Review: Boscia Pro-Retinol Repair + Renew Waterless Advanced Treatment

What It Is: Retinol Treatment Cream

What It Does: Helps diminish the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots

Active Ingredients: 0.6% Retinol, Vitamin C, and Sunflower Fatty Acids

Verdict: For best results, retinol should be used at night. You usually apply this first, prior to any other serum or moisturizer. I’ve used other retinol in the past, and for me, I haven’t seen much difference (then again I mostly use it for dark spots and not really fine lines). But I do like how this retinol has been effective in getting rid of any dark spots (being uber pale as myself can be a curse when you live in a sunny place like So-Cal). So if you’re looking for retinol that does get rid of dark spots and gives your skin a smoother, glowy appearance, then this might work out for you.

Price: $48

Where To Buy It: https://www.boscia.com/

DID YOU ENJOY WHAT YOU JUST READ? IF YES, THEN SUBSCRIBE TO THE BLOG, GIVE THE POST A LIKE, OR LEAVE A COMMENT! NEW POSTS ARE UP EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY!

Review: Skin Inc. Supplement Bar – My Daily Dose of Glow

What It Is: Serum

What It Does: Restores skin suppleness, smooths, and reduces fine lines.

Active Ingredients: Vitamin A, Chlorella, and Hyaluronic Acid

Verdict: You know I’m a huge fan of Vitamin A, so the moment I saw that this serum contained that, I knew it’s promise of better skin would be fulfilled. Vitamin A revives your skin and it’s clinically proven to help restore skin’s youthful appearance, tackle dullness, and combat any environmental aggressors. Chlorella is a form of algae that helps reduce pigmentation and reduce redness. And of course no serum would be complete without hyaluronic acid, it’s basically the ingredient that helps with suppleness and smoothing. Basically this serum is a triple threat to help combat all your skin issues and is proven to give you a better appearance as soon as one day! All you need is three drops daily prior to moisturizer and before you know it you’ll have amazing skin. I really love this product and highly recommend it, especially if you’re trying to turn your skin around and combat dullness, pigmentation, sun damage, and fine lines.

Price: $65

Where To Buy It: https://iloveskininc.us

DID YOU ENJOY WHAT YOU JUST READ? IF YES, THEN SUBSCRIBE TO THE BLOG, GIVE THE POST A LIKE, OR LEAVE A COMMENT! NEW POSTS ARE UP EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY!

Review: Mudmasky – Leave Me On Winter Mask

What It Is: Leave On Moisturizing Mask

What it Does: Protects, nourishes, moisturizes, repairs skin and also helps with anti-aging.

Active Ingredients: Linoleic acid, Jojoba Oil, Macadamia Oil, and Moroccan Lava Clay.

Verdict: I gotta be honest, the cream itself was alright, but it really wasn’t anything to go crazy about. I didn’t see much difference using this cream as opposed to another one. Although if you’re looking for a light moisturizer, then this may be up your alley. Or if you’re someone who’s been having skin problems because of wearing facemasks, this moisturizer has anti-acne ingredients that will keep the dreaded “maskne” at bay. So, this moisturizer has a lot of merits, but I just personally wasn’t too crazy about it because in comparison to others that I’ve tried and based on the price, I don’t think it’s a must-have, however, if you do face some of the issues that I’ve stated above then you may want to check this out.

Price: $44.40

Where To Buy It: https://mudmasky.com/product/leave-me-on-winter-mask/

DID YOU ENJOY WHAT YOU JUST READ? IF YES, THEN SUBSCRIBE TO THE BLOG, GIVE THE POST A LIKE, OR LEAVE A COMMENT! NEW POSTS ARE UP EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY!

Review: Dermelect Self Esteem Beauty Sleep Serum

What It Is: Highly concentrated multi-tasking exfloliator.

What It Does: Unclogs pores, diminishes the appearance of fine lines and lightens up dark spots.

Active Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, and Vitamin C

Verdict: I love how this serum works, it feels very soft when I put it on and it has helped control the amount of oiliness I have in my skin. My mother also used it and was very happy with the effects (she says it helped with dark spots, I can’t really say since I don’t have any). But overall, I did notice that my skin felt healthier overall. The only thing that both my mum and I weren’t a fan of, is the product’s scent. For some reason it smells like putting on rubbing alcohol on your face, it’s very potent, but luckily it dies down. I would’ve preferred this if it were scentless, but since it does work overall, I can’t be too mad.

Price: $43

Where To Buy It: https://dermelect.com/

DID YOU ENJOY WHAT YOU JUST READ? IF YES, THEN SUBSCRIBE TO THE BLOG, GIVE THE POST A LIKE, OR LEAVE A COMMENT! NEW POSTS ARE UP EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY!

Review: Murad Essential-C Cleanser

What It Is: Energizing cleanser

What It Does: Washes away dirt and impurities without over-drying skin.

Active Ingredients: Vitamins A, C, & E and Allantoin and panthenol (to help soften skin)

Verdict: I’m not someone who is exclusively married to one skin cleanser, so I’m always switching mine up depending on what I receive or am gifted. This particular skin cleanser was part of a Fab Fit Fun subscription box. What I love about this cleanser is that it feels luxuriously silky and it has an incredible scent. I feel as though my skin is getting fully cleansed but at the same time it doesn’t feel stripped of its natural oils. I’m really enjoying this cleanser a lot and will definitely purchase it when I’m done.

Price: $40

Where To Buy It: https://www.murad.com/

DID YOU ENJOY WHAT YOU JUST READ? IF YES, THEN SUBSCRIBE TO THE BLOG, GIVE THE POST A LIKE, OR LEAVE A COMMENT! NEW POSTS ARE UP EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY!

Review: Colourpop Candyland Candy Castle Eyeshadow Palette

Colourpop always releases very exciting collabs, but like any makeup junkie there is, trying to collect them all would mean that we’d be drowning in eyeshadow palettes. As a kid, I loved the whimsical magical world that the Hasboro game Candyland provided. It wasn’t a board game that required much skill, but rather relied more on the luck of the draw. But it was a board game that even my mum who hates board games was agreeable to want to play with me.

So when Colourpop decided to collab with Hasboro for Candyland inspired makeup, I was totally onboard! I decided to snag the eyeshadow palette and Queen Frostine Highlighter (unfortunately, I was later informed that I would be reimbursed for that product as they sold out before they could fulfill all their orders).

Now, I’ve used Colourpop products before, and my personal experience with their products is so-so. There are some products that they certainly nail, and then there are some that aren’t as remarkable, but for the cheap price tag, one can’t really complain. My biggest issue with Colourpop eyeshadows is that the matte shadows always tend to result in a patchy application, the final result isn’t always universally pigmented. Of course, this can only be noticed if you’re looking with a close-up mirror in good lighting. Most people on the street won’t notice this inconsistency just by looking at you.

The colours for this palette are very reminiscent of the whimsical magic that Candyland represented, so for tht it gets a thumbs up from me. All the colours are very pretty. Now, my only complaint is the application for the matte ones. Like previous matte shadows from Colourpop, these too result in a patchy application even using eyeshadow primer beforehand. Meanwhile, the top-performing eyeshadows tend to be the glittery or frosty ones.

If you love pastel colours, I definitely recommend checking this palette out, or if like me, you’re nostalgic for the whimsical carefree days of your childhood, then that’s also a good reason to pick this palette up, or anything from the Candyland collab, as they’ll whisk you back to a time when makeup meant you wanted to be Princess Lollipop or Queen Frostine.

Price: $18

DID YOU ENJOY WHAT YOU JUST READ? IF YES, THEN SUBSCRIBE TO THE BLOG, GIVE THE POST A LIKE, OR LEAVE A COMMENT! NEW POSTS ARE UP EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY!

Review: Osea Ocean Cleanser

IMG_1675

Bioavailable formulas rich in earth and ocean essences deliver powerful skin solutions.

What It Is: Facial Cleanser/Makeup Remover

What It Does: Cleanses without drying skin out.

Best For: Normal, Dry, and Combo Skin Types

Active Ingredients: Vegan Lactic Acid, Lime, Cypress, Organic Seaweed, and Juniper.

Verdict: When it comes to cleansers, I can be picky. I don’t favor those that are so liquidy that they slide right off your hands, nor do I like those that are too oily. But the worst infraction is when a cleanser leaves your skin feeling stripped of any hydration and moisture. Luckily, this cleanser doesn’t have those faults. The cleanser consistency is creamy, soft, not oily, and with a hint of a refreshing scent that echoes a sea getaway to a tropical island. Plus, the cleanser delivers where it matters the most, it cleanses without stripping you bare, but it’s also gentle enough for sensitive skins. I also love that it didn’t feel soapy nor burned my eyes as some cleansers tend to do. Overall, this is definitely a must! I’m a very happy with it and can see myself purchasing this product in the future once I’m done with my sample.

Price: $48

Where To Buy: https://oseamalibu.com/

White and Pink Strikeout Cosmetics Beauty Logo

DID YOU ENJOY WHAT YOU JUST READ? IF YES, THEN SUBSCRIBE TO THE BLOG, GIVE THE POST A LIKE, OR LEAVE A COMMENT! NEW POSTS ARE UP EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY!

Review: Tony Moly Moisture Boost Cooling Algae Eye Serum

IMG_1668

What It Is: Eye Serum

What It Does: Hydrates and moisturizes

Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, seawater, plankton, and algae

Verdict: I’m a sucker for eye creams, even when other beauty bloggers may deem eye creams to simply be glorified moisturizers, I can’t help but love the luxurious feel of applying eye cream to the lids and outer corners of my eyes. I’ve previously used products from Tony Moly and not only is this Korean company effective, but it also has the cutest packaging ever. Take, for example, this eye serum, the packaging alone made me want to purchase it (I’m also fickle, sue me). Now, perhaps I should’ve been expecting a serum that would feel wet seeing that it is water-based, but for some reason, I thought the consistency of it would’ve been more gel-like such as Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Gel Cream Eye that I adore using as a primer to concealer. Unfortunately, this serum isn’t thick, but very light, meaning that it’s okay if you’re only going to use it as an eye cream for the night, but if you’re wanting a hydrating barrier to your concealer, then this probably wouldn’t be your best choice. I can’t say this product doesn’t work, because it DOES, it simply didn’t work for my specific needs, which means I’ll be using this cream as a night serum rather than a day one. Again, how freaking cute is that packaging though?!

Price: $22

Where To Buy It: https://tonymoly.us/products/moisture-boost-cooling-eye-serum , Ulta, Macy’s and Target

tonymoly

White and Pink Strikeout Cosmetics Beauty Logo

DID YOU ENJOY WHAT YOU JUST READ? IF YES, THEN SUBSCRIBE TO THE BLOG, GIVE THE POST A LIKE, OR LEAVE A COMMENT! NEW POSTS ARE UP EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY!

3 Beauty Trends I’m Loving

Trends come and go, and a lot of the times, I don’t follow trends, so the ones listed may not exactly be trending right now, but I’ve always been one to do my own thing. These three trends are ones I simply love or find inspiring. Beauty, especially makeup should be seen as an extension of your personality or emotions, so following trends isn’t a must if you’re more about expressing yourself (which is more what I tend to lean towards). Here are three beauty trends that I’m loving at the moment:

blueliner

BLUE EYELINER

Here’s the deal: There’s a circus way and a safe way to wear blue eyeliner without it becoming overbearing. The secret to this is to make it the focal point. What that means is that blue eyeliner pops the most when it’s paired with neutral eye makeup. When you pair blue eyeliner with other colors it tends to be too much and loses the ability to make your eyes the main focus. Whether you decide to place the blue eyeliner on the upper or lower lash line is our choice. I like either one and usually alternate. But balance is key. If you place blue eyeliner on the upper lash line, do NOT put it on the lower lash line too, and vice versa.

euphoria

GLITTER

Anyone who knows me knows of my eternal love for glitter. Maybe it’s the Marc Bolan in me wishing I had been a glam rocker in the 70’s or perhaps my recent binge-watching of Euphoria is to blame for my reacquaintance with my love for the sparkly. One thing is certain, glitter can really elevate your look. But here’s the tip on how to make it wearable every day and not just for the club: place glitter on cheeks like a highlighter and keep the rest of your makeup simple or your face bare. I think glitter looks the freshest when NOT paired with a ton of foundation or crazy contour. Euphoria really excelled in creating glitter looks that feel fresh, edgy, and totally wearable for every day.

blush

BLUSH

There’s just something youthful and innocent about rosy (or peachy) cheeks. Again, this look works best when paired with less makeup and you make your cheeks the focal point. I would suggest pairing rosy cheeks with minimal eye makeup (think only a heavy dose of black mascara) and lipgloss or lip stain. If you keep the rest of the makeup light, then the look won’t seem overbearing.

Balance is truly the key ingredient to achieving the most out of these looks. And honestly, with the warmer weather approaching, I’m less likely to wear heaps amounts of makeup (although I personally never wear foundation or contour).

Which trends do you prefer or are you willing to try out?

White and Pink Strikeout Cosmetics Beauty Logo

DID YOU ENJOY WHAT YOU JUST READ? IF YES, THEN SUBSCRIBE TO THE BLOG, GIVE THE POST A LIKE, OR LEAVE A COMMENT! NEW POSTS ARE UP EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY!

Review: Akar Skin Balance Toning Mist

IMG_1655

What It Is: Toner

What It Does: Helps tone and balance skin.

Active Ingredients: Rose, Neroli, Saffron, and White Willow Bark

Verdict: If you’re one of those people who has always avoided toners because you’re afraid of alcohol stripping you away of essential skin oils, then throw away all your fears with this toner! This toner isn’t alcohol-based, but rather it uses soothing floral waters to hydrate AND keeps oily skin under control. I’m a bit picky when it comes to toners, they need to feel as though they’re getting rid of any dirt or grime there might be, but at the same time, I don’t wish my skin to feel like it’s dangerous to be near a match cause of the high alcohol content. I recommend this toner if you’ve got normal to combination skin. The only downside to this toner? Its hefty price. If you can splurge, the toner is worth it. If you can’t, then Pixi has more economical options.

Price: $55

Where To Buy It: www.akarskin.com

White and Pink Strikeout Cosmetics Beauty Logo

DID YOU ENJOY WHAT YOU JUST READ? IF YES, THEN SUBSCRIBE TO THE BLOG, GIVE THE POST A LIKE, OR LEAVE A COMMENT! NEW POSTS ARE UP EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY!