Mask Review: Skinceuticals Phyto Corrective Masque

'Ello folksickles. Today's review will be for the Skinceuticals Phyto Corrective Masque

Availability: This retails at $60 for 2 fl. oz. (60 ml) and can be purchased at bluemercury.com, dermstore.com, skinceuticals.com, and skinmedix.com along with physical bluemercury store locations.

Would I buy this?:  No.

What is this product designed to address?

According to skinceuticals.com:

Intensive calming botanical face mask to rehydrate and soothe temporarily reactive skin
SKIN TYPES
Dry
Normal
Oily
Combination
Sensitive
SKIN CONDITION
Sensitized
Dehydrated
Phyto Corrective Mask contains highly-concentrated botanical extracts, a calming dipeptide, and hyaluronic acid to intensively soothe and replenish temporary skin reactivity. This intensive calming facial mask cools on contact, comforts skin sensitivity, and restores natural radiance and smoothness. Phyto Corrective Mask has been clinically tested post-procedure to effectively reduce visual redness and discomfort. This versatile botanical facial mask has multifaceted uses post temporary skin reactivity:
Daily: post workout, sun exposure, hot bath
Weekly/Seasonal: post travel, chlorine/salt water from swimming, windburn from winter activities
Post-procedure: post laser, extractions, photodynamic therapy (PDT), intense pulsed light therapy (IPL), and other in-office procedures
Phyto Corrective Mask is clinically tested effective post-procedure:
20% reduction in visual redness
47% reduction in discomfort immediately post use
37°F average reduction in skin surface temperature

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?
Again, according to skinceuticals.com:
9% soothing botanicals: A unique blend of cucumber, thyme, and olive extracts comfort skin
Calming dipeptide: Helps reduce the perception of heat sensitivity
Hyaluronic acid: A natural humectant capable of holding 1,000 times its own weight in water and the body’s natural hydrator

What is the texture like?

This has a cooling gel feel. 

Is it scented?

This has a clean scent.

My overall experience/comments on the product:

     I know this item is highly recommended and reviewed for being good for redness and dryness. Well here I am, red and dry, thinking ok this is gonna be great. Except that it wasn't. It felt nice going on but ultimately I didn't find that it hydrated my skin or reduced redness... at all. I'm unsure if I'd see results using it long term versus just the little tester but I suppose I wanted to be blown away and I wasn't.

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

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

Moisturizer Review: GLAMGLOW GLOWSTARTER Nude Glow Mega Illuminating Moisturizer

Today's review will be for the GLAMGLOW GLOWSTARTER Mega Illuminating in Nude Glow

Availability: This retails at $50 for 1.7 fl. oz. (50 ml) and can be purchased at sephora.com along with its physical store locations.

Would I buy this?: Probably not, it's somewhat pricey.

What is this product designed to address?

According to sephora.com:

What it is: A daily illuminating moisturizer to give your skin an instant hydrated glow—with hyaluronic acid, green tea, and highlighting pearl particles, your skin will be moisturized, energized, and glowing.
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, and Combination
Skincare Concerns: Dryness, Fine Lines and Wrinkles, and Dullness and Uneven Texture
Formulation: Cream
Ingredient Callouts: Free of sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, phthalates, and mineral oil. This product is also vegan.
What Else You Need to Know: This daily illuminating moisturizer helps hydrate and energize skin. It contains hyaluronic acid and green tea to energize and hydrate skin, plus highlighting pearl particles to blur, reflect, and, enhance complexion. With three universal shades for any skin tone, wear one full shade alone as a moisturizer, or combine for a contoured and customized glow.

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Again, according to sephora.com:
-Hyaluronic Acid: Provides hydration.
-Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter, and Ceramides: Help restore moisture balance.
-Green Tea: Helps energize skin.

What is the texture like?

This has a smooth, creamy, lightweight texture to it.

Is it scented?

I'd describe the scent of this as being very sweet- with just a hint of floral and tartness.

My overall experience/comments on the product:

Frankly although the scent of this is on the stronger side of things, I really enjoy it. I also really like the smoothing property this has as I feel it preps my skin for makeup. I also feel that this isn't so shimmery that it looks nuts - I know its name is "Mega Illuminating" but it provides a very natural-looking radiance to the skin.

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

Disclaimer: I purchased this myself. 

Candle Review: NEST Rose Noir & Oud

Hi folks, so I have another home fragrance post for you. 

Candle: NEST Rose Noir & Oud

Availability:  This can be purchased at $18 for a 2 oz.  candle, $46 for an 8.1 oz. candle,  or at $74 for a 21.1 oz. candle.

Would I buy this again?: How do I put this? My heart says yes but my wallet says step away from the candle girl!

Notes: The scent description sounds rather questionable given my preferences - Rose de Mai, Patchouli, Incense they say.
As you folks may know, depending how long you've either known me or have read this blog - I don't like patchouli and I'm not fond of scents that one would describe as "earthy" - hence pure incense is also a scent that I don't love. Oud overall is a hit or miss for me depending on what it's mixed with but even as a hit I tend to like those hit scents, I don't LOVE them. Anyhow...
I don't know how to explain this scent other than to say that the earthy tones tend to somehow intermingle with the sweetness of the rose without overpowering it... which isn't common; they give the rose depth that a sweet rose scent wouldn't have on its own... making it sexy yet somehow... empowered?

As the wax warms and burns, the scent intensifies, though it doesn't change. 

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 it on this blog. 

Moisturizer Review: Supergoop! Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40

Today's review will be for the Supergoop! Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40

Availability: This retails at $42 for 1.7 fl. oz. (50 ml) and can be purchased at sephora.com, bloomingdales.com, nordstrom.com, neimanmarcus.com, ulta.com, and bluemercury.com along with their physical store locations.

Would I buy this?: Maybe.

What is this product designed to address?

According to sephora.com:

What it is: A first-of-its-kind daily moisturizer that provides intense hydration and SPF 40 in one, to protect your skin from UV rays, blue light, and pollution.
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, and Combination
Skincare Concerns: Dryness, Fine Lines and Wrinkles, and Dullness and Uneven Texture
Formulation: Cream
Highlighted Ingredients:
- Cerium: A rare mineral element that reflects and shields from blue light.
- Blue-green Algae: Contains a naturally-occurring combination of moisturizers, antioxidants, and skin repair actives.
- Moisture Binding Plant Fermentation Film: A moisture-binding barrier made from plant fermentation that acts as a shield to help protect the skin from atmospheric pollution.
Ingredient Callouts: This product is vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free.
What Else You Need to Know: Superscreen is your daily dose of SPF protection combined with a super-hydrating, whipped moisturizer that leaves dry and/or dehydrated skin looking naturally dewy and perfectly prepped for makeup. This oil-free formula won't clog pores and is packed with nourishing, clean ingredients.

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Again, according to sephora.com:
-Cerium: A rare mineral element that reflects and shields from blue light.
-Blue-green Algae: Contains a naturally-occurring combination of moisturizers, antioxidants, and skin repair actives.
-Moisture Binding Plant Fermentation Film: A moisture-binding barrier made from plant fermentation that acts as a shield to help protect the skin from atmospheric pollution.

What is the texture like?

This has a whipped cream-like texture.

Is it scented?

It has quite an intense lilac scent.

My overall experience/comments on the product:

So the sad part of this product is that I've had it since last winter and, although the expiration date on it states October 2020, I can tell by the scent that it has gone off. That said I really liked it in the sense that I felt it did a really great job of moisturizing my skin without being heavy. Personally I LOVE the scent of lilacs so I really enjoyed that it was lilac-scented.

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 it on this blog. 

Mask Review: Studio 35 Beauty Dead Sea Mineral Deep Cleansing Mask

'Ello folksickles. Today's review will be for the Studio 35 Beauty Dead Sea Mineral Deep Cleansing Mask

Availability: This is a Walgreens/Duane Reade exclusive brand and its price will vary by your region. These 0.5 fl. oz. packets retail at 3 for $4 or 1 for $1.99 on walgreens.com

Would I buy this?:  Possibly

What is this product designed to address?

Cleanses & purifies
Promotes clean & radiant skin
With Dead Sea minerals
Studio 35 Beauty™ Deep Cleansing Mask is formulated with Dead Sea Minerals to promote radiant skin, leaving your complexion cleansed and purified.

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?
Kaolin: Absorbs oil, dirt, grime, and pollution on the skin's surface and cleanses those things off. Has skin-soothing properties.

Glycerin: A humectant that attracts water to the skin. 

Sea Salt: Has antibacterial properties, balances skin's pH, and is rich in minerals.

Fucus Vesiculosus Extract (this is a type of algae): Contains antioxidant properties.
Lavender Oil: Has anti-inflammatory properties.
Bergamot Fruit Oil: Has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and analgesic properties. 

What is the texture like?

This feels like a lightweight clay mask. 

Is it scented?

This has a clean scent.

My overall experience/comments on the product:

After trying out the other two Studio 35 Beauty masks I wasn't really expecting much from this but I have to say I really liked it. My skin tends to lean toward the dry side but I'm afflicted by clogged pores especially in my upper cheek/nose/chin areas. I find that this did a fantastic job of making my face feel deeply cleansed while also keeping my skin soft. I also like the way it smells. Overall it was a pleasant experience using this and given how inexpensive it is I'd buy it if I was out of masks and happened to be near a Walgreens/Duane Reade.

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

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

Mask Review: Studio 35 Beauty Cucumber Peel-Off Mask

'Ello folksickles. Today's review will be for the Studio 35 Beauty Cucumber Peel-Off Mask

Availability: This is a Walgreens/Duane Reade exclusive brand and its price will vary by your region. It retails at $1.99 for 0.5 fl. oz. (14.7 mL) on walgreens.com.

Would I buy this?: No.

What is this product designed to address?

Removes impurities by peeling them away
With nourishing aloe
Leaves skin smooth & clean
This product combines refreshing cucumber and nourishing aloe to clarify skin. The mask removes impurities by gently peeling them away. This renewing formula leaves skin smooth, clean and soft.

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Glycerin: A humectant that attracts moisture to the skin.
Coconut Fruit Extract: Contains antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties.
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract: Contains anti-oxidant properties.
Guava Fruit Extract: Is rich in anti-oxidants.
Lemongrass Extract: Has antibacterial properties.
Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract: Contains softening, exfoliating, and brightening properties.
Arrow Root Extract: Contains antibacterial properties.
Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract: Has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Extract: Contains antibacterial properties.
Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract: Has anti-inflammatory, anti-irritating, and antiseptic properties. Is rich in vitamins and minerals.
Watercress Extract: Contains antioxidant properties.
Kukui Nut Extract: Contains hydrating properties.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract: Contains anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Cucumber Fruit Extract: Contains moisturizing and emollient properties.
Vitamins C & E: Contain anti-oxidant properties - vitamin C also brightens, tightens, and lightens the skin - it helps boost collagen production and radiance.

What is the texture like?

This has a sticky, goopy texture. 

Is it scented?

This has an oddly artificial cucumber 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 ever justify going out and purchasing the product. I felt that it was hard to get it on in an even layer and that it never quite peeled off all the way and most of it had to be rinsed off. I'm also not a fan of the fact that, although it has all these great plant extracts they're all the way down on the ingredient list - ESPECIALLY the cucumber and aloe... I mean they might as well call this the lumpy water-glycerin mask but it certainly doesn't have the same ring to it.

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

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

Nail Polish Review: wet n wild Red Red wildshine Nail Color

Nail polish of the week: wet n wild wildshine Nail Color in Red Red

What the brush looks like:

My nails with 2 coats of polish, all nails have Orly Won't Chip, Chip Resistant Topcoat on.:

Availability: This can be found at various drugstores and their websites with the retail value being $0.99 - $1.99. 
Would I buy this again?: No.
Notes: I'd describe this as classic red nail polish. This has a cream finish. It is semi-sheer with one coat, but gets to looking opaque and streak-free within three coats. It's a bit more of a blue-toned red. In terms of wear this wore alright for about a week with some wear around the tips of the nails. 

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

Disclaimer: This was a gift from a friend.

Love It Or Leave It; Review 2.0: Clinique Aqua Pop Lid Pop Shadow, the Balm Flirty, ColourPop Too Shy, Dare, Mixed Tape, Nillionaire, High Tide, Fizz, Sugar, I Heart This, and Lovely Supershock

Hello folksickles. As a makeup junkie and blogger you may have realized that I review a LOAD of eyeshadow palettes and I like to think of myself as being largely an eyeshadow junkie. In order to de-clutter a bit  I've decided to pick out a palette or series of eyeshadows for the month and have that be my monthly selection for those instances where I'm not doing a tutorial for the blog. Every month I'll do a recap on the eyeshadows - how I feel about them and whether I'll be keeping them or giving them away (and why :P) as well as if I think it's worth its price tag. Yes there's two a month now! I figured maybe I could get through more this way :D

Clinique Aqua Pop Lid Pop Shadow, the Balm Mini Nude Eyeshadow Nude Dude in Flirty, ColourPop High Tide, Lovely, I Heart This, Too Shy, ColourPop Mixed Tape, ColourPop Dare, ColourPop Nillionare and Sugar

These are the looks I created this month:

So as you can see I created a bunch of fun colorful looks. It should surprise no one that all these colors ended up keepers - I was always so excited to see what new combination Decide Now would have for me each day. One of my biggest markers for keeping eyeshadows is that I'm sad to have to stop using it and itch to keep creating looks - such was the case with this.

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

Disclaimer:  I purchased all these myself with the exception of the Clinique shadow.