September 2022 Empties

 All my monthly trash on display for you to see. :P

1. The Ordinary "Buffet" Serum: Although I can't speak to the anti-aging benefits of the peptides in here, given my lack of aging signs thus far, I found this serum gave my skin a nice boost of hydration and made my skin feel plump.

2. Dr Teal's Shea Sugar Scrub in Cannabis Sativa Hemp Seed Oil: The scent of this grew on me, it's very green and I wasn't its biggest fan at first. It does not, however, smell like the type of weed people smoke so if that's what you were expecting or hoping for, this isn't it. This provides a nice exfoliation due to its large sugar pieces and makes my skin feel soft and smooth. I can't say that it has any pain or inflammation reduction benefits, nor does it claim to, but I know some cannabis products do and therefore felt the need to point that out. 

3. AOA studio lashes in Alexis: While these lashes are beautiful and easy to put on, I find that you have to be very delicate with them as they have a tendency to rip off at the lash band. Given that these lashes were under $2 I can't complain much but I'm unsure if I'll get them again. I also wasn't the biggest fan of the style, it was wispy the way I like but I found it a bit too chunky for my liking. 

4. L'oreal Excellence Creme Conditioning Treatment x2: For whatever reason my mom doesn't use these after she dyes her hair so I end up using them instead. This leaves my hair feeling very soft, silky, and smooth. It gives my hair a nice shine.

5. SOLINOTES Paris Rose Eau de Parfum: While I personally still prefer sweeter, fruitier, rose scents this grew on me as I was using it. This has a nice fresh rose scent to it.

6. berkley jensen Maximum Strength Ant-Itch Cream 1% Hydrocortisone: I purchased this to help get the itch out of my eczema patches and I have to say it does a really great job of that. 

7. Darphin Hydraskin Light All-Day Hydrating Cream Gel: I really love the texture of this moisturizer because it feels very hydrating and nourishing while also being extremely lightweight. It's also nice for the summertime because this feels refreshing to apply. I do personally feel that I need more hydration than this offers though.

8. Trader Joe's Brazil Nut Body Butter: I have to start by saying that this smells absolutely incredible and I just love it. As far as this being a Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Cream dupe - it's a dupe in scent for sure but the texture of this is thicker, and in my personal opinion, a bit more stickier, especially on the soles of the feet. Despite its thickness I feel like the soles of my feet have a tough time absorbing it and getting adequate hydration from it. That being said, it makes my legs feel super silky post-shave. I feel like this is the kind of item I'd purchase if I was in Trader Joe's and wanted to pick it up because I wanted its scent but it's not an item that I feel I always need to have on hand. 

9. COSRX Aloe Sun Soothing Cream SPF 50 PA+++:  I really love this sunscreen and am sad to have run out of it. It has a nice lightweight yet hydrating texture and doesn't leave a white casting behind. I like that it feels hydrating and I don't need to use an additional moisturizer with it and that it keeps my pale behind from burning out in the sun. 

10. AOA studio lashes in Audrey: Unfortunately I was feeling a bit weepy when I wore these lashes and sort of ended up screwing their shape up entirely because I cried with them on. Overall they're pretty and are easy to apply and shape to the eye. 

11. Christophe Robin Cleansing Volumizing Paste with Pure Rassoul Clay and Rose Extracts: I really like using this product as a weekly scalp scrub just to get rid of any dead skin and product residue. I personally prefer their sea salt scrub because it's a bit more intense but this is a nice, gentle alternative.

12. Soapology Black Coconut Creamy Scrub: Honestly this scrub is just absolutely dreamy. It does a beautiful job of exfoliating and smoothing my skin while giving it hydration. It feels invigoratingly scrubby but, in my opinion, is fairly gentle for the body. It can be used for the face and the one time I tried it made my facial skin super smooth but I found it a bit too abrasive for my liking. That being said, it's great as a body scrub and it doesn't leave an oily residue in the bath/shower either, which is fantastic. The black coconut scent feels sweet yet sophisticated. All in all, while this is a super pricey item and I received it as a birthday gift, I absolutely love it and would purchase it myself if I wanted to treat myself or someone special. 

