Super Facialist Skin Renew Cleansing Oil Reveiw

 Years ago I invested in a luxury size of Bobbi Browns Soothing Cleansing oil. I thought, at the time that this new way of cleansing would be the answer to removing makeup gently, while still keeping my skin hydrated. Was I ever wrong! To say I hated this product was a gross understatement. It didn’t remove makeup… come to think about it, it didn’t really do much of anything, plus it irritated the heck out of my eyes. So for years and despite growing popularity I avoided cleansing oils like the plague... until now!

Ladies and gentleman introducing the very popular Super Facialist Skin Renew Cleansing Oil! With its enormous online frame (dare I even say cult status) I thought this would be the perfect product to persuade me into the world of cleaning oil. I mean if beauty editors and bloggers alike both rave about this, then why shouldn’t I? Right? 

As a night time shower cleanser user, there is a learning curve to cleansing oils. I say that because if your face is slightly wet it causes the oil to emulsify instantly, which leads to lackluster results. However if your skin is completely dry it’s a different ball game! Applied on dry skin Skin Renew Cleansing Oil remains oily which allows you to work the product into your skin. In addition to just removing makeup the cocktail of oils work together to nourish and hydrate the skin too. Once water is added this oil instantly dissolves, leaving you with clean, baby soft skin.

Skin Renew Cleansing Oil gets a lot of online hype and I am here to confirm it’s amazing. On days where I want to remove makeup quickly this has my back. Likewise on days where I want to indulge in a long facial message this has enough slip to get me through. Effective formula, beautiful orange scent, handy flip top packaging, super soft skin … I know what you’re thinking ‘how expensive is this going to be?’ The truth is it’s not expensive. This bottle set me back $11.99, which in my opinion makes it one of the best affordable skincare products around.

Worth the Save

From drugstore to high end I love the world of beauty. Yes, there are items I think are well worth the investment, but on the other hand I think there are items you can definitely save one. So with my post on luxurious beauty investments done (see post here) I thought why not share with you favourite drugstore staples.

Budget Mascara

In my experience there are just as many good drugstore mascaras out there as high end. Yes, I loved a number of high end mascaras in the past. With that being said I can’t shake the feeling cheaper mascaras offer similar (or better) results but for a fraction of the price. Some of my all-time favourites are the Essence I Love Extreme Crazy Volume, Maybelline Great Lash Volume and Maybelline Miss Manga.  Also while it’s never worked for me Covergirl’s Lash Blast seems to be a favourite among friends and beauty experts too.

Inexpensive Lip Balm

There was a time where I thought Dior’s Crème De Rose was my Holy Grail lip balm. Crème De Rose is hydrating and the classic white Dior Packaging looks beautiful too. Maybe I was hypnotized by the pretty packaging? Maybe it was the online hype? But I can now wholeheartedly say that I’m just as happy with my drugstore lip balms and recommend them over any luxury brand I’ve ever tried.

Three of my favourites from the drugstore are the NUXE Reve De Miel (excellent for overnight hydration), Nivea Touch of Honey (great everyday staple) and Blistex Lip Medex (amazing for sore, chapped lips).

Bargain Blush

NARS, MAC and Hourglass are three amazing companies that make noteworthy blushes. I have a serious weakness for pricey blushes, but the more I try budget friendly formulas the more impressed I am. So if you’re looking to save, there are great drugstore blushes out there.

 Some of my favourites are ELF blushes (they do amazing bold pigmented colours) and Bourjois blushes (spot on dupes for Chanel blushes).

What are some of your favourite budget beauty choices leave me a comment below!  

Worth the Splurge

In my makeup collection there are many different brands, ranging in different price points. Yes, there are products that you can totally save on, but on the other hand I truly think there are products worth the investment. So ladies today we are getting spendy and here are some of my favourites to get spendy with!

