forget about, but we’ll see. Especially with this being gadget from a brand that’s not well-known. Maybe one from a better known brand would have a gentler suction.
Have you tried one of these gadgets?
Love,
*This product was sent to me complimentary for a review. All opinions are my own.
I have a few empties for you this month. I decluttered a few makeup items. I know you can keep some makeup for a while, but I have sensitive, acne-prone skin, so I don’t really want to keep makeup longer than two years.
Good Molecules Rosewater Daily Cleansing Gel* – This cleansing gel was just okay for me. It didn’t really do much more than my Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser which is less expensive.
Repurchase? No.
Skyn Iceland Arctic Repair Cream* – I tried it once as a face moisturizer, but I found it too heavy. I really enjoyed this as a body cream. I would use it after showering and I loved that it wasn’t greasy at all. The container is a 100% recyclable jar made from sugarcane. I found sometimes it was hard to twist the lid on nicely. Since it comes with an insert that holds a spatula. It wasn’t a big issue for me, but I would be worried if I put it in a bag.
Repurchase? For the colder months, I would definitely consider purchasing it.
NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Shine Shampoo & Conditioner* (read my review) –
Repurchase? I would consider trying a different scent.
Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder in 15 Light – I really liked this powder. Even though it’s a finishing powder, I used it as a foundation for days I wanted light coverage. I wish they had more shades though. The light shade wasn’t the perfect match.
Repurchase? Definitely!
Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation in Light Neutral – I really liked this powder. It was the wrong shade, but it looked really nice on the skin. I know it’s called a full coverage foundation, but if you use a light hand, it won’t look heavy.
Repurchase? In a different shade, yes.
Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer in #7 – I purchased this when I bought the Luminous Silk Powder Foundation for my mom. The fluid sheers were on sale and this was one of the shades they had left. It was a good deal and I really just wanted to try it, so I chose #7 (a pinky pearlescent shade). I used this more like an illuminator mixed in with foundation instead of as a highlighter since it was a pink shade. It made my foundation look glowy. I still would’ve preferred to get a different shade, but I liked it.
Repurchase? I want to try other liquid illuminators from other brands, but if I were to get this again, I would get it in shade #2.
Love,
Products marked with * were sent to me for review.
I’ve started a page to share Black-owned brands (bookmark the page because I will be updating the page instead of this blog post as I find more brands). The brands are listed alphabetically. At the bottom, I’ve also included other categories like apparel, accessories, home, etc. I hope to add more international brands. Right now, they are mostly American with some from Canada and the UK.
**There are no affiliate/ambassador links below. I am not affiliated with any of the brands.**
**Any AdSense generated from this page will go towards purchases from Black-owned brands to review on this blog.**
Tea Tree Oil prevents and inhibits the growth of unwanted bacteria while nourishing the skin. The face tonic restores the skin’s natural moisture balance and helps prevent skin problems by deep cleansing. It contains extract of Kakadu Plum which has a high level of antioxidant properties. The natural Tea Tree Oil prevents bacteria from clinging to the skin.
I’ve been using the Face Tonic for a few weeks now and I’m enjoying it. It’s better than The Body Shop one because it doesn’t have alcohol or witch hazel in it (I think I’m allergic to witch hazel – read my blog post about it here). Instead of using it as a toner, I use it before my shower as a pre-cleanse because I’m not a huge fan of tea tree smell. I know I’m supposed to use it after cleansing, but it seems to be working for me. I’ve actually been using it on my face AND back because I’m unfortunately prone to bacne as well. It’s helped dry out my active breakouts on my back.
I would definitely consider trying their Tea Tree Oil Body Wash. I’ve used The Body Shop’s Tea Tree Oil Body Wash and that worked really well to keep my back clear.
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!)
I’ve tried a handful of pimple patches, so here are my thoughts on them. I haven’t tried patches that have tea tree or microneedles. I have only ever tried the hydrocolloid patches that just absorb pus.
I know there are so many brands out there, but unfortunately for me, I can’t get them in Canada without having to pay an arm and a leg. For me, I’ve found ones that work well, so I don’t really need to try all of them out there.
I’ve tried both tapered and non-tapered patches. The originals are ones that are the same thickness all around while the tapered ones are thinner around the edge so that it blends into the skin more easily. Tapered are great for wearing out of the house while non-tapered ones are great for overnight use and also can absorb more.
Tapered patches – COSRX Clear Fit Master Patch, Rael Acne Pimple Healing Patch and Subi Perfect Pimple Patch
This picture is not mine, it was taken from Google.
Nexcare acne absorbing covers are my least favourite patches I’ve tried. They smelled like plastic and both sides were quite sticky (sometimes I didn’t know which side was the sticky side). They were also more yellow than the other patches which made it more noticeable on my skin.
COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches are my favourites for overnight pimples.
The tapered ones are the best for wearing out of the house and for spots that are curved. Sometimes the non-tapered ones are too thick to put on the jaw/chin or nose, so a tapered one won’t unstick from your skin.
To me, the COSRX Clear Fit Master Patch, Rael Acne Pimple Healing Patch and Subi Perfect Pimple Patch are all the same in terms of efficacy. So, the deciding factor would be the price and whether you want one or two sizes.
*All prices are in Canadian unless stated otherwise
Amazon.ca – $15 for a 3 pack (72 patches) = 0.2083 per patch
Chuusi.ca – $4.50 for 1 pack (24 patches) = 0.1875 per patch
COSRX Clear Fit Master Patches
1 pack = 18 patches with 1 size (18x10mm)
Amazon.ca – $24 for a 3 pack (54 patches) = 0.44 per patch
Chuusi.ca – $4.50 for 1 pack (18 patches) = 0.25 per patch
Subi Beauty Perfect Pimple Patches
1 pack = 18 patches with 1 size (18x10mm)
Subi Beauty – $29.95 USD for a 3 pack (54 patches) = $0.55 USD per patch
Rael Acne Pimple Healing Patches
1 pack = 24 patches with 2 sizes (12x10mm, 12x12mm)
Amazon.ca – $25.49 for a 4 pack (96 patches) = 0.27 per patch
Nexcare Acne Absorbing Covers
1 pack = 36 patches with 2 sizes (24x8mm, 12x12mm)
Amazon.ca – $11.50 for a 1 pack (36 patches) = 0.32 per patch
For me, as a Canadian, the COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches are the cheapest from Chuusi.ca and the Clear Fit Patches are the cheapest tapered patches (also from Chuusi.ca).
I do like the option of having two sizes from Rael, but if I’m already making an order on Chuusi.ca, I would buy the COSRX Clear Fit ones.
Today, I’m reviewing the Origins Ginzing Eye Cream to Brighten and Depuff. This one and the Ole Henriksen are super popular brightening eye creams. I thought I’d give this one a try first.
A refreshing eye cream that visibly brightens the eye area by diminishing the appearance of dark circles and puffiness.
It does illuminate the under eye because of the peachy tint. When I first started using it, I used too much and it brightened my under eyes too much. It would also dry down quickly and wouldn’t blend out well. Now that I know how much to use, it does brighten the under eye nicely. I don’t love the smell of this and I think I had a reaction to it because I got a milium (singular of milia since I only got one).
RATING: 3/5
I need a more hydrating under eye cream because my skin is so dry. I won’t be repurchasing this one.
Today, I have a first impressions review for Woodlot products. It’s a Canadian brand that was founded in 2014. They generously sent me three products from their collection: two soaps and a body lotion.
Natural Recharge Soap
A simple antidote to stress and fatigue. Soothing aromas of rosemary + peppermint.
This one smells really nice. I love the peppermint in it.
Natural Wildwoods Soap
Embrace the power of detoxifying bamboo charcoal. Blended with nourishing butters, soothing balsam oil, crisp fir oil, and warming clove oil, this cleansing bar is brimming with benefits.
This one has a nice scent as well, but products with trees tend to smell more manly to me. The one thing I don’t love about this one is the activated charcoal. While it’s great that it detoxifies, it can get quite messy with the charcoal bleeding when it gets wet.
RATING: 4/5
While these are nice soaps, $10 is a bit expensive for one bar.
Amour Nourishing Body Lotion
Scents of floral palmarosa, fragrant rose damask, and spicy black pepper oil make this nourishing and lightweight lotion a romantic treat for your skin.
