I’m From Pear Soothing Pad and Serum

September 26, 2021September 28, 2021 MICHXMASHLeave a comment

When I first heard I’m From came out with a Pear line, I couldn’t help but raise a brow. I felt like they were really stretching the plant and fruit extracts idea and I didn’t have high expectations.

Now don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love some of their skincare like the I’m From Rice Toner and Serum, as well as their Honey Mask! However these are more traditional ingredients from nature that have quite a track record for their efficacy. Hearing about pear… Well, I thought it was quite random!

I still gave their Pear Soothing Pads and Serum a go, trying to keep an open mind. While pear in general is not my most favourite fruit, it is a sentimental one. Any family gathering on my Korean side would include some Korean Pear my grandmother cut up for the family to enjoy as a snack, and on my Italian side my grandparents had a pear tree growing in their backyard; The first pick always smelled the sweetest!

I have used up the I’m From Pear Soothing Pad and Serum, and am ready to share my thoughts!

Note I am acne-prone, normal to dry skin. I get easily dehydrated from dry environments, and I am also using prescription strength tretinoin and dapsone.

Products are PR Samples. This does not change my opinion of the products.
My thoughts are honest, always *casts patronus*

All shopping links are affiliate links. This means when you use the link to make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra charge to you. Thank you if you decide to use them! If you feel uncomfortable, feel free to search a new link.

I’m From Pear Soothing Pad Description and Ingredients

I’m From Pear Soothing Pad Description

“This soothing pad contains 75% of Wild Pear Leaves, which delivers rich hydration with plant-based hyaluronic acid. With the main ingredient of pear called luteolin, it features an immediate cooling and soothing effect on irritated skin. The 2.55-inch size pad will make the skin moist and smooth with an eco pure cotton pad, leaving a light and fresh finish. Recommended for flushed skin and sensitive skin that needs cooling & hydration.”
Wishtrend.com

Price: $24 USD
Amount: 60 sheets
pH: unknown
Where to Buy:
Wishtrend
YesStyle

I’m From Pear Soothing Pad Ingredients

Pyrus Pyrifolia (Pear) Fruit Extract (75%), Water, Butylene Glycol, Methylpropanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Propanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Allantoin, Arbutin

INCIDecoder

Questionable as it may be, I always appreciate that I’m From products always have a high amount of the star ingredient they’re marketing so we can actually get an idea of what it does for our skin. Their Pear Soothing Pad contains 75% Pear Fruit Extract, which according to the description above and some general information on the interwebs, is mainly a skin-conditioning ingredient. What gives Pear Fruit Extract a bit of oopmh is luteolin, a flavinoid found in a variety of herbs, fruits and veggies that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

There are some classic humectants in the list such as glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid, and hydrolized hyaluronic acid. And of course, “soothing” can’t be in the product name unless there is Panthenol and Allantoin in the mix. The pad also contains arbutin, an antioxidant that helps reduce the formation of pigmentation and brighten skin.

I’m From Pear Serum Description and Ingredients

I’m From Pear Serum Description

“This serum contains 83% Wild Pear Leaves, which soothes and calms the skin as it forms a protective barrier to strengthen the skin. It has a watery, light, non-sticky texture, which replenishes moisture for dehydrated and irritated skin. Recommended for sensitive skin that needs hydration as well as a healthier skin condition.”
Wishtrend.com

Price: $25 USD
Amount: 50ml
pH: 6.1~7.1
Where to Buy:
Wishtrend
YesStyle

I’m From Pear Serum Ingredients

Pyrus Ussuriensis Leaf Extract 83%, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, Water, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycereth-26, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract, Pyrus Pyrifolia (Pear) Fruit Extract (0.1%), Sodium Hyaluronate, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Panthenol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Tromethamine, Sodium Phytate, Allantoin, Dextrin, Xanthan Gum

INCIDecoder

Once again we see a high percentage of Pear as the base of the serum, this time it is a Leaf Extract at 83%. The fruit extract is also found at 0.1%. Goodie humectants glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, hydroxyethyl urea. There’s also a couple of plant extracts – Chondrus Crispus Extract and Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract – that also serve as humectants. Cocoa seed extract has some antioxidant benefits, and of course, Panthenol and Allantoin in the mix for soothing.

