Vichy Purete Thermale Cleansers & Micellar Oil Review

Hi Lovelies! You may have noticed I haven't posted in a little bit. I actually haven't had internet for a few weeks and took a bit of a break as well. I am happy to say that I will still be continuing reviews and will try to incorporate other posts as well! I said in the past that I wanted to expand on the blog, but as of now, I have decided to stick to beauty and skincare reviews :) Now onto my newest review!

As you know, I am a huge fan of Vichy. When asked my favourite skincare line, this is the first brand that pops into my head. They have so many product lines that are suitable for my skin type (sensitive) and are always innovating. I have here 2 new cleansing products of the Purete Thermale collection, and one that turns cleansing and toning into one step!

Vichy Purete Thermale: 

•  Collection contains 11 cleansing products (as stated on the Canadian website). See rest of line here.

•  Highly concentrated with Vichy Thermal Spa Water

•  Suitable for all skin types

•  Respects the hydro-lipidic barrier

•  Hypoallergenic, Paraben-free, Dermatologically tested

Vichy Purete Thermale Fresh Cleansing Gel:

$19.95 for 200 ml

•  Contains Purisoft Technology (Moringa Seed Extract) to cleanse impurities, pollution particles, dust, excess sebum.
•  Reduces effect of hard water on the skin
•  Glycerine and amilite technology to cleanse without leaving skin tight

It is so hard to say much about a cleanser other than it works and leaves the skin feeling and smelling fresh afterwards. It is very gently foaming (don't expect a facial bubble bath or anything) and easy to rinse off. This is so ideal for morning showers as it is quick and will help reduce excess sebum from the night before. It will NOT really remove makeup and was not designed for that. You can see my test results at the end of this post.

Vichy Purete Thermale Beautifying Cleansing Micellar Oil:
$19.95 for 125 ml

•  Contains Micellar Technology + Camellia Oil 

This is truely something different from Vichy. With all the new cleansing oils coming out on the market, I knew they had to get in the game! I am so in love with this cleansing micellar oil and it really makes taking off makeup a breeze! It gets just about everything and is quick and simple. I typically use two pumps, massage it onto my face (being cautious not to get it too close to my hair), add a bit of water to the hands and continue massaging then rinse.

The oil becomes milky once it comes in contact with water and my foundation comes off easily! Eyeshadow = no problem! It does remove mascara but takes a bit of rubbing and irritating of the eyes so I prefer to just use another makeup remover beforehand (if I have mascara on). I've used this on its own and no my skin does not feel dry afterwards, but I do prefer to use the Cleansing Gel right after.

Vichy Purete Thermale 3-in-1 One Step Cleanser for Sensitive Skin:
$19.95 for 200 ml

•  Unique milk-gel texture to leave skin comfortable and non-greasy

This One Step Cleanser is the only one that let me down! I was under the impression it would remove makeup a lot better than it did. It does state that it is ideal for cleansing make-up for the face and eyes, and it does seem to (almost) do the job in my demonstration below, but the results just didn't live up to my expectations. It is definitely something to try out (samples at Shoppers Drug Mart anyone?); Maybe for someone who doesn't wear too much makeup, or those days when you are too lazy to tone and moisturize. I just prefer to take an extra step and use the Micellar Oil and Cleansing Gel together.

SWATCHED + TESTED

L to R: Fresh Cleansing Gel, Beautifying Micellar Oil, One Step Cleanser

As you can see, the Beautifying Micellar Oil did the best job of removing the eyeliner and lip crayon swatches. The Fresh Cleansing Gel (on left) does not claim to remove makeup and it does need to be used with a makeup remover beforehand. The One Step Cleanser did ok, but just doesn't live up to my expectations when using it on a full face of makeup. 

I don't think the prices are out of this world at all and definitely affordable for the average shopper. I would gladly purchase the Micellar Oil and Fresh Cleansing Gel. You can find Vichy Purete Thermale products at Shoppers Drug Mart in Canada, Ulta in the US, FeelUnique online or in the UK.

Shop:

These products were received for consideration. All opinions stated are my own and are not influenced by any affiliates. 

eos Visibly Soft Lip Balm Review

eos has recently introduced a new line of lip balms called Visibly Soft. There are 2 lip balms that have launched to start off this collection; Vanilla Mint and Coconut Milk. I'm not sure if they will come out with more, but I'd definitely be interested in seeing the new flavours they come up with. The balms are in their usual fun sphere shape, but with a slightly different design. The casing has swirls designed to mimic the 'buttery richness' of the Visibly Soft formula. It is nice to see eos bring out some new designs to compliment their new Visibly Soft line, and in my opinion, a bit overdue!

So what is different about the new Visibly Soft balms? The new formula of the Visibly Soft balms contain hyaluronic acid (which can be seen in a lot of new skincare products), and it is said to increase moisture, hydration, and softness in the lips. The formula is also enriched with Vitamin C, said to stimulate the lip's rate of natural exfoliation and improve collagen production. The balms are 99% natural, petrolatum-free, paraben-free, and gluten-free. All eos balms also contain natural conditioning oils, shea butter, and Vitamin E.

Ingredients:
Coconut Milk

Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil*, Beeswax/Cera Alba (Cire d’abeille)*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Natural Flavor, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Sodium Isostearoyl Lactylate, Water, Sodium Hyaluronate, Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf/Stem Extract, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate

Vanilla Mint

Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil*, Beeswax/Cera Alba (Cire d’abeille)*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Natural Flavor, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Sodium Isostearoyl Lactylate, Water, Sodium Hyaluronate, Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf/Stem Extract, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Ascorbyl Palmitate

Coconut Milk didn't smell at all to me like coconuts, but it still has a light and pleasing scent. Vanilla Mint didn't have the 'minty' flavour I was expecting, but it does feel slightly cool on the lips. It kind of reminds me of white chocolate and is similar to Nivea's Lip Butter in Vanilla & Macadamia Kiss. Actually, both of these scents smell a bit artificial to me but are still light and sweet. Sorry that I am terrible at describing scents.. Anyways, I'd prefer the Vanilla Mint if I had to choose one. 

The Visibly Soft balms glide on the lips a bit easier, and the formula seems more delicate. I actually dropped the Vanilla Mint while it was open and put a pretty large dent in it. They are completely non-sticky on the lips. I also noticed that the colour of the Vanilla Mint was slightly darker than the Coconut Milk. I found them to be a bit moisturizing and longer lasting than the original balms, likely due to the hyaluronic acid. The one thing I don't like about eos balms is that they are not compact and difficult to fit into small pockets of the purse. But I guess an upside to their larger size is that they're easier to find. They are also fun to play with!

I would definitely choose these balms over the regular balms if I had to, just because they are softer, feel more hydrating, and glide on the lips much easier. The packaging is also fun and nice to see something different from the original balms. I'd love to see more variety of scents from the Visibly Soft line in the future. 

The balms have launched August 2014 and should be available at your local drugstore or superstore already for $3.99. If you can't find them in store, you might have some luck online, you can view online retailers here and even purchase at evolutionofsmooth.com directly.

These products were received for consideration. All opinions stated are my own and are not influenced by any affiliates.

KonaKare Lip Butter Balm Review

I discovered these lip butter balms through a beauty event by BlushPretty last May (2013). What initially suckered me into buying one was the all natural ingredients list and the amazing flavours they had to offer. Seriously, there are only 3 flavours; Peaches and Dream, Chocolate Peppermint, and French Vanilla, as well as an unscented 'Original' flavour, but they all smell delicious enough to eat! I actually enjoy The Original and French Vanilla the most as they smell the most yummiest to me.

If you haven't already heard of KonaKare, it is a small company focused on natural lip and body care run by a couple, Mikayla and Nadim, right out of Toronto. Their balms and other products are all hand crafted, and hand poured, they've actually poured well over 10,000 balms with just the two of them! Products are made in small batches to ensure your purchase is fresh, and only natural ingredients are used -meaning no harsh chemicals, and they are also cruelty-free! You can take a look at the simple ingredients list below..

Ingredients:

Sweet Almond Butter, Mango Seed Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, Castor Oil, Coconut Oil, Candelilla Wax, Beeswax, Monoi De Tahiti Oil, Organic Argan Oil, Vitamin E, Flavour and a Whole Lot of Love.

After purchasing the French Vanilla balm at the Beauty Board Event and receiving another in my Swag Bag for attending the event, I was so in love with these balms that I purchased another bundle of 4 from their website. It arrived quickly and included a personalized note on a hand decorated card which I thought was a really cute and thoughtful touch. Including personalized notes are definitely a great way to show customer appreciation :)

Kona Kare's tubes actually used to look like these (above), but were recently changed to slimmer tubes and also (sadly) I think includes slightly less product. I prefer the older packaging, in the 'regular' black tubes rather than the new skinny tubes and I hope that they will think about bringing them back! The older tubes were basically just a standard lip balm tube, but it was just easier to remove the lid and apply quickly than the newer ones. Along with the packaging change, the formula was actually slightly altered and Argan Oil was added to the list of ingredients. 

