Reviews Category Archives

Rimmel Scandaleyes reloaded mascara review-and a twist at the end

Written by meredith / Featured, Reviews / March 18, 2017

*the Scandaleyes mascara(s) were sent to me for review.  The Volume Colourist mascara was purchased by me*

I LOVE MASCARA.  Honestly it’s what keeps me going some days.  When I’m not wearing it (as was the case recently-but that’s another story for another day), people notice, and ask me what’s wrong. Also, I love the ‘action’ of applying it-anyone else do the same?  I actually enjoy applying mascara to my lashes.  So that being said, I was super happy and grateful to receive these Scandaleyes mascaras for review.

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You need it-Vichy Aqualia Thermal Boosting Essence Water

Written by meredith / News, Reviews / August 10, 2015

*I received this product for review*

To be perfectly honest, I have never known quite what to think about ‘essence’ products. Sure, I’ve seen them-in the many Asian beauty stores that I frequent….and they have always been suggested to me but I thought to myself, what does ‘ESSENCE’ do that my toner, serum, and moisturizer don’t already do?

Well. A lot.

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Boosting Essence water is neither toner nor serum…..yes, you read that right.  IT IS NOT TONER, and IT IS NOT SERUM. so what is it exactly?  Well, to quote a fellow beauty blogger Sicilianna.…it’s more of a ‘pre-serum.’  This is something that you would use post cleanse, post toner, but pre-serum.  You know, like what I just said.  In my mind, serum is a product used to better prepare the skin to absorb moisturizer.  So a PRE-serum would be used to better prepare the skin to absorb serum in order to better prepare the skin to absorb moisturizer.  Confused yet?  Me too.  But it works.  Read on.  Please.

So what does it do?  Well let’s take a peek at this informative diagram from Vichy:

vichy aqualia thermal

(Click on photo to enlarge and see clearly please)

Texture

Thin but not exactly a ‘water’-definitely a liquid.   You do NOT need a lot and be CAREFUL when you dispense the product.  That’s a tip from me to you.  This product IS fragranced but not heavily.  I’d describe it as clean and fresh.

My results:

Dear readers & subscribers…I have oily skin (yes, as an ADULT).  Guess what? Oily skin still needs hydration….us oily skin types just don’t need it in the form of a heavy, thick cream.  This is a fantastic addition to my skincare routine!  I put it on post toner and BAM! Hydration.  I have found that my skin appears clearer and looks refreshed.  This product can be used with any skin-type.

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Boosting Essence Water will set you back $29.95 CAD (Suggested retail). This product isn’t listed on the Vichy website (yet) but I have seen it in several Shoppers Drug Mart locations.  I’d recommend it for anyone looking for an instant boost of hydration.

Review: Amie Morning Light Hydrating Daily Moisturizer

Written by meredith / News, Reviews / February 01, 2015

I received this product for review!  I like to mention that up front -my opinion of this product is my own!

I have combination skin-an oily T-zone and normal-ish cheeks.  I suppose I could use 2 moisturizers….I often use different primers on my face (one that mattifies for the T-zone and a ‘normal’ primer for the cheeks and neck).  I would rather be able to use one product-it’s a Goldilocks type of scenario.  One moisturizer is too light, one is too heavy…..

Amie Morning Light Hydrating Daily Moisturizer would be my ‘just right.’  Before I jump into my thoughts, here are the product details:

amie

Skin-friendly natural extracts of rosehip seed oil, rose extract and mallow.

Amie’s new MORNING LIGHT Hydrating Daily Moisturizer is a perfect blend of high-quality plant extracts and skin-friendly natural ingredients all designed to keep your skin soft and moisturized, all day long.

Perfect for skin that is prone to dryness and in need of gentle, effective nourishment, this lightweight rose-scented lotion is easy to apply and absorbed quickly, giving skin long-lasting hydration.

Perfect for even sensitive skin.

Key natural extracts include:

Rosa Canina Fruit Oil – the pressed seed oil extracted from the hips of the rose bush which grows wild in the Southern Andes. Rosehip oil contains a list of active ingredients which are beneficial to skin, as well as a high level of essential fatty acids which help the skin hold moisture and reduce dryness.

Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract – an extract from the flowers of the Cabbage Rose, Rosa Centifolia has skin-conditioning and toning effects on the skin.

Malva Sylvestris Extract – the flowers of the mallow plant are well-known for their soothing and softening effect on the skin.

My thoughts:

1. Love the fact that this moisturizer has natural extracts and oils in it.

2. My sister has sensitive skin so I may see if she likes this product.

3.  This product isn’t tested on animals and is paraben free, free of Mineral Oils,
Sulphates, GM Ingredients and Petrochemicals.

4. It does have a scent but it’s light (rose) and dissipates quickly. I like it.

5. It plays nicely with most of my makeup/primers.

My only caveat is that this moisturizer is a bit too light for my entire face during the harsh winter months-end of December through February.  I think in my case, I can use this moisturizer on my T-zone but will  pull out a ‘heavier’ moisturizer for my cheeks and neck.  In the spring and the summer is when I would get the most use out of a product like this.

Is it for you?

If you want a moisturizer that’s effective, and natural and you don’t have any major skin issues, I’d say go for this one.  It’s a great option and is priced well at $12.00 CAD for 100ml.

 

 

 

Footlogix- foot deodorant spray review

Written by meredith / News, Reviews / August 18, 2014

I try to take care of my feet….especially in the summer time when they are ‘exposed’ and in public more often.  When I say taking care of, I’m mainly referring to aesthetics however, I do tend to visit the podiatrist (that reminds me, I’ve got to schedule an appointment!)  One thing I am very ‘aware’ of  is foot odor and sweating.  I’m a huge fan of cooling sprays, gels, and foot powders.

I was sent Footlogix deodorant spray for review. 

footlogix

The package says this:

This spray-on formula by Footlogix is specially designed to kill bacteria that causes foot odor. Containing tea tree oil and menthol, this product refreshes and neutralizes foot odors and leaves your skin feeling cool and fresh.

Sounds good right?

Directions:  Spray on all sides of washed, dry feet from about 4”-6” away. Air dry for 30 seconds.

I’ll be honest with you, I am not a fan of this product.  Does that mean you should not give it a try? Absolutely not! In my case, I have found that foot powders and gel based lotions work ‘best’ for me.  The product has a very strong smell...and while it’s not a terrible smell, I find it is a ‘consuming’ smell that will wrap its arms around you and hang on tight for awhile-especially if you are in a small space (don’t make the mistake of spraying it on your feet in your office with the door closed).   30 seconds for drying isn’t a terribly long time but if you are multi-tasking in the morning before work like me, I’m not sure where I could fit this into my routine-maybe during my 2 minute coffee gulp?  Maybe I should overhaul my foot care routine to try to fit this product into my rotation but for now, I’m going to stick to my foot powder that I’ve been using. For now, this product is with my husband-and I’ve had to say the same thing to him “It’s not spray and go, you have to wait 30 seconds.”

What’s up with your feet? Have any foot care tips/tricks you want to share?  Let me know!

*Thank you to NailPolish Canada for sending me this product for review*

Does Vichy lift-activ retinol HA advanced concentrate plump you up?

Written by meredith / News, Reviews / February 18, 2014

*I have received this product for review.  I like to state this at the beginning of the post out of respect for my readers.*

Is it just me or are there a LOT of wrinkle filler products coming out now? Or maybe it’s just that I know that I need them and THAT’s why I’m noticing them more?   Either way I’ve seen a few….this is only one of the ‘few’.  Take a look at what the website says about this product a.k.a. ‘product claims’

vichy lift activ

New generation daily wrinkle-filler treatment. The highest concentration* of Retinol. Meet our ultimate 1-2 Punch before going to extremes. Clinically tested double action Advanced Concentrate with Pure Retinol x2** + LR2412. 1. Visibly fills deep wrinkles. 2. Plumps and smoothes skin for younger looking facial expressions. This lightweight, fast-absorbing retinol serum has a velvety finish with proven efficacy on deep wrinkles.

After 10 years of research and 20 molecules screened, Vichy identifies an internationally patented pioneer technology: NEW LR2412. Combined with Pure Retinol in our highest concentration, in addition to Hyaluronic Acid, in a hydrating formula that acts on the appearance of wrinkles by helping to plump the skin and visibly fill the look of even deep lines.

I have been using Vichy Lift-activ HA advanced concentrate for about 3 weeks now.  I’m just going to give you the lowdown on it right here and right now.

If you’ve seen me on YouTube or read my blog for some time, then you will know my stance about topical products and their limits.  If you’re a new reader or subscriber, welcome!  Basically, anything you put on your face (be it cream, gel, liquid) can only do SO much.  This product is no different.  However, let me tell you what it will do.

What this product CAN do:

-Help prolong your next trip for fillers/Botox

-Temporarily diminish the appearance of fine lines

-Help improve the appearance of your skin’s texture

-Provide a temporary ‘plumping effect’ and provide hydration to applied area (when used daily)

 

What this product can NOT do:

-This product is not a substitute for dermal fillers or Botox

-Will NOT give you long lasting results like dermal fillers or Botox

 

This product absorbs quickly, and is paraben free!!!

