Serum Review: Clinique Moisture Surge Hydrating Supercharged Concentrate

Clinique Moisture Surge Hydrating Supercharged Concentrate

Availability: This is available at sephora.com, macys.com, ulta.com, and bloomingdales.com as well as their respective physical store/ locations along with clinique.com. The retail pricing is $41 for 1.6 fl. oz. (48 mL) or $65 for 3.4 fl. oz. (100 mL) - the large size is exclusive to clinique.com.

Would I buy this? Yes. 

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

Product info according to the wonderful sephora.com:

Which skin type is it good for?
✔ Normal
✔ Oily
✔ Combination
✔ Dry
✔ Sensitive
What it is:
An antioxidant-infused water-gel that's ultra-light, yet delivers a 179 percent moisture boost for visibly plumper, smoother skin.
Solutions for:
- Dryness
If you want to know more…
This supercharged water-gel hydrator instantly quenches dehydrated skin and is so intensely hydrating, it boosts skin's moisture reservoir for a full 24 hours. Liquid-sphere technology combines water-binding ingredients with encapsulated antioxidants to help break the cycle of dryness and environmental stress that can lead to premature aging, while hyaluronic acid fragments and activated aloe water plump skin with moisture.
What else you need to know:
This product is allergy tested, non-acnegenic, and free of oil and fragrance.

Does this contain any special/beneficial ingredients?
Glycerin, Sucrose: Draw moisture from the environment into the skin

Hydroxyethyl Urea: Ok I know urea sounds close to urine and gross, most of the urea used in skin-care is lab-made. It actually helps the skin retain moisture and helps to repair the skin's moisture barrier. In addition it helps draw in moisture from the environment into the skin. 

Algae Extract: Has antioxidant and anti-aging properties. 

Caffeine: Topical caffeine helps to boost the skin's circulation, creating a slightly tightening, glowing effect. 

Aloe Barbedenis Leaf Water: Soothes and moisturizers the skin. The aloe water in the moisture surge line is specially formulated to be fast-absorbing and super soothing. 

What is the texture like?

This feels is a very lightweight gel that just bursts with moisture, it feels like a splash of water moisture on the skin. I find that it absorbs quickly. 

Is this scented?
To me this has a very faint aloe scent. 

What has my experience with the product been like?

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE the way this makes my skin feel. I love how hydrating and refreshing it is, especially going into the summertime. I also love how hydrating it is while being oil-free. It just makes my skin feel so good and I highly recommend it to anyone who needs a product to refresh, hydrate, and soothe the skin.

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

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

Exfoliator Review: L'Oreal Purify & Unclog 3 Pure Sugars + Kiwi Pure-Sugar Scrub

'Ello folksickles. Today's review will be for the L'Oreal Purify & Unclog 3 Pure Sugars + Kiwi Pure-Sugar Scrub

Availability: This can be purchased at around the $10-$13 mark for 1.7 oz (48g) at any drugstore where L'Oreal is sold. Being that it is a drugstore item I cannot vouch for the price or availability in your area.

Would I buy this again?: I think I would

What is this product designed to address?

According to lorealparisusa.com:

Deeply yet gently exfoliates for soft, smooth skin. Purifies & unclogs pores. 3 Pure Sugars + Kiwi.

This Pure Sugar Scrub is made of three naturally derived sugars (brown, blonde & white) and enhanced with real Kiwi Seeds. This light, gel-like sugar scrub is truly kind to your skin. Because the scrubbing particles are made of sugars and eventually melt, harsh exfoliation is prevented. Purify and unclog pores for soft, smooth skin. See effective results immediately. With this exfoliating sugar scrub skin feels purified and clean. Dirt, oil and impurities are effectively removed. Dull skin is gently polished away. In 1 week: skin feels baby-soft, smooth and comforted. Pores look tighter, unclogged and less visible. Skin looks less shiny and rebalanced. Skin looks healthier, smoother, glowing. Can also be used to smooth and refine lips.

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?
Sugar/Sucrose, Kiwi Seeds: Provides exfoliation and the sucrose draws moisture to the skin
Schoenanthus Oil: Contains anti-aging properties
Peppermint Oil: Is refreshing to the skin
Glycerin: Attracts moisture from the environment into the skin.

What is the texture like? This has a really nice grit-to-slip ratio. It moves around the skin well while also feeling like it's got a good grit and exfoliates well.

Is it scented?

I find that this smells sweet and fruity with a slight overtone of kiwi although I wouldn't say that kiwi is the prominent scent here.

My overall experience/comments on the product:

So far I really like this product. It smells really nice and I find that it exfoliates really well, but because the gritty bits are in a nice, jelly-ish suspension, they glide over the face without feeling too abrasive.   

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

Disclaimer: I purchased this myself.

Exfoliator Review: L'Oreal Smooth & Glow 3 Pure Sugars + Grapeseed Pure-Sugar Scrub

'Ello folksickles. Today's review will be for the L'Oreal Smooth & Glow 3 Pure Sugars + Grapeseed Pure-Sugar Scrub

Availability: This appears to have been discontinued.

Would I buy this again?: I don't think so.

