Like me you've probably seen the hand cream from this brand but not the lip balm since I do believe this is new. I purchased it the other day out of curiosity.
The texture reminds of Caudalie's lip balm which is one of my favorites for daytime. It has a light vanilla scent upon application but this fades after a minute or so. Although I sometimes use Caudalie under my lipstick, this one I found a little too greasy to use in the same way. It does an honest job at moisturizing my lips, in fact I'm inclined to compare it to RoC's lip balm only Herbacin is much less expensive.
A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous. - Coco Chanel
Friday, January 11, 2013
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Marcelle Rouge Xpression in Jezebel / Review
As you will see, I've taken full advantage of this first Marcelle purchase. Sorry, I just couldn't resist...
Remember Colette Valois the French airline stewardess from the short lived ABC television series Pan Am? I was so disappointed when it was taken off the air but at the same time not surprised. If a show doesn't break records in it's first weeks, this network gives up. This was a smart program that didn't include murders and police chases so I guess this was part of it's downfall.
Remember Colette Valois the French airline stewardess from the short lived ABC television series Pan Am? I was so disappointed when it was taken off the air but at the same time not surprised. If a show doesn't break records in it's first weeks, this network gives up. This was a smart program that didn't include murders and police chases so I guess this was part of it's downfall.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Dry Winter Skin? Start With A Gentle Cleanser.
Winter can be brutal and we all know that moisturizing is the key to soft skin but sometimes it seems we have to constantly reapply to get the results we want. Have you thought about the cleanser you use in the shower? Believe me, in Winter, your watermelon shower gel or you're husband's Irish Spring just won't do. If you don't want your skin to feel like itchy sand paper you may want to start with a gentler body cleanser.
Here are a few suggestion you may want to consider. These options are gentle, non stripping and will definitely help make your moisturizer of choice more effective.
Body cleansers I like...
Dove Beauty Bar
Review here.
Avène Cold Cream Ultra Rich Cleansing Bar
More expensive than the Dove Beauty Bar this cleansing bar is amazingly rich and non stripping. Had it not been for the fact that I received one as a gift I probably would have overlooked it. Using this was the reason I gave Dove a try after so many years or using shower gels. As with Dove, if you don't have any particular skin issue, you can use it on your face as well. This is a great option for travel since it's in solid form. I think it sells for about $12.00.
Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash
Creamy, with or without fragrance and not drying. Very affordable and at under $10.00 it's worth a try.
The Body Shop Creamy Cleansers
They have several options my favorites, Cocoa butter and Coconut. I love the smell of both. A little trick if you purchase one, unscrew to top completely to get the product out. It's much easier than trying to press the cleanser out through the tiny hole in the cap. Review of Cocoa Butter cleanser and moisturizer here.
A-Derma Sensifluid Extra-Rich Foaming Gel
This is a beautiful skin care line for anyone with sensitive skin. Not well known but available in drugstores. I'm now wondering why I haven't reviewed this before. It's a lovely soap-free formula good for anyone intolerant to soap. It does have a light scent if fragrance is an issue.
These are the ones I've tried and liked the most but of course if you have a brand of choice, a product that you're already using with good results, keep using. I know they can be quite tempting but try to avoid over fragranced cleansers. I find them to be harsh in general. Once or twice a week is fine but for everyday they tend to be drying after a while for me anyway.
Picture credit: All Along the Injured Coast
Here are a few suggestion you may want to consider. These options are gentle, non stripping and will definitely help make your moisturizer of choice more effective.
Body cleansers I like...
Dove Beauty Bar
Review here.
Avène Cold Cream Ultra Rich Cleansing Bar
More expensive than the Dove Beauty Bar this cleansing bar is amazingly rich and non stripping. Had it not been for the fact that I received one as a gift I probably would have overlooked it. Using this was the reason I gave Dove a try after so many years or using shower gels. As with Dove, if you don't have any particular skin issue, you can use it on your face as well. This is a great option for travel since it's in solid form. I think it sells for about $12.00.
Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash
Creamy, with or without fragrance and not drying. Very affordable and at under $10.00 it's worth a try.
The Body Shop Creamy Cleansers
They have several options my favorites, Cocoa butter and Coconut. I love the smell of both. A little trick if you purchase one, unscrew to top completely to get the product out. It's much easier than trying to press the cleanser out through the tiny hole in the cap. Review of Cocoa Butter cleanser and moisturizer here.
