SUNSCREEN SUNDAY #8: Dermalogica Prisma Protect SPF 30 Moisturizer

January 26, 2020January 26, 2020 MICHXMASHLeave a comment

Product is a PR Sample provided for review purposes.
All opinions are my own, always *casts doe patronus*

DERMALOGICA PRISMA PROTECT SPF 30 MOISTURIZER

Light-activated multitasking moisturizer provides broad spectrum defense while preventing future signs of skin damage. Intelligent drone technology is activated by visible light to help boost skin’s natural luminosity. Breakthrough antioxidant technology helps protect skin against pollution. Broad Spectrum Defense SPF30 provides protection from UV damage, while a bio-ferment from sage helps maintain an even skin tone. Advanced moisture magnets provide all-day hydration for visibly smooth skin.

Gluten-free
Vegan
No artificial fragrances and colours
Paraben-free
Cruelty-free

Price: $89 CAD
Amount: 50ml

UV FILTERS & INGREDIENTS:

Type: Organic / Chemical
Homosalate 10%
Octocrylene 10%
Ethylhexyl Salicylate (Octisalate) 5%
Avobenzone 3%

Protection: UVA/UVB
Strength: SPF 30

FULL INGREDIENTS LIST:

Water/Aqua/Eau, Silica, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Coconut Alkanes, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Dimethyl Capramide, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Saccharide Isomerate, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Oil, Sclareolide, Tocopherol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, PEG-100 Stearate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Arachidyl Alcohol, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Behenyl Alcohol, Benzyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Xanthan Gum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Arachidyl Glucoside, Ethylhexylglycerin, Methicone, Sodium Hydroxide, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Caprylyl Glycol, Propanediol, Geraniol, Limonene, Citral, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol

From my -skinthusiast- perspective…

From my understanding, Drone Technology refers to encapsulating an ingredient for better penetration into the skin. There are a few beneficial antioxidants in the formula such as Green Tea Leaf Extract and Vitamin E, as well as Palmitoyl Oligopeptide for anti-aging that I suspect may be the encapsulated ingredients. In terms of luminosity, there’s no standout ingredient to tell me this would add a luminous boost other than the fact that there are more than a handful of moisturizing ingredients to help achieve the look.

Moisturizing (humectants, emollients): Butylene Glycol, Coconut Alkanes, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Arachidyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Methicone, Caprylyl Glycol
Antioxidant: Tocopherol, Camelllia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate
Peptide: Palmitoyl Oligopeptide

INCIDecoder breakdown

EXPERIENCE

PACKAGING: Tube with squeeze spout.

CONSISTENCY: Cream.

FRAGRANCE: Ginger Root Oil, Geraniol, Linomene, Citral. It’s a very light scent and not unpleasant. Smells like a high-end Western SPF.

APPLICATION: Glides on skin very easily.

FINISH: As the product describes, luminous. Not too much and not too little.

FEEL: It’s like I added extra moisturizer on my skin. My face feels a bit hot.

STINGS EYES? Yes.

WHITECAST / TINTED? No.

WATER RESISTANT? No.

SKIN BENEFITS?
Adds extra moisture to the skin, has antioxidants from vitamin E and Green Tea Leaf Extract to protect skin against free radicals, and Palmitoyl Oligopeptide to help with skin’s firmness.

UNDER MAKEUP:
Currently in winter mode, this SPF feels great under makeup and doesn’t dry out my face.

FINAL THOUGHTS

PROS:

As expected from Dermalogica, cosmetically elegant
Provides extra moisture and some preventative aging benefits
Any skin type can use it, you would just havee to adjust it accordingly in your skincare routine

CONS:

$$$$$$
Skin felt heated shortly after application

IN-BETWEEN FEELS

As mentioned in prior posts, I’m more of an SPF50+ kinda gal. For the price I really would’ve liked to see that in a Dermalogica sunscreen.

Overall the Dermalogica Prisma Protect SPF 30 Moisturizer is a decent sunscreen. It’s not my typical go to because of the price and the UV filters, but for a North American sunscreen it performs very well; It is definitely not as greasy as other Avobenzone sunscreens I have tried and I found it moisturizing. There are definitely affordable options with better UV filters if you’re willing to purchases internationally, but if Dermalogica is in your price point and you want a nice-feeling Western sunscreen with organic UV filters, the Prisma Protect SPF 30 is it.

WHERE TO BUY:
Sephora

This is an affiliate link. If you click on this link and make a purchase, I earn a small commission. Thank you so much if you decide to use it! If you feel uncomfortable, feel free to google a new link.

Hope you found this post helpful and informative!

xo, M

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SUNSCREEN SUNDAY #7: Bioderma Photoderm SPF 50+ Milk High Protection

REVIEW: Laneige Cream Skin Refiner

January 21, 2020January 22, 2020 MICHXMASH2 Comments

Raise your hand if Youtube made you buy it! Now available in Canada, I purchased the Laneige Cream Skin Refiner/Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer shortly after it first launched. I was very intrigued by the reviews of this product, for it seemed like a thoughtful product with a simple yet effective formulation.

CLAIMS

A two-in-one formula that preps and softens like a toner and moisturizes like a cream for maximum hydration benefits in one simple step.

Using Cream Blending technology™, Cream Skin contains the same moisturization as a jar of cream, made into the lightweight texture of a toner. The specialized white tea leaves are harvested once a year and grown in the shade, meaning more amino acids to strengthen, moisturize, and soothe skin.

Clinical Results: In a consumer testing study of 30 female participants aged in their 20’s:
– 86.67% of respondents perceived a rich feeling of moisture when applied
– 90% of respondents felt the product relieved skin of dryness after 2 weeks of usage
– 93% of respondents felt skin was moisturized after use after 2 weeks of usage

– Sephora.com

Price: $43 CAD
Amount: 150ml

Canadian/U.S. Name: Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer
For all skin types
Dryness, Dullness, and Uneven Texture skin concerns
Lightweight Liquid
Free of parabens, phthalates, and mineral oil
Contains less than one percent of synthetic fragrances
White Leaf Tea Water: Rich in amino acids to strengthen the skin barrier, moisturize, and soothe

INGREDIENTS

Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl- 10 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Propanediol, Disodium Edta, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol

Total number of ingredients: 15

From my -skinthusiast- perspective…

This toner is mostly emollient focused, so it is on the slightly richer side of hydrating toners/essences, while incorporating Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract and Tocopherol (vitamin E) for antioxidant benefits. Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is also anti-inflammatory and helps reduce pore size (yay), so despite the non-super fancy formula, don’t let that deter you from thinking the Laneige Cream Skin Refiner doesn’t pack a good punch to your skin! The claimed standout ingredient is that this product uses White Tea Leaf; Liah Yoo did an informative video on why this form of Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is more special.

Moisturizing: Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Propanediol
Antioxidant: Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol

INCIDecoder breakdown

EXPERIENCE

USAGE: 2 layers in the morning after cleansing.

TEXTURE: Thin, like water!

APPLICATION: Shake, apply nickel-size amount with hands. Since it’s watery, I apply fast.

SCENT: None.

FINISH: Surprisingly moisturized, as if I just finished applying a moisturizer rather than an essence.

SHORT-TERM RESULTS: Skin is relieved of dehydration and feels softer.

LONG-TERM RESULTS: Helps maintain moisture throughout the day.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The Laneige Cream Skin Refiner is an impressive product in terms of quality, quantity, innovation and results! It a simple product, but performs like nothing else in my skincare routine. When I need that big boost of moisture without using a lot of layers, the Laneige Cream Skin Refiner is my go-to. I think any skin type can benefit from this product, provided you use it according to your specific skin needs!

WHERE TO BUY:
YesStyle
Sephora

These are affiliate links. If you click on the link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission. Thank you if you decide to use it! If you feel uncomfortable, feel free to google a new link.

I hope you found my review helpful and informative!

xo, M

REVIEW: Klairs Fundamental Watery Oil Drop

January 14, 2020January 22, 2020 MICHXMASHLeave a comment

It’s been a hot minute since I last reviewed a Klairs product! Since my brand review, they have introduced a few new lines in their collection, one being the Fundamental Line – Skincare Line achieved with premium formulation.

Wishtrend sent me the Klairs Fundamental Watery Oil Drop to try out, and I’m ready to share my thoughts!

Product is a PR sample and provided for review purposes.
Links provided are affiliate links. This means if you click the link and use it to make a purchase, I make a small commission. Thank you if you decide to use them! If you do not feel comfortable, feel free to Google a new link.
All thoughts are my own, always *casts doe patronus*

CLAIMS

The Klairs Fundamental Watery Oil Drop is a water-based serum with the rich hydration of a facial oil. It is recommended to those who want all the benefits of an oil product without the oily finish. It holds a non-sticky texture that absorbs effectively on the skin. Also, consisting high effective formulation such as Green Tea, Ferment Extracts, Ceramide and Peptides, it not only provides antioxidant care but improves skin regeneration and acts as an anti-aging solution.

Price: $31 USD
Amount: 50 ml
How to use: After cleansing and toning, apply 2-3 drops of the Watery Oil Drop on the face and massage from the face down to the neck.

Made in Korea
Made for all skin types
Cruelty-free
Vegan
Free of ethanol, silicone, steroid (whut?), artificial colouring, artificial fragrance

INGREDIENTS

Aqua(Water), Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Bifida Ferment Extract, Betaine, Dipropylene Glycol, Sorbitol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Aspergillus/Rice Ferment Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, Arginine, Carbomer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Ceramide NP, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Copper Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

Total number of Ingredients: 28

From my -skinthusiast- perspective…

I like the ingredient list for what it’s meant to do – a great selection of moisturizing ingredients (mostly humectant rich) paired with antioxidants and skin-soothers to help calm down sensitized skin and maintain skin health:

Moisturizing: Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Sorbitol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Bifida Ferment Extract, Betaine, Aspergillus/Rice Ferment Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Arginine, Ceramide NP, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Copper Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Antioxidant: Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Copper Tripeptide-1
Soothing/Anti-Inflammatory: Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Copper Tripeptide-1

A couple of things that I noticed is that there are more than a handful of ingredients that help with the texture of the product, and the preservative Ethylhexylglycerin is halfway in the list. Fortunately, the highlighted ingredients below it typically fall around 1%> of a North American formulation, and I also don’t know how South Korea orders their ingredients (I found this blog post by fanserviced-b that compares U.S. and South Korean laws if you’re interested in the read). Overall this doesn’t bother me too much; The beneficial ingredients are more than half of the product, and the solvents/texture-enhancers seem multifunctional with both moisturizing and improving the formulation, but I thought I’d point it out.

Check out INCIDecoder’s (one of my FAVE reference sites) for a more detailed and professional breakdown!

EXPERIENCE

Packaging: Glass bottle with a dropper.

Usage: Usually I prefer to use antioxidant-based products during the day, but I like mixing this with the Ordinary 10% Niacinamide + 1% Zinc serum and applying it after Differin.

Texture: Surprise surprise, a watery oil! Definitely has more slip compared to the Midnight Blue Youth Activating Drop but not as viscous as the Rich Moist Soothing Serum.

Fragrance: None.

Finish: Very light and there is a film on the skin.

Instant Results: Skin feels smooth, calm and lightly moisturized.

Long-Term Results: Skin rarely feels rough, dehydrated and/or sensitized.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The Klairs Fundamental Watery Oil Drop is overall a great new addition to Klairs’ skincare collection. It embodies the science + nature combo that I enjoy in my skincare products, all the while being gentle and effective for all skin types. I wouldn’t necessarily rely on this for “anti-aging”, but it’s definitely a nice supplemental skincare item to have while using other beneficial (yet sensitizing) anti-aging actives like Vitamin A.

If you’re looking for a light, soothing product that has a bit more oomph to the ingredient list than the classic Hada Labo HA Lotion, check this one out; I actually prefer this serum way more over the Rich Moist Soothing Serum from Klairs as well!

WHERE TO BUY:
Wishtrend
YesStyle

Hope you found this review helpful and informative! I definitely want to get my hands on the Klairs Fundamental Ampule Mist next, the ingredients list

xo, M

RELATED CONTENT:

BRAND REVIEW: Dear, Klairs

I’m Starting Project Pan 2020

January 8, 2020January 14, 2020 MICHXMASHLeave a comment

Hey everyone and Happy New Year! Following suite to my Makeup Faves of 2019 post, I plan on doing a Project Pan for 2020.

In short, I have too much makeup. So much so that while organizing my products in some new organizers my boyfriend got me for Christmas, the anxiety of all the stuff messily placed in my drawer was real.

This year I decided to shop my stash and give Project Pan a go. Hopefully during this process I 1) Use up makeup products 2) Giveaway what I truly think doesn’t work for me to a family member or friend 3) Throw out the old stuff.

For the month of January, I decided to incorporate both new, old, and already panned products. I want to enjoy my new purchases with some items that have been longstading in my collection. With that in mind, here’s my Project Pan, mauve themed!

Items marked with * are PR Samples.
Most links provided are affiliate links via rStyle. This means if you click on the link to make a purchase, I make a small commission. Thank you if you decide to use it! If you feel uncomfortable, feel free to google a new link.

COMPLEXION:

CHEEKS:

EYES:

LIPS:

Are you going to Project Pan this year? Let me know!

xo, M

BEST OF BEAUTY 2019: SKINCARE

January 7, 2020January 17, 2020 MICHXMASHLeave a comment

I’m impressed with myself – this list is somehow shorter than my makeup faves of 2019!

I guess since my skin became more sensitive after using Differin, I became very particular with what I apply on my skin and how much. Below are items I have used super consistently throughout the year (except for the first one lol) that have benefitted my skin’s health!

Items marked with * are PR Samples.
This post contains affiliate links. If you click on this link to make a purchase, I will earn a small commission. Thank you if you decide to use them! If you feel uncomfortable, feel free to google a new link.

MAKEUP REMOVER

Kao Curel Makeup Cleansing Gel

CLEANSER

HYDRATOR

ACTIVES / TREATMENTS

Benzagel 5 Acne Wash
Differin 0.3% Adapalene (Start reading my skin journey here)
Paula’s Choice Clear Acne Body Spray 2% Salicylic Acid

MOISTURIZER / OCCLUSIVE

SUN PROTECTION

I’ve had such a skincare journey, I’m so happy that I can finally hone in on products that work best for my current skin condition (normal to dry, acne prone in case you didn’t know) and show me results in the instant and long-term.

What skincare products have worked excellently for you this year? Let me know!

xo, M