13. Farmacy Very Cherry Clean makeup meltaway cleansing balm: I really enjoyed using this cleansing balm because it removed not just my long-wear makeup, but also most of the lash glue residue I get on my lashes without leaving any kind of oily residue behind on my skin. I've been using it regularly since March so I think it lasting me just about 6 months is really fantastic and well worth the price. I would definitely consider repurchasing this. 

14. #I Dew Care Berry Groovy Brightening Glycolic Wash-Off Mask: I really enjoyed using this mask because it smells like a delicious berry smoothie and leaves my skin feeling very soft and smooth.

15. Korres Renewing Body Cleanser in Lilac Hyacinth: This body wash smells absolutely delicious and left my skin feeling very clean and soft. I am sad to be done with it.

16. Soapology Buttercream in Verbena & Ginger: This is a really yummy scented lightweight body cream. As with many, I love the way it leaves my legs feeling silky but it just doesn't do enough for the soles of my feet. I do love that it's quick-absorbing and doesn't leave any kind of residue on my clothing. 

17. AOA studio lashes in Lauren: So, my advice when it comes to these lashes is do not fall asleep in them because you will end up deforming them in one way or another. I took a nap and these look like weirdly bent caterpillars now. 

18. Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream: This was a nice lightweight yet hydrating moisturizer. That being said, I feel like my facial eczema is aggravated at this time and this didn't really do enough to hydrate the bits afflicted by the eczema. 

19. Dove refreshing cucumber & green tea Nourishing Body Wash: As I've mentioned many times, I really love to use these body washes to shave with because they're very hydrating and more economical for me to have on hand versus shaving foams. This has a nice, refreshing, slightly sweet scent to it. 

20. Soapology Walnut Polisher: I absolutely love that something about this scrub smells like a bookstore as I find the scent of bookstores very comforting. But that aside, this scrub leaves a lot of sandy residue in the tub which is a pain to clean up. 

21. Nature Republic Hand & Nature sanitizer gel in Apple: I really like these hand sanitizers because they don't feel thick and goopy, and they also don't dry out your hands. The apple scent reminded me of apple Jolly Rancher.

22. Soapology Buttercream in Yuzu: This body cream just smells absolutely incredible. It has a very strong, lasting yuzu scent that's citrusy and refreshing. Unfortunately, as with most body creams, this did a wonderful job on my legs but didn't cut it for the soles of my feet. 

23. Soapology Dead Sea Salt Scrub in Waterlily & Jasmine: I absolutely love the scent of this body scrub and I love how grainy and scrubby it is. That being said, unfortunately it's just too oily for my personal liking. It leaves a residue behind on my skin. I understand that the oil is to counteract the drying properties of the sea salt but I wish they would've just made it a sugar scrub instead. 

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

Disclaimer: I purchased all of the above with the exception of the Darphin, Soapology, and Christophe Robin products. 

July 2021 Empties

 All my monthly trash on display for you to see. :P

1.  Kiss So Wispy Lashes in 09 x3: These are a very soft, natural-looking wispy lash that adds a little boost to any eye look without being too crazy or dramatic. I also have to sing some praises to these lashes as they have thin bands they're very easy to mold to your eye shape and therefore easy to glue on and apply. 

2. Softsoap Blooming Jasmine & Plum Moisturizing Body Wash: Unfortunately this body wash, despite the large bottle, didn't last long as a windy day in the bathroom caused this to fall down and have most of its content leak. That said, this has a really pretty scent and I enjoyed it while I had it. It's not as moisturizing as I would personally prefer.