A-Derma Sensifluid Extra-Rich Foaming Gel
This is a beautiful skin care line for anyone with sensitive skin. Not well known but available in drugstores. I'm now wondering why I haven't reviewed this before. It's a lovely soap-free formula good for anyone intolerant to soap. It does have a light scent if fragrance is an issue.
These are the ones I've tried and liked the most but of course if you have a brand of choice, a product that you're already using with good results, keep using. I know they can be quite tempting but try to avoid over fragranced cleansers. I find them to be harsh in general. Once or twice a week is fine but for everyday they tend to be drying after a while for me anyway.
Picture credit: All Along the Injured Coast
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Finally, Le Rouge Givenchy!
All I can say is, beautiful!
I first heard about this new launch a little while back and was blown away by the tube, an object of beauty! I can only hope the formula will be as beautiful as the presentation.
Picture, Makeup4all
Monday, January 7, 2013
Laura Mercier Secret Concealer / Review
Isn't it frustrating when you've used a product for so long and then all of a sudden you find it doesn't work for you anymore? Sadly this has happened to me too many times to count.
For me, one of the most boring makeup items to get is concealer and I believe when you find a good one you stick with it through thick and thin. Repurchasing automatically when needed. You can try others here and there but somehow always come back to the one that looks best on you, the one that looks natural.
Last Spring the one I've been going back to for years no longer looked good on me. This was Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Concealer. Not moisturizing enough, it was starting to make my eye area look creepy. I then tried M.A.C. Select Moisturecover Concealer in a lighter shade. This one did make my eye area look better but it's staying power was more than poor. Since I don't like to throw anything away I did use it for several months, not liking it but at least not wasting my money.
After this disappointment I was contemplating going back to Clinique, another concealer I liked. In fact I kind of alternated between Estée Lauder and Clinique for years since their respective formulas gave me similar results. Looking at their website I was surprised to see the many options they now offer. I guess the one I was using was the Line Smoothing Concealer but I started to wonder if it was the same formula. Not wanting to risk it I decided to forget about this one.
Browsing the Sephora website, looking at all the different brands I finally thought I would go for Bobbi Brown Corrector, especially after reading Beautiful With Brains' positive review of it. You can read it here. With that final push I went to Sephora with the intention to buy it.
I hit a wall! Even if it's available it 12 different shades, I wasn't able to find one I felt comfortable with. The two lightest, Porcelain Bisque and Porcelain Peach would not have given me the natural look I was looking for. I do have to say that the formula seemed more than nice.
Leaving empty handed was not an option so I after having a look at other brands I opted to try Laura Mercier Secret Concealer in shade 1 for light complexions. It's actually the lightest they make, with slightly pink undertones.
It was weird for me to go for a cream after years of more "liquidy" formulas. The last time I did was with Dior when they used to have one in a little round compact.
How I use it?
I find it easier to apply with my fingers than a concealer brush. It's even better if you warm it up a little. For this, simply do so by "rubbing" a little of it between your two pinkie fingers and then go gently on the eye area. You'll notice that this way it will glide more easily. I also use it as an eye shadow base. I finish off with my concealer brush, to make sure the application is smooth and doesn't set in fine lines. A light dusting of loose powder with my fan brush and it's set.
Would I recommend it? Yes!
The formula is excellent and buildable. One big plus, it's non drying. If you apply it with a concealer brush you will have a more opaque finish but this will involve a little more pulling of the eye area. I've been using it for about a month now and can honestly say that I'm pleased with this purchase.
The only 2 things I don't like about it are, first the screw top. I would have preferred a flip top like Bobbi Brown. Second, the price. At $30.00 it's a little expensive for 2.2 g even it you do get a little more for the same price than Bobbi Brown Corrector which contains 1.7 g.
Available in six shades:
Reviews:
MakeupAlley: 3.8 / 5 lippies for 411 reviews.
Beauté-test: 4.2 / 5 stars for 19 reviews.
Screen captures from Laura Mercier and Sephora's respective websites.
For me, one of the most boring makeup items to get is concealer and I believe when you find a good one you stick with it through thick and thin. Repurchasing automatically when needed. You can try others here and there but somehow always come back to the one that looks best on you, the one that looks natural.