What is this product designed to address?

According to lorealparisusa.com:

Smooth and Glow. 3 Pure Sugars plus Grapeseed. 3X weekly cleansing treatment.
L'Oréal's Pure Sugar Scrubs are a naturally derived blend of 3 pure sugars paired with finely ground Acai, nutrient-rich Grapeseed and Monoi Oils. This ultra-soft sugar scrub is truly kind to your skin. It is made with brown, blonde and white sugars, rich in minerals and melts into skin for gentle, yet effective exfoliation. This L'Oréal face scrub can leave skin smooth and glow for both face and lips. See effective results immediately. This grapeseed oil sugar scrub leaves skin feeling fresher and rejuvenated. Dirt, oil and impurities are effectively removed. Dull skin is gently polished away. In 1 week: skin feels baby-soft, smooth and comforted. Skin looks rebalanced, healthier, smoother and glowing. Smooth a small amount with dry fingers onto clean, dry skin avoiding the eye area. Massage over face with wet fingers. Rinse with warm water. Use 3 times a week. In case of contact with eyes, rinse them immediately & thoroughly. Can also smooth and refine lips, improving the overall look of lips. Do not use on chapped lips. Close cap after each use. Store in dry area.

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?
Sugar/Sucrose: Provides exfoliation and draws moisture to the skin
Rosemary Extract: Contains antioxidants and prevents infection
Grapeseed Extract, Coconut Oil: Have hydrating properties
Glycerin: Attracts moisture from the environment into the skin.

What is the texture like?

This has a very gritty, sugary feeling.

Is it scented?

I find that this smells somewhat citrusy, like brown sugar and lemon.

My overall experience/comments on the product:

I find that this scrub is fairly intense and I'm just no longer used to that as I've been using skin-dissolving gels - I promise they're not as intense as they sound. I found this to be rather aggressive and it left my skin really red and feeling kind of irritated, that said my skin was as smooth as a baby's bottom. While I like the results it gave me I find that it's more aggressive than I personally like. I found it to be similar to Skinfood Black Sugar Mask Wash Off, but I prefer the way the Skinfood smells. I also find it ironic how it tells you that this can double as a lip scrub but not to use it on chapped lips. I understand if the skin is broken but the whole point of lip scrubs is to used them when your lips are chapped to get the dead skin off.

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

Disclaimer: I purchased this myself.

Toner Review: Trader Joe's Rose Water Facial Toner

Trader Joe's Rose Water Facial Toner

Availability: This product retails at $3.99 for 4 fl oz (118 mL) and is exclusive to Trader Joe's. 

Would I buy this again?: Absolutely!

Notes: According to traderjoes.com:
Equal parts hydrating and refreshing, Trader Joe’s Rose Water Facial Toner is formulated with real Damask rose water and Damask rose oil (to bedew and moisturize), witch hazel (to balance and tone), and a bit of Quillaja saponaria (soapbark) extract (to soften and condition). Best of all, it smells exactly like a fresh, blooming rose—so you’ll actually smell the roses while you’re taking a moment to stop, relax, and… smell the roses. You can spray it onto cotton pads and use it to finish your cleansing routine; you can spray the mist directly onto your skin throughout the day for a quick refresher; you can even use it as a makeup setting spray.

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Glycerin - draws in moisture from the environment into the skin.

What is the texture like?

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

Is this scented?

As written above, this smells like a fresh blooming rose. It smells so good! I love that it's a sweeter rose note, a bit apple-like.

What has my experience with the product been like?

I find that this is really softening and soothing to the skin without feeling heavy at all, which is nice. It smells amazing and feels wonderful on the skin which makes me really look forward to using it and I love that it's multi-use. I regret not having bought like 5 bottles but I will absolutely be back for more! I find that this works just as well as LUSH Eau Roma Toner Water, but for a fraction of the price and, personally, I think the smell of this is better too!

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

Disclaimer: I bought this myself.

Makeup Remover Review: Clinique Take the Day Off Eye Makeup Remover Stick

'Ello folksickles. Today's review will be for Clinique Take the Day Off Eye Makeup Remover Stick

Availability: This appears to have been discontinued.

Would I buy this?: Probably not.

What is this product designed to address?

According to sephora.com:

What it is:

An on-the-go makeup removal stick to gently dissolve all traces of eye makeup.

What it is formulated to do:

All the benefits of best-loved Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm in a slim, twist-up stick. Ideal for precision touch-ups and on-the-go makeup removal, the silky, greaseless formula gently dissolves even long-wearing eye makeup.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:

- Parabens

What else you need to know:

This product is allergy and ophthalmologist tested, non-drying, and fragrance-free.

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Safflower Seed Oil: Has hydrating and anti-acne properties.

What is the texture like?

This feels fairly lightweight and moisturizing with an ever-so-slight greasy after-feel. That said, the after-feel dissipates quite quickly. 

Is it scented?

This has no discernible scent.

