The Drugstore Wonder - Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream SPF 15

The Asian continent used to be the primary producer of high quality and high performance skin-perfecting BB Creams. The main characteristic of these "real deals"  is the unique combination of skin-loving ingredients, replenishing minerals and skin-perfecting sheer tint, which when combined not only even out your skin-tone but also work to heal any skin imperfections. Essentially the BB Cream can be classified as sheer makeup that covers, polishes and ultimately cares for your skin - all at the same time! Most BB Creams are suitable for all skin types but acne-prone will especially benefit from the blemish treatment found in almost every formula. 

The Western world definitively had to be schooled in the formulation of these makeup-skincare hybrid wonders which of course led to a whole slew of brands tripping over themselves to release their own signature BB Creams formulas. 

Having used some of the popular Korean BB Creams with wonderful results I was curious to see how the Western formulas compared to their original predecessors, counting availability as one of the obvious perks for someone who prefers instant access to beauty  products as opposed to tracking things on Ebay

The Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream ($12.99) came highly recommended by a lot of beauty bloggers and after testing it for a few weeks now I can definitively join the Garnier Rave Choir. This particular dermatologist tested Garnier BB Cream comes in three shades - Fair, Medium/Deep and Dark. 

Official Description;

Save time with just one multi-benefit product that offers advanced skincare + immediate skin perfecting coverage. This hybrid formula renews radiance, brightens complexion, evens skin tone, hydrates and protects with SPF15 UVA/UVB sunscreen. Get results you can see and feel instantly.

Ingredients;

Active: Octinoxate 4%. Inactive: Water, Isononyl Isononanoate, Isohexadecane, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Cetyl Palmitate, Nylon-12, Cyclohexasiloxane, Propylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Stearyl Alcohol, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, Caprylyl Glycol, Lithum Magnesium Sodium Silicate, Disodium EDTA, Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene, Caffeine, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Benzyl Alcohol, Geraniol, Cellulose Acetate Butyrate, Polyphosphorylcholine Glycol Acrylate, Citral, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Sodium Chloride, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate. [May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides].

Garnier claims that their BB Cream will renew, brighten, hydrate, even and protect your complexion from the damaging sun rays, preventing hyper-pigmentation and contributing some basic anti-aging abilities.

I am not entirely convinced that this formula actually renews anything but I can certainly vouch for the brightening, hydrating, protecting and skin-tone evening promises. 

I would place this makeup hybrid between a light coverage foundation and a tinted moisturizer leaning more towards the latter. The finish it gives off is very reminiscent of a tinted moisturizer as it's more of a dewy glow. The formula is very hydrating and so much so that I would only recommend using this if you have combination, normal or dry skin. 

Its creamy consistency and texture is very easy to blend though not buildable. After testing it for a few days (and paying attention!) I've come to the conclusion that the dewy glow lasts about six hours without any fading, melting or blotchiness, however the longevity increases to about eight to ten hours with just a light dusting of setting powder.

I should mention that the liquid has a subtle floral scent that dissipates within about 5 minutes of application, which means that even those sensitive to fragrance scents can use it comfortably with no irritation. 

Overall, it's a winner in my book. It's ideal for lightweight weekend wear, falling into the category of "my skin but better" radiance boosting type of product. 

In my opinion the Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfecter BB Cream SPF 15 ($12.99) is comparable to a lot of other higher-priced Asian BB Cream and the fact that its sold in almost every drugstore chain makes it even more appealing!

Have you tried the Garnier BB Creams? Do you have a favorite BB Cream? Please share! 

Thank you for reading and stopping by!

XOXO

ANJA

Call For Hydration With Pure+Simple Organic Rosehip Face Oil

My love of natural skincare and general quest for a healthier lifestyle has introduced me to several amazing brands that would have been otherwise overlooked had I not done the necessary research. In the past few years I have found myself paying close attention to clean, natural or organic ingredients in all my personal care products - skeptical at first (as usual!) but at this point the transformation and the obvious visible results are impossible to deny.

One of the main reasons I resisted the "natural path" was simply my own ignorance and the preconceived notions that these new "hippy with a side of hype" new brands couldnt possibly compete with the big beauty names who have all kinds of money and research to quote over-and-over again! Lets not forget that a lot of "natural" products also have a very different feel and look when it comes to their packaging and formula texture. It doesnt help that I simply despise the oily, tacky consistency and residue of anything  that comes into contact with my ridiculously girly persona. I was also completely hooked on the nice, clean fragrances that my "regular" brands come with, while the natural products had scents that were a bit more concentrated, herb-like and in some cases even pungent. My signature scent is PRADA Candy and that should tell you just how deep my girly notions can be!

Discovery of essential oils and their super individual powers changed everything about my attitude and how I viewed the field of natural-organic direction.The introduction and popularity of facial oils into the mainstream beauty world  changed my mind about the improvement in the oil medium textures and my own aversion to them. However it was essentially finding brands like the Canadian Pure+Simple Spa company that solidified my resolve to explore my options again and finally realize that the Big-Beauty-Brands might not be everything the vehemently claimed they were.
I guess you can say I had to eat my words and get re-educated!

If you know this blog then you are already aware how passionate I am when it comes to all kinds of skincare but the products I appreciate the most are definitely treatment serums and facial oil concoctions. In fact I already have several posts regarding those categories and if you want to see what other oils I recommend just click here! 

Today I wanted to introduce you to one of the first oil treatments that I started out with - the fact that this product  has been repurchased several times and used by a lot of people I personally know, is a testament to the quality and result driven formulation.
My own affinity to rose oils and love for multi-purpose products doesn't hurt either. 

Without further ado I give you -  Pure+Simple Organic Rosehip Face Oil ($39.95 for 50 ml) 

Official Description;

Rosehip oil contains 80% essential fatty acids (EFAs), predominantly linoleic
(Omega 3) and linolenic (Omega 6) and is naturally enriched with antioxidants like
beta-carotene and lycopene.
Naturally contains Trans-Retinoic Acids that helps regenerate damaged skin tissue
Helps to decrease and prevent hyperpigmentation, wrinkles + scars
A perfect skin rehydrator that restores moisture balance

Ingredients;

Organic Rosa Mosqueta (Rosehip) Oil

Directions for uses;
Use as a hot oil treatment for brittle, damaged hair or as a scalp treatment
Use in place of a moisturizer day and/or night
Use under your moisturizer for ultra hydration and/or to prevent/correct fine lines and pigmentation

The texture of this Organic Rosehip Facial Oil is one of the things I love most about using it. The oil is very lightweight, lighter than the Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil and even my favorite REN Rose O12 Moisture Defense Serum, making it perfect for the transitioning season period (Fall or Spring) for most skin types. I can imagine that girls with oily skin can get away with using this under a moisturizer in the winter or apply it alone in the summer. Since my skin is a little bit drier the Pure+Simple Organic Rosehip Face Oil works beautifully year round as a basic skincare hydration boost treatment.
Its the perfect everyday care oil that will not interfere with the rest of your skincare or even makeup like some of the richer formulations out there. The silky liquid sinks into the skin wonderfully and doesn't leave any tacky or greasy residue on the surface, making sure that the only thing you end up with  is hydration and deep nourishment. The complexion you get is soft, healthy, radiant and pampered.

The scent is very mild and certainly fits in the non-offensive category although I have heard certain people mention that they sense a slightly fishy fragrance. If you are very sensitive to odor this might be a slight issue but keep in mind that even this slight natural scent disappears within minutes once applied to the skin.

The purpose of the oil treatment is geared towards preventative anti-aging and soothing sensitive, irritated dry skin.
However where the Organic Rosehip Facial Oil truly shines and delivers the most is the area of sun damage or hyper-pigmentation trouble spots. For me this is one of the few products that has actually made a difference when it comes to fading darker post-acne scars and the unfortunate sun spots caused by sunscreen neglect. I paid the price for skimping on proper skin protection during my teenage years! Like with all skincare the transformation doesnt come overnight but after a few weeks the change will be very obvious in the mirror!

Heed my warning - sunscreen the heck out of it because as you probably already know its a lot easier to prevent something than to have fix, conceal or treat later!

Have you tried the Pure+Simple Organic Rosehip Face Oil ($39.95 for 50 ml)?
What is your favorite facial oil?

Thank you for reading

XOXO

ANJA

C.O. Bigelow My Favourite Night Balm NO. 306 - The Cockiest Lip Treatment Around?

What's in a name? 

The art of assigning a particular name or title when it comes to all products in general can be one of the driving forces that can heavily influence the brands commercial success or unfortunate market failure. This particular phenomenon might be most prominent in the cosmetic industry where branding, advertising and memorable product dubs are all intricately designed to attract the consumers and make them remember the item in question long after they leave the store. These days the beauty market is beautifully over-saturated with various formulations of products that share similar purpose and design, meaning that creativity is more important than ever to make something stand out and maintain longevity in the industry itself. 

Cutesy product packaging, clever advertisements and "catchy" names or descriptions are all wonderful ways to get noticed and stay memorable in the minds of your target audience. 

The C.O. Bigelow My Favorite Night Balm No. 306 ($7.50) is a relatively new addition to my lip treatment balm collection which starts growing at an exponential rate during this time of year. The freezing cold and windy Canadian winters are anything but kind and tolerable for my dry, sensitive skin and my lips seem to suffer the most due to these unfortunate weather elements. Lets face it dry, chapped, cracked and windburned lips are not a good look for anybody and it goes without saying that even your best lipstick or lip gloss will not look its best if the base is not taken care of first. 

The C.O. Bigelow My Favorite Night Balm No. 306 caught my attention immediately with its cocky name and despite the fact that I had absolutely no knowledge about the brand itself, that little blurb guaranteed its purchase quite easily. A big hand of applause for the C.O. Bigelow marketing team - their efforts obviously paid off and I am sure I wasn't the only beauty connoisseur that fell hard for such a clever name almost instantly. 

The scientist in me really wanted to test the lip treatment that claimed to be My Favorite Night Balm right from the get go. 

Bold statements like that should be able to produce bold results as well!

Official Description;

Heal your lips while you sleep with this deeply moisturizing night balm. Leaves lips soft and smooth. Contains healing Shea Butter

Ingredients;

Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Petrolatum, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Ozokerite, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-1, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Mineral Oil, Lanolin Oil, C18-38 Alkyl Hydroxystearoyl Stearate, Diisostearyl Malate, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax (CAndeilla Cera, Cire de Candelilla), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Isoprpyl Palmitate, Slica Silylate, Stearalkonius Hectorite, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Propylene CArbonate, Sodium Saccharin, BHT
The winter and environmental factors around here have a tendency to irritate and dry out my lip tissue and the vermilion border surrounding it. The sensation of slight burning and redness associated with it can be extremely uncomfortable and further element exposure can even add itchiness and flaking to the already "pretty" sight. Daily lip protection can be achieved with sunscreen infused rich lip balms, reapplied regularly and continuously however there are days when that just proves not to be enough. Heavy-duty, nourishing and hydrating night lip treatments provide healing and rejuvenation overnight, making them an essential step in my nightly skincare routine.
All my other lip balms, that used to be perfect for my summertime lips, now become basically useless and simply not good enough to tackle such extreme issues. Oh, what's a girl to do?

So yes, I was skeptical when I saw C.O. Bigelow My Favorite Night Balm No. 306 ; but the words "8 hour overnight recovery" intrigued me enough to put this lovely blue tube to the favorites test. 

I love that it's texture is very thick, but doesn't feel uncomfortable on the lips. The scent is light, but pleasant; not overpowering in the least and the nourishment is felt almost instantly. It feels and looks like its working almost instantly but the results are not as quick as the sales associated relentlessly claimed when I inquired about the formula itself. My lips felt better and there were observable improvements in lip condition but it took a few days for me to be convinced of its effectiveness. 

The promise of My Favorite Night Balm  formula is definitively solid and produces enviable results for such a small price tag but I can't say that I would classify this as a must-have or even a favorite lip treatment. I like it and would even re-purchase it once I run out but in all honesty there are other balms in my lip stash that preform better and quicker than this particular product. 

However if you are looking for a budget, good quality lip balm that will give you some consistent results then the C.O. Bigelow is definitively a good and reliable choice. 

The My Favorite Night Balm might not be my favorite lippie but I still give it high marks :-)

What is your favorite lip product?

Thank you for reading 

XOXO 

ANJA

Sponge Worthy? The Original Beautyblender - Hype or a Game-changer?

I am not a true believer when it comes to the "necessity" of investing in expensive makeup tools. As much as I respect brands such as MAC, Chanel or NARS I am yet to be convinced of the superiority of their pricy makeup brush collections. That being said I do own a few expensive, highly recommended pieces myself however the ones I reach for are usually from the reasonably priced, high quality brands such as EcoTools or Sigma. 

Based on experiences such as that one and the fact that I have fallen for the beauty hype numerous times before I was very hesitant when it came to acquiring the cult beauty sponge by Beautyblender. My determination to avoid another purchase mistake held up for a lot longer than I expected and its actually only recently that my curiosity got the better of me and I finally caved. 

The price for us Canadians is a high $26.00 for one or $33.00 for two and the kit that includes the special cleansing agent is a whopping $50.00, making this to be a significantly high end purchase, especially when you realize that what you are getting is basically just a cool shaped, pink sponge. 

I will admit that once my Sephora order came in and I had a chance to examine this must-have makeup tool, my initial reaction was that of disappointment with just a touch of underwhelming amusement. To say I felt let-down is an understatement! 

However true to form I am now "eating my words" and I can honestly say that I judged this little wonder a little too harshly and a little too quickly. After taking a chance to experiment with proper application handling and having tried some "knock-offs" of the original Beautyblender, I can confirm what most of you already know - the pink egg sponge is a definite keeper!

Official Description;

The original beautyblender® is a revolutionary makeup sponge applicator with 360 degrees of usable surface for creating absolute complexion perfection. This five-time Allure Best of Beauty Award-winner is ergonomically designed to meet your makeup needs. beautyblender® is the first high definition, neon pink sponge application tool that gives you everything from amazingly sheer coverage to a buildable full coverage.

I have used makeup brushes, puffs and simple sponges to apply my foundation or tinted moisturizer before but my preferred method is almost always blending everything in using just my fingers. Sure it might be messy but on my skin that technique seems to translate itself into the most natural real-skin finish. 

The Beautyblender sponge comes very close to that kind of result and once I mastered the right "tapping - sweeping" motions the final look resembled very fine air-brushing. I never knew that was even a possibility! The bonus when it comes to using this sponge is that its able to finish and polish not just your base but can even be utilized with concealers, primers and even liquid or cream blush. Girls with prominent pores will be the ones to appreciate this little tool the most because not only does it seem to disguise them but also prevents caking and uneven blotchiness that can only make them look even bigger.   

I have had my Beautyblender sponge now for a little over a year and through trial and error I've developed my own little tricks when it comes to maximizing its performance. 

The first thing you need to do is wet the sponge itself until it about doubles in size. Once that happens, squeeze the excess water from it and blot in a few layers of paper towel until it feels damp. Avoid using your thumb to poke it because it might create a hole that way and damage the sponge interior - instead focus on a gentle whole hand pressure! Once you are satisfied that the sponge is not soaked anymore dip its edges into the liquid makeup base and start sweeping, patting and blending the medium on the desired area (face!). 

Everybody has their own unique ways to use anything so I have added the official Beautyblender training video that will give you the basic recommendations directly from their own genius! 

As much as I resisted this purchase at first I am now happy that I succumbed to my own curiosity. The price might be a little higher than I'd like but since this turned out to be a product I use a lot with excellent results, the investment for me was more than worth it. 

There may be significantly cheaper "knock-offs" on the market today but I haven't seen one that works quite as good as the original. Sometimes the real-thing is worth the extra expense and that is certainly true when it comes to the lovely Beautyblender. 

Plus it allows me to keep my fingers clean :-)

Have you tried the Beautyblender sponge? Or any of the other versions? 

Thank you for reading!

XOXO 

ANJA

Hydration, Tint and Luminosity In One - NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser

My skincare admiration is now well documented and it is that appreciation alone that has always drawn me towards well-formulated, skin loving tinted moisturizers. 

Products that fall into this category are essentially an extension of the basis of skincare, souped up with a bit of color to add some polish and concealment to any minor imperfections of the complexion. Tinted moisturizers are not meant to replace foundation (unless you are lucky!) nor are they suppose to replace your primary moisturizer (unless you are extremely oily) but it is exactly those two factors that represent the appeal of this product in the first place. 

Basically if you are familiar with the nature of tinted moisturizers and have appropriate expectations of what you want to achieve , the right formula can do wonders for the overall look of your skin. Choosing the right formula with the right ingredients can be somewhat tricky but once you identify THE ONE that is right for your skin, you will be able to fully appreciate its charm and benefits. Since the coverage is usually quite sheer and light, shade matching is a lot more forgivable than say a foundation, meaning that ordering one sight unseen has much higher success rates than other similar products. 

The cosmetic brand NARS  is undoubtedly one of the most popular makeup powerhouses in the blogosphere. Their innovative formulas, trend inspired colors and irresistibly cheeky branding philosophy has given NARS almost a cult like following where beauty's all around the world are tripping over themselves to acquire the regularly released limited edition collections. Personally I love and appreciate a lot of NARS products but my own limited makeup techniques prevent me from working with some of their wild color combinations, thereby limiting my brand exposure to a few core pieces. However these classic makeup selections are outstanding and well loved in my everyday, un-trendy, boring life. 

One of these NARS essentials and one of my favorites is their hype-worthy Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($49.00 for 1.9 oz). 

As a self-proclaimed tinted moisturizer connoisseur I was completely smitten after the first application and now almost a year later the love affair is still going strong! 

Official Description;

A lightweight tinted moisturizer that evens skintone and provides a translucent veil of protection. 

Infused with lush, naturally derived ingredients, this lightweight tinted moisturizer immediately helps thirsty skin feel hydrated. It has been proven to help reduce the appearance of discoloration and dark spots caused by hyperpigmentation for a clearer and brighter complexion in as little as four weeks. Oil-free and luxurious, it obscures the appearance of lines, wrinkles, pores, and other imperfections while SPF 30 adds a translucent veil of protection. 

Ingredients;

Water, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Titanium Dioxide, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Diethylhexyl Succinate, Glycerin, Nylon-12, Cyclomethicone, Peg-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Peg-10 Dimethicone, Aluminum Hydroxide, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Stearic Acid Phenoxyethanol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Fragrance, Dimethicone/Vinyl, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Trisodium, Edta, Aluminum Distearate, Talc, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Polysilicone-2, Vibrio Alginolyticus Ferment Filtrate, Tocopherol, Alteromonas Ferment Filtrate, Maris Sal (Sea Salt), Hydrogen Dimethicone, Bht, Algae (Algae Extract), Sodium Metabisulfite, Curcuma Longa [Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract], Potassium Sorbate, Geraniol, Limonene, Citral, Linalool [+/- (May Contain): Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Ci 77491 (Iron Oxides), Ci 77492 (Iron Oxides), Ci 77499 (Iron Oxides)].
*Made without parabens, phthalates and sulfates

As someone with a skin type a little on the dry, sensitive end of the spectrum I have come to appreciate the hydration properties of any product I use and NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer  is no exception. This particular formula caters to drier skin types in a way I haven't encountered in my experience with other brands. 

The moisture does not just sit on the surface of your skin, nor does it interfere with your primary moisturizer. The tint sinks in, blends almost effortlessly and provides a comfortable cake-free, velvety smooth canvas. The pores on my nose and cheeks are not enhanced or put on display like with some other makeup base products and the sheer coverage dries in a way that just amplifies real-skin appearance. What you are left with is a natural, radiant finish that evens out your skin, tones any redness or superficial imperfections and looks like you are wearing nothing at all. The luminosity of your very own skin is magnified to its highest level and not a trace of glittery, shimmer other "radiance" makeup bases use to attract light.

The Beauty Of Naturally Enhanced Body Oils - Hydration At Its Best!

If you have dry skin or sensitivity that comes along with that blessing then you already know the upcoming cold weather is something we need to arm ourselves for.
The weapons of choice are luxurious, nourishing, soothing and ultra-protective moisturizing potions, capable of kicking ass even through the extremes of Canadian winters. Up here in the great white north we not only have to deal with ridiculously low temperatures but the accompanying arctic cold winds as well. Since my home is right on the Bay of Fundy the sharp, freezing winds can do a number on my already delicate dry skin! Luckily I am a weather veteran now so my arsenal is well stocked with some awesome defensive moisture bombs. 

There are a lot of rich, hydration driven formulations out there that do a great job of protecting my skin but my secret weapon that elevates the whole experience to the highest level possible are naturally inspired body oils. Adding just a few golden drops can transform a simple moisturizing lotion into a ultra-nourishing body treatment. 

If you are worried about the greasy after effects (rightfully so!) you'll be happy to hear that body oil formulas have evolved so much in the past decade, making them very user-friendly and definitely trial-worthy. 

I wanted to share a few body oils that have been rocking my world and ones I would recommend to anyone year-round! 

Mother Nature brings it big time!

Caudalie Divine Oil ($52.00 for 3.4 oz)

I have already expressed my love and deep admiration for this French wonder (review here!) so including this was a no-brainer. The luxurious fragrance celebrates the essence of Moroccan and Bulgarian roses, pure Vanilla notes and traces of Cedar and White Musk. The olfactory sensationalism combined with skin loving natural oils creates a formula that not only moisturizes your parched skin but also makes you happy about using it. As usual the Caudalie signature grape seed oil along with Sesame Seed, Argan and Hibiscus oils creates a velvety, silky canvas that sinks in quickly, leaving no grease but only radiant fragrance behind. The charming amber-tinted, vintage glass bottle, topped with a "wood-like" cap only adds to its appeal and the starry blogosphere raves only reinforce its classic Parisian feel. Tres chic - if you ask me!

Cowshed Bath & Body Oils ($31.00 for 3.38 oz)

The British share the same moisture dilemma as Canadians so its no surprise that the niche UK  Cowshed brand really knows how to make a product that effectively meets our hydration needs. This adorable beauty brand battles the freeze and dryness that accompanies it with fairly traded plant extracts, organic ingredients and proven therapeutic botanicals, all blended together into one hard working body oil. The potent formula includes cranberries, grape-seeds, sesame and sweet almond oils, all which penetrate deep beyond the skin surface to hydrate and restore body's own natural moisture balance. The addition of essential fragrance oils is there to highlight their aromatherapy potential and is sure to satisfy even the pickiest olfactory experts! My ultimate favorite is the Moody Cow Balancing Bath & Body Oil where linden blossom and rose geranium freshness kicks into high gear and lulls me into relaxation mode regardless of how bad of a day I might have had. The fact that my skin is left soft, silky and comfortably smooth is obviously a major bonus!
If you value products free from nasty parabens, preservatives, sulfates, artificial fragrances and unnecessary colors then Cowshed is the safely the way to go!

Yon-Ka Huile Corps Body Oil ($62.00 for 3.38 oz)

I am not even surprised that yet another one of my favorites is indeed a French product. Yon-Ka is a Parisian brand whose catch phrase "Quintessence of the phyto-aromatic care" could not be more spot on with their products. Everything they make has that aromatherapy touch that is as lovely to use as its beneficial for our essential well-being - let me tell you, health has never smelled so good! 

The Yon-Ka Huile Corps is a fresh and sensual body oil that beautifully marries the herbal note of Sage with a soak in Lavender. Normally grassy-scents like this would not be appealing to a gourmand-lover girly girl such as myself but this combination has a very distinct crisp sweet undertone that provides the aura of absolute serenity to even my judgmental senses. The oily goodness pampers my dry skin by restoring suppleness, smoothing out any flaky, irritated patches and providing a protective barrier on the surface that prevents further moisture loss. It might be my imagination or wishful thinking but whenever i use this my skin feels warm and comfortably cozy, which is a huge bonus during the winter months. The sophisticated golden wonder is presented in a frosted glass bottle which only drives the French exclusivity and just makes you feel that you are using something very special!

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Ultra-Moisture Body Oil ($65.00 for 100 ml)

My love for REN has been well established on this blog and a major portion of my bathroom is dedicated to their skincare essentials. It took me a little longer to sample their body care products but once I did, unsurprisingly their goodness had me hooked almost immediately. Seeing how my love of all things REN was combined with rose essence in their Moroccan Rose Body Care Collection I just knew it was only a matter of time before these became my new must-haves.
The Rose scent in the Moroccan Otto Ultra-Moisture Body Oil is as natural as it gets and completely intoxicating! This is the kind of product that you open up during the day just to give your olfactory senses a little treat. Using the complimentary REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil ($48.00 for 110 ml) prior slathering the body oil all over is one of the most relaxing, sensual and luxurious experience I have ever had in my own little bathroom.
Essentially if you love roses and clean ingredient beauty then give REN a try - no disappointment or regret at all!

Josie Maran Moroccan Argan Body Oil in Balance ($35.00 for 1.7 oz)

My love for all things roses continues with this Josie Maran powerhouse. The universally loved Rose Damascena is the star of this simplistic one-dimensional scented Argan Oil based body moisturizer so its no surprise that the scent just explodes once it hits your skin. It remains uncluttered in the blend of Argan, Apricot, Sweet Almond, Safflower, Sesame, Avocado, and Olive Fruit oils, meaning that it will dominate no matter how you choose to use this emollient rich moisturizer. The formula also contains the discrete essence of the Vitamin C rich Pomelo Grapefruit oil whose benefits include treating muscle fatigue, hair growth, skin tone improvement and even acne treatment. The beautiful rose however dilutes this almost completely so had I not done my research I would have never detected it on my own.
Despite the fact that Josie Maran markets this as a body oil treatment the little beauty rebel in me has used this as a hair mask, cuticle treatment, subtle rose perfume and a very sensual and effective massage oil.
I am more than a little impressed!

J.R. Watkins Coconut Milk & Honey Body Oil Mist ($8.99 for 6 oz)

As a self-confessed gourmand lover the J.R.Watkins Coconut Milk & Honey Body Oil Mist delivers a dollop of sweetness coupled with deep hydration at a price we can all live with!
J.R. Watkins is an apothecary budget brand that once again proof that we don't have to sacrifice good-for-you ingredients and high delivery formula when choosing a drugstore brand. Their products are made without any no mineral oil, petrolatum, glycols, silicone's, synthetic dyes or any of the other traditional chemical nasties.
The basis of this vitamin enriched body oil mist are the carrier Almond and Apricot Kernel oils which are easily absorbed into the skin and are especially recommended for dehydrated, delicate, distressed, mature and sensitive skin. The rich fatty acids help soothe any inflammation, revitalize the skin and even fight fine lines in aging mature skin. The candied scent from 100% natural Coconut Milk & Honey fragrances leave a scrumptiously fruity veil of moisture, which penetrates immediately with its sheer viscosity and leaves no greasy or tacky residue.
Its essentially good enough to eat!

Mama Mio OMega Wonder-Full Rescue Balm ($30.25 for 30 ml)

To be fair this little wonder is not a body oil in the traditional sense but it does serve a similar purpose and its texture melts into an oil form when applied to the skin. I felt that it deserved a mention because of its ultra-targeted moisture properties and the practical fact that since it comes in airtight, plastic, pump functioning bottle its also very TSA air travel friendly. That fact alone makes it an amazing find and its "nasties-free" ingredient promise is just like the icing on the cake. The results are pretty impressive too!
Its formula features Meadowfoam, Sweet Almond Oil, Avocado Oil, Carott Seed Oil and the trendy Manuka Oil, all of which create a balm worthy of your driest patches. The Mama Mio OMega Wonder-Full Rescue Balm scent is very nostalgic for me and reminds me of my teenage favorite Loves Baby Soft perfume with its subtle rose powdery softness. Once again aromatherapy at its finest!
The matching Mama Mio OMega Body Oil ($35.00 for 5 oz) with its Sweet Almond, Jojoba, Argan and Safflower oils can be layered over the balm for irresistibly comfortable, deeply hydrated skin for a truly baby soft scent experience.

Just a few years ago if someone would have told me that I would be using oils on my face and body I never would have believed it! My aversion of feeling greasy and slippery stopped me from giving these moisturizing innovations a try for a long time. Today things are obviously very different :-)

Do you have a favorite Body or Face Oil?

Thank you for reading

XOXO

ANJA

When Passport & Cult Beauty Collide - The Very French Embryolisse Lait Creme

The more skincare I get my greedy little hands on, the more I am convinced that I could very well be little bit of a fancy French girl. The bathroom cabinets and numerous shelves in my vicinity are stacked full of French pharmacy brands but even more telling of this is my own skincare routine where France makes an appearance quite frequently. 
I find that the European beauty market in general does seem to focus more on quality skincare than makeup, which is something I am very passionate about as well. After all, if the complexion is in bad shape all the pretty makeup colors will never get to shine to their fullest extent so it only makes sense to take care of the primary canvas first. France is definitively on the forefront of this skin loving trend and hopefully North America will continue to follow.

