Sephora Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover

Sephora Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover: A partially used bottle

Sephora.com says:
A waterproof eye makeup remover suitable for contact lens wearers and those with sensitive eyes.
This do-it-all formula removes waterproof makeup and contains a lash-strengthening complex that’s rich in flavonoids and olive wood extracts.
This product is ophthalmologically tested and suits sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

Directions: Shake before use! Similar to the ever-so-loved Lancome Bi-Facil, it must be shaken before used. Turn the bottle upside down onto a cotton pad and press onto the eyelid.

Ingredients: Formulated without: Parabens, sulfates, snethetic fragrances, phthalates, GMOs, triclosanHydroSenn+ is a plant-derived ingredient exclusive to Sephora that leaves skin feeling soft and luxuriously comfortable.

 

The Rating: B

This gently removes eye makeup, however, it leaves a thick, oily residue on my skin and I need to cleanse after. I wouldn’t recommend it for after a night out when you’re too tired to wash your face, but for everyday it is a great option and I would repurchase it for sure! It even comes in a convenient travel size!

Sephora Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover: Bird's Eye View

Chanel Rouge Coco: 05 Mademoiselle

Chanel Rouge Coco in Mademoiselle

Chanel says: ROUGE COCO dresses the lips in an easy and self-evident daily beauty step.
Thanks to its soft, creamy texture and its luxurious, timeless packaging, it is the confidante of each moment of a woman’s life, finding its natural place in the handbags of women today.
The new ROUGE COCO formula combines hydration and comfort. Created by CHANEL, the Hydratender complex delivers 8-hour hydration with a single application. The choice of pigments with an utmost quality optimizes the formula’s comfort.

ROUGE COCO offers a satiny and luminous makeup result. Faithful to its black and gold codes, ROUGE COCO comes in a new metal case, with a contemporary and timeless design. The elegant and luminous shades of the range are easy to wear and use in your own, individual way, according to your mood. From legendary sites to favorite pieces of jewelry, from passions to symbols, their names recount the private background of Coco Chanel.
A classic has never expressed itself this freely.

“ROUGE COCO allows all women to discover, or rediscover, the pleasure of lipstick.” Peter Philips

The Product: $30 USD/$50 CAD.

Mademoiselle is the colour worn by Vanessa Paradis when Rouge Coco’s first debuted in 2010. It is the colour in the permanent collection, it looks different on everyone, which is interesting. It smells like Vanilla, Fresh Raspberries and Roses. Its a medium pink with brown undertones.

It’s a fairly hydrating lipstick, but I prefer it with a gloss on top after about 4 hours as my lips are fairly dry and peel, so if that sounds like you, keep a gloss handy!

Chanel Rouge Coco in Mademoiselle

The Packaging: There is a white Chanel logo on the top, and it is embossed on the inside of the cap also. It makes a nice click noise when you close it too, not a loud one that will make people look around and say “what was that?” Apparently, engineers spent hours snapping lipstick tubes until they got just the right click. It’s so simple and a weird luxury to have in a lipstick. It is in metal casing, done so women feel a fresh sensation when they grab it in their purse. The attention to detail with the physical tube is outstanding. Further, as you can tell by my pictures, everything is shiny. even the box that the tube came in reflects everything near it, so below you have a great shot of the side of my head and a few fingers.

Chanel Rouge Coco in Mademoiselle

The Review: A

If it was more hydrating to my extremely dry lips, it would be an A+, but it is otherwise a gorgeous colour that is only clear that you’re wearing lipstick in some lights. It is creamy, hydrating and lasts for 4-6 hours.

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Vaseline Intensive Rescue Soothing Hand Cream

Vaseline.ca says:

Healthy skin naturally repairs itself. But the constant activity and exposure of hands may disrupt this natural process, leading to severely dry and rough skin.

Vaseline® Intensive Rescue® Soothing Hand Cream’s formula infuses dry skin with intense moisturizers and it sinks in within seconds, yet lasts all day to promote the proper long term hydrating environment that skin needs to repair itself.

Key Ingredients

• Glycerin – instantly softens skin
• Occlusives – help stem moisture loss
• Formulation in General – specialized for the needs of hands

This hand cream is not particularly fast absorbing, but it is affordable at $6 for 96mL, not to mention it is easy to access.

Further, despite its thick formula, it is very creamy and it is really easy to overdispense, leaving you with enough for almost up to your elbows on both arms.

It contains parabens, which may be a concern for some.

I wouldn’t purchase this again because it left my dry hands greasy and not feeling very moisturized. If you don’t have eczema-prone skin, this may be an option to consider! It just wasn’t for me.

Grade: C

Moroccan Oil: Moisture Repair Shampoo & Conditioner

Moroccan Oil: Moisture Repair Shampoo and Conditioner

At approximately $40 CAD for the pair of 8.5 oz. bottles, this sulfate-phosphate, paraben-free shampoo and conditioner is absolutely amazing. I don’t think I’ve read a bad review on it yet, and this is definitely not going to be a bad review. It is recommended for chemical damage, although I don’t have dyed or permed hair so I cannot comment on that.