Last Spring the one I've been going back to for years no longer looked good on me. This was Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Concealer. Not moisturizing enough, it was starting to make my eye area look creepy. I then tried M.A.C. Select Moisturecover Concealer in a lighter shade. This one did make my eye area look better but it's staying power was more than poor. Since I don't like to throw anything away I did use it for several months, not liking it but at least not wasting my money.
After this disappointment I was contemplating going back to Clinique, another concealer I liked. In fact I kind of alternated between Estée Lauder and Clinique for years since their respective formulas gave me similar results. Looking at their website I was surprised to see the many options they now offer. I guess the one I was using was the Line Smoothing Concealer but I started to wonder if it was the same formula. Not wanting to risk it I decided to forget about this one.
Browsing the Sephora website, looking at all the different brands I finally thought I would go for Bobbi Brown Corrector, especially after reading Beautiful With Brains' positive review of it. You can read it here. With that final push I went to Sephora with the intention to buy it.
I hit a wall! Even if it's available it 12 different shades, I wasn't able to find one I felt comfortable with. The two lightest, Porcelain Bisque and Porcelain Peach would not have given me the natural look I was looking for. I do have to say that the formula seemed more than nice.
Leaving empty handed was not an option so I after having a look at other brands I opted to try Laura Mercier Secret Concealer in shade 1 for light complexions. It's actually the lightest they make, with slightly pink undertones.
It was weird for me to go for a cream after years of more "liquidy" formulas. The last time I did was with Dior when they used to have one in a little round compact.
How I use it?
I find it easier to apply with my fingers than a concealer brush. It's even better if you warm it up a little. For this, simply do so by "rubbing" a little of it between your two pinkie fingers and then go gently on the eye area. You'll notice that this way it will glide more easily. I also use it as an eye shadow base. I finish off with my concealer brush, to make sure the application is smooth and doesn't set in fine lines. A light dusting of loose powder with my fan brush and it's set.
Would I recommend it? Yes!
The formula is excellent and buildable. One big plus, it's non drying. If you apply it with a concealer brush you will have a more opaque finish but this will involve a little more pulling of the eye area. I've been using it for about a month now and can honestly say that I'm pleased with this purchase.
The only 2 things I don't like about it are, first the screw top. I would have preferred a flip top like Bobbi Brown. Second, the price. At $30.00 it's a little expensive for 2.2 g even it you do get a little more for the same price than Bobbi Brown Corrector which contains 1.7 g.
Available in six shades:
Reviews:
MakeupAlley: 3.8 / 5 lippies for 411 reviews.
Beauté-test: 4.2 / 5 stars for 19 reviews.
Screen captures from Laura Mercier and Sephora's respective websites.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Notable Reads of the Week, vol. 5
To discover...
The Canadian Museum of Civilisation, soon to become Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau.
One of the most fun places to visit. I'm quite sure some of you are thinking, fun, a museum? Yes, a museum! About history? Yes about history!
I can still remember those Canadian history classes in school and how boring they where. In my case I wasn't very lucky as far a teacher goes. My history teacher was so boringly bland it still hurts to think of her (désolé Madame Coté). There was no spark to ignite any kind of interest on the subject. The result was that I ended up knowing more about the history of other countries than about about my own through the books I was reading at home.
What caught my attention this week...
Plastic Surgery 101
By the Beauty Brains
How Treating Wrinkles May Also Relieve Depression
By Time Health & Family. Tweeted by MarcelleTweets
Cosmetic Innovations for 2013?
By Chemists Corner, tweeted by The Beauty Brains
10 Genius Tricks To Try From Pinterest
By Beauty Blitz. A fun tour of some pretty smart pins. Now if you're not on Pinterest, what are you waiting for? Believe me, it's quite addictive.
The Art of Perfume Ads: Houbigant Chantilly (1990s)
By Tinsel Creation. The lace, the lipstick, this entry brought back some good memories.
Bon Mot: Yé Yé
By Beauty Flash Blog. Clarins products that reflect 60s French culture with classic Yé Yé songs.
How Coconut Oil Can Be Used As A Mouthwash
By Huff Post Style Canada. Ever heard of oil pulling? I tried this a few times last year and believe me it's nasty. After the first 5 minutes you want to throw up. Apparently it works but I'm not sure I'll be willing to try again.