My Experience Using I’m From Pear Soothing Pad and Serum

The I’m From Pear Soothing Pad is in a frosted plastic jar with a twist-off cap, whereas the serum counterpart is in a clear glass bottle with a plastic pump and cap.

Inside the I’m From Pear Soothing Pad Jar

I was pleasantly surprised with the I’m From Pear Soothing Pad – the pad itself was very saturated with the formula, and felt very soft when I’d use it in my skincare routine either as a “morning cleanse” in the AM or just as a hydrating toner in the PM. It does have a cooling feeling on my skin and left a good amount of moisture. It’s quite simple, but it does the job. On good skin days, I found the Pear Soothing Pad to be fairly gentle; However if my skin barrier was impaired, I found this stung a bit and I couldn’t use it.

The I’m From Pear Soothing Serum after pumping a bit on the back of hand

The I’m From Pear Serum I am less impressed with – it’s just a slightly more viscous version of the Soothing Pad formula. So overall it performs the same, but for my drier skin type I’d like a hydrating serum to be richer. I noticed on occassion this did sting my face if my skin was feeling a bit more sensitive that day as well. Instead of continuing to use the Pear Serum on my face, I have been applying this it to my scalp prior to a wash and it’s great at soothing my scalp – it even managed to reduce an itchy, red spot I had underneath my baby hairs!

Final Thoughts on I’m From Pear Soothing Pad and Serum

After using up the I’m From Pear Soothing Pad and Serum, my overall feel for them is – take it or leave it. They’re not bad products by any means – they add slight moisture to my skin and have light consistencies, I overall thought they were easy to use. But now that they’re emptied, I don’t have an urge to get them again, they won’t really be missed from my skincare routine – just a check off the list for new skincare products I’ve tried. For the I’m From Pear Soothing Pad, this basic type of performance makes sense and works well, but I was really hoping for some more soothing and moisturizing prowess from the I’m From Pear Serum. I guess if you’re looking for that oomph in an I’m From skincare product, I’ve definitely experienced it with their Rice Serum (reviewed). If you’re very oily skinned and live in a humid climate, the Pear Serum also may be more your preference texture wise. But for my thirsty skin, I felt like I had to use a generous amount for me to feel anything substantial when it came to extra moisture. Also add the fact it didn’t really soothe my skin and actually had a tendency to irritate it further.

As always, I hope you find content like this helpful and informative!

xo, M

Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35 PA+++ (Medium) – SUNSCREEN SUNDAY #21

July 4, 2021July 4, 2021 MICHXMASHLeave a comment

Another Sunday, another sunscreen review! The Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF35 PA+++ was a purchase inspired by many beauty lovers in the bloggersphere! During Black Friday Sales Event 2020, I picked up a couple of tubes of the shade “Medium” and it was simple love at first use.

Information on Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF35 PA+++

“Treat your eyes to Total Eye^® 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35 to visibly improve the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles while protecting the delicate eye area against photoaging with 100% SPF 35 mineral sunscreen.
Brightens and corrects dark circles – in four shades for all skin tones
Cooling applicator aids in reduction of puffiness
Smooths fine lines and wrinkles
Broad Spectrum SPF 35 PA+++ protects against future sun damage
Primes skin for smooth application of eye makeup
Reapply throughout the day as a refresh“
– colorescience.com

Price: $69 USD
Amount: 7ml

UV FILTERS:
Zinc Oxide 6.7% (UVB, UVAII and some UVAI)
Titanium Dioxide 7.9% (UVB and UVAII)

Protection:
UVB: SPF 35
UVA: PA+++ (PPD 8-16), If 1/3rd of UVB protection should be around 11.67.

INACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Aqua/Water, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Cyclopentasiloxane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Glycerin, Panthenol, Mica, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract, Sea Water, Sorbitol, Jojoba Esters, Sodium Hyaluronate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Hydrolyzed Algin, Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract, Betaine, Dunaliella Salina Extract, Asparagopsis Armata Extract, Sucrose, Darutoside, Pantolactone, Tocopherol, Sodium Chloride, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Glyceryl Behenate/Eicosadioate, Dimethicone, Lauroyl Lysine, Dimethiconol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Alumina, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)

Firstly, I originally purchased this because my poor eyes are not patient with me anymore – it does not like all-organic UV filtered sunscreens all up in their business, so I appreciate Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy being all mineral.

Variety of moisturizing ingredients such as various silicones, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Jojoba Esters, Sea Water, Pantolactone, sugar molecules (Sucrose, Betaine, Sorbitol).

