skincare

The Review | Paula’s Choice RESIST Advanced Smoothing Treatment

I didn’t realize that I enjoyed the Paula’s Choice RESIST Advanced Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA ($36 US/ 30 mLs) quite so much until I found myself repurchasing it at the Black Friday Sale. Unlike the discontinued Paula’s Choice RESIST Weekly Resurfacing Treatment 10% AHA, I don’t use it one night and instantly notice that my skin is so much smoother and brighter, and that my textural irregularities have been toned down notably. However, I do notice that this formula likely gets me to the same place whilst being even more gentle and having even a soothing action on my easily-angered skin with continued use. What I enjoy the most about the newer addition to Paula’s line is that it combines a gentle alpha hydroxy acid with enough salicylic acid (0.5%) to combat the clogged pores that I’m prone to around my chin and lower cheeks, whilst also being a skin-restoring serum. The most impressive part is that it does this without irritating my sensitive skin that I keep in check with prescription Differin and azelaic acid.

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This formula is different than most exfoliants on the market for two main reasons reasons: (1) It’s formulated without drying alcohol and irritants and is at the correct concentration and pH to be effective (2) It’s an effective mixture of the bog-standard glycolic acid and the larger molecule alpha hydroxy acids lactic acid, magic acid and tartaric acid. In more recent years, I’m happy to report that other effective gentle acids have come onto the market but few contain the restoring soothing ingredients that Paula’s do at her more reasonable price tag. I believe that this acid product’s brilliance is that it provides the potent 10% AHA concentration (that I can tell you is effective firsthand) but is gentler because it combines the slightly more gentler AHA’s along with the glycolic acid that features in most AHA exfoliants, along with skin repairing ingredients, antioxidants and anti-irritants. Now let’s segway into the ingredients in more depth:

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Butylene Glycol (hydration), Glycolic Acid (alpha hydroxy acid/exfoliant), Glycerin (hydration/skin replenishing), Lactic Acid (alpha hydroxy acid/exfoliant), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (texture enhancer), Malic Acid (alpha hydroxy acid/exfoliant), Tartaric Acid (alpha hydroxy acid/exfoliant), Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (skin-restoring), Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 (skin-restoring), Ceramide NG (skin-replenishing), Salicylic Acid (beta hydroxy acid/exfoliant), Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract (skin-soothing), Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract (antioxidant), Avena Sativa (Oat) Bran Extract (skin-soothing), Punica Granatum Fruit Extract (antioxidant), Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract (antioxidant), Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract (antioxidant), Sambucus Nigra Fruit Extract (antioxidant), Camellia Oleifera (Green Tea) Leaf Extract (antioxidant), Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract (antioxidant/skin-soothing), Peucedanum Graveolens (Dill) Extract (antioxidant), Allantoin (skin-soothing), Adenosine (skin-restoring), Hydrogenated Lecithin (skin-restoring), Bisabolol (skin-soothing), Polyquaternium-10 (texture enhancer), Xanthan Gum (thickener/emulsifier), Carbomer (texture enhancer), Polysorbate 20 (cleansing agent), Sodium Bicarbonate (pH adjuster), Sodium Hydroxide (pH adjuster), Aminomethyl Propanol (pH adjuster), Phenoxyethanol (preservative), Benzyl Alcohol (preservative).

As previously mentioned, the formula’s basis is the 10% concentration of water binding alpha-hydroxy acids along with 0.5% salicylic acid to help penetrate the pores and aid with treating congestion. As with all Paula’s Choice products, it does this without fragrance, drying alcohols and plant extracts that are known to cause irritant reactions. The alpha hydroxy acids work to bind water to the skin and smooth its texture and diminish the look of imperfections and any sort of discolouration. Glycerin helps to bind water to the skin and the peptides theoretically help to normalize skin cell activity and reinforce the skin’s barrier. The ceramides that the formula contains play a significant role in repairing the skin’s barrier, which is important for everyone’s skin health but is especially important when you have a tendency towards eczema and naturally have an impaired barrier. The formula also contains a bunch of antioxidants and anti-irritants but I’ll talk most about the ones that appear in higher concentrations and are the most notable. Licorice root extract is anti-inflammatory ingredient that also plays a role in treating hyperpigmentation. Sidenote: this extract also appears to act against acne causing bacteria. Chamomile is antioxidant that also has evidence of extra anti-inflammatory ability.

