Jul 1, 2013

REVIEW | JOSIE MARAN ARGAN OILS


 Josie Maran's collection is quickly causing my wishlist to grow longer and longer. Not just in skincare, but in makeup as well! I'm dying to try the Coconut Watercolor Cheek GelĂ©e in Poppy Paradise and the Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation.

My attention initially focused on her Argan Oils, available for face, body, and hair. While it took me a bit of time to get used to using them, they started a new obsession with oils.

Jun 25, 2013

REVIEW | NYC "DEWEY" SETTING SPRAY

NYX Cosmetics is a cult brand that I don't know well, but find incredibly intriguing. Whenever I browse their collection at ULTA, I'm always a little overwhelmed by the amount of products they offer... which is why this is my first NYX purchase!

I've been wanting to tap into the makeup setting spray movement for awhile, having heard of the Urban Decay and MAC versions. While it initially seemed like one extra step in my already length makeup routine, I decided to give it a try. 

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REVIEW | LUSH's GREASE LIGHTENING

When I first began this blog, I never thought that I would come across a beauty product that has made me as excited as this one has. Meet LUSH's Grease Lightening, an incredible spot treatment that has not only helped with blemishes, but also the scaring that they can leave behind.

Gel-like in texture, it kind of reminds me of mashed up grapes. The smell isn't anything incredible, but that doesn't take away from the fact that it works. It is gentle enough that I feel comfortable enough using it every day, as opposed to a creams that my dermatologist prescribed me, which would leave red spots after continuous use.

This doesn't eliminate spots overnight, that's for sure. However, what it does do is help the blemish to heal, which will lead to less scaring and a smoother skin texture. It contains tea tree and witch hazel, two natural ingredients that have already proven themselves on to skin.

I don't think it will cause any miracles for people who have severe acne, it has pretty much eliminated the spots I previously couldn't get rid on my upper cheeks in a matter of a week.

Have you tried Grease Lightening? Are there any other gentle acne solutions I should try? 

Jun 24, 2013

REVIEW | L'OCCITANE SHOWER OIL WITH ALMOND OIL

 This product brought a bit of drama in my household. Being labeled a "product pusher" by my boyfriend, I have consistently failed to get him to use any of the skincare-esque products I love. That, my dears, was until L'Occitane's Almond Shower Oil came into our lives.

I'd heard great things about the oil from fellow bloggers, and felt like it may keep my skin from fighting back every time I shaved. I fell in love with the almond smell and lathering capabilities, and was impressed by how easily my (cheap, 2 blade) razor glided over my skin. The scent really lingers, which I look forward too every time I use it. I've used it religiously since then, and see myself using this, and only this, as my go-to shaving product.
The bottle is going pretty quickly, as my boyfriend has also started using it to shave his face. He was blown away by how it "magically" lathers, and leaves his face with very few, if any, nicks.

I highly recommend this product, and may even go as far as to add it to my Holy Grail list. A big statement, but it hasn't disappointed yet! 

Have you used the L'Occitane's Almond Shower Oil? Are there any other L'Occitane products I should try?

REVIEW | CLARASONIC MIA2

Ahh, the Clarasonic... the holy grail of skin exfoliation.

For many of us, this product seems like a skincare essential. I actually made this my "You Finally Got a Job!" gift to myself last year.

I purchased the Mia2 as a set from Sephora.com. It came with several Boscia skincare products (specifically the Revitalizing Black Hydration Gel, which I loved), as well as an additional brush head. While it took me a couple days to get the hang of it, what helped the most was realizing that which product I used alongside the brush was what was going to give me the best results. 

I think the Clarasonic goes best with creamy, 1 step cleansers. I like using it with Philosophy Purity Made Simple. I put the cleanser on my face, and then add a bit directly on the brush so that it cuts out some of the friction. I don't suggest using this daily (as I had originally done), especially if you are prone to broken capabilities or redness. On my skin, it was a bit too much exfoliation for daily use. However, I love using this up to 3 days a week for when I want that fresh, super clean feeling.

Do you own a sonic cleansing brush from Clarasonic? What do you love about it?

Jun 22, 2013

REVIEW | CLINIQUE + ORIGINS DARK CIRCLE CREAM

After using concealers for years, I still haven't mastered the art of covering up my intense dark circles. Whether it is due to genetics or my consistent lack of sleep, I've accepted that I will be walking around with some degree of dark circles for the rest of my life.

While I may have accepted that part of myself, it doesn't mean I've completely given up the fight. In addition to trying to get at least 8 hours of sleep a night (yeah right), I've found two products that help me manage what was my least favorite part of my routine.