I am not sure when I first heard about Embryolisse but I know I have had a tube of their famous Lait-Creme Concentre ($16.00 for 1 fl.oz. or $28.00 for 2.6 fl.oz.) for a little over a year and since then I've become quite attached to its miracle effects. The Embryolisse gained its popularity through its users and not some marketing or advertising campaigns, meaning that it earned its reputation strictly based on results and recommendation from its happy customers. So many YouTube gurus, beauty bloggers and professional makeup artists swear by this stuff and it has been rumored that this low-key cream is used backstage to get models’ skin hydrated and plumped and ready for action. With endorsements like that its no wonder it reached cult beauty status around the world! 

It’s not very often that I come across a product that really exceeds my expectations. In the case of Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre, my expectations were not only exceeded, but I now find myself wondering how I ever lived without it. I didnt know I could be dramatic like that but there it is...

Official Description;
Lait-Crème Concentrè (24-Hour Miracle Cream) is a rich moisturizing lotion. This specially formulated lotion is quite versatile; throw it in your travel bag when you don’t have enough space for numerous products. Our creamy lotion is really three products in one: the make-up artists use it as a primer, moisturizer, and make-up remover. It also reduces irritation after shaving!

Ingredients;

AAqua. Paraffinum Liquidum. Stearic Acid. Glyceryl Stearate. Triethanolamine. Cera Alba. Cetyl Palmitate. Butyrospermum Parkii, Steareth-10. Polyacrylamide C13-14 Isoparaffin. Laureth-7. Propylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Aloe Barbadensis. 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol. Tropolone. Parfum.Note: Paraben Free and Not Tested on Animals

The first thing you need to know about the Lait Creme Concentre is that I don't use it everyday - in fact my utilization of this wonder cream is different from what you'd expect! I can be a rebel like that but to each its own.

This can be summed up as my special occasion creme - I use it as a moisture-surge mask, makeup base (primer), sunburn relief coolant, DIY tinted moisturizer and even make-up remover. As a huge fan of multi-tasking products I can really appreciate the versatility this offers especially because no matter how I use it the results are always the same - healthy looking, smooth, nourished, moisturized, plumped, dewy, glowy skin! My mantra is that you cant argue with results and Embryolisse is a true testament to that! The nourishing and softening abilities of this French formula are derived from shea butter, beeswax, aloe vera, and soya proteins. These work together to restore natural moisture balance and promote skin renewal process. It basically motivates and strengthens your own skin cells to preform the metabolic processes that slow or lessen with normal aging. 

The term concentre in the name alludes to the rich hydrating powers of this cream, which it delivers beautifully but what is surprising (at least to me) is the texture itself. Embryolisse might be concentrated and ultra-nourishing but the light consistency makes it suitable for all skin-types because its absorbed quickly, sinks in deep and hydrates without adding more grease to the skin surface. It feels luxurious and light at the same time which is a rare feature in a moisturizer that is said to cater to all skin types and the lack of strong fragrance appeals to sensitive individuals as well. Huge brownie points for that last bit!

The beauty of this product is really in its simplicity. The only thing that I would change or rather add is inclusion of SPF in the formula to make it more suitable for daily use as a primary moisturizer. There is the issue of availability as well but that's really not a product quality issue so it would be unfair to count that against it but it is worth mentioning. 

Currently you can order the Embryolisse products on their website, Amazon, Birchbox Shop, Ebay and of course if you are lucky Paris itself. 

Thank you for reading!

Have you tried Embryolisse? What is your favorite French skincare brand?

XOXO

ANJA

Botanical Superpower - Phyto 9 Daily Ultra Nourishing Botanical Cream

Somewhere between the bitter realization that sleeping with my windows open is no longer comfortably breezy and the helpful motherly urging  to bring a jacket when I leave the house, its time to face the fact that summer is definitively done and Canadian winter is closer than we think. The fall is one of my favorite parts of the year so I am certainly not complaining but that doesnt change the fact that this transition time can cause havoc in my regular beauty routine and I am realizing what worked in July is not necessarily the best choice in October.

Being a dedicated product junkie and a diligent beauty blogger also means that I relish the changes as well, meaning that I somewhat secretly relish the opportunity to find and recommend new must-haves on my radar.

When the weather starts to turn bitterly cold stepping-up the moisturization game is basically a natural progression in itself and there are numerous skincare products that address the issue successfully and thoroughly. Yours truly already posted a lengthy guide to those beauty substitutions when it comes to skin and body care, which you can check out here! 
What you are not going to find in that post is something that is commonly neglected but should be equally important, especially when you think about the fact that overlooking its care can really make or break your overall look. I am of course talking about Hair Care! 

Having thick, long hair means that any moisture or central heating can leave my hair prone to frizzing and annoying fly-aways. Seeing how leaving the house with wet or damp hair is no longer a viable option means that I am now using both heat and products for styling almost on a daily basis which is something that is an exception rather than a rule during the summer months. 
My regular Moroccan Oil  routine, combined with some minimal leave-in serum or oil starts to feel inadequate and all the factors above begin to leave my hair somewhat dry, coarse and lifeless. Since using additional frizz smoothing products are just temporary, masking measures and most contain build-up associated silicone's, finding a true hair healing remedy has become somewhat of a priority. I wanted something that continued to make a difference in my hair texture and health even after shampooing it out. 
The brand that kept popping up in my research was PHYTO, a brand whose philosophy centered around using botanicals and natural ingredients to care for hair follicles. 

As I looked into the PHYTO research and application methods I was happy to discover that they offered a unique approach to caring for the health of your hair and scalp. This was not a line of instant results hair-care nor did they use silicone's in their formulations. What they promise is natural based ingredients that overtime heal, nourish and restore hair back to its healthy, soft, bouncy roots. The skincare aficionado in me was delighted and giddy with their terminology of day and night creams! 

