hydration Tag Archives

Review: Lancôme Énergie De Vie Pearly Lotion

Written by meredith / Featured / March 31, 2018

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.

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#Ageless Olay Eyes Deep Hydrating Eye Gel

Written by meredith / News / October 14, 2017

*I received this product for review

After I hit age 40 (several years ago), I noticed that my undereye area required extra attention.  I used to be able to get away with a moisturizer-the same one that I used on my face.  Now, I notice that if I don’t apply a separate eye product, that my undereye appears incredibly dry and sometimes gets dark.

My main ‘issue’ with eye products is that they are either too rich for daytime use ( I do use a rich eye cream at night) , or not hydrating enough.  Since my skin is combination (with an INCREDIBLY oily T-zone), I don’t want a very rich eye product that is going to interfere with my face and make me look greasy.

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Review-Disney Tsum Tsum Lip Smackers are cute, but do they work?

Written by meredith / News / March 28, 2017

*I received these products for review

I don’t know many people who are not fans of Disney in some way, shape or form.  I grew up with Mickey & Minnie, Winnie the Pooh, and have continued to love the ‘newer’ Disney characters like Nemo, Dory, Buzz Lightyear, etc.  Last year, when I was shopping at Walmart, I found the Mickey & Minnie Tsum Tsum lip smackers and purchased them for a huge Disney fan, my mother.  I don’t think she has opened the packages as she is a collector and I get it.  These are absolutely adorable.  But I had to wonder, do these lip balms actually offer any type of benefits outside of amazingly cute packaging and the ability to stack them on top of each other…..and just in case you are wondering ‘tsum tsum’ translates to ‘stack-stack’ in Japanese.

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The Best BB Creams for Dry Skin – My Picks

Written by meredith / Best, Featured, News / March 04, 2017

Surprisingly enough I get a LOT of requests about my recommendations as to what is the best BB creams for dry skin. My skin is combination-oily meaning I have an oily t-zone and ‘normal’ skin on my chin, cheeks, and forehead. But I constantly get asked about BB creams for dry skin so I thought I’d mention some. These are products I have tried-some of them worked for me even though I have oily skin and some were definitely for people with dry skin. Read below for my top recommendations for BB cream for dry skin.  Let me know if you have tried any of these or have additional suggestions.

The Best BB Creams for Dry Skin

Looking for a BB cream you can find everywhere? Try Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector Bb Cream, Normal To Dry Skin

This cream’s lightweight, comfortable texture blends perfectly into skin for a sheer flawless finish. This multi-benefit product boasts 5 results with every application: renewed radiance, brightened complexion, evened skin and blurred imperfections, 24 hour hydration, and broad spectrum SPF 15 sunscreen protection against the harmful effects of the sun.

Love South Korean BB creams? Try It’S SKIN Babyface BB Cream #1 Moisture This medium coverage cream leaves skin feeling hydrated and silky smooth. It does an amazing job concealing uneven skin tone and has a brightening effect.

 

High end gal? Try Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35

Wear alone, or under your favorite foundation to create a smooth canvas. It’s tinted formula evens out skin for a flawless finish, while the SPF 35 guards against UVA/UVB rays.

Looking for something with a bit more oomph? Try Nature Bound BB Cream

This product contains moisturizers to sooth dry patches, and vitamin E to improve moisture retention so your skin remains soft all day long. This Beauty Balm has a proprietary mixture of fruit extracts and antioxidants to create a skin care solution that works.

How to Make Your Lipstick Last Longer

Written by meredith / Featured, News / February 25, 2017

I always felt that if I wanted to be a ‘lipstick’ person that I REALLY had to commit. Making your lipstick last longer has always been a challenge. Between talking, eating, and sipping-I am constantly moving my mouth (keep it clean people), and never thought I could pull off wearing lipstick without bringing my ‘after’ kit….as in after-eating, after-talking, after-drinking. The products that add extra weight to your bag and prevent you from just rocking your cute little clutch. However I’ve recently starting wearing lipstick again-and more often. I wanted to share with you the products I use to make my lipstick last longer – I won’t say that you don’t still need to bring your touch-up bag, but it will be a bit lighter.