My overall experience/comments on the product:

Essentially, this is the Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm in a solid form. It's useful for things like cleaning up eyeliner or mascara mishaps, especially given its slim shape. That said, I personally have stopped using makeup remover products in favor of the Makeup Eraser cloth. I love the idea of this for fixing mistakes but I just find that I don't really have the issue where I need to fix my eyeliner, mascara smudges, or even a messy lip-line very often. I think it's a wonderful product if you're someone who does have those issues or is maybe starting out with using makeup. That said if you're simply wanting something to remove makeup with I would suggest purchasing a jar of the balm instead, as you get much more bang for your buck. I will say though, that is is ophthalmologist tested so if you are someone with quite sensitive eyes or having a day where your eyes are being sensitive (I have those quite frequently, no thanks to allergies) this might be a gentler way to remove makeup as it doesn't involved a lot of rubbing.

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

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

Cleanser Review: Laneige Multi Cleanser

'Ello folksickles. Today's review will be for the Laneige Multi Cleanser

Availability: It appears that this particular formulation has been discontinued and fully replaced with the Laneige Multi Deep-Clean Cleanser.

Would I buy this?:  Perhaps. 

What is this product designed to address?

According to sephora.com this is what the product is and what it does:
Which skin type is it good for?
✔ Normal
✔ Oily
✔ Combination
✔ Dry
✔ Sensitive
What it is:
A multi-action, daily foaming cleanser for fresher-looking skin.
Solutions for:
- Dryness
- Uneven skin tone
- Dullness and uneven texture
If you want to know more…
This bestselling Multi Cleanser lathers richly for an invigorating, multi-action cleansing experience. Infused with skin-nourishing papaya, this cleanser sweeps away dead surface skin, while natural cellulose gently removes impurities and melts away sunscreen and makeup. Skin appears instantly brighter.
What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Phthalates
What else you need to know:
This product is dermatologist tested. LANEIGE does not test ingredients or products on animals.

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Glycerin: Attracts water from the environment into the skin.
Stearic Acid, Myristic Acid, Lauric Acid, Papaya Extract: Have exfoliating properties.

Shea Butter: Has hydrating properties.
Lactobacillus/Water Hyacinth Ferment: Lactobacillus is said to help restore the skin's natural microbiome and prevent harmful bacteria from affecting the skin and causing things like acne or infection. The water hyacinth purifies and protects the skin from dirt an impurities in the environment the same way the water hyacinth purifies the waters in which they grow.

What is the texture like?

This has a creamy, soft texture that foams up readily. 

Is it scented?

This has a fresh, clean scent.

My overall experience/comments on the product:

    Overall, I find this to be a really nice cleanser. It leaves my skin feeling really clean but also a bit moisturized which I find ironic, given that I didn't find the Laneige Foam Cleanser Moisture to be particularly moisturizing. Personally I think I prefer this one although I will say that Juju Aquamoist Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Washing Foam is still, hands down, my holy grail cleanser - this is similar in that it does a wonderful job of cleansing makeup and grime off my face and leaving it soft but the Juju Aquamoist just left my skin feeling like a baby's bottom.         

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

Disclaimer:  I purchased this myself. 

Cleanser Review: Laneige Foam Cleanser Moisture

'Ello folksickles. Today's review will be for the Laneige Foam Cleanser Moisture.

Availability: I'm unsure if the formula has changed or not but the product under this name has been discontinued and replaced with the Moisturizing Cream Cleanser.

Would I buy this again?: Probably not.

What is this product designed to address?

According to sephora.com this is what the product is and what it does:
Which skin type is it good for?
✔ Normal
✔ Combination
✔ Dry
✔ Sensitive

What it is:
A hydrating, refining, richly foaming formula that de-flakes rough skin with fruit acids.

Solutions for:
- Dryness
- Uneven skin tone
- Dullness and uneven texture

If you want to know more…
Formulated with birch water and vitamin E acetate, the rich, creamy lather this cleanser generates lifts impurities, leaving skin refreshed, refined, and hydrated. Gentle fruit acids, derived from five different plant extracts, then step in to de-flake dead surface skin and smooth out rough patches.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Phthalates

What else you need to know:
This product is dermatologist tested. LANEIGE does not test ingredients or products on animals.

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Glycerin: Attracts water from the environment into the skin.
Myristic Acid, Lauric Acid: Have exfoliating properties

Shea Butter: Has hydrating properties
Lactobacillus/Water Hyacinth Ferment: Lactobacillus is said to help restore the skin's natural microbiome and prevent harmful bacteria from affecting the skin and causing things like acne or infection. The water hyacinth purifies and protects the skin from dirt an impurities in the environment the same way the water hyacinth purifies the waters in which they grow.

What is the texture like?

This has a creamy, soft texture that foams up readily. 

Is it scented?

This has a fresh, clean scent.

My overall experience/comments on the product:

Overall I have to say I had higher hopes for this product. When something claims to be moisturizing I expect it to leave my skin feeling no just fresh and clean but somewhat hydrated as well. Something along the lines of my beloved Juju Aquamoist Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Washing Foam. That said, this performs well as a basic cleanser for me but because it's missing the moisture element... or at least it doesn't feel as moisturizing as I'd like it to, I wouldn't pick it up again.

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

Disclaimer:  I purchased this myself.