This lotion made my hands feel very soft, but the black pepper is a little overwhelming for me. I don’t usually use scented lotions because I have sensitive skin and a sensitive nose. I get headaches from scented products easily.
RATING: 3/5
My favourite of the three is the Recharge soap. It smells so good (and I don’t usually like Rosemary), but the mint makes it refreshing.
They gave me a discount code. Use the code JENCAT-XO at checkout to get 15% off!
It’s been a while since I did a haul blog post and because I’ve been on a low buy, there’s been no reason to do one. I’ve almost run out of my current cleanser (KORAI Cloud Cleanser – read my review) and my COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches (read my review), so I decided to order a bunch of different ones to try. Hopefully, these will last a while because I bought so many. I purchased the products from Chuusi.ca (a Canadian online shop that sells Korean beauty and skincare). I’ve previously bought from them and they ship things out really quickly. Last time, I ordered and then received a notification 3 hours later. This time, it was the next day since I ordered on a weekend. I’m really excited to try the products I ordered:
3x COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches
2x Benton Goodbye Redness Centella Mask Pack
Nature Republic Soothing & Moisture Aloe Vera Foam Cleanser
COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Tosowoong Enzyme Powder Wash
Heimish All Clean Balm
Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm (Original)
Mizon Apple Smoothie Peeling Gel
NEOGEN Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling (Green Tea)
Tony Moly Shiny Foot Super Peeling Liquid.
I’d love to try other acne patch brands. So far I’ve only tried COSRX and Nexcare ones (read my This or That post comparing them)
Update: Click here to read my review comparing the two cleansing balms.
Have you tried any of these products? What are your fave K-beauty products?
I received some products from KOODING.com by Ariul Beauty. Today, I will be reviewing the Mood Maker products! They generously sent me the Chic, Glam and Cute sheet masks and mists.
All Ariul products, the Mood Maker Mist is formulated without artificial coloring, mineral oil, benzophenone, talc, or sulfates.
They have different ‘moods’ depending on what you want:
“Glam” is designed to vitalize the skin while protecting its natural moisture barrier.
“Chic” is designed to tighten pores, calm, and soothe the skin.
“Cute” is designed to give ultimate hydration while protecting your skin’s natural moisture barrier.
The sheet masks are fragranced, but it’s not too strong. They use the hydrogel material which I really like. There is a lot of essence in the masks which is great because it won’t dry out too fast when you’re wearing it.
These are quick, easy sheet masks that provide skin-loving benefits in only *5 minutes*! These are perfect right before events, parties, or just a good ol’ lazy day. The light-as-air Lyocell sheet allows for quick essence absorption, making these a breeze to use.
I liked the Cute masks because I have dry skin and I need some moisture. The Cute mask has hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and a proprietary berry complex that’s packed with vitamin C. After using the cute mask, my face looked brighter, felt smoother and refreshed.
RATING: 4/5
The masks are great. They have a lot more by Ariul beauty on the Kooding website.
Consider these your new secret weapon! These adorably packaged facial mists provide relief in just a few sprays and work perfectly in between skincare steps, as well as before and after makeup. Their compact size make them perfect for makeup bags, travel, and portability — hello, glow on-the-go!
How To Use: Spritz in between skincare steps or before or after makeup. Can be used daily.
Like the sheet masks, there are three different Mood Maker mists: Chic, Glam and Cute. Ariul also has 3 Jeju Lava Water Mists. The mists come in cute, compact packaging (like a card case) which makes it easy to pop into your bag. I’ve never seen facial mists come in this type of packaging, so they get points for being so innovative! They’re not scented which is great. You can use it like any other facial mist: apply before makeup, apply after makeup, refresh your face if it’s feeling dry, wet brushes to get more pigment out of your highlighter or eyeshadow.
Today, I’m doing another comparison post on lip scrubs (see the first here). I’m comparing lip scrubs again. This time, it’s elf Lip Exfoliator against the Tarte lip Facial Lip Scrub.
elf Lip Exfoliator in Mint Maniac
Gently exfoliate lips to remove dry, chapped skin with our Lip Exfoliator! A sweet sugar and smoothing sensation, infused with Vitamin E, Shea Butter, Avocado, Grape and Jojoba Oils to nourish and protect. This Lip Exfoliator treats and smoothes lips for a conditioned and revitalized feel.
