• VII Code

    VIIcode O₂M Oxygen Eye Mask for Dark Circles | #Sponsored Review

    Hi Everyone,

    This post is sponsored by VIIcode, a skincare brand that focuses on eyes. A few years ago, I reviewed their VIIcode O₂M Oxygen Eye Mask for All Night Repair (read my review). Today, I’ll be reviewing the VIIcode O₂M Oxygen Eye Mask for Dark Circles.

    These individually wrapped gentle oxygen eye masks are designed for continuous 8 hour use overnight. They contain a natural, alcohol-free, non-irritating formula and are completely safe to use.  Each mask is infused with a potent blend of nourishing ingredients that work hard to reduce dark circles and puffiness so you wake up looking youthful, refreshed and well-rested.

    VIIgarden website

    Ingredients: Aqua, Glycerin, Cellulose, Carbomer, Mentha Arvensis, Butylene Glycol, Cellulose Gum, Tetrasodium EDTA, Triethanol Amine, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Allantoin, Tartaric Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Vitamin E, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia, Aloe Barbadensis, Algin, CO-Q10, Sodium PCA, PEG-40, Betula Alba Extract, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Sorbitol, y-PGA, Citric Acid, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Propylparaben, Ethylbisiminomethylguaiacol Manganese Chloride.

    VIIcode recommends wearing the patches for 6-8 hours. On the back of the pack, it says to “let the masks work their brightening and hydrating magic no more than 8 hours, then remove.” Make sure to follow their instructions, since you don’t want to have any irritation (especially to your sensitive under eyes).

    Comparing these to the All Night Repair masks, these also have a cotton-y side and the other is like a gel-like membrane. It’s been a few years since I reviewed the All Night Repair ones, so I don’t know if they’ve changed the shape. The ones for Dark Circles are symmetrical, while the All Night Repair masks had one side that was slimmer. I prefer the symmetrical ones since it covers more surface area. Also, I like that both eye masks aren’t scented.

    To apply, your skin should be clean and dry.  Make sure to put them on carefully because repositioning them will make them less tacky on the sides and they might lift while you sleep. I tried wearing them both before bed and overnight. Some people might wear a sleep mask to bed, I don’t so I’m not used to having anything on my face while I sleep. While wearing them, you can definitely feel them on your face, but it’s not uncomfortable. They aren’t like pimple patches where you can’t feel them once you put them on. I can definitely tell they are on since they are quite big and right under my eyes. So when you move your face, you can feel them.

    If you’re wearing them to sleep and you’re a side/stomach sleeper, I would make sure to take them off a good amount of time before you leave the house, they left a mark on my face once or twice. Like when you wake up from a good sleep and realize you have a line on your face from your duvet. 

    I like that these are dry eye masks. They won’t slide down your face and because of the cotton-y side, you can wear them to bed without getting serum/product all over your pillowcase. The gel makes them stay in place, but they aren’t so sticky that it leaves a sticky residue after. It just feels tacky like you applied some eye cream, but it goes away once it absorbs into the skin and feels smooth. I didn’t get a chance to try, but I think makeup would apply nicely after wearing the masks overnight. 

    The gel of the eye masks makes them feel nice and cool. These would be great to use during the summer. Sometimes I throw my sheet masks into the fridge to cool them down, so I tried putting a pair of these eye masks in the fridge for half an hour. On the initial application, they felt quite cold. After a few seconds though, I got used to the cold and it didn’t feel that much different from the eye masks at room temperature. I also found it a bit harder to peel the backing off when they were cold (the gel seemed stickier), so I prefer keeping them at room temperature. 

    RATING: 3.5/5

    I think you would have to do more than 6 treatments to know whether these help in the long-term. You would have to be using them for a few months instead of just a few weeks. A box of masks comes with 6 pairs which is only enough for three weeks if you use them twice a week.

