One more post and then I am planning to have an extra productive day...for what's left of it. Let's talk Skincare. I've definitely been slacking on skincare lately. Mostly I just wash my face- moisturize sometimes. I'm done traveling for the next few months so I'm just gonna jump back in- and moisturize regularly and all that jazz.
Laneige claims:
The original Korean milky toner in a refillable bottle, enriched with nourishing ceramides and peptides for radiant, hydrated glass skin.
Allure 2023 Best of Beauty Award Winner
2024 Vogue Best Hydrating Toner
Key Ingredients:
Ceramide and Peptide Complex - Provides intense, nourishing hydration and visibly firming benefits
White Leaf Tea - Rich in moisturizing amino acids to help soothe skin
From our cutting-edge skincare labs in Korea, this innovative two-in-one formula combines the benefits of a rich cream with the lightweight texture of a liquid toner to deliver soothing and nourishing hydration. Enriched with White Tea Leaf Extract and a Ceramide and Peptide Complex, it visibly firms the skin and reinforces its moisture barrier. The mist can be used for a refreshing spritz during the daytime.
Skin Type:
All, Dry, Normal, Sensitive
Benefits:
AM & PM
Derm Tested
Hydration
Soften
Soothe
Formulated Without:
Parabens
Phthalates
Sulfates
I got this as a birthday gift from Sephora- along with the Lip Sleeping Mask and the Water Bank. This was the last product. Took me awhile to get to because I was trying to use something else up. But here we are- and I am doing a full review because I probably won't end up buying this.
It's a toner and moisturizer. I originally wanted to repackage it into a spray but I didn't have any packaging I could do that with so I ended up pouring it in my hands and patting it into my skin. Made it easy to travel with- so I did that as well and all went well until the trip home when I'm not sure what happened but it ended up spilling out in my bag. Ah well. I also knocked it over as well at some point and wasted more.
Anyway, I didn't know "milky" toners are all the rage. I don't get it, it just looks milky. I doubt there are any benefits to that but OK. It is pretty hydrating. Especially for me in the summer. I specifically wanted to try it under makeup. And I feel it was a little too glowy for my oily skin. I think dry skin types would have better luck. Or it might work better for me in Winter.
It's an Ok product for me. Nothing life changing and nothing I feel I need to go out and purchase.
Almost forgot scent. Not scented but it reminds me of Oat Milk in terms of scent. I liked it!
One thing I really like is they offer so many repurchase options- you can get a refill to save some plastic. You can by the mini for travel- and refill that too. It comes in Jumbo, Mini, and Regular. So if you do love it, you have options.
The weather has changed. Out of nowhere it has HOT. I'm actually considering seeing if I can hook up my air conditioning to avoid some of the heat that is already collecting in my place. But anywho....today we've got two little samples here...and I have a third Laneige Toner but I haven't cracked into it yet. I'll definitely review it once I start using it though...
Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer
I got a deluxe sample of this from Sephora. I haven't tried a lot of Korean Skincare- but I know it's still all the rage. It is made in Korea and the regular size comes in a refillable pot. So it's a bit kinder to the environment. That being said, it's not for me. It adds a little too much hydration to my skin that is oily combination. I feel like if I put makeup on top I really need to powder it down. I also couldn't tell if it was making my skin break out, I got the hugest pimple when I started using it and then little white heads. Also my skin seemed to feel smoother before I started using it. I've been using it a few weeks now and no more reactions now. I also don't really love all the acrylates and dimethicones in the ingredients. Not really a product for me. But glad I got to try it.
Next up, the "sleeping mask". I saw these everywhere at one point. You are supposed to wear it overnight while you sleep. Nevermind that you can do the same with basically any lip balm. And I usually do when I remember. I have the little sampler in the berry scent. Which I thought I didn't like the scent at first but it's actually OK. I barely smell it once I put it on. It's a very thick and glossy product.It's also very expensive and I don't think it's worth the price- nor the hype. I think I would like it better if it was more reasonably priced. Maybe if you have problematic lips? I also am not a fan of the extremely long ingredients list- although it does have some goodies in it like the coconut oil, murmur butter, and shea butter. I can't see myself purchasing it. The free sample was fine. The original pot doesn't seem to be refillable. I wish I could tell if it was glass or plastic...hmmm.
And that's all! I'll probably be back with at least one more post later on today....
Sitting here sleepy as all get out but I did say I would do one more post. I was too lazy to get up and get what I really wanted to review...so I just grabbed what was in arms reach. I am slowly making my way through trying out some of the most iconic beauty products...and this was on the list. I probably should have bought the gel- because that would suit my oily/combo skin better. Especially with summer coming...but I wanted to try the product that started the "dramatically different" line.
Clinique claims:
Dermatologist-developed lotion is Clinique’s #1 face moisturizer. Silky, fast-absorbing moisturizing lotion with pure urea and pure glycerin rapidly strengthens the skin barrier.
Our daily moisturizer for face delivers 8-hour hydration + soothing moisture for skin in need of comfort.
Hydrates to soften, smooth, and improve.
Replenishes skin’s oil-water balance for healthy skin.
Skin-Strengthening Formula
Helps strengthen skin’s own moisture barrier so more moisture stays in.
Formula
Silky lotion slips on easily, absorbs quickly.
Suitable for Post-Procedure Skin
Suitable to use as soon as one day post a non-ablative laser procedure.*
*Shown to be safe for use following a non-ablative laser treatment in a 14-day clinical usage test.
Strengthens the skin barrier. In just 2 hours, this face lotion significantly improves skin barrier repair by 21%.* *Clinical testing on 21 women.
Boosts skin’s moisture. Instantly boosts skin’s moisture by 119%.
Dramatically different. That's a bold claim.
I can tell you I didn't notice anything dramatically different about it. I wanted to see if I could find a deep dive so find out when this cream came out...I found nothing.I do know this is a popular product and probably a best seller for the brand- at least at some point.
For those really into skincare- this lotion can seem a bit outdated. But it's been around this long and someone is loyal to it....
It is a yellow lotion- just like any other lotion you might find. I really didn't find anything different about the texture, application, or wear. Maybe it should be called "dramatically average."
It is meant for dry skin. I don't have dry skin and it can definitely be a bit heavy. Especially now that it's warming up. It gives my skin too much glow and grease. So I guess I would call it moisturizing. My skin is certainly never dry nor do I need to reapply with this.
I wanted to test it under makeup...which I did. Just to see if I could use it as a primer. And not really. It's just too greasy looking on me. It does better when I set with powder but I don't love how my makeup sits on top of it. I feel like the oil breaks through the makeup after a short time and I am back where I started. If you have dry skin- it may work better for you.
Looking at the ingredients I was scared it was going to break me out. But no breakouts!
Also almost forgot to mention the scent. No added fragrance but it smells like something based on mineral oil/petroleum. Which it is.
It does have coloring in it to make it yellow. Reminds me of the Kiehls Creme De Corps and makes me wonder why higher end loves to color a lotion yellow....
I don't notice any other benefits from this lotion. It doesn't make many promises except 8 hours of moisture though.
I'm not impressed with the ingredients...I tend to like a more natural oil or natural ingredients when I am looking to moisturize my skin.
It's not bad. But it's not great. I probably should have bought the gel version...and maybe one day I'll try it. But this is not a repurchase for me. It does come in a multitude of sizes- even a sample/travel size. I do like that because if you don't like it, you aren't stuck with a huge bottle.
I've been meaning to do this review for a minute but I keep falling asleep on the couch. Then I wake up at some crazy hour and end up just up doing nothing productive. I stay up long enough that I don't get enough sleep and wake up exhausted and then repeat the cycle. I would probably be falling asleep right about now except I drank a ton of caffeinated tea...
Estee Lauder claims:
What it is: Wake up radiant with this super serum that reduces the look of multiple signs of aging for a smoother, younger, more radiant and even-toned look.
