Stephie Estie

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre Review!

Embryolisse

Hello everyone!  I hope all of you are doing well. 🙂

Today I have a review on the Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentrate.  This moisturizer is praised by celebrity make-up artists and considered a staple in their arsenal so naturally I was curious to try it. Let’s take a look at what I think.

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentrate

Described as, “a wonderful care product-a real beauty secret, favoured by dermatologists for decades; a combination of ingredients of natural origin with recognised virtues, rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins. The Lait-Creme Concentrate can also be used to cleanse the skin or remove makeup, as a repairing mask, an after-shave cream or as a baby-care product.”

Pros 

Formulated without parabens, sulfates or phthalates (if these ingredients concern you)

Cruelty-free

Multi-tasking product

Light-weight feel

Absorbs quickly

Smooth makeup application

Tube form makes this hygienic and easy to apply

Cons

A bit on the pricey side- $28

Can sometimes pill when used in conjunction with a sunscreen

Not for all skin types

Contains beeswax, so take heed if you are allergic

Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil) is the second ingredient and may clog pores

Overall: I like this product but wasn’t overly impressed with it.  I love how it provided a light-weight feel and absorbed quickly into the skin; it also helped the makeup glide on smoothly though it doesn’t help blur out imperfections like other primers.  Although it claims intense hydration, my face still felt a little tight on the drier parts of my skin. If I used this in the morning with sunscreen, I noticed that it pilled.  Also, even though it states that all skin types can benefit from this, the inclusion of mineral oil as the second ingredient may be problematic for acneic skin; however, as a makeup remover, it works nicely. I will use this product up but I am not sure if I will repurchase again.

Have a favorite multi-tasking product you love? Share it in the comments! 

Stephanie 

 

February Favorites 2016!

February Favorites

Happy first day of March everyone!  Another month has zoomed by and of course, as one month ends, my monthly favorites are bound to ensue. Let’s get to it! 🙂

Caudalie Hand and Nail Cream

One of my all time favorite hand-creams, this grape-seed oil cream that is rich in antioxidants and smells like oranges.  It moisturizes and absorbs quickly into the skin which is great when you’re in a hurry and don’t want to transfer the lotion onto surfaces.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Bourbon

I’ve used this glimmering dark brown eyeliner practically everyday this month and it gives definition to your eyes without it looking to harsh.  Perfect for work and it lasts all day on me.

Bobbi Brown Blush in Pretty Coral

Sorting through my blush stash, I rediscovered this gem which is a great everyday shade that gives the ‘pretty in pink’ phrase a run for its money. Used this look as part of my Valentine’s Day makeup look.

(Malin + Goetz) Grapefruit Face Cleanser 

I received this sample in my November Birchbox and I just got around to trying it.  This cleanser really surprised me to be honest.  It feels refreshing but gentle and that has a subtle citrus scent.  Left my skin clean without feeling stripped.

Kiehl’s Creme de Corps 

After buying a gift at Kiehl’s, I was given samples of this body cream and I loved it so much that I went out to purchase a bottle. It’s a very creamy and rich and while it absorbs nicely into the skin, I do find that it is a bit greasy.  I prefer to use this at night after I take a shower to deeply moisturize my skin and the scent is neutral so it’s not overpowering at all. The only two issues are a) it’s pricey and b) it’s sometimes difficult to get the product out.

Tell me, what were your favorites this month? 

Stephanie

First Impressions: Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash!

ExfoliKate Cleanser

Happy Thursday everyone! Hope you are all doing well. 🙂

So when a new item is launched based on a cult favorite product, curiosity and excitement is bound to arise.  At least, this was the case for me when skincare brand Kate Somerville announced that their new cleanser stemmed from the best-selling exfoliating treatment ExfoliKate.  If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you’ll know I love, love, love Kate Somerville’s ExfoliKate so I immediately went to get a sample at Sephora.

Is it just as good as the ExfoliKate? Keep reading for my thoughts.

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash

Described as, “a daily foaming cleanser that contains AHA’s and natural fruit enzymes to purify without over-drying.”

Pros 

Thoroughly removes oil

Has exfoliating properties with fruit enzymes plus lactic and glycolic acid

Easily lathers

Refreshes skin

Paraben, sulfate and phthalate free if you’re concerned about these ingredients

Cons 

A bit pricey compared to other professional brands- $38 for 4oz

Can feel a little stripping at times

Exfoliating properties may be too much for some as a daily cleanser

Overall: When I was trying this cleanser, I expected (and kind of hoped) that it would have the same earthy scent of the exfoliator but it doesn’t.  The scent on this is citrusy, almost like lemongrass, but not overpowering.  It lathers well and does a great job in removing oil but there were days were I felt it left my skin a little too tight so this might be a great choice for summer, when I tend to get more oily.  Although the instructions say to use this twice a day daily, I feel this might not work for everyone’s skin type as it can overexfoliate and dry out skin.  Personally, I would use this once a day, 3 times a week, especially if my skin is congested.  So while I do like this cleanser, it didn’t impress me enough to purchase the full size. I prefer to stick with ExfoliKate.

Have you tried Kate Somerville products? Which is your favorite?

Stephanie  

 

January 2016 Favorites!

January Favorites

Happy Tuesday everyone!  How was your weekend?  It’s been super windy over here but other than that, everything is good.  It’s time again for my monthly favorites so let’s get started!

Renee Rouleau AHA Smoothing Serum 17%

I have a very textured forehead and even though I exfoliate on a regular basis, it doesn’t help much.  I’ve found that exfoliating serums though make a major difference in the appearance of my skin and this glycolic acid based one works great.  After cleansing and toning my skin, I pat on a thin layer before applying my moisturizer on top. It tingles a little but isn’t uncomfortable.  I use it for three nights straight and then discontinue it for three nights straight and I’m mindful of not spending too much time in the sun when using this.

Too Faced Soleil Matte Bronzer in Chocolate 

I have a sample of this bronzer and I’ve been reaching for this pretty much everyday.  As the name implies, there is no shimmer here which is great and it blends in effortlessly while looking natural. There is a slight chocolate scent but it quickly dissipates once you apply it.

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Athens

I’ve reviewed this lip cream here so I won’t say much other than the scent to this one is addicting and the color is natural and gorgeous.

NYX Intense Butter Gloss in Peanut Brittle

I’ve been stalking the NYX store to purchase the shade Tres Leches and since they are always out of stock, I picked up the shade Peanut Brittle.  Peanut Brittle is part of the NYX Spring 2016 collection and believe me when I saw this lipgloss is highly pigmented.  The swatch below was just one swipe.  I wear this alone and I get a glossy nude lip that’s divine.

Athen and Peanut Brittle

Top to Bottom: NYX Athens and Peanut Brittle

Chloe Love Story

Jen from In the Beauty Box (give her a follow!) sent me a bag filled with gifts and this one was one of them.  With notes of Neroli (Orange Blossom Oil), Stephanotis Jasmine, Physalis and Cedarwood, I’m really liking this scent.  It’s not overly overpowering and somehow I get a whiff of rose which is nice.  It doesn’t last long though which is about the only downside I see.

January Favorites End

What were your January favorites? 

Stephanie 

 

Skin Tip: Glow on the Go!

Happy Friday everyone!

Looking for inspiration to keep up your exercise routine?  A brief walk or run increases your blood flow which helps nourish skin cells and gives you a nice glow.  As always though, consult your primary physician to make sure you are cleared to work out.

Enjoy the weekend!

Stephanie

January Birchbox Unboxing 2016!

Birchbox Main

Hi everyone!  I’m back with another subscription box post which finally arrived this week. I will say I am disappointed this month with the shipping of my Birchbox.  It was shipped out on the 8 and I had no information as to where it was until a week later and then it took another week and a few days to be delivered. :/

Anywho, I choose the curated box this month which was Korean Beauty as it’s generating a lot of buzz lately. Here’s what the box included.

RE:P Bio Fresh Mask with Real Calming Herb

This mask uses, “organic herbs and kaolin clay to reduce redness and deeply cleanse pores.”  I managed to use this once and the first thing I noticed was the scent which is very herbally and tea-like. Surprisingly, I didn’t find this too drying although I noticed a few bumps on my forehead after I used it.  I’ll need to use this more to determine how well it works.

IPKN Flash Cream Radiant Primer

This primer contains SPF 15, is rich in fruit extracts and is said to create a “smooth, luminous canvas for makeup.”  I tried it under my foundation and it gave a very subtle sheen to the skin.  It’s a nice product though it is not my favorite and has a rather strong perfume scent. I will use it up but won’t purchase a full size.

TONYMOLY Delight Tony Tint in Red 

So I’ve always been curious to try TONYMOLY products, mainly because of the cute packaging- Panda’s Dream anyone?  Although the packaging on this tint is simple, it smells like strawberries, yum. The color dries to a matte finish that is supposed to last all day and although it did last an impressive amount of time through eating and drinking,  it will start to fade unevenly throughout the day.

Manefit Beauty Planner Cucumber Soothing + Moisturizing Mask

Sheet masks are all the craze now and this one is supposed to soothe, tone and restore moisture to dry skin.  I haven’t tried this out yet but I’ll wait until it’s not too cold at night so my skin can have a nice, refreshing treatment.

Goodal Waterest First Essence

This product includes, “hyaluronic acid and fermented lotus flower to help skin retain moisture.”  I’ve tried this once in the morning and I do like it.  However, like most products included in here, it does have a strong scent.

Goodal Yerba Mate Bubble Peeling & Yerba Mate Cleansing Foam Packettes 

Considered a bonus, the Bubble Peeling, “removes dead skin for a brighter complexion,” and the Cleansing Foam, “balances oils and detoxifies the skin.” I haven’t had an opportunity to test these out yet but the Bubble Peeling has definitely piqued my interest with the name alone.

Birchbox End

Overall, I do like the box and think it’s a good assortment of products to try.  Sometimes I wish they weren’t so scented though.

Have you tried Korean skincare/beauty products? Which ones do you recommend? 

Stephanie 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Skin Tip: Using Exfoliating Serums!

If you suffer from rough patches on your skin, incorporating an exfoliating serum a couple times a week into your routine can help improve your skin’s texture.  Look for ones that have AHA’s and/or BHA’s which can provide a smoother and more radiant appearance.

Wishing everyone a great weekend!

Stephanie  

Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask Review!

Bite Beauty Lip Mask

Hi readers!  If you follow me on Instagram, you know my friend and fellow beauty blogger Jen from In the Beauty Box sent me a box (thanks Jen!) filled with some awesome products.  Among them were samples of the Bite Beauty Lip Mask which I’ve been curious about but never got around to actually trying them. Needless to say, I was thrilled and I’ve been putting these to the test.  Here’s my thoughts.

Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask

Described as a “soothing, leave-on lip mask that replenishes moisture in lips. This innovative, natural formula smooths, nourishes, and moisturizes lips with a bio-active blend of organic agave nectar, jojoba oil, vanilla CO2 extract, and triple the amount of antioxidant trans-resveratrol found in red wine.”

Pros

Provides a barrier for lips

Long-lasting

Works well under lipstick

Not sticky

Sheer tints

Cons 

Thick consistency makes it hard to take out

Not very hydrating

Pricey

Lanolin might be an irritant to some

Overall: I have mixed feelings about this product.  Due to the thick consistency, it was a little hard to take out and apply; however, once it warms up a bit though it becomes easier. While this does provide a protective barrier around lips, oddly,  I don’t find it very hydrating.  It does feel very nice and luxurious once it’s on but if you have very dry lips, I don’t feel it does much.  I do find that exfoliating lips first is essential in achieving smoother lips.  The lip mask works well under lipsticks and I didn’t find it sticky.  Individuals who are allergic or sensitive to lanolin will want to steer clear as it is the main ingredient in the lipstick. The sample I received included the original, and the tinted ones in Smashed and Champagne.  The colors are a bit more on the sheer side, which is nice if you want a bit of a tinted sheen.  I don’t consider this a ‘must have’ lip product but more of a luxury item that if you can afford to indulge in, then by all means give this a try.

Have you tried this product? What are your thoughts on it? 

Stephanie 

 

Skin Tip: 'Tech Neck' 411!

Happy Friday readers!

If you need a reason to put down your smart phones or devices, keep this in mind.  Spending long periods of time looking down at your phone or tablet can increase skin laxity and encourage lines to form around your neck, resulting in a premature aged appearance.

Have a great weekend! 

Stephanie

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