About Blogging
Blogging It In 2012
By British Beauty Blogger. Another smart article.
About Twitter
I've only recently started using Twitter to promote this here blog. So far so good but I'm still a little lost as to the etiquette. The articles below, if you're a newbie like me, may help.
Mind Your Twitiquette
By British Beauty Blogger
A Beginners Guide to Twitter
By Jayne's Kitchen.
The Canadian Museum of Civilisation, soon to become Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau.
One of the most fun places to visit. I'm quite sure some of you are thinking, fun, a museum? Yes, a museum! About history? Yes about history!
I can still remember those Canadian history classes in school and how boring they where. In my case I wasn't very lucky as far a teacher goes. My history teacher was so boringly bland it still hurts to think of her (désolé Madame Coté). There was no spark to ignite any kind of interest on the subject. The result was that I ended up knowing more about the history of other countries than about about my own through the books I was reading at home.
The Grand Hall at the Canadian Museum of Civilization
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My husband is not the museum kind, not at all and so I was more than pleased when he and my daughter fell in love with the different exhibit areas. Their favorite, Level 3. There you get to "walk" through Canadian history. Much more fun than sitting at a school desk! We have done the trip to Gatineau twice so far and will likely go for a third, possibly next summer. It really is worth a visit, if not three...
What caught my attention this week...
Plastic Surgery 101
By the Beauty Brains
How Treating Wrinkles May Also Relieve Depression
By Time Health & Family. Tweeted by MarcelleTweets
Cosmetic Innovations for 2013?
By Chemists Corner, tweeted by The Beauty Brains
10 Genius Tricks To Try From Pinterest
By Beauty Blitz. A fun tour of some pretty smart pins. Now if you're not on Pinterest, what are you waiting for? Believe me, it's quite addictive.
The Art of Perfume Ads: Houbigant Chantilly (1990s)
By Tinsel Creation. The lace, the lipstick, this entry brought back some good memories.
Bon Mot: Yé Yé
By Beauty Flash Blog. Clarins products that reflect 60s French culture with classic Yé Yé songs.
How Coconut Oil Can Be Used As A Mouthwash
By Huff Post Style Canada. Ever heard of oil pulling? I tried this a few times last year and believe me it's nasty. After the first 5 minutes you want to throw up. Apparently it works but I'm not sure I'll be willing to try again.
About Blogging
Blogging It In 2012
By British Beauty Blogger. Another smart article.
About Twitter
I've only recently started using Twitter to promote this here blog. So far so good but I'm still a little lost as to the etiquette. The articles below, if you're a newbie like me, may help.
Mind Your Twitiquette
By British Beauty Blogger
A Beginners Guide to Twitter
By Jayne's Kitchen.
Eaton's, a Canadian institution that no longer is, had the best cosmetics department in Montreal. You can learn more about it's founder who holds a place in the Canadian Museum of Civilisation, Timothy Eaton here.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Fruits & Passion Body Butters / Review
Fruits & Passion have boutiques in probably every single mall across Canada. Colorful and inviting, they offer a great selection of products not only to pamper oneself but for the home as well. It's a great place to go to when you have a hostess gift to make, especially when looking at their Cucina collection.
Last time I went there I was looking for a body butter, I was all out and figured why not give Fruits & Passion a go. I had used some of their products in the past and had enjoyed them quite a bit, also, at around $20.00 for a 250 ml jar, they are reasonably priced. My choice, the Olive Body Soufflé... Unscented.
I know, I know, one does not go to Fruits & Passion to get something unscented, but, on that particular day, I was overwelmed by all the different fragrances and figured since this was for evening, any of their other offerings would be too much for me to fall asleep. This was to be used in the evening after all.
Sadly I was very disapointed. It balled up on my skin!
The first night I thought I had used too much, the second night I used less and the third night I applied barely enough cream to cover my legs. Whatever quantity I used, it balled up.
Off it went to the disappointment shelf at the bottom of my night stand!
At least that trip to Fruits & Passion wasn't a total waste. My daughter was with me and in my attempts to get her to like girly things, I bought her an Orange-Cantaloup Eau de fruits and a small size of the Quenching Butter for the body.