Tarte lip Facial Lip Scrub
Pamper & perfect your pout with this at-home lippie facial that exfoliates & treats dry, cracked lips & provides instant hydration, all in one easy-to-use pencil. The 2-in-1 lip scrub sloughs away dead surface cells, allowing moisturizing ingredients to penetrate deeply thanks to micro-fine sugar granules suspended in a conditioning treatment balm. The raw sugar acts as a natural exfoliator, gently rolling over surface imperfections to polish & improve lip texture.
This felt so rough, my lips did not like this one. I tested it out by swatching on my hand to see if it was just in my head, but it actually made my hand red from applying it on my hand (not wiping it off). I would rather make my own sugar lip scrub than by this. Thank goodness I got this for free.
WINNER: elf Lip Exfoliator
Again, the elf one wins because it’s just so affordable and the Tarte one just felt so rough and abrasive on the lips.
Today, I’m reviewing products that I ordered from TULA skincare. I had been seeing TULA products all over Instagram and wanted to give them a try. The products are cruelty-free and they are formulated with probiotics. Now, I’m not a scientist and all I really know about probiotics is that it’s sometimes in yogurt and cheese. I know that it provides health benefits and help with digestive problems.
Pictures taken from TULA website
I purchased the Discovery Kit to start out. The products are all travel-sized and meant to last about a month. I also decided to buy the Acne Clearing + Tone Correcting Gel as well.
Since I had 5 new products, I wanted
to ease into using it just in case I had a reaction. I started with the
Purifying Cleanser, two weeks later, I started the Illuminating Face Serum,
Acne Clearing + Tone Correcting Gel. A few days later, I started the Pro-Glycolic
Resurfacing Gel and then a week after that, I started the Hydrating Day &
Night Cream.
Originally, I was using just the Tula
products, but since I started using the Hydrating Day & Night Cream last,
my face still felt fairly dry. So, I incorporated a few drops of the Tarte
Maracuja Oil to the routine.
For the Face Serum, Acne Gel and Resurfacing Gel, I use 1 pump for each application and just a dab of the Day & Night Cream. I used all products every day (AM & PM) until I finished them. They all lasted a little over a month.
When I started using the products, I had
a cluster of dark spots from clogged pores on my cheek. After I finished 3/5 of
the products, the dark spots were almost gone. My NARS Soft Matte Complete
Concealer used to be unable to cover them, but now, my foundation can conceal
what’s left. I don’t know if it was a result of the serum or the acne gel, but
I was very impressed. I expected that I’d have the dark spots for months until
they faded.
Purifying Face Cleanser $35
This refreshing probiotic gel cleanser goes deep into pores to remove impurities and helps condition skin, without stripping or over-drying.
RATING: 4.5/5
Hydrating Day & Night Cream $65
Delivers deep hydration to help revive dull skin. This nourishing cream, full of naturally derived probiotics and superfoods, reveals an even, glowing, youthful-looking complexion.
RATING: 4.5/5
Pro-Glycolic 10% pH Resurfacing Gel $42
This alcohol-free toner uses probiotics, glycolic acid, and beetroot extract to gently exfoliate the skin, leaving it looking smooth, hydrated and more even.
RATING: 5/5
Illuminating Face Serum $98
This lightweight serum expertly targets the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation and dull skin, revealing a youthful glow and brightened complexion.
RATING: 5/5
Acne Clearing + Tone Correcting Gel $36
Clear skin, zero irritation. Our acne gel contains 2% salicylic acid to clear up acne, prevent breakouts & brighten marks left by past acne.
RATING: 5/5
I think out of all the products, the Hydrating Day & Night Cream is my least fave. Even though the texture is actually quite light, I think it’s a bit heavy for my skin. I also don’t love creams that come in pots; I would prefer a tube or bottle with a pump. I am going to try their gel creams to replace it.
I’ve finished all of the products from the Discovery Kit. I’ve reordered the Illuminating Face Serum and I also bought the Kefir Replenishing Cleansing Oil, Anti-Aging Discovery Kit. I want to slowly try all of the products that interest me. I didn’t repurchase the Pro-Glycolic 10% Resurfacing Gel because I still have 2/3 of my Pixi Glow Tonic left. Once I finish that, I will buy the Resurfacing Gel.
Once I’ve tried out the new products, I will write a new review.
Today, I’m going to share with you my new beauty budget for 2019 that I’ve calculated for myself. After reviewing, my 2017 and 2018 beauty expenses. I’ve spent about the same amount each year (about $2000). I’m going to aim for $1800 for beauty expenses for 2019. If I get to the end of the year under $1800, then that’s even better! I’ve looked up how much the average woman spends on makeup and skincare each year and most articles said about $3000-5000. I think those numbers include things like manicures, haircuts, waxing and other treatments. I usually only get my haircut once a year and I rarely get manicures.
If you read my posts on my 2017 and 2018 beauty expenses, you’ll know that I spent $2000 (give or take). I am aiming to cut it down by $200 and hopefully as the years progress, I can get my beauty expenses down to $1000! One thing I want to change about my spending is WHERE I spend it. In 2017 and 2018, I bought a lot of products from drugstores and Winners. Discount prices from Winners are great, but they tend to be impulse buys. Also, if I don’t like the product, I can’t return it and although it’s cheaper than a high end product, it still adds up. When I make purchases from Sephora, I can easily return things. A lot of my impulse purchases are ones I’ve regretted (read my post on Products I Regret Buying).
Right now, my expenses are high because I’m trying out different products to find what I like and what works for me. I’ve found a few products that have become favourites, but obviously, your favourites can change and you find new products you love even more.
I’ve created a breakdown of how I think I will spend the $1800 budget. This is a rough estimate of what the different categories might cost. I think giving myself an overall budget for beauty is easier than doing the $25/month for my monthly blog allowance. I feel like I end up blogging about most of my products anyway.
Skincare products – $600
This category gets the most because I need acne products, eye creams, day/night products and toners
Primers – $120
Most primers that I buy are about $40-50, I should probably be good until June for primers
Foundations/Powders – $120
If anything, I will need to get a powder. I already bought a bunch of foundations last year
Concealer – $100
Eyeliners – $60
Brows – $100
It takes me a while to finish a brow pencil, so this budget is probably more for my brow gel
Mascara – $100
I only buy drugstore mascaras and I replace them every 3 months
Miscellaneous – $600
Makeup brushes and sponges
Products to review for the blog
Products that I don’t necessarily NEED, but WANT, i.e. a new lipstick or eyeshadow palette
I didn’t include a section for eyeshadows, lip products, blushes, bronzers, nail polish or hair because I already have a lot of things that I should finish before buying new products in those categories. I didn’t include a perfume category, but whenever I need to buy one, I could probably include it in the miscellaneous section. Usually, I only have one or two at a time and I just bought one last year at the MAC Warehouse Sale.
Today, I’m reviewing the Waso Quick Matte Moisturizer Oil-Free. After finishing the Water Balm (read my review) from Sonia Roselli, I started using the Waso moisturizer. If you want to see what else is in my skincare rotation, click here!
I bought it during the Sephora Beauty Appreciation Sale a while back. Originally, I bought this for my mom. Even though the brand is geared toward Millennials like me, I thought I would get it for her because she has oily skin. She decided to go with the Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Day Emulsion instead.
Waso is a line from Shiseido. Since it’s geared toward people in their 20s and 30s, Waso’s products are less expensive than Shiseido’s. It’s similar to Dior BACKSTAGE being slightly more affordable than the main Dior brand.
I like the packaging; it’s a translucent light green bottle that reminds me of jade. I don’t really know why the lid has the hole in the packaging (like a water bottle). I feel like it’s a bit unnecessary; it’s not like I’m going to be carrying my moisturizer around, carrying it by the loop like I do with my water bottles. I like that it comes with a pump and the packaging is very simple, yet classic.
My skin is on the drier side, so I’m probably not the best to review this product based on how well it mattifies my skin. When I use this, my skin does look matte, but not dry. It dries down a bit tacky.
I love the gel consistency of this moisturizer, but the scent is a bit too floral for me. When I was at Sephora, I tested out another product from the Waso line, the Fresh Jelly Lotion. I can’t remember what the scent was like, but I would be interested in trying that if the scent isn’t as strong.
An oil-free, oil-balancing gel emulsion to instantly mattify and balance skin with 24-hour hydration. Smooths and hydrates skin with a shine-reducing, sebum-absorbing powder to maintain a matte look. The dewy texture feels refreshing and leaves skin feeling smooth, hydrated and less shiny. Formulated with whole Loquat Leaf Cells, which are carefully extracted to keep their wholeness harnessed for an anti-oxidant effect and to help balance skin’s oil levels. Loquat Leaf has an antioxidant effect that is known to help suppress sebum breakdown.
For dry, oily, normal, combination and sensitive skin. Dermatologist-tested. Non-comedogenic. Paraben-free. Oil-free.
PhytoResist System+ uses the power of botanicals to help heighten skin’s resistance to internal and external stressors while also infusing rich moisture.
Sebum Absorbing Powder helps absorb excess sebum for smooth, non-oily skin, while minimizing visible pores.
I was contacted by REMAY, a company that sells shave gel bars. Their mission is to ‘make shaving quicker and more enjoyable.’ They designed a shave gel bar that easily glides on your skin by adding water. It says you can use it on your legs, under arms, bikini area, head and face. You wet the gel with warm water and it will create a “translucent micro-barrier to protect your skin from the razor.” It’s Made in Canada too which is a plus for me.
Shave Gel Bars
Protects the skin from nicks, bumps and razor burn
Allows for a quick application with no mess
Contains real coconut and tea-tree oil
Paraben-free and sulfate-free
Vegan and cruelty-free
Works with any 3, 4 or 5 blade razor
RATING: 4/5
It made my skin feel incredibly smooth and it smells really nice (like coconut). It’s like a bar version of those strips that come on fancier razors that help to protect your skin. It’s great because it’s travel-friendly and more eco-friendly compared to shaving creams that come in cans. It is a bit expensive, but if it prevents nicks, bumps and razor burn, I think it’s worth it. They gave me a discount code for my lovely readers. Use code JEN20 to get 20% off your order!
I was contacted by Palmer’s Canada to see if I was interested in writing a review for three of their new products from their Coconut Oil Formula line. I was sent the Body Cream, Lotion and Oil. I received these products for free, but my review is my honest opinions on the products. I’ve also been given the opportunity to hold a giveaway where 3 winners will win the same products I received: Coconut Oil Body Lotion, Cream and Oil.
Nature’s best kept secret for superior skin hydration is raw, natural Coconut Oil. Palmer’s new Coconut Oil Formula products drench your skin with decadently rich moisture for dewy, radiant skin that looks lit from within.
Quick Facts
Free of Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates, Mineral Oil, Gluten and Dyes
Provides 24-Hour Moisture
Contains Ethically and Sustainably Sourced Ingredients
Drenches skin with decadent moisture for a dewy, glowing, allover healthy radiance
Key Ingredients:
Raw Coconut Oil – Sourced from South East Asia this super ingredient is antioxidant rich and has inherent antibacterial properties. Loaded with naturally occurring skin health Lauric Acid, Proteins, and Vitamin E
Tahitian Monoï – From the ancient Polynesian word for “scented oil” the native star-shaped Tiaré flowers are harvested for their delicately perfumed petals and then soaked in unrefined coconut oil for days
Sweet Almond Oil – Collected in small cooperatives in Spain, the almonds are harvested in summer and pressed for their rich oil. Almond oil naturally soothes skin irritation and detoxifies
Vitamin E – This antioxidant powerhouse combats free radical damage, keeping skin looking youthful and rejuvenated
Coconut Oil Body Lotion
The bottle’s cap is a bit difficult to open, I don’t know if it’s just me (I guess it’s a good thing that it seals so tightly). I can definitely smell the coconut milk. I hope they decide to come out with a larger size and a pump like their Cocoa Butter Formula.
Contains rich, skin-conditioning coconut oil and coconut milk that infuse skin with deeply penetrating moisture and an instant hydration boost. Natural Oils and botanical extracts immediately begin rehydrating depleted skin on contact, creating a breathable barrier that locks in moisture for long-lasting softness. Use as an all-over-body lotion after shower everyday.
RATING: 4.5/5
Coconut Oil Body Cream
This moisturizes really well, but I don’t personally love it because it’s so thick and I don’t love products that come in tubs. I understand it has to come in a tub because it’s too thick, but I prefer products where I don’t have to stick my hand into a jar to use.
Contains Raw Coconut Oil and a blend of rich, natural butters including Mango, Shea, Macadamia and Cocoa to drench skin with deep-penetrating moisture and rehydrate even the toughest, driest skin. This indulgently creamy formula is perfect for at-home spa pedicures, revitalizing moisture thirsty elbows or maintaining soft, supple skin all throughout the dry weather months. Apply Palmer’s Coconut Oil Body Cream after shower everyday.
RATING: 4/5
Coconut Oil Body Oil
It absorbed into the skin pretty quickly and it didn’t give my clothes any oil stains. I’ve used Vaseline to moisturize and it stained some clothes and bedsheets with the oiliness.
Instantly boosts hydration and gives skin an overall healthy-looking glow. Raw Coconut Oil and a blend of precious, natural oils including Grape Seed, Macadamia and Argan Oil deeply penetrate and immediately begin rehydrating depleted skin on contact, creating a breathable barrier that locks in moisture for long-lasting radiance. Apply Palmer’s Coconut Oil Body Oil after shower everyday.
RATING: 5/5
Comparison of the Body Lotion (top) and Body Cream (bottom)
I am very sensitive to smells especially when it comes to lotions. I don’t like using scented lotions on my hands because I can get nauseous. I had this one shea butter body butter that was quite strong and I applied it after my shower and it was so strong that I could smell it on my bed sheets the next day.
I like the smell of coconut, but any heavily scented product could make me feel nauseous. When I first smelled each of the Palmer’s products, they had a very strong scent in the jar/bottles. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to stand it, especially since it says to use it after a shower (I shower at night). When you smell the products out of the jar/bottles, they have a strong coconut and slight floral scent from the Tahitian Monoï (or maybe it’s the sweet almond), but once it absorbs into the skin, the scent fades leaving a faint scent.
I decided to try the body lotion and the body cream on my hands and feet to start. On the first night, I put the body lotion on my hands and put on some cotton gloves. I woke up and my hands were incredibly smooth. The tops of my hands are usually okay, and my fingers tend to be dry, but when I woke up that morning, it was like a baby’s bottom! That night, I decided to try the body cream on my hands and feet. I then put on my cotton gloves again and put some socks on. I woke up the next morning and my feet felt very smooth. Since both products did amazing things for my hands and feet, I decided to try the body oil on my whole body. I admit, I’m a little wary of using oils because I’ve used Bio Oil before and my skin reacted badly (at least I think it was from the Bio Oil). After using the Palmer’s body oil, my skin feels super soft.
Out of the three, I think the body cream is my least favourite because it’s so thick, but I will use it on my hands, feet and elbows as it suggests. I think the oil is actually my favourite because it has the lightest scent of the three and it’s great when the steam of your shower keeps your pores open and helps the product absorb into the skin better.
If you love coconut, I definitely recommend the Palmer’s Coconut Oil line. I’m interested in trying out their other lines since coconut isn’t my favourite scent: Cocoa Butter, Shea and Olive Oil.
Have you tried Palmer’s products before?
GIVEAWAY CLOSED
Winners have been announced on Instagram and contacted via DM.
Open to Canadian residents only
Palmer’s has been generous enough to let me run a giveaway. Three lucky winners will be selected and each of the three winners will receive all three products (Coconut Oil Body Lotion, Cream and Oil)! Giveaway ends at 12:00 AM EST on February 15th, 2018. Winners will be announced the next day on this post, Instagram and contacted by email.
To enter the giveaway, you must be 18+ and a Canadian resident. If you are under 18, please get a parent/guardian’s permission. Winners will be randomly selected. Once announced, the winners have 24 hours to respond and you must have a Canadian address or another winner will be chosen at random.
For additional entries, enter the giveaway on my Instagram!
Coconut Oil Body Lotion
Coconut Oil Body Cream
Coconut Oil Body Oil