Skincare Archives – Page 7 of 11

First Impressions with Eczema Honey Nut-Free Skin-Soothing Cream

July 23, 2019

Hi Everyone!
Today, I’m reviewing the Nut-Free Skin-Soothing Cream from Eczema Honey. I found out about them on Instagram and really wanted to try their cream since I have eczema.

I have a prescribed cortisone cream that I use, but since it’s a steroid cream, I don’t want to use it too often because it can thin the skin. I wanted to find something that didn’t have any steroids that would help soothe my skin.

Eczema Honey generously sent me their 4 oz tub of the Skin-Soothing Cream. I chose the nut-free one because sometimes I find the smell of almond oil a bit too overpowering and I didn’t know how much they use. So the nut-free option was the safest choice for me.
Eczema Honey Nut-Free uses a blend of natural ingredients like Beeswax and Pure Honey for their moisturizing and anti-bacterial properties. A blend of grapeseed oil and sunflower oil act as emollients and deliver additional antioxidants into the skin.

Storage: Eczema Honey should be stored in a cool, dry spot. In warmer areas, the product may melt. Many customers store their jars in the bathroom, night stand, cabinet, or changing table. Jars do not require refrigeration but can be refrigerated for a super cooling effect.

To soothe and cool: Rub a dime-sized amount into the skin’s affected area 1-3 times a day. Add water or aloe-based lotion on top if desired.

As a mask: Apply a thicker layer for a 20-minute mask, wash with a clean and warm towelette for a moisturized and smooth finish.

As a moisturizer: Gently massage into dry areas of the skin until only a thin protective layer forms without too much excess product.

Additional uses: to take off makeup, as a lip balm, for providing deep hydration and moisture to skin.
RATING: 5/5

I was smelling it from the tub, and I have to say that it didn’t really smell like honey to me. But, once I applied it to the skin, I could smell the honey and a bit of a floral scent as well (maybe the sunflower oil).

It says you don’t have to, but you can refrigerate for a more soothing effect. I decided to store it in the fridge since it’s been so hot lately and I want it to keep for as long as possible.

You can use the cream to soothe a spot, use it as an everyday moisturizer, makeup remover or a leave-on mask for 20 minutes. Since it is a bit pricey, I think I would only use it to soothe flare ups. Since there’s obviously honey in it, it stays tacky after applying it.

I did a patch test on my arm to make sure I wasn’t allergic to anything and I didn’t have any reactions, so I decided to try it out. At the moment, I don’t have an eczema flare up, but I had a bit of heat rash on my knee. I put a very light layer on before bed. During the night, I wasn’t itchy at all and by morning, it had improved the redness and inflammation. Another time, my arm was itchy and I put some of the cream on and I realized later that it had stopped itching.

I am really impressed by the skin-soothing cream and I’m definitely interested in trying out other Eczema Honey products.

Have you heard of eczema honey? Do you suffer from eczema or psoriasis?
Love,
*I was sent this product for review

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Let’s Talk About Acne Patches!

July 2, 2019
Hi Everyone!

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.
Check out my reviews:

COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches | COSRX Clear Fit Master Patches

COSRX vs. Rael | COSRX vs. Nexcare

I have tried five different patches from four brands:

Regular, non-tapered patches – COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches, Nexcare Acne Absorbing Covers

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

COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches

1 pack = 24 patches with 3 sizes (10x7mm, 5x10mm, 9x12mm)

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.

What are your fave acne patches?
Love,
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June 2019 Product Empties

June 28, 2019

Hi Everyone!

I tried a few new skincare products this month and I also managed to finish some makeup products that I’ve had for a while. Keep reading to find out which ones I’d repurchase!
Fourth Ray Beauty Rainfall 2% Hyaluronic Acid Serum – I enjoyed this HA serum. It smelled nice and kept my face looking dewy. If I used too much, I found that it would pill, but I eventually found the right amount to use each time.