She loves them and since the body butter is so highly fragranced, she often dabs just a bit on it on her arms and neck and it's almost as long lasting as the Eau de fruits.
Would I recommend their body butters for moisture? No
Very unpleasant to have a cream ball up on ones skin, I don't understand why they wouldn't modify their formula since I'm certain I'm not the only one with this issue. I have stopped by their shops and sampled others and they all did the same on my arm.
Would I recommend their body butters for fragrance layering? Yes
They have fun fragrances and layering them over their respective body lotion or butter will help make them last all day. For this you may want to get a sample/promotional size since you would use it on arms and neck.
Oh I almost forgot, the Body Butters (the regular sizes) come with a cute little spatula so you don't have to dip your fingers in the jar. Of course I kept it! A little expensive for a spatula but at least my purchase wasn't a total loss! :D
Screen capture of Orange-Cantaloup Eau de fruits from Fruits & Passion website
Last time I went there I was looking for a body butter, I was all out and figured why not give Fruits & Passion a go. I had used some of their products in the past and had enjoyed them quite a bit, also, at around $20.00 for a 250 ml jar, they are reasonably priced. My choice, the Olive Body Soufflé... Unscented.
I know, I know, one does not go to Fruits & Passion to get something unscented, but, on that particular day, I was overwelmed by all the different fragrances and figured since this was for evening, any of their other offerings would be too much for me to fall asleep. This was to be used in the evening after all.
Sadly I was very disapointed. It balled up on my skin!
The first night I thought I had used too much, the second night I used less and the third night I applied barely enough cream to cover my legs. Whatever quantity I used, it balled up.
Off it went to the disappointment shelf at the bottom of my night stand!
At least that trip to Fruits & Passion wasn't a total waste. My daughter was with me and in my attempts to get her to like girly things, I bought her an Orange-Cantaloup Eau de fruits and a small size of the Quenching Butter for the body.
She loves them and since the body butter is so highly fragranced, she often dabs just a bit on it on her arms and neck and it's almost as long lasting as the Eau de fruits.
Would I recommend their body butters for moisture? No
Very unpleasant to have a cream ball up on ones skin, I don't understand why they wouldn't modify their formula since I'm certain I'm not the only one with this issue. I have stopped by their shops and sampled others and they all did the same on my arm.
Would I recommend their body butters for fragrance layering? Yes
They have fun fragrances and layering them over their respective body lotion or butter will help make them last all day. For this you may want to get a sample/promotional size since you would use it on arms and neck.
Oh I almost forgot, the Body Butters (the regular sizes) come with a cute little spatula so you don't have to dip your fingers in the jar. Of course I kept it! A little expensive for a spatula but at least my purchase wasn't a total loss! :D
Screen capture of Orange-Cantaloup Eau de fruits from Fruits & Passion website
Friday, January 4, 2013
All excited for a... Comb???
This is truly one of the greatest invention since sliced bread!
Ok maybe I'm exaggerating a little but this comb is amazing!
I first read about it on Daily Beauty and was more than intrigued. I have long super thick hair and the drying process is such a bore. After reading Jane's entry describing her experience with Goody Quick Style Comb, I wrote it down on my list of things to try and mentioned it on my Notable Reads of the Week vol. 3. A few days later I found it at my local drugstore. I don't remember how much I payed for it but I'm quite sure it was under $10.00
Does it work? A big resounding YES!
Usually after I wash my hair I let it air dry as much as possible so that I waste less energy, both electrical and physical. If I don't do this, it takes in average of 25 minutes to dry my hair with both the blow dryer and the brush to straighten it. I was blessed with not only super thick hair but also super frizzy hair. I'm so lucky!
Today, instead of waiting a good hour and a half before going into the torture chamber that is my bathroom to finish off with the blow dryer, I was able to start exercising my arms 30 minutes after my shower. Not only that but it did cut down on the time it took. A little over 10 minutes and I was done.
Wow!
Do go have a look at Daily Beauty's review.
Thank you Jane for a great find!
Ok maybe I'm exaggerating a little but this comb is amazing!
I first read about it on Daily Beauty and was more than intrigued. I have long super thick hair and the drying process is such a bore. After reading Jane's entry describing her experience with Goody Quick Style Comb, I wrote it down on my list of things to try and mentioned it on my Notable Reads of the Week vol. 3. A few days later I found it at my local drugstore. I don't remember how much I payed for it but I'm quite sure it was under $10.00
Does it work? A big resounding YES!
