Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Acure Wrinkle Complex Review

Tata Harper's Purifying Cleanser made my skin instantly glow and Avene's Cold Cream immediately soothed my eczema. With that being said there are very few skincare products that stop me dead in my tracks. New to the instant gratification list is Acure's Radical Wrinkle Complex!

What is Radical Wrinkle Complex?
Acure claims this treatment repairs fine lines, fights wrinkles and promotes new cell growth. In other words it claims to do what every other anti-aging product claims. The difference between this and other products  (I kid you not) is this is a face lift in a tube. This powerful cream contains a handful of antioxidants and moisturizers that help protect and hydrate the skin throughout the day. Radical Wrinkle Complex also contains Chlorella which helps protect elastin fibbers in the skin. The ingredient list (see here) contains no nasties and dare I say it's downright impressive! 

When I first applied this I looked at myself and had that holy crap moment. Immediately I noticed fine lines around my eyes were filled and my face felt firmer. Honestly my face looked skinnier, is that even possible?  The consistency of this treatment is cream-like with a slight tack to it. Some how while giving this product the full test I ended up using this as a makeup primer and damn ladies... back off Chanel, Makeup Forever or any other high end primer I've ever tried, because this is hands down the best. Radical Wrinkle Complex has some seriously good anti-aging skincare benefits, instantly firms the face and because of the tacky finish it also happens to increase the longevity of your makeup too.  

So what does a product that fills in lines and firms your face instantly go for these days? $200? $100? Try $24.99 and available at your Target! Whether your using this product before your moisturizer, as a moisturizer or even as makeup primer the Radical Wrinkle Complex simply makes skin look amazing. So ladies if your looking instant skincare gratification the Acure Radical Wrinkle Complex is worth a try. 

Monday, January 25, 2016

The Original Beauty Balms

If you thought I was talking about the ever so popular Korean Beauty Balms (aka BB Creams) I'm sorry but you have the wrong post. Today I'm talking about the original beauty balms. These are those emollient multi-