    I think I prefer the All Night Repair Masks since I don’t have dark circles. For me, these are more of a self-care item than a treatment since I’m not trying to target dark circles or wrinkles. 

    Check out VIIcode’s socials: Blog | Shop | Instagram

    Love,

    *This post was sponsored, but all opinions are my own. Links are NOT affiliate links.

  • First Impressions with BeautySense.ca | Sponsored

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I’ll be reviewing products I received from BeautySense.ca! This post was sponsored by BeautySense.ca and the products above were sent to me for review, but all opinions are my own. The links below are NOT affiliate links. 

    Beautysense.ca is a Canadian-owned website that sells beauty and cosmetics products.

    We have deep roots within the beauty industry operating successful spas and salons in Canada.

    BeautySense.ca was launched in 2013 with a vision of providing Canadians with a trusted and reliable source of beauty products while contributing the same customer service and education found in our spas and salons.

    BeautySense.ca currently offers well over 4000 quality products from top Canadian and International brands and we continue to add new brands every month.  We cater to each of you, our customer, to reach a goal of 100% satisfaction.

    They sell a wide variety of skincare, home, bath & body, makeup and wellbeing products.  

    Free shipping on all orders within Canada, no minimum!!

    They have promotions every now and then. A free gift with purchase, discounts on certain brands, etc.

    I don’t know if they have sales throughout the year, but I have signed up for the newsletter to email me. So I will update this post if I am notified of any sales throughout the year.

    They have a loyalty program. Receive 1 point for every $1 you spend

    100 pts = $5 | 200 pts = $10 | 500 pts = $25 | 900 pts = $45  

    BeautySense let me choose the products to try out so I went with a 3 products from brands I’ve never tried before and 2 products from amika (love the scent of their dry shampoo and soulfood nourishing hair mask).

    Colorescience: Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Flex SPF 50 | $63

    A lightweight mineral sunscreen with tinted color coverage immediately evens skin tone for a flawless look. Available in four uniquely flexible shades for a range of skin tones, it features innovative, tone-adapting pigments that offer medium, buildable colour coverage with a natural finish.

    This is drier than I thought it would be. I think I could’ve tried the medium shade instead of fair because it’s very white on me. For sunscreen, I usually just squeeze it out onto my hand and then apply to my face, but I think maybe it’s better to do a little at a time for this one. Instead of trying the medium tinted shade, I think I would just try the original (non-tinted) one next time.

    Amika: The Wizard Detangling Primer | $34.50

    A weightless, multi-benefit priming spray that detangles, cuts blow dry time and protects against thermal and environmental damage. Leaves hair smooth, soft and radiant.

    This detangled my hair so quickly and my hair felt smooth and sleek. It looked shiny and smelled really nice. It has the same scent as the normcore conditioner and dry shampoo.

    Amika: Normcore Signature Conditioner | $26

    Boost hydration, softness and shine daily with this everyday conditioner, loaded with vitamins and antioxidants.

    I used to love the Perk Up Dry Shampoo, but I stopped buying products with aerosol cans. Since this has the same scent description, I figured this would be the same and it is. At the time, the shampoo was out of stock, but I would definitely get the shampoo. My hair is healthy because I don’t dye it and I don’t use styling tools all the time. So I usually stick to buying shampoos and conditioners from the drugstore. I have bought a few expensive shampoos and conditioners and I use them every couple weeks when I feel like a pick-me-up.

    jane iredale blush
    Blinc: Ultravolume Tubing Mascara

    Jane Iredale: PurePressed Blush in Barely Rose | $41

    A silky, easy-glide pressed blush that builds like a powder and blends like a cream for seamless, long-lasting color and a fresh, healthy glow.

    The blush is a pretty pink shade that looks like a natural blush to my cheeks. I did notice that the blush had faded by the 6 hour mark though. I purposely applied more blush than usual just to see how it wore throughout the day. So, by the 6 hour mark, it was no longer noticeable and by the 9 hour mark, it was definitely gone. I used a cotton pad to wipe the makeup and no blush came off.  