Usually after I wash my hair I let it air dry as much as possible so that I waste less energy, both electrical and physical. If I don't do this, it takes in average of 25 minutes to dry my hair with both the blow dryer and the brush to straighten it. I was blessed with not only super thick hair but also super frizzy hair. I'm so lucky!
Today, instead of waiting a good hour and a half before going into the torture chamber that is my bathroom to finish off with the blow dryer, I was able to start exercising my arms 30 minutes after my shower. Not only that but it did cut down on the time it took. A little over 10 minutes and I was done.
Wow!
Do go have a look at Daily Beauty's review.
Thank you Jane for a great find!
Thursday, January 3, 2013
The Body Shop's Brow & Liner Kit / Review
For years I'd been using M.A.C. Brun eye shadow as an eye liner, applying it with a slanted brush lightly dipped in water to make the color deeper. No, the water did not alter the powder and the reason I did this was not only to make the color deeper but also to give it more staying power. You can do this with almost any eye shadow. Water on the brush, not the powder.
Why did I stop using it? Simply because I figured that I should be able to find a "ready made" eye liner that wouldn't budge. I must admit that I was also a little tired of dark brown at the time.
Enters The Body Shop's Brow & Liner Kit, a great find! Although I'd been going there for years I'd never purchased any makeup. When I saw this little compact in 03 Brown & Black, I was quite intrigued and the dark shade, a very dark grey looked perfect. At about $18.00 I wasn't breaking the bank with it and so decided to give it a try.
I've been using this eye liner for close to a year now and since it's so easy to apply I couldn't be more pleased. I only use the dark grey. The brown is kind of so so for me as an eye liner and much too dark to consider using on my brows. In a way I am loosing half of my money but considering how little I use every time it's still a good buy.
M.A.C. Brun eye shadow
Enters The Body Shop's Brow & Liner Kit, a great find! Although I'd been going there for years I'd never purchased any makeup. When I saw this little compact in 03 Brown & Black, I was quite intrigued and the dark shade, a very dark grey looked perfect. At about $18.00 I wasn't breaking the bank with it and so decided to give it a try.
I've been using this eye liner for close to a year now and since it's so easy to apply I couldn't be more pleased. I only use the dark grey. The brown is kind of so so for me as an eye liner and much too dark to consider using on my brows. In a way I am loosing half of my money but considering how little I use every time it's still a good buy.
The Body Shop's Brow & Liner Kit in 03 Brown & Black
How I use it!
The color is buildable and depending on the amount of water I put on my brush, can go from light to very dark. I simply dip my brush lightly in a drop of water and pinch off the excess between two fingers. Do note that the little folding brush that comes with this kit is, for eyeliner purposes, pretty useless. It's so thin that it would take half an hour to have a good looking line. The slanted side is stiff and aimed at eye brows.
Would I recommend it? Yes!
That is if you're looking for an eye liner that will give you a more natural, less harsh look. The bonus is that when you apply it you don't have to pull on your lids like you would sometimes have to do with a pencil or even a gel eye liner. It's got an honest staying power. Not water or sweat proof but for me, less messy than others I've tried on my deep set eyes. It does transfer to the upper lid but it can be easily wiped off. On me it fades but not in a messy kind of way like other eye liners tend to do.
This is not the "ready made" eye liner that won't budge that I was looking for but I am still pleased with it.
Next I do have to try it using Laura Mercier' Tightline Activator (made especially for cake eye liners). I've heard that M.A.C. also makes a product with which you can transform any eye shadow into an eye liner but couldn't find it on their website. I've tried using Personnelle's Magic Potion (a Canadian brand) but this product was pretty bad.
I would not recommend if...
You are looking for a deep bold line. If you are used to gel, liquid or dark pencil liners, this will disappoint you. It's really for days when you want a more natural look and only want to define your lash line lightly.
Reviews:
MakeupAlley: 4.3 / 5 lippies for 71 reviews. Most reviews are about it's use on brows.
Beauté-test: the compact shown is different and the one reviewed here is not listed.
Screen shots from M.A.C. & The Body Shop's respective websites.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Getting skincare as a gift! Proceede with caution!