So what do I really think of them? Well since discovering these a year ago, I've been using them daily because they feel so smooth on my lips. Glides on like butter, and absorbs into my skin and is long lasting which surprised me considering they are such slippery and buttery balms. It feels light on my lips, and completely non-sticky which are huge factors to me when purchasing any lip products, so I was really pleased about that. My lips feel relieved from any dryness after applying. They are moisturizing and as I mentioned before, smell (and taste..) delicious! 'The Original' is again, flavour and scent-free, and I love to wear it to bed when I don't want to smell or taste any specific flavoured balm (it just makes me hungry). Also like to mention that the taste does not bother me like some lipsticks or balms do. The balms are a bit pricey at $12 each or $40 for a pack of 4, but they are currently on special for $8 each or $20 for a pack of 4 which is a much better deal ;)

KonaKare Lip Balms are available on their website with free shipping within Canada! However, if you are international, they do ship worldwide, but shipping costs vary from $8 to the US to $20 to the UK, which might only be worth it if you intend on making bit of a larger order. I am happy to have found this local and natural company and will continue to purchase their balms in the future.

Garnier Fructis Damage Eraser Review

A couple of weeks ago I received this surprise box from Influenster & L'Oreal (shown below)! In the box came 3 tiny, unbranded bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and split-end serum. Us Canadians that received the box were instructed to test out the 3 bottles, and guess what brand it was! For those of you that don't know, L'Oreal actually owns many brands both domestically and internationally. L'Oreal's haircare brands consist of Garnier, Kerastase, Redken, Matrix, Pureology, and of course, L'Oreal.

Garnier Fructis Damage Eraser: Shampoo, Conditioner, Split-End Serum/Bandage, & Strength Reconstructing Butter

I originally had no idea the mystery brand was Garnier until a huge box appeared on my doorstep! I had only speculated it to be Garnier, because of guesses on Twitter. For some reason, the products were so much fun to test in the tiny bottles when the brand was unknown!

Packaging & Scent: So the first thing that I love and have to point out is the packaging. The bright orange bottles and metallic green font is easy to spot, and one can definitely tell it is a new product. I do wish the Strength Reconstructing Butter came in the same kind of bottle as the Spit-End Serum though.... using those tubs in the shower is a tricky one for me. I am also in love with the scent and colour of this line. They all have the same tropical fruity scent, and are coloured a very pale yellow, like the inside of a banana!

Benefits & Claims: Ok so what are the real benefits of this line? The Damage Eraser line is intended to reconstruct hair strength by 90% from root to tip and prevent future damage with Phyto-Keratin Complex, and Cupuacu Butter. Looking at the ingredients list, I like that this product contains actual oils and proteins to help strengthen your hair and protect it.

My Experience: When using these products, I didn't really notice much of a difference in comparison to other standard hair care products (wow, am I bad at reviewing hair products?). I did notice a bit of frizz when using the Reconstructing Butter however. I loved using the Split-End Serum; my ends felt smoother, but not greasy or weighed down at all. Having dyed hair, I didn't notice any colour bleeding when using this shampoo as compared to others, which is good, and I see it as being gentle for your hair. Something that I wish this product had, would be volume! My hair was lacking volume after using the shampoo, which is something that will probably prevent me from using this on a daily basis. Of course, you could always use a volumizing spray/mousse after the shower to make up for the lack of volume. The Reconstructing Butter is a much thicker version of the conditioner, and I'd suggest using it as a replacement for the conditioner, every other week or so.

Overall, I enjoyed using the Damage Eraser line and would think about repurchasing when I am finished using up these products. I like that the line is affordable, and easy to find, but also contains beneficial ingredients. I also support the fact that they are using new "Eco-Fructis Bottles" that contain 30% recycled plastic and can be recycled after use!

Ooh, and all the products in this post are currently on sale at well.ca for $5.99 each! 

I received these products from Influenster & Garnier. My opinion is always 100% honest no matter what.

Vichy Idealia Life Serum Review

Vichy Idealia Life Serum is the first skin idealizer serum that works under your moisturizer in the morning-as a radiance primer and at night, to help combat behavioural aging and improve skin quality. It claims "even and illuminated complexion, refined-looking pores, and rested facial features". The primer is safe for sensitive skin, and suitable for all ethnicities and skin types. It is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and paraben-free.

Upon receiving this product I was a little afraid to use it because I had no idea what LR2412+LHA was (I briefly explain below!) But the though of a product to help prevent and improve signs of behavioural aging was quite interesting! Behavioural aging can include aspects that we all suffer from, whether it is on a daily basis or not, such as... lack of sleep, pollution, stress, unbalanced diet, lack of sport, hormonal imbalances, UV rays, and dry weather. Studies through L'Oreal Canada Research have shown that at least 7/10 women carry out at least one of these daily actions that negatively affects their skin quality. 1/2 Canadian women are affected by both stress and lack of sleep.

LR2412 is actually a jasmonic acid derivative and claims to be one of the most promising anti-aging molecules. It works by accelerating epidermal repair and improves the skin's ability to protect itself. LHA is a derivative of salicylic acid that stimulates cellular renewal in tired skin, and reduces pigmentation flaws. It improves the quality of the complexion by increasing reflection of light on the surface of the skin. Both ingredients together work to improve skin complexion, colour, and elasticity of the skin.

First Impressions: I've never given Vichy a second glance before trying this out, but after successfully trying out one of their Aqualia Thermale creams with no break outs, I began using this every morning, before moisturizer and foundation. I fortunately did not break out, and really enjoyed the light floral, jasmine scent. I noticed little golden and pink reflecting sparkles in the serum which is definitely the illuminating factor of the serum. It is non-greasy, feels very light on the skin, and completely dries in a couple of minutes.

Did I like it? I don't even know how to describe this product without giving you the impression that I'm trying to sell it! First of all, after using this for a few weeks, I felt more confident with my skin. I actually have begun going out without makeup on, where I typically wouldn't at all. I noticed when applying this before my makeup that I didn't need a moisturizer, but now that it's much colder and the air is so dry, I do apply a bit more moisturizer along with this serum. It definitely adds radiance to my skin right when applied, and I do notice an improvement in my skin-tone and pores. I seem to be experiencing less redness overall. It works great for my sensitive skin and I did not face any negative reactions!

The best part about this serum is that my friends actually noticed a difference in my skin tone! I have never used a skincare product before that has actually been noticeable to others. I actually had a few friends say that my face looked 'flawless' and 'brighter' after using the serum for a couple weeks!

I've actually switched to an all Vichy routine because I was hoping for even more hydration. I would apply the Idealia Life Serum in the morning, then their moisturizer, and cleanse with Vichy's milk cleanser at night. My skin has been feeling much better than it has in a very long time.

So yes, I love the serum and I would definitely recommend it to all of you if your looking to combat behavioural aging and would like a primer that will illuminate your skin, and give you a brighter complexion. I would recommend maybe asking for a few samples first, so you can try it out before spending the money on it! It is an expensive serum, at $59 for 30 ml, but so far it seems I haven't used too much more than 1/4 and I've been using it for almost 2 months. I will for sure repurchase it (during Shoppers point specials, of course) when I run out. You can find Vichy products at Shoppers Drug Mart in Canada, or internationally at Boots, Walgreens, CVS, or online at Escentual in Europe and the UK.

Edit: If you are looking for something a little lighter that absorbs faster and is more affordable, I'd suggest NSPA's Illuminating Beauty Serum/Radiant Flash Serum!

Disclaimer: I received this product for consideration. All opinions stated are my own and are not influenced by any affiliates.

Aveeno Ultra-Calming Makeup Removing Wipes Review

I wasn't too fond of makeup removing wipes in the past. I found wipes to be too rough on my skin, and felt more comfortable using a cleanser to remove my makeup. But since buying a new cleanser that doesn't completely remove my makeup, I decided to give these convenient Aveeno Ultra-Calming Makeup Removing Wipes a try.

The package consists of 25 wipes for roughly $9.50 at a Canadian Walmart which equals out to $0.38 per wipe. I'm assuming this is a pretty standard price for a package of wipes. You can find them for more or less depending on your store or country. The wipes claim to be oil-free, non-comedogenic, dermatologist tested, and ophthalmologist tested! "They are soft enough for dry, sensitive skin, and will remove dirt, oil, and make-up including mascara while leaving your skin feeling soothed." They also contain an ingredient called Calming Feverfew, which is apparently related to Chamomile and is said to reduce the appearance of redness and calm sensitive skin.

I have both dry and sensitive skin and I found these wipes to be perfect for me. They do not dry out my skin and does effectively remove my foundation, even eyeshadow at the end of the day. They do not remove my waterproof mascara but I typically use an oil-based eye makeup remover for my eyes. The wipes aren't the softest ever, I originally stated they were soft but I have to say, they are a bit rough if you have gentle skin. When I first used these, my face felt a little warm, but with the continuous use I don't notice this anymore, so I'm unsure of what this was. Either way, they did not break me out or cause any reaction. I did notice a slight reduction in redness in my complexion overall, but I changed my whole routine so I'm unsure of what product is helping with this! They are scented which is a downside for me, but the scent is a bit..flowery and I don't mind it at all. HOWEVER, please take note that the ingredient, feverfew, is related to ragweed and could cause similar allergic reactions if you have an allergy to ragweed.

I love the packaging of these wipes. It comes with a recloseable plastic lid rather than a sticker and I think this is what keeps them so moisturized. They have yet to dry out on me, but then again I use them up fairly quickly. I will probably continue to buy these wipes, but I would like to try other brands as well. This is actually my second package of them!

Have you tried Aveeno wipes, or anything Aveeno? What is your favourite Aveeno product?

Make Up For Ever Artisan Brush Collection: 150 & 240 Review

Make Up For Ever has debuted their revolutionary brush collection, the 'Artisan Brush Collection', featuring 76 brushes for everything from basic every day use to professional artistic brushes. This collection is huge, and is probably the largest brush collection just outdoing MAC, which has roughly 40-50 brushes. Creator & Artistic Director Dany Sanz and her team had spent five years developing an designing these brushes to insure softness and functionality. The construction of each brush was done in 25 unique stages and hand-crafted by 30 people!

The brushes are all synthetic, and come in three different varieties: straight, wavy, or both straight & wavy, depending on their use. Straight fibers for generous and precise application, or wavy bristles for a lighter and freer application. The fibers are applied with tweezers and not with scissors, and fixed in place very precisely. The handles are made of beech wood and have a beveled end to make it easier to quickly retrieve from your brush stash, and can also be used to help apply false lashes!

The brushes are also categorized by hundreds...
100s: Complexion
200s: Eyes
300s: Lips
400s: Artistic Specially Designed for Professionals (sounds so intimidating!)

The two brushes I have here are the 150 Precision Blush Brush with wavy fibers and 240 Medium Round Shader Brush with straight & wavy fibers.

The 240 Medium Round Shader Brush (straight & wavy) is short and extra-dense used to apply eyeshadow on the upper eyelid, and blend on the entire eyelid. It is recommended to be used with cream and powder eye products. I've been using this with various eyeshadow palettes and it definitely picks up product easily because of the dense bristles. I like it for blending, but I LOVE it for packing colour onto my lid. It makes applying a pigmented base colour quick and easy.

The 150 Precision Blush Brush (wavy) is a slanted brush great for precise sculpting, shading, and highlighting. It's recommended to use with loose and compact powders. Although its named a blush brush, it can be used for anything from blush, bronzer, to highlighting. The possibilities are endless, but it works the best for me as a contouring brush. It easily picks up a lot of product and you only need a light application for noticeable results. This is why I don't use it as a blush brush! I don't typically wear too much blush and with this I end up picking up too much product for my already rosy cheeks! As a contour brush, it is great and super soft.

Yes, I would purchase these brushes and I may just get a few more as a Christmas present to myself! They are the softest brushes that have ever touched my face and are of superior quality than all of my other brushes. They are on quite the pricey side, with the 240 Brush being $32 CAD, and 150 at $46, but then again are very similar in price to other high-end brushes, such as Mac, and feel much more luxurious in return.

You can find these brushes at Sephora stores, online at Sephora.ca, or at any Make Up For Ever Boutique! I'd love to hear your thoughts on these brushes if you have tried any, or any recommendations of which one to get next!

Disclaimer: I received this product for consideration. All opinions stated are my own and are not influenced by any affiliates.

EOS Hand Lotion Review

EOS (Evolution of Smooth), is so well known for their Smooth Sphere Lip Balms, that the rest of their line can tend to get overlooked! If you haven't already seen them in stores, EOS also offers Hand Lotions, Body Lotions, and Shave Cream. 

EOS hand lotion truly compliments their lip balms because they are both rounded, colourful, and compact items! It comes in 3 different colours and scents: Cucumber (Green), Berry Blossom (Pink), and Fresh Flowers (Blue). The lotion is infused with moisturizing shea butter and oat extract, aloe, natural antioxidants, essential nutrients, and Vitamin C & E. The formula is 96% natural, and contains no animal by-products. For more ingredient information, have a look at their website here.

Ingredients: Water/eau, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Glycine Soja (soybean) Oil, Helianthus Annuus (sunflower) Seed Oil, Cocoglycerides, Glyceryl Stearate, Dimethicone, Triethanolamine, Cetyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (shea Butter), Cocoa (theobroma Cacao) Seed Butter, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Avena Sativa (oat) Kernel Extract, Zea Mays (corn) Starch, Fragrance/parfum, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Retinyl Palmitate, Potassium Sorbate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Carbomer, Gluconolactone, Sodium Benzoate, Disodium Edta, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Titanium Dioxide (ci 77891), Bht, Phenoxyethanol.

The number one factor that determines whether or not I like a hand lotion is that it cannot feel greasy. Thankfully, the EOS hand lotions do not feel greasy at all, and are very lightweight! They absorb into the skin super quickly and I can't even feel it afterwards. I love that it is formulated with mainly natural ingredients and in return I feel safer using it on my skin.

I also really enjoy holding the hand lotion in my hand :p It reminds me of Sailor Moon's Tiara right before she's about to attack.. or flattened easter eggs! Even though the packaging is super cute and fun, it can definitely be a pain to open. Due to the shape it can also get messy under the cap.

My favourite scent is surprisingly the blue one, Fresh Flowers. I usually don't like floral scents but this one is so unique and light that I can't stop smelling my hands when I have it on.

The price is actually $1.99 on their website but typically goes for $3.99 and can be found at Target or Walmart (please correct me if I'm wrong!) It is $4.99 on Well.ca but if you are a newly registered customer you can use coupon code ALovelyAllure for $10 off your $40 order (+ free shipping)! For $5 it's quite pricey, but if you can get it for less, I think it's something great to have while on the go, especially during the harsh winter months.

Disclaimer: I received this product for consideration. All opinions stated are my own and are not influenced by any affiliates.

Maybelline Rocket Volum' Express Waterproof Mascara Review

I've devoted my eyelashes to this mascara for more than half a year and I think it's time I share my thoughts on it! Many people had said they don't particularly like it, but I took the plunge and bought it anyway (twice, this is my second tube). The packaging claims 'explosive volume from root to tip and 6X clump free volume.

For reference: My lashes are straight, sparse, thin, and long.

I don't see 6X the volume but I do notice it lengthens my lashes with minimal clumping.The brush has plastic bristles which I find to work best with my thin lashes. It also doesn't pull out too much product making it easy to start light and build volume if you desire! My lashes are straight and thin and I find the formula to be less wet than other mascaras and slightly more sticky. In return this helps stick to my lashes and hold the curl. I haven't noticed a problem with it transferring to my lower lashline, and I've never seen it flake off.

The brush and formula is comparable to CoverGirl LashBlast Mascara, however, my lashes have thinned down and I find Maybelline's Rocket Volum to work better. The CoverGirl formula is wetter and the brush is a little too larger.

Bare lashes; curled

Lashes with a few coats of Maybelline Rocket Volum Express Waterproof: 411 Very Black

If applied properly, minimal clumping can be achieved. I like to wiggle the brush around at the root just a bit, then apply less pressure while reaching the tip so my lashes won't weigh down. It's hard for me to find a mascara that holds a curl (those with straight lashes.. I know you feel me!) but I think this does a good job. It really minimizes the need for me to wear too much eyeliner and adds depth to my eyes. I don't think it gives a natural effect but It works well and is suitable for me. However, I won't say it is a HG product as I don't have experience with too many other mascaras and would like to try some more first!

Find it at your local drugstore, Walmart, Ulta (US).

Have you tried Maybelline's Rocket Volum? Was it the waterproof or regular formula? What are your views on it?

Kat Von D Lock it Tattoo Foundation Review

After hearing how well this foundation covers, I went to Sephora to purchase my first ever Kat Von D product! I chose this in Light #45 which is a new shade, but supposedly for yellow undertones. At first I was unsure about whether the undertone was right for me, but I realized it was a pretty close match to my skin. I ended up returning it after a few days because it just wasn't right for me...

I only tried this for 2 days, so I am unsure of whether it will break you out or not.. Sorry I can't be of help in that category :( But I can say that it is a very thick and matte foundation. It really did make my skin look dead when I put it on, so I'd recommend contouring, and using bronzer and highlighter with this. A little really does go a long way, and I used a thin layer to (almost) flawlessly cover my entire face. It does a great job of concealing under the eye as well. I did find it a bit heavy, and it was definitely super hard to take off. Although what made me return this product is the smell, and the way it accentuated my dry spots. I really didn't like the siliconey scent! It made me look very flaky, and to be honest, I felt like a cheaper foundation would be just as good.

I wanted an everyday foundation, and this is definitely something you'd use for special occasions, where you need high coverage. Overall, this would probably work for you if you want flawless coverage; don't have dry spots or flakiness; and don't mind the heaviness of this product.

Thin layer of foundation on left, bare face on right. As you can see it has very good coverage. Please ignore how scary I look with my makeup incomplete!

Have you tried Kat Von D products? How do you like them? I'd love to try something else from her line.

Montagne Jeunesse Clay Infused Fabric Masks Review

A while ago I was sent these 3 new Montagne Jeunesse Clay Spa Face Masks to try out. After being unsure of some of their other face masks that I have tried before, I delayed trying these out until now.. and I'm disappointed in myself for waiting so long!

These natural bamboo fabric masks are infused with specially sourced clays, are 99% natural with powerful and natural ingredients, and are designed to be used as part of your weekly skincare regime. They are easy to apple and are all suitable for combination, normal, and oily skin.

Dead Sea Mud Spa "To cleanse skin. With Cloudberry (to soothe, protect, and heal, high in nutrients), Red Grape (anti-oxidant to protect skin from damaging free radicals), and Glacial Clay (to cool, rehydrate, and deep clean pores, removing impurities)."
I have used this one before and I wasn't sure if it really improved my face. My skin did feel smoother after using this and my pores looked a bit tighter. It did not help my acne, although I do like that the ingredients did not react badly with my skin. *Trying this a few more times, I do like it and felt like it did deep clean my pores and help to unclog them. However it was not hydrating.

Glacial Clay Spa "To cleanse and help thirsty skin. With Dead Sea Mud (to draw out impurities and open blocked pores), Dead Sea Salt (to heal), Seaweed (to moisturize, revitalize, and firm skin), and Kelp (with vitamins and minerals to nourish and moisturize skin, regenerate cells, and help anti-aging)."
I felt like this one was more similar to the Dead Sea Mud Mask, as it seemed to tighten my pores, and didn't dry out my skin. It also put a bit of radiance back into my skin.

Red Earth Clay Spa "To deep cleanse. With Pomegranate (for healing, and anti-oxidant rich, protecting skin from damaging free radicals), Cinnamon (for natural anti-bacterial properties), and Mediterranean Clay (to detox and draw out impurities and excess oil)."
I was actually afraid of this one the most because the ingredients include a couple things I am unfamiliar with; Cinnamon and Pomegranate. I felt like these were very powerful ingredients, and I was right... in a good way! Not sure if it was a coincidence, but this mask literally cleared my face up, and it felt smooth for weeks after. Something I haven't actually experienced in a while. I can't see it being anything else, because my skincare regime and my diet, for the most part, stayed the same as well. The mask felt very warm while it was on, and afterwards I was super relieved to see that it did not react badly with my skin, and didn't cause redness.

All 3 of the masks felt cold before and after putting them on. They were easy to wash off and I didn't find them messy at all. They are slightly big on my face, but I don't find that to be an issue.. I just fold them over so they don't go into my hairline (see photos!). I do need to moisturize after using these masks, to help put moisturize back into my skin. I was happy to see that my face wasn't burnt or red after trying the 3 of them. I did not experience breakouts or any bad reaction after using these masks, although I did feel that my breakouts drastically improved with the Red Earth Clay Mask. They all have a natural, earthy, and clean scent to them, however, the Red Earth Clay Mask smelt more fruity and yummy!

I will be definitely going to purchase a few more of these when I find them in stores. They are roughly $2.50 each which is super reasonable for a face mask, and can be found in Canada at Walmart, London Drugs, and select Pharmasave, Jean Coutu, Uniprix, Familprix, Guardian, IDA, and Lawtons. I don't believe the Red Earth Clay Spa Mask is available for purchase yet, but I definitely will be clearing the shelves once I do see them in stores.. just kidding...or am I ;)

Disclaimer: I received this product for consideration. All opinions stated are my own and are not influenced by any affiliates.

Pure + Simple Sensitive Skin Face Wash Review

I actually discovered this product in my Swag Bag from attending the Beauty Board, earlier this year. I really enjoyed the sample we received so I went to their Yonge & Eglington location and purchased the full size. I have been using it daily since then and now it's almost done!

What I love most about this face wash is that it is specifically targeted towards sensitive skin, yet it is still effective enough to remove makeup. It claims that it doesn't include any harsh surfactants or parabens, and uses the mildest botanicals. I have listed the ingredients the best that I could below, as it was hard to read (the text is all smudged):

Ingredients: Water, Decyl Glucoside (Coconut/Corn derived Cleansing Agent), Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate (Coconute Derived Surfactant), Sodium Lauryl Glucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate (Non-toxic Surfactant), Sodium Lauryl Glutamate (Amino Acid Derived Cleansing Agent), Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Water, Glycerin, Zizyphus Joazeiro Bark Extract, Trehalose (Plant Derived Moisturizer), Maltooligosyl Glucoside (Tapioca Derived Surfectant), Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysata (Sugar Derived Thickener), Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Tilia Cordata (Linden) Blossom Extract, Plantago Major (Plantain) Extract, Potassium Sorbate (Food Grade Preservative), Citric Acid, Gluconolactone (Fruit Acid), Sodium Benzoate (Food Grade Preservative), Lavendula Angustifolia (Lavender Oil).