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 – cell-communicating ingredient that’s supposed to protect and boost collagen.

Panthenol for soothing and wound-healing.

Silver Ear Fungus Extract and Tocopherol as antioxidants.

Iron Oxides – helps protect the skin against visible light.

My Experience with Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF35 PA+++

PACKAGING: Opaque white plastic bottle with an airless pump, pop-off metal cap and metal applicator.

CONSISTENCY: Thin cream.

FRAGRANCE: None.

APPLICATION: Colorescience recommends using half a pump for your eye area. I find that is around how much I use, but I prefer applying it in 3-4 thin layers to get it to blend and sit on my skin well. The colour originally appears peach after dispensing it, but it blends really well into my skin tone.

FINISH: Depends on skin prep. For me, it tends to sit semi-matte: not too glowy, but not flat matte. When I tried using it on its own as a moisturizing eye SPF, it was more matte.

FEEL: Light, it’s a skin-like finish. It feels lightly tacky even on top of a very moisturized eye area.

STINGS EYES? No! 😀

WHITECAST / TINTED? The Medium shade does have a peachy tint, but it does not translate that way after application. It just looks like a “my skin but better” tone.

WATER RESISTANT? No.

SKIN BENEFITS? Doesn’t really add moisture, but it doesn’t dry out my under eye area either. I like how it doesn’t settle into the bit of creasing I have under my eyes, and it also doesn’t crease on my lids when I get it time to set. It also definitely brightens the eye area after application, but after 20 mins or so that brightness is not as impactful.

UNDER MAKEUP: It does not effect any eye shadow I wear on my mobile lid, under eyes it sits very skin like and am able to apply concealer over top without issue. On it’s own it doesn’t have a crazy amount of coverage, but for me it’s perfect. I haven’t worn foundation as of late and I also don’t have dark under eyes, so I find the light coverage is perfect for my needs, even on days when I haven’t gotten enough sleep.

Final Thoughts on Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF35 PA+++

PROS:

Fairly high protection – over SPF 30, the recommended minimal amount by dermatologists
Easy to apply and reapply the 2mg/cm2 in separate layers
Tint matches skin tone very well
Feels light
Does not sting my eyes
Does not dry out my eye area
Looks very skin-like – If I wear this on it’s own it does not look like I have mineral sunscreen goggles
Can apply makeup on top without it looking cakey

IN-BETWEEN FEELS:

Price! However it seems that this small tube does last a good amount of time
Does not add a lot of moisture under the eyes so I don’t really like using it as a moisturizer with SPF, but fortunately does not dry out the area and it’s probably a better finish for those who are prone to milia

She may be pricey, but from first use I have been impressed with Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF35 PA+++!

WHERE TO BUY:
Colorescience.com *
Dermstore.com *
Skinstore.com *

*Affiliate links. If you click on the link and make a purchase, I earn a small commission. Thank you if you decide to use them!

As, always I hope you found this post helpful and informative!

xo, M

elmt Gentle Exfoliating Solution & Advanced Calming Solution Review

May 17, 2021May 17, 2021 MICHXMASHLeave a comment

elmt is a new, exclusive skincare brand from Wishtrend, an online retailer of Korean skincare. I was sent the Gentle Exfoliating Solution and Advanced Calming Solution to test out and I’m ready to share my thoughts!

For reference, I am acne prone, normal to dry skin. I am currently using 0.1% Tretinoin in my skincare routine so my skin is a bit sensitive as well. I used these solutions as my sole hydrator in my skincare routine for a couple of weeks on their own after rotating them in my skincare routine first to make sure I had no reactions.

Products are PR Samples. This does not change my opinion of the products.
My thoughts are honest, always *casts doe patronus*

About elmt Gentle Exfoliating Solution and Advanced Calming Solution

elmt Gentle Exfoliating Solution

“This solution gently but effectively exfoliates the complexion while keeping it moisturized and supple all at once. The Gentle Exfoliating Solution is formulated with AHA and vitamin C, which work together to remove dead skin cells to uncover your skin’s inner glow. To help balance the exfoliating properties, an antioxidant-rich super berry complex composed of 49.02% blueberry and raspberry extracts reduces inflammation and irritation, while also promoting cell turnover. All combined, you have a great daily exfoliator.”
Wishtrend.com