    Blinc: Ultravolume Tubing Mascara – Black | $32

    Whether your daily activities take you from the office, to your sweaty workout then out to dinner, Blinc Tubing Mascara Ultra Volume will make your lashes look as good in the evening as they did when you first applied it in the morning.

    I have typical Asian lashes that don’t keep a curl for very long so I was surprised at how well this mascara kept the curl. I was wearing the mascara for about 9 hours and my lashes were still curled. They might’ve gone down a little bit, but they definitely had a curve to them still (not sticking straight down). I did notice a few flakes on my eyelid and under eye by the 9 hour mark. I think I may have touched my eye at some point. The mascara removes easily with warm water. I would say to remove the mascara with warm water before removing the rest of your makeup. So the tubes don’t get all over your face.  


    They have a number of brands that I’ve never tried, so I’d be interested in buying those in the future and reviewing them on my blog.

    Some products I have on my wishlist:

    • Amika: Normcore Signature Shampoo
    • Joico: Moisture Recovery Shampoo
    • Joico: Moisture Recovery Conditioner
    • Colorescience: Sunforgettable EnviroScreen Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50
    • Colorescience: Sunforgettable Total protection Face Shield SPF 50-Original

    Love,

  • xoluxe.com

    First Impressions with XOLuxe.com | #sponsored

    Hi Everyone!

    Update: This website is no longer accessible.

    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.

    Skin Type: Combination, Dry, Normal, Oily, Sensitive
    Skin Solutions: Acne Fighters, Age Prevention, Dark Spots & Brightening, Exfoliation, Hydration/Moisturization, Nourishment

    Kits: Rejuvenate, Refresh, Refine, Renew

    Subscription box (5 masks): 1 Month ($25), 2 Months ($47), 3 Months, 6 Months, 1 Year

    LengthPricePrice per mask
    1 month (5 masks)$25$5/mask
    2 months (10 masks)$47$4.70/mask
    3 months (15 masks)$66$4.40/mask
    6 months (30 masks)$125$4.17/mask
    1 Year (60 masks)$240$4/mask

    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:

    1. 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)
    2. Place the sheet on your face making sure to align the perforations with your nose, eyes, and moth.
    3. Smooth the mask out to make sure there are no wrinkles for best fit.
    4. 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)

    Enjoy!

    I was sent two sheet masks from the Acne Fighting category. I had never tried either of the brands, but I was excited to try them. So, I’ll be reviewing the Mediheal Teatree Care Solution Essential Sheet Mask EX and Dr. Jayjun AC-Solution Clear Mask.

    Mediheal Teatree Care Solution Essential Sheet Mask EX

    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.

    Dr. Jayjun AC-Solution Clear Mask

    Bye, Bye Dullness!

    Moisturizing, Calming, Restoring, Toning

    Suitable for All Skin Types

    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.

    Do you love sheet masks?

    Love,

  • vii code under eye 02m oxygen masks

    First Impressions with VIIcode | #sponsored

    Hi Everyone!

    This post is brought to you by VIIcode Skincare. This is a skincare brand that focuses on the eyes! Today, I am sharing my thoughts on the VIIcode O2M Oxygen Eye Mask for All Night Repair.

    They sent over a box which contains 6 pairs of eye masks. When I was reading the description, I wondered how these masks worked. Are they saturated in serum/essence like sheet masks? How do they stay on while you sleep?

    These easy-to-use under eye pads are the first eye masks that are safe to use for 8 hours. With the most natural potent antioxidants, skin will be refreshed and invigorated overnight. Peel, stick, and go to sleep.

    BENEFITS

    Skin is instantly refreshed

    Minimize visible signs of aging around eyes

    Reduce fine lines and wrinkles effectively

    Instantly moisturize and soothe delicate under eye area

    I eagerly opened the package to see what the eye masks looked like. One side is cotton-y and the other has a gel-like membrane covered by a plastic backing.

