Face Mask Review (Part One)

I'm sure the beauty community has heard about Glow Recipe by now, I think I'm late to the game.  They're famous for their Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask (which I can not go without) and now their Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturizer as well.

I place an order almost two months ago to try out a few sheet and rubber masks, also this life changing watermelon sleeping mask.

Well, I fell in love.

In the past, believing my skin to be oily, I've used mostly clay masks so this whole hydrating mask thing is new to me.

So this most recent purchase I bought one rubber mask, the watermelon mask and so many sheet masks.

I have yet to make it through all these masks but I figured I would do reviews along the way.  The best way for me to keep track of what they do is to write on the packaging as a reminder, so here we go!

Glow Recipe

Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask

I use this mask after I cleanse my face in the evening and before I put anything else on my face.

It can tend to settle a bit, so just give it a quick stir until it becomes a jelly again.  I use about a dime size amount for my entire face and I have been using this just about every night unless I use another treatment or face mask that evening.

The next morning my skin always looks more clear and glow-y.

Blossom Jeju

White Camellia Soombi 2-Step Pure Brightening Petal Mask

(shown on the left in white packaging)

I really enjoyed this mask!  So at the bottom there is a little packet (mine is ripped off because I've used it) that contains Jeju Camellia oil and you apply that to your face first then part two the sheet mask.  I did find it pretty brightening, almost a whitening effect and the number on thing? I didn't break out.

Polatam

Pure Cream Mask Firming Radiance

I'm so frustrated about this mask because I do like it but my skin has some issues with it.

First off, it's a cream sheet mask, so it is quite thick which I really liked.  It felt so hydrating and when I took it off I could feel a slight firming effect.

The next morning I woke up with three new zits in different areas of my face, not happy.

I have a second one of these masks, so I will try it again and will let you know in my part two review if the same thing happened.

Make P:rem

Firming Layering Double Mask

I've tried this mask before, and I've ordered it again which is why this one is unopened.  I've only tried a few things but I am so in love with this brand (try the micro tension cream!).  

One of my favorite things about this mask is that it has ear loops to hold it on to your face and it just fits perfectly.  Plus this one really makes you look like a serial killer, I actually scared my boyfriend while wearing this one.  

I could really feel the firming effects around my eyes and mouth after I removed this and maybe it's a placebo effect but it looks like my mouth wrinkle is less noticeable after this mask.

Whamisa

Organic Fruits & Tomato Fermented Hydrogel Sheet Mask

This mask was weird.

Did I like it? Yes

It's a gel like it states, but for some reason I was not expecting that, so you have to be quite careful applying it as I ended up tearing with my nails a few times.

The smell was okay, not the best though.

You're supposed to wear it for twenty minutes, but I found it so hard as it was sliding all over my face.  But I did find it very hydrating and my skin looked, clarified? I think that's the word I want.

Just a heads up that the packaging looks like it has changed from what I have pictured

Polatam

Water Gel Extra Force Moisturizing Sheet Mask

 Another mask from Polatam, so I was a bit nervous after breaking out from the firming one by them.

I love this mask. 

I had no breakouts, it was insanely moisturizing and I love the smell!!  I don't know what the smell actually is but it contains Oak tree sap so I imagine it's that but it reminds of my using my Mom's aloe plant when I was a kid.

I am so happy I purchased two of these.

Wish Formula

Squish-and-Bubble Mesh Mask

This was so cool.

This is actually a cleanser, it comes with a sponge already soaked in solution containing Vitamin C and AHAs.

You squish it and out comes the cleanser all nice and bubbly.

I found it did a great job at cleansing and exfoliating, but I would definitely apply a moisturizer right after so you don't dry out your skin.

On the website it says you can use this up to three times per week, but I was unsure if it was the same sponge or if you'd have to buy a bunch of them.  They do make one for the body too which I really want to try!

I still have seven new masks to try out before I post another review and I'll also update you on any duplicates I have if there is a different reaction.

Have you tried anything from Glow Recipe? 

Let me know in the comments!

[I ended up playing with the font after I published this and now it's super tiny. I am in the process of fixing it.]

My Current Skincare Routine 2018

 I feel like I change my skincare routine every 6 months or so.  I'm not sure if it's a good thing, but this is what is working for me right now.  I feel like I say this every time I post a skincare routine, but I don't think my skin has ever looked so good as it does right now.  It probably helps that I had my first facial last weekend too.

 I first start by wetting my face and using my Foreo Luna mini 2 with my Aveeno Positively Radiant face wash.  If it's the end of the day and I've been wearing makeup I use the Equate brand of eye makeup remover (same as the Neutrogena one) and then go in with Clinique's Take the Day Off cleansing balm.

 The mask I've been using the most lately is the Aveeno 60 Second In Shower Facial, it makes my skin so smooth and I love the convenience of using it in the shower.  In the morning I like to use The Ordinary's hyaluronic acid as a base, but if I having a bad skin day I will use The Ordinary's Salicylic Acid 2% first and the the hyaluronic acid.  At night I like to use Niod's Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid, for some more intense moisturizing.  Alternating nights I go for The Ordinary's Lactic Acid 10% ( I couldn't live without this!)  

I've been really loving the Dr.Botanical's Moroccan Rose Superfood Facial Oil as a last step after moisturizer during the day.

 Ever since I had a rash on my cheeks last year I've been scared to stray from my Eucerin Replenishing Face Cream, so it'll probably stay in my routine forever.

The two eye creams I'm using at the moment are my beloved Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Resist24 and the Olay Total Effects 7 in one which I've been using for about a month and liking so far.

Olay's Regenerist Luminous Facial Oil has been a staple, if I'm not applying the Dr.Botanicals oil I'm applying this one night and day.  I've just been loving using oils lately and I would suggest you try it out.

To finish off my face I spray some of Omorovicza's Queen of Hungary Mist.

I never ever thought I would rely on a facial mist but this has changed my mind.  When my skin is feeling really dehydrated I spray this about four different times through out my routine.  

I honestly think this has changed my skin the most out of everything. 

I have less breakouts, less redness, my skin feels so hydrated and smooth, it's just amazing.

Then I go in with the Hylamide HA Blur on my t-zone and a tiny bit under my eyes to help smooth things out, then I use ThisWorks InTransit Camera Close up all over for a perfect glow.  It's a mask, moisturizer and primer all in one.

I really enjoy using it as a primer and then I spritz a bit more of the mist and I'm done. 

The result, for me, is super glow-y, radiant skin.

My Travel Makeup & Skincare Routine

I recently went to Las Vegas, not far from me but far enough.
Traveling means I get to use up a bunch of my miniature products, which I was psyched for (ask the boyfriend).  It also means that I really need to figure out what makeup products are really essential to me, which was hard because I have a blush palette I love, but it is rather large.

I had a method to my madness.
I packed everything I would normally use, which sounds ridiculous but it was my system, then I went through it all again and asked myself "do I really need this for the three days I'm gone?"
I would narrow it down to if one product could do the work of two, do I need a blush palette when I'm going to be in forty degree Celsius weather?, do I need two highlighters?
The only thing I couldn't get myself to agree on was mascara. . .I brought three. . .did I end up using three? No.  I used the same one every day.

What I started with was excessive. Not pictured, is an eye shadow palette that I brought and used once.  And all I used it for? my inner corner highlight.  I brought a lipstick, but all I ended up using was my Lancome Juicy Shaker (in cotton candy), love these things!  The Nars soft matte complete concealer was awesome for the hot weather and I think I claim it as my all time favorite concealer after this trip.  I just want to mention that I never hear anyone talk about the Buxom lash mascara, I freaking love it.  It never flakes or clumps on me and makes my lashes look so good, I need to invest in the full version.

I thought for sure I would be into wearing a lot of makeup but a)I was wearing sunglasses half the time and b)it was sweltering!  I was more into caring for my skin and hair, as the heat attacked it.

I used my regular shampoo and conditioner, and just transferred them to small containers (hair routine coming soon), but this soy leave-in treatment from SexyHair helped so much while down there.  I am a blush person and I only brought this one from Charlotte Tilbury/Norman Parkinson Color of Youth, and I only used it the first day. My Charlotte Tilbury bronze and glow was a must though, along with the Becca under eye corrector.

I recently used my points to get the First Aid Beauty set at Sephora and have been dying to use these minis and finally got the chance. 
Face cleanser- While it is good and didn't effect my skin in a bad way, I'll pass and stick to my Neutrogena.
Coconut Primer- I am not sure. . .I like the way it felt and the scent wasn't bad, but I just didn't notice much difference if that makes sense. I would save my money.
Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum- I liked this quite a bit, but seeing how I have other serums I like slightly more I'm not buying the full size.
Ultra Repair Cream- I did not like the scent of this but I really like the cream, a lot.  The scent goes away quickly so I may the full size in the future if suddenly Eucerin stops making my favorite.

I brought my bum bum cream by Sol de Janeiro and never used it once!  But trust that I've been using it like crazy since I've been home...plus I did transfer my Brazilian Crush spray into a smaller container to bring on the trip and wore it every day.

Since we've been home I've been embracing a no makeup makeup look more than usual, mostly just concealer, bronzer and highlight.  It feels very summery and I'm loving it.

What are your travel essentials?
Expect a beach post later this week as we're headed out for some waves today!

Just a Little Sephora Haul

I didn't take advantage of the Sephora VIB Rouge sale, as much as I normally do, this year, I do tend to spend a little more during the one in the latter half of the year.
I mostly did a little restocking this time and also wanted to try a couple little things.
First let me just introduce the one thing I bought a week before the sale because I was completely out of eye cream and was waiting to repurchase my more expensive one during the sale.

 Origins Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Bright Dark Circle Minimizer

I actually accepted the help of a girl at Sephora that day (which I never do) while I was stuck between two different Origins eye creams.  I told her I wanted it to be moisturizing and she suggested this one and said it was super brightening too.  I've been using it for a couple weeks and I really love it, definitely a favorite now.

 

Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Intensive Eye Contour Cream

 This is probably my favorite eye cream ever, but with a seventy dollar (Canadian) price tag I'll only purchase it when there is a sale or with Shopper's Drug Mart points.  It is so hydrating, and I notice a difference in the fine lines around my eyes ever since I started using it last year.

L’Occitane Oil Make-Up Remover

 Funny story about this product, I bought the wrong thing.  I meant to buy the Shea Cleansing Oil, which is fabulous and almost ten dollars cheaper for the same amount of product.  I am hoping this works similar or better.

NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer in Vanilla

I was dying to try this concealer ever since it came out but I was too chicken because the drugstore concealers I use are awesome and I was nervous about shade matching.  Luckily the shade is perfect for how pale I am and a little product goes a long way.  Quite a few reviews say this is drying under the eyes, which I agree, but I find as long as you use an eye cream before and don't slather on the concealer you're fine.  

Lancôme Miracle CC Cushion - Color Correcting Primer in Pinky Peach

I already own this but I had to purchase a new one during the sale because I found I cannot live without this.  I would love to try the others but for now this one is working for me.  It brightens under my eyes like crazy and makes me look so awake (which I need).  Out of everything I purchased this is one product I would highly recommend getting.

 

Dior Diorshow Pump‘N’Volume Mascara and CLINIQUE Pretty Easy Liquid Eyelining Pen

I am a fan of the Dior mascaras I've tried in the past so I to give this odd packaging a try, but I have yet to test it out.  I did however quickly test the eyeliner, I was surprised how easy it actually was, like what?  How does that work?  Plus it's super black, which is a must.

 Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer

And the star of the show! I love the Hourglass powders, and with diffused light being my favorite I had to try the bronzer. I don't know how to explain this powder, but it's just such a natural glow/bronze to my skin.  I'd love to get the luminous bronze for Summer when I'm a bit more tan.  Next on my list from Hourglass is a blush!

 That's it for this haul, let me know what you picked up during the sale!

Why I Love The Ordinary

I have a new skincare love.
The Ordinary.

I think I first came across it on well.ca but most of it was sold out, so I did my research and found it also on beautylish.com.

The company is actually Deciem and I've also tried some of their Chemistry and Hylamide line now too.
And they also are the company that does Fountain, which I tried last year and the 'Happy Molecule' definitely made an impact on me.
But this is about The Ordinary.

I own and love the following four products so far: Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%, Salicylic Acid 2% Solution, AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

 I use the Hyaluronic acid every day, twice a day. The lactic acid can be used every night but I've been doing well with every second night.  I use the salicylic acid on any blemishes I have twice a day and it seems to keep them from growing to a monstrous size.  The peeling solution is only recommended to be used twice a week for only 10 minutes and out of fear I follow just that.

I have noticed a dramatic difference in my skin.  It's not been as dry and the peeling solution makes it incredibly smooth and soft.  And after a night of using the lactic acid my skin always looks brighter (I am a lactic acid lover).

Plus the packaging is simple and I love the dropper.  I wish I would've taken a picture of when I received the products, they were all wrapped up in brown paper packaging tied up with string (but seriously).  Not to mention that it's super affordable and made in Canada. And the disclaimer on the website, "DECIEM does not test on animals and does not pay others to do so. For this reason, none of our brands are sold in mainland China since such sales require animal testing for registration purposes."  I mean come on, is this for real?

Oh, and they're coming out with foundation too.
I am just so in love with them so far.

I'm all about buying local, buying Canadian and the fact that this Canadian brand hits it out of the park for me is just awesome. 
Well done!

I am currently purchasing their retinoid. . . 



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Drunk Blogging Part One

I always think about blogging when I drink.
Mostly because I like to write and let's face it, I like to drink.

On the menu tonight is Phillips Blue Buck.
It's one of my favorite beers, just a solid choice and it reminds me of Rock the Shores last summer.
[By the way, Rock the Shores was "postponed" this year.]

While enjoying my beer I have folded laundry (my least favorite chore) and applied self tanner (always a dangerous task whilst drinking)

I know how dangerous it is to self tan while drinking, trust me I've done this before and I feel like it was much worse than how tonight will turn out.  Last time I didn't shower afterwards...I was orange.

Another thing I enjoy doing while enjoying my Monday night beer is online shop.
I have an addiction.

I'm currently on well.ca browsing skincare, and have brought my cart down to about $70 before tax.
Actually that's pretty good, I had two of wet 'n wild's photofocus foundation in there but I guess one sold out.
I so wanted Herbivore's Blue Tansy mask, but that's a little too expensive today.

I'm also waiting on an order from beautylish.
I'm going to try some skincare products from Deciem's The Ordinary, I'll let you know how that goes.

I told you I had an addiction.

In a week is the Sephora VIB rouge sale...so expect a big haul soon, either in blogpost or video form.
I really meant to film a lot this past week, but whenever I went to do it I felt awkward or I could hear the landlord.  Plus I've had dermatitis so my skin looks like sh*t.

Tomorrow I'm going to head into the city and check out Wholefoods with my Mom, probably some clothing stores too (not that I need any).

I feel like I'm still trying to figure out my style, I wanted to be 'stylish' but I'm an athleisure girl all the way.  I love my TNA tops, my Talula leggings, and a good ol' pair of Guess jeans paired with my favorite Wilfred sweater.

Okay, I think it's time for a snack and maybe to binge watch '13 Reasons Why'.  I read the book in about 5 hours (way back in 2007) but it's taking me days to get through the show, it's good but I just loved the book.
What are you watching on Netflix at the moment?

Game Changers: Skincare

What skin care or makeup products have come into your life and been complete game changers?
I seriously want to know, so leave a comment below and fill me in on these magical items!

I am very much skin care (which I feel like I say every time I do a beauty related post) so mine are mostly skin care items, but I do have a few makeup items too.
Let's just get into it.

1. Forever and always the Neutrogena Pore Refining face wash.  I can always tell when I've been neglecting this product and always end up back to it after trying out new things.

2. Foreo Luna Mini 2.  I just bought this 2 weeks ago.  I'm in love.  It feels so good and gentle on the skin plus my face is so soft after.  It just makes me feel like I'm doing something to my skin.

3. Another cleansers I've been trying out is the Kiehls Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash and I really love this as just a gentle everyday cleanser.

4. Kiehl's Midnight Recovery oil.  I hate the smell of this but my skin thanks me in the morning which a beautiful glow.

5. Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye is a great eye cream and I have noticed a difference around my eyes.  I wake up with brighter eyes in the morning and it hydrates pretty well too!

6. Kiehl's Hydro Plumping Re-texturizing Serum Concentrate.
I received a sample of this and fell in love, so of course I bought the full size.  It is super hydrating and I love the light feel of it on my skin.

7. A cream I've been using for a couple years now is the Origin's Ginseng Cream.  My skin likes this,  I like it.  It moisturizes but doesn't feel heavy.  Unfortunately I am getting bored and want to try something knew.

8. Fresh eye cream.  This stuff.  I didn't want to repurchase it (hello, poor) but the delicate skin around my eyes drink it up.

9. Caudalie Instant Detox mask.  I have tried quite a few face masks and have my handful that I love, but this one is my all time favorite.  When I first tried it a year ago, I broke out the next day and vowed to never use it again, but hello, $40 is a lot for a mask, so I read up on it and tried it again.  "Instant Detox" means it's going to draw the toxins out of your skin and bring them to the surface (pimples), so this made much more sense.  Now I use this mask about once a week and my skin thanks me.

10.  Paula's Choice Skin Perfect 2% BHA Liquid.  I feel lost without this stuff. I use it before I apply moisturizers and serums in the morning and I am almost positive this is what keeps my skin so clear.

11. Frank's coffee body scrub (not pictured) and lip scrub.  I like trying the different scents (coconut, mint, chocolate etc) but I can do with the original as I am a coffee fiend and love the smell!  Plus it makes my skin oh so soft.  The lip scrub smells soooo good and feels so good on the lips!


12. I have two favorites to go at thirteen and that is because they are so freaking expensive and I usually only get them as samples!  Sunday Riley Good Genes, my god I would buy this stuff all the time if I could.  I bought a full size once and I think it lasted 3 months?  My skin loved it, I loved it, everyone involved was happy with this product. . . and then the price went up because of our sucky dollar.  Lancome Genefique, I've had 3 samples of this.  This first time I received it I never bothered with it for months until a lady said it was the most amazing thing ever. Now I love it but can't swallow the price.

14. Lastly, two makeup removers! I have repurchased the Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover countless times and it is just the best for getting rid of stubborn mascara or eyeliner.

15. A new favorite is the L'Occitane Cleansing Oil. I freaking love this stuff! It's so good at removing a full face of makeup without having to rub at the eyes, it literally melts off your face. I love it.

I hope you enjoyed this! And Please let me know your game changers in the comments.
Have a great week!