(on a side note, it has a light fragrance-most Vichy products do)

*Also please note! If you are using a retinol product, the instructions state to not use this product in combination!*

I love using this product with my  Vichy Idealia serum.I think they complement each other quite nicely (this product is applied on top of the serum).  I do find that since Vichy products contain high concentrations of ‘effective ingredients’ such as retinol and Hyaluronic Acid (which is an ingredient in dermal fillers and is naturally made by the body. It’s a sugar), that they do produce more visible results than a product that costs less.  While the product is limited because it IS topical, if you have a great skin care routine and stay on top of your facials/microderms/peels, you will probably find this product quite helpful.  My skin feels ‘better’ when I apply this product with the serum.  My skin looks and feels refreshed.  No one is specifically stopping me to exclaim “Oh my you look so young” or anything like that but if my age comes up in conversation, people are surprised when I tell them!

I’ve read some other reviews from bloggers who did experience breakouts when using this product so despite it being for sensitive skin, you may want to try a sample first….and some people are just sensitive to retinol products overall.

This product retails for $49.50CAD so I urge you to read up on it before your purchase.

Find Vichy:

on the web

on facebook

on twitter

What do you use to plump up? Tell me in the comments below!!

Off topic, I am just itching to get to the Vichy spa….yes, I certainly am.

Review-Epic Blend Premium lip balm

Written by meredith / News, Reviews / December 05, 2013

*This post contains products sent for review.  I like to state that first out of respect for my readers. This doesn’t change my opinion of the products.*

Shameless plug:  I actually had a giveaway for an entire set of these lip balms that I first mentioned on my YouTube channel.  It’s closed now but just in case, you may want to check over there-I tend to give my subscribers a “heads-up” when the giveaways come around!

I have extremely dry lips. ALL. THE. TIME.  I’ll cut right to the chase when I tell you that this product is heaven-sent.

IMG_3502

Epic Blend uses natural ingredients without synthetics….which is a huge + for me. I hate hate HATE using petroleum based lip balm (and before you all slam me for using lipsticks, glosses with chemicals, hear me out).  I like to use the most moisturizing natural products the closest to my skin….this product is amazing to wear on its own when you’re out in the ‘weather’, or even as your base before you apply your other lip products.  It GLIDES on and the flavors are fun!

Epic has 3 different ‘categories’ of balms:

Hemp:  Organic Hemp Seed Oil is a great anti-oxidant, super nourishing and quickly absorbs deep into the skin cells.

More Moisture:  Seven moisturizers, including Organic Shea Butter come together to provide an extra kick of moisture plus a boost of staying power.

Vegan:  100% plant-based and beeswax-free.  Candelilla wax is used in these balms, giving them a smooth texture.

The formulas:

-Nutrient dense natural and organic ingredients that improve skin’s health

-Petroleum free, Gluten free and non GMO

-Not tested on animals

-Natural flavors

Sounds good to me, right?  I’ve been using these and loving them.  And so has my other half, who was a devout Carmex user…..and fyi, there is an unflavored version if you aren’t into all that.

Try these out-you won’t be disappointed in this *Epic* Canadian company (see what I did there?)

Find Epic Blend:

on the web

on facebook

on twitter

 

 

 

Review! Marcelle CC cream

Written by meredith / News, Reviews / August 29, 2013

BB, now CC! Yes it’s true-Marcelle has come out with a CC cream.  I picked this up at  my local Rexall and have used it several times.

From the box:

Infused with pure 24k gold, CC cream is a lightweight texture tinted cream that diminishes the appearance of dark spots and skin tone imperfections that can be caused by sun exposure or the aging of skin.

CC cream can replace these products from your daily routine:

Powerful moisturizer: helps protect skin from dryness and improve its appearance.

Tinted corrector: corrects skin imperfections and evens out skin tone.

Make up Base: helps hold your make-up all day.

Sunscreen: protects skin from UVA and UVB rays.

May be worn alone, or after your day cream, and/or before your usual foundation for more coverage.

IMG_3304

Nice box and packaging-with a pump delivery system. The CC cream itself is a tad thicker than foundation but not ‘heavy’ if that makes any sense.  Here it is on my hand:

IMG_3305

This is a smooth cream that applies well to skin. I used it with a primer.  Coverage is light to medium. I used a pressed powder compact with SPF to add more coverage to my t-zone where I have hyperpigmentation.  The cream has a light fragrance but nothing heavy and it doesn’t stick around.  Here’s how it looks when blended.

IMG_3306

Overall I do like this product quite a bit.  It provides a decent amount of coverage and feels light on the skin.  Time will tell if my dark spots diminish over time but I’m not holding my breath and not concerned about it.  This product earns a thumbs up from me and I suggest you go pick it up or at least try it at your local drugstore!

Find Marcelle:

on the web

on twitter

on facebook

Fountain of youth? Pretty darn close-Review of Oxygen Pur Skin Serum!

Written by meredith / News, Reviews / April 22, 2013

*I was provided a sample of this product for review.  Please scroll down to the bottom of this post and note that I have gone ahead and ordered an additional serum at my cost.*

I pride myself on a thorough and complete skincare routine.  I’m not ‘afraid’ of aging but I’ll always try to slow the process AND give my skin the best treatment I can as I grow older.

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