essence Tag Archives

Review: Lancôme Énergie De Vie Pearly Lotion

That’s a mouthful isn’t it?  Last year, I received a deluxe sample of this from Myles Sexton.  It sat in it’s box for several months before I thought-hey it’s winter, I should try this. I am SO glad I did.  I flew through the sample (which lasted me several weeks) and purchased a full size recently.  Keep reading for my Review: Lancôme Énergie De Vie Pearly Lotion Energizing & Hydrating Facial Essence.

What I’m about to write is NOT meant to sound uppity or snooty.  I typically do not use ‘fluffy’ skincare.  By ‘fluffy’, I mean products that look pretty and may feel nice but offer little to no results.  Many of my skincare items are ‘treatments’ or ‘targeted’ for a certain issue or concern.  That leaves out much of the skincare available at the drugstore or department stores, and even Sephora.  I spend a lot of time (probably too much time) researching skincare and ingredients and looking at efficacy studies because I care about what goes on my face.

(more…)

My Morning Skincare Routine – for my best skin ever!

So you’ve been asking about my morning skincare routine. And asking. It’s time for me to deliver. So here’s what I use on my skin in the MORNING. Now. I can’t lie. The evening is when the real magic happens in terms of products. Or maybe not. I think there are equal parts of pixie dust in both the morning and the evening.

(more…)

You need it-Vichy Aqualia Thermal Boosting Essence Water

*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.

Essence S/S 2014-the event, the products, my birthday….

I love essence.

There. I said it.  I know I’m not alone….and why would I be?

essence is about to blow your mind with their newest collection.  I attended a preview event for the collection recently and wanted to share some photos with you…..you need to get excited about this collection!

IMG_0754IMG_0787

can't help myself-the setup was so ....pretty!

can’t help myself-the setup was so ….pretty!

IMG_0757IMG_0756IMG_0760

IMG_0766

There are SO MANY STANDOUT ITEMS IN THIS COLLECTION I DON’T KNOW WHERE TO BEGIN!  So I will highlight a few of my favorites:

IMG_0782

essence metal glam eyeshadow: soft texture, high coverage, metallic finish creates bold looks that will add twinkle!  Available in 6 colors.

getbiglash

essence get BIG! Lashes triple black mascara.  Innovative fiber brush offers maximum volume and adds density to lashes.

lashmania

essence LASH mania reloaded mascara. Elastomer brush with star shaped bristles separate and grip lashes to give them volume AND length.

crystal

essence crystal eyeliner. long lasting, gel-based formula with precision applicator which can also be applied as a sparkling top coat for lashes.  Available in 5 colors.

nailart

essence nail art effect nails.  Nail art with a 3D effect-check out my application at the event:

IMG_0786

sunclub

essence sun club all-in-one bronzing highlighter.  Take one look at this-what does it remind you of (Clarins or Arden LE powders anyone?)  Bronzer and highlighter come together for a shimmering sun kissed glow or tan finish!  Soft powder texture is easy to apply.  Available in 2 shades.

I was so impressed by the new products for Spring and Summer…..and my birthday is TODAY so I thought I would pass along some gifts to YOU!!! Please fill out the Rafflecopter below!  *Please note* there is a requirement to subscribe to my blog.  New subscriptions will be recorded.  Those individuals choosing to unsubscribe after the giveaway ends will be ineligible for future giveaways!

IMG_0764Thanks to Faulhaber communications for inviting me and hosting a fabulous event at a fabulous space (Luxe Beauty)-girl power!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

My favorites from……essence!

I’ve got to put up a drugstore brand.  Essence has been a love of mine ever since it ‘landed’ in Canada several years ago.  I’m super impressed that nothing in the line is over $9.99 CAD.  LIKE SUPER IMPRESSED.

(more…)

Gift idea for the beauty in YOUR life- essence twilight breaking dawn collection

Okay let me start by saying I am not a fan of the twilight series.  But honestly, these products were just too good to pass up.  Here’s what I was able to pick up the day after I first saw the collection at the drugstore.  The collection was SO picked over this was all I was able to get:

from Left: 01 Renesmee red blush, 02 Renesmee red lipgloss, 01 alice had a vision again lipgloss, 01 a piece of forever lipstick, 02 Jacob’s protection glitter eyeliner, 01 alice had a vision again glitter eyeliner

Like I said, while I am NOT a fan of the movies/books, this collection screams “Wear me for the holidays!”  And since the prices range from $1.99-$3.99 CAD for each piece, I couldn’t resist.  I am using these for my holiday looks!

If you have a twilight fan in your world and you’re at a loss for a Christmas gift, I HIGHLY suggest these….that is, if you can still find them.

essence cosmetics are found (in Canada) at Shoppers Drug Mart

find essence also:

on the web

on twitter

on facebook