Jun 11, 2013

REN Day Moisturizer Switch

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I am getting ready to finish my second bottle of REN Vita Mineral Day Cream. I’d used it just over a year and it’s great, it’s a very well-balanced day cream with just enough moisture for the winter but never too much for the summer. It goes well under makeup and has never left my face shiney. Overall, it’s everything you want (except it doesn’t have SPF) from a day cream.

Despite really liking the product, I decided to switch it up. My face has had some dryer places lately and I think trying a new moisturizer might even it out and offer a new round of moisturizers to my face. No, I didn’t splurge on the La Mer cream I lusted after in this post.  I decided to stick with REN and try their Hydra- Calm Global Protection Day Cream. It’s supposed to be for sensitive skin and protects from pollution, smoke and city air. Sounds great, since I live and work in downtown Denver.

I’ll start using it by early next week when the last drops of my Vita Mineral bottle run dry. Stay tuned for a future review!

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Apr 16, 2013

Pore Clearing Mask from Origins

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Last night I cozed up with my lavender neck wrap and my charcoal facial to watch TV with my husband on a chilly Sunday night. This was the second time I had tested the Origins Active Charcoal Pore Clearing Mask.

Said to to be good for all skin types, active charcoal, “acts like a magnet to draw out deep-dwelling pore-cloggers. White China clay absorbs environmental toxins, and lecithin dissolves impurities.”

I really like it. It is a fabulous, detoxifying boost that seems to balance and soften your face without overdrying. It also doesn’t seem to bring impurities to the surface, which is one of my biggest concerns with masks like this. I put on a fairly thick but even layer after washing my face and using a light mist of Sanitas face mist. Your face will get so bizarrely tight as the mask dries that you will barely be able to talk! Super strange. After about 10 minutes, the mask is completely dry and you can rinse it off easily with warm water. I applied a quick coat of my night cream and that was it!

I love that Sephora currently has a special on a package of products, including the mask, in a smaller size. For $47, you get to try the Charcoal Mask, the frothy face wash, the mimosa and algae face moisturizer and the anti-aging serum. Click here to buy it from Sephora.com and if you have one other thing in your shopping cart, such as a refill of your favorite makeup sponges, you’ll get free shipping.

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Feb 25, 2013

Jurlique mist goes back to Sephora, not a win

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Approximately a month ago, I purchased a moisturizing spray in hopes it would boost my daily moisturizer (I didn’t plan to wear it at night, knowing the REN Frankincense night cream I love is enough on its own) and help maintain balanced skin during the harsh Colorado winter.

After extensive review research, I decided to test the Jurlique Rosewater Balancing mist for $22. Unfortunately, the mist just took a trip back to Sephora because it wasn’t for me. It had some great pros. It sprays very evenly, adds zero shine and has a very light, pleasant scent. It definitely adds more moisture but without adding oil. But for me personally, the biggest con was that it gave me an extra pimple or two that I certainly wasn’t expecting.

I had the same result on both my face and my chest where a few small pimples popped up that easily disappeared after a few days with my favorite spot treatment. I used it for 5 days but the breakout continued. Didn’t give it long enough? Possible. But not going to chance it, especially considering there were no other factors or changes that could have caused the breakout.

Stay tuned for future tests of moisture mists! Do you have one you love? Let me know!

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Feb 8, 2013

Sephora 500-point Clinique Reward

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You might have seen the e-mail…but Sephora has a new 500-point reward! It’s a 4-item Clinique sampler, which I cashed in for during my last Sephora trip for two reasons: I had over 1,000 points and I really wanted to see what all the fuss is about when it comes to the Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick. You can find the full tube here from Sephora for $15.

By the way, for clarity sake, I noticed this reward is not available online, so if you’d like to give it a try, you’ll have to head to the mall and pick it up in person.

Overall, I can see how this lipstick is touted as a color for everyone, but I thought it needed a little more. More shine, more subtle sparkle, more something. It seemed too matte on my lips, despite the pretty color.

The whole tube is only $15 but I’m not sure I’d buy it. It is just missing something.

As for the other products in the 500-point reward, my favorite is the anti-puff eye roller. It’s called the All About Eyes Serum and you can buy the full-sized product here from Nordstrom for $28. I really like the light, cooling feel of the serum and I think it actually does de-puff your eyes. It’s something for night use because during the day it can make the skin around your eyes a little tight.

Overall, while nothing in the Clinique kit wowed me, it was fun to try a few samples of new things. And that’s the good thing about Sephora rewards! It’s a risk-free way to add a few new products to your drawer. Are you a fan of Clinique products? What’s your favorite? Leave it in the comments!

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Jan 21, 2013

HealthyLip LaVanila is the Lip Screen you need to have

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Creamy, smooth, fresh and slightly minty. That’s how I would describe the LaVanila Lip Screen from my recent purchase at Sephora. It packs more sunscreen than any other lip protection I’ve seen (at least any lip protection that doesn’t look/taste/smell like chalk) and it is free of parabens and synthetic dyes.

But here’s my favorite part. You know how many times you’ve tried to get into a pot of something – whether it’s a lip butter, solid perfume or some other potted makeup – and either given up because you’d just put lotion on and your hands were slippery or you’ve tried to pry it open only to make the lid tighter. Say goodbye to that! The Lip Screen has a twist cap with just a little half-turn to get it off. No more metal pots of lip butter that will never see the light of day! It works perfectly!

This is going to be a staple for all beach and ski trips for me from now on. And it will seemingly last forever so for $16, it’s worth the price. Click here to buy it from Sephora and benefit this blog! Or if you want to test another LaVanila product, their Lip Shine glosses, here’s a great deal on a Limited Edition 5-pack from Beauty.com.

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