    Unlike other eye masks I’ve tried, they aren’t soaked in serum/essence. They have a very light, fresh scent and they are comfortable to wear.

    It’s a bit hard to see, but I’m peeling the plastic backing off of the top eye mask.

    Apply to cleansed, dry skin and wear for up to 8 hours. The masks stay on well and can easily be repositioned.

    When I removed the masks, my under eyes felt cool and refreshed. The under eye area is a bit tacky right after removing the masks, but they’re not a sticky tacky – It’s like after you apply an eye cream.

    These masks are meant for overnight use. I tried sleeping with them, but I’m not used to having something on my under eyes in bed. I personally prefer using them while I’m awake – either right before bed or as soon as I wake up!

    RATING: 4/5

    I can’t comment on how effective the masks are at targeting fine lines and wrinkles, but my under eyes felt smooth and hydrated. Also, you can use them as eyeshadow shields once you’ve used them. These masks felt refreshing and they’re different from any other eye masks I’ve tried. 

    Check out VIIcode on Instagram!

    Love,

    *This is a sponsored post, but all opinions are my own.

  • urban juve skincare review sponsored

    First Impressions with Urban Juve |#sponsored

    Hi Everyone!

    Today’s post is brought to you by Urban Juve! I am sharing my first impressions with Urban Juve skincare. I received their Hemp Daily Ritual Kit (Vitalize) which includes 5 products.

    Urban Juve makes natural wellness products infused with hemp.

    Our approach is based in Ayurveda, one of the oldest holistic healing systems in the world. All our products are formulated by an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner and clinical researcher. Each is designed to meet the nutritional needs of the skin.

    They are the first skincare company in Canada to use Hemp Root Oil. Their products contain NO dyes, artificial fragrances, sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, phthalates and other toxic fillers. See the full list of ingredients that their products DON’T contain.

    They have three kits depending on your skin type: Vitalize (for Dry Skin- deeply hydrating), Align (for Oily Skin- refreshing) and Balance (for all skin types- soothing and calming). Each kit contains: an Anti-Aging Serum, Lip Balm, Face Mist, Face Moisturizer and Daily Ritual Oil.

    As you may know, I am very sensitive to scents. These are all natural and don’t have any added fragrances, but I can detect a scent in each of the five products. Since I am so sensitive to scents, I will rate all of the products based on their performance alone and also identify the key ingredient(s) that I can detect.

    I’ve been incorporating the Urban Juve products into my skincare routine and here are my thoughts on each of the individual products:

    Face Mist

    The ultimate pick-me-up. This spray toner soothes and tones, while helping control excess oil and refresh acne-prone skin. Use throughout the day or as a first step before moisturizer. With a powerhouse combo of peppermint and aloe leaf, this formula reduces the look of puffiness and helps pores appear smaller. We add cucumber skin powder for its astringent properties, as well as our signature hemp root oil, which can help boost absorption.

    Ingredients: Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Water, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil, Hemp Root Oil, Glycerin, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Sinensis (Sweet Orange) Peel Oil Expressed, Piper Nigrum (Black Pepper) Fruit Oil, Potassium Sorbate, Lactic Acid, Benzoic Acid

    RATING: N/A

    Key Scent: roses with a hint of spice (probably from the black pepper oil)

    This has witch hazel in it which I am allergic to, so I had to pass this one along to a friend. It comes in an aerosol can that sprays more of a spurt than a fine spray. I think it would be great as a toner! 

    Lip Balm

    This all-season balm softens and smooths chapped, rough lips. Made by blending beeswax and coconut oil with hemp seed and hemp root oil, this soothing formula creates a barrier that seals in moisture and protects against the elements. Expect a cool, refreshing feel.