Who it's for: Ideal for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
What it does: Harness the restorative power of pioneering night skin science. This deep- and fast-penetrating face serum, with the brand's exclusive 1-in-60-million Night Peptide, ignites seven night-renewal actions to visibly reduce multiple signs of aging. It helps skin look smoother and less lined, younger, healthier—more radiant and even-toned. By day, this serum with 8-hour antioxidant protection helps defend skin against visible effects of free-radical damage from environmental sources like pollution. This is the high-performance face serum beautiful skin can’t live without. The formula helps with seven powerful night-renewal actions: visible line reduction, firmness, even tone, strengthening, hydration, radiance and antioxidant protection. It helps hydrate for 72 hours with hyaluronic acid and other advanced moisture boosters, while providing eight-hour antioxidant protection. Pores look diminished over time.
Research results:
In a 3-week clinical test on176 women:
- Lines appeared visibly reduced
In a consumer test on 543 women, immediately after use:
- 90% said the product absorbed quickly
- After three weeks:
- 91% said skin looks more rested
After four weeks:
- 89% said skin feels firmer
In a clinical test on 23 women, measured 2 hours after a single product application:
- 22% improvement in barrier repair
In a clinical test on 29 women, 12 hours after a single nighttime application:
- 8 out of 10 women had boosted radiance upon waking
In a clinical test on 148 women after a single product application:
- 128% improvement in moisture to plump fine, dry lines immediately
How to use: Apply this face serum on clean skin before your moisturizer, AM and PM. Use one dropper. Smooth in gently all over face and neck.
I bought this because it was on a most iconic beauty products list and I want to try everything on the list- with the exception of some things that are priced way out of my price range. I have been seeing the advertisements for this in magazines since I was a kid but of course my skin didn't need it then. Now I think is a better time for me to play in some anti-aging things.
Advanced Night Repair was one of the first skincare "serums". It came out all the way back in 1982. It was one of the first products marketed as a night treatment...and now these days we have all kinds of night treatments for skin/lips/hair. I found this article from Harper's Bazaar pretty fascinating.
Basically it claims to reverse the wear and tear of the day.
It comes in the a nice brown bottle. All the writing is layered on. It feels pretty lux. I might even keep it and refill with cheaper serums once I finally use this up.
The first thing I noticed about it was the texture- I haven't used very many serums. Mostly I have tried out samples. It has a dropper that you fill up and drop into your hands and apply to the face. I always like that style for skincare. Makes me feel like I am doing something nice for my skin. Of course you can get the same effect from more affordable brands like The Ordinary etc.
This is kinda thick so it doesn't run out of the dropper like water. You really have to suck it up and drop it out in order to use it. It likes to get stuck in the dropper. But it won't run everywhere so you won't waste it.
It smells unscented. But it does have a scent. It's not offensive though. I don't know how to describe the scent but I don't mind it. It dissipates as you rub it in. I guess it just smells like "skincare".
I really tried to pay attention to my skin as I have been using it and what I noticed most and first was my skin appeared more radiant. It just looked more glow-y. As time has gone on, I do feel like my skin overall looks a bit smoother, a bit more even-toned, and less lined....I do think it has helped smooth out my pores as well.
I don't think it helped with dark spots though...it doesn't really claims to help with that but I was hoping it would anyway. No such luck for me.
I think it's a nice serum. But it's very, very expensive. I bought the one ounce size and I bought it on sale and with a gift card so I paid less than retail but the purchase prize is definitely up there. I like to splurge on some nice skincare every now and again though as a treat.
Overall, I like it. I have seen a difference in my skin. I think there are products out there that are cheaper and can do the same thing though. The only thing I didn't love about it was the price...but if you have the cash I don't think you would be disappointed with the results. I will probably pick it up again in a couple of years to see what it does as my skin ages.
Got my hands on another couple of samples. I feel like I used to do these type of posts more frequently because I used to get samples more often. Maybe it's because I am ordering less? Also more and more companies seem to have slowed down on samples. You can't really tell much from a sample review but I like to do them anyway- especially for things I would not be able to afford to try otherwise.
Today we have:
This seems like an OK thing to put on under makeup. It definitely emphasizes dewiness and glow which didn't really work for me when I used it in the summer. But it might be something I could like in the winter. Overall, the Charlotte Tilbury brand never really appealed to me...so I'm not sure I would actually purchase. Especially since the price for 1 little ounce is $65 which is expensive and I don't think it does anything that warrants that price. "Water" really does seem to be the new buzz word for skincare...seems so odd since it's something we all have access to. Is "water" in the title something that sells a product to you?
Guerlain Double Renew and Repair Advanced Serum
The price on this is nearly 200 Euro so probably not something I would ever buy...unless I won the lottery. It smelled nice...seemed luxurious. But not as luxurious as the price seems to suggest. My skin looked smooth and had a more matte radiance to it the next day. It's supposed to be lift- my skin isn't really saggy so I can't speak to that. Especially after only one use. I enjoyed the sample though...I bet the packaging on this is gorgeous if you buy the full size.
Guerlain Honey Treatment Day Cream
The retail price on this is $180. I'm sure the packaging is beautiful and I love that they use Honey- but that's expensive. I'm glad I have a little sample- even though you can't tell too much from such a tiny amount. I used mine under make-up...it was like any other cream. It has a mild, pleasant smell. Kinda reminds me of the L'occitane Shea Hand Cream. I liked the way make-up applies over it. I think it had everything sitting extra smooth. And it wore well- providing radiance but no greasiness. I like it...but that price. I probably won't ever get my hands on the full size. There are definitely products that can do the same thing for a much better price point but if you have it like that...could be a good buy.
Plant Therapy Muscle Aide- Tried this cream after I tricep workout that really left my them sore. And....it didn't really do much. Maybe I should have used more or really massaged it in? It smells like Wintergreen though, which I do like. It smells very medicinal. I did put a tiny bit on my knees (did a lot of squats) and I feel like it did help? If it wasn't just my imagination. On the fence on whether I would buy it.
Guerlain Advanced Youth Watery Oil
I didn't know Guerlain had skincare- probably because I wouldn't be able to afford it. It's not cheap- but the packaging looks so nice and it does smell like a luxury product. Also the reviews are really good for this. I can't tell what it really does with just one small sample. And this is a teeny sample. It's very hard to get out without wasting because it is so watery and a tiny amount. But what I did use smelled so nice ( subtle floral scent) and made my skin look nice, plump, and radiant. Possibly something I might buy if I was looking to splurge. I didn't deep dive into the ingredients- but I don't see anything too special except the honey though?
Mac Stack Mascara
I got this in my last MAC order....I have tried a few MAC mascara samples but I don't think I have ever used a full size. I did buy a full size one in my last order...but not this one. Their mascara's tend to be generally loved. I don't love this one. I tend to prefer the traditional brushes over the more modern ones. The old style just builds a lot of length and volume quickly. This is OK. I didn't like the brush at first...now it's just OK. I get average length and volume but it takes a little longer to build and doesn't really get up to my full lash potential. I would probably still buy the full size...it might be different in the full size . Plus I want to experience the packaging. But yeah...it's alright.
It's kinda crazy that I bought this spray knowing I have two MAC Fix Plus Sprays and another Lavender spray that I need to use up. Yet I was still bought this. I think I am going to go on a facial spray no-buy. At least until I use up two bottles. Maybe I'll add this to my Project Pan...
Mario Badescu:
Whether you spray it during the day as a moisturizing or a dynamising boost, our cult-suspicious spray mist for the face helps to strengthen dehydrated skin and give it back all its radiance - whenever and wherever you are.
A mixture of aloe vera as well as rose, gardenia and thyme extracts clarifies the complexion and dynamizes the skin to make it shine.
I'm not sure why I bought this. I think I was just trying to make my cart minimum and the coupon code I had made it a deal I can't refuse. I am also a sucker for rosewater sprays...
I didn't read the ingredients on the few things I bought from the line. I thought it was a more natural brand. and was disappointed to find it's not. I really should have read the ingredients first. I mostly just use it to add a boost of hydration when I am in a rush and don't want to apply a heavy moisturizer.
I was expecting this spray to have a nice rose scent. It smells like rose baby wipes. Light on the rose.
It does add a bit of hydration. My skin isn't really dry these days...which is surprising. I used to have dry skin in the winter...but I think since I switched to more natural cleansers I don't seem have that problem much anymore.
It's easy to use and spray but I think the nozzle on mine only sprays one side....It's not really a fine mist. But it works.
Ingredients:
Aqua (Water, Eau), Propylene Glycol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Rosa Canina Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Leaf Extract, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Parfum (Fragrance), Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Chloride, Citronellol, Geraniol, CI 17200 (Red 33), CI 42090 (Blue 1)
I wouldn't buy it again. I think Lush makes better and more natural ones. And I also think using pure rosewater is a great option to skip some of the additives and fillers that don't really have any skin benefits. I also just don't think it does anything special to make it a must try or repurchase.
Got my hands on a few new samples to review. I bought a few Christmas gifts and this time they came with samples. Which is nice, because I ordered a few things that should have come with samples and then never did.
So we will start with the cleanser. I like that it's concentrated, just a dab will clean your whole face. And I like the scent. It smells like how you would think Dior skincare would smell. It's not overpowering but you can definitely smell it. It's a scent experience. Other than that it seems to work well. But looking at the retail price- probably not something I would ever spend the money on. It retails for 51 Euro. There are facial cleansers out there that work the same or better for much cheaper.
I also picked out the wrinkle cream- why not? I don't think a few uses will fix wrinkles but doesn't hurt to try. It smells really nice, almost like a perfume and on the stronger side. It's definitely an experience. And a choice as I feel most brands have gone fragrance free. I don't mind scented skincare though. It does work well as a moisturizer but it breaks me out. I have a stubborn pimple that just won't go away since I've been using this and a few other ones have popped up over the course of testing the sample. So....it's not something I would ever buy again and especially not at the listed price- 140 Euro! But it was nice to try out a luxury skincare line.
And last up, Lancome Idole Now. I have never tried the flagship version but figured I can't go wrong with a sampler. The notes sound Ok- Rose, Vanilla, Orchid. But overall I used the whole sample yesterday and not a single thing sticks out or was memorable about it. It's pleasant but forgettable and didn't really smell unique. I don't have any plans to buy the full size based on the sampler.
I've had these sprays for a couple of years now...and finally just occurred to me to go ahead and review them. I ended up with two because one got lost in the mail, I contacted MAC, they sent out another one...it arrived and then a few weeks later the original package showed up. A couple years back I reviewed the original..I'll probably copy and paste a lot of that original review because I'm feeling a bit lazy.
MAC claims:
A lightweight mist of water packed with vitamins and minerals, infused with a blend of green tea, chamomile and cucumber to gently soothe and refresh the skin. Gives an instant boost of hydration while delivering a soft sheen to refresh and finish makeup. This holy grail of hydrating mists can be used with other products in near-endless ways – improve the wear of makeup, or moisturize and soothe tired skin.
Made in USA
So you get just over 3 ounces of product $27 dollars. It's not a cheap spray. And especially when you consider it is mostly glycerin and water as ingredients and you can actually make a similar spray yourself MUCH cheaper. The only problem is preservatives but you can make a small batch and refrigerate.
The scent is OK. I wasn't a big fan of the original scent, it wasn't bad but it wasn't my favorite. I feel the same about this one. I probably wouldn't buy this one again, it doesn't smell like actual coconut, but an odd imitation coconut that you aren't quite sure is supposed to be Coconut, next time I will probably pick up the Rose or the Lavender.
Sometimes I watch the MAC videos and I see they mostly like to use it to hydrate skin before make-up. I like to use it that way.....in the winter. In the summer I find it's too hydrating and makes my skin look very oily. But in the winter when I just need something lighter to take away slight dryness, this works perfectly. It is kinda of sticky and gives my skin too much shine in the warmer months.
I notice most people I've seen use it, tend to use it as a finishing spray to settle down a powdery finish. I do like to use it that way when my skin is more on the powdery side since the dry look is never cute. It works well for that. I do disagree with the claim that it makes your makeup last longer. I've tried it with some very short wearing foundations and I don't really notice too much of a difference.
Another way I see a lot of people use it is to wet the brush to make shadow have a sort of foiled appearance. I've used it that way. It works. And it works well. But for the price I can get a cheap bottle of Visine type eyedrops to do the same. Or even use water or a cheaper drugstore spray because at the price it is, it feels like I am "wasting" it when I use it that way. So I don't tend to use it to spray the brush. But it does work well for that! Above I used it with a brush-the first swatch is dry and the second I used Fix plus on the brush.
I do like it. I just don't know if I like it at that price tag but here I am having already repurchase and very likely to try the other scents if ever get through these.
I bought some L'occitane stuff for my mom for Christmas and got a few samples in the order. I've always meant to try more from their brand but the prices are kinda high...so I was happy to get some samples to try out. I'm pretty sure I've tried quite a bit of their samples before with other random orders but really don't remember if I liked them.
First up the hand cream. I really like having a good hand cream these days, I can't stand dry hands and so many hand creams I can put on and then step outside in the cold and see visible ash. This winter hasn't been so bad because I have been faithfully putting hand creams on. This kinda smells like baby wipes but it does work. It's not too greasy but you can feel it on working, it absorbs after a few minutes, and seems to last through the cold weather. I like it...but don't really like the scent. I might eventually buy the smaller size but I think I prefer the almond even though it's lighter because of the scent. I like that it's 20% Shea Butter. I haven't seen another hand cream that tells the percent of Shea in it.
The ultra rich face cream was nice. Very hydrating without making my oily skin look greasy. Makes your skin look healthy. I like it but not sure it's worth the price. Pure Shea Butter can do the same thing. It also smells of baby wipes. It has a high concentration of Shea.
And lastly the body cream. Another with a high percentage of Shea Butter. The other samples lasted multiple uses- this only lasted one. It was very hydrating...but not sure it would be worth the cost unless you have really dry skin and have a hard time finding something where the moisture lasts. It also smells like baby wipes too. I think if I liked the scent more I would like this better. Probably wouldn't purchase the full size unless I was having severe dry skin issues.
I do like that all of their Shea Line has Shea Butter high up in the ingredients (2nd after water) but if you really want to see the benefits of Shea Butter you should probably just get a tub of the unrefined stuff. It can be a little more effort to use and has the Shea scent (I like the nutty scent) but if you don't then maybe this is a good (but pricey alternative).
Feels like it has been a long time since I've had an perfume samples. So I was happy to get these! I do want to purchase a full size of this perfume or the original just to have the bottle in my collection. I do like this one..but nothing about it really stands out except that it dries down to a nice vanilla scent. It smells like a lot of other perfumes I've tried and yet can't really put my finger on. Supposed to be lychee, roses, and currants. I do get the Lychee..and the Rose. Maybe the black currant if I think about it. It all comes together to make a warmer scent than what I would have expected. Nice but not a must have. Made in Spain.
Valentino Voce Viva Intensa
This is a fruity perfume. Kinda smells like something from Bath and Body Works but higher quality. I do like the dry down but found it to be very forgettable. I used it yesterday and can't even really remember what it smelled like except it was pleasant. Top notes are Mandarin Orange and Bergamot; middle notes are Orange Blossom and Jasmine Sambac; base notes are Bourbon Vanilla and Moss.
Plant Therapy Vitamin C Serum Review
I got this awhile ago with an oil/order but stuck it in a book and forgot about. Recently found it and decided to test it out. I have been hearing about the miracles of Vitamin C- for brightening and evening dark marks. I've been using Sea Buckthorn oil which contains Vitamin C naturally and I really like it, so not a necessity but might pick one up when that's done. I do like this. It has a nice light citrus scent. It goes on a little sticky but it's nice once it absorbs. I felt like my skin looked glowy and healthy. I liked the sample.
AM & PM
Derm Tested
Hydration
Soften
Soothe
