Summer 2016 Skincare Products

Hello ladies!!!!!

SKINCARE SKINCARE SKINCARE! Here are my favorite skincare products on rotation at the moment and I am seeing RESULTS! Click the video above or read my review below for the full details but I highly recommend these! 

• Farmacy
• "INVINCIBLE Root Cell Anti-Aging Serum (0.27 fl. oz | 8 ml): This serum has been clinically proven to improve the skin’s natural hydration and reduce the appearance of surface lines and wrinkles, while also firming and smoothing. It helps restore the skin’s overall radiance, promotes an even skin tone and healthy glow."
• AMAZING! Very watery so a little big goes a long way. Pea size can probably cover half your face. 
• "SLEEP TIGHT Firming Night Balm (0.5 fl. oz | 15 ml): Reinforcing the skin’s natural moisture content, this balm aids firmness and tone while helping to restore elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles."
• MEH~ This wasn't my favorite because the balm consistency. It was too oily for me - it felt very heavy on the skin. This shouldn't be too big of an issues because you apply it at night but for me personally, it wasn't my cup of tea. I like that fresh clean feeling you get which I experienced from the other three products. 
• "NEW DAY Gentle Exfoliating Grains (1.4 oz. | 40 g): A potent, all-inclusive skincare treatment, the grains cleanse, exfoliate and clarify in one step for fresh, clear skin."
• AMAZING! CRAZY TO ME THAT IT WORKS. The product is very gentle to the skin and you barely notice it. This is what makes it perfect for sensitive skin. The smell is a little bit on the oatmeal milk maybe even a little nutty side (hard to describe) but isn't too strong. You will be amazed on how well it works. 
• "RISE ‘N SHINE Daily Moisture Lock (o.5 fl. oz. | 15 ml): This lightweight day cream soothes the skin, helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and delivers a renewed sense of firmness and elasticity."
• PRETTY GOOD. This locks in the moisture very well which also makes me believe the serum you put on underneath is sinking into her skin throughout the day. 

• First Aid Beauty
• It does what it claims. INTENSE HYDRATION. The product itself is pretty thick and feels thick in the beginning but it goes away after a few minutes. Does not leave any oily residues.

• Clinque Smart Custom Repair serum
• Serum cleared a lot of my redness and blemishes. My skintone was evened out and it was brighter.

• Estee Lauder Clear Difference Advanced Blemish Serum
• Very moisturizing and lightweight. Cleared a lot of my redness and blemishes. This product is a keeper.

• Shiseido IBUKI refining moisturizer
• Very moisturizing. Using this along with the clinque or estee lauder serum really help clear a lot of my redness and blemishes. I've gotten compliments and if you had my skin growing up this is a skicare revelation.
• Mario Badescu drying lotion
• WORKS! You look crazy for a couple hours but it is worth the crazy. Make sure you don't shake the product, just get a Q-tip and dip it straight into the bottle until you reach the pink goopy part and then apply. It may sting a little and the smell is kind of punches you in the face so don't inhale it too much. 

xoxo

Roses are red, wrinkles give you the blues, I need more moisture in myskin, how about you?

"Roses" seem to be showering us with it's presence all over the place. As skeptical I may have been, I didn't see the significance of roses being a key ingredient in these products. But my views have changed.

As soft as a rose petal feels, these products will make your skin silky smooth.

Valentia - Royal Rose Hydrating Serum

This is a very light weight serum that doesn't leave any thick residue behind. Great for right under your make up. After application, my skin felt more hydrated and supple. The scent is exactly like the name. It smells like roses. Scent isn't too strong that you'll pass out from the fumes but just be aware that there is a scent to it that some people may not enjoy. 

Mario Badescu - 

I have started to like these spray toners and mists. Easy to apply and less product waste. This was the first product I tried from Mario Badescu and I have high hope for the other products as well. 

I apply this mist right when I get out of the shower when my pores are still "open" from the heat and my  face is still damp. I spray it on my face and just let it soak into my skin. Now I feel fresh and clean with the hint of rose scent. This leaves my skin soft and ready for the rest of my skincare routine.

The scent is not to strong so people with sensitive noses will not complain about this product. However, do not open your mouth right after application because the residual mist may still be in the air and you will taste it. I say this through experience guys :p

Apparently you can use this over your make up as well. I haven't tested that out yet but seems promising. I have a similar product from a different brand that I do use over my make up when I see those unwanted dry patches and it fixes it right up. I hoping this one does it.

Fresh rose face mask

I received this as the birthday gift from sephora and I'm on the fence. Just because I already found a more affordable alternative that seems to do pretty much the same thing. This particular mask though has real rose petals inside. 

