New Skincare - New Skin Hopes - New Arrivals Featuring MuLondon and Melvita

My epic and ever-growing skincare collection has welcomed a significant amount of new hopeful products in the past month or so. Some of these are re-purchases and essential in my beauty routine as is the case with the MuLondon Organic Skincare while others were impulse purchases and gifts from the people in my life that enable my cosmetic addiction quite regularly.

The fact that most of these new-additions are natural and organic in nature is no coincidence since I have been making a gallant effort to transition most of my personal care towards a cleaner ingredient direction. As a matter of fact this change has been translated in other areas of my life as well, in an effort to improve my health and lifestyle in general. There are a lot of things to consider and pay attention to during these alterations but at the end of the day this kind of diligence and determination will and already is proving to be worthwhile. The expression "no pain - no gain" often comes to mind!

The change of seasons can do a number on your skin if precautions and appropriate skincare isn't utilized (see here!), which coupled with over-reactive, sensitive skin types can cause all kinds of trouble for the complexion. Whenever my skin "freaks out" my natural impulse always points me in the new purchase direction, meaning that my haulage can sometimes get out of hand due to desperation alone. Seeing how this time I had a clear cut goal to natural skincare options I was forced to consider, research and think through the new candidates a little bit more, resulting in smarter and more appropriate selections.

My MuLondon purchase was a no brainer! I have fallen in love with the Organic White Chocolate Truffle Moisturizer ($25.00 for 2 oz) (see review here!) which needed to be re-purchased so I took advantage of that instance and invested in a few other skincare products I had been lusting over. I truly believe in Boris and his vision so its my personal goal to spread his genius and his products to anyone who cares to listen (or read!). 

As a huge fan of true rose scents I knew that I wanted to try the Organic Rose Collection which led me to order the MuLondon Organic Rose Foaming Face Cleanser ($27.00 for 5 oz) and the MuLondon Organic Rose, Rosehip & Rosemary Moisturizer ($20.00 for 1 oz). The moisturizer is made with 100% organic Rose otto oil, Rosehip Extract and Rosemary Antioxidant and the fragrance itself is true to its origin completely. You will not smell a more genuine rose scent anywhere else! Both the cleanser and the cream are recommended for dry, irritated and sensitive skin so in theory this should fit my needs perfectly. 

Boris was kind enough to include the MuLondon Organic Marigold, Frankincense & Myrrh Moisturizer ($15.00 for 1 oz) with my order but that particular jar was already confiscated by my mother. Not surprisingly she hasn't stopped raving about it ever since! 

My devotion to the Organic White Chocolate Truffle Moisturizer meant that ordering the MuLondon LE Organic White Chocolate Elbow, Knee & Heal Cream ($32.00 for 2 oz) was pretty much a given, especially since colder, drier weather is approaching and my dry skin will be in need of some major pampering and care very soon. Once again the scent has me intoxicated with its realness - there is absolutely nothing artificial about the White Chocolate fragrance! 

Melvita is yet another French organic skincare company that has been on my radar for a little while now so receiving the Melvita Foaming Facial Scrub ($27.00 for 2.5 oz) and Melvita Essential Oil - Soothing Care ($48.00 for 1 oz) as a birthday gift was especially delightful. The French are well known for their skincare (as evident on this blog) and Melvita is no exception to that statement. I have only used the products a few times so its too early to be specific about the yielded results however I can already tell that the Soothing Care Oil is a definite standout! Full reviews will follow once I have a chance to properly test them out for at least a few weeks.   

I first discovered the Organic Surge Skincare lineup through my love of various UK Beauty Blogs where their products receive huge rave reviews not just for their efficiency and ingredients but also for their reasonable prices as well. I was pretty bummed out to discover that they weren't available in Canada and that online orders were the only means of me getting my hands on their genius formulas. Imagine my surprise when I spotted the Organic Surge First Class Face Mask ($15.00 for 1.66 oz) at my local Winners - Homesense store. I snatched it up without even a second thought and seeing how masks are huge when it comes to my skincare routines I am very excited to see how Organic Surge Skincare compares to the masks I already have in my arsenal. 

I am very happy with all the additions to my overflowing skincare cabinet and for once I can say that my choices this time around were a little more calculated and useful this time around. The fact that its all more or less in the nature department makes me even happier :-)

Have you tried any of these products? What was you last skincare haul?

Thank you reading

XOXO

ANJA

The Seasons Are Changing And So Should Your Skincare!

I love summer! I love the sunshine, the trips to the beach, barbecues, exciting outdoor festivals and lets not even talk about the exhibition parks. I turn into a 12 year old girl almost instantly.

Despite the fact that summers obviously have all kinds of attractive qualities, my notorious fickle nature starts pining for the different kind of warmth only autumn can bring and daydreaming about chestnuts and rich jewel-toned colors develops pretty quickly after that.
Lets face it, the hot muggy weather and constant "perspiration", loses its very charm quickly when it comes to a girly girl like me. By the time September rolls around I am more than ready for a change!

With the season rotation the beauty connoisseur in me gets pretty excited about making the switch to a more fall-appropriate makeup color palette, treating the whole transition process like some kind of a "lifestyle makeover" and relishing each new discovery to its fullest.
As my beauty experience evolved I began to recognize that my skincare concerns were also affected by the upcoming temperature and environmental changes which naturally progressed to a shift in those routines as well. You would be surprised just how big of a difference a few formulation changes can make when it comes to skin happiness and more importantly, the ever elusive comfort factor. 

The warmer summer temperatures called for refreshingly light and usually gel-like textures, all of which will prove to be insufficient once the cold weather comes around. Those of you with drier skin will agree with me right away but I am sure that everyone would benefit from a little richer and creamier formulas once the cold starts setting in. The go-to summer products start under-performing but luckily I already have amazing back-ups to supplement my beauty regiment well before the Canadian weather starts playing around.

Today you guys get to witness yet another glimpse in to my beauty saturated world. It can get pretty ridiculous but try to bear with me - I promise there is definitively a method to my madness! 

Cleansing Procedures 

When choosing a cleanser for the fall or winter season the thing I always look for is that wondrous combination of "creaminess" and the "gentle factor". The summer may have vied for the "cooling effect" but in the cooler weather my bigger concern and end result is always all about efficiency without any kind of stripping or over-drying. In fact all of my "wintery" picks focus on adding things in to the skin as opposed to taking things out, which is something that can be a little tricky when it comes to the cleansing step. Essentially the cleanser needs to be able to effectively but gently clean my skin and enrich & hydrate all at once. Needless to say my love affair with cleansing balms becomes even more evident around this time because their balmy formulas when it comes to the concept of cleansing hydration.
My favorite transitional cleansers are: Pai Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser ($70.00 for 6.8 oz), Suki Creamy Foaming Cleanser ($32.95 for 4 oz) and Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm ($35.00 for 3.8 oz).

Exfoliating my dry and sometimes flaky complexion is accomplished by an even more regular use of my Clarisonic Mia Cleansing System ($139.00), which coupled with my choice chemical exfoliants keeps everything smooth and in-check without over-drying and further irritation. When my skin needs happens to need a little bit extra scrubbing TLC then I reach for some substantially creamy and function targeted facial scrubs, which do the job quickly and swiftly in a manner of just a few minutes.
The most important thing about these scrubs is that they hydrate my skin without being greasy or clog-worthy!
Some of the best are: Michael Todd True Organics Tropical Fruit Enzyme Exfoliant Scrub ($18.00 for 3.4 oz), Aveda Tourmaline Charged Radiant Skin Refiner ($40.00 for 3.5 oz) and Juara Rice Facial Scrub ($29.00 for 4.75 oz).

The Toning and Treatment Step

The debate whether or not a skincare routine really needs a toner completely ended for me when I discovered the genius nature of chemical exfoliants and I really haven't looked back. Swiping a saturated cotton pad over your face takes mere seconds and the difference that short amount of time has had on my skin texture and appearance is more than amazing. For me that has solidified the toning step and I really can't imagine me ever cutting it out. The only thing that is important is choosing a formula that is gentle and low in alcohol content in order to minimize any over-stripping and drying, which is especially important during the winter months when vast amounts of time is spent in artificially heated environments.
My firm favorites still include Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner ($34.00 for 120 ml), Biologique Recherche P50 ($89.00 for 8.5 oz) and the new Korres Pomegranate Toner ($26.00 for 6.75 oz).

No skincare routine is complete without a treatment serum, which is basically souped up, targeted health supplement for your skin. The beauty of serums lies in the fact that depending on the formulation you choose you can treat any specific concern or problem your very own skin requires - nothing beats personalization when it comes to beauty routines and including one of these in yours is a sure-fire way to whatever your little heart desires.
Since I am a proud Canadian, our wonderfully cold winters and my own dry skin require highly hydrating, soothing and protective potions to help me acclimatize to the ridiculously fluctuating temperatures.
Serums that get the most play in my bathroom are: Aesop Damascan Rose Facial Treatment ($80.00 for .81 oz), Murad Sensitive Skin Soothing Serum ($63.00 for 1 oz) and my trusty Clarins Bi-Phase HydraQuench Intensive Serum ($58.00 for 1 oz).

More and More Hydration

Keeping up with the hydration theme I am sure you can predict that my moisturization is going to be even more important during this transition phase and as the winter months get closer it will gradually intensify even more. My skin is definitively on the drier end of the spectrum but its also easily irritated and prone to clogging, which makes choosing a richer moisturizer a little trickier than usual. The formula needs to be deeply hydrating, soothing and rejuvenating but can't be filled with traditionally clog-prone ingredients such as mineral oil and the various "butter" variants.
The all stars in my skincare arsenal include: Tatcha Moisture Rich Silk Cream ($150.00 for 1.7 oz) and my new favorite MuLondon Organic White Chocolate Truffle Moisturizer ($24.00 for 2 oz). The MuLondon Skincare is probably one of the greatest discoveries of the summer for me so expect in-depth reviews very soon.

Another way I hydrate and pamper my skin pretty much year round is by including regular facial mask sessions each week and making sure to choose hydrating, luxurious formulas for maximum effect and best results. My favorite time to use them is right after a shower or hot bath on clean, warm and damp skin, leaving them to do their magic as I busy myself with body lotions, creams and rich moisturizing oils. Nothing beats beauty multi-tasking!
My new discoveries include: Rodial Dragons Blood Hyaluronic Mask ($45.00 for 50 ml), KORA Organics Hydrating Mask ($49.95 for 100 ml) and my new-found obsession Tarte Amazonian Clay Double Detox Facial System ($46.00 for the set!).

Just glancing at my blog and the over abundance of blog posts such as this one clearly illustrates the fact that I take my skincare very seriously so much as that I continuously invent reasons to talk about my over-planned regiments. With that in mind, its obvious that a lot of the products I introduce are not necessarily must-haves in a regular persons skincare routine however I can't deny the fact that all of these really do make a difference in the way my own skin looks and feels.
I firmly believe that investing in good skincare products, expensive or not, is important to every beauty queen out there - after all those beautiful fall makeup color palettes will never get to shine with their full potential is your complexion is lacking that healthy, radiant glow!

Do you change your skincare products with each season? Any favorites I need to know about?

Thank you for the reading :)

XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-)

To Foam or Not to Foam - Omorovicza Cleansing Foam

I am not really sure when or where my love affair with "bubbles" first started. If i had to guess I imagine it has strong roots anchored in my "little girl" years when I had finally become old enough to be allowed to draw and have my own bubble bath. The sickly sweet bubble gum scented liquid with Princess stickers held the magic potion that I lived for and it didnt take long for me to realize that if i dumped half the bottle in the tub, the fluffy bubbles rose up and I could play in the rosy water for a lot longer. Back then I was obviously not worried about the sulfates in that bubble bath and how much drier my skin must have been after all that foamy engagement. Back then that also didnt matter!

Unfortunately my childhood bubble bath addiction somehow rooted the belief deep inside me that there is no way I can be completely clean unless i see some lather or foam in my hands. Completely psychological I know but it was always a feeling I just couldnt shake so even when my skincare obsession led me to the revolutionary cleansing balms, I always followed up with a foaming cleanser on top...you know, just in case! Luckily as the cleansing balms quality increased, my skin felt and looked so good in the mirror that I found myself lapsing on the second foam cleanse and surprisingly my skin didn't rebel, and for the first time in years the dehydrated patches started to disappear. Well I couldnt really argue with the results just because of a "feeling i had" so reluctantly i had to admit that my "bubble spell" was almost completely broken. Skincare fanatics like me rarely have only one of something and that was definitively the case in my bathroom as well but the cleansing balms were preforming beautifully so I had no choice but to retire the many foam cleanser bottles to the cabinet and just move on.
The story really should have ended there but in true Princeza fashion, things were bound to shift eventually and that they did a few months ago!

I am already using a lot of Omorovicza skincare, including their amazing Thermal Cleansing Balm, so when I was gifted their Cleansing Foam, I really had no choice to try it out and in turn rekindle my foamy ways once again. The Omorovicza Cleansing Foam reminded me just how much I loved those bubbles and before I knew it I was pulling out the rest of my foaming cleansers from the back cabinet and stacking them around
the sink...for testing purposes of course :-)
The question remains - How does the Omorovicza Cleansing Foam stack up against my conventional, somewhat drying, foaming cleansers?

Official Description;
A sulphate-free aerated cleansing foam that removes makeup and impurities without stripping the skin of essential moisture.
When mixed with water, this must-have Cleansing Foam lathers up and gently removes makeup and impurities without stripping the skin of natural moisture. Copper, a potent antioxidant, supports the natural production of collagen and elastin and gives this product its pale blue color.

Ingredients;
Hungarian Thermal Water, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sorbitol, Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Limonene, Linalool.

First let's talk about the how this foamy goodness works!

The Omorovicza Cleansing Foam is indeed very different from any other foaming formula I had ever used! The company's patented mineral delivery system, Hydro Mineral Transference, obviously applies to this cleanser as well, which means that the absorption of minerals is guaranteed to reach deep into the dermis of your facial skin and in turn results in skin that is smoother, plumped and younger looking. It is this unique mineral absorption that supports skin's own natural ability to generate collagen, increase the levels of elastin present, restore key hydration levels, protect skin cells from micro-damage and finally strengthen the defense against free radicals. 

The key ingredients in the Omorovicza  Foam formula include copper gluconate, which regulates oil production and purges any toxicity present in the skin cells; white lupin widely known to energize and apple pectin whose claim to fame is increasing hydration. 

Seeing how I have already had amazing results with Omorovicza Skincare my expectations of the Cleansing Foam were already very high and I am thrilled to say that I wasn't disappointed one bit. Just like everything else Omorovicza makes, this cleanser manages to elevate the simple act of washing one's face to a whole new level and does so with surprising efficiency, mildness and luxury appeal. The whole process just feels a lot more gratifying.   

What makes the Omorovicza Cleansing Foam so enjoyable but still effective is the fact that traditional drying foaming agents such as sulfates are nowhere to be found on the ingredient list. That means that I can enjoy the bubbles without the risk of over-stripping and causing an imbalance of my own skin moisture barrier. The uplifting orange-blossom scent and the lovely baby blue whipped cream only add to my joyful addiction to everything Omorovicza makes.

Even though I am still hopelessly in love with the Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm (review here!) I have made room in my skincare routine for the Cleansing Foam ($75 for 5.1 oz) so now each morning my Clarisonic and the baby blue foam meet up on my face and wake up my complexion in the nicest possible way.

You can get more information and purchase the amazing Omorovicza Cleansing Foam at their website, our trusty Sephora, and Amazon

I hope this was helpful

What do you think about foam cleansers?

XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-) 

Review - Malin + Goetz Detox Mask

Despite the fact that the Malin+Goetz brand was launched in 2004 their products as well as their stores have a very old-fashioned, old-worldly apothecary look, drawing in customers with innovative skincare formulas and ideas that subsequently have us coming back for more. Their main concern and direction deals with taking care of sensitive skin types but also with creating formulas that protect all of their customer skins from the harsh environmental and pollution factors in New York City and beyond.
The old-fashioned product approach is complimented with today's busy lifestyles so their formulations are usually multi-tasking, quick and effective in order to satisfy their customer needs.

Malin+Goetz is a relatively new brand for me but their detox mask has got to be one of the most unique and interesting products I've ever had the pleasure to work with. It doesn't matter how many times I use it, its performance is always fascinating to me and I get almost giddy as I watch it do its thing in the mirror. If you ever used it then you must know exactly what I mean! Its very easy to see why this is a repeat winner of the Allure Beauty Awards in the Deep Cleansing Mask category.

If you've read my blog posts before then you know how much I appreciate a multitasking product and the Malin+Goetz Detox Face Mask is one of the best I have ever come across.
Its recommended for use as a face mask, deep cleanser, hydration treatment and even shaving cream. Prepare to have your mind blown!

Official Description;

An easy 5-minute foaming gel mask: Innovative, oxygenating cleansing agents replace harsh detergents and drying clays to deep-pore-cleanse, lifting dirt, oil and make-up away from the skin without irritation, while creating a physical barrier to seal hydration. Complex amino acids and natural almond extract gently and effectively purify, clarify, balance and soothe. Stable Vitamin C, antioxidants Vitamin E and Soy Protein help firm and address concerns for aging while instantly brightening complexion. Natural fragrance and color. C, antioxidants Vitamin E and Soy Protein help firm and address concerns for aging while instantly brightening complexion. Natural fragrance and color.

Key Ingredients;

Squalene, glycerin, and sodium pca moisturize and hydrate; 

Soy protein and panthenol firm; 

Green tea extract and vitamin e work as antioxidants; vitamin c smoothes lines.

The Malin+Goetz Detox Face Mask is a high performance, high quality and highly effective formulation that is just so much fun to use that there are weeks I find myself slathering this on almost every second day. Its a foaming gel-type mask that in matter of minutes transforms into a tingling, delicate bubble veil that fizzes away all the dirt, grime and even makeup from your deepest pores. 

What is unique about this product is its customize-able  nature which allows you to adjust its usage based on your particular skin type. Oily skin can use a thin layer of this mask on a daily basis for deep cleansing and oil control while those "blessed" with dryer skin are recommended to apply a thicker layer to act as a night-time hydrating cleanser. Both skin types, even members of the Sensitive Skin Care Club, can use this a couple of times a week as both a deep cleansing and hydrating mask treatment. 

Once on the skin the gel begins to "fizzle" and "pop" creating this tingling-tickling sensation that remind me of alka-seltzer tablets being dropped into a glass of water. I am a big of fan of this particular phenomenon and no matter how bad my day was this little gem just makes me giggle like a little girl. I have never had a mask make me so happy before so for that reason alone the Malin+Goetz Detox Face Mask will always be repurchased. 

When the "fizzing" subsides, which usually takes about 5-10 minutes, the foam can be washed or wiped with a warm washcloth, leaving the skin feeling clean, soft, supple and radiant. The results really are instantaneous and I am all about instant gratification so this is a win-win for me.

I have been very impressed with the Malin+Goetz Detox Face Mask and would recommend it to anyone. If nothing else it will at least put a smile on your face. 

The Detox Face Mask ($40 for 4 oz) and other Malin+Goetz products can be purchased directly from their website. 

I hope this was helpful :-)

Have you tried the Malin+Goetz Detox Face Mask? What is your favorite face mask?

XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-) 

Review - REN Purity Cleansing Balm

I know my blog is starting to resemble a REN advertising campaign but rest assured I am in no way connected to the company, all my products were purchased independently, I am not getting paid for reviews nor do they know I am doing this. I doubt they even know of my blog existence.

Nevertheless I am a huge REN fan, so much so that if I was allowed only one brand in my skincare routine for the rest of my life I know I would choose REN and be very happy with my decision.
Everything about their clean skincare approach appeals to me and every single product I have tried from their lineup has been a favorite at some point during my beauty journey.
You can't argue with performance gold stars and REN has definitively earn quite a stash of them.

The REN Purity Cleansing Balm was one of the first cleansing balms I tried and subsequently overcame my fears of  "balmy oil" induced breakouts. The rest, as they say, is history!

Description; 

This rose-infused blam sweeps away impurities, including waterproof mascara and the toughest of complexion products. It leaves skin cleansed, purified, calm, and glowing. It also conditions the lashes and brows. 

Ingredients;

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Cetearyl Ethyhexanoate, Glyceryl Cocoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Dibehenate, Tribehenin, Glyceryl Behenate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, Cymbopogon Martini Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Oil, Viola Odorata Extract, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Oil, Lecithin, Benzyl Alcohol, Oryzanol, Tocopherol, Citronellol, Geraniol, Eugenol, Linalool.

The REN Purity Cleansing Balm was formulated for all skin types and used as a makeup remover or gentle primary cleanser to remove pollution and accumulated dead skin cells. The muslin cloth included is entirely optional as the balm can be used either way but keep in mind that if you use it you are essentially preforming a gentle exfoliation of the skin surface so if you are a member of Sensitive Skin Care Club I would refrain from using other exfoliant solutions on that particular day.

The texture of the Cleansing Balm resembles that of traditional soft shortening but once warmed up in your hands it melts quickly in a silky oil-like solution, which is therefore easily distributed and massaged in to the face. The scent has a strong rose undertone but the fragrance is so balanced,  rejuvenating and luxurious, that it manages to elevate your beauty routine that much more.

The directions indicate to scoop a small amount into the palm of your hand and rub until the balm transforms into a silky oil, which then indicates when to begin the facial massage. I try to do this for at least a few minutes before gradually adding water to the skin surface and thereby emulsifying it into a rich milk tonic that is then either rinsed or polished off with the muslin cloth or a generic warm facecloth. The skin is left soft, smooth, calm, radiant and plumped up right away, with no dryness in sight. Clean and non-stripped of the skins natural oils your complexion responds with a healthy glow and immediate brightening effect. My skin simply feels better after each use and my skincare ritual is definitively enhanced to a bit more of a glamorous level.

Its a little slice of the REN Spa experience and its happening in your very own bathroom.

The REN Purity Cleansing Balm comes in both a traditional tube ($38 for 3.3 fl.oz.) and a tub ($58 for 5.1 fl.oz.) form in case you have a performance. I know a lot of bloggers and other individuals complain and are put-off by jar packaging due to contamination risk which is a legitimate concern but I don't make it an problem since your hands are suppose to be clean when you are about to put something on your face anyways. As an extra precaution I have a tube of hand sanitizer right next to the balm jar so I can use it after the hand wash to lower my contamination chances even more.

The price may seem a little steep for a cleanser however keep in mind that balms last a lot longer than the traditional foaming washes so in the end you break even and get a product that is not only a superstar but its also good for the skin in the long term. REN's Clean Skincare Commitment is something you can always count on and its definitively an incentive for good-for-you skincare splurge.

For more information about the REN Purity Cleansing Balm, their other products and retail information check out their website and as always REN products can be found at our trusty Sephora.


I hope this was helpful!

Have you tried the REN Purity Cleansing Balm? What is your take on cleansing balms - any favorites?

XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-)

Review - Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash

Lets face it, washing your face is not exactly the most glamorous part of your skincare routine yet it's probably the most important one.

Those of us who have been "blessed" with problematic, sensitive, clog-prone skin have to take cleansing seriously if we want to even have a prayer of clearing things up. Luckily for me I actually enjoy the process of cleansing and finding the right products has a lot to do with that.

Elemis is a UK spa-oriented skincare brand that has perfected that elusive combination of natural ingredients, performance, functionality and pampering all at once. Elemis cleansers can definitively add that spa-like experience to any cleansing regiment.

My choice cleanser from Elemis is the Tri-Enzyme resurfacing cleanser, which is part of their anti-aging line. Despite the fact that this is in reality a chemical exfoliant, the gentle formulation allows for daily use without any irritation or discomfort. 

Description;

Revolutionary Tri-Enzyme technology is the catalyst in this safe and effective resurfacing formulation. Galactoarabinan, a Polysaccharide, enhances the non-abrasive exfoliation process, whilst Brazilian Babussu Oil replenishes moisture. Moringa protects the skin against environmental damage, whilst White Truffle, Poria Cocos, soothes and supports the skin’s natural micro flora.

Ingredients;

Aqua/Water/Eau, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Acrylates Copolymer, Polysorbate 20, Glycol Distearate, Sodium Lactate, Coco-Glucoside, Tromethamine, Glyceryl Oleate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Phenoxyethanol, Lauryl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Benzyl Alcohol, Fragrance (Parfum), Glyceryl Stearate, Methylparaben, Sodium Sulfate, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Galactoarabinan, Papain, Propylene Glycol, Moringa Pterygosperma Seed Extract, Tetrasodium EDTA, Behenyl Alcohol, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Isobutylparaben, Propylparaben, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Stearyl Alcohol, Protease, Subtilisin, Poria Cocos Root Extract, Sodium Chloride.

Elemis Tri-Enzyme product line was created to facilitate "gentle" and continuous skin resurfacing, aiding exfoliation and cell renewal through more natural means. The key words in the whole process is "gentle" and "continuous" so if you are looking for dramatic, overnight, mind blowing results after a few uses, then this cleanser is not for you. 

That is not to say that this cleanser doesnt work or that its not worth the investment! Truth be told this is the only cleanser i have ever repurchased - over and over again! Even though its considered a secondary cleanser and adds an additional step in an already lengthy skin routine I am 100% in love with this and i pray that Elemis doesnt discontinue it EVER!!! 

Aside from the fact that its a skincare item that works, its also a joy to use - light foam, light (almost non-existent) scent, great texture and you need very little to get the job done. A true spa product!

I have to admit that patience is not something i have too much of but i am so glad that i stuck with using this and didnt give up on it after a few weeks. My skin has literally transformed since i started using this product - little by little, day by day, month by month....the glowiness and brightness of my complexion is unquestionable! My face is smooth and radiant and its getting better and better every single day! 

The best part is that i didnt have to suffer through painful peels and hide away from the world to achieve amazing resurfacing benefits. Yes i had to wait a few months but my face thinks it was definitively worth it.

Elemis products can be purchased directly from their own website here

Have you tried the Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Cleanser? 


XOXO

ANJA 

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-) 

Review - La Roche Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser

I am not a fan of no-rinse cleansers! There I've said it! 

I know all about the benefits, not to mention the huge convenience factor of course but I just can't seem to get used to the residue "feel" and I always end up wondering just how "clean" I really am. While balm cleansers have weaned me off the "foaming bubble" spell I was under, water and rinsing is an addiction I can't seem to shake. Micellar cleansing waters are as far as I go!

The La Roche Posay Toleriene Dermo-Cleanser had that kind of attitude to contend with so right off, we were at a bad start. It really wasn't its fault though - it was my chronic inability to fully read directions and descriptions that brought it to my bathroom in the first place. 

Despite the many reservations I decided to try it anyways - purely for research purposes? 

The La Roche Posay Toleriene is a gentle, wipe-off cleanser meant for normal to dry but also intolerant skin. It is to be used as a regular cleanser and/or a makeup remover. 

Their website indicates that those with sensitive skin and irritating skin conditions like rosacea & eczema would benefit from this line and are their primary targets. 

As usual La Roche Posay products are fragrance-free, preservative-free, surfactant-free and non-comedogenic. Definitively good indicators that members of the Sensitive Skin Club would feel comfortable using it. Even better, La Roche Posay claims that using this line regularly will tone down and treat acquired sensitivity.

Pretty lofty claims for such a simple cleanser. Then again sometimes simple is sometimes better!

Since I always do a double cleanse (I take clean seriously!) I used the Toleriene as my first step to emulsify the surface dirt and little makeup I had on and then followed it with my Clarisonic + Omorovicza Cleansing Foam to finish the routine. 

To my surprise I wasn't completely put-off the no-rinse solution! I expected to feel the usual greasy residue but there was none and my face did feel somewhat clean. The texture of the La Roche Posay Toleriene is light, milky and silky so it feels very gentle on the skin so I can definitively see the appeal for sensitive skin types. It feels soothing and since abrasion is minimal even mild redness is eliminated. The sceptic in me was hopeful to say the least! 

After several uses, the skincare geniius in my head solved the "not clean enough" feeling by removing the Toleriene with warm, wet cotton pads so I can be 100% sure no residue is left behind. Little modifications like that can give me a lot of peace of mind!

Today The La Roche Posay Toleriene is an ideal morning cleanser for me and I am so happy I finally gave the "no-rinse" products a try. 

My sensitive skin is happier when I use this! I definitively recommend at least sampling this - La Roche Posay has trial kits that are not just affordable but also very travel friendly :-)

La Roche Posay's products can be found atShoppers Drug Mart in Canada but selection of products varies from store to store. 

Have you tried the "no-rinse" options? What are your favourites? 

XOXO

ANJA

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REN 7 Day Optimum Radiance Program Part 2

Welcome Back to My REN 7 Day Optimum Radiance Program Part 2 

Today I will introduce you to the first two products that I used during the challenge and let you know what I thought about their performance, the feel on my skin, and the final results in the mirror.

The challenge program like all other skin care began with a cleanser but true to REN and the fact that this is after all a specialty item, the Micro Polish Cleanser does a lot more than just simply wash your face. I would classify it as a hybrid of a foamy fresh mousse cleanser and an intense but gentle microdermabrasion scrub! Even after just one use I could tell my skin looked and actually felt radiant. I cant even describe to you just how happy i am about instant gratification things!

Now this is what it is formulated to do:
This product washes away impurities and delivers maximum exfoliation, targeting uneven skintone, sun damage, and discoloration. Amber microbeads slough off dead skin cells, polishing the skin to increase circulation and smooth the skin's surface. Instantly, skin feels purified, smooth, and soft. The complexion appears brighter and more energized. 

The key ingredients that do all that hard work are;

-Amber: Exfoliates and polishes skin surface. 
-Papaya Enzyme: Removes dead skin cells. 
-Glycolic and Lactic Acid: Decongests skin to leave it smooth and even toned.

What I love about the Micro Polish cleanser is that it combines gentle physical exfoliation (the microbeads) with elements of chemical resurfacing (papaya, glycolic-lactic acid). The formulation is very gentle but also very effective, which is the only reason why I would not recommend it on a daily basis. Those of you who are used to conventional scrubs might be surprised that this fresh foam will be able to exfoliate properly but if you give it a chance I am sure you will be able to see and feel the difference on your skin. Chances are once you use it a few times you will be tempted to use it a lot more because your skin feels amazing after this cleanser does its job BUT since the presence of glycolic-lactic acid makes this very potent, the risk of over-exfoliation is very likely if you try using it as your primary face wash. 
I know I was tempted to recreate that polished feel each time I stood by the sink but I restrained myself and came up with a balance of 2-3 times each week. I also appreciate the fact this cleansing scrub rinses completely and quickly, leaving no residue, redness, irritation or over-stripping.

Since REN does not use any synthetic fragrances most of their products that have any type of scent, usually smell exactly like what they are suppose to, based on the ingredient list. The Micro Polish smells like citrus fruit or more specifically sweet oranges and even though personally prefer my cosmetics unscented I was strangely attracted to this one. 

Upon completion of the 7 Day Radiance Program and after having used the Micro Polish cleanser three times that particular week I was very impressed with the results. My skin continued to be smooth even the day after I had used it, which is a huge improvement from the effects physical exfoliators usually have on my complexion. With a conventional scrub my skin did feel smooth and soft as well but stayed that way for a very short time - with REN the silky results not only lasted longer but since the exfoliation wasn't irritating I didn't have the usual "red-cheek effect" the whole day.

After the Radiance program was done I continued using the Micro Polish cleanser twice a week and the results continued to be the same every time. The most impressive part was not obvious to me for several weeks and it was actually pointed out by a friend - the old acne scars on my lower chin were fading, slowly but surely and that's no small feat for my skin. All the other positive points aside I would have re-purchased the Micro Polish for that reason alone.

The step that usually follows the Micro Polish Cleanser is the REN AHA Resurfacing Concentrate, which is usually only recommended for night time use during the Radiance program and otherwise, because AHA make your skin very sensitive to the sun and if your if its not properly protected (sun screen) then any hyper-pigmentation issues you might have will not only get worse but your skin will be susceptible to even more damage. This should warn all of you to wear high level protection sunscreen during the day if you choose to try the REN Radiance range or on a daily basis for that matter.

What it is formulated to do:

This product gently exfoliates so that the skin appears radiant, even toned, and smoothed. It reduces the appearance of pore size and fine lines, improves moisture retention, and enhances the efficacy of your skincare routine. A powerful complex alpha hydroxy acids, including glycolic, lactic, tartaric, and citric acids, promotes cell turnover. Skin   is left looking healthier, revitalized, brighter, and smoother. 

This was the only product in the Radiance collection that made me a little nervous about trying it. I had had a bad experience with an AHA serum a few years ago, which left me red, raw, irritated and my poor little red cheeks took months to completely heal. As usual i did a patch test, didn't feel any stinging or other red flags so for the sake of this experiment and radiance pursuit, applied a few drops all over my face and braced for impact. Obviously i felt completely stupid after a few minutes when nothing happened and feeling a little smug continued with the rest of my beauty routine.

The next morning my skin looked calm, fresh, radiant, smooth and a little more dewy than usual. My instant gratification wishes were once again fulfilled by REN and this concentrate. The fresh fruity scent found in the Micro Polish is even more prominent in this serum and I welcomed it with with an open nose - my fragrance ban in skincare somehow never applies to REN

The formulation of this resurfacing serum was once again gentle but definitively effective in terms of results. Out of all the products in the range I believe its the AHA concentrate that is most responsible for the brightening and fading of any scars or imperfections you want to correct. Due to the fact that this "resurfaces" the skin means that changes in skin texture are to be expected as well and REN accomplishes just that without the usual irritations associated with other similar products.

After the 7 Day program was complete, it was recommended that use of the AHA concentrate be discontinued for 14 days to allow the skin to recover and take a little break from resurfacing, which I did but that doesnt mean that my skin was irritated or looked like it needed healing. If anything my skin looked glowy, radiant and healthy.

These days I tend to use REN AHA concentrate about 2-3 times a week or whenever I feel like my skin is looking a little more clogged than usual and as such its become one of my favorite liquid resurfacers. It may be gentle in feel but not in results so chances are this will be re-purchased as well.

To be continued in part 3 - Radiance Perfecting Serum & Glycol Lactic Skin Renewal Mask

I hope you find this helpful! Leave any questions in the comments or email me directly - I would be happy to help :-)

XOXO

ANJA

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Bioderma Sebium H2O Solution - Honest Review

Micellar waters have been around for years, especially in Europe, but they seemed to have blown-up in popularity in the last year or so. They arrived to North America from the shelves of ordinary French pharmacies and the rest is history - everyone wanted a bottle!

The basic concept of these solutions is a formula based on oil infused water so in theory that means that it would emulsify makeup and dirt from the skin surface without over drying or stripping .

Many beauty bloggers swear by Bioderma, praising its miraculous ability to clean the skin with just a few effortless swipes of cotton pads soaked in this broth and quoting famous makeup artists who apparently use this backstage at these famous fashion shows. 

Umm, ok! Once again I seem to be on side lines with this one, left wondering why I am not experiencing these awesome benefits that everyone else seems to have!

As I was pondering this thought, a kind of a lightbulb went on in my head! The reason this seems very mediocre to me is because my skin is too darn temperamental for such "light cleansing". Unfortunately for me wipes and micellar waters are simply not enough for my skin to unclog itself. Surprisingly that thought doesn't seem to upset me too much probably because as a product junkie I actually enjoy the gazillion steps my skin care routine entails. I know - I am pretty weird!

That being said, I have come to appreciate Bioderma for what it really is - an excellent makeup remover and ocassional cleanser for those situations where the sink is not available to me. As with other micellar waters rinsing is not required but it is recommended that you pat your skin dry once cleansing is finished. My fellow science nerds will understand that this is done to prevent the moisture from evaporating from the skin cells and thereby interfere with the natural skin hydration balance. The formula is very gentle but capable of removing heavy eye makeup and even waterproof mascara, which means that I can use it as step 1 of my double cleansing evening routine. 

The formula I have is the Bioderma Sebium H2O, meant for oily-combination skin. One of main differences between the Sebium H2O and the original Bioderma Crealine is the fact that the Sebium does have a very light fragrance. The scent is very mild but if you are sensitive you might want to take that in to consideration. 

Having tried both formulas I have to say that I didn't notice any difference in performance or general feel on the skin. The Sebium H2O may have a slightly stronger cooling effect on the skin but that could very well be my imagination! It should be noted that both of these feel incredibly refreshing on the skin surface.

This particular Bioderma formulation is described like this;

Bioderma innovation, Sébium H2O gently cleanses the skin without drying it, through the micro-emulsion of impurities and excess sebum.
Enriched with purifying active ingredients, SébiumH2O cleanses the epidermis in depth and regulates secretion of sebum. The patented sebo-correcting complex, Fluidactiv^®, normalises sebum quality.
Sébium H2O guarantees excellent cutaneous and ocular tolerance.
Sébium H2O is non-comedogenic.

Ingredients;

WATER (AQUA), PEG-6 CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC GLYCERIDES, SODIUM CITRATE , ZINC GLUCONATE, COPPER SULFATE, GINKGO BILOBA EXTRACT, MANNITOL, XYLITOL, RHAMNOSE, FRUCTOOLIGOSACCHARIDES, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, CITRIC ACID, DISODIUM EDTA, CETRIMONIUM BROMIDE, FRAGRANCE (PARFUM).

Since this Bioderma is targeted towards oily skin, which usually means acne-prone, it's comforting to see that it's packed full with zinc, ginkgo biloba, xylitol and copper. All of these ingredients are known to work to counteract acne and other skin congestion issues. 

One of the things that I really like about the Sebium H2O is the fact that it really does live up to the promise of being ultra-gentle. It is the only makeup remover (micellar or otherwise) that does not sting my eyes one bit. I can use this comfortably over my eyes (and face) with no irritation and despite that its that mild it still manages to remove every last trace of the heaviest eye makeup possible. 

My final conclusion is somewhat mixed! I don't think the Bioderma would serve well  as a primary cleanser for most people but used as a makeup remover definitively earns its star power. There is a reason why this is used backstage at these fancy fashion events and not in the model's apartments as the sole cleanser. For a quick makeup change this little bottle will not let you down.

Bioderma seems to be hard to track down in the US but in Canada it can be found in almost any Shoppers Drug Mart. New online suppliers are popping up every day due to the huge demand and there are a lot of eBay sellers that stock it regularly as well. 

I hope you found these helpful! 

Have you tried Bioderma yet? 

XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-) 

Sensitive Skin Club REN Hydra-Calm Line

Its no secret that I love REN. Its probably one of my top 5 all time favorite brands and I honestly can't say anything bad about them, their amazing customer service or any of their products. There aren't too many companies out there that I can stand behind completely and REN's Clean philosophy is a pretty awesome approach on how everyone should take care of themselves and their surroundings at the same time.

And please don't worry, it might sound like it but this is not a sponsored post in any way! I purchased all of my REN products myself and would gladly repurchase (and have!) again - I have nothing to gain by this review and all my thoughts and conclusions are my own. 

The Hydra-Calm line in the REN magic apothecary is designed and meant for those of us that did not win the genetic skin-care jack pot of normal people skin. What i mean is if your face gets red and blotchy for no apparent reason, if it feels tight and dry in the morning but sometimes magically transforms to weirdly oily by the afternoon, or if you are known to blush equally by looking at cute things and by the sight of plain baby carrots...your skin is not normal, right? Plus if you are completely comfortable with words such as rosacia, dermatitis, psoriasis and dermatitis; then that means you are in the super exclusive Sensitive Skin Club. 

REN describes the Hydra-Calm glory as;

REN's best selling Sensitive Skin range avoids known allergens and detrimental skincare ingredients, protects against environmental aggression pollution and is formulated with a range of bio actives that calm, strengthen and "train" sensitive skin to be less reactive.

With REN, you'll forget you have sensitive skin!

The two products i want to talk about are the REN Hydro-Calm Cleansing Milk and the the REN Hydro-Calm Global Protection Day Cream. I have used both of these for several months and I don't know if my skin is "trained" to be less sensitive but I can definitively say that my skin was a whole lot calmer whenever i stuck to this regiment. 

REN describes this cleanser as;
A gentle, cleansing milk designed to leave more sensitive or delicate skin purified, fresh, calm and soothed. 

When I first started using this cleanser I was once again put off due to my obviously deep-ridden addiction to bubbles. Apparently I cant seem to feel clean unless things foam up and my first impression of this milk was obviously tainted by this. However I was pleasantly surprised by REN (again!) and once i rinsed my face did feel clean and i didn't feel any of the dreaded filmy residue. My face was left soft, hydrated, smooth but still clean, maybe not deep clean but the feeling was definitively very different from what i was expecting. Cleansing milks usually make me feel pampered and girly but never completely clean, which is an issue of course so REN definitively got bonus points on that end.

The regular daily grime melted easily but as usual I would recommend a double cleanse on makeup days just to make sure that everything is properly removed. The last thing we want is congested skin due to to something we sensitive skin girls can actually control. The texture of this really helped as well since its thicker than traditional cleansing milks and feels almost like a a facial cream when its massaged in. The scent exudes freshness albeit its very mild, almost non-existent so if that's an issue you don't need to worry. There isn't even a trace of greasiness, which was important to me since i am kind of a stickler when it comes to needing my cleansers to be easy to rinse-off and even though its not required I actually liked using a muslin cloth with it it to help things along even more. I was even able to use it with my Clarisonic Mia 2.

Ultimately I liked the way my face felt afterwards so even though there were no bubbles I was comfortable enough in feeling that i was cleaning my face sufficiently without stripping it like usual. Therefore I would happily recommend this to any members of the Sensitive Skin Club or anyone looking for a great, gentle non-foaming cleanser.

This is what REN has to say;
A moisturizer formulated to leave more sensitive skin optimally hydrated, calmed, soothed, protected and looking beautifully healthy. 

This Hydra-Calm Global Protection Day Cream lived up to everything REN promised and more. Honestly if this had SPF protection built in I would say it was 100% perfect. I have used this on and off for about a year and my over-reactive skin feels great each and every time i smooth this on. The texture is thick, creamy, fresh and luxurious to say the least, it smooths on easily, absorbs quickly without any greasy residue and almost seems to soothe the redness on my cheeks. After a few minutes my entire face feels moisturized, soothed, smooth and yes CALM.
Along with the fact that my skin is annoyingly sensitive, its also dry which is why I can vouch for the Hydra-Calm cream performance in dry-skin hell - Canadian Winters. I am happy to say that REN worked wonders during the daytime under a good makeup base or tinted moisturizer but fell a bit short at night, when I needed something a little richer, with a bit more hydration to avoid the tight parched feeling the next day. I was able to fix that by adding the Rose O¹² Moisture Defence Serum underneath so I guess you could say REN still worked, I just needed to do a bit of customizing which is something I love the most about skincare in the first place.

The conclusion is quite easy for me - I loved the Hydro-Calm picks and I love REN so I would recommend it to the Sensitive Skin Club wholeheartedly but also to anyone looking for a no-nonsense, no-frills, full performance moisturizer.


Ren Hydra-Calm can be purchased at their site here or at Sephora here


I hope someone finds this helpful!

Have you tried REN before? Any favorite skincare products?


XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-)