Mask Review: Studio 35 Beauty Manuka Honey Detoxifying Mask

'Ello folksickles. Today's review will be for the Studio 35 Beauty Manuka Honey Detoxifying Mask

Availability: This is a Walgreens/Duane Reade exclusive brand and its price will vary by your region.

Would I buy this?:  No.

What is this product designed to address?

Helps cleanse & purify
Replenishes skin
Formulated with manuka honey
Helps cleanse and purify. Replenishes skin.
Studio 35 Beauty™ Detoxifying Mask with Manuka Honey helps replenish and protect the skin. After use, your face is left cleansed and purified.

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Honey: Contains antibacterial, anti-oxidant, hydrating, and soothing properties.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract: Contains anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract: Contains anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties. 

Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract: Contains antibacterial and anti-oxidant properties.

Jasminum Officinale Flower Extract: Contains anti-oxidant properties.

What is the texture like?

This has a sticky, almost buggery feel to it. 

Is it scented?

This has an oddly artificial honey scent.

My overall experience/comments on the product:

The texture of this is so off-putting that while it does leave my skin feeling soft and smooth I just can't every justify going out and purchasing the product. It is very much like snot and you kind of have to roll and pull it over your face to get it to apply. Just not a fan of that or its odd artificial scent. I'm unsure as to why people are giving it such rave reviews on Influenster.

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Disclaimer: This was given to me as a gift for the holidays. 

Moisturizer Review: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

Today's review will be for the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel 

Availability: As this is a drugstore item it's hard for me to speak on the availability or price point of it in your neck of the woods. That said it's available for purchase at ulta.com ($26.49 for 1.7 oz.) and target.com ( $19.49 for 1.7 oz.).

Would I buy this?: Maybe - but at target.com. :P

What is this product designed to address?

According to target.com:

Hydrating facial moisturizer provides a boost of hydration for smooth, supple skin
Specially formulated with hyaluronic acid which acts as a sponge to hydrate dry skin
The fast-absorbing gel face moisturizer is oil-, dye-, and fragrance-free
Boost your skin's hydration level and lock in moisture with NEUTROGENA Hydro Boost Water Gel Face Moisturizer. Suitable for all skin types, this non - comedogenic face moisturizer combines the lightweight feel of a gel with the long - lasting moisturizing power of a cream, leaving your skin feeling smooth and supple. The travel size moisturizer hydrates with the power of hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in skin and acts like a sponge to absorb up to 1,000 times its weight in water. The fast - absorbing gel is oil - , dye - , and fragrance - free and its convenient size makes it ideal for on - the - go hydration. Smooth on this face cream daily and use either alone or under makeup.
Scent: Cream
Trial/Travel Size: Yes
Health Facts: Paraben-free, ethyl alcohol-free, noncomedogenic, oil-free, contains hyaluronic acid
Product Form: Gel
Beauty Purpose: Soothing, nourishing, anti-aging, moisturizing, deep hydration
Recommended Skin Type: Sensitive, oily, normal, mature, extra sensitive, combination, acne-prone, very dry, dry

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid): Acts as a humectant, draws moisture into the skin.

What is the texture like?

This feels like a watery gel, as its name suggests. 

Is it scented?

It has a clean, slightly sweet scent.

My overall experience/comments on the product:

The texture is absolutely sublime! I love how quickly it absorbs but I also love that my skin is left feeling hydrated, soft, and supple without any tightness or dryness. This also feels really refreshing when you apply it which I imagine would be really nice for the summertime as its a bit cooling - you really feel a "splash" of hydration when you apply it.

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Disclaimer: One of my friends gave me this as a gift during the holidays. 

Moisturizer Review: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel with Sunscreen SPF 15

Today's review will be for the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel with Sunscreen SPF 15

Availability: It appears that this formulation has been discontinued.

Would I buy this?: Maybe.

What is this product designed to address?

According to target.com:

1.7-fl. oz jar of NEUTROGENA Hydro Boost Hydrating Water Gel Face Cream with Hyaluronic Acid
Instantly quenches dry skin and keeps it looking smooth, supple, and hydrated day after day
Hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in the skin, absorbs up to 1,000 times its weight in water
Gel formula absorbs quickly with the long-lasting intense moisturizing power of a cream
With broad spectrum SPF 15 sun protection, it's an ideal daily moisturizer
NEUTROGENA Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel Face Cream helps quench dry skin and keeps it looking smooth, supple, and hydrated day after day. This unique water gel formula absorbs quickly, with the long-lasting, intense moisturizing power of a cream. It moisturizes to provide more supple and smooth skin. It is formulated with hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in the skin and absorbs up to 1,000 times its weight in water. This moisturizing face cream with broad spectrum SPF 15 also helps protect your skin against sun damage. The oil-free, non-comedogenic formula can be worn under make-up.
Scent: Unscented
Health Facts: Contains hyaluronic acid, oil-free, noncomedogenic, Sulfate-free, paraben-free, aluminum-free, contains hyaluronic acid
Product Form: Gel
SPF: 15
Recommended Skin Type: Dry, normal, combination
Beauty Purpose: Moisturizing, deep hydration
Features: Moisturizing, dermatologist tested

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Avobenzone (2.0%) Homosalate (4.0%) Octisalate (4.0%) Octocrylene (2.0%) - are the active sunscreen ingredients here.
Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid): Acts as a humectant, draws moisture into the skin.

What is the texture like?

This feels like a watery gel, as its name suggests. 

Is it scented?

It has a clean, slightly sweet scent.

My overall experience/comments on the product:

This is just a first impression but I absolutely adore this stuff especially because, not long ago, sunscreen was terribly thick and heavy stuff. While I would honestly prefer to be rubbing 50+ SPF on my face the fact that they were able to get an SPF this degree of watery and weightless blows my mind. The texture is absolutely sublime! I love how quickly it absorbs but I also love that my skin is left feeling hydrated, soft, and supple without any tightness or dryness.

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Disclaimer: One of my friends gave me this as a gift during the holidays. 

Moisturizer Review: dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream

Today's review will be for the dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream

Availability: This retails at $44 for 1 oz. (50 mL) or $69 for  3.4 fl. oz. (100 mL) at sephora.com, ulta.com, bluemercury.com and macys.com or their physical store locations along with dermalogica.com.

Would I buy this?: Perhaps the smaller size.

What is this product designed to address?

According to sephora.com:

What it is: A moisturizer that infuses skin with 48 hours of hydration and helps protect against environmental stress.
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination
Skincare Concerns: Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Dryness, and Dullness and Uneven Texture
Formulation: Lotion
Highlighted Ingredients:
- Mallow: Provides natural moisturizing and soothing properties.
- Arnica: Nourishing and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Lactide Acid: Helps hydrate the skin.
Ingredient Callouts: Free of sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, triclosan, and triclocarban, and contains less than one percent of synthetic fragrances. This product is also vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free.
What Else You Need to Know: Dermalogica’s Skin Smoothing Cream is a dynamic hyaluronic acid complex with mallow, cucumber, and arnica reduces water loss, distributes hydration throughout the skin, and helps lock in moisture for lasting hydration. It’s also formulated with natural-antioxidant grape seed extract, vitamin C, and vitamin E to give a smoothing effect.

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Again, according to sephora.com:

-Mallow: Provides natural moisturizing and soothing properties.
-Arnica: Nourishing and has anti-inflammatory properties.
-Lactide Acid: Helps hydrate the skin.

What is the texture like?

This has an emollient yet watery texture. 

Is it scented?

It doesn't really have much of a scent.

My overall experience/comments on the product:

  I really love the texture of this product and how it hydrates my skin without being heavy or having much of a scent. I know that's kind of a short and to the point review but this moisturizer does pretty much what it says it will. I find that it leaves my skin smooth and hydrated. I can't really speak much to the anti-aging benefits as I don't really have much signs of aging on my face.

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Disclaimer: This was provided for testing purposes. I am under no obligation to, nor am I being compensated for, mentioning it on this blog. 

Serum/Oil Review: Indie Lee Daily Vitamin Infusion

Indie Lee Daily Vitamin Infusion

Availability: This product retails at $67 for 1 oz. (30 mL) and is available at nordstrom.com, bluemercury.com, and thedetoxmarket.com along with its physical store locations. You can also get it through e-retailers such as beautylish.com, netaporter.com, and indielee.com (which also has a $24 10 mL - .34 fl. oz. option)

Would I buy this? Probably not.

What is this product? What is it supposed to do?

Product info according to bluemercury.com:
WHAT IT IS
Ceramide enriched daily facial oil that leaves skin supple, smooth and beautifully nourished.
BENEFITS
Ideal for all skin types, especially sensitive.

Does this contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Again, according to bluemercury.com, these are the key ingredients:

Vitamins A and E help rejuvenate

Rosehip and Avocado oils protect

Vitamin C promotes a more even skin tone

Rosemary Leaf extract and Sugar Cane derived Squalane ensure skin is left supple, smooth and beautifully nourished

What is the texture like?

This has a texture of a typical oil, hydrating yet... oily. 

Is this scented?

This has a faint vegetable oil scent. 

What has my experience with the product been like?

You folks know how much I adore the Indie Lee Squalane Facial Oil so I'm surprised that, while this also contains squalane I just don't notice as much as a difference. I feel like pure squalane leaves my skin super supple and reduces a lot of inflammation whereas... maybe there's just not enough of it in here or it's competing with the other ingredients. I wanted to really love as as I typically enjoy products with ceramides and squalane but I fount it to be just alright. It feels a bit too heavy for my skin. :/

Please let me know if you have any comments or questions.

Disclaimer: This was provided for testing purposes. I am not obligated or being compensated to mention it on this blog. 

Cleanser Review: GLAMGLOW THIRSTYCLEANSE Daily Treatment Cleanser

'Ello folksickles. Today's review will be for the GLAMGLOW THIRSTYCLEANSE Daily Treatment Cleanse

Availability: It appears that this has been discontinued.

Would I buy this again?: Probably not.

What is this product designed to address?
According to nordstrom.com: (I'm still able to pull up the product page although the item isn't available on the website)

What it is: A daily cleanser that combines the power of mud and the power of foam for a super-hydrated, super-clean complexion.

Who it's for: All skin types.

What it does: This cleanser transforms from a mud into a moisture-rich foaming lather to gently and effectively rinse away makeup, dirt and impurities while deeply moisturizing your skin. Rare Brazilian yellow clay helps remineralize the skin and rinse away impurities; pure green coconut water immediately boosts moisture, replenishing and hydrating; olive milk replenishes for supremely smoother texture; Indian gooseberry revitalizes and restores skin's natural clarity and translucency; and patented Teaoxi technology helps skin maintain moisture.

Paraben-free; sulfate-free; phthalate-free

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Glycerin: A humectant that attracts moisture to the skin.

Kaolin: Exfoliates the skin, removes impurities without irritating the skin, and controls oil production.

Peppermint Oil: Helps soothe the skin and regulate oil production. 

Licorice Root Extract: Has brightening and antioxidant benefits.

Eucalyptus Leaf Powder: Has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and antioxidant properties.

Lactic Acid: Exfoliates the skin.

Nigella Sativa Seed Extract: helps fight acne, clogged pores, and inflammation.

Glycolic Acid: Exfoliates the skin.

What is the texture like?

This has a mud/clay-like texture that foams up in contact with water.

Is it scented?

This smells coconut-y.

My overall experience/comments on the product:

Ironically for something that's touted as a hydrating cleanser this is CHOCK FULL of anti-acne and oil-regulating ingredients and while I once liked it a lot, I think that as my skin is aging (le gasp, I don't want to admit that!) this feels a bit too aggressive. As I mentioned previously I'm not a big believer of "oh it doesn't matter what cleanser you use because it doesn't spend much time on your face" - while it doesn't, I'd much rather use something that, when I rinse it off, leaves my skin feeling hydrated and refreshed versus tight and stripped. While this is not the latter it isn't the former either - falling into a middle ground where I find it... just ok and, occasionally even slightly irritating, if my skin is already going through a rough, dry, or red spell. That said, I think I might like it better when my skin gets oilier in the summertime.

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Disclaimer: I purchased this myself. 

Eye Cream Review: Skinceuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex

Hello folksickles. Today's review will be for Skinceuticals A.G.E Eye Complex

Availability: This product retails at $105 and is available at bluemercury.com and macys.com along with their respective physical store locations (Macy's that have a bluemercury location within them) along with skinstore.com, dermstore.com, and skinsceuticals.com.

Would I buy this?: No.

What is this product designed to address?

According to bluemercury.com this is what the product is and what it does:

WHAT IT IS

Three-dimensional anti-wrinkle eye cream that contains a unique combination of ingredients to reduce the appearance of dark circles, puffiness and crow’s feet, while restoring skin’s firmness and elasticity. A.G.E. Eye Complex improves the appearance of aging caused by natural factors such as hormonal shifts, metabolic slow down and glycation—the instance when sugar molecules bind to the skin’s collagen and elastin eventually leading to Advanced Glycation End-products (A.G.E.) and sagging skin. Powerful formula of flavonoids, synergistic peptides, blueberry extract, proxylane and optical diffusers work over time to combat these natural causes of aging and boost radiance for smoother, younger looking eyes.

BENEFITS

Reduces the appearance of dark circles and puffiness and helps diminish wrinkles caused by the natural effects of aging. This anti-wrinkle eye cream promotes firmness and elasticity, while restoring comfort to dry, aging skin.

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?
Again, according to bluemercury.com:

Flavonoid & Peptide Complex: Unique ingredient combination that diminishes the appearance of dark circles and under-eye bags, while reinforcing firmness and tone in the eye area.

Blueberry Extract: Antioxidant and anti-glycation ingredient that helps fortify the skin’s matrix and prevent the appearance of wrinkles and laxity.

Proxylane™: Anti-aging ingredient that restores water and nutrients to improve the look of skin’s firmness and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and crow’s feet.

Optical Diffusers: Disperses light to minimize the appearance of dark circles and boost radiance.

What is the texture like?

I'd describe the texture as being silicone-y. 

Is it scented?

This doesn't really have much of a scent.

My overall experience/comments on the product:
Honestly I really don't like the texture of this which keeps me from wanting to use it in general. That said, I'll suck up my personal preferences to test out a product - maybe something I initially don't love gives me results worth sucking it up for. Unfortunately that isn't the case with this, I get that the silicone-like texture is meant to fill in any lines or uneven texture on the under-eye but I feel like this just caused my makeup to be more textured and dry-looking. In addition, I'm just not really seeing results. I get a little crepe-y-ness every once in a while if I don't sleep enough or I'm dehydrated but that's about all I have in terms of aging issues - nothing. I don't find that this hydrates, brightens, or depuffs either. I mean I don't mean to write a review just bashing it - I genuinely wanted to like the product and I wanted it to work for me but unfortunately that isn't the case, and at upwards of $100 that's quite pricey for something that doesn't work for me.

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Disclaimer: This was provided for testing purposes. I am under no obligation to mention this product on this blog.

Serum Review: Skinceuticals C E Ferulic

Skinceuticals C E Ferulic

Availability: This product retails at $169 for 1 oz. (30 mL) and is available at bluemercury.com along with its physical store locations. You can also get it through e-retailers such as dermstore.com, skinstore.com, and skinceuticals.com

Would I buy this? No.

What is this product? What is it supposed to do?

Product info according to bluemercury.com:

WHAT IT IS

Advanced antioxidant treatment and skin protector designed to defend against photoaging and reveal more youthful skin. Neutralizes free radicals, promotes collagen production and delivers unmatched antioxidant protection with a formula containing 15% pure L-ascorbic acid and 1% alpha tocopherol, plus ferulic acid for a super-antioxidant combination.

BENEFITS

Defends against environmental aging. Helps build collagen. Delivers maximum antioxidant protection. Uncovers more youthful-looking skin.

Does this contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Again, according to bluemercury.com, these are the key ingredients:

Vitamin C: Helps to protect against future UVA and UVB sun damage by neutralizing free radicals. Helps to minimize the appearance of existing photo-damage. Helps to alleviate skin inflammation

Vitamin E: Helps to neutralizes free radicals . Helps protect against UV damage and promotes healing.

Ferulic acid: Found naturally in the seeds of some fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains, it offers anti-aging benefits by combating free radical damage.

What is the texture like?

This feels watery. 

Is this scented?

This has a really weird, unpleasant (to me), smoky meat scent. Some folks liken it to bacon or hot dog water. 

What has my experience with the product been like?

I've been using this mixed in with rose oil which minimizes its scent  and I will say that the scent dissipates quickly but regardless my personal opinion is that there are better priced and better smelling Vitamin C options on the market. This is a cult-favorite product and I am just not understanding the hype. My skin tends to react to vitamin C treatments by becoming more glow-y and radiant, which it does with this but perhaps because I don't have dark spots or any severe signs of aging I can't say that "oooh this makes me look youthful" especially in comparison to other Vitamin C-containing products. It's a hard pass for me.

Please let me know if you have any comments or questions.

Disclaimer: This was provided for testing purposes. I am not obligated or being compensated to mention it on this blog. 

Cleanser Review: Revive Foaming Cleanser Enriched Hydrating Wash

'Ello folksickles. Today's review will be for the Revive Foaming Cleanser Enriched Hydrating Wash

Availability: This retails at $75 for 125 mL and can be purchased at bergdorfgoodman.com, neimanmarcus.com, nordstrom.com, bluemercury.com and spacenk.com along with their physical store locations as well as reviveskincare.com.

Would I buy this again?: Not at that price.

What is this product designed to address?
According to bluemercury.com:

WHAT IT IS

Powered by moisturizing Vitamin E beads, this ultra-rich foaming cleanser helps to remove impurities such as excess oil and make-up while softening and nourishing skin. With each use skin feels refreshed, clean and comfortable while the cleanser helps to balance pH of the skin. Leaves skin looking healthy and smooth.

BENEFITS

Clinical Testing Highlights: 

In an independent clinical research study* 

• 100% of subjects agreed the cleanser leaves skin feeling hydrated 

• 100% of subjects agreed the cleanser leaves skin feeling perfectly clean and fresh 

• 100% of subjects agreed the cleanser is efficient at cleansing skin 

*After one week of usage

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?
Again, according to bluemercury.com:

Vitamin E: Melting Vitamin E Spherical Beads – gently smooth over skin and then dissolve with massage.

Lipid Barrier Protection: Unique combination of oils, butters and waxes that work with cleansing agents to effectively remove any impurities and excess sebum while ensuring that skin stays moisturized, soft and smooth.

Green Tea is [has] anti-oxidant [properties] that help to neutralize free radicals that can cause pre-mature aging of the skin.

Sodium Hyaluronate is a water replenishing molecule that helps moisturize the skin.

What is the texture like?

This has a creamy texture.

Is it scented?

This smells like sweet green tea.

My overall experience/comments on the product:

I agree with the study mentioned above - this leaves my skin feeling clean yet soft without being stripped. I love the way my skin feels after I use this and it reminds me of my beloved Juju Aquamoist Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Washing Foam. But at $75 this is just ridiculously expensive for a product that isn't spending much time on my face and ends up going down the sink. I will say that I read an article once that said it technically doesn't matter which cleanser you use because you rinse it off fairly quickly but I disagree because some, like this, can leave your skin feeling replenished whilst others can be too dry and/or harsh.

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Disclaimer: This was provided for testing purposes. I am under no obligation to, nor am I being compensated for, mentioning it on this blog. 

wet n wild Mythicool Creatures Coloricon Eyeshadow Quad Look

Hey folks, today I bring you a smoky colorful look.

Enough blabbering, tutorial time!

I  applied Colourpop Forget Me Not Super Shock Cheek as a base for the blush at the top right of the e.l.f. Beautifully Bare Total Face Palette with my  Sephora Collection Pro Mini Airbrush 55.5. I also applied Colourpop Super Shock Shadow in High Tide as a base for Anastasia Wild Child  with my Sephora Collection #74 PRO Small Blush and Contour brush.  

As a base for my powder eyeshadows I applied the Urban Decay 24/7 Ransom Glide-On Eye Pencil and blended it out with my Crown Pro C511 Brush. 

For the crease I applied the transition color along with the crease color with the Luxie 205 Tapered Blending Brush and Crown Pro C511 Brush, respectively.

For the lid  I applied the eyelid color using my Crown Pro C510 brush.

To highlight the brow-bone and the inner corner of the eye I applied the browbone color using my no-name gigantic paddle brush from Crown and Crown Deluxe Precision Crease brush, respectively. 

For eyeliner, I went with the Trish McEvoy Lash Enhancing Liquid Liner Pen, with a wing this time. For the waterline I applied Stila Peacock Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner.

For the lower lash line, I applied the crease color  using my Bubbi Detail brush.

The look sans lashes. 

For lashes I used Sephora Collection Vivacious #34 False Lashes along with the Lash Star Beauty Visionary Lash Adhesive in Clear.

For lips, I applied the Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask Natural  and topped it off with  Christian Dior 775 Darling Rouge Dior Brilliant.

Hope that you liked this! :D It was super fun for me to put together! Feel free to request particular songs, animals/nature scenes (I don't do insects of any kind though, sorry, little insect feet and wings creep the bejesus outta me), Pokemon, or Pokemon towns. :P

Please let me know if you have any comments or questions. 

Disclaimer: The  Sephora 55.5 brush, Trish McEvoy, e.l.f., Dior, wet n wild and Bite Beauty products were provided for testing and as gifts. I paid for everything else you see here myself.