    Ingredients: Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Beeswax/Cire d’abeille, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil, Hemp Root Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60, Tocopherol, Menthol, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Aroma

    RATING: 5/5

    Key Scent: Peppermint oil

    This lip balm has a tingling sensation (like soft lips lip balm). It adds a bit of a sheen to your lips and keeps them moisturized.

    Spoons (from top): Face Moisturizer, Daily Ritual Oil, Anti-Aging Serum

    Face Moisturizer

    Restore radiance to tired, dry skin. This natural formula seals in moisture and helps your skin look plumped and renewed. Made with warming essential oils (think: ginger, cinnamon, lavender, and copaiba), our Vitalize Moisturizer encourages your natural glow. The smoothing, hydrating formula contains ulta-rich jojoba oil and hemp seed oil, as well as gently astringent chamomile flower water.

    Ingredients: Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Water, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil, Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil, Stearic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Mel (Honey), Glucose, Glycerin, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Lactoperoxidase, Glucose Oxidase, Copaifera Officinalis (Balsam Copaiba) Resin Oil, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Oil, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum (Cinnamon) Bark Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Bud Oil, Elettaria Cardamomum (Cardamom) Seed Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Rosa Gallica (Rose) Flower Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Lactic Acid

    RATING: 4/5

    Key Scents: Cloves and Cinnamon…it smells like Christmas!

    My skin feels smooth and hydrated after applying this cream – it stays a little bit tacky, but it’s not oily or greasy.

    Anti-Aging Serum

    This potent serum smooths fine lines while helping to prevent the signs of aging. Hyaluronic acid acts as a magnet for water, making your skin visibly more plump and hydrated. This youth-enhancing formula also contains sea buckthorn oil (extremely rich in minerals, antioxidants, fatty acids and plant sterols) and our signature hemp root oil (which can help boost absorption).

    Ingredients: Aqua, Lactobacillus Ferment, Lactobacillus, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil, Hemp Root Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Copaifera Officinalis (Balsam Copaiba) Resin Oil, Lysolecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Xanthan Gum, Pullulan, Boswellia Carterii (Frankincense) Gum Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Hippophae (Sea Buckthorn)

    RATING: 4/5

    Key Scent: I can’t identify the scent in this one…possibly the balsam or frakincense?

    I love a serum with Hyaluronic Acid! My dry skin needs all the moisture. This serum is very nice and light. It absorbs quickly into the skin leaving the skin smooth and not at all tacky!

    Daily Ritual Oil

    Hydration at the deepest level. ​This naturally fragrant body oil seals in moisture after bathing, leaving skin velvety soft—and never greasy. The best part of your day. With a nutrient-rich base of hemp seed, avocado and sweet almond oils, our Vitalize formula ​regenerates skin as it smooths and firms. ​Warming essential oils, including ginger, cardamom and cinnamon, stimulate blood flow​—and give this daily essential its invigorating scent.

    Ingredients: Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Olus Oil, Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil,Lav andula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Elettaria Cardamomum (Cardamom) Seed Extract, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum (Cinnamon) Bark Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Bud Oil, Rosa Gallica (Rose) Flower Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Oil

    RATING: 5/5

    Key Scents: Ginger, Clove and Cinnamon, but the scent goes away after a few hours.

    This oil comes in an aerosol can which I find interesting. I’ve only seen oils come in glass/plastic bottles. This is the first body oil I’ve tried and I’m enjoying it. This would be especially great in the winter time when my skin is really dry!

    I think this would be a great skincare line for men. Most skincare products have either a floral/fruity scent or no scent. If you like products that have a ‘spicy’ scent like cloves and cinnamon, you will like this brand!

    I love that Urban Juve has kits that cater to different skin types. It was a great introduction to hemp-infused products. I think my favourite product is the Daily Ritual Oil. If you want to try natural wellness products, then Urban Juve is the brand for you!

    Follow Urban Juve on Instagram!

    Love,