Serum Review: Odacite Pe+C Peach-Cypress Combination Skin Serum Concentrate

Odacite Pe+C Peach-Cypress Combination Skin Serum Concentrate

Availability: This is available at bluemercury.com, nordstrom.com, birchbox.com, spacenk.com, detoxmarket.com, and bloomindales.com as well as their physical store locations along with beautyhabit.com, and eskinstore.com. The retail pricing is $36 for 5 ml (0.17 oz.)

Would I buy this? No

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

Product info according to beautyhabit.com:

Light, penetrative serum that helps to balance sebum production without over- drying skin.

Why it is so effective:

Peach oil marries precious Sea Buckthorn to help even out skin texture by minimizing excess oil and diminishing the appearance of pores.

Antiseptic and astringent properties of Cypress and Grapefruit oil help to decongest combination skin and restore a matte, healthy complexion.

In aromatherapy, Cypress is known to help combat fatigue and improve concentration.

Does this contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Again, according to beautyhabit.com

Highest-grade cold-pressed certified virgin Peach (Prunus persica) kernel oil, Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) oil, Cypress, Pink grapefruit

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Has anti-inflammatory properties.
Bisabolol, Vanillosmosis erythropappa: Has anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties.
Ylang ylang, Cananga odorata: Balances oil production in the skin and reduces skin inflammation. 
Certified GMO-free Vitamin E (Tocopherols) oil: Has anti-oxidant properties.

What is the texture like?

This has a fairly lightweight dry-oil texture.

Is this scented?

This has a sweet woodsy scent. 

What has my experience with the product been like?

I would say overall that this provides nice, lightweight hydration and a beautiful glow to the skin. Personally I didn't find that this hydrated my skin enough.

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

Disclaimer: This was provided as a sample at my workplace, I am not obligated or being compensated to mention it on this blog. 

Serum Review: Odacite Ma+N Marula-Neroli Elasticity Serum Concentrate

Odacite Elasticity Serum Concentrate

Availability: This is available at bluemercury.com, nordstrom.com, birchbox.com, spacenk.com, detoxmarket.com as well as its physical store locations along with beautyhabit.com, and eskinstore.com. The retail pricing is $46 for 5 ml (0.17 oz.)

Would I buy this? No.

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

Product info according to beautyhabit.com:

Deeply restorative serum that creates a protective and healing layer on skin's surface to ensure long-lasting elasticity and hydration.

Precious Marula oil creates a protective coating on the surface of the skin, preventing transepidermal water loss (TWL) and helping to restore lost elasticity.

Extraordinary oils of Neroli & Rose help regenerate skin cells and promote youthful, smooth and healthy skin.

In aromatherapy, Neroli is known for its relaxing effect on the mind and body.

Does this contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Again, according to beautyhabit.com

Highest-grade cold-pressed wild-crafted certified virgin: 

Marula (Sclerocarya birrea) oil: Has hydrating and anti-oxidant properties

Neroli: Has antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties.

Lemon-Myrtle: Has astringent, pore-tightening, and antibacterial properties. 

Petitgrain: Helps balance sebum production.

Rose (Citrus aurantiu, Backhousia citriodora, Pinus sylvestris, Rosa damascena) essential oils: These oils have hydrating and brightening properties.

Certified GMO- free Vitamin E (Tocopherols) oil: Has anti-oxidant properties

What is the texture like?

This has a lightweight oil texture.

Is this scented?

This smells really earthy to me. 

What has my experience with the product been like?

I would say overall that this provides nice hydration and a beautiful glow to the skin. That said, I can't speak to the elasticity benefits of this because I personally don't have issues with skin elasticity. I personally really do not like the way this smells.

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

Disclaimer: This was provided as a sample at my workplace, I am not obligated or being compensated to mention it on this blog. 

Mascara Review: NARS Explicit Black Climax Mascara

Alright folksickles...

Today I will be reviewing the NARS Climax Mascara in Explicit Black

Sans Mascara:


With Mascara:

Availability: This is available at bluemercury.com, sephora.com, nordstrom.com, bloomindales.com, ulta.com, narscosmetics.com and macys.com as well as their respective physical store and boutique locations. The retail pricing is $25 for a standard size or $13 for a mini.

Would I buy this?: No.

Notes: This only comes in Explicit Black which is described as a black satin - I think it's just as inky black as most other mascaras.

Let's go over what the mascara's supposed to do and what it actually does. According to sephora.com:  An innovative mascara that delivers buildable volume and intense black color in a lightweight, flexible formula that won’t clump or smudge.

Alright so I'm sure you can see from the photographs that this mascara isn't too much to write home about - I personally want three things from a mascara - volume, length, and definition. This certainly makes my lashes look slightly more voluminous but not in a particular dramatic way. Personally I find it too tame but if you're someone who likes a natural-looking mascara this might be the way to go. It didn't smudge or flake on me which are both positives. That said, it's a bit clumpy, despite its "won't clump" claim.

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

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

Cleanser/Toner Review: Odacite Blue Aura Cleansing Water

Odacite Blue Aura Cleansing Water

Availability: This product retails at $39 for 6.7 fl. oz. (200 mL) and can be purchased at thedetoxmarket.com, blumercury.com, spacenk.com, and nordstrom.com along with their physical store locations along with beautyhabit.com and  odacite.com. 

Would I buy this?: Probably not. 

Notes: According to beautyhabit.com:
Details
No time to cleanse your face? This cleanser is for you! Blue Aura Cleansing Water is a powerful, no-rinse cleanser, formulated to make cleansing quick, effective and delicious.
Remove pollution, impurities and the toughest makeup in one easy step. Skin vibrates with a newfound feeling of purity, freshness and comfort. Fabulous for All Skin Types.
Naturalizing The French Micellar Water:
Using the power of Micelles - the cleansing ingredient in French Micellar Water, to swipe away impurities without drying out the skin. Micelles are tiny balls of cleansing oil that attract to dirt and oil, helping to cleanse away impurities without drying out the skin.
Cocooning Your Skin in Aloe Vera:
Instead of water, we opted for fresh organic Aloe Vera juice, harvesting its skin-goddess virtues. Rich in minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, its wealth of nutrients makes it the fairy of good-looking skin.
Anti-Pollution Ayurvedic Herbs:
Turmeric combines with Neem and Holy Basil to create an almighty Ayurvedic potion to help combat skin-damaging pollutants that may cause the appearance of breakouts, blackheads and premature signs of aging.
Relieved from dirt and impurities, skin feels clean & vibrant, beaming with good aura vibes, in one quick easy step.

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Aloe Barbadensis [Aloe] Leaf Juice and Aloe Extract: Hydrates and nourishes skin, has anti-inflammatory properties.
Hamamelis Virginiana [Witch Hazel] Water: Has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.
Glycerin: Is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin.
Ricinus Communis [Castor] Oil: Has hydrating, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal properties
Melia Azadirachta [Neem] Extract: Has hydrating, brightening, and anti-fungal properties.
Coccinia Indica [Ivy Gourd] Extract: Has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.
Ocimum Sanctum [Holy Basil] Extract: Has anti-inflammatory and brightening properties.
Curcuma Longa [Turmeric]: Has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Corallina Officinalis [Red Seaweed] Extract: Hydrates and soothes the skin.
Salicylic Acid: Exfoliates the skin and clears out buildup from pores.
Sorbic Acid: Has antimicrobial properties.

What is the texture like?

This feels pretty watery, hydrating, and is refreshing when applied. 

Is this scented?

This has a citrusy, herbal scent.

What has my experience with the product been like?

Given the ingredients here I find that it can function as both as a micellar water cleansing product but works well as a toner as well because there's plenty of ingredients here with astringent, exfoliating, and also soothing properties. I like the way it works and the way it smells, overall I'd say it's a good product. That being said, because of salicylic acid in here, you can't use it on the eye area which is a deal breaker for me in terms of using it as a cleanser.

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

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

Moisturizer Review: La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid

Today's review will be for the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid

Availability: This retails at $30.99 for 1.7 fl. oz. (50 mL) and can be purchased at walgreens.com, cvs.com, ulta.com, walmart.com, target.com and bluemercury.com along with their physical store locations; it is also available at dermstore.com and laroche-posay.us.

Would I buy this?: I doubt it.

What is this product designed to address?

According to kohls.com (where it looks to no longer be avaliable):
La Roche-Posay Anthelios mineral sunscreen is developed for sensitive skin. This sunscreen, also with titanium dioxide, is formulated with Cell-Ox Shield technology that provides: broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection with antioxidants.
PRODUCT FEATURES
Exclusive Cell-Ox Shield technology combines UVA/UVB filters for advanced skin protection, and antioxidants to defend against free radicals.
Dermatologist- and allergy-tested formula is suitable for sensitive skin.
Water resistant for up to 80 minutes.
PRODUCT DETAILS
1.7 fl. oz.
Paraben free
Fragrance free
Oil free

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Again, according to kohls.com:
Avobenzone 3% (sunscreen), Homosalate 10.72% (sunscreen), Octisalate 3.21% (sunscreen), Octocrylene 6% (sunscreen), Oxybenzone 3.86% (sunscreen)

What is the texture like?

This feels thin, lightweight, and runny.

Is it scented?

This has an unscented type scent to it, if that makes sense.

My overall experience/comments on the product:

I'll be honest with you all, I know that technically SPF and moisturizer are two separate categories and not all SPF is meant to be used to double as a daytime moisturize. That being said, I test SPF this way because truth be told, I'm too lazy to do two separate steps and I know it's literally like 30 seconds for each step, I know, but if I find something that does a great job hydrating the skin and has SPF in it I'm a happy gal. So with all that being said, I find that this doesn't really provide much in the way of hydration - it's super lightweight though and I think it would be fantastic for someone who's skin is oily. It also creates a bit of a white casting on the skin, so be aware.

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

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

Serum Review: Darphin Intral Redness Relief Serum

Darphin Intral Redness Relief Serum

Availability: This retails at $90 for 30 ml (1 fl. oz.) and is available at bergdorfgoodman.com (where it's currently on sale for $67.50), nordstrom.com, anthropologie.com, neimanmarcus.com and birchbox.com along with their physical store locations; you can also purchase it on dermstore.com and darphin.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

High potency, soothing serum helps reduce the appearance of redness and instantly quiet discomforts associated with irritated skin. This delightfully scented formula softens sensitive skin and leaves a comforted, more even-looking complexion. The Results- Calmed and soothed skin- Daily protection against environmental aggressions - Reduced appearance of redness and irritations

BENEFITS

Soothes irritated skin and instantly calms the feelings of discomfort. Strengthens skin against environmental aggressors and makes for a more even toned complexion.

Does this contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Again, according to bluemercury.com:

Grape Extract: Packed with antioxidants, including vitamin C, it helps prevent free radical damage and prevents signs of visible aging.

Chamomile: Natural herb known for soothing sensitive skin that is prone to inflammation.

Hawthorn Extract: Helps protect skin's capillaries against irritants.

Panthenol: Rebuilds and repairs the skin barrier.

Peony Extract: Acts as an anti-irritant and anti-oxidant.

Polysaccharides: Molecules containing carbohydrates. They are responsible for the skin's natural ability to hydrate and retain water, and reduce skin irritation.

It also contains

Alteromonus Ferment: Has anti-inflammatory properties.
Polyonum Cuspidatum Root Extract: Has anti-aging properties, helps smooth appearance of fine lines.

Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract: Assists in maintaining the skin's moisture balance.

Asparagopsis  Armata Extract: Has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 

What is the texture like?

This has a watery texture to it.

Is this scented?

This has a faint floral scent. 

What has my experience with the product been like?

I've had several samples of this and it just doesn't do anything for the redness I constantly complain of. I had such high hopes because people seem to really like it and it feels nice going on but my skin remains red. Due to its high price point I will not be purchasing it just because it feels nice.

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

Disclaimer: This was provided as a sample at my workplace, I am not obligated or being compensated to mention it on this blog. 

Moisturizer Review: Natura Bisse Diamond Cocoon Ultra Rich Cream

Today's review will be for the Natura Bisse Diamond Cocoon Ultra Rich Cream

Availability: This retails at $335 for 1.7 fl. oz. (50 mL) and can be purchased at bergdorfgoodman.com, spacenk.com, nordstrom.com, and bluemercury.com along with their physical store locations; it is also available at dermstore.com and naturabisse.com.

Would I buy this?: Absolutely not.

What is this product designed to address?

According to bluemercury.com:

WHAT IT IS

Ultra-hydrating formula to strengthen the skin and prevent signs of aging

This lightweight-textured, prebiotic cream is extraordinarily rich in ingredients that fortify skin from within by balancing your skin’s flora and improving your skin barrier. Intensely hydrating and revitalizing, this powerful formula noticeably prevents signs of aging while repairing and protecting your skin from modern pollution. It offers immediate deep hydration while providing a natural finish.

*In vitro/in vivo test in ingredient.

BENEFITS

Provides immediate, long-lasting hydration while leaving skin with a natural finish

Prebiotic complex balances skin flora, increasing skin’s resistance to modern pollution

Boosts skin oxygenation and improves skin quality

Minimizes the appearance of pores

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Again, according to bluemercury.com:
Actibiome Complex - These are the probiotics - they can have an anti-redness effect and help to restore the skin's barrier by promoting growth of "friendly" bacteria.
Mushroom Extract - has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Alteromonas Fermented Extract - has anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties.

This also contains:

Niacinamide: minimizes pore size, improves skin tone, and minimizes the look of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Shea Butter: Hydrates the skin and reduces inflammation

Mango Seed Butter: Contains Vitamin C - which brightens, lightens, and tightens the skin, along with Vitamin A - which helps reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

Vitamin E:  Has anti-oxidant properties

Allantoin: Has hydrating properties

Arginine: Has hydrating properties

Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract: Has a high squalane concentration - squalane has anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties.

Rice Ferment Filtrate: Has skin brightening and anti-aging properties.

Rosemary Leaf Extract: Has brightening and anti-inflammatory properties.

What is the texture like?

This feels thick, rich, and silky.

Is it scented?

This has a really clean, shower-fresh type scent to it.

My overall experience/comments on the product:

I think this moisturizer would be great for the dead of winter, given how rich and hydrating it is. That said, I just don't think it's worth its exorbitant price point. It is full of great ingredients, but again, I just don't feel like it's worth $335 and I'm sure that there are less pricey options that would give you the same degree of hydration and still have anti-inflammatory properties.

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

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