The Usage

Even though it is rather pricey, you only need a dime-nickel size (I’m saying that based on a Canadian dime or nickel, by the way!) depending on your hair length. If you don’t feel a big difference by using a sulfate free shampoo, shampoo your hair twice and it will definitely be more noticeable.

For those who like their hair to feel heavier, I highly recommend trying this out. I already have pretty thick hair so it makes it feel a bit too heavy for my liking. However, since I’ve been using it, I’ve needed less haircuts since my hair does not show damage as much as before (The type of damage my hair receives regularly is usually blow drying, light straightening with a T3 Straightener, or at minimum, weather damage).

The Packaging

The 8.5 oz. bottles have a snap shut closure, making it safe for travel. They are also available in 1L bottles with a pump, which would not travel as well, however, since so little product is required, filling travel sized bottles would still last you on a long trip.

The Results

Together, after the first wash or two, they add volume (whether you blow dry or air dry) and shine, increase hair strength and

Note: Since hair is dead protein, let’s consider it enhanced in strength, we shouldn’t fool ourselves thinking that damage can truly be undone, however, products can coat the damage so we notice it less

The Rating: A

This duo is an amazing team against damaged hair, when people say that a product “changed their life”, we usually know that they are exaggerating, but since I require less haircuts, I save money and time going for haircuts, so yes, my life, and my hair, have been changed by these products. Highly recommend!

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer

 

http://www.kiehls.ca describes this product as: This moisturizer is readily absorbed, leaving the surface area soft and nurtured. The moisturizing effects of this formulation are continued beneath the surface layers for daytime or anytime moisturizing and texturizing of the skin.

The Product: 75mL for $22, 120mL for $32, 250mL for $49CAD. This light moisturizer is unscented, absorbs quickly and does not interfere with tinted moisturizer throughout the day. It also doesn’t require a lot to cover your entire face and neck and since it is by Kiehl’s, there are more natural ingredients than most brands typically have. It also works well on dry skin (for summer), and oily skin all year long.

The Packaging: This Kiehl’s favourite comes in several sizes and is in a squeeze bottle. As you work your way through it, the label on the bottle creases but to me, that’s not so bad. It’s great if you need a travel sized bottle or enough to last through the year.

Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Squalane, Glycerin, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Butylene Glycol, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbitan Oleate, Carbomer, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Stearic Acid, Cera Alba/Beeswax, Myristyl Alcohol, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil/SweetGratissima/Avocado Oil.

Cons with this product are that there are parabens in it which are known to be drying, and that is that there is no SPF. I don’t find it drying, and to compare, it is more hydrating than Aveeno Daily Ultra Calming Moisturizer SPF 15 and Aveeno Positively Radiant Moisturizer SPF 15. Kiehl’s does make a version with SPF 15, although the inclusion of SPF in a moisturizer changes the consistency and from my research, between Kiehl’s and Aveeno, means the product is less hydrating.

The Rating: B

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer

 

Olay Daily Renewal Cleanser

Olay Age Defying Daily Renewal Cleanser

http://www.Olay.com claims: Daily Renewal Cleanser combines a beta-hydroxy complex with gentle micro-beads to gently lift away dull, dry skin as well as dirt, oil and make-up. Add it to your skin care routine to: Cleanse gently and thoroughly, and Renew skin’s surface and reveal fresh and radiant skin.

The Product: 200mL for $8.29CAD. This creamy cleanser has tiny microbeads and a beta-hydroxy complex to cleanse and gently exfoliate skin. Considering the microbeads and beta-hydroxy complex, it has a physical and mild chemical cleansing properties.  While you shouldn’t cleanse everyday, I ran out of all of my non-exfoliating cleansers so I tried this morning and night for about two weeks (desperate times!), and this did not have any adverse effects on my already dry, sensitive skin. Despite its claims, it definitely does not remove makeup. Since it doesn’t remove makeup, I would recommend this as a morning cleanser for the on-the-go girl. Also, I think a gentle and thorough cleanse is quite a heavy claim, because it is also a daily cleanser so having a thorough cleanse everyday does seem to be excessive, even if it is gentle.

The Packaging: The white plastic container has a black pump on top to dispense the product. If you’re traveling, press the pump and twist it to lock the pump down, so you can pack it without worrying about it “cleansing” all of your other stuff!

The Ingredients: WATER, PPG-15 STEARYL ETHER, GLYCERIN, STEARYL ALCOHOL, CETYL BETAINE, SALICYLIC ACID, DISTEARYLDIMONIUM CHLORIDE, SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE, OXIDIZED POLYETHYLENE, CETYL ALCOHOL, STEARETH-21, BEHENYL ALCOHOL, PPG-30, STEARETH-2, FRAGRANCE, DISODIUM EDTA.

It contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate which is known to be drying, although my dry cheeks weren’t effected by it. I’d also note that it contains salicylic acid which is known to help with acne and pimples, however it isn’t listed as an active ingredient.

The Verdict: B+ If you only wanted to use one cleanser, this could perhaps do the trick! It is affordable, easily accessible and gentle. However, it didn’t get an A because it does contain sulfates, and although I didn’t experience any effects from it, others might due to the nature of that ingredient. Further, it claimed to remove makeup and did not, thus the B+.

 

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Toner

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Toner

Kiehl’s describes this toner as:

This mild yet effective toner for all skin types helps refine surface texture while providing the ideal preparation for classic Ultra Facial Moisturizer. Made with effective emollients Squalane, Apricot Kernel Oil, Avocado Oil, and Vitamin E, our non-alcoholic toning formula gently removes oil, dirt and remaining residue while hydrating and comforting skin. PH balanced for optimal comfort and will not over-dry or strip the skin of its natural oils.

I describe this toner as: heaven.

The product 8.4 fl.oz/250 ml for $22.50 CAD/$16 USD. This unscented toner takes off everything and leaves your skin feeling cool and moist, it doesn’t contain parabens or sulfates, and 6 drops covers your entire face. Further, I’ve been using 6 drops twice per day for over a month, and the bottle doesn’t look anywhere near used! It is ideal for dry-combination skin and I’ve noticed a complete hydration difference in my skin. Also, who doesn’t love a deep clean that doesn’t irritate skin? I’ve tested this toner with the Aveeno Positively Radiant Moisturizer SPF 15, and it pairs wonderfully with that also.

The packaging is a sturdy plastic with a pop-top cap, so if you’re traveling with it, I’d recommend securing the top just to be safe.
The verdict clearly I love this product, and will repurchase over and over again. (Although since the release of their oil-free version of the toner, I may stray…my skincare junkie instincts cannot be denied)

>Rating: A
This rating is in relation to a sensitive, dry-combination skin type, please keep that in mind if you’re considering this product.
This product was purchased with my own funds and the opinions expressed are my own and based on personal experiences with it.
 

The FDA’s new sunscreen rules

http://ow.ly/5z0yw
Summary:

• Products must be called sunscreen rather than sunblock to reduce misconceptions that one provides different coverage.
• Sunscreens cannot claim to be at an SPF higher than 50 due to the lack of research suggesting that they do actually provide better protection.
• They also cannot claim to be waterproof or sweatproof, as those claims have never been true (sad…)
• They must specify if they provide broad spectrum protection (ie. reduce risk of skin cancer and premature aging), or have a label detailing that “This product has been shown only to help prevent sunburn, not skin cancer or early skin aging.”

MAC Paint Pot: Indianwood

MAC Paint Pot in Indianwood

The MAC website describes it as “A highly pigmented eye colour that goes on creamy but dries to an intense, vibrant finish. Long-wearing, colourfast. Creates seamless coverage without weight or caking. Blends smoothly over lids. Cream based, can be mixed with MAC shadows and liners”

Swatch indoors with outdoor lighting

The colour is a highly pigmented, crease resistant, bright bronze-gold with a frost finish, Indianwood is part of the permanent collection, so it will be available for a long time. Each paint pot, even with daily use (it has been my everyday eyeshadow for months) seems to never end. I’m positive that it will last past its expiry date. Also, I have showered with it on, without primer and it somehow survived! At $20.00 CAD, you get 5g/0.17 fl.oz which is a LOT of product. If you have oily eyelids, I recommend an eyeshadow primer, otherwise this makes a great eyeshadow or eyeshadow base. It is perfect for travel since it it small and can be applied with fingers or with a brush (MAC 217 or any other full eyeshadow brush should work). If you like cream eyeshadows, this is a must-have product.

Rating: A

Review: Korres Quercetin & Oak Antiageing & Antiwrinkle Concealer

Korres Quercetin & Oak Antiageing & Antiwrinkle Concealer

My love of concealers can only be accurately described as an obsession. If I could only take one item with me to a deserted island, it would be an under eye concealer. Which one? Well, based on the topic of this review, this one! The last concealer I raved about this much (pre-blog) was the MAC Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer, which works better for blemishes and around the face, than for under the eyes (it should be set with setting powder). It contains Hyaluronic acid, which plumps lines, although it is diluted with concealer, its still available to have an effect long after your eye cream has absorbed.

I’d also note, that Korres is primarily a skincare brand, not that all skincare brands do this, but many of their makeup products consider the effect that their products will have on skin. While many  people are wary about “fusion” products, this, after my month of testing, does not seem to have many flaws.

The Rating: A
I would definitely repurchase this, the other shades seem to be of more yellow tones, and only 4 are available, so as long as you can find a match, try it out.

$22 USD/$30 CAD