Most of us know that cleansing, gentle exfoliation (preferably chemical), moisturizing and protecting our skin from harmful UV rays are the basis of keeping our skin looking good. Given the price of everything some of you may have asked for the latest serum or night cream for Christmas.
Surprise! You got what you wanted all wrapped up with a pretty bow under the Christmas tree! Maybe you were very good this year and one of your loved ones gave you a complete skin care regimen.
Oooh! Such excitement, you've been waiting for, like, forever to have good products, to finally have a good routine.
That night you just can't wait to go ahead and start. You're on the road to glorious skin. Cleanser, scrub and a mask? Oh well why not do all? Toner, serum, moisturizer, eye cream... Yay! You're done! It took you a while but 30 minutes later you're out of the bathroom feeling like a princess!
So now it's been what, 9 days or so of this new routine? Hmm! Your skin is not looking much better than when you started. It may in fact look a little more clogged, even a little irritated!
Oh my, is that a new pimple?
Huh???
Now that's not suppose to happen, is it?
Unfortunately for many, yes!
You had made a list! You knew these products where made for your skin type for you did "try" them at the store on your hand! The sales lady asked you all the appropriate questions, even "looked" at your skin up close for a proper "analysis"... These where definitely the right formulas for you. Also they were pretty expensive and the more you pay the better the products... After all you do know that "you get what you pay for".
Sadly even if the products you received have outstanding formulas and cost an arm and a leg it doesn't mean that they will do anything for your skin. Everyone is different.
On top of that, the holiday season is probably not the best time to start a new routine. Often during that period, some of us eat more sugar and junk food, drink a little more alcohol than usual and sleep less. All these have incidences on our skin. If you are sensitive, have rosacea, are clog prone and/or acne prone and start using several new products at once it can definitely wreak havoc on your skin.
Barely 9 days in, you're facing a wall (you don't want to look in the mirror)!
What to do? Stop everything!
Go back to what you where using before and wait for your skin to get to it's pre-greatnewskincaregift shape. Let it calm down, stop the food excesses and try to get some rest. Once that's done you can introduce one new skin care product at a time and it would be more than preferable to patch test first, especially if you have skin issues.
I know, I know, b.o.r.i.n.g!!!
Sorry but it's the best way to go about it. Some will know right away, in less than 24 hours, if a product clogs or/and breaks them. For others it can take a week or even as much as a month. For irritation, rosacea flare up or an allergic reaction, often it's practically instantaneous.
Skin care can be so tricky, especially for someone with issues. There can be a lot of trial and error before you get a routine fit for you and it will not necessarely be all products from the same company.
Oh and if you see a bunch of little pimples popping out, it's not purging! Many sales associates use that term to convince us to continue using their company's products hence avoiding returns. Purging, as my friend Laura keeps telling people on MUA's Skin Care Board, occurs 98% or the time with prescription strenght products like Retin-A for example. With a strong Rx retinoid skin can indeed get worst before it gets better. Over the counter products whether it's from the drugstore or the department store rarely have the high enough concentration of actives required to cause that type or reaction.
Irritation, could be caused by over exfoliation. Remember that cleanser, scrub and mask? Whether you did use them all at once that first night or not, you've probably been using one or two of them everyday. We tend to overdo this in the hopes to get glowing skin, fast! It doesn't take long for our skin to show its discontent. Do note that some just can't use scrubs and do better with a gentle washcloth for manual exfoliation.
Did you get a Clarisonic? Everyone wants one! Well almost everyone. You've been salivating over one for so long, especially since it's on so many must have lists. If you did you may want to read my article about it, here.
Fortunately, not everyone has to take these cautionary steps. Some can just go ahead and get great results from the get go. So far, I've been one of those. My skin is now a little more sensitive and a little less oily but rarely reacts to skincare. I don't know exactly which ingredients clog me but when I start using a new moisturizer I usually know right away, by the next day actually. A few little bumps are what I get. As soon as I stop, they disappear after a few days.
This article is a "just in case" round up of what can happen. This is not to scare anyone into trying new skin care far from it. Our skin changes, either with the seasons, environment or simply because of aging (argh!) and so we do have to adapt, choose more appropriate products. Trying one at a time and patch testing should help make the process less agravating.