Repurchase? Yes.

Bobbi Brown Rich Lip Color in Bare Pink – This is a pretty beige pink shade. While it is beautiful, it isn’t my fave lipstick.

Repurchase? Maybe

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in 10 Light – This is a great concealer.

Repurchase? Yes.

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray – I wouldn’t say I’d never buy this again, but I feel like it doesn’t make my makeup last that much longer than it normally does.

Repurchase? Possibly.

Tula Pro-Glycolic 10% PH Resurfacing Gel – This is a great, gentle toner. It is more expensive than liquid toners, but it was very gentle on my skin.

Repurchase? Tula no longer has a Canadian website, but I would buy again if I could.

Tula Illuminating Face Serum – I’m so sad I’ve finished this because it’s a great serum. It helped make some dark spots on my cheek go away a lot faster than I expected.

Repurchase? Definitely would if I could.
Youth to the People Superfood Face Wash – I just wanted to try the mini of this cleanser because I’ve heard good things about it. I think it’s almost too cleansing for me because my face feels kind of dry after using it. It’s definitely not an everyday cleanser for my dry skin, but I would use it maybe twice a week (especially since it’s so pricey).

Repurchase? Maybe.

Nature Republic Soothing & Moisturizing Aloe Vera Foam Cleanser – This cleanser had a smell that reminded me of something from my childhood, but I couldn’t put my finger on what it was. This was an okay cleanser, I don’t hate it, but don’t love it either. It’s one of those squeaky clean cleansers that are maybe a bit too cleansing.

Repurchase? No.

What were your empties from this month?
Love,

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First Impressions with Derma Roller System

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

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

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

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

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

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

RATING: 4/5
DermaC+ Anti-Aging Serum

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

RATING: 3/5

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

June 7, 2019

Hi Everyone!
Today, I’ll be reviewing some products from Sdara Skincare. They sent me a rose quartz roller and some eye gel patches! Keep reading to see what I think about these products!

Rose Quartz Roller

Get the glow – Be blown away by a younger and more radiant YOU. Prepare yourself to see even skin tone in the mirror that it might shock you, until you remember that you used our Sdara Skincare Rose Quartz Roller! Slow down aging (if you want to) – Bless yourself with aging gracefully. You’ll think, “Woah! What happened to that wrinkle? Why are my pores so small?” Because that’s the power of collagen reproduction and lymphatic drainage from our little pink miracle worker. Product Penetration – Your products will apply effortlessly with increased absorption! Massage products into your skin for increased effectiveness. Treat Yourself – You’ll want to roll our roller all over your body! That’s what one of our Sdara beauty gurus had to say. It’s the best to soothe irritated skin.

RATING: 5/5

I am loving the Rose Quartz Roller! I love the colour and the coolness of the roller just feels so nice on the skin. It makes your face feel nice, refreshed and ready for your skincare and makeup. The coolness from the roller is also great for those hot summer days. It’s also useful when you’ve already applied your skincare and it helps work it into your skin.
Eye Gel Mask

For days when under-eye concealer just won’t do, (no one has to know you didn’t relax the night away), Sdara Eye Gel Mask acts like a soothing second skin to immediately target and soothe the area. Promoting brighter, plumper, and more youthful-looking skin, preventative ingredients like natural snow mushroom, sodium hyaluronate, peptides, and gold restore natural moisture, boost collagen production, and firm your skin. Puffy, tired-looking eyes, we’re coming for you.

RATING: 3/5

The eye gel patches are also quite nice. They feel cool on the eyelids and undereyes and my skin feels smooth and soft after using it. Although I could do without the glitter that comes off the eye masks.
I am impressed with the products I received from Sdara Skincare. I would be interested in trying the microneedle roller (0.25mm). While I already have one from a different brand that has 0.5mm needles, it would be interesting to try one with smaller needles. Maybe have one for the body and one for the face.

Have you tried facial rollers?

Love,

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Review | Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado

May 24, 2019

Hi Everyone!
Today, I’m writing about the Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado. I got it during a Family & Friends sale on Kiehls.ca for 20% off.
This nourishing under eye cream offers creamy hydration suitable for all skin types. Formulated with Avocado Oil, this rich treatment smoothes on the eye area for rich hydration. This eye cream features a creamy texture that does not migrate into your eyes.

For All Skin Types (even sensitive skin)

Ingredients: Water, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter / Shea Butter, Butylene Glycol, Tridecyl Stearate, Isodecyl Salicylate, Peg-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Persea Gratissima Oil / Avocado Oil, Isocetyl Stearoyl Stearate, Propylene Glycol, Dipentaerythrityl Hexacaprylate/Hexacaprate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Magnesium Sulfate, Phenoxyethanol, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Pca, Ozokerite, Methylparaben, Tocopheryl Acetate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Disodium Edta, Copper Pca, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Zea Mays Oil / Corn Oil, Beta-Carotene.

It retails for $66 (0.95oz/28g) or $42 (0.5oz/14g)
RATING: 2/5

The eye cream has a kind of weird texture that’s kind of sticky like glue, but when you use the right amount (just a small dab), and warm it up on your fingers, it will blend out and feel like water as you apply it to your under eyes.

While potted creams aren’t my favourite because it’s easier for bacteria to get in, this is a great eye cream. It’s kept my under eyes fairly hydrated and it doesn’t have a scent which is a plus for me. It doesn’t do anything for dark circles though. I have sensitive skin and it hasn’t caused any milia, but I do notice that whenever I use it, I get 1-2 red spots under my eyes.

Have you tried Kiehl’s skincare products? What are your faves?
Love,

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TULA | My Hits & Misses

May 21, 2019

Hi Everyone!
I’m back with another Hits & Misses post for TULA.
Check out my other Hits & Misses posts!

MAKEUP || Primers | Foundations | Powders | Concealers | Brows | Mascara

SKINCARE || Eye Creams

BRANDS || Bobbi Brown | Burt’s Bees | L’Oréal | Maybelline | Nude by Nature | NYX | Volition Beauty

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.

I’ve put each of the products I’ve tried into three different categories: Hits, Misses and Likes (not my faves, but would consider repurchasing).

I’ve tried quite a few different products from TULA. I purchased all products myself and am not affiliated with them in anyway. So, when I first tried the brand, I decided to buy the Discovery Kit and then when I finished that, I tried the other kit and also purchased some of the full-sized versions of the products I enjoyed in the Discovery Kit.
HITS

Illuminating Face Serum – I think this has to be my favourite from TULA. I bought the full size of this after trying it in the discovery kit. It targets dark spots and I had a spot on my cheek from a blemish that just wouldn’t go away. I thought I would have the dark spot for years, but I think this has helped it slowly disappear.

Kefir Replenishing Cleansing Oil – I liked this cleansing oil a lot and it lasted a long time for me.

Acne Clearing + Tone Correcting Gel – I used to use this twice a day and it was drying my skin out. Now I use it as more of a spot treatment when I see some blemishes emerging.
LIKES

A lot of the products are in between for me. While I enjoyed using them, I wouldn’t say I NEED them in my life.

Exfoliating Treatment Mask – While I like this mask, but it is pretty expensive for a mask that you wash off. I would rather spend more on a sleeping mask or serum.

Dual-Phase Skin Reviving Treatment Pads – The exfoliating pads came in one of the kits I tried and while they were interesting and made my face feel smooth, they are so expensive (16 pads for $75 CAD).

Purifying Cleanser – This is a nice cleanser that makes your face feel clean, but not stripped of its oils, but there are cleansers that are cheaper that work the same.

Pro-Glycolic 10% PH Resurfacing Gel – This resurfacing toner gel is great. It’s nice and gentle and doesn’t irritate my skin, but it’s so expensive compared to other toners.

Aqua Infusion Oil-Free Gel Cream – I would use in combination with the illuminating face serum. As someone with dry skin, I don’t think it was hydrating enough to use on its own, but it was a very nice and light gel cream if that’s what you’re looking for.

Hydrating Day & Night Cream – I liked this cream, but I didn’t love that it came in a pot. I prefer the illuminating serum because it comes in a bottle with a pump.

Have you tried TULA products? What were your faves?
MISSES

There’s only one product that was a miss for me and that was the eye cream.

Multi-Spectrum Eye Renewal Serum – Both my mom and I tried this and it made our under eyes itchy.

Have you tried TULA? What are your faves?
Love,

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My Biggest Sephora Sale Haul Yet! | May 2019

May 14, 2019

Hi Everyone!
If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you’ll know that I used to buy stuff from Sephora throughout the year at full price. I used to see Sephora hauls and wonder why people bought so much during the sale (10 or more products at a time) and would also buy backups of products. Now I know why! They’re stocking up in case they run out before the next sale! From now on, I will only buy makeup and skincare whenever there’s a sale. I made my biggest haul from Sephora and I split my purchases into three orders so that if it were to get lost or stolen, I wouldn’t lose all of the products.
Some of the products that I bought were on my wishlist in January and October I bought enough products that I shouldn’t need to buy anything until the next sale comes around and to be honest, I am pretty close to my yearly budget already.
Check out my blog post on my new beauty budget
SKINCARE

Youth To The People Cleanser + Cream Youth Duo Mini

Youth To The People Superberry Hydrate and Glow Oil

Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel

MAKEUP

Winky Lux Whipped Primer

Touch In Sol No Poreblem Primer

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in Alaska

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Self-Setting Concealer in 21 Cinnamon

Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder in Medium

bareMinerals Gen Nude Powder Blush in That Peach Tho

Kevyn Aucoin The Precision Brow Pencil in Dark Brunette

Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Brows Eyebrow Gel in Perfect Brow

Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil: Eye, Lip & Brow Pencil in 502 Infinite Sand

Jouer Cosmetics Essential Lip Enhancer Balm

Sephora Favorites Lashstash To Go

MAKEUP TOOLS

Morphe Highlight & Contour Beauty Sponge

Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner Mini
Love,

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Haul | Shiseido Warehouse Sale 2019

May 7, 2019

Hi Everyone!
Over the weekend, I went to the Shiseido Warehouse Sale in Markham. Thanks to my friend who let me know about it, I was able to score some goodies. They have a lot of high end brands like NARS, Bare Minerals, Buxom, Laura Mercier, Clé de Peau, obviously Shiseido and other hair and fragrance brands.
It’s a three day sale starting Friday for VIPs who have tickets and then on Saturday and Sunday, it’s open to the public (no ticket needed). It’s located at 303 All State Parkway in Markham.
If you’ve seen my haul from the MAC Warehouse Sale from 2017, then you’ll know that I went crazy buying stuff (especially lipsticks) back in 2017. This time, I had more self control (it was also because I just spent a lot of money during the Sephora sale. My Sephora haul will be up on the blog on Friday! For the MAC Sale, you need a ticket to get in for all three days and my sister got me tickets in September and December 2017. For the Shiseido sale, you don’t need a ticket for Saturday and Sunday, so it’s more accessible and I don’t have to rely on my sister to get it from work.
At the MAC sale, the first time I went, I probably bought over 20 products. At the Shiseido sale, I only bought 9 products while my mom bought quite a few skincare products because she loves Shiseido’s Benefiance WrinkleResist line. I’ve banned myself from buying any eyeshadows until I hit pan/finish a few shades first. Maybe I can get some next year.
I was pleasantly surprised that they had so many products left. While I’m sure there was a much bigger selection of complexion products on Friday and Saturday, they still had my shades in two of the products I wanted to try.
Buxom Full-On Lipstick in Dolly | $10

I couldn’t pass on this deal and the shade is so beautiful. It’s my kind of nude-pink lipstick!

NARS Full Vinyl Lip Lacquer in Santo Domingo | $12 (not pictured because I accidentally missed it)

This is a pretty shade and I wanted to try a lip lacquer.

NARS Liquid Blush in Luster | $15

This is such a pretty shade, I had to get it. I also want to get more cream and liquid products because they’re easier to blend and won’t look powdery.

NARS Velvet Matte Foundation Stick in Fiji | $18

I have been wanting to try the NARS foundation stick for a while to compare it to my others.

Clé de Peau Concealer in Beige | $55

I’ve heard good things about this concealer, but it retails for $95 in Canada and I’m not about to spend that much for a concealer stick. While $55 is still quite expensive, I wanted to try it and they had a shade that matched me pretty closely.

Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Foundation in Golden 3 | $18

I was so excited to see that they had my shade in this foundation. My mom said this was the shade that has been the closest shade match to my skin out of all the foundations I’ve been testing out lately.

Shiseido Ultra Sun Protection Lotion for Face/Body SPF50+ (For Sensitive Skin & Children) | $20

I thought I’d give this a try since it was more than half off the retail price.

Dolce & Gabbana 3 L’Imperatrice Pour Femme | $35

I liked this perfume a few years back and I had a sample of it. While it’s more floral than I usually prefer, I still really like it and it was $35 so I had to get it.

Joico Moisture Recovery Conditioner | $10

I know Joico is a higher end brand of hair products at the drugstore so I wanted to try it.
I would definitely go again next year and we probably will be going so my mom can stock up on her Shiseido products. I think I would go on a Saturday, but it’s nice to know they have so much stuff left after the two days. They did have a lot of complexion products sold out (especially NARS foundations), but they still had some really nice products left over.
Love,

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Review | Origins Ginzing Refreshing Eye Cream to Brighten and Depuff

May 3, 2019

Hi Everyone!
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.
Love,

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April 2019 Product Empties

April 30, 2019

Hi Everyone!
Here are this month’s empties!
Lkins Skincare Coconut & Honey Aloe Cleanser (read my review) – I didn’t love the smell of this (like coconuts and almond oil), but it was a very gentle cleanser that didn’t strip the natural oils on my face.

Repurchase? No.

Lkins Skincare Hydrating Toner (read my review) – This was also a nice and gentle toner, but I didn’t love that it came in a spray bottle because it didn’t mist nicely since it’s a thicker product.

Repurchase? Maybe.

Lkins Skincare Vitamin C Eye Gel (read my review) – This didn’t hydrate my dry under eyes enough, but it was very gentle and light on the under eyes.

Repurchase? Probably not.

No Pong All Natural Anti Odourant (read my review) – I liked that this was all natural and didn’t have aluminium or baking soda, but I didn’t love that I had to use my hands to apply it. I’d rather use a roll-on type of deodorant where I don’t have to touch it.

Repurchase? No.

TULA Aqua Infusion Oil-Free Gel Cream – This was a nice and light gel cream and I liked it as much as the TULA Hydrating Day & Night Cream. However, I don’t think I would purchase the full-sized.

Repurchase? Probably not.
Love,

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First Impressions with Woodlot

April 23, 2019

Hi Everyone!
Update: Sadly, the brand closed its doors.
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.

Ingredients: Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil, Sodium Hydroxide (Lye), Shea Butter, Cocoa Seed Butter, Peppermint Essential Oil + Rosemary Essential Oil

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.

Ingredients: Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil, Sodium Hydroxide (Lye), Shea Butter, Cocoa Seed Butter, Activated Bamboo Charcoal, Balsam Essential Oil, Fir Essential Oil, Clove Essential Oil

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.

Ingredients: Purified water, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil**, Ecomulse, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Coconut derived MCT Oil, Neodefend (botanical preservative), Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Cymbopogon martini (Palmarosa) Essential Oil, Rosa damascena (Rose Damask) Essential Oil, Piper nigrum (Black Pepper) Essential Oil, Sodium Hydroxide (ph adjuster). **Organic ingredient

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!
Have you heard of Woodlot?
Love,

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This or That | COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches vs. Rael Miracle Patches

April 19, 2019
Hi Everyone!

I’ve tried out the Rael Hydrocolloid Acne Healing Patches (name has been changed to Miracle Patches) and compared it to my beloved COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches (read my review) and here are my thoughts:

COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches

The thin clear hydrocolloid patch feels similar to a hydrogel sheet mask in texture, adhering your skin strongly. It’ll stay on through showering and washing! It treats breakouts by eliminating infection and bacteria, which is what causes them in the first place. It’s able to breakdown debris from blackheads and absorb gunk from whiteheads overnight, so you won’t experience a harsh dry patch from using this. It even helps flatten and heal cystic acne faster!

24 patches per pack (3 sizes):
- 10 x 7mm
- 5 x 10mm
- 9 x 12mm
The COSRX are the first patches I tried and I’ve compared them to the Nexcare ones which I didn’t like (read my review). I buy the COSRX patches on Chuusi.ca for $4.50 each.

Rael Miracle Patches

Our high-grade absorbent hydrocolloid extracts impurities and provides a protective barrier that guards your skin from bacteria and irritants. These super-effective patches reduce inflammation and also prevent potential acne scarring.

24 patches per pack (2 sizes):
- 12 x 10mm
- 12 x 12mm
I bought these on Amazon.ca and got 4 packages for $24.46 which means 1 pack is $6.12

The Rael ones remind me of the COSRX Clear Fit Master Patches (read my review) because they are tapered on the edges, but the COSRX Clear Fit only comes with 18 patches in 10mm size.

Rael costs a little more, but they are better if you are wearing them out of the house. COSRX are cheaper, but they’re a little more noticeable (especially if it’s somewhere obvious like your cheek). COSRX comes with 10 of the small sized patches and I mostly use the medium and large patches. Sometimes when I peel off the COSRX ones, it folds over onto itself (like when you’re opening a bandaid and it sticks to itself and you can’t unstick it). The Rael (and the COSRX Clear Fit) patches are easier to peel off because the sheets are perforated.
Cosrx (white sheet), Rael (clear sheets)
Rael patches
WINNER: It’s a tie!
I think that since the COSRX ones aren’t tapered, they can absorb more. From now on, I will buy both and use the Rael ones if I need to wear one out of the house and use the COSRX for home.
UPDATE: I’ve started to love the Rael patches more because I get pimples on my face where there’s curves (nose, jaw, chin). It’s easier for the Rael ones to stick since they’re thinner. I have noticed that if you wear the Rael ones for too long and there’s a lot of stuff to absorb, they will get gummy (for lack of a better word). The COSRX ones, since they’re thicker, they don’t get gummy.
Have you tried acne patches? What’s your fave brand?
Love,
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First Impressions with LKins SkinCare

April 12, 2019
Hi Everyone!
I was contacted by Eileen from LKins SkinCare and very generously sent three products to review.
After purchasing products from local stores and buying the most expensive products from high end department stores she wanted to create her own set of products that she would be proud to use and that would leave her skin hydrated and feeling youthful but most importantly be chemical free.

She has dry, pale and sensitive skin and realized her skin was changing even more like so many others at this age and she wanted to protect it as much as possible. Her products contain natural and organic ingredients such as: vitamin c, aloe, coconut and honey.