The Right Foundation

I love drugstore foundation. Come to think about it my some of my favourites are budget beauty buys.With that being said I have had my fair share of horrible experiences with drugstore foundations. Orange toned foundation… been there, done that! Drying formulas and cakey finishes I’ve have my fair share of those too. Personally I blame drugstore companies for not providing testers, samples and knowledgeable sales staff.

So avoid any of these tragedies I say go high end. Many high end brands have testers, helpful staff and samples to help you avoid these makeup disasters. In my experience investing in the perfect foundation is well worth the aggravation and embarrassment.

The Perfect Lipstick

The perfect shade of lipstick can put a smile to your face and a bounce to your step. I call this the lipstick effect. So when it comes to the perfect colour I say spend! In addition to just looking flattering consider the formula, finish, taste and scent too.

My signature colour for the past two or three years (maybe even 4) has been Guerlain’s Shine Automatique in Rose Pompon. While the colour is spot perfect on I find this luxe lipstick hydrating, smells nice and just generally feels really nice on the lips. Plus the fancy gold packaging makes it that much more special too!

A Signature Scent

Just like lipstick there is a certain magic to perfume too. One quick spray of perfume can make you feel confident, sexy, cute, or a magnitude of other feelings. While there are many great affordable fragrances out there I am a sucker for the high end. Usually (not in all cases) I find fine fragrances smell more complex and last longer without getting irritating.

I love so many fragrances but I would say my signature scent is Jo Malone’s Pomegranate Noir. Basically its sexy stuff, but not in the in your face kind of way! If you haven’t tried Pomegranate Noir yet it’s fruity, yet dark but earthy all at the same time.

There is nothing wrong with budget buys, but sometimes a girl has got to treat herself. Foundation, perfume and lipstick are my personal favourites, what are some of your favourite beauty splurges?

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream

I love browsing the drugstore looking for new cutting edge skincare. For years you could only find typical anti-aging creams, followed by the same old acne products. Boring right? However there is a revolution going on in your local drugstore skincare department, because things are changing.  In addition to new cutting edge brands popping up, more established drugstore brands are bringing there A game to the table too. For the skincare obsessed its exciting thing. Adding to the excitement is brand new Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream.

Dehydrated skin is often confused with dry skin, but the two are very different. Dry skin lacks oil as where dehydrated skin lacks water. So yes you can have oily dehydrated skin, dry dehydrated skin, maturing dehydrated skin … you get the idea! The answer to dehydration is the miracle ingredient hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring, moisture binding acid leaves skin hydrated, plump, youthful and radiant.  For years getting a dose of hyaluronic acid was reserved for high end skincare brands, but like I said earlier things are changing.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream features a healthy helping of hyaluronic acid.  The first thing I noticed about Hydro Boost is just how refreshing and light texture is. It’s the kind of like drinking cold water on a hot summer’s day, but for your skin. In addition to feeling downright amazing Hydro Boost Gel absorbs into the skin instantly, making this an excellent choice for even the most oily skin types.

This is what I call a loveable moisturizer; it feels nice on the skin, smells amazing and hydrates almost instantly. If you had normal to oily skin type I highly recommend this gel. Drier skin types (aka me in the winter) might want to try to the "Extra Dry Version". Hydro Boost leaves my skin hydrated, plump and glowing. For just under $20.00 a pop I can’t recommend this enough.

CoverGirl Stay Luminous Foundation Review

I use to be quite the foundation snob and my favourite brand of all time was Chanel. My elitist foundation ways were cut short when my favourite foundation was discontinued. This need for a very pale, moisturizing, medium coverage foundation lead me very comparable but much more affordable Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum. Now don’t get me wrong I’m not about to jump ship I love the Bourjois, but recently I have been itching for something new and something cheap!

On a recent trip to Walmart and somewhere between purchasing Q-tips and dog food I ended up in the makeup department. Why does this always happen to me? With its claims of hydration and long lasting radiant skin I was drawn to the Stay Luminous display. However once I saw the brilliantly pale shade Classic Ivory and the affordable price of $12.95 I was sold.

With its weighted glass bottle, handy pump and travel friendly lid CoverGirl’s Stay Luminous feels expensive. Dare I even say the packaging of this is better than foundations 5 times its price! I am looking at you NARS Sheer Glow.

The non-glittery, yet luminous formula is where the magic happens. This weightless foundation has a light to medium coverage. As the ads suggest this foundation is both radiant and long wearing. On me it makes my dry skin look instantly renewed and glow-y. It’s the kind of foundation that you have that “damn, my skin looks amazing” moment with every time you look into a mirror.  The results are so beautiful that I’ve convinced my immediate friends and family this is my natural pregnancy glow.

This foundation is a serious drugstore gem! I’ve had no problems with caking, fading, oxidizing or any of that funny business. If you have dry skin or more mature skin and are looking for a good dose of natural glow I highly suggest CoverGirl Outlast Stay Luminous Foundation.

Hello, Lovely Lip Balm!

My purse like so many of us contains a constant flow of lip products. Some days I channel my inner tom boy and wear only lip balm, while other days I crave a sultry dark red. However even with the constant circulation of products there is one product that always remains constant… Dior Addict Lip Glow. This balmy product hydrates the lips while leaving the prettiest natural pink colour. I’ve often thought that if I had one lip product to use for the rest of my life that Lip Glow might be it. 

Yes we are here to talk about Clarins but hear me out, because there is a problem in this lipstick paradise. My biggest dilemma with the Dior is the price. Usually I would say the perfect lipstick is worth the investment, but I can easily go through one of these once a month and at $37.00 a pop Dior Lip Glow is one expensive balm habit. With no similar products on the market Dior had me buying there Lip Glow for years… Until now! 

Coming in the kick Dior’s butt is the Clarins Lovely Lip Balm. 

Hydrating, smoothing and lip colour enhancing… this is what lip product dreams are made out of. Clarins Lovely Lip Balm is the kind of product that you don’t need a mirror to apply yet it gives the lips a stunning, but natural pink flush. With shea oil and coco butter this hydrating lip balm leaves lips smooth in kissable. To make matters even lovelier the people at Clarins have packaged this perfect lip product in cute eco-friendly packaging and gave it a beautiful peach scent too. 

There are so many great things about this lip balm an outstanding formula, a beautiful finish, a fruity scent, cute packaging... I am in love! If you’re a lip balm addict I highly recommend for every purse, pocket, bedside table, gym bag you own! Basically what I’m saying is for $15.00 a pop, good bye Lip Glow and hello Lovely Lip Balm.

Skincare Products for an Amazing Glow

Strobing might be the hot new makeup trend right now. However nothing looks better then natural luminous glow of healthy skin. So ladies put that Becca highlighter down, because today it’s all about skincare. Here are my favourite skincare products for an amazing glow.

Clarins Gentle Exfoliating Brightening Toner

Healthy glow-y skin starts with exfoliation. Why you ask? Well it comes down getting all those dead skin cells of the face and showing the healthy fresh skin underneath. Now there are two ways to combat dead skin physical exfoliation and chemical. Whatever path you choose keep in mind there are aggressive products out there. With that being said the Clarins Gentle Exfoliator is not aggressive in the slightest. In fact this fruit acid based toner is gentle it makes it a great introductory product into the chemical exfoliator world. While the formula is mild it does a fantastic job eliminating dead skin cells while tightening pores too. The overall effect is flawless healthy looking skin, but with no irritation.

Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Peel Pads

 If you’re craving a more aggressive style chemical exfoliation these peel pads might be right up your alley. Boasting lactic acid and glycolic acid these pads support a healthy cellular turnover. Also added to the acid cocktail is the oil controlling miracle ingredient salicylic acid. By utilizing both alpha and beta hydroxide acids these will leave your skin noticeably radiant even with one use.

Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser

Using both physical and chemical exfoliation the Regenerating Cleanser is a product worth checking out. This cleanser/exfoliator is so effective that I noticed a difference the very first time I used this. If you were looking for a gentle, well thought out product give the Tata a try.

I have a whole in depth review of this beauty here!

Yes, highlighters are amazing, but nothing beats the glow of good skin. What are some of your favourite glow inducing products?

Highlighters for an Amazing Glow

Strobing, orbing, blorbing (okay I made that one up)… I feel old when I say this, but back in my day this use to be called highlighting. This whole rebranding kind of ticks me off to be honest. I can already see “revolutionary strobing” products being the new it thing beauty companies will be pumping out in the upcoming months. Well if that wasn’t a pregnancy hormone infused vent, I’m not sure what is! In all seriousness ladies the truth is you don’t need a “strobing” product, nope you need a good highlighter. So if you want to get on this trend here are some of my all-time highlighting favourites.

NARS Multiple in Copacabana 

As far as I’m concerned Copacabana is natural good looking skin in a tube… which is why I love this product. I also love this product because it’s easy to apply. With a single swipe and a quick blend in (using your fingers) you’re left with a convincing healthy glow. I would say this is my most used highlighter at of the lot, I absolutely love this stuff.

NARS Albatross

This is the most dramatic highlighter I own and one I solely reserve for nights out, weddings or when I feeling really fancy. While this might look seemingly white and boring in the pan, but Albatross on the checks looks like a radiant golden sheen on. Swatches don't do this product justice so you'll have to trust me when I say this it is simply magical. If you see this powder, swatch it and prepare to be amazed! The overall effect is a stunning dramatic golden glow.

Benefit Girl Meets Pearl

I have to be honest with you and say the packaging is not really my cup of tea. With that being said this pearly pink highlight is my cup of tea, because the overall finish of this is beautiful. The formula itself is very hydrating making it perfect for drier or mature skin types. Girl Meets Pearl blends into the skin with ease so there is no need to worry about streaky highlighter lines. If your someone who craves a dramatic highlight this offers a stunning pearly punch. Applied with a light hand this product works well for more natural looks too. 

So ladies now that we are all on on strobbing game what are some of your favourite highlighters? 

Leave me a comment I would love to hear! 

July Favourites

I love the summer, I love the heat but I have to be honest with you I can’t stand the sun. Dare I even say I am craving fall? Is that crazy talk? Anyways this month’s favourites are all about summer, staying cool and sun protection. I also have some new discoveries excited to share. So without further ado here are my monthly favourites.

Fresh Lemon Sugar Body Lotion

This was in my last month’s favourites so I will keep this short and sweet… this light lotion kicks some serious butt. In addition to being lightweight the lemony fragrance is the perfect zingy scent for a hot summer’s day. I love the scent of this so much I am seriously considering on purchasing the perfume, the shower gel and whatever else Lemon Sugar scented I can get my hands on.

Bioderma Photoderm SPF 40     

I don’t know about you but I hate body sun screens that are tacky. Yes this might be an over share but tacky SPF + heat= a day of feeling dirty. I’m not into it!

Photoderm on the other hand is not sticky in the slightest. Instead this sweat-resistant formula is lightweight and works like a charm. I also really happen to love the spray applicator because it makes application a breeze. For just under $30.00 and for such a big effective bottle of sunscreen this product is well worth checking out.

Caudalie Grape Water

I can’t help myself this fine mist feels so refreshing after a cleansing my face. To be honest this mist feels good any time of the day, especially in the heat. These sorts of sprays are kind of a princess product, but I honestly look forward to using this everyday.

Clarins Lovely Lip Balm             

I am so excited about this lip balm that I am at a total loss for words. If you love Dior Rosy Glow Balm you will love the Lovely Lip balm. Although the finishes of these two products are similar the formulas are slightly different. With that being said this product deserves a full review so be sure to check back soon.

What products are you loving this month leave me a comment!