My introductory PHYTO product was the Phyto 9 Ultra-Dry Hair Nourishing Day Cream With 9 Plants ($31.00 for 1.7 oz)

Official Description;
A genuine "day cream" for dehydrated hair, PHYTO 9 is a combination of Macadamia oil and plant extracts, all carefully selected for their hydrating and nourishing properties (St. John’s Wort, Soybean, Calendula, Rosemary, Willow, Sage, Burdock, plant mucilage).
Infused with eight plant extracts plus macadamia oil, this leave-in conditioner instantly nourishes, smoothes and protects medium to coarse textured tresses while preventing frizz and split ends.

Ingredients;

Althaea Oficinalis Extract (Mucilage Végétal), Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Arctium Majus Root Extract (Bardane), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract (Romarin), Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract (Sauge), Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Leaf Extract (Saule), Hypericum Perforatum Extract (Millepertuis), Lecithin (Soja), Sodium Dehydroacetate, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Parabens (Butyl, Ethyl).

Directions For Use;

After shampoo apply to towel-dried or dry hair, place a pea sized amount of cream into hand and apply all over hair paying special attention to ends.
Massage in until fully absorbed, then style hair as usual.

The Phyto 9 Botanical Cream is a unique hybrid of a styling texturizing cream and a nourishing leave-in conditioner. The product itself is very concentrated so using this sparingly is essential to getting the maximum benefits, avoiding greasy residue and not wasting a drop of its creamy goodness. The key ingredients alone: Soybean, Macadamia Oil, Rosemary, Burdock, Sage, Calendula, Willow, Mallow and St. John's Wort had me convinced of its superiority but once I tried this silicone-free concoction I was sold on it right away. The lack of that coating sensation might cause you to question the results at first but this is because PHYTO works on treating-healing your hair and not tricking you into thinking that the silky-smooth feeling you are left with is proof of its true ability.

I find that the best results are when it's applied to damp hair, prior to blow-drying but using a little bit less on dry hair will take care of any smoothing issues you might be dealing with. The Phyto 9 has a light formula feel to it so its easily absorbed and although scented, it's very delicate and doesn't smell synthetic or perfumed. The fragrance will definitively not interfere with any scent you might already have on (bonus)

Ultimately I absolutely adore this product. Apart from the incredible results; super shiny, smooth, frizz free and soft hair - there's a huge sense of satisfaction that I am maintaining my hair texture rather than masking the damage problems.
When my hair needs a little bit less care or during the Summer I plan on switching to Phyto 7 Dry Hair Hydrating Day Cream With 7 Plants ($29.00 for 1.7 oz). 

Thank you for reading :-)

Have you tried any PHYTO hair products? Any favorites? 

XOXO

ANJA

Cult Beauty Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer - Is it really worth it?

I am obviously no stranger to high end cosmetics and I certainly don't shy away from unscrupulous (even ridiculous) price tags when it comes to investing in premium quality beauty products that stand out among its counterparts. After all these years of experience navigating through the extremely over-saturated beauty industry I have come to understand that a high price point does not guarantee a good product and that hype is often driven by the brands themselves so everything needs to be taken with a grain of salt.

One of the reasons I love beauty bloggers is that with their influence and feedback, consumers now have a more trustworthy, personal guidance when it comes to purchasing these hyped-up, cult-worthy products and that is nowhere more important than in the world of high-end brands.
Reviews by real-world girls can give a much clearer picture on a beauty product than any brand ambassador, magazine, advertorial or cleverly put together public relations team. Advice like that is invaluable and reaches its full potential in the world of online shopping when products are ordered sight unseen and shipping returns are nothing but a hassle.

Cle de Peau Beaute is one of those mythical unicorn kind of niche brands that constantly receives huge raves across the blogosphere but is extremely hard to come by or locate in person especially in North America. It had gotten my attention years ago but the really high price tag always made me hesitate in actually going through with the online order. After all we are talking about a $90.00 concealer here - I felt like I had to be sure or at least get color-matched at a counter before taking the plunge! Despite my reluctance and deeply rooted hesitation I was extremely intrigued by the star of their line up - the Concealer ($80.00 for 0.17 oz), especially after reading so many rave reviews and accolades from several trusted beauty gurus!

I am extremely lucky that certain lovely people in my life consult or keep track of my beauty wish list so upon opening a birthday gift I realized the object of my affection had finally arrived. The Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer shade that the giftee selected for me was Ivory and to my delight I realized that the colour match could not have been more perfect!
To say I was excited is the understatement of the century! I couldnt wait to see if this was as amazing as everyone else seems to think!

Official Description;
A perennial makeup-artist favorite, Clé de Peau Beauté concealer is highly editorialized and continues to win major awards year after year.
- Enhanced with Revitalizing Moisture Complex to lock in moisture and smooth out texture.
- Blends sublimely to expertly conceal dark circles, spots and imperfections.
- High-performance powders ensure flawless skin in any light, providing maximum coverage with a smooth, even finish that does not crease.

Ingredients;

Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Hydrogenated Polydecene, Cyclomethicone, Mica, Kaolin, Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Paraffin, Sodium Magnesium Silicate, Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Polyethylene, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Glycerin, Barium Sulfate, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Microcrystalline Wax (Cera Microcristallina), Peg-10 Dimethicone, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Water (Aqua), Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Butylene Glycol, Polysilicone-5, Tocopherol, Fragrance, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aluminium Hydroxide, Alcohol, Aluminium Distearate, Dimethicone, Triethoxysilyethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Rosa Roxburghii Fruit Extract, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Prunus Speciosa Leaf Extract, Bht.

*Available in four shades: Ivory, Ocher, Beige and Honey

While nothing spectacular, the minimalist sleek black tube accented with Cle de Peau’s logo and capped with q gemstone-like blue accent has a very chic and simple feel to it - nothing gaudy or ostentatious here! I am a sucker for cute packaging but I can definitively appreciate the sophistication theme that seems to be associated with this brand. 

The thing that really matters when it comes to such a high end purchase is whats on the inside of the fancy packaging itself or at least that's part of the evaluation that was most important to me. 

The formula of the concealer is extremely creamy, easy to blend and highly pigmented. After a few uses I realized that the full potential of this product can only be achieved by thoroughly moisturizing and priming the skin prior to application. The natural suppleness of a well-cared for complexion combined with the velvety texture of the Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer minimizes any dragging of the stick and even further enhances its blend-ability and durability factor. This is especially important if you already have dry skin like me! The concealer pigments can grab on to any dry patches you may have and exponentially increase the chances of creeping and the dreaded dry crepiness after-effects. 

The high concentration of colour pigments combined with the emollient texture of the stick itself allows the concealer to be used both under the eyes and the rest of your face; covering under-eye darkness, redness, imperfections, blemishes and even broken capillaries.

What I love about it the most is that due to its creamy consistency this concealer applies evenly and smoothly, remaining malleable long enough to be patted on without settling into any fine lines during dry down. The coverage of this Cle de Peau wonder is definitively medium to high and surprisingly buildable without looking caky or chalky  like so many of its other stick cousins. The product longevity is very impressive (over nine hours) when set with powder and there is absolutely no smudging or transference once its dry.

I have never really liked any other stick-form concealers or foundations due to the thick formulation but always admired their portability and application ease. The Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer unites an easy-to-use, high performance formula with easy-to-carry convenience thereby finally making travel and on-the-go touch ups a breeze to pull off. Definitively a thrilling asset to my everyday makeup bag!

My ultimate conclusion on the Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer  is unfortunately very positive. I have scrutinized and tested out this creamy goodness for a long time now, trying constantly to identify its faults and shortcomings with ruthless vigor and conviction. Unfortunately for me and my wallet I have come to admit and recognize the superiority of this concealer formula - other than the price tag and perhaps the shade selection its pretty much perfect!

However given all the positives (and there are many!) and knowing the price I will have to pay to replace this once my precious tube is gone, I am still not prepared to identify it as an essential in my makeup collection. Its beautiful and a wonderful secret weapon in my makeup bag but with such a high price point replenishing it will be a very painful en-devour even for a makeup junkie like me.

Like I always say - you cant argue with results and the Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer absolutely delivers them across the board.
Very few products these days live up to the hype so when one does, congratulations and props are definitively in order.
Begrudgingly I admit that Yes, This Product Is Indeed Worth It!

Thank you for reading!

Have you tried the Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer! 

XOXO

ANJA

Something Not So Taupe Ordinary - BUTTER London All Hail The Queen

As a beauty blogger and a lifetime member of the girly club I have no problem appreciating the various trends and fields of our vast cosmetic world. I love researching and reading about new product releases almost as much as I like actually using the newly found beauty items. There is so much amazing inspiration and creativity that brews in our blogosphere and I am constantly impressed (and intimidated) by my fellow connoisseurs whose blog posts transform a piece of cosmetic into a colorful work of art, showcasing it in the best possible way! 

The best examples of artistic beauty presentations can be found in the staggering number of nail art galleries whose sophisticated, intricate and precise tutorials leave me with both admiration and a weird sense of incompetency. My own attempt at such a project has failed miserably more than once and I've had to admit that my fine motor skills and required patience are just not up to par for something that complicated. Lets just say that my nail art is achieved only through the use of the new nail foil stickers or by a salon, trained professional. Basically I cheat and admire the real thing from afar!

Browsing the nail blogs might not be able to help me in the decoration department but it definitively can bring some new nail polish colors and brands to the forefront for my very own simple manicure sessions. Some of my favorite nail colors have been discovered just like that!

BUTTER London nail polishes came to my attention about a year ago when I noticed their beautiful color collections on several of my favorite blogs and forums. The fact that their products were 3 Free (non-toxic) and didnt contain the usual nasties like Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP or Parabens was commendable and played a huge factor in my decision to invest in some of their unique shades. 

Their drive to transform the catwalk trends into a modern, current and fashionable custom nail color palette has made BUTTER London into a cult phenomenon, resulting in their numerous collaborations with some of the most high-end fashion designers. 

After hearing so much hype and praise for the BUTTER London All Hail The Queen Polish ($17.00) and looking up numerous online swatches I decided to take a chance and place the order, sight unseen.

A nail polish designed and inspired by the late designer Alexander McQueen in mind was pretty much destined to achieve some kind of royal status! Based on those specs alone I knew it wouldn't be anything less than fabulous and maybe even spiked with a little bit of flash for good measure. 

Official Description;

Rock it like royalty in this holographic beige! 

When the object of my affection arrived in the mail I have to admit that I was a little bit underwhelmed after all the hype and visions of grandeur I had built up in my head! In the bottle BUTTER London All Hail The Queen polish is essentially a shimmer infused nude-taupe kind of color and the promised holographic effect seems to be a little understated. I was expecting a wow factor but there was none...at first!  

All Hail The Queen takes about two coats for an opaque finish, but once it's on, it's one of the most beautiful polishes I've ever worn. It looks different depending on the lighting, transforming from a mushroom taupe color indoors to a shimmery nude in direct sunlight.
The sparkle effect is achieved through the micro-fine holographic shimmers that scream sophistication without a trace of tackiness or anything gaudy. 

The nature of the taupe family colors means that this will suit all skin-tones and the infused special effect holographic sparkles are what makes this shade look different on everyone, which is ultimately what makes it so amazing. 

Its a fantastic addition to anyone's polish collection and I am so happy to have my very own! 

If you want to refresh your polish repertoire check out Ulta for the BUTTER London Glam Rock 6 Pc Set ($39.00) which includes All Hail the Queen, Pillar Box Red, Slapper, Trout Pout, West End Wonderland and NEW Buckie.

Thank you for reading! 

Do you have a favorite nail polish color or brand!

XOXO 

ANJA