Price: $20 USD
Amount: 150ml
pH: 3.0~4.0
Where to Buy:
Wishtrend, use “MICHXMASH15” for 15% off

elmt Advanced Calming Solution

“This lightweight, liquid-type solution doubles as a toner and serum that quickly absorbs into the skin to deliver a calming, regenerative experience for irritated skin. Enriched with more than 59.12% Centella Asiatica extract, a superstar ingredient highly lauded for thousands of years as a part of reparative skincare in Asia, and snow fungus-derived polysaccharides, which keeps the skin moisturized and comfortable, the Advanced Calming Solution is a one-stop solution to hydrate, heal and soothe.”
Wishtrend.com

Price: $20 USD
Amount: 150ml
pH: 5.0~6.0
Where to Buy:
Wishtrend, use “MICHXMASH15” for 15% off

ADDITIONAL CLAIMS:

Made in Korea
Vegan Friendly
Cruelty Free

elmt Gentle Exfoliating Solution and Advanced Calming Solution Ingredients

elmt Gentle Exfoliating Solution

Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Trehalose, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Panthenol, Allantoin

The elmt Gentle Exfoliating Solution has a base of Blueberry Fruit Extract at 49.02% which comes from a fruit high in antioxidants, followed by good ol’ Glycerin, a humectant that’s naturally occurring in our skin. It also contains Rasberry Fruit Extract and 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid for antioxidants. The latter ingredient plus Licorice Root Extract can also aid in brightening. The formula also contains the classic combo of Allantoin and Panthenol for Soothing. Just before this soothing combo, we see the actual exfoliants – Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs).

I do question the exfoliating power of this solution however. While it contains AHAs and the pH level is low for them to perform, the percentage is very low. If the chemical exfoliant was Salicylic Acid, I would have more faith, for a 0.5% concentration of this beta hydroxy acid (BHA) is effective. With AHA, the concentration needs to be higher, otherwise they perform more like humectants, and that’s what I fear it is doing in this solution. I believe in South Korea, the percentage of AHAs and BHAs for OTC products is limited, whereas over here in North America we can easily find AHAs at concentrations of 5-10% and BHAs up to 2%.

elmt Advanced Calming Solution

Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, Water, Centella Asiatica Leaf/ Stem Extract, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Propanediol, Pullulan, Trehalose, Panthenol, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Allantoin, Pentylene Glycol, Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Centella Asiatica Root Extract

The elmt Advanced Calming Solution is in a base of the fan-fave ingredient, Centella Asiatica Leaf Water at 59.12%. Soothing ingredients Panthenol, Allantoin, and Centella Asiatica Root Extract are also in the formula to add to the soothing factor. There’s also humectants Glycerin, Pullulan, Trehalose, and Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide.

Firstly, I appreciate the minimal ingredients list in these elmt solutions and how the focus is on the purpose of each one.

The elmt Advanced Calming Solution does not have any intense active, and focuses more on humectants and soothing ingredients. While it doesn’t seem as fancy as the Gentle Exfoliating Solution, sometimes boring and gentle is what you need in your skincare routine!

Experience Using elmt Gentle Exfoliating Solution and Advanced Calming Solution

Both solutions are in the same dark green glass packaging that have a white plastic twist-off cap with a spout for dispensing. Texture is also the same for both, very watery. For both I would apply 3 layers all over my face and neck like I would any hydrator.

Swatches of the elmt solutions. Both have the same watery texture.

No matter the amount of layers, I found no trace of moisture on my skin, both solutions would just disappear. The Advanced Calming Solution has a slight bit more slip but the overall feel on the skin is the same. These solutions seem better as a “morning cleanse” in my AM routine by drenching a cotton round with one of the elmt solutions and wiping my face and neck.

My doubts of the elmt Gentle Exfoliating Solution happened – it does not exfoliate. I was hoping to see some mild decongesting around my nose, but my sebaceous filaments looked the same. I also hoped to feel some conditioning effects on my skin so it feels slightly smoother, but it just disappears and my skin has stayed the same.

The elmt Advanced Calming Solution did calm my skin a bit when I applied it after my skin was sensitized from a vitamin C serum. Another instance when my skin became irritated from an active I used, I only used this solution to help address the redness I developed. I saw and felt no difference in my skin this, and did not notice it helping reduce inflammation around my breakouts either. I experienced these types of benefits with the By Wishtrend Quad Active Boosting Essence, so I was hoping to have a similar experience with the elmt Advanced Calming Solution.

Final Thoughts on elmt Gentle Exfoliating Solution and Advanced Calming Solution

I appreciate the thought in the formulas and the amount you get for the price, but the performance of both elmt Gentle Exfoliating Solution and Advanced Calming Solution was sub-par on my acne-prone, normal to dry skin. In the few weeks I’ve had these products, they have not made a noticeable difference in my skincare routine; It just felt like I was applying water. No trace of additional moisture to be found, the Advanced Calming Solution did soothe my skin a bit, but not as much as other items I have with Centella Asiatica. The Gentle Exfoliating Solution does not exfoliate my skin, it performs more as a light antioxidant water, so I don’t really know if anything is happening. Usually if I want a product for exfoliation, I need at least 5% AHA and 0.5% BHA to notice any difference on my skin.

This new skincare launch was lackluster for me, it just doesn’t seem to pair well with my parched skin. Based on the texture alone, those of you with an oilier skin-type would enjoy them more than my thirsty, dry skin. I’m curious if any of you have ever noticed exfoliating benefits from a small amount of AHA in a formula – if you have, please let me know in the comments down below! It could just be my skin being too acclimated to strong chemical exfoliants.

WHERE TO BUY:

Wishtrend – “MICHXMASH” 15% OFF

As always, I hope you find content like this helpful and informative!

xo, M

Paula’s Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 – SUNSCREEN SUNDAY #20

April 25, 2021April 25, 2021 MICHXMASHLeave a comment

Another Sunday, another Paula’s Choice mineral sunscreen review! In today’s post, I will be reviewing a travel size of the Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30.

Information on Paula’s Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30

“This illuminating moisturizer shields skin with all-mineral sun protection plus antioxidants to help protect against the effects of environmental damage.
Creates an instant, healthy glow for makeup-optional skin
12 antioxidants visibly diminish the signs of environment-based aging
Lightweight, illuminating cream
Apply as the last step of your morning routine“
– paulaschoice.com

Price: $29 USD (full size)
Amount: 60ml/2oz (full size)
Packaging: Opaque hot pink plastic tube.
Water Resistant? No.

UV FILTERS:
Zinc Oxide 6.125% (UVB, UVAII and some UVAI)
Titanium Dioxide 5.25% (UVB and UVAII)

Protection:
UVB: SPF 30
UVA: If U.S. regulations say UVA has to be 1/3rd of the UVB, it should be around a PPD of 10

INACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate (emollient), Glycerin (skin-replenishing), Isononyl Isononanoate (emollient), Butylene Glycol (texture enhancer), Cetearyl Alcohol (emollient/texture enhancer), Potassium Cetyl Phosphate (emulsifier), Dimethicone (hydration), Glyceryl Stearate (texture enhancer), Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract (skin-soothing), Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Fruit Extract (antioxidant), Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil (non-fragrant antioxidant plant oil), Tetrapeptide-30, Linoleic Acid (skin-restoring agents), Resveratrol (antioxidant), Ascorbyl Glucoside (vitamin C/antioxidant), Niacinamide (skin-restoring), Tocopheryl Acetate (vitamin E/antioxidant), Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (vitamin C/antioxidant), Bisabolol (skin-soothing), Tocopherol (vitamin E/antioxidant), Phospholipids, Lecithin (skin-restoring agents), Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols (antioxidant/hydration), Xanthophylls (antioxidant), Pullulan (texture enhancer), Sodium Gluconate (hydration), Xanthan Gum, Sclerotium Gum, Alumina (texture enhancers), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (skin-replenishing), Citric Acid (pH adjuster), Triethoxycaprylylsilane (texture enhancer), C13-14 Isoparaffin (solvent), Acrylates Copolymer (film-forming agent), Polyhydroxystearic Acid (dispersing agent), Caprylyl Glycol (hydration), Polyacrylamide (film-forming agent), Ceteareth-20, Aluminum Stearate (texture enhancers), Laureth-7 (emulsifier), Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol (preservatives).

INCIDecoder

Of course, like all Paula’s Choice products, the inactive ingredient list is a cocktail of skin beneficial ingredients. It’s also handy that the primary function is provided beside every ingredient on their website.

Moisturizing – Glycerin, Dimethicone, Argan Kernel Oil, Phospholipids, Soybean Sterols, Sodium Gluconate.

Antioxidants – Resveratrol, Niacinamide Ascorbyl Glucoside, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopherol, Xanthophylls, Kiwi fruit Extract

Soothing – Licorice Root Extract, Bisabolol

Brightening – Licorice Root Extract, Niacinamide, Tetrapeptide-30

My Experience with Paula’s Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30

FRAGRANCE: None.

APPLICATION: Applied in 2 separate layers to give the sunscreen a chance to adapt to my skin tone as best as possible. Feels a bit greasy while applying and definitely more emollient than the Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense. I also noticed pilling along my hairline while lightly massaging the sunscreen onto my skin.

FINISH: Very glowy, it looks like there are shimmer particles in the sunscreen. It sits similarly to the Resist Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense.

FEEL: Light, it has a tacky, slightly greasy finish. The feel sits between the PC Resist Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense and the DRMTLGY Universal Tinted Moisturizer.

STINGS EYES? No.

WHITECAST / TINTED? The colour of the sunscreen is an off-white but this is not tinted. After initial application it looks pretty blended in as I can still see my skin’s undertone, but I do see a whisper of a cast. After 20 minutes, it looks more or less the same.

EXTRA SKIN BENEFITS? Simply that it sits comfortably on my dry skin type. Other than that, this sunscreen makes me look like a disco ball and the way it sits on my skin makes it quite unflattering for the texture on my face.

UNDER MAKEUP: On my dry skin, the moisturized finish of this sunscreen pairs well with whatever base makeup I use. It is not as grippy as the PC Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense, which oilier skin types may prefer.

Final Thoughts on Paula’s Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30

Pros

At least a SPF30, as recommended by most skin experts.
Comfortable to apply the 2mg/cm2.
Like all Paula’s choice products, contains other nice beneficial ingredients.
Skin felt comfortably moisturized for most of the day.

Cons

The glow of the sunscreen is so shimmery, I feel like I look like a disco ball. I was able to diffuse some of the glow with a setting powder but the shine is quite strong and it does not make my skin look smoother.

Overall the Paula’s Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 is very comfortable to wear and I am impressed at how there is very little to no cast on my skin. Usually with all mineral sunscreens I can see a difference in the undertone, but this one blended out well enough that it could be worn on its own. Unfortunately the shimmer is too much for me and it makes me uncomfortable with how much texture it emphasizes.

WHERE TO BUY:
Paula’s Choice Website *

As always, I hope you found this review helpful and informative!

xo, M

My Updated Scalp and Hair Care Routine 2021 – Type 1, Low Porosity, Virgin Hair

April 13, 2021April 13, 2021 MICHXMASH2 Comments

It has been almost year since I last posted my scalp and hair care routine, I thought it was about time to do an update since it has changed a bit since then!

First things first, my hair is VIRGIN again! No more annoying dry, bleached ends. Alongside healthier ends, I find with my current routine, my scalp is less irritated, and my hair surprisingly stays moisturized and rarely feels dry. The best part is, this routine is more simple!

About my Scalp and Hair:

Type 1 – pretty straight hair, but I’m not sure the specifics. Am I 1a, 1b, or 1c?
Medium strands.
Low porosity.
Scalp is traditionally oily, I like washing my hair every other day. I don’t like using hair powder and dry shampoo as it causes buildup and irritates my scalp with longterm use.
Hair typically gets dry as days pass, but lately it’s been staying moistured (maybe because of the warmer weather).
No more bleached ends, they are finally healthy and rarely experience breakage.

My Scalp and Hair Care Routine

With wet hair, I lather the shampoo bar and focus the application on my scalp and roots, and just repeat this process until my entire scalp is sufficiently covered. I then massage my scalp for a minute to make sure the shampoo has a chance to do it’s thing to break down the oils and because it feels good to give my scalp a light massage. After that I rinse my hair then move on to either a pyrithione zinc (PZ) shampoo or conditioner.

1-2x a week, I will use a PZ shampoo to treat my scalp. Last year I used the Innate Life Scalp Treatment, but I found it was starting to feel a bit uncomfortable on my scalp, and it was just a pain to have to shampoo my hair 3 times. The PZ shampoo is a lot easier to use and has proven to be very effective! I used to use Head & Shoulders for years until I threw my scalp into turmoil when I started bleaching and dying my hair. My current go-to PZ shampoo is AG Hair Control Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with 2% PZ. I find this to be non-drying and it is also pH balanced for the scalp. After shampooing, I massage around two pumps on my scalp and I find this enough since the cuticles are now lifted and the mileage is just better after a first wash. After making sure my entire scalp is sufficiently covered in the treatment, I massage my scalp again for a bit and leave it in for a few minutes while I do my body care, then rinse.

Once shampoo and/or PZ treatment step is complete, I finish off my hair wash with Upfront Cosmetics Conditioner Bar. I wet it and massage the bar first to get the lather going, then I massage the bar directly on my hair. I keep doing this until I feel like my hair is sufficiently coated in conditioner and I can easily run my fingers through. If I didn’t use a PZ shampoo that day, I would wrap my hair in a bun and do my body care routine. Otherwise I would just rinse it out after.

After showering, I ring out my hair and wrap it in a hair towel (gift). I find this has been the best way to remove as much water as possible from my hair and I find it shortens the amount of time I need to blow-dry.

Once I let my hair out of the towel, I apply a heat protectant since I don’t like airy-drying my hair that much. Note, I have air-dried my hair for years prior and I have not seen a signficant difference in the quality of scalp and hair. My current go-to heat protectant is IT 12-In-One Amazing Leave-In Treatment (gift). I really like the scent of it, it reminds of Nerds candy and it makes my hair feel really soft and not weighed down. I spray only the mid shaft to ends of my hair and lightly run my fingers through, making sure it’s well coated. Sometimes I also apply a moisturizing spray on my scalp, I’m currently using the Innate Life Neroli Hair Primer. While I do like the list of moisturizing ingredients in the formula and that it does not weigh down my hair, I really dislike the scent – smells like Bermagot and Citrus.

After I apply the heat protectant and hair primer, I then begin drying my scalp with hot air, holding the blow dryer at a distance. Because I removed a lot of the water, my hair dries pretty quickly despite it being long. I usually focus on making sure my scalp is dry and I just lightly dry my hair strands. Once I finish drying my hair, I apply Innate Life Rose Elixir Hair Oil. This is the only oil serum I have ever liked for my hair and I have repurchased it a few times since I first tried it.

Last step, I brush my hair with the Tek Oval brush. I like the rounded ends because it’s gentle on my scalp. I start at the ends and work my way up to prevent extra hair fall. Sometimes I take an extra amount of time to massage my scalp.

That is pretty much it for my go-to scalp and hair care routine. Here are some extra steps I’d do if my hair is feeling dry.

I still like having the Briogeo Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioner on hand because it’s a light mist that I can use on dry hair, and I think it would be useful come the summer months when I’m outside more and my hair is more susceptible to dryness from sun exposure.

I also occasionally incorporate hair masking in my scalp and hair care routine. Back in the winter, I tried the Capillary Schedule so I was masking on every wash, rotating 3 types of hair masks. I found it very helpful at keeping my hair moisturized, to the point that I didn’t need a hair protectant when drying my hair. Now that it’s warmer, I just reach for a mask once a month because I have not really been experiencing an oily scalp and dry hair when I do not wash on my normal schedule.

Products I Use for my Scalp and Hair Care Routine

Upfront Cosmetics Shampoo and Conditioner Bar
https://upfrontcosmetics.ca/collections/haircare-1

AG Hair Control Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
https://rstyle.me/+Z1gntCIyGJvy7u1DxQhrcw *

The Body Shop Hair Towel – it was part of a gift box I got for my birthday, but there’s a really cute strawberry one they sell
https://rstyle.me/+d9yGodOwbpdjUdUxYJyEDQ *

The Innate Life Neroli Hair Primer
https://theinnatelife.com/collections/scalp-treatments/products/test

It 12-in-One Amazing Leave-In Treatment *
https://rstyle.me/+D3NjVevLqVC4y0037o4aRQ *

The Innate Life Rose Hair Elixir
https://theinnatelife.com/products/rose-hair-elixir

TEK Wooden Oval Brush
https://rstyle.me/+JdKmryfn92r4Z_wzQAWy7w *

Briogeo Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioner
https://rstyle.me/+GQWRiIrQ1Lpeu-JuakpVlA *

The Hair Routine Moisture Treatment
https://www.thehairroutine.com/products/moisture-treatment

*Affiliate links. If you use one of these links to make a purchase, I earn a small commission. Thank you so much if you decide to use them!

As always, I hope you find content like this helpful and informative!

xo, M