The texture of the product is a lightweight but not watery gel thats effectively dispensed in a dropper. The product is fluid enough that I believe that the packaging is probably the most effective style that it could be and is definitely practical and a bit more sophisticated than Paula’s Choice packaging of the past. The packaging improvement and inclusion of so many beneficial ingredients makes the middle of the road price tag worthwhile for me. I do note that Paula’s Choice products have increased in price in the last several years but I do believe that their formulas have become more sophisticated, as has their packaging as a result. Even though you get very little product, I don’t find you need much and I appreciate that it functions as a nice serum as well as an exfoliant. For those wondering, this product is not clearly stated as vegan – see the Paula’s Choice animal testing page for the full details – but it’s certainly cruelty free.

Any thoughts?
Maggie, x.

 

 

Skincare Sunday | The Cold/Allergies/Sleep-Deprived Routine

As I write this post, I’m sitting beside my well-loved bottle of artificial tears and a heaping glass of water (with loads of ice) because I have a major case of allergies and I’m exhausted. From what I’ve gathered, many of us are sick, tired and suffering from allergies so I thought I’d share my pampering skincare routine for helping when we’re under the weather and our skin definitely shows it. I’ll remind you here that my skin is dry and dehydrated for the most part, with a tendency to get eczema whenever it gets upset or the weather changes.

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1. Gentle Cream Cleanser

I used the Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Softening Cream Cleanser ($18 US) to remove the residual skincare products from the night before and whatever grime was on my face. My skin was dehydrated with my allergies and change of season, as I think many people experience, so a gentle cream cleanser is essential.

2.Hydrating Toner or Essence

This is one of the occasions where I think incorporating one of these products makes the greatest difference. When your skin is dehydrated and a bit irritated, adding back those essential substances that make your skin glowy and hydrated immediately after cleansing helps. I used one of my favourites, the Paula’s Choice RESIST Advanced Replenishing Toner ($24 US), which definitely helped calm my skin, adding back essential fatty acids to restore the skin barrier along with some antioxidants.

3.Azelaic Acid

Depending on your skin care concerns and the state of your skin, this could be replaced with a more traditional chemical exfoliant; after all, the verdicts still out whether or not azelaic acid performs technically as a chemical exfoliant. Because I live in Canada where azelaic acid isn’t available over the counter, I actually used Finacea, a prescription only product. It’s anti-inflammatory activity keeps my skin the most calmed, clear, bright and radiant that my skin has ever been.

4. A Powerhouse Serum

This step will differ depending on your skin concerns, but you want it to be gentle and loaded with beneficial ingredients. I went with Laneige Bright Renew Original Serum ($59) because it has a gorgeous milky texture and soothes the skin while brightening, with niacinamide, squalene and liquorice root extract.

5.A Facial Oil

There’s something about the extra antioxidant boost from applying a plant oil that makes the skin look better. I’ve been reaching for The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Borage Seed Oil ($4.20).

6. An Eye Cream

I normally believe that eye creams and overpriced an unnecessary but when you’re suffering through a cold or allergies, you can typically use something a bit extra in the under the eye area, but it needs to be gentle. My pick was the Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado ($39).

7. A Good Moisturizer

This seems like such a blah heading but it’s all I could come up with. This will have sun protection in it, if you’re going the routine during the day (and got your life together before 5 pm unlike me) and will perhaps be a little richer in the evening. Because my skin is so thirsty, I slathered on the Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask ($35) but I’m sure this would entirely be too heavy for someone who is not on the drier end of the spectrum. This step is going to depend heavily upon your skin type.

Any thoughts?
Maggie, x.

The Review | Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream

Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream ($75 CDN/1.69 ounces) claims to be “a retro-style moisturizer that rescues dry, dull skin while slowly delivering a steady dose of barrier moisture throughout the day and night” and I surprisingly find myself saying that the moisturizer achieves what it claims. I did first try out this product in a sample size from a value set and found myself purchasing the full size because of the calming and comforting action it provided. The one thing I will say about the claims is that I question any topical moisturizer kind of product that can ‘firm’ the skin’s appearance because of how difficult it is to firm the skin and how subjective this claim is, as it’s talking about the skin’s appearance. However, the moisturizer does help to rehabilitate the skin’s appearance and adds brightness that can be lost when the skin is dry and irritated. It also does provide moisture that does not dissipate quickly, containing the six African oils that the formula boasts about.


In terms of packaging, the airless pump is excellent – from a hygiene and ingredient stability standpoint – and you can’t dislike the simple aesthetics of the lilac and white design, but I’m not sure I love it quite enough to want to part with $75 CDN to quickly repurchase it. My general recommendation would be to consider giving the cream a shot if you’re struggling with persistent dryness and sensitivity, especially if a thick whipped texture appeals. If thick butters can clog you, I’d probably stand far away from this but it’s excellent when dealing with conditions such as retinoid-induced dermatitis and extreme weather changes.

Ingredients:Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycerin, Caprylic/ Capric Triglyceride, Isopropyl Isostearate, Pseudozyma Epicola/Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil/Glucose/Glycine Soja Meal/Malt Extract/Yeast Extract Ferment Filtrate (Pseudozyma Epicola/Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil/Glucose/Yeast Extract Ferment Filtrate), Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Cetearyl Alcohol, Pentylene Glycol, Plantago Lanceolata Leaf Extract, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed Oil, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Schinziophyton Rautanenii Kernel Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-6 Ximenia Americana Seedate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Ceteareth-20, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin


Now let’s get down to the ingredients. It’s fragrance and irritant free, consisting of emollients, glycerin, antioxidant and fatty-acid-rich plant oils and barrier-repairing ingredients. The brand is cruelty-free as a whole and in all honesty, I’ve been unable to get a clear answer whether or not this particular product is vegan.  Now lets get to the rundown of the other ingredients: it starts off with the water-binding agent, glycerin, that’s a skin-identical and repairing substance that’s essential for barrier repair. Many of the ten first ingredients are emollients which is why I primarily would only recommend this cream for a drier skin that tolerates thicker butter consistencies without clogging. The formula is laden with fatty acids  and contains a decent amount of the antioxidant rich green tea oil, that has specific evidence of being calming and reducing irritation. There are a myriad of other antioxidant-rich plant oils in the formula, also.  It contains a specific plant extract called plantar lanceolate leaf extract, which has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties and is believed to increase the speed of healing. Another notable ingredient is a hyaluronic acid cross polymer, which also serves to increase the hydration of the skin.

Any thoughts on Drunk Elephant?
Maggie, x.
P.S. I purchased mine from Sephora but it’s also available from the Drunk Elephant website. Currently the brand is only available in North America but it has an upcoming UK launch.

The Review | Aroma Actives Omega Rich Facial Oil

I really really am sorry about how I dropped off of the face of the earth this month. There were papers, exams and holiday season work craziness that prevented me from being able to do anything other than survive. I might have bit off a bit more than one can chew. Regardless, I’m coming at you today with a review of a facial oil. I’m kind of ridiculously into facial oils – it doesn’t matter what season it is, but I will admit that I’m particularly into them in dry winter weather – so when I had the opportunity to try the Aroma Actives Skincare Omega Rich Facial Oil ($28/15 mLs) through work I was all kinds of excited.

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The Aroma Actives line is the more affordable (but still marketed as natural line), created by Geraldine Howard, the creator of the well-known luxury brand, Aromatherapy Associates. And as you would expect, her products are loaded with essential oils, which essentially (hahahahah) is my only issue with the product. I don’t mind a few essential oils in moderation, but I find this facial oil slightly too irritating on my sensitive skin, because of how many known irritating essential oils feature heavily into the product. Namely, these are the Wood Oil, Patchouli Oil, Ylang Ylang Flower Oil and the Bitter Orange Oil.

I will admit that the essential oils do contribute to a lovely herbal scent – that reminds me so much of an Aveda Salon Spa – and the lightweight but nourishing texture of the oil is appealing, but given that I reach for an oil for their hydrating slash healing properties, anti-inflammatory action, soothing properties and antioxidants this fails to reach my expectations. After all, any sort of irritation from overly fragrant and possibly problematic oils is opposed to the purpose of oils in my routine as I find it irritating, which causes inflammation.

Ingredients:Prunus Persica (Peach) Kernel Oil, Cinnamomum Camphora Linalooliferum (Ho) Wood Oil, Borago Officinalis (Starflower) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Oil, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower Oil, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Leaf/Twig Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil, Schinziophyton Rautanenii (Mongongo) Kernel Oil, Ximenia Americana Seed Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Anthemis Nobilis (Roman Chamomile) Flower Oil, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Tocopherol, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Citral, Citronellol, Eugenol, Farnesol, Geraniol, Isoeugenol, Limonene, Linalool.

With all this in mind, however, if you are a fan of essential oils and do not find that even the most fragrant ones cause a reaction in your skin, I might suggest giving this one a try. The formula is really sophisticated, nourishing while being lightweight and provides a luxurious experience without breaking the bank.

What are your thoughts on facial oils?
Maggie, x.

The Review| Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Lotion SPF 30

I’ve been using the Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Lotion SPF 30 ($28/2 ounces) on an almost daily basis for months now, but it’s really in the aftermath of suffering through a cold and dealing with very dehydrated skin in the fall that I’ve appreciated  this extremely hydrating mineral-based SPF moisturizer so very much. It does not have the lightest texture and some might regard it as slightly greasy, but its ability to provide gentle mineral based protection without drying out the skin and instead, providing so much hydration that a separate moisturizer is not required beforehand. Essentially, it’s impressive because it manages to fulfill my expectations of a moisturizer, along with a gentle SPF product that my skin can tolerate within a single product.

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Product Ingredients:
Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 3.85%, Zinc Oxide 3.12% (mineral sunscreens). Other Ingredients: Water (Aqua), C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate (thickener), Isononyl Isononanoate (skin conditioning agent), Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil (non-fragrant emollient plant oil), Glyceryl Stearate (emollient thickeners), PEG-100 Stearate (emollient thickeners), Cyclopentasiloxane (silicone slip agent), Butylene Glycol (slip agents), Pentylene Glycol (slip agents), Cetearyl Alcohol (thickening agent), Dimethicone (silicone slip agent), VP/Eicosene Copolymer (film-forming agent), Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols (antioxidant fatty acid), Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract (anti-irritants), Glycerin (skin-identical/repairing ingredient), Sodium Hyaluronate (skin-repairing ingredients), Allantoin (anti-irritants), Tocopheryl Acetate (vitamin E/antioxidant), Hydrogenated Lecithin (cell-communicating ingredient), Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (stabilized vitamin C/antioxidant), Superoxide Dismutase (antioxidant), Ubiquinone (coenzyme Q10/antioxidant), Ceramide NG, Methicone (silicone slip agent), Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 (cell-communicating ingredient) , PEG-10 Dimethicone – (silicone thickener), Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract (antioxidant), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (emollient/skin-repairing ingredient), Tribehenin (skin conditioning agent), PEG-10 Phytosterol (emulsifier), Sorbitan Stearate (emulsifier), Polyhydroxystearic Acid (thickeners), Alumina (thickening/opacifying agents) , Polysorbate 20 (emulsifier), Aluminum Stearate (thickening/opacifying agents), Xanthan Gum (thickeners), Caprylyl Glycol (preservatives), Disodium EDTA (chelating agent), Ethylhexylglycerin (skin-conditioning agent), Phenoxyethanol (preservative), Chlorphenesin (preservative).

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It adds instant hydration that suits those who suffer from dry patches and generally dry-slash-dehydrated skin and it does not have an overly thick texture, as might be problematic if you suffer with clogged pores or breakouts along with dryness concerns. It has a lotion texture and a white cast, as expected, but it’s relatively sheer and blends into my fair skin with ease – and is minor compared to other physical sunscreens that are not tinted to conceal the cast. I do love how it instantly calms and soothes the skin, while preventing from further damage and irritation from the sun, with SPF and antioxidants. It’s an excellent one for under makeup in terms of making it apply smoothly without highlighting drier patches, but on any sort of oilier areas, it can create some shine throughout the day.

As with all Paula’s Choice products, – in my experience, at least – the Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion does what it sets out and claims to do, replenishing “dry, sensitive skin” and ensuring “a healthy barrier function while protecting from daily sun damage with gentle mineral sunscreens” and is “loaded with potent antioxidants, skin-identical ceramics and cell-communicating peptides to restore and help maintain healthy, radiant skin”. The standout ingredients include the high concentration of apricot kernel oil for combatting inflammation, the barrier-repairing sodium hyaluronate, the anti-irritant allantoin and a cocktail of different antioxidants, to name a few. Especially for those on the more sensitive end of the spectrum, I would recommend this mineral based SPF moisturizer, if you’re on the dry to very dry end of the spectrum. I think it might be too heavy duty for normal skin, but I can’t be completely certain…

Thoughts?
Maggie, x.

A Skincare Update

Perhaps I was a little too ambitious with believing that I could get back to the 3-4 times a week posting schedule, while finishing up my degree and working twenty hours a week. Well, anyways I’ve been meaning to do a complimentary post to my morning skincare routine from this Summer, but I’ve realized that enough has changed that an update would make sense before moving onto the evening routine. My thoughts and philosophy on skincare haven’t changed, nor have my opinions on my favourite products but I’ve run out of certain previous staples and have been using others in the rotation… I will warn you, though, that this post will be more than a little Paula’s Choice heavy.

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First off, I’ve been more consistent with my use of the Paula’s Choice Resist C15 Super Booster ($48), every single morning before moisturizer, rather than just applied on alternating evenings. And even though I was feeling pretty great about my skin as a whole, I swear I’ve seen improvement from adding a few drops of the antioxidant serum in terms of skin clarity, brightness and texture.

After I ran out of the two moisturizers that had been in my rotation, I took the opportunity to order the Paula’s Choice Resist Intensive Repair Cream ($32) a month or so back and I’ve been using it on a nightly basis with pleasure. It does contain retinol in a decent concentration, but I find that I can use it on top of my topical Retinoid, along with a plethora of antioxidants and cell-communicating ingredients – including anti-inflammatory plant oils, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. Although its touted as an anti-aging moisturizer, the ingredients do work wonders on younger skin to combat irritation and inflammation, while preventing signs of aging and the like. It does contain petrolatum and plant oils, however, so it does not have the lightest feel, but I wouldn’t call it particularly heavy. It just has a thicker, emollient texture that might not be suitable for those who have issues with clogged pores and any sort of oiliness. I do find it intensely soothing and hydrating overnight and also suitable for use underneath the eyes. It’s been a real saviour as it’s gotten a whole lot drier and colder here and my skin has gotten majorly dry as I’ve been suffering through a wretched cold.

To be completely honest, I’ve switched the moisturizer up on occasion with the Lancome Visionnaire Advanced Multi-Correcting Cream ($92) that I received a sample size of in my Fall Luxe Box, even though I know that the jar packaging ensures that essentially any beneficial antioxidants will become unstable and that the ingredients aren’t impressive to begin with. I kind of just enjoy the soothing cream-gel texture and the light scent – that is not good for the skin. I will not be purchasing this, though, I assure you.

With the same aforementioned order, I’ve added the Paula’s Choice Clear Acne Body Spray ($24) into my daily (morning) chemical exfoliation, alternated with my usual Resist Daily Smoothing Treatment for increased pore-declogging and anti-inflammatory action – but this is its secondary function, as I’m using it to deal with unsightly body breakouts. I enjoy just how light it is without drying or irritating my skin and how it adds something extra to my regular AHA-based regime.

Thanks to my work, I’ve had the opportunity to sample two different products from the seemingly luxe essential-oil based line, Aroma Actives, and while I’ve been trying them out for about a month, they haven’t firmly found a place in my routine – nor have I completely decided my feelings on them. The Aroma Actives Omega Rich Facial Oil ($28) is definitely an indulgent oil that smells delightful and feels delightful on the skin, bringing increased radiance and all that facial oils do for a decent price, but it does only come with 15 mLs and when my skin is at its most sensitive, I find the ylang ylang essential oil content slightly irritating. But it’s still lovely.  I’ve also been adding the Aroma Actives Perfecting Day Serum ($24) to my regime on occasion with pleasure. I love the high rosehip oil content and how its enriched with these extracts in higher concentrations, along with how soothing and lightweight it is on the skin – I’m just not seeing phenomenal results.

Have any skincare recs for me?
Maggie, x.

The Acquisitions | Another Paula’s Choice Order

I believe that I’ve already mentioned that I recently started a new job and since I received my first couple of paychecks and all, I’ve bought more than a few things – and four of those things were from a Paula’s Choice order that I made, so today I’m going to type on about it. It does indeed include a few of those products that I’ve been continuously featuring in my wishlist posts, which does excite me to no end.

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Paula’s Choice Resist C15 Super Booster ($48 US/ 0.67 ounces)

With my first foray into Paula’s Choice back in March, I received a lovely trial size of this potent vitamin C serum and I fell in love with it because of the almost instant smoothing and brightening results. I was heartbroken when I found myself without this a month or so back to such a degree that I was motivated to place this order when the company was offering a nice promotion – simply for the sake of this product. With its potent dose of vitamin c, this lightweight serum works as an antioxidant, fighting against all forms of environmental damage – including sun damage (alongside your SPF) – and helps to add serious radiance to dull skin, smooth the texture, help to diminish uneven skin tone and increase overall clarity. I tend to use it on its own every second night but it can be mixed into another product, and I’ve been incorporating it into my daytime routine for optimal effectiveness.

Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Lotion SPF 30 ($28 US/ 2 ounces)

My skin does not tolerate chemical sunscreen well in the least but I tend to find mineral formulas heavy and drying, so I tried this hydrating moisturizing sunscreen formula as a sample with my last order and was pleasantly surprised – it manages to provide adequate mineral protection without that bothersome texture, significant white cast while actually providing tons of hydration and soothing action to the skin. I definitely am very impressed with this antioxidant rich formula.

Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Toner ($20/ 6.4 ounces)

Since watching the Paula’s Choice videos and learning more about their products and general skincare philosophy in the past couple of months, I’ve wanted to try one of their milky toners, as they supposedly added weightless hydration – which I’m always looking for – along with some calming action. Let me tell you, I’ve been converted – I adore how light but nourishing this toner is and I love how it gives a healthy dose of antioxidants along with nourishing oils with a featherlight texture. I imagine these would be ideal for more combination skins too because they add hydration without that heavy feel…

Paula’s Choice Resist Weightless 2% BHA Body Treatment ($25/ 7 ounces)

It has been mentioned before that since my early teenage years, I’ve struggled with body acne and while I’ve definitely managed to reduce the severity of the breakouts, it remains a concern. I’ve also mentioned before that I’m prone to eczema and find it difficult to tolerate potent treatments because they are irritating and/or drying. However, after having such success with using BHAs to prevent and treat my milder acne on my face without irritation, I was tempted to try out this antioxidant-rich BHA body lotion. I’ll keep you posted on my results but at least so far I haven’t experienced any irritation. This is also supposed to be great for treating KP and general dry skin.

