Tag: bbloggersca

My Nighttime (PM) Skincare Routine 2018

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Please read my “skincare announcement” monologue before reading this post!
I’m Finally Sharing my Current Skincare Routines 2018

Breakdown
1. Makeup Removal / Double Cleanse
2. Acne Treatment
3. Hydrators
4. Double Moisturize
5. Main Active

1. MAKEUP REMOVAL / DOUBLE CLEANSE

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Double Cleansing is a MUST in my nighttime routine. I first noticed skin improvements from this step alone, especially since I used to wear a cake-ton of makeup back in my early 20s.

I’m surprised with the Marcelle Gentle Make-Up Remover for Sensitive Eyes. Gentle really is all-encompassing with this. Just a quick shake and a squirt on a cotton round removes the most waterproof Japanese mascara I own with one cotton pad, doesn’t make my eyesight blurry, doesn’t leave a residue, or feel like anything for that matter after I use it.

At the top of the list, the eye makeup remover contains a few solvent-emollient ingredients such as Isododecane, Isohexadecane, Isopropyl Palmitate – ingredients that help dissolve makeup without stripping the eye area’s sensitive skin.

This eye makeup remover has been highly recommended by a few Canadian Bloggers, and I see why they love it and go back to it. It doesn’t add or subtract from my skincare (aside from makeup), so there’s really not much to it. It just works!

After I remove my eye makeup, I start off with my first 1st Cleanse using the Dermalogica PreCleanse Balm *. I only need a pea-sized amount to cover my entire face. Despite it’s thick consistency, it spreads easily and gently emulsifies after wetting your fingers.

The main oils in this product are Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, and Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil – definitely explains it’s thicker consistency and why my face feels so soft after I rinse it off! I can see why Dermalogica advertises it as a makeup remover for drier skin types.

Even with such nourishing oils, my skin doesn’t feel like it has any residue after I wash the rest of the balm off. It also comes with a silicone mitt which is REALLY nice to use with the PreCleanse Balm, but I’ve opted for my fingers to be as gentle as possible because of the actives I use in this routine.

For the 2nd cleanse, I also use a pea-size amount of the Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel * .

It contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Disodium Lauroamphodiacetate, Sodium Trideceth Sulfate, and Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract –  surfactants and foaming agents that effectively clean skin. The foam that is actually creates is so small, and my skin feels like it’s softening as I continuously massage the Special Cleansing gel into my skin.

This is probably my favourite step in my entire nighttime routine. It’s gentle to use, my skin feels softer as I use it, and I notice my skin looking slightly brighter. Even when my sister used it, she liked it so much she bought the big bottle of it! The one downside would be that if you take too long to apply your other skincare products, your skin will definitely feel a tad dry. But this is avoided easily by following suit with my skincare products while my skin is slightly damp. I’m actually on the fence of whether or not to continue with Cerave’s Hydrating Cleanser once I’m done with Dermalogica’s Special Cleansing Gel, because I really like this cleanser too!
I tried Dermalogica’s Double Cleanse Routine ft. the PreCleanse Balm

2. ACNE TREATMENT

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Nighttime is the best time to go in with a stronger acne treatment, that way whatever irritation or redness I get will only be at night.

Benzagel 5 Acne Wash is probably the best Benzoyl Peroxide product I have tried. The ingredients are no nonsense and you only need a small amount to effectively treat your face.

As the name suggests, it has 5% Benzoyl Peroxide, a very effective ingredient at killing acne bacteria quickly, and doesn’t pose the problem of bacterial resistance with continued use. I opted for the wash form that Benzagel offers because washes tend to be gentler than treatments, but just as effective if you use it long enough.

I use about a nickely to quarter-size amount and make sure I properly massage it evenly on my entire face, concentrating on my breakout prone areas. I do this for a couple of minutes until I rinse it off. I’m surprised for a small bottle it is still going! If I use it for too long I do notice my face becomes slightly drier, but most definitely nothing as severe as what I experienced in the past.