3. m-61 PowerGlow Peel Pad 2: As I've said many times before I really love these peel pads because they instantly retexturize the skin - rough, flakey skin is transformed to beautiful glowing skin. Because these exfoliate, they let the skincare you apply over top to work even better since it's not fighting to bypass a dry layer of dead skin. 

4. beauty 360 100% Pro Strength Nail Polish Remover: I really like this nail polish remover for regular nail polish as this makes really quick work of things. I haven't tried it with gel or heavy glitter polishes but its scrubby bits help get more stubborn polish off in my experience. 

5. Darphin Stimulskin Plus Multi-Corrective Divine Eye Cream: I found this eye cream to be very hydrating and quick-absorbing but it didn't do much else for me.  

6. Soap & Glory Flake Away Body Polish: This smells delicious but isn't as scrubby as I personally like. If you're someone who likes a gentler, softer scrub this does a nice job.

7. Indie Lee Energize Body Oil: Folksickles I think there's just something about my skin, specifically my foot skin, that doesn't agree with body oils. In terms of my legs, this worked great at hydrating them but as for my feet - arguably the part of my body that needs the most hydration is my feet and this just made them super scaly and dry. It felt really nice when I first applied it, but afterward it would get sucked up by the feet super quickly and disappear off into the abyss. So, all that said, I like the way this smells and I like that it sprays out and is lightweight but it just isn't hydrating enough for me. 

8. Duo Brush-On Adhesive with Vitamins: As I always say I like that this is a brush-on and dries fairly quick. It works just as good as any brush-on lash glue. 

9. Moroccanoil Moroccanoil Treatment: I like to use this on the ends of my hair to give them a little boost of hydration. I find that it's not too heavy even on my very fine hair as long as I stick to mostly the ends and mid-lengths of my hair. 

10. Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Toilette: This is a nice, fresh, floral fragrance. I like it, I don't like it enough to buy it, but I like the way it smells. 

11.  Kat Von D Saint Eau de Parfum: A light, sweet scent. 

12. Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gioia:  Another sweet, light scent - this one is a bit more citrusy. 

13. PRADA CANDY Eau de Parfum: This perfume is just too sweet for my personal taste. 

14. berkley jensen Unscented baby wipes: I like these baby wipes as they are nice, thick, well-moistened, and do a great job of dusting off surfaces or removing swatches. I also love that they come 500 to a pack so a pack lasts a long time!

15. Chanel Le Volume de Chanel Mascara: I feel like I liked this mascara when I first started using it and then it just kind of got lost in the abyss in terms of it just drying out quickly. The brush gave my lashes volume regardless but alas, it was just ok. 

16. Physicians Formula Eye Booster Waterproof Ultra-Fine Liquid Eyeliner: I really like this eyeliner as it's easy to apply, remains black, has a really nice, fine, flexible brush tip and stays put all day long. 

17. ORLY In A Snap Quick-Dry Topcoat: I really like this topcoat. It dries fairly quickly (about 30 minutes to fully set is typical for me) and leaves my nails looking shiny and gel-like. 

18. Bath & Body Works Leaves Scented Candle x2: Frankly friends I feel weird having burned this candle in  the summertime because it's just not it for hotter weather - the scent feels heavily sticky with sap and apple notes. I like its smell but I prefer it without the stickiness of summer... if that makes sense at all. 

19. LUSH Cranberry Fizz Lip Scrub: This is a super yummy sugar scrub for the lip. It was adequately srubby without feeling too harsh for me and I loved the way it smelled. I never licked it off, honestly, because I feel like that defeats the point of removing dead skin, as saliva tends to break down lip tissue. In addition, it's not appealing to me to consume my dead lip skin so... that's gonna be a no from me dawg. 

20. Oribe Invisible Defense Universal Protection Spray: In all technicality this spray is designed as a UV and heat protective spray and, well I did go out into the sun but I don't typically use hot tools anymore. This made my hair really shiny and added a very light hint of hydration.

21. REVLON COLORSTAY SHARP LINE Eyeliner in 01 Blackest Black: I confess that I've only used this eyeliner a handful of times but am getting rid of it because it's SO BAD! I usually don't feel strong dislike... or hate... toward a product but this one... ugh. The felt tip is actually not fine at all, so it's difficult to get good precision with this. In addition, it's not waterproof, which typically is neither here nor there for me with eyeliner BUT if this gets even a little bit wet, like your eyes tear up a little or maybe it starts to rain or whatnot, this runs and SMEARS all over your eye, making you look terrifying. 

22. wondergloss face aperitif in rose: I'm so sad to have used this up completely, it's a wonderful setting spray that has a delicious rose scent. Frankly I found the scent intense at first but I've fallen in love with it.

23.  Colourpop Super Shock Shadow in Bae: Unfortunately this smells off.

24. Tarte Tarteist Lip Paint in Birthday Suit: This is another product that smells off and is fairly dried out.

25.  Indie Lee De-Stress Body Wash: This body wash is nice and lightweight for the summertime. That said, it has a rather prominent eucalyptus scent that's neither here nor there for me. I typically don't like very strong eucalyptus scents as they tend to go musky or sweaty-smelling to me. I most likely wouldn't go out of my way to purchase this.

26. Crown brush C511 brush: As you know I absolutely adore this brush but mine was getting scraggly and they were sold out of these for a long time, so when I saw that they had come back in stock I was super excited and ordered a bunch!

27.  Bath & Body Works Pineapple Mango Scented Candle: I'm sad to see this candle go as it smells absolutely delicious. If you like pineapple and mango anything, I suggest checking this candle out!

28. KISS Lash Couture Triple Push-Up Collection Lashes in Bombshell: As much as I love the look of these lashes in the box, I don't really like them on myself. Unfortunately, because they're very thick and full all the way across the band they tend to make my eyelids look heavy and down-turned.

29. Bi&Lita Olive Hand Cream: My mom gave me this a while back and, because I never go through hand creams, I used primarily as a foot cream. It worked alright, and moisturized my legs wonderfully, but as I say often, it didn't do much for the soles of my feet. 

Disclaimer: I purchased all of the above with the exception of the m-61, Darphin, Indie Lee, Moroccanoil, Prada, Marc Jacobs, Giorgio Armani, Kat Von D, Oribe, wondergloss, Tarte, Bi&Lita, and Chanel products. 

Eye Cream Review: Darphin Stimulskin Plus Multi-Corrective Divine Eye Cream

Hello folksickles. Today's review will be for Darphin Stimulskin Plus Multi-Corrective Divine Eye Cream.

Availability: It appears as though this particular eye cream has been discontinued.

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:

A total anti-aging transformation for eyes. Youth activating Crystal Resin, luminizing Jade Powder and potent Sea Emerald combine for collagen-boosting rejuvenation and radiance. The entire eye area is visibly reshaped and deeply hydrated with a firmer, smoother and more lifted appearance while dark circles and puffiness fade away.

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

Sea Emerald, Commiphora Mukul and Siegesbeckia Orientalis - help reinforce key anti-aging properties : firming, volumizing and lifting.

What is the texture like?

This has a very thick, hydrating consistency that dries smooth and silky. 

Is it scented?

This has a faint floral scent. 

My overall experience/comments on the product:
Personally I don't see a big difference using this eye cream and it's most likely because I don't have any serious aging concerns that I'm looking to see a reversal of. I find that this cream is really hydrating, and, because it dries with a smooth finish, makeup goes over it beautifully. I also really love the way this glides on to the eye area, despite being thick it spreads very easily, absorbs quickly, and a little bit goes a long way

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.

Moisturizer Review: Darphin Hydraskin Rich All-Day Skin Hydrating Cream

Today's review will be for the Darphin Hydraskin Rich All-Day Skin Hydrating Cream

Availability: This retails at $66 for 50 ml (1.7 fl. oz.) or at $100 for 100 ml (3.4 fl. oz.) is available at sephora.ca (Canada only), and macys.com along with  their respective physical  store locations as well as dermstore.com and darphin.com.

Would I buy this?: No.

What is this product designed to address?

According to bluemercury.com:

WHAT IT IS

Ideal for dry skin, this nourishing texture features HYDRA-STRUCTURE™ Technology, a high-performance hydrating complex of powerful ingredients from Nature (Salicornia Herbacea, Butterfly Lavender) to help wake up skin's moisture mechanisms and defend skin's critical moisture reservoir.

BENEFITS

Creates all-day hydration and dewy fresh skin. Wakes up the skin’s moisture mechanisms and defends its moisture reservoir.

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Again, according to bluemercury.com:

Imperata Cylindrica: The extract of a dessert plants whose roots can be used to hydrate the skin and help it retain moisture.

Sodium Hyaluronate: Secures moisture and creates fullness in the skin. Makes for a plumper, younger looking complexion.

What is the texture like?

This has a rich, creamy texture.

Is it scented?

This has a soft floral scent.

My overall experience/comments on the product:

This smells nice and feels really refreshing when applied. It's rich but absorbs into the skin easily, which is nice. Overall I don't love it enough to where I think it's worth purchasing, given that it's a bit pricey, but I can see why someone with dry skin who likes the smell of this would want to pick it up.

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

Disclaimer: This was provided for testing, I am under no obligation to mention 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: Darphin Predermine Sculpting Night Cream

Today's review will be for the Darphin Predermine Sculpting Night Cream

Availability: This retails at $158 for 1.7 fl. oz. (50 mL) and can be purchased at darphin.com, allbeauty.com and dermstore.com.

Would I buy this?: No.

What is this product designed to address?

According to bluemercury.com:

WHAT IT IS
Visibly sculpt, firm and redefine facial contours every night with the rejuvenating power of night blooming tuberose and time-released vitamins. Skin’s sleep rhythms work in harmony with this hydrating cream to boost natural collagen for remarkable firming, like a sculpting corset for the face. Wrinkles are plumped and skin looks noticeably lifted. 84% of the total ingredients from natural origin. Clinically-proven efficacy.
BENEFITS
Supports skin’s natural regenerative system at night
Moisturizes and helps repair skin’s natural moisture barrier
Boosts the natural production of collagen and elastin
Visibly sculpts and firms skin
Visibly lifts and redefines contours

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Shea Butter: Moisturizes, reduces inflammation, has anti-oxidant properties, restores skin's elasticity.
Jojoba Seed Oil: Has anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in Vitamin E which provides antioxidant properties.
Rice Bran Oil: Is rich in Vitamin E. hydrates, promotes even skin-tone.
Cocoa Seed Butter: Moisturizes the skin.
Squalane: Balances oil production, has anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties.
Hibiscus Flower Extract: Is rich in Vitamin C which provides lightening, brightening, and tightening properties as well as antioxidant protection.
Barley Extract: Has antioxidant properties.
Sweet Almond Seed Extract: Is rich in Vitamin E, protects skin against UV damage, contains Vitamin A (of which retinol happens to be a member) which helps speed cell turnover - helping with acne and aging concerns and increasing radiance.
Algae Extract: Has antioxidant, hydrating and detoxing properties.
Horsetail Extract: Has antioxidant, antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Helps heal skin irritation.
Cucumber Fruit Extract: Has astringent properties - helps to cool, soothe and depuff skin.
Iris Pallida Root Extract: Has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.
Iris Florentina Root Extract: Has anti-aging properties - helps to fortify the skin's protein structure.
Hyaluronic Acid: Plumps fine lines and wrinkles by providing hydration to the skin, is able to hold 1000x its weight in water.

What is the texture like?

This has a thick texture yet lightweight feel to it.