Vitamin C Eye Gel
- Helps revitalize, soothe and refresh the look of your eye area
- Helps diminish the appearance of dark circles and puffiness
- Is oil free and easy to apply
Ingredients: Glycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Ethoxydiglycol, Euphrasia Officinalis (Eyebright) Extract, Sodium PCA Ingredients: Deionized Water, Butylene Glycol, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Ethoxydiglycol, Hesperidin Methylchalcone, Steareth-20-Dipeptide-2, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbic Acid, Carbomer, Camelia Sinensis (Green Tea) Extract, Euphrasia Officinalis (Eyebright) Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Sodium PCA, Triethanolamine, Glycosaminoglycans, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Allantoin

*paraben free

This doesn’t have a strong smell, but it does have a familiar scent that I can’t quite put my finger on. Perhaps it has the same smell as another skincare product I’ve swatched at Sephora. It feels tacky after using, so I think I’d prefer to use this during the day.

RATING: 3.5/5

I like that it’s not strongly scented and comes with a pump instead of a pot like other eye creams, but I find that it’s not hydrating enough for my very dry under eyes.
Hydrating Toner

Rids the skin of impurities, dirt, and dulling dead cells. Revitalizes and soothes skin, leaving it silky smooth, satin-soft, and with a pleasant fresh feeling.
Ingredients: Glycerin, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Glycolic Acid Ingredients: Deionized Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Mentha Citrata (Bergamot) Leaf Extract , Disodium EDTA, Glycolic Acid
The toner is very gentle and works for my sensitive skin. It doesn’t have much of a scent which is nice. I don’t love the container it comes in because it’s a spray bottle which is kind of unusual for a toner. It kind of spurts out instead of sprays since it’s more viscous than a facial mist. I transferred it over to a glass bottle with a dropper which is working well for me.
RATING: 4/5
Coconut & Honey Aloe Cleanser
This wonderful cleanser is made with aloe and coconut oil and Manuka Honey. An opaque, light gel; it gently foams while it cleanses and moisturizes the skin.
Ingredients: Deionized Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Lauramide Diethanolamide, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbic Acid, Fragrance, Manuka Honey, Acrylates/C 10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sweet Almond Oil, Triethanolamine, Chamomile Extract, Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Rosemary Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate *paraben free
The Coconut & Honey Aloe Cleanser is very a gentle cleanser. My face doesn’t feel dry/stripped of its natural oils after using it. It has a very light scent (I mostly smell the almond, which isn’t a bad thing, I just don’t really smell the honey or coconut), but for a cleanser, that’s not a big deal for me since you wash your face and then rinse it off. It does have fragrance in it which I’m trying to get away from for my skincare products, but otherwise it’s a great product that works with my sensitive skin.
RATING: 3.5/5
Have you heard of Lkins Skincare?
Love,
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REVIEW | Oceà Natural Skincare Ocean Mineral Complex Masque

April 2, 2019

Hi Everyone!
Today, I have a review for a clay masque. I was generously sent the Ocean Mineral Complex Masque by Oceà Natural Skincare.
At Oceà we have one very simple goal: to shift the skin care industry to natural, safe, and effective ingredients that eliminate the need for harsh chemicals.
The masque comes in a glass pot and the masque itself has a whipped texture. It doesn’t have much of a smell, if anything it smells faintly of clay.
Deeply healing clays of Kaolin are infused with detoxifying ocean minerals to naturally clarify and exfoliate your skin.

Seaweed, Kelp, Irish Moss and Spirulina naturally restore your skin’s firmness and elasticity.

Safflower, Sweet Almond, Rice Brand and Grapeseed oils then provide the deep hydration your skin deserves!

This natural and organic product is gentle enough for all skin types and can be used several times per week.
RATING: 3/5
Since I have dry skin, I liked that this clay masque didn’t make my face feel dry after. My face felt nice and soft after using it, but I don’t know if it did anything to be honest. It didn’t exfoliate or bring out impurities like some clay masks I’ve tried. I like that it comes in a glass jar so I can re-use it after I finish the masque.
Love,

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