After doing this step for just over a month, I reintroduced acid toning into my routine, alternating with the wash. Since I am using Differin, I didn’t know what to expect in terms of irritation, so I stopped using my ByWishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water * until I felt confident enough to incorporate it back into my routine. I can’t do without an acid toner because nothing works faster when it comes to smoothing out the texture on my skin.

As the name suggests, it contains 5% Mandelic Acid, the largest molecule and considerably gentler acid in the AHA family. It also helps with breakouts because Mandelic Acid is supposedly slightly lipid-permeable (don’t quote me on this).

Although I haven’t experienced heavy sensitization to my skin, I do notice that my skin is slightly more sensitive to this acid toner than it was prior to Differin. (Note: I stopped using this toner because I have been testing out a hyped up one that I will be reviewing soon. I’ll finish up this one once I’m done the testing period.)
REVIEW | [ByWishtrend] Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water

3. HYDRATORS

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This step is the same as my morning routine! I’ll just be linking my morning routine here so I don’t repeat myself. This step is just as essential at night as it is morning, so I’m happy the products come in decent sizes at fairly affordable prices.

4. MOISTURIZE

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Again, very similar to my morning. While my face is still tacky, I go in with Hada Labo’s Perfect Gel, following with Mad Hippie’s Eye Cream. But to seal everything in, I follow up with a heavier moisturizer like the Cerave Moisturizing Cream.

I would typically finish off my nighttime skincare with an oil, but because I am using a retinoid, I opt for a heavier moisturizer to counteract the dryness from it. So far, it’s been working! Of course, Cerave’s Moisturizing Cream contains Ceramides, helping to moisturize and assist with my skin’s barrier function. It also contains petrolatum making it slightly more occlusive.

Despite how much thicker it is, this has never caused congestion! My boyfriend even uses it as his daily moisturizer. A bonus is you get a big tub of it and you don’t need a lot for it to work.

5. MAIN ACTIVE

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I’m glad I moisturize my skin well beforehand, because I do get quite dry with Differin. So far I have been using it for over a month and I can say I have seen some results. I have stopped using an exfoliating toner to make sure before I brought it back into my routine!

Differin contains 0.1% Adapalene, a retinoid specifically targeted for the treatment and prevention of acne. It is supposed to be more tolerant than its big brother, Tretinoin.

Although I apply this on top of my moisturizer, I find it still has shown results in the month or more that I’ve been using it. I have not gotten a huge cyst from the Crimson Wave (unless I really don’t maintain consistency), my skin looks smoother even without layers of hydrating product, and my hyperpigmentation is lightening up on my cheeks and under my jaw. I tried using it before my hydration step, and I just find my skin looks more red, gets dry really fast, and I don’t feel as satisfied with my skincare. I’m going to continue using Differin as the last step in my routine, and keeping Vitamin A as a constant active in my nighttime routine in general after I run out of Differin.

This nighttime routine has been working great for me, and I am so happy I’ve been seeing results. Paired with my morning routine, I can’t remember the last time or if I EVER felt so content with my skincare routine, enjoyed everything about it, AND saw results.

I really hoped my routines helped you out!

Be sure to check out my AM Routine: My Morning (AM) Skincare Routine 2018

xo, M

If you want to see the texture of the products and in action:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbGD0aBi3I4]

This post contains affiliate links.
DISCLAIMER, PR, AFFILIATES

SUNSCREEN WEEK [DAY #7]: La Roche Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Ultra-Fluid Lotion SPF 50

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ABOUT:
“Broad spectrum UVA/UVB high protection.
Quick absorbing. Natural glow.
Fragance-free. Paraben-free. Non-comedogenic. Water-resistant.”

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Price: $34 CAD
Amount: 40 ml
Protection: UVA/UVB
Strength: SPF 50

UV FILTERS:
Type: Physical
Titanium Dioxide11%

INGREDIENTS:
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CONSISTENCY:Watery.

APPLICATION: Spreads easily but feels kinda greasy on your fingers.
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FINISH: Satin type of finish.
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FEEL: Light.

STINGS EYES? No.

WHITECAST? The tint is slightly noticeable on my skin but I definitely do not rely on this for coverage, just to make sure there’s no whitecast. Word of caution to the super pale: this WILL be noticeable on you. Opt for the untinted one.

WATER RESISTANT? 40 minutes.

SKIN BENEFITS?
Nothing overly spectacular other than sun protection.

UNDER MAKEUP:
On par with how the Riversol SPF 30 Sunscreen performs. It Cosmetics CC Cream is able to blend evenly, but it’s not a lot of slip on the skin to help sheer it out like Elta Md SPF 30 Sunscreen.

WHERE TO BUY:
La Roche Posay’s Official Website

I originally bought this on a recommendation from one of the workers at Shoppers DrugMart for Nick to use when he cycles. It is very light, so it doesn’t feel like he’s adding something difficult to use in the morning. The tint surprised him at first, but it doesn’t provide coverage and his skin looks like his skin. It’s a nice sunscreen for sure, but $34 for 50ml is on the more expensive side.

Thank you SO MUCH for sticking around for Sunscreen Week! Hope it helped you out in choosing a sunscreen.

xo, M

 

SUNSCREEN WEEK [Day #6]: Riversol SPF 30 Lightweight Broad Spectrum Sunscreen

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Gifted

Price: $39 CAD
Amount: 60 ml
Protection: UVA/UVB
Strength: SPF 30

UV FILTERS:
Type: Physical
Zinc Oxide 10%
Titanium Dioxide 6%

INGREDIENTS:
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CONSISTENCY: Mousse.

 

 

APPLICATION: Easy to blend with no sign of pilling. I’ve seen suggestions on their website you don’t need to apply a lot to cover your face, which is the complete opposite of what I hear from dermatologists or skincare professionals…
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FINISH: Glow up.
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FEEL: Light.

STINGS EYES? No.

WHITECAST? I do notice the tint slightly, but over all it seems to mask the whitecast.

WATER RESISTANT? No.

SKIN BENEFITS?
I haven’t been using it enough to see, but so far it’s performing well as a cosmetically elegant physical sunscreen that’s slightly moisturizing.

UNDER MAKEUP:
Not as difficult to blend in as the Ordinary UV Mineral Filters, but not as easy as the other sunscreens I’ve reviewed thus far. Overall I think it’s good since I’m simple with my base anyways.

WHERE TO BUY:
Riversol’s Official Website

Riversol SPF 30 Lightweight Broad Spectrum Sunscreen * is one of the better physical sunscreens I have come across so far. What I like is that the tube is filled with product, no empty space to be found once you receive it. If I can’t get a hold of Elta Md at an affordable price I will definitely go back to this one.

By the way, I just got an email saying that if you purchase Riversol SPF 30 Sunscreen from their official website, you will get free shipping! It’s like a sign to try it, no? 😛

Thanks for sticking with me this far! One more to go!

xo, M

* DISCLAIMER, PR, AFFILIATES

SUNSCREEN WEEK [Day #5]: Cerave AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

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ABOUT
“CeraVe® AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 is an ideal moisturizer for daily use, developed specifically for the face, which helps restore and maintain the skin’s natural protective barrier while providing protection against the sun’s damaging rays.

The ceramide-rich formula provides essential ingredients to maintain a healthy skin barrier and also contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which may help reduce redness due to dry skin. So, while CeraVe® AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 is protecting your skin from the sun, it’s also rebuilding and restoring your skin’s protective outer lipid layer.”

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Price: $17.49 CAD
Amount: 89 ml
Strength: SPF 30
UV FILTERS:
Type: Physical-Chemical Hybrid
Homosalate 10%
Meradimate 5%
Octinoxate 5%
Octocrylene 2%
Zinc Oxide 6.3%
INGREDIENTS:IMG_20180718_164441.jpg

CONSISTENCY: Light cream.


APPLICATION: Spreads nicely, takes time to blend and could pill up around the sides of your face.

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Notice the little white pills on the sides

FINISH
Slightly greasy after I massaged it in, but it goes away shortly on my dry skin.IMG_20180712_144904.jpg
FEEL: Light. Skin feels dry to the touch.
STINGS EYES? Yes. I feel it more near the end of the day rather than right after application.
WHITECAST? No.

WATER RESISTANT? No.
SKIN BENEFITS?
It is fairly moisturizing, although I don’t find it on par with the PM Moisturizer. My skin looks even tone when I use this, could possibly be from the Niacinamide low on the ingredients list.
UNDER MAKEUP:
My It Cosmetic CC Cream is applied easily with this underneath and it doesn’t seem to compromise the finish.
WHERE TO BUY:
Well.ca

This is one of the better drugstore sunscreens I have tried. It’s not my favourite product out of Cerave’s line, but it does serve its purpose. Nick uses this on a daily basis as a moisturizer. He pretty much has perfect skin, so he doesn’t have any problems with this other than it stings if he applied it after he’s freshly shaven. I only use it when I’m going to the gym and I don’t want to use a more expensive sunscreen just to wash it off in an hour. Definitely give this a try if you’re looking for a hybrid, *fairly* affordable moisturizing sunscreen!

xo, M

SUNSCREEN WEEK [Day #4]: The Ordinary Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants

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ABOUT
“The Ordinary range of Mineral UV Filters formulas’ offer SPF protection along with antioxidant, hydration, and anti-irritant support.

The Mineral UV Filter formulas avoid the use of any nanoparticles. Instead, a refined dispersion of micronized ZnO and TiO2 in flexible, high-volatility, non-comedogenic silicones allows the formulations to remain extremely lightweight by optimizing the amount of the blocking agents. Our formulation uses mainly ZnO for its protective effects (because in addition to reflecting/refracting light, ZnO is actually also able to absorb UV rays without creating oxygen radicals) and the supporting TiO2 that it contains is only in rutile form (no anatase form of TiO2 is used at all since it’s an aggressive producer of free radicals).”

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Price: $9.70 CAD
Amount: 50ml / 1.7 fl Oz
Protection: Their Instagram comments said they only did UVB testing; Haven’t checked for updates on this.
Strength: SPF 30
UV FILTERS:
Type: Physical
Zinc Oxide 14.03%
Titanium Dioxide 5.44%
INGREDIENTS:

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CONSISTENCY: Thick cream.

APPLICATION
Difficult. Takes a while for it to spread evenly on the skin.

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FINISH: Matte – Satin on initial application, but then gets VERY glowy and stays tacky.

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FEEL:
On the heavier side compared to other sunscreens I’ve reviewed. I can tell it’s sitting on my face. My skin is also very tacky for a long time.
STINGS EYES? No.
WHITECAST? Yes.

WATER RESISTANT? No (although with the way it feels, I’m surprised it’s not).
SKIN BENEFITS?
Skin tone looks even, however my sebaceous filaments are more noticeable than usual.
UNDER MAKEUP:
I couldn’t blend and sheer out my It Cosmetics CC Cream at all. It’s like wherever you apply your makeup, it will stay. For those who wear fuller coverage and you want it to last a long time, look into this SPF. But you may be using a bit of foundation.
WHERE TO BUY:
The Ordinary

It is unfortunate to say, the Ordinary Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants is not a hit for me. It’s not a pleasant formulation at all and I really don’t like using it. It’s okay around my eyes, but I don’t like the extra tugging I have to do to get an even base. I had too high of expectations for this one, and I’d rather return this and pay more for a more cosmetically elegant sunscreen.

xo, M

SUNSCREEN WEEK [Day #3]: Boo Bamboo Natural Sunscreen Mini Spray SPF 30 (Regular and Baby & Kids)

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Both are in the same post because they have the same ingredients. Nothing is different about them other than the marketing.