The gel like consistency allows your skin to breath while it is slowly hydrating and rejuvenating your skin. The mask is so thing that after application you sort of forget that the mask is even on. It feels like a serum. It dries pretty quick but you will feel the slight sticky feeling on your face. 

When you wash the mask off you feel your hands gliding off your face because it's so silky and smooth (I am talking about the mask itself). But afterwards, your face is smooth and feel hydrated. Put on your favorite serum afterwards and you can call it a night.

The scent may be a little to strong for those with sensitive noses. The mask smells almost identical to a real rose with a hint of cucumber. Seems very bizarre but to me personally that is what it smells like. Check it out at your local sephora give it a smell before you purchase it.

InstaNatural - Rose Hydration face mask

This is very similar to the fresh rose face mask but more affordable and this mask has no flakes. The gel like consistency, smell, and application are all very similar to the Fresh rose mask.

Pretty much the same product in my opinion. The consistency, the color, the smell, even the application and wait time. If I were given a blind test, I wouldn't be able to tell this one and Fresh's rose mask apart. The outcome of this is very hydrating as well without the residue leftover feeling.

This company is known for it's organic products so if you're looking for all natural ingredients for a really affordable price, check them out!

The scent for this is pretty strong as well so caution is advised for those with sensitive sense of smell.

xoxo

Charcoal in my hair? No way, Can't be, Can it? [Shampoo/condition/mask Review]

The 'her/she' persona played by my hair

Shampoo: her many suitors

Let me introduce you to my hair. She has been dyed many many times. She is thick and coarse; the typical asian hair. She hates long walks on the beach because then it makes her dry and weird. Lately she's been more on the dryer side (usually she's very oily) so she is very particular in the shampoos she dates. 

Now these products from "HASK Charcoal Purifying Hair Care Collection" did not impress her to the optimum level. They were very ordinary and didn't affect her in any way. The hair care set gave her slight butterflies in her stomach with their scent, but other than that, they were like any other shampoos she's swiped right for. Maybe she hasn't given them a chance long enough to really show her a good time, but for the past two or so weeks, they were just like any ordinary hair care set.

I hope you got a kick out of that short dating story. Now for the real detailed review. 

Photo credit: Hask

As said above I was not quite impressed. It was not a wow factor, however I did like the idea of the haircare set. Charcoal "cleanses and clarifies." 

"Charcoal acts as a magnet that attracts and removes impurities. Leaves hair full of body and shine without stripping away moisture. Non-staining and safe for all hair colors - natural or dyed"

I did see a bit more shine with my hair and my hair wasn't dryer than it was before so I can say that it did do what it claims. 

Charcoal Purifying ShampooCleanses and ClarifiesFree of: sulfates, parabens, phthalates, gluten, drying alcohol and artificial colors
Introducing the best kept secret for hair…HASK Purifying Charcoal Shampoo. Charcoal, derived from coconut shells, combined with lemon and grapefruit oils, thoroughly cleanses and clarifies while helping to eliminate impurities from your hair and scalp. Gentle enough for daily use and safe for color-treated hair. We promise, the charcoal washes out! Ideal for all hair types. Directions: Apply generously to wet hair. Massage into a thick lather, rinse thoroughly, and repeat as often as you desire. For best results, use the HASK Charcoal Purifying collection. 

Charcoal Purifying ConditionerCleanses and ClarifiesFree of: sulfates, parabens, phthalates, gluten, drying alcohol and artificial colors
HASK Purifying Charcoal Conditioner is the perfect partner to the Charcoal Shampoo. Charcoal, derived from coconut shells, combined with citrus oil, conditions and locks in moisture while helping to absorb impurities, leaving hair silky, frizz-free and ready for styling. Gentle enough for daily use and safe for color-treated hair. We promise, the charcoal washes out! Ideal for all hair types. Directions: Shampoo hair and remove excess water. Apply generously, leave on for 1-2 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. For best results, use the HASK Charcoal Purifying collection.

Charcoal Purifying Deep ConditionerCleanses and ClarifiesFree of: sulfates, parabens, phthalates, gluten, drying alcohol and artificial colors
HASK Charcoal Purifying Deep Conditioner, is a super moisturizing, clarifying treatment that will nourish and soften all hair types, (including color-treated hair). Charcoal, derived from coconut shells, combined with citrus oil, absorbs impurities and helps restore hair to its natural radiance. We promise, the charcoal washes out!Directions: Apply a generous amount of Charcoal Purifying Deep Conditioner to clean, wet hair. Massage into hair focusing on damaged areas. Let penetrate for 10 minutes. Rinse well. Style as usual.

The shampoo&conditioner itself is a gray metallic color just like how you would expect charcoal to look. Don't let the color scare you, because as it says, it does not stain your hair. I can tell you from first hand experience - when I first got the products I had very light orangey blonde hair and it did not stain it at all, and right now after re-dying it to a darker color, it did not strip away any of the dye. Also, the scent is pleasant and citrusy but for those who are very sensitive, I wouldn't recommend sniffing too much (but please don't hesitate to try it out first). The shampoo gives a nice lather with minimal products so a little goes a long way. The bottles itself is hard to distinguish between the shampoo and conditioner which for me is a bleh because that's just an extra step. **I wear glasses/contacts so the days I don't have anything in my eyes, the world is just an annoying blur** 

Don't get me wrong, the product itself isn't bad, I will continue using it & I would recommend it to anyone just as a simple shampoo conditioner set but not for any other special reason.  

I will continue to use the set and I will definitely update if I see any other results in the long run.

The set also came with a hairbrush, which I was oddly impressed with. I don't usually brush my hair because I like the natural voluminous texture, but when I tried this brush out, my hair was very straight (as if I used a straighter). This may only be a personal experience, but the brush was rather nice and tamed my hair. The scent was horrid however, it had this bad plastic smell but other than that the size and all was pretty nice and great for traveling. 

Another thing it came with is a deep conditioner, which I wasn't able to try out yet, but seems promising and I love any hair mask! It does come in a packet, but there is A LOT of product in it. Probably can't use all of it in one use so I have to figure out how to save it without drying out. 

If you're interested in the products click here
For more information: 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HaskHair
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/haskhair/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/HaskHair
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/haskhair/ 

xoxo

Disclaimer: This product was sent to me but words are 100% my own. I do not get paid when you click on the link so feel free to browse at your convenience. 

Revitalize and Detoxify Skincare for the bold and hungry [Clay mask & Serum]

All Natural~ Organic vibes~
A lot of chemicals in a lot of skincare and make up products these days can cause damages to our skin in the long run so what better way to play it kind of safe by using natural organic products. Although it is a big on the pricer side, BUT when it comes to your skin - you can spend an extra buck or two for good outcomes. Now, I have tried Valentia products in the past and it never disappointed. So I'm coming again with with another two products that are worth mentioning.

Tip: Little goes a long way, especially in the beginning of any start of a new product. So be careful when you start any new product, it may startle your skin at first so slowly ease the new product into your skincare regimen.

for more valentia product review: click here

Valentia Clear Lift Revitalizing Serum - Natural & Organic Ingredients - Includes Wakame (Seaweed), Lactic Acid, Licorice, Gotu Kola and Argan Oil

Not that I need any "lifting" cream at the moment but its never to late to start as a prevention method. I don't use this product often, maybe mostly at night. Using  pea size amount and applying near the areas where fine lines are definitely appearing due to a lot of emotions and my neck area.

Things I've noticed after using this product:

• Soft skin
• the serum itself isn't too heavy on the skin but still heavy for my taste as a going out serum
• it does recommend using it in the evening time (but theres no definite rules in skincare in my opinion)
• ORANGE, CREAMSICLES, CANDY - if you don't like strong smell - this is not for you
• As for results - it seems too soon to really determine, plus due to lack of actualy fine lines and such, I couldn't really tell the benefits in such a short period of time except that my face did feel hydrated. 
• Did not break me out

KEY INGREDIENTS: 

- Wakame Bioferment (Seaweed): Increases skin oxygen consumption to detoxify and boost antioxidant defense.
- Gotu Kola: Lessens the appearance of scars and increases skin firmness.
- Lactic Acid: A natural Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that increases skin cell turnover, for healthier renewed skin.
- Licorice: Lightens unwanted pigmentation and corrects skin discoloration.
- Argan Oil: Naturally rich in Vitamin E, this oil reduced water loss and protects skin's resiliency and elasticity.

Conclusion: for a 20 something year old, this might be just an extra step. Prevention I still agree on but I gravitate more towards combination products with "anti-aging" properties in it. Probably will end up giving it to my mom, but I thought I would give it a try and share my words before I send it off to it's new owner.

You can find the product here

Valentia Skin Detoxifying Clay Mask - Natural and Organic Ingredients - With Kaolin Clay, Hisbiscus & Cranberry Fibers 

If you have REALLY sensitive skin, I would not recommend this - it may be irritating. However if you don't have that problem, this is for you. The mask itself if very grainy, which makes it a great exfoliant. After you scrub and leave it on for a few minutes or however long the instructions states, it becomes a mask! Once rinsed off, my skin felt AMAZING. I personally left it on for about 10 minutes and boom. 

Things I've noticed after using this product:

• soft smooth skin - thanks to the exfoliant
• smell is strong
• no dry patches
• no huge pores
• skin has been getting nicer, clearer

KEY INGREDIENTS

- Kaolin Clay: Clay minerals draw impurities, improve skin tone, and tighten pores for smoother firmer skin. 
- Plant Stem Cells: Naturally decreases the level of pro-aging toxins and works to soother the skin, reduce redness, and improve evenness.
- Spirulina: A botanical stimulant full of vitamins that hydrates the skins surface and contributes to tissue regeneration of the skin.
- CoQ10: Lessens the appearance of wrinkles by reducing free radical damage and stimulating health collagen production.
- Hibiscus & Cranberry Fibers: Both lend their anti-aging properties to firm and reinforce the skin, helping to reduce the creation of new wrinkles.

Conclusion: I'm obsessed with masks and try to do it at least once a week - it is definitely within my rotation of products.
You can find the product here

xoxo

disclaimer: Products provided by Valentia, however, words are 100% my own

Her eyes are the gateway to her souls...

... So you better take care of them

Hello Ladies (& gents), 

Ok, so from what I heard, you should start using anti-aging cream/gel/serum & eye cream/serum/gel when you are in your 20s as a prevention measure but DEFINITELY start in your 30s. I definitely confirmed this myself when I went a SK-II event and they scanned my face. The scan told me the status of my skin. Around my eyes had a lot of potential wrinkles and they suggested me to use certain products. Of course they recommended their luxury brand which I would love to try but I wanted to start on a budget first before I branch out to the luxury products. So I discovered this eye serum.

True Glow Eye Cream by Valentia

Photo by Valentia

About the product

- Astaxanthin: A powerful antioxidant that increases moisture levels, smooths fine line and wrinkles, and restores elasticity to the skin.
- Resistem: Natural Plant Stem Cells repair and protect the skin from harsh environmental pollutants and stress related aging.
- Vitamin C: Leaves the skin smooth and visibly brighter for a well-rested and bright eyed look.
- Organic Rosehip Oil: Provides intense hydration to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Arnica: A key anti-inflammatory agent to the restorative process that works to diminish the appearance of dark circles.

 I reviewed for this company before and I really enjoyed their Vitamin C serum so I wanted give this a try. The hydration mask was a bonus because I just can't turn down a good facial mask. First off, I love the names of their products - makes it sound so magical. The consistency is this thick and creamy but glides on smoothly. Remember, little goes a long way AND use your ring fingers to apply because it'll provide the least amount of pressure. Eyes are one of the more sensitive areas of the body so a a constant tugging effect may product premature wrinkles. Leaves a thin layer of residue behind so I prefer to use this at night because I feel like thicker the creams gives maximum hydration (LEVEL 9000 - leave a comment you get this reference), and hydration it does leave (if you get this reference, hollaaaaaaaa). 

You can find it here!

OZ Naturals: Super Youth Eye Gel

Photo by Oz Naturals

About the Product
ALLURE MAGAZINE'S Best In Beauty Eye Gel 
CRUELTY FREE & vegan formula - This eye gel treatment is not to be underestimated as it's highly effective at reducing dark circles, puffiness and wrinkles.
SAFE FOR ALL SKIN Types - Non-comedogenic, does not contain parabens, sulfates or alcohol.

This makes the area around your eye super soft. I notice the morning after even the first night I used it. The consistency of the gel isn't slimy or sticky but very smooth. Application doesn't leave any greasy residue left over and it does have a cooling effect. OH! and they say you can use this all over your face as well, so its amazing for traveling - less products to bring - which brings me to my next point. The sizing threw me off but that was kind of my fault because I didn't really look at the specs and details. Now, if you are not a fan of scented products, you may be turned off by this product because it smells like freshly cut cucumbers. Doesn't bother me though, and I personally don't like cucumbers.

Get it here!

In conclusion, I feel like i'm writing a paper or something but, in conclusion:

So far I don't favor one over the other, I like both products equally. I really like it that both use natural ingredients (or at least that's what the boxes/labels say keke). I don't have much to really complain about these two either. I never used to use eye cream regularly (only periodically), so I don't have a whole lot to compare to, but even as an 'eye cream noobie' I can vouch for the fact that these products are actually making a difference.  My early early mornings would probably product some awesome dark circles and designer bags under my eyes right? NOPE, not after using these. I use less concealer because I don't need it whee!

As a BONUS, and because my love for facial masks is very strong, introducing: 

Ultra Plumping Hydration Mask

About the product
- Silk Protein Amino Acid Blend:These natural miracles increase moisture content and help in the production of collagen and elastin which decreases the appearance of visible lines. 
- Botanical Hyaluronic Acid:Penetrates deep into the skin to secure moisture and plump skin from within.
- Organic Sea Buckthorn Oil:An anti-aging wonder berry that results in fewer fine lines, diminished sun spots, more even skin tone, and firmer more supple skin.
- Japanese Green Tea:Contains catechins that provide anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and anti-irritant effects to the skin.
- Aloe Vera:This botanical moisturizers skin and fight aging by improving skin firmness.

Super JELLY - it jiggles like jello, so yes it looks thick, however, once applied it is this gel like texture which slides on smoothly.  Once I rinse my face, it already looks brighter and smooth. With this bipolar winter weather, my skin doesn't know what to do or how to react so I will say my skin has been acting out but I love how my skin looks post mask facial. It's to the point my boyfriend wondered what I've been doing to my skin but we'll keep this our little secret ladies *wink wink*. 

You can get it here.

xoxo,

disclaimer: Products were provided by 'Valentia' and 'OZ Naturals' however, words are 100% my own. 

Battle of the Body Scrubs [ goPURE Naturals vs. WildBath ]

Wild Bath vs. Adovia Dead Sea Salt Scrub

Today I'm going to do a comparison of two body scrubs that I've tried. Summer is basically here for most places and a body scrub is a great way to get rid of the dead skin layer from all the sweat and nastaaays of being outdoors. 

Image from goPURE Naturals

About the Product (According to goPURE Naturals)
THE SEA SALT BODY SCRUB: Made with Real Dead Sea Salt - 100% Pure and Genuine for an infusion of 21 Minerals Essential to Proper Skin Function. Great Exfoliator and Moisturizer.

THE BENEFITS: Fine Grain Dead Sea Salts Exfoliate the Top Layer of Dead Skin Cells to Reveal a New Younger Looking Layer of Radiant Skin. Deeply Moisturizing Oils Infuse Skin With Luxurious Hydration that Lasts All Day

My Words:
Exfoliate. CHECK. Moisturize. CHECK. 
It does do all these things as it claims however, this scrub isn't my favorite thing in the world. The smell is very strong. I can describe it as baby shampoo or baby lotion. 
The product comes as small grains mixed with oily gel-like textured liquid. When scooping up the product, I mostly got the oily part. The product isn't mixed completely but rather separated. 
The application is smooth and it does exfoliate, but it wasn't my cup of tea. It left my skin soft but it felt artificial as if I just applied sun tanning oil. I felt a small film layer still left. 

I prefer using this as a foot scrub. In the summer especially, wearing sandals and such, my feet gets a little more drier and "chapped" so this scrub helps moisturize and exfoliate the dead skin. Ew gross right? But this is a great solution!

To purchase the Adovia Dead Sea Salt Scrub Click Here
For more products by goPURE Naturals Click Here

Image from Wildbath.com

Now the Wild Bath Body/Face Scrub. This is absolutely amazing and so effortless. A little goes a long way. It is very grainy so it may be a little harsh on sensitive skin (especially for the face), but with a smooth lather motion you will get that baby butt smooth skin that will just make anything glide off your skin. There are MANY MANY MANY scents/flavor that it comes in. This is all natural ingredients which is also why I love this product. The consistency is a paste like with little grains mixed in.

More information about Wild Bath Click Here

Comparison according to my own opinion

**disclaimer: Dead Sea Salt was provided to me by goPURE Naturals [sponsored]

Wild bath was purchased myself [not sponsored]

Words are 100% my own.**

xoxo

May Favorites 2015

Oh hi! My very first "Favorites" video is up and running! I apologize for the shaky audio. I'm not exactly sure what happened. I have pictures and swatches for you all because that's always what I'm curious about when I research my beauty products. So I hope you enjoy!

Product List:

• Etude House Any Cushion (Honey Beige)
• http://tinyurl.com/pkjpgvm

RIGHT: HONEY BEIGE (feat. in video)

LEFT: LIGHT

• Maybelline Color sensational lipstick (Blushing Bud)
• http://tinyurl.com/ov5ncla

• Anastasia Dip Brow Pomade (Dark Brown)
• http://www.sephora.com/dipbrow-pomade-P384060

• Hourglass Gel Liner
• http://www.sephora.com/1-5mm-mechanical-gel-eye-liner-P388106?skuId=1621275

• Radha Beauty Skin Clearing Serum
• http://tinyurl.com/q9oekmb