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  

 

February Birchbox Unboxing 2016!

February Birchbox

Hi everyone!  Thank you so much for the sweet comments I received yesterday for my 2nd blogiversary-it made my day! 🙂

February’s Birchbox has arrived so let’s take a look at what’s inside!

Cartier Baiser Vole Lys Rose 

“From a brand that knows elegance, a romantic floral scent with notes of fresh, powdery lily.”  I usually like rose scented perfumes but I think the combination of lily made this a bit overwhelming and I’m not a fan of it.

Marcelle NewAge 8 in 1 Power Serum 

This is a lightweight anti-aging gel that is supposed to provide, “eight transformative benefits in one tube.”  A quick glance at the ingredient list shows a few peptides, which can help with ant-aging issues.  I’ve only used this once and it is light with a silky, almost silicone-like, feel when applied.  My skin felt and looked a bit smoother afterwards.

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar- Black Metal Dahlia 

A cruelty-free, cult favorite product, this liquid lipstick offers matte and opaque coverage with the tiniest application.  I haven’t tried this one because I’m thinking of giving it away as I already have something similar to this.

Ouidad VitaCurl Define & Shine Styling Gel-Cream 

This ultrahydrating, non-sticky formula is said to enhance the texture of curls and waves while leaving a luminous finish. I’ve used this once and it did provide a hold to the curls without leaving them crunchy.  Since the sample size on this is generous, I will keep testing this out to see how it works in the long run.

Whish Revitalizing Cleansing Oil 

“This skin-balancing cleansing oil melts away makeup, oil, and impurities.” I’ve used this at night and I rub a dime size amount over my face to help breakdown my makeup.  I then rinse with water and follow up with my cleanser.  I do like this product, however as with most cleansing oil/creams I’ve used, this leaves behind a greasy film and I really have to remove it with the cleanser.  I just wished it would rinse off a bit cleaner.

Feb BB

Overall, this wasn’t my favorite box but there’s always next month’s box.

What’s your opinion on February’s Birchbox? 

Stephanie 

Stephie Estie Turns 2!

blog 2

Hi everyone!  I have a special post today because my blog turns 2!  Yay! 🙂

Two years ago, with a friend’s suggestion, I transferred the weekly skin tips I posted on Facebook and created a much bigger platform to share my knowledge and love of beauty.  These past two years have been a whirlwind of emotions and at the beginning, I thought about quitting.  For quite a while, I hardly had any views and I was getting discouraged, thinking that perhaps blogging just wasn’t for me.  However, I kept creating blog posts because I found I did enjoy writing and once I began engaging with other bloggers, I accumulated more followers and more views.

I’m glad I didn’t give up because had I done so, I would have never met some of the most incredible people from all over the world.  I have formed some great friendships and it never seizes to amaze me how helpful and supportive everyone I’ve encountered has been. Whether I need advice on beauty or life in general, I have a great group of friends I can turn to. A huge thanks, of course, to all my readers who inspire me to keep doing what I love.  Your emails and comments are greatly appreciated. 🙂

Here’s to many more years blogging, 

Stephanie 

 

Besame Cosmetics Red Velvet 1946 Lipstick Review!

Besame Cosmetics

Happy Tuesday readers! How was your Valentine’s Day weekend?  I didn’t have anything planned really but at the last minute I went out with my family/friends to a lake where we celebrated an Un-Valentine’s day, haha.

Late last year, I picked up this cute set while I was waiting in line to purchase some items at Sephora.  I had heard about Besame Cosmetics and instantly fell in love with this unique vintage packaging. Later, I read that this lipstick, Red Velevet 1946, is the lipstick that Hayley Atwell wears on the show Marvel’s Agent Carter so of course I had to try it.

Let’s take a look!

Besame Cosmetic Matchbook and Lipstick

The matchbook has this quote written on the inside:

“Life without lipstick is like cake without frosting.” 

I couldn’t agree more. 🙂

Besame Cosmetics Lipstick and Matchbook Set 

Described as, “a set of five rich, highly pigment lipsticks housed in a portable matchbook, plus a full-size lipstick with a satin, matte finish that delivers full coverage in one coat.”

Pros

Highly pigmented

Good value ($23 for the lipstick and matchbook-lipstick alone is $22 and the matchbook alone is $6)

Long-wearing

Leaves behind a stain

Cons 

Difficult to apply

Doesn’t glide on as smoothly as I would like

Drying

Can accentuate fine lines/imperfections

Overall:  I really like this lipstick as the shade is gorgeous and it’s what I used in my Valentine’s Day look (check it out here).  If you’re looking for lipstick shades that are true an era (i.e. 1940s, etc) then Besame Cosmetics is your brand.  I did have trouble applying this straight out from the tube so a lip brush comes a bit handy.  The formula is a satin matte, which kind of tugged on my lips a bit when I was applying; however, prepping your lips beforehand-exfoliating and a little bit of lip balm-helps the appearance and and application process.  The lasting-power is great, however with eating and drinking, this will come off although it leaves behind a stain.

The lipstick matches are a cute addition and you’ll get about 1 use out of them.  Word of caution: make sure you close the matchbook well if you’re going to be carrying this in your purse.

Red Velvet 1946 Swatch

Here’s a swatch of Red Velvet 1946.

Have you tried Besame Cosmetics? 

Stephanie 

Skin Tip: DIY Lip Scrub!

Happy Friday everyone!

Show your lips a little TLC this Valentine’s Day weekend with a simple lip scrub.  Simply take a little bit of sugar, combine it with coconut oil, and apply to lips in a circular motion.  Wipe off the mixture with warm water and apply your favorite lip balm afterwards.

If you’d rather purchase a lip scrub, Fresh Lip Polish and Sara Happ The Lip Scrub are two lip scrubs I highly recommend.

Have a great weekend! 

Stephanie