Is it scented?

This smells kind of floral and powdery.

My overall experience/comments on the product:

Frankly I find the texture of this a bit too intense for my skin - I don't have any particular aging concerns so I cannot say how well it works in that aspect. In addition, I really am not a fan of its scent.

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. 

Oil Review: Darphin Rose Oil

 Today's review will be for the Darphin Rose Oil

Availability: This  retails at $75 for 0.5 fl. oz. (15 ml) and can be found at dermstore.com and darphin.com.

Would I buy this? No.

What it is formulated to do:

According to bluemercury.com:
WHAT IT IS
Overnight hydra-nourishment with a triple rose concentrate
Hydra-nourishing essential oil elixir infused with a unique triple Rose Concentrate of Rose essential oil, absolute and flower wax to create soft, glowing and supple skin that leaves skin visibly smooth and with healthy-looking radiance.
BENEFITS
* Infused with a unique Triple Rose Concentrate and omega-rich Rosehip and Evening Primrose Oils
• Hydra-nourishing formula for healthy-looking skin
•Leaves skin soft, glowing and supple

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?
Again, according to bluemercury.com:
• Rose absolute
• Rose essential oil
• Rose Flower wax
• Nourishing Meadowfoam oil
• Nourishing Bilberry oil
• Geranium essential oil
• Sunflower, Sesame, Sweet Almond, Rosehip and Evening Primrose plant oils

What is the texture like?

This has an oily feeling to it.

Is it scented?

This smells like roses.

My overall experience/comments on the product:

I find this to be very hydrating and radiance-giving but for Darphin to be charging $75 for sesame oil with rose bits in it is just... very fancy salad dressing. Now I'm not sure how I'd go about gathering rose flower wax but I can just as easily purchase rose absolute at an herbal pharmacy, an organic rose or two and concoct my own infusion for far less than $75... the principle of it is ridiculous in my opinion.

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

Disclaimer: This product was provided as a free sample.

Serum Review: Darphin Paris Stimulskin Plus Reshaping Divine Serum

Darphin Paris Stimulskin Plus Reshaping Divine Serum

Availability: It appears that this particular serum has been discontinued.

Would I buy this? No.

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

Product info according to darphin.com:

Created to mimic the results of Pierre Darphin's effectual deep massage, this incredible serum is only made in a limited supply and has a double-volumizing action with exclusive Sea Emerald™ to re-inflate the hollow zones of the face and visibly lift and tighten. The combination of this botanical jewel with Commipheroline, a potent lipo-restructuring ingredient, offers the ultimate in skin contouring and an exquisite sensory experience.

Does this contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Algae Extract: Contain detoxing and antioxidant properties and contain peptides which help smooth the skin's surface. 

Barley Extract: Has antioxidant properties.

Sweet Almond Oil Extract: Contains antioxidant and healing properties, helps maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier. 

Centaury Extract: Contains hydrating qualities. 

Chestnut Seed Extract: Contains antioxidant properties. 

Tomato Fruit Extract: Helps balance the skin's pH, regulates sebum production, has antioxidant properties, and, through the action of lycopene, helps prevent collagen breakdown.

Mulberry Extract: Contains antioxidant benefits. 

Grape Extract: Has antifungal, antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, and anti-UV properties. 

What is the texture like?

I would say the texture on this is gel-like.

Is this scented?
This has a light, sweet floral fragrance which I find pleasant.

What has my experience with the product been like?

So folks, although I've recently hit 30 I would say I don't have many aging concerns (thankfully!) outside of creepiness around my eye area especially when I've been sleep deprived - what I'm basically saying is that I really cannot speak to this intense anti-aging effect this stuff is supposed to have. I like that it feels really nice on the skin and has a beautiful lightweight texture that feels gently hydrating and smoothing. That said $325 for 1 ounce of product is currently out of my price range and I can't justify purchasing this just because it "feels nice" - now if this... idk... took away my double chin or chubbiness around my jaw/cheek region maybe I'd be blown away enough to think it was worth the money but, to me, at this age, it's not. 

