I haven’t tried many new products in the past two months, so I don’t have many favourites for you this time.
Volition Beauty Strawberry-C Brightening Serum* (read my review) – I really enjoyed this serum and will definitely be repurchasing in the future.
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème – This is a great eye cream. I don’t know if it brightened my under eyes that much, but I haven’t had any reactions to it. A lot of eye creams have caused milia or some type of reaction because they’re too thick for me. At first I didn’t love the smell of this, but I eventually got used to it. It keeps my under eyes feeling smooth and moisturized.
Good Molecules Ultra-Hydrating Facial Oil* – I really enjoyed this facial oil. Once it started to get colder, I would mix this with the Volition Serum to add some more hydration to my face.
It was my first time trying a glove mask. My fingers were really dry after taking off my nail polish, so I thought I’d try it out to see how well it worked. They’re plastic gloves with an inner lining (that’s like a face sheet mask) soaked in serum. The most saturated parts of the glove were probably the fingers. After 20 minutes, it does kind of feel like when you’re in a bath/swimming pool too long. Any longer than 30 minutes, and my fingers would definitely feel pruny/wrinkly. Since there was an inner lining, the outer part of the glove wasn’t wet at all and I was able use my phone with the gloves on (bonus!). It definitely made my hands feel softer and not as dry. It’s been a few days and my hands still feel pretty soft and smooth. It would definitely be nice to put these glove masks on while doing a face mask, then you can just sit back and relax. I would definitely consider buying this one. It’s definitely on the pricey side, but they have a 4 pack available where you can get 4 for the price of 3.
RATING: 5/5
On the Skimono website, they have other sheet masks for your face and they also sell foot masks. I’ve only tried a peeling foot mask, but their foot mask sounds like it would be very nice!
Have you tried hand/foot masks?
Love,
*The Look Fantastic US box was gifted to me, but all opinions are my own.
For my estimated costs for 2019, I didn’t include a section for lip products, blushes, bronzers, highlighters, eyeshadows, nail polish or hair because I already had a lot of things that I wanted to finish before buying new products in those categories. I ended up buying products in the blush/bronzer/lip/highlighter categories though…oops! The miscellaneous section includes hair products, makeup tools, makeup removers, etc.
As you can see, I went $150 over my proposed budget of $1800. I’m going to do my best to get the skincare category from $700 to $500.
My 6 most expensive beauty purchases of 2019:
Tula Illuminating Face Serum – $83.30 (15% off, bought on TULA Canada before they got rid of the Canadian website)
Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel – $73.95 (15% off, bought during Sephora VIB Sale)
Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer – $58.65 (15% off on Armani-Beauty.ca)
Kiehls Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado – $51 (20% off sale at Kiehls.ca)
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder – $49.30 (15% off, bought during Sephora VIB Sale)
Most of my purchases were from Sephora, the drugstore or a brand’s website (e.g. Kiehls.ca, Giorgio Armani Beauty, Smashbox). I only purchased a few items from Winners this year. I’ve tried to cut down on the makeup purchases from Winners because they’re usually discontinued items that I can’t review on Instagram or my blog.
Did you have a beauty budget this year? Did you stay under budget or go over like I did?
A brightening serum powered by strawberry-derived vitamin C for noticeable radiance, hydration, and even-toned skin.
Strawberries contain 14% more Vitamin C than an orange and they’re packed with antioxidants! Strawberry seed extract brightens skin and helps even skin tone, and vitamin C helps boost your skin’s collagen production for plumper, firmer skin.
After using this daily for over a month, here are my thoughts. I love the texture of this serum. After applying it, my skin looks dewy and fresh. Since it’s winter, I add in a few drops of facial oil. It smells a bit more like radish than strawberries to me which isn’t a big deal because strawberries might be too sweet. The smell doesn’t linger which I love. So far I’m loving this!
RATING: 5/5
Before receiving this from Volition Beauty, I was planning to buy it. I would definitely purchase this once I finish this bottle. I prefer it over the Celery Green Cream (read my review).
Lather the body in this nourishing body butter, leaving skin soft and supple. Enriched with hydrating Larch and smoothing Pumpkin Seed Extract, this body butter deeply moisturises and evens skin tone. Delicately fragranced with Rose, Patchouli and Mandarin Essential Oils, indulge in a moment of self-care with this body butter.
This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray
Get a great night’s sleep with this pillow spray – proven to help you fall asleep quicker and wake up feeling refreshed. Infused with a superblend of Lavender, Vetivert and Chamomile, this pillow spray helps to calm mind and body – soothing you to sleep.
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Riche
In just one step, achieve nourished, softer and comfortable skin. Combining intense nutrition with a subtle fragrance, this riche oil nourishes, repairs and leaves a satin finish. Able to be used on face, body and hair, this multi-use oil is a cold weather saviour.