As for samples, I chose the PC Skin Recovery Hydrating Treatment Mask, the PC Pure Radiance Skin Brightening Treatment and the PC Skin Recovery Cleanser, so if you’re curious I could provide my thoughts on these.

Have you tried Paula’s Choice?
Maggie, x.

 

The Review | Lush Ultrabland Cleanser

Long time no post, huh? It appears that I’ve taken a bit of a break but this was merely accidental – I’ve had an extraordinarily busy and exhausting week or so, I was without my laptop for a few days in (vain) hopes of a battery replacement and somehow I never quite got back into the swing of things. Well, on this fine Canada Day I thought I would bring out a review of one of those products that I’ve been loving in my busy and exhausted state to luxuriously cleanse the skin and melt off makeup with relative ease, the Lush Ultrabland Cleanser ($16.95-$29.95).

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I’m skeptical of natural products because they have the potential and tendency (in my experience) to be questionable for the skin and don’t seem to have to do anything else – performing well does not seem to be a requirement, along with being formulated with natural ingredients. Ultrabland comes in two different sizes, the perfectly adequate 45 grams (as shown above) and a generous 100 grams, and the beeswax-based cleanser boasts being able to remove the toughest of makeup while still being non-irritating. It’s definitely successful as its aims in my experience, although the second ingredient (rose water) has the potential to irritate the skin because its a naturally fragrant ingredient, which is something to consider. It removes makeup along with the best of them, decimating tenacious foundations and eyeliners with ease but doesn’t quite remove every last bit of mascara upon the first attempt all of the time.

Ingredients: Almond Oil (Prunus dulcis) , Rose Water (Rosa centifolia) , Beeswax (Cera alba) , Honey (Mel) , Fresh Iris Extract (Iris florentina) , Glycerine , Rose Absolute (Rosa damascena) , Tincture of Benzoin (Styrax benzoin) , Methylparaben , Propylparaben .

It’s definitely a true cleansing balm, enough so that I’m aware of this with being my first foray into these nourishing and soothing thick balms – and I’m loving it. It’s a therapeutic experience applying the smallest amount on my fingertips and then massaging the buttery product into my skin and on my eyelids and not just because of the pleasant almond oil and rose scent. Unfortunately, it’s balmy enough that it does not emulsify to rinse cleanly – in other words, this requires a washcloth for removal and won’t be for you if you hate any sort of residue. I love the little bit of hydration and soothing factor that the teensiest bit of residue leaves on my dry skin but I’m aware that it’s not for everyone. The balm agrees with my sensitive skin and hasn’t lead to any sort of irritation, bump or breakout and offers that indulgence that balms provide with a relatively low price tag. I’m partial to how this product doesn’t promise anything miraculous and therefore is able to deliver on its claims. In a nutshell, I would recommend Lush’s Ultrabland in two scenarios: if you’re eager to try a balm cleanser without spending a fortune or if you are a fan of natural products.

What’s your favourite cleanser?
Maggie, x.

The Review | Caudalie Vinosource Overnight Recovery Oil

Ever since I was given the Caudalie Vinosource Overnight Recovery Oil ($55) for Christmas last year, I’ve been happily applying it underneath my moisturizer in the serum stage, both evening and morning. The oil might be pricy but it does what it says, working impressively to soothe and restore dry sensitive skin overnight and only requiring a few drops to do so. In the six months that I’ve been using this oil consistently for six months and have noticed that it has definitely helped to soothe and nourish my sensitive skin, deal with dry patches like a champ and adds radiance.