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. 

Moisturizer Review: Darphin Hydraskin Light All-Day Hydrating Cream Gel

 Today's review will be for the Darphin Hydraskin Light All-Day Hydrating Cream Gel

Availability: This is available at nordstrom.com as well as its respective physical store/ locations along with darphin.com. The retail pricing is $66 for 1.7 fl oz (50 mL) or $100 for 100 mL. 

Would I buy this? Probably not

What it is formulated to do:

According to darphin.com:
Ideal for normal to combination skin, light gel cream features HYDRA-STRUCTURE™ Technology, a high-performance hydrating complex of powerful ingredients from Nature (Salicornia Herbacea, Butterfly Lavender) to help wake up skin's moisture mechanisms and defend skin's critical moisture reservoir.

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?
Glycerin: A humectant that attracts and retains moisture to/in the skin.
Cucumber Fruit Extract: Has an astringent effect, soothes, reduces puffiness, moisturizes, and brightens the skin.
Kiwi Fruit Extract: Has brightening and collagen-boosting properties (thanks to its Vitamin C content) and antioxidant properties (thanks to Vitamin E).
Lavender Extract: Helps in balancing skin's moisture level and soothes the skin.

What is the texture like?

This feels like a really light, watery gel.

Is it scented?

This has a very soft, fresh powdery scent - what I would associate as a clean showered kind of scent.

My overall experience/comments on the product:

This is going to be more of a first impressions than a full-on review - which will most likely come to you in the empties post for this as there isn't much in the tube. Anyhow, it's a very lightweight gel cream moisturizer as its name implies. I think it does a great job of providing hydration while leaving my skin comfortable in this summer heat/humidity. That said I think it's pricey for what it is and given the amount of similar, lower-priced items on the market with similar benefit I'd say this is a skip.

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: Darphin Niaouli Aromatic Care

 Today's review will be for the Darphin Niaouli Aromatic Care

Availability: This is available at darphin.com. The retail pricing is $75 for 0.5 fl oz (15 mL).

Would I buy this? No.

What it is formulated to do:

According to darphin.com

Experience a blissful fragrance harmony: subdue shine but turn up glow while clarifying and restoring harmony to oily or combination skin. Natural oil balancing concentrate blends purest Niaouli, Cypress, Lemon, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, and Lavender Oils in a delectable, skin equilibrium restoring formula. Ideally balanced hydration and gentle mattifiers combine to diminish impurities and excess oil.
The Result
- Boosted natural skin's radiance
- Purified and clarified skin
- Reduced excess oil
Ethical Engagement100% of the total ingredients from natural origin. Formulated without parabens. Non comedogenic. Dermatologist tested.

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Sesame Oil, Sunflower Oil, Avocado Oil: Provide hydration to the skin.
Niaouli Leaf Oil: Apparently possesses qualities similar to tea tree oil - balances the skin's oiliness
Orange Peel Oil: Has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties
Lemon Peel Oil: Has antioxidant properties
Rose Flower Oil: Contains soothing and antioxidant properties

What is the texture like?

This certainly has an oily feel.

Is it scented?

I would say the eucalyptus is the strongest note in here - it smells very earthy and perhaps it's the cypress but I'm getting a pine-esque scent here too. It's not my favorite.

My overall experience/comments on the product:

Alright, so it seems like this oil is meant to be more of a serum than a moisturizer but although I'm dry I find that it provides me with enough moisture - I only need a drop for my entire face. That said, I'm kind of disappointed that the first ingredient on the list for such a pricey product is sesame oil... I mean is this some kind of golden sesame? Why is it so darn pricey?!? Along with that, I personally cannot get past the scent, I will use up my sample but I certainly won't be purchasing this.

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.