Pros:
It doesn't break me out. It removes my foundation and any other face makeup I have on. I wash two or three times to thoroughly remove it, just to be sure (which is kind of a pain!). I'd recommend using makeup wipes to remove your foundation first, so you will not need to wash the face more than once. It does remove eyeshadow, but hardly removes waterproof mascara or eyeliner. My face does not feel oily or too dry afterwards, but you definitely need to moisturize. It is safe for my sensitive skin and feels super clean afterwards. Lately, I've been noticing a big improvement in my acne, and my skin feels much smoother. I have also been staying away from too much fast food and McDonald's, yay! Also, it isn't a miracle all-in-one face wash, and won't minimize the dark spots on your face.
Cons:
It doesn't lather well to begin with, and over time I noticed it lathers even less now. I don't know why but I can only assume it may have to do with being open too long, or the ingredients are losing their effectiveness. I also dislike the label and packaging.. it gets sticky when wet and the text/colour is all smudged now, and the bottle is pretty sticky from the face wash itself, as well. And I can't forget, the higher price.

I purchased this when they had a 15% off all cleansers sale. I was thinking about repurchasing this.. however, I think I will take my chances and try a less expensive alternative. Although it definitely does do everything I want in a standard facial cleanser, and most importantly does not contribute to breakouts. I do still get bumps and the occasional pimple, however! Edit: I do believe my skin is a bit less dry and breaks out less now that I am using an alternative face wash. I will not be repurchasing this due to the high price, but I did like that it removed my makeup better than other face washes I've tried.

Pure + Simple is a Canadian natural-skincare company, based out of Toronto. They have 3 spas in Toronto, although their products are also sold at other locations in Ontario, Alberta, BC, and online! Click here for more details on where you can purchase their products.

The Sensitive Skin Face Wash is available in 2 sizes, 100ml for $19.95 or 200ml for $32.95.

BA Star Stardust Mineral Eye Shadow in Bronze + Glitter Glue Review

I was recently given the opportunity to try out 2 products from BA Star Makeup. Although I have only heard of this brand before through a few bloggers, BA Star is said to be very popular with cheerleaders, dancers, and performers. Their product focus is on high-pigmented makeup and lots of glitter!

The Mineral Eyeshadow Stardust I received was in Bronze. I was surprised at how pigmented this eyeshadow was. My first impressions were that it is very sparkly and glittery! It seems to be a golden bronze, and It definitely pops on the eyelid, and reflects off of light so easily. I can see why it would be great to wear while performing. It is definitely a different kind of bronze than Maybelline's 'Bad to the Bronze' Color Tattoo. It is much lighter, golden, vibrant, and way more sparklier (whoa). I had to apply this before foundation because I knew the glitter would get all over my face (I was prepared this time). I just pat it on my lid, and then blended a darker brown into my crease. I love how sparkly it is and it lasted throughout the majority of the day.

The glitter glue is nothing too special, but it does do a decent job of holding the colour for the majority of the day. You definitely do need to wear the glitter glue or some sort of primer with the mineral eyeshadow, or the colour won't show up strong enough and definitely won't last. Without primer/glitter glue it will just wipe away and leave you with sparkles everywhere! It lasted about 6-7 hours before creasing with the glitter glue, although I wasn't too fond of the glue-like scent it had. It felt cold and wet when applied, and just the fact that it looks like glue makes me uncomfortable to regularly use this on my eyelids. It claims to be sweat-resistant and non-sticky, and while it did hold up for the majority of the day, it rubbed right off with water. It was a little sticky on my lids, but was fine after I applied the eyeshadow. I actually found my Urban Decay Primer to hold the colour longer than the glitter glue did, and it stayed on when I rubbed it with water, unlike the glitter glue. But.. the glitter glue made the colour stand out a lot more.

Because the bronze colour is so versatile, you could also use this as a body shimmer on your shoulders, or wherever you want a little bit of sparkle!

As you can see below, the glitter glue worked the best with the mineral eyeshadow, but it rubbed right off with water. It barely rubbed off when I used the Urban Decay primer, but the colour is not quite as vibrant.

Primed with BA Star Glitter Glue, BA Star Mineral Eyeshadow in Bronze on the lid, Brown from The Balm's Meet Matt(e) Nude Palette in the crease

If you weren't really fond of this colour, there are 8 other shades to choose from on their website, some of which are a deep purple, dark brown, or silver. They all sit at the same price of $8.75, and if you order 6 or more, they are only $5 each. However, shipping to Canada is with UPS and very pricey starting at $19.37. Shipping within the US is also a little pricey at $12.71. Hopefully, we will see a cheaper shipping option in the future.

Ooh! But I also have a discount code for my readers! 50% off with the code: BBDUST. This might make up for the high shipping, but be sure to use it before expiry, September 30th!

Disclaimer: I received this product for my honest review through BrandBacker. All opinions stated are my own and are not influenced by any affiliates.