Lip scrub/exfoliant-this is (in my opinion) the BEST way to prep the lips to make your lipstick last longer. Use the scrub to remove any dead skin/flakes. My other ‘pro-tip’-make sure you completely remove the scrub/exfoliant so you don’t have the granules ‘hanging out’ on your lips. You need a smooth surface to work on!

My pick: Maui Sugar Lip Scrub with Kukui Nut Oil by Hanalei Beauty Company

Maui Sugar Lip Scrub with Kukui Nut Oil by Hanalei Beauty Company (Cruelty-free) Net

About the Product:

Contains natural ingredients sourced from Hawaii (Kukui Nut Oil, Sugar)

  • Helps to gently exfoliate the lips of dead skin.
  • Paraben-free, Phthalate and Sulfate free. Cruelty-free

Lip balm-but only if you have time! Honestly having moisturized lips is a beautiful thing-feels great AND looks great. Apply a light balm that’s not too waxy and wait 15-20 minutes for it to absorb. Blot lightly with tissue.

My pick: Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Moisturizing Lip Balm

Burt's Bees 100% Natural Moisturizing Lip Balm

About the Product

  • Infused with Beeswax, a natural skin conditioner, and Vitamins E to moisturize
  • Soothing Moisturizing Lip Balm to moisturize, nourish and hydrate dry lips
  • Natural lip balm made with 100% natural ingredients
  • No parabens, phthalates, petrolatum or SLS

Lip primer-again not totally necessary but a ‘good to have’ in most cases- just like eyes and face, lips can use a smooth surface that’s clean and ready for product. In a pinch? I actually use a small amount of concealer and/or foundation as your primer.

My pick (because I do NOT like this as a concealer and don’t want to waste it): Physicians Formula Instaready Full Coverage SPF 30 Concealer

Physicians Formula Instaready Full Coverage SPF 30 Concealer

Lip liner-There are several different schools of thought on this. Some experts say to match your liner to your lipstick-and I’d agree with that if you are wearing a strong red or bright pink. With my ‘everyday’ lipstick which is slightly more neutral (and fairly ‘tame’ considering my personality), I choose a liner that slightly and I mean SLIGHTLY lighter than the lipstick I plan to wear. My liner of choice is a standard you-have-to-sharpen-it pencil or the self sharpening twist up liners.   Make sure the tip is sharp-as precision is the name of the game here. I warm the liner by drawing on my hand so that it will glide on. I draw an ‘x’ on my cupid’s bow to start (unless I am filling in my lips with the liner-then do NOT do that) and then line my natural lips, using short strokes.

My pick: Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner

 

Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner Eastend Snob

About the Product

  • Soft textured
  • Fine tipped
  • Automatic lip liner

Liquid lipstick– I know, I know-liquid lipsticks still make some people cringe. Honestly they’ve come a long way since the originals that would crack and dry your lips to the point that you want to cover yourself in Vaseline. Believe me when I say there IS a liquid lipstick ‘out there’ for everyone. If you are not keen on liquid lipstick, then I recommend a demi-matte or semi-matte formula with long-wearing properties. Applying a liquid lipstick can be tricky and requires practice but technique comes with time and heck, if I can do it, so can you! I start with my lower lip, and once that’s done I press my lips together. Then I move on to the upper lip.   Usually one application (of liquid lipstick) is enough but if you want to apply a 2nd layer, work quickly.

My pick-liquid lipstick: Lime Crime Velvetines Liquid Matte Lipstick

Lime Crime Velvetines Liquid Matte Lipstick - RiotAbout the Product

  • Bold and Opaque
  • Cruelty free & Vegan
  • Long lasting lipstick

BECAUSE I KNOW SOMEONE WILL HATE ON ME FOR CHOOSING LIME CRIME, MY ALTERNATE LIQUID LIPSTICK PICK IS: Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick

Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick

About the Product

  • One step food-proof lipcolor – No topcoat needed
  • Locks in color and comfort for up to 12 hours
  • Unique complex of silicones and moisturizers provides easy application and all day comfort.
  • Shiny minerals (micas and pearls) provide soft satin finish

My pick-demi/semi-matte: CoverGirl Katy Kat Matte Lipstick

COVERGIRL Katy Kat Matte Lipstick

About the Product

  • Created by Katy Perry
  • Infused with shea butter
  • Rich, moisturizing lipstick formula
  • Glides on smoothly

Q-tips: I guess this is a no-brainer (?) but I thought I would include it just in case. I use these with a bit of makeup remover on the end to correct any glaring mistakes.

My pick: Q-tip Cotton Swabs, Precision Tip

Cotton Swabs, Precision Tip 

Compact mirror: Okay, so maybe THIS is my no brainer. Even though it’s liquid lipstick, if you are going out for an event or to a special dinner, you may want to bring the lipstick and a mirror along to touch up. Although my pick isn’t what I would recommend for a night at the club, I love this very much-especially the lights.

My pick: Ultra-thin Led Lighted Compact Travel Makeup Mirror

Ultra-thin Led Lighted Compact Travel Makeup Mirror

About the Product

  • Ultra-thin and portable,
  • Fits in Any Handbag or Makeup Bag for Easy Storage.
  • Adjustable Brightness- 8 Bright LED lights

Kylie Jenner was already on the right track when she packaged a lip liner and a liquid lipstick together (GOSH-I never thought I would give any of the K’s kredit for anything…..see what I did there?).

These are my tips on how to make your lipstick last longer. Now I turn to you. How do you get the most wear time out of your lipstick? What are some of your tips to make your lipstick last longer? Tell me how in the comments below.

 

 

Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles

Written by meredith / Best, News / February 20, 2017

I started noticing that my eye area was changing when I was in my late 30’s-especially the appearance of fine lines, which REALLY bothered me. I had never investigated eye creams specifically, and knew that I probably should’ve been using one (or three) but didn’t bother, assuming that since my skincare was great, that my eyes would absorb the product I was using on my face and everything would be dandy. Well, I was wrong about that-hence this blog post. Please see my picks for the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles.

What are your favorite or best eye creams? Found anything that really works for you that you’d care to share? Leave your recommendations in the comments below!

Want to keep it natural?

Try Rosehip & Hibiscus Eye Cream  by LilyAna Naturals.

Best eye creams: Rosehip & Hibiscus Eye Cream

This best selling cream hydrates, moisturizes and softens delicate facial skin to help stop the advancement of aging with no parabens, artificial colors or artificial fragrances. It is 77% organic, contains Rosehip oil and is not tested on animals.

Benefits:

  • Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, dryness and sagging.
  • Increase elasticity, firm and plump skin.
  • Improve skin tone and texture. Reduce discoloration and scaring.
  • Hydrate, soften and smooth the skin to prevent premature aging.
  • Not just for the eyes! Apply on face, neck and décolletage area for radiant looking skin.

 

Looking for the perfect hybrid of Natural & Cutting Edge?

Try: Baebody Eye Gel for Dark Circles, Puffiness, Wrinkles and Bags by Baebody

Best eye creams: Baebody Eye Gel for Dark Circles, Puffiness, Wrinkles and Bags

This light textured gel contains Hyaluronic Acid to Hydrate and Plump Skin, Matrixyl 3000 to Firm Skin, Vitamin E, MSM, and Plant Stem Cells to Strengthen Skin to Protect Against Sun Damage and Aging.

Benefits:

  • Reduce puffiness & dark circles
  • Hyaluronic Acid Hydrates and Plumps Skin, Matrixyl 3000 Firms Skin, Vitamin E, MSM, and Plant Stem Cells Strengthen Skin to Protect Against Sun Damage and Aging.
  • No Fillers, Harmful Fragrances, Dyes or Parabens. Cruelty free, not tested on animals.

 

Want something no-nonsense and wallet-friendly?  

Try Garnier Ultra-Lift Anti-Wrinkle Firming Eye Cream

Best eye creams: Garnier Ultra-Lift Anti-Wrinkle Firming Eye Cream

With Pro-Retinol from nature, this anti-wrinkle firming eye cream works in the eye area to firm wrinkles and fine lines without harsh side effects.

Benefits:

  • Non-comedogenic—won’t clog pores
  • Gentle to skin
  • Allergy tested
  • Non-greasy

*Ingredient complexes developed exclusively by Garnier to work on skin’s outer layer.

 

Looking for a next-level eye treatment?

Try Pure Body Naturals Gel Eye & Face professional treatment, a rejuvenating and enriching anti aging eye gel to revitalize your skin

Best eye creams: Pure Body Naturals Eye Cream for Dark Circles Puffiness Wrinkles and Bags

Benefits:

  • Restores skin by rejuvenating, enriching and moisturising so it is smooth,firm, and filled with moisture.Contains Matrixyl 3000 and Plant Stem Cells to reinforce the skin and prevent eye bags and wrinkles.
  • Protects the skin with Hyaluronic acid, preventing sagginess, and helps  dark circles around the eyes.
  • Gel can also be used on all parts of the body, leaving the skin looking radiant and feeling smooth and nourished.

 

Are you a multi-tasker? Work on your eyes while you sleep with First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy Overnight Balm

Best eye creams: First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy Overnight Balm

This balm will help nourish, firm and smooth the appearance of the skin around the eye area-all while you sleep!

Benefits:

  • Safe for sensitive skin
  • Allergy tested
  • Fragrance free

 

These are just some of my best eye creams for wrinkles.  Let me know if you’ve tried any of them or have any others you’d like to recommend.

The ULTIMATE WINTER SURVIVAL KIT!

Written by meredith / News / January 03, 2017

I’ll be the first to jump up and say I love the ‘holiday season’ and by that I mean, I love the holiday season from the comfort of my own home.  Being out in the elements because I have to is one thing-but if I don’t have to, you’ll find me nestled under a throw blanket in front of the Christmas tree.  Since I’m still on my daily grind, with a 9-5 obligation, Olay, Secret, Pantene, and Herbal Essences have a few Winter Essentials to keep me looking my absolute best when I am toe to toe with Jack Frost.  Let me know how you brave the cold and thanks for reading!

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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.

Firming up with Vichy!

Written by meredith / News / March 25, 2015

Vichy knows what I need.  And what I need right now is a solution to these jiggly thighs….and before you go ahead with the “You shoulds….” please note, I am in the latter part of a whole food cleanse (FIRST TIME I HAVE EVER EVER GIVEN UP COFFEE), and have committed to exercise/movement 3 days a week.  All that AND the warmer weather (which will force me to be outside), and I can’t see myself jiggly for too much longer.

But then there’s the cellulite.  WHY WHY WHY…..even at my fittest, it still resides on the backs of my thighs.  Ultimately, the total cellulite ‘solution’ for me will include liposuction but since I’m not independently wealthy (yet), I’m thrilled with topical solutions.

Firming during the day: Ideal Body Serum Milk

IdealBody_Serum_Milk_390x315For the 1st time, active ingredients traditionally used in face care: Hyaluronic Acid and LHA were combined with 10 fundamental oils to help women obtain ideal skin quality on the body: firmer, smoother and more radiant skin. Vichy Research discovered that lipids are essential agents for ideal skin quality. Anti-dryness, improved skin radiance and luminosity, smoothing, softness and firming action are the many benefits that the new IDEAL BODY range offers.

So Hyaluronic acid is a common ingredient in dermal fillers (Juvederm, etc) and is used to ‘plump’ and ‘fill’ lines.  It works well when injected and does have promise when applied topically (there are many facial products that contain it). I will say that this is MY first experience with Hyaluronic Acid for the body.  Also, I must say that this is also my FIRST experience with a serum for the body.  Do you know of any others?

I enjoy this product because it firms (not to the level of the night product), absorbs quickly, and has such a great fragrance.  I’m anxious to see how it performs over time.  I will say that for the texture of it, it moisturizes so well.  This is a GOOD thing.

Firming during the night:  Cellu Destock Night Time

celludestock

*tip* look inside the package for tips on how to use-where to place the product, massaging, kneading.  These ‘instructions’ even discuss lymphatic drainage.  A+ for this Vichy……..the lymph system isn’t discussed ENOUGH!  I’m keeping the packaging-following the instructions is essential for this to actually work.  There is a lot of ‘science’ in the description from Vichy but go ahead and have a read:

Celludestock Night time integrates the latest revolutionary complex from Vichy, l’Adipo-stim. Adipo-stim is a combination of Zingiber and Dioschol in synergy with Pure Caffeine 5% to decongest, drain and improve microcirculation. Zingiber helps regulate the natural destocking process overnight and Dioschol limits the stocking of new lipids.

 This is my standout product.  I apply this and feel it.  The instructions say to wash it off your hands after applying.  I’d like to think it will be working over time and that I’ll see results, I won’t hold my breath.  I like the way it feels after applying.  Maybe I can be convinced to take a photo after finishing this product….hmmm on second thought, better take my word for it.

Find Vichy:

on the web

on facebook

on twitter

on instagram

Summertime-how about an Almay picnic!

Written by meredith / News / August 16, 2014

This was a fun event-and so well done.  I loved the picnic theme.  As per usual, I don’t want to talk too much.  I’ll let the photos do the ‘work’ for me and then summarize at the end 🙂  (You’re welcome!)

IMG_3689IMG_3690IMG_3691

isn't this cute? Reusable lunch bags contained the almay products for the 'hands-on' tutorial.

isn’t this cute? Reusable lunch bags contained the almay products for the ‘hands-on’ tutorial.

My lunchbag containing almay smart shade products for my skin, eyes, lips!

My lunchbag containing almay smart shade products for my skin, eyes, lips!

Jacquie demonstrates how to use almay smart shade eyeshadow on a beautiful invitee

Jacquie demonstrates how to use almay smart shade eyeshadow on a beautiful invitee

Some of my fellow beauty bloggers got in on the action too….check out @jillojello and @thebeautyblogca getting ‘hands on’ :

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Now let’s check out the products:

IMG_3714Quite a nice bag of products, wouldn’t you say?

Almay smart shade anti aging makeup with SPF 30 in light/medium; Almay smart shade CC luminous primer

Almay smart shade anti aging makeup with SPF 30 in light/medium; Almay smart shade CC luminous primer

Very excited about these 2 items right here. Let’s face it (eh, see what I did there…..? FACE IT! Don’t worry, I’ll keep my day job), a beautiful face starts with a great canvas.  These 2 products work together to ensure a smooth, even toned face!

Makeup removers from Almay

Makeup removers from Almay

I’ve been a bigger and bigger fan of makeup remover wipes….especially when I work alllllll day long and then want to look fresh for an evening out!  A couple of swipes and I’m ready to begin again.  I like the towelettes-they are unfragranced and don’t leave my skin feeling tight.

almay smart shade eyeliner

almay smart shade eyeliner

I do apologize for the blurry photo. I have to admit, at this moment-this product is my ‘stand out.’  Why you ask?  It’s the color, it’s somewhere between a copper and chocolate brown with shimmer. It looks so good at the base of the upper lash line.  Complements my blue eyes wonderfully!

Almay smart shade bronzer

Almay smart shade bronzer

This bronzer also intrigues me.  Haven’t delved into it just yet but I’m interested for sure.   I’m in love with it already just for the polka dots!

intense i-color volumizing mascara

intense i-color volumizing mascara

I’ll be ripping this product open when I remove my lash extensions. I have heard great things about it.

IMG_3719Hmmmm, out of everything I have to say this is going to be a tough sell for me. I am not in agree-ance that blue eye shadow “works” on the eyelid of a blue-eyed gal such as myself.  However, Jacquie did give me hope that this could work for me and in fact even demonstrated using this product WITH the sponge-tipped applicator. WHOAH.  *gasp*-yes it’s true.  Let’s keep in mind that she is a professional though.

Stay tuned for a closer look at the products-more specifically 2 products that I am REALLY enjoying for flawless skin.  I’m a bit surprised that I am liking these 2 products SO MUCH!

Thank you to the lovelies at Almay who invited me to this event!  Well done!