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Caudalie describes the oil in more detail as being “formulated with a blend of six 100% natural plant and essential oils” and claims that the dry oil “deeply nourishes, soothes sensitive skin prone to redness or irritation, and repairs the skin’s barrier”. Caudalie also claims that “upon awakening, the skin regains a soft, supple texture that feels transformed, fresh and radiant”; while these claims do sound a bit exaggerated (as the claims of skincare do have a tendency to be), I actually do believe that this oil has helped to do what it has promised. My only hesitation is the amount of essential oil contained in the blend, as while the rose smells lovely, it does have the potential for even greater irritation than regular fragrance – but I haven’t noticed any of this come into play, even on my rather reactive skin. And it is worth noting that the rose essential oil is towards the bottom of the ingredient list, so it’s less problematic than if it were the first ingredient. Also, oil blends such as this one tend to be worth investing in because they provide the benefits of all of the different oils rather than a singular one.

Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Cymbopogon Martini Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Geraniol, Citronellol, Linalool, Citral, Farnesol, Eugenol, Limonene.

The bottle is a nice, standard 1 ounce opaque glass with a sturdy dropper applicator and is rather pretty in an unassuming way and is efficient. The texture is surprisingly hydrating for a dry oil but it behaves as one, feeling lightweight and quickly absorbing into the skin and leaving a glow without a hint of oily residue and I do appreciate that a little goes a long way. I would recommend this oil to anyone willing to shell out the price tag who is looking for a soothing oil to try and does not have an issue with rose essential oil. For combination skin types or those that are not consistently dehydrated, this oil might only be ideal for nighttime but on my dehydrated and just plain dry skin, it’s a godsend even in the mornings. I would definitely consider repurchasing it in the future after I finish this bottle but at the moment I’ve purchased a more affordable single note organic rosehip oil to use after I run out of this beauty.

Have you tried any facial oils?
Maggie, x.

 

 

The Beauty Bargain | Neutrogena Extra Gentle Cleanser

IMG_8849There might not be much heard about the Neutrogena Extra Gentle Cleanser ($9-10 CDN) but it’s been out for years and years and despite its rather boring appearance and general absence of hype, it’s kind of a lifesaver and one of those unsung heroes of the budget beauty department. It’s a gentle, soothing cleanser that I’m tempted to compare to Cetaphil but in my estimation, it has a much creamier texture and blows Cetaphil out of the water. In other words, it’s not a particularly exciting product but I’m not of the belief that cleansers should be – it’s good to look for cleansers that have the gentlest formulas and work effectively without stripping the skin or irritating it in the slightest, especially when you have irritation prone skin as I do.

While the emollients and the general soap-free cleansing agents in the formula will remove makeup to some extent, particularly when light makeup is involved, I tend to stick to using it as a morning cleanser or as a second cleanse after using my main makeup remover at nighttime. This might have something to do with the fact that I find that makeup clings to my face like glue and I seem to need to use heavy duty oil removers for the more benign formulas, though, so I wouldn’t necessarily be dissuaded by its limited makeup removal abilities – it just isn’t the best makeup remover in existence.

Now that I’m working on my second bottle of this lotion cleanser, I definitely do stand by my original assessment that this soap and fragrance free formula is the gentlest that I’ve ever tried, and the only formula that does not make my skin tingle, burn and redden when it’s at its most fragile state. Not only is the cleanser gentle, it also moisturizes the skin after removal with its lotion formula and inclusion of anti-irritants, chamomile and vitamin e. Even on my skin that has a tendency to get rather dry and irritated, this cleanser leaves a comfortable feeling after being rinsed away.

This cleanser is quite simply the best for irritated and drier skin and I would recommend it to anyone unless you’re very oily or relish the uber-cleansed feelings that more lightweight gel cleansers leave behind. It’s amazing and one of my few skincare repurchases.

Ingredients: Purified Water, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Ricinoleate, Isohexadecane, Tea-Cocoyl Glutamate, Methylglucose Sesquistearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Bisabolol, Chamomile Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Triethanolamine, BHT, Geranium, Dipropylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Propylparaben, Methylparaben

Any beauty bargains to share?
Maggie, x.