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ABOUT
“Boo Bamboo (Baby & Kids) Natural Sunscreen Spray * with Bamboo Extract provides you with natural Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB protection. 

Features:

  • Non-whitening
  • Fast-absorbing
  • Water resistant
  • Unscented
  • Non-nano
  • Paraben & DEA free
  • Cruelty Free & Vegan”

Price: $14.99 CAD
Amount: 50g
Protection: UVA/UVB
Strength: SPF 30

UV FILTERS:
Type: Physical
Zinc Oxide 16.5%

INGREDIENTS:
IMG_20180716_134716.jpg

CONSISTENCY: Liquidy lotion.

APPLICATION:
Very easy to apply with the spray nozzle. Have to take time to blend it in.

FINISH: Not too greasy, not too dry, just right. (Right leg is where it’s applied).

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FEEL: Light. Skin doesn’t feel dry or greasy.

STINGS EYES?
No. You can put this on your face if you just spray the product into your hands. I just don’t like how it feels on my face.

WHITECAST?
Minimal. It looks slightly ashy now that my skin tone is around medium. I noticed if you don’t blend it in properly it’ll cling to hair follicle areas. Otherwise, I haven’t noticed anything too drastic.

WATER RESISTANT?
Yes. However when I went into water with this on, my body became patchy and sickly looking.

SKIN BENEFITS?
None other than sun protection.

UNDER MAKEUP:
Too uncomfortable to wear on my face. Kids probably won’t care or even notice.

WHERE TO BUY:
Well.ca
Well.ca (baby version)

Great body sunscreen for everyday use with a nice ingredient list. Not greasy at all and easy to apply with minimal ashiness (on my medium tone body). I’m personally not into wearing it if I swim. I find it a little pricey for a small size. I like carrying it in my purse when I’m out and about for reapplication.

xo, M

* DISCLAIMER, PR, AFFILIATES

SUNSCREEN WEEK [Day #2]: Elta Md UV Facial Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+ Moisturizing Facial Sunscreen

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Price: I bought it for $32 on amazon
Amount: 3 fl Oz
Protection: UVA/UVB
Strength: SPF 30+

UV FILTERS:
Type: Physical-Chemical Hybrid
Zinc Oxide 7.0%
Octinoxate 7.5%

INGREDIENTS: I’ve heard that the ingredients list is not in the proper order, so the ingredients at the top may not indicate this product has a lot of that ingredient. (Let me know in the comments if this is correct)
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CONSISTENCY: Fluid cream

 

APPLICATION: Very easy to blend in and cover a lot of skin.
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FINISH: Glowy. Could be borderline greasy if you’re not into very moisturizing sunscreens.
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FEEL: Light and Moisturized. Doesn’t feel like I have anything heavy on my face.

STINGS EYES? Yes.

WHITECAST?
Minimal. I don’t notice it if I were to wear it on its own outside. However when I was at the gym, it was a tad noticeable that I was a lot paler than my body under false lighting.

WATER RESISTANT? No.

SKIN BENEFITS?
Gives my skin extra moisture and I don’t feel as dehydrated by the end of the day.
Note: My boyfriend applied this to his freshly shaved face and it stung him a bit.

UNDER MAKEUP:
So far my favourite to use under makeup. My skin is nice and smooth after I use it, so adding my CC Cream on top adds to the healthy look my skin is showing.

WHERE TO BUY:
I got mine at Amazon.ca for $32, but the price fluctuates. However, their other sunscreens seem to be around $40 as I write this.
Dermstore for Americans

This is my favourite sunscreen I have EVER purchased. Love the amount I get and how cosmetically elegant it truly is! I definitely want to repurchase it, but it’s very difficult to buy for Canadians. I may need to hunt for a different staple that’s easier to buy, otherwise I would definitely repurchase an Elta Md sunscreen!

xo, M

SUNSCREEN WEEK [Day #1]: Make P:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Gel SPF 50+ PA++++

SUNSCREEN WEEK [Day #1]: Make P:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Gel SPF 50+ PA++++

admin7 Comments

INTRO to the SERIES

The more I delve into the realm of skincare science, the more I get into sunscreen. As much as I love being outside in the warm weather, you should always be on top of your sun protection game. While the sun is a life giver and healer, excessive sun exposure guaranteed causes burning and DNA damage. Depending on your genetic makeup and which part of the world you live, there is a unique balancing act we all have to play, but sunscreen should ALWAYS be applied well and reapplied.

Being exposed to the Asian Beauty industry and wearing their SPF products is what really begun this desire for constant sunscreen application. Undoubtedly the industry has many a comfortable and cosmetically elegant sunscreens on the market!

I’ve made quite the collection of sunscreens since and I thought I’d do some simple, but hopefully easily understood reviews on these sunscreens if you’re considering purchasing them!

QUICK NOTES:
Skin Type: Acne prone, dry
Shade: Light-Medium, Medium
Undertone: Neutral, leans to yellow or olive (mixed Asian, I am confused about this lol)
Application Amount: Nickel-size
Photos: Natural light, taken right away

Make P:rem Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Gel SPF 50+ PA++++

Price: $32 USD / $36 CAD
Amount: 75ml / 2.53 fl Oz
Protection: UVA/UVB
Strength: SPF 50+ PA++++

UV FILTERS:
Type: Chemical, unknown percentages
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate – Octinoxate
Homosalate
Ethylhexyl Salicylate – Octisalate
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate – Uvinul A Plus

INGREDIENTS:
IMG_20180714_192509.jpg

CONSISTENCY: Milky gel

 

APPLICATION: Glides on easily and quickly sets
IMG_20180714_124307.jpg

FINISH : Glowy
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FEEL: Very light. Not tacky and doesn’t feel like it adds moisture

STINGS EYES? Yes.

WHITECAST? No.

WATER RESISTANT? Unknown.

SKIN BENEFITS?
Skin is very healthy-looking and even tone throughout the day; more in-the-moment type of effects rather than long term. Don’t really feel the “cool down” from infrared, but my skin is never irritated when I have sunscreen on.

GOOD UNDER MAKEUP?
Yes (It Cosmetics CC Cream). CC Cream is able to glide on my skin very easily and doesn’t disrupt its finish. Both products have a glowy finish, but I’ve used many different types of complexion products with this sunscreen to know it won’t make your makeup overly glowy.

WHERE TO BUY:
Glow Recipe
Bisou Beauty Bar

Anything else I should be adding that would help with this series? Let me know in the comments down below!

xo, M

REVIEW: [JOLSE] secretKey Lemon Sparkling Peeling Gel 120ml (New Package)

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Jolse, another online Asian Beauty Retailer that offers worldwide shipping on Asian skincare, makeup, and other cosmetic products! They sent me the Secret Key Lemon Sparkling Peeling Gel * to review and I’m ready to share my thoughts with you all!

I’ve been using the product for about 3 weeks now, about 3-4 times a week.

I’ll say it right now, I loved it after the first time I’ve used it.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCT

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Features (as listed on Jolse)

  • Lemon water, lemon extract, and carbonated water eliminates skin wastes.
  • The mild peeling gel tends the skin with a moist and fresh finish.
  • Natural ingredients provide moisture and soothes the stimulated skin.

Price: $9.65 USD
Amount: 120ml
Texture: Thick gel

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Highlighted Ingredients:
Citrus Lemon Fruit Water (90ppm = 0.009%) and Extract (10ppm = 0.001%) – Contains a high amount of vitamin C, but there are only extracts so we don’t know if it’s even a decent amount of vitamin C to have a long term effect, but it can impart a brightening effect.
Carbonated Water (47ppm = 0.0047) – The idea behind this is that it washes your face better than plain water. The bubbles deliver oxygen to your skin, helping to wash away dirt and dead skin buildup. Also claimed to help with puffiness, as well as firming and plumping the skin and controlling oils. Washing your face with carbonated water is a technique originally hyped up and popularized by Japanese women.

Other Notable Ingredients (listed by basic functions (some are repeated)):
Skin-Conditioning: Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract (also could be sensitizing), Pulsatilla Koreana Extract, Hydrolized Collagen, Sodium Hyaluronate, Oryza Sativa Rice Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin-Soothing: Althaea Rosea Root Extract, Aloe Barbadenis Leaf Extract, Hamamelis, Veirginania (Witch-Hazel) Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Antioxidant: Camellia Sinsesis Leaf Water (47ppm = 0.0047%): Antioxidant, Witch Hazel Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Algae Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Exfoliant: Carica Papaya Fruit Extract (possible exfoliant properties)

Very awesome that the ingredients list are mostly that of skin-soothing and skin-conditioning! (I found the basic functions from various websites like EWG, Paula’s Choice, Special Chem. Feel free to correct anything if the basic function is not accurate).

The main advertising points on Jolse.com are in Korean, so I don’t know what all the claims are and how hyped up other ingredients may be.

MY EXPERIENCE

Scent: Fragrance is listed in the product. It smells like a dish detergent, but not in an overly chemical way. It’s very light, so it doesn’t bother me much. I was expecting a strong, artificial, citrusy sweet type of scent. I’m pleasantly surprised how gentle and natural it actually is!

Application: Spreads well without pilling immediately. Pilling is not as chunky, it looks thinner. You can lightly massage your face for a decent amount of time without feeling the product dry up too much.

Instant Benefits: Face does not feel dry or like it was even compromised negatively from any product. Skin feels very soft and smooth, looks even tone and slightly brighter.

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Shizzle from my face. I used to get more when I started using peeling gels!

Long Term Benefits: Helps prevent skin congestion and gets rid of any rough feeling on my face. I use it in the morning and it has never sensitized my face. The feel of my skin is well maintained when I use it consistently.

FINAL THOUGHTS

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The Secret Key Lemon Sparkling Peeling Gel has become an instant favourite. I was expecting a cheap, conventional peel that would just do the basics of exfoliating with no additional skin benefit. This peeling gel does what it says and I am surprised at the quality. There is a lot of product that contains a bunch of skin-soothing and conditioning ingredients, making it gentle on the skin and leaving baby soft results. Because of this, I don’t know if we could say the lemon-derived ingredients or carbonated water are the true keys to making this product so good. Either way, my skin has only been benefiting!

I saw it being sold on Amazon.ca for $20, whereas on Jolse.com it’s $9.65 USD (right now $7.24 USD because of a sale)! To find a skincare product that works well, is affordable, and has good ingredients is a rarity, so I’m glad I got a chance to try it. On that note, I’ve barely been touching my current peeling gel, Dr. G. Brightening Peeling Gel (but I will definitely finish it up).

You can buy Secret Key Lemon Sparkling Peeling Gel at Jolse.com

Hope this review helped you out! Is washing your face with carbonated water really that awesome? Also, did you like how I listed the ingredients by their basic function? Let me know your thoughts, that way I can tweak upcoming reviews to your preference as well.

xo, M

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dz9U_1_DdPE]

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REVIEW: Neutrogena Deep Clean Purifying Cleanser/Mask & Hydrogel Sheet Mask

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A couple of weeks ago I got sent an Influenster VoxBox with complimentary Neutrogena products to try out!

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Neutrogena Deep Clean Purifying Clay Cleanser/Mask
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating 100% Hydrogel Mask

I’ve been testing the Deep Clean for a few weeks now and just used the sheet mask, and I’m ready to share my thoughts with y’all. Just keep in mind the basic information I’m providing about the products are based on the Canadian websites and packaging.

Deep Clean Purifying Clay Cleanser/Mask

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$13.49, 119g
Use: Post-workout, in-shower; Leave on for 5 mins

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Ingredients: Water (eau), Glycerin, Kaolin, Bentonite, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Titanium Dioxide, Trideceth-9, PEG-5 Ethylhexanoate, Xanthan Gum, Glycolic Acid, Citric Acid, Menthyl Lactate, Panthenol, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Parfum, Sodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA, Green 3.

The Deep Clean Cleanser/Mask contains Salicylic Acid, a BHA that exfoliates the skin in the pore lining to help prevent clogged pores turn into blackheads, whiteheads, or a cyst, as well as smoothen skin texture. Glycolic Acid is on the list as well, but the focus for this product seems more about SA; On the US website only lists SA as an active ingredient (0.5%), but the percentage is unknown on the Canadian site and packaging. I typically use chemical exfoliants after a workout in-shower, since that’s when I will be the most oily and more prone to breakouts. For the past few weeks, I have been using the Deep Clean Purifying Cleanser/Mask on my face as well as my back and chest to prevent congestion and body acne. I need a treatment for my back because I still tend to develop painful cysts, and I have some marks leftover to prove it! I like that the cleanser can last for a few minutes on my body without worrying about it washing away.

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In the few weeks I have been using this cleanser, my back has not broken out and my chest area looks and feels congestion free! As for my face, the Menthyl Lactate in the Deep Clean Cleanser/Mask sensitizes my skin a bit; I can feel the cooling sensation a lot. While it doesn’t heavily irritate my skin, it is a bothering feeling, especially since it lasts a while after I use the mask. Because of this, it is the reason why I prefer using it on my body or solely after a workout session. I don’t like the unknown percentage of BHA, because I don’t know if it will effectively “Deep Clean” my pores. I opt for Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Acne wash for my face (and sometimes back) which clearly lists 2% Salicylic Acid.

Hydro Boost Hydrating 100% Hydrogel Mask

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$4.89, 30g
Use: Once; Post-shower, after using Deep Clean Purifying Clay Cleanser/Mask

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Ingredients: Water (eau), Dipropylene Glycol, Propanediol, Ceratonia Siliqua (Carob) Gum, Xanthan Gum, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Chlorphenesin, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Chloride, Parfum, Disodium EDTA, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil, Sucrose Cocoate, Tocopherol, Blue 1.

This is probably the most unimpressive sheet mask I have ever tried. As you can see, Hyaluronic Acid is low on the list, and the bottom piece of the mask kept slipping down from my face. I left it on for the recommended 15 minutes and didn’t find anything noticeable with my skin other than it looked somewhat hydrated. That look disappeared quickly and there was no nourishing feeling or look on my skin that I would normally get from other sheet masks in my collection. For $5, my $2 sheet masks do way more with better ingredients and more serum in the pack.

Final Thoughts

The Neutrogena masks are overall decent drugstore skincare products that provide some skin benefits. I personally will pass on the Deep Clean Purifying Cleanser/Mask because the Menthyl Lactate bothers me too much. The Hydrogel Mask was nice but I’d rather pay $2 for a Korean sheet mask that do the same thing. Also, if you have sensitive skin, both do contain Fragrance.

On the Neutrogena Official website, they stated that the ingredients list does not get updated in a timely matter or if the formulation changes, so you must refer to the package for the actual ingredient list of your product. So if you plan on purchasing Neutrogena, it’s best to go to your local drugstore rather than an online shop to make sure you’re getting the exact ingredients you know is in the product.

Hope you found this review helpful!

xo, M

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWLNWG2LvDU]