Let's hope we all keep good skin in the New Year!
Art credit:
Hopeless: That's the way it should have begun! but it's hopeless!
Roy Lichenstein, 1963
Silkscreen on paper
Collection of the University of Saskatchewan, Purchased 1970
Clarisonic, screen shot from Clarisonic's website.
Surprise! You got what you wanted all wrapped up with a pretty bow under the Christmas tree! Maybe you were very good this year and one of your loved ones gave you a complete skin care regimen.
Oooh! Such excitement, you've been waiting for, like, forever to have good products, to finally have a good routine.
That night you just can't wait to go ahead and start. You're on the road to glorious skin. Cleanser, scrub and a mask? Oh well why not do all? Toner, serum, moisturizer, eye cream... Yay! You're done! It took you a while but 30 minutes later you're out of the bathroom feeling like a princess!
So now it's been what, 9 days or so of this new routine? Hmm! Your skin is not looking much better than when you started. It may in fact look a little more clogged, even a little irritated!
Oh my, is that a new pimple?
Huh???
Now that's not suppose to happen, is it?
Unfortunately for many, yes!
You had made a list! You knew these products where made for your skin type for you did "try" them at the store on your hand! The sales lady asked you all the appropriate questions, even "looked" at your skin up close for a proper "analysis"... These where definitely the right formulas for you. Also they were pretty expensive and the more you pay the better the products... After all you do know that "you get what you pay for".
Sadly even if the products you received have outstanding formulas and cost an arm and a leg it doesn't mean that they will do anything for your skin. Everyone is different.
On top of that, the holiday season is probably not the best time to start a new routine. Often during that period, some of us eat more sugar and junk food, drink a little more alcohol than usual and sleep less. All these have incidences on our skin. If you are sensitive, have rosacea, are clog prone and/or acne prone and start using several new products at once it can definitely wreak havoc on your skin.
Barely 9 days in, you're facing a wall (you don't want to look in the mirror)!
What to do? Stop everything!
Go back to what you where using before and wait for your skin to get to it's pre-greatnewskincaregift shape. Let it calm down, stop the food excesses and try to get some rest. Once that's done you can introduce one new skin care product at a time and it would be more than preferable to patch test first, especially if you have skin issues.
I know, I know, b.o.r.i.n.g!!!
Sorry but it's the best way to go about it. Some will know right away, in less than 24 hours, if a product clogs or/and breaks them. For others it can take a week or even as much as a month. For irritation, rosacea flare up or an allergic reaction, often it's practically instantaneous.
Skin care can be so tricky, especially for someone with issues. There can be a lot of trial and error before you get a routine fit for you and it will not necessarely be all products from the same company.
Oh and if you see a bunch of little pimples popping out, it's not purging! Many sales associates use that term to convince us to continue using their company's products hence avoiding returns. Purging, as my friend Laura keeps telling people on MUA's Skin Care Board, occurs 98% or the time with prescription strenght products like Retin-A for example. With a strong Rx retinoid skin can indeed get worst before it gets better. Over the counter products whether it's from the drugstore or the department store rarely have the high enough concentration of actives required to cause that type or reaction.
Irritation, could be caused by over exfoliation. Remember that cleanser, scrub and mask? Whether you did use them all at once that first night or not, you've probably been using one or two of them everyday. We tend to overdo this in the hopes to get glowing skin, fast! It doesn't take long for our skin to show its discontent. Do note that some just can't use scrubs and do better with a gentle washcloth for manual exfoliation.
Did you get a Clarisonic? Everyone wants one! Well almost everyone. You've been salivating over one for so long, especially since it's on so many must have lists. If you did you may want to read my article about it, here.
Clarisonic can be great for some but horrible for others.
This article is a "just in case" round up of what can happen. This is not to scare anyone into trying new skin care far from it. Our skin changes, either with the seasons, environment or simply because of aging (argh!) and so we do have to adapt, choose more appropriate products. Trying one at a time and patch testing should help make the process less agravating.
Let's hope we all keep good skin in the New Year!
Art credit:
Hopeless: That's the way it should have begun! but it's hopeless!
Roy Lichenstein, 1963
Silkscreen on paper
Collection of the University of Saskatchewan, Purchased 1970
Clarisonic, screen shot from Clarisonic's website.
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