So Eco Konjac Sponge
A sponge made from vegetable fibres of the Konjac plant, this biodegradable sponge helps to gently cleanse and exfoliate with every use. Designed to help balance the pH of the skin, this sponge is suitable for all skin types.
Dr Botanicals Hemp Infused Natural Nutrition Moisturizer
Infused with Hemp Seed Oil and Cocoa Butter, this day moisturiser protects, nourishes and hydrates the complexion. Containing 2% Hemp Seed Oil, this whipped moisturiser provides essential fatty acids that help provide the skin with essential vitamins and minerals.
Designed for hardworking hands, this unique mask soothes and moisturises the hands. A unique bio-cellulose glove inspired by a multi-layered Kimono, this hand mask is saturated in a formula rich in Shea Butter, Aloe Vera and Hyaluronic Acid to promote supple and smooth skin.
Before receiving this box, I had only heard of the Nuxe oil. I’ve only tried 2 of the 6 products so far, but I really enjoyed the Skimono mask. My hands (especially the pads of my fingers) were really dry and I used the mask and they felt a lot smoother after I used it.
Today, I’m comparing two Laneige products: Lip Sleeping Mask vs. Lip Glowy Balm. The lip sleeping mask came out first and it was the first lip mask I’ve tried. Then they came out with the Lip Glowy Balm which could be considered the travel-friendly, daytime version of the Lip Sleeping Mask. They do have some differences (not just the packaging). I received the Lip Glowy Balm from Laneige Canada and won the Lip Sleeping Mask in a giveaway, but I would’ve bought both on my own.
Lip Sleeping Mask
A leave-on lip mask that soothes and moisturizes for smoother, more supple lips overnight. Lip Sleeping Mask has a softening balm texture that closely adheres to lips for quick absorption. A generous layer of this soothing mask at bedtime helps reduce flakiness so you can wake up to lips that feel refreshed, supple, and soft to the touch.
Lip Glowy Balm
A lightweight, moisture-coating lip balm for hydrated, tinted, and kissable lips throughout the day. The perfect daytime partner in crime to the cult-favorite Lip Sleeping Mask, Glowy Lip Balm is pocket sized for easy, on-the-go application. The formula contains murumuru and shea butters that provide powerful hydration and lock in moisture longer.
Lip Sleeping Mask
$26 CAD (0.7oz/20g)
Comes in a pot with a spatula, not as travel-friendly
Available in Berry (Original), Vanilla, Apple Lime, Grapefruit, Mint Chocolate Chip (Limited Edition)
Lip Glowy Balm
$20 CAD (0.35oz/10g)
Comes in a tube, easy to pop in your purse/pocket
Available in Berry, Grapefruit, Pear, Peach
I have the Berry Sleeping Mask and the Grapefruit Glowy Balm. So, I can’t say if the berry and grapefruit scents smell exactly the same. Before I got the Glowy Balm, I had worn the Sleeping Mask in the daytime. Looking at the specs, the Sleeping Mask is twice the size for only $6 more, but it’s too bulky to throw in your purse. After every use, I like to wipe down the spatula that came with the Sleeping Mask. The Glowy Balm is easy to apply straight from the tube.
I’ve found that the Sleeping Mask doesn’t taste like anything (when I’ve licked my lips), but the Glowy Balm DOES taste like grapefruit. Since I don’t have the same flavour in both lip products, I can’t say if all glowy balms have a taste or all grapefruit ones have a taste. At some point, I might have to buy the Berry flavour in the Glowy Balm to see.
WINNER: Lip Sleeping Mask
I think I prefer the Lip Sleeping Mask over the Glowy Balm. I also prefer the Original Berry flavour over the Grapefruit. I can use the Sleeping Mask during the day or night, but I personally don’t want to use the Glowy Balm at night because it’s tinted and I don’t want it getting on my pillowcases or duvet cover. Also, the Sleeping Mask is more cost effective. It may not be as travel-friendly, but I have other lip products that I can throw in my purse.
An invigorating blend of citrusy lemon and spicy black pepper which give this luxurious lip balm its signature zing. Lemon oil is often used to rejuvenate dull skin and the aroma is said to reduce anxiety and improve mental clarity. Black pepper has a warming effect and is a natural antibacterial.
Calissa sells 3 other lip balm flavours: Bergamot & Grapefruit, Sandalwood & Ginger and Cinnamon & Burnt Orange. I think the Bergamot & Grapefruit One would be my fave.
The tube has a simple design. The lip balm comes in a nice, sturdy rectangular box that you can re-use. It’d be perfect to store your jewellery when you travel.
A lot of lip balms are quite colourful, so I think men might enjoy using this one since darker colours in packaging are considered masculine. The lip balm itself has a thicker formula. I have to squeeze it harder than my Jouer or Laneige lip balm. I think this is good because if you have this in your purse, it’s less likely to ooze out if it’s squeezed. The lemon and black pepper has a fresh, yet a little spicy scent. I don’t know if it’s black pepper or if it’s the peppermint that gives it a bit of a kick. The balm gives a sheen to the lips, but not too glossy. When you apply it, you can feel a little tingle, but it goes away after a while.
RATING: 3.5/5
I find lemon-scented products can easily smell like a kitchen cleaner. So, I don’t love this one, but I think I’d enjoy the bergamot & grapefruit one. This is on the pricier side of lip balms, but it’s free of mineral oil, beeswax and fragrances.
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’m sharing September and October’s beauty favourites!
Dolce & Gabbana 3 L’Imperatrice Eau De Toilette – I don’t usually like florals, but I got a sample of this from Sephora and really loved it. I saw some reviews on Sephora where people have said it doesn’t last long on them because it’s an Eau de Toilette. While I would agree that it doesn’t last as long as an Eau de Parfum, I can still smell it at the end of the day after using only 1 spritz. I bought this at the Shiseido Warehouse Sale for $35 so maybe that’s why I can justify it. I know this is in my Sept/Oct faves, but I feel like this is more of a warm weather scent. I have another perfume in my collection that I like to wear in the Fall and Winter months, but this will be my new Spring/Summer scent (replacing my Acqua Di Gioia Eau de Parfum).
Goldfaden MD Bright Eyes* (read my review) – I’m really enjoying this eye cream. I don’t think it’s quite hydrating enough for me in the winter time, but I really like it for the warmer months. It’s one of the few eye creams that hasn’t caused some reaction on my under eyes.
MUJI Acrylic Storage Case with Sliding Doors – I am loving this acrylic organizer. It keeps my products dust-free and it makes a beautiful prop for shelfies! Also, the fact that it’s clear makes it easier for me to see what products I have in my collection.
Sephora PRO Featherweight Powder Brush #91 – This brush is so soft! I saw a review on the Sephora website where someone said this brush was called the ‘Bunny Punch’ because “it’s so soft and thick it’s like you’re being punched by a bunny when you use it.” It really is super soft! The only drawback is that it’s top heavy (especially because the handle is tapered). I use it with my setting powder. I don’t swirl the brush around my face, but I tap it using the side of the brush.
Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder – I am loving this powder! I’ve tried the Laura Mercier one that everyone raves about. I had a deluxe sample of it and it would always come out of the sieve clumpy. I don’t know if it’s supposed to be like that, but it just didn’t impress me. This Hourglass powder, on the other hand, is lovely! I think I even like it better than the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder which was in my faves for July/August. I’ve already hit pan on the CT powder and also the shade doesn’t match (and there’s only 3 to choose from). I like that this Hourglass one is translucent and I think loose powders just work better for me anyway.
Overloaded with leading botanical ingredients, Dr Jackson’s 02 Night Cream is intensely moisturising in order to hydrate and soften your skin. The calming aroma will help you to gradually drift off as your skin is enriched whilst you sleep.
The replenishing combination of baobab seed oil, mango seed butter, kigelia fruit extract and frankincense tree resin in Dr Jackson’s 02 Night Cream 30ml helps to give you a rejuvenated, glowing complexion. Kigelia fruit extract helps to firm, soothe and brighten the complexion and even out skin tone. Baobab seed oil helps to improve skin firmness and strength and to diminish the look of fine lines to reveal radiant skin. Frankincense resin calms and soothes the skin and is often recommended for the treatment of blemishes. Mango seed extract helps to protect the skin against environmental aggressors.
It comes in a black opaque glass jar and comes with a little spatula. It smells a bit woodsy and also reminds me a bit of Vick’s. It’s nowhere near as strongly scented, but just has a hint of that scent. The cream itself is quite thick – a little goes a long way.
For me, I think night creams are a bit too thick to use every day. My face has a bit of a freak out if I use a cream that’s too thick. I would prefer to use a mask a couple times a week instead of using a daily night cream that’s too heavy.
RATING: 3/5
This would be a great cream for men (especially since a lot of men’s products come in black packaging).
If you would like to make a purchase on Calissa.com, use code 10FRIENDSOFCALISSA to get 10% off! (This is not an affiliate code, just a code for you to get a discount!)
Today, I’m reviewing the Global Beauty Care Starstruck Glitter Masking Trio that I received from the brand. It’s a set of 3 different peel-off masks and a silicone applicator.
Blue – Age Defying (Revive, Renew, Restore with Collagen and Retinol) Silver – Illuminating (Glow, Illuminate, Radiate with Vitamin C and Grapefruit) Pink – Pore Refining (Minimize, Smooth, Strengthen with Aloe and Witch Hazel)
I have a love/hate relationship with peel-off masks. I love peeling them off, but I hate the waiting time for them to dry and if you don’t apply a thin, even layer, it takes ages to dry and sometimes you have to wash it off. But because it’s sticky, it’s like you’re washing glue down the drain which is bad for your pipes. I do my best to apply a thin layer, but sometimes it just applies thick. For some reason, the blue mask applied a little thicker than the other two masks. I was worried I’d scratch my face and a few times I could feel the stars as I brushed it onto my face. I had to wash off some parts of the mask because it was too thick and it was taking too long to dry and I could feel the stars scratch my face as I cleaned off the remainder of the mask.
RATING: 2/5
I think the glittery mask is fun for a slumber party, but they are unnecessary for everyday masks. I find them to be quite gimmicky. I think it’s only because GlamGlow has those vibrant-coloured masks and other skincare brands are trying to keep up with them. (I don’t know if GlamGlow was the first, but that’s the first brand that comes to mind when I think of fun, coloured masks).
What do you think about glittery masks? Cool or gimmicky?
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.
Today, I’m reviewing the Dr. Paw Paw Original Clear Balm. I picked it up at Winners for $4.99. I had heard good things about Dr. PAWPAW, so I thought I’d give it a try.
Our main ingredient is fermented Pawpaw, the fruit of the plant Carica Papaya. The Pawpaw has been found to have natural healing qualities and is believed by many to be the finest natural medicine yet discovered.
This genius product has a variety of uses, from skin protector and moisturiser to nappy cream and lip finisher. The balm also has healing properties and can be used on sun burn, skin irritations and as a hair conditioning treatment – whatever your use for it, we guarantee you will be delighted with the satisfyingly smooth finish!
It’s great that it’s fragrance-free, cruelty-free and vegan.
Unlike lip balms, it doesn’t have a lip applicator, it’s just a regular tube (see below to compare two lip balms with smooth applicators). So, it doesn’t glide across your lips nicely (it’s actually a little rough). I usually pat it onto my lips or squeeze some onto my finger and then apply to lips.
It’s nice as a lip balm (I don’t think it’s anything super special). It adds a bit of sheen to the lips and moisturizes them like Vaseline. However, it doesn’t taste gross like Vaseline. It doesn’t taste like anything. Usually I use a very small amount, so I hadn’t noticed any smell before. After squeezing some out onto the spoon for a picture, I noticed it smells similar to Vaseline.
With this product, less is more. If you use too much, it feels greasy like Vaseline.
On the cuticles, this definitely makes my cuticles feel smoother. It doesn’t feel greasy at all on the fingers (it absorbs fairly quickly).
I didn’t try it on my hair because I knew I wouldn’t like it. I think it would just make my hair looks greasy.
RATING: 3/5
I like it, but I’m undecided on whether I would buy it again. I might consider the tinted balms because that would at least add some colour.
A multi-tasking powerhouse, this advanced face serum concentrate promotes the 9 most visible signs of healthy, youthful-looking skin. Targets and dramatically improves loss of radiance, uneven texture, uneven tone, discoloration, redness, enlarged pores, fine lines, wrinkles and loss of firmness.
Apply liberally morning and evening on cleansed skin. Follow with a moisturiser.
I will be honest and say that when I first smelled this from the jar, it kind of smelled like glue to me. It still smells a bit like glue, but it doesn’t linger.
I did a patch test on my arm and my arm felt super smooth after the product sank in. When I use it on my face, my face feels a bit tacky, but smooth.
This serum comes in a pot and it was a lot more fluid than I expected. From the picture on the website, it looks more creamy, but it’s actually quite runny. I also don’t love the pot because I have to use my finger to pick up product. It didn’t come with a spatula because it’s too runny. It says to ‘apply liberally’ and it’s very easy to get too much product. Since it comes in a pot, I use way more than I’m meant to because I dip my finger in and get a lot more than I need. I think this would be great in a bottle with a pump and it would be a lot easier to know how much to use.
I feel like this product isn’t targeted toward me since I’m under 30. I know it’s good to start using anti-aging products early, but this product is also quite pricey for someone in my age range. At $146 CAD for 30mL, this is a very expensive serum. Also, I started using this fairly recently (day and night) and I’m pretty sure I’ll finish the pot before the end of the year.
I will say that since I started using this, my face has been pretty clear lately. I only had a hormonal breakout on my chin.
RATING: 3/5
What I like:
No added fragrance
I’ve noticed that the redness around my nose and chin aren’t as noticeable
What I don’t like:
The fluidity of the product + the jar (it could make a mess when traveling)
The price
If you would like to make a purchase on Calissa.com, use code 10FRIENDSOFCALISSAto get 10% off! (This is not an affiliate code, just a code for you to get a discount!)
Check out my other posts on products I’ve received from Calissa:
