REVIEW: Physician’s Formula the Perfect Matcha 3-in-1 Melting Balm

July 10, 2019July 8, 2019 MICHXMASHLeave a comment

Let me start off this post by saying: It’s not a dupe for Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm.

Sure, they’re both balms, they’re both green, and they share less than 10 ingredients, but that’s pretty much all you’ll find in common with them.

As per the title, I will be more detailed about PF’s Matcha 3-in-1 Melting Balm, but along the way I will make comments about Farmacy’s Green Clean.

CLAIMS

WHAT IT IS:
An ultra gentle 3-in-1 cleansing balm that melts away makeup, deeply cleans away impurities and leaves the skin fully supple and hydrated.

WHY IT’S GOOD FOR YOU:

Antioxidant-packed and enriched with Matcha Green Tea, Bamboo Shoot, and Lotus Extract.

Physician’s Formula Offical Website

Price: $14.99 CAD
Amount: 1.40 oz / 40g
Price per oz: ~$10.7 CAD

At first glance it looks like the best bang for your buck, right? Let’s compare to be sure:

Farmacy Green Clean MINI size
Price: $28 CAD
Amount: 1.7 oz / 50 ml
Price per oz: ~16.47 CAD

Farmacy Green Clean FULL size
Price: $44 CAD
Amount: 3.2 oz / 90 ml
Price per oz: ~$13.75 CAD

As we can see, PF is more cost effective than the Farmacy Green Clean full size by $3.05 CAD, and I’m surprised at the price per oz for the Farmacy Green Clean Mini!

INGREDIENTS

Skincarisma

FARMACY GREEN CLEAN MELTAWAY CLEANSING BALM INGREDIENTS: Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Peg-10 Isostearate, Polyethylene, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Amino Esters-1, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Amber Powder, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Moringa Pterygosperma Seed Extract, Disodium Phosphate, Citric Acid.

PF 3-IN-1 MELTING BALM INGREDIENTS: CETYL ETHYLHEXANOATE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, SORBETH-30 TETRAOLEATE, PEG-5 GLYCERYL TRIISOSTEARATE, PEG-10 ISOSTEARATE, POLYETHYLENE, FRAGRANCE/PARFUM, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF POWDER*, PHYLLOSTACHYS EDULIS SHOOT WATER**, NELUMBO NUCIFERA FLOWER EXTRACT***, CITRUS NOBILIS (MANDARIN ORANGE) PEEL OIL, WATER/EAU, PHENOXYETHANOL, SORBITAN SESQUIOLEATE, POLYGLYCERYL-10 OLEATE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, LACTIC ACID, SODIUM BENZOATE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, POTASSIUM SORBATE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, HEXYLENE GLYCOL, MALTODEXTRIN, YELLOW 5 (CI 19140), BLUE 1 (CI 42090). *MATCHA, **BAMBOO, ***LOTUS

CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF POWDER: antioxidant

PHYLLOSTACHYS EDULIS SHOOT WATER: skin-soothing, antioxidant

NELUMBO NUCIFERA FLOWER EXTRACT: skin-soothing, antioxidant

Sure, there’s some similar ingredients, especially the base of the balms. However, the exprience of each is completely different!

EXPERIENCE

SCENT: Light, artificial pear scent. Notice how for PF it just says parfum and Green Clean actually lists the fragrance derived ingredients.

TEXTURE: Thick balm.

Top: Farmacy Green Clean, Bottom: Physician’s Formula3-in-1

APPLICATION: Scoop of a nickel-quarter size amount for my face and neck. I’d use the latter amount if I was wearing a lot of makeup that day. Melts quickly and keeps a fairly melted, vaseline-like consistency.

PF melted

Farmacy melted

FINISH: No residue or heavy moisture.

INSTANT RESULTS: No residue and skin is left feeling calm.

LONG-TERM RESULTS: Nothing crazy to report.

FINAL THOUGHTS

For a Western drugstore brand, Physician Formula the Perfect Matcha 3-in-1 Melting Balm is a nice makeup remover balm. Also the ingredients are not that bad. I’d have to say though, after trying Farmacy Green Clean Meltaway Cleansing Balm in rotation, the experience is totally different. FG feels more luxe, whereas PF just feels like a standard, no fuss balm. Also, Farmacy doesn’t use dyes to get the green colour 😉 So out of the two, I’d still choose Farmacy Green Clean, but I still recommend Physician’s Formula the Perfect Matcha 3-in-1 Melting Balm for those looking for a drugstore alternative!

What do you guy’s think of Physician’s Formula new skincare? I’m glad drugstore brands are coming out with better skincare products and more options for us to choose from!

xo, M

WHERE TO BUY:
iHerb
Shoppers Drug Mart

REVIEW: Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm

REVIEW: Horace Jewelry Hariet Barrette

July 8, 2019July 7, 2019 MICHXMASHLeave a comment

Products were sent for review purposes.
This post is NOT sponsored.
I give my honest opinion, always *casts doe patronus*

été à montréal

Hey everyone, since I’m now starting to talk about haircare more and mention a LOT of Canadian products, I figured hair accessories made in Canada definitely have a place for a post on my blog!

Horace Jewelry is a local Canadian brand founded in Montreal by two friends Alexandra Cloutier-Bernier and Marie-Josée Fleury. Their foundations are based on their love for jewelry creation back in their youth. It was all for fun back then, and it’s awesome to see that Horace Jewelry is a product of something they’re both passionate about! Since 2012, Horace Jewelry provides hand-made affordable, timeless, quality products made to last.

The owners were kind enough to send me one of their Summer 2019 pieces to try out, their Hariet Barrette! I’m fairly simple with my hair style (A.K.A. just blow-drying) so I was excited to include a beautiful hair accessory in my everyday life.

hariet

PRICE: $8 each
MATERIALS: Metal and acetate
LENGTH: 7.5cm
COLOURS: Tortoise, Pink, and White (the one I received)
METAL: Gold plated
OTHER CLAIMS: Doesn’t tarnish, water-resistant

ABOUT MY HAIR: Long, straight, thick (not coarse strands).

FEEL: It’s light and feels pretty sturdy, nothing at all similar to a weightless plastic feel.

EXPERIENCE: Surprisingly holds my hair enough that I can keep the top half back and in check. I tried using it on the side, but I don’t have enough hair to keep it in place. I prefer using it the way I have it in the photo, or above a low bun.

fin

Overall the Hariet Barrette feels like a pretty solid piece, especially since I tend to break hair accessories within 2 weeks :3

I was browsing their collection to get an over-all feel of their brand, and I’m happy to report to the minimalists out there that they are lovely, clean, and not overly costume-like pieces! Even the most decorative of pieces are not intimidating and look well balanced.

They offer a variety of jewelry aside from hair accessories, with gold, pink or .925 silver plated options from their line.

If you’re a fellow Canadien/Canadienne, be sure to check out this local brand if you’re looking to find fairly affordable and quality hair accessories!

WHERE TO BUY:
Horace Jewelry Official Website

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

July 7, 2019July 8, 2019 MICHXMASHLeave a comment

ABOUT:

“Ultraviolet rays alter the skin’s DNA by breaking its nucleus. They also weaken the immune system. This increases the risks of genetic mutation, tumors, and skin cancer. By favoring free radicals and destroying collagen, UVAs can also contribute to premature signs of aging of the skin. That is why dermatologists recommend the daily application of high (SPF 50+) photoprotection against UVAs and UVBs. At Bioderma, we respond to your skin’s needs. Our Photoderm line erects a double barrier to encourage its immunity against the sun: the best of external protection as well as unique, patented and laboratory-tested Cellular Bioprotection®. Among our products made with organo-mineral, anti-UV filters, Photoderm Milk SPF 50+ offers a large spectrum of protection. Used according to the instructions and with other sun protection measures, the risk of skin cancer and premature aging of the skin caused by the sun is decreased. Also, Photoderm Milk SPF 50+ protects sun-dried skin against environmental aggressors.”

ADDITIONAL CLAIMS:,

Suitable for babies, children, teens, adult, face, and body
Smooth texture
Colourless upon application
No greasy effect
No white traces
Excellent tolerance FPS 60/UVA 42
Fragrance-free
Paraben-free
Waterproof
Photostable
Non-comedogenic
Hypoallergenic
Moisturizing

Price: $27.90 CAD
Amount: 100ml

UV FILTERS & INGREDIENTS:

Type: Chemical
Octocrylene 10%
Bisoctrizole (Tinosorb M) 6%
Avobenzone 5%
Bemotrizinol (Tinosorb S) 2.5%

Protection: UVA/UVB
Strength: SPF 50, PPD 42

INACTIVE:

Aqua, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Cyclopentasiloxane, C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, C20-22 Alcohols, Decyl Glucoside, Cyclohexasiloxane, Pentylene Glycol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Chlorphenesin, Disodium Edta, Sodium Hydroxide, Propylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Mannitol, Ectoin, Fructooligosaccharides, Xylitol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Rhamnose, Laminaria Ochroleuca.

CONSISTENCY: Runny cream.

FRAGRANCE: No noticeable scent.

APPLICATION: Glides on skin very easily and feels light.

FINISH: Shiny! Skin looks slightly even-toned as well.

FEEL: It’s like I added extra moisturizer on my skin.

STINGS EYES? No.

WHITECAST / TINTED? You’d think a chemical sunscreen wouldn’t leave a cast, but Tinosorb M is the culprit behind it since it’s a white powder like Zinc Oxide (althought I’m sure both powders have their differences). I find the cast is more prominent when I apply this sunscreen on my face rather than my body.

WATER RESISTANT? No.

SKIN BENEFITS?
Quite a high UVA protection, so this will definitely help those that wish to fade pigmentation.

UNDER MAKEUP:
I do not wear this on it’s own under foundation. I usually let it sit for 10-15 minutes before I go in with a separate primer.

WHERE TO BUY:
Photoderm seems to be in Canada only, where I know there is Photoderm Max floating around in the world.
Shoppers Drug Mart

PROS:

Awesome UVA protection due to it being formulated with some saught after photostable UV filters for us sunscren connoisseurs – Tinosorb M and S! So happy to know that these filters are accepted in Canada and easily available to purchase at a local drugstore!
Personally I find it’s a great amount for the price, and there’s usually a sale on it
Can use on face and all over body for any age

CONS:

Why whitecast, why!?
Looks very shiny, even when applied on body
Oily-skinned peeps will hate this

Despite the cast and the shine, I am really enjoying the Bioderma Photoderm SPF 50+ Milk High Protection! Now that summer’s here, it’s been my go-to daily sunscreen, especially since I don’t reapply too often in the office. I’m a bit confused about what the difference could be between this and the Photoderm Max, potentially no cast? Let me know if you’ve tried the latter and how it works for you!

xo, M

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SUNSCREEN SUNDAY:
SUNSCREEN SUNDAY #1: Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence SPF 50+ PA++++
Sunscreen Sunday #2: CANMAKE Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50+ PA++++
SUNSCREEN SUNDAY #3: Bare Republic Tinted Mineral Face SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion
SUNSCREEN SUNDAY #4: Neostrata Defend Sheer Physical Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Matte-Finish Tinted Sunscreen PA++++

SUNSCREEN SUNDAY #6: Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 Tinted Face Lotion

July 7, 2019 MICHXMASHLeave a comment

ABOUT:

“The Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 Tinted Face Mineral Lotion is more than just powerful sun protection – it’s gentle care for your skin. This non-chemical sunscreen lotion delivers a refreshingly luxurious, powdery-clean feel, while the subtle tint seamlessly blends into any skin tone yet washes away with water. Specially designed for sensitive facial skin, this lotion won’t clog pores and is fragrance free. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants from native Australian botanical ingredients, it allows you to enjoy the sun your way, protected from both UVA and UVB rays, and water resistant for up to 80 minutes.”

ADDITIONAL CLAIMS:

A powder-like matte finish that’s never greasy
Australian Botanicals: Kakadu Plum, Eucalyptus and Red Algae form a unique combination of antioxidant rich botanicals
Oxybenzone Free, Paraben Free, Phthalate Free, PABA Free, Petrolatum Free, SLS (Sulfate) Free, Dye Free and Oil Free
Hypoallergenic
Dermatologist and Pediatrician Tested
Not tested on animals
Fragrance Free for use on even the most delicate skin
Gluten Free
Water Resistant up to 80 mins

Price: $23.49 CAD / $14.99 USD
Amount: 89ml / 3fl oz

UV FILTERS:

Type: Mineral
Zinc Oxide 4%
Titanium Dioxide 4%

Protection: UVA/UVB
Strength: SPF 50

INACTIVE INGREDIENTS:

Alumina, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetyl Peg/Ppg-10/1 Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Disodium Edta, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Hexyl Laurate, Iron Oxides, Panthenol, Peg-10 Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Polymethysilsesquioxane, Porphyra Umbilicalis (Red Algae) Extract, Silica, Squalane, Stearic Acid, Terminalia Ferdinandiana (Kakadu Plum) Fruit Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethoxycaprylysilane, Water

CONSISTENCY: Surprisingly thin cream

FRAGRANCE: No noticeable scent. Although it claims it’s fragrance free, there’s still Eucalyptus leaf extract in the list, which has a scent in general.

APPLICATION: Because of the texture, I try to work in sections and layer as I go to get an adequate amount to cover my face.

FINISH: Matte and smoothing.

FEEL: I wouldn’t say it feels like I have nothing on the skin, but it’s still fairly light. For my normal to dry skin, sometimes it does feel too drying, especially when I used this in the winter time.

STINGS EYES? No.

WHITECAST / TINTED? A bit of both. Seems to blend in okay at first, but the more you layer the more noticeably a cast gets.

WATER RESISTANT? Yes – 80 minutes.

SKIN BENEFITS?
Antioxidants are always a nice-to-have in SPF, and it also contains Panthenol (pro-Vitamin B35 to help hold moisture.

UNDER MAKEUP:
Probably the best sunscreen to wear under makeup! It grips to your base like other mineral sunscreens, but it adds a blurring effect!

WHERE TO BUY:
Ulta
Amazon.ca

PROS:

Lightish feel
Acts as an awesome primer
Great price for the amount you get
Water-resitant for 80 minutes

IN BETWEEN FEELS:

Mattifying
Sometimes an okay tint for my skin tone / undertone

Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 Tinted Face Lotion is an excellent affordable mineral sunscreen with a tint that’s suitable for some skin types. Although the finish is more suitable for those with oily skin and the tint can still appear grey, it performs well as an SPF and as a day time primer if I need my makeup to last all day! Dry-skinned peeps beware – this won’t be suitable for you in dry climates.

xo, M

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SUNSCREEN SUNDAY #5: CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

July 7, 2019July 6, 2019 MICHXMASHLeave a comment

Product was sent to me for review purposes.

ABOUT:

“Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 provides UV protection while helping to restore the protective skin barrier. This lightweight, with a matte finish and non-greasy lotion, with 3 essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, provides all day hydration after just one use.”

ADDITIONAL CLAIMS:

For normal to oily skin
Suitable for sensitive skin

Price: $17.99 CAD / USD
Amount: 50ml

UV FILTERS:

Type: Chemical
Homosalate 10%
Octisalate 5%
Avobenzone 3%
Octocrylene 2.7%

Protection: UVA/UVB
Strength: SPF 30

INACTIVE INGREDIENTS:

Aqua, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, SodiumAcryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Crosspolymer, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Citric Acid, t-Butyl Alcohol, Ceramide NP, Phenoxyethanol, Ceramide AP, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramide EOP

CONSISTENCY: Light lotion

FRAGRANCE: No noticeable sent.

APPLICATION: Spreads easily and doesn’t feel greasy.

FINISH: Not matte, but not overly shiny or greasy. Nice subtle glow compared to other sunscreens I’ve tried.

FEEL: Light and surprisingly moisturizing for my normal-dry skin.

STINGS EYES? Another surprise, it does not!

WHITECAST / TINTED? No.

WATER RESISTANT? No.

SKIN BENEFITS?
I love Cerave for the ceramids and essential fatty acids, but I’m still surprised that this is able to moisturize my skin well! Probably because 1) The amount I use 2) It’s very lightweight.

UNDER MAKEUP:
I haven’t been wearing foundation lately, but this doesn’t have a very greasy finish, so I can see it sitting fine underneath makeup.

WHERE TO BUY:
Ulta
Shopper Drug Mart

PROS:

Light feel
Doesn’t sting my skin or eyes
A good drugstore SPF option
Able to add additional moisture to skin

IN BETWEEN FEELS:

SPF 30 – This isn’t bad, but I’m a SPF 50 kinda gal
On a bit of the pricier side for a drugstore SPF

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 knocks its sister sunscreen, the AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 out of the park! It is way more cosmetically elegant and enjoyable to use strictly because it doesn’t feel greasy and it doesn’t pill! This is a great additional product to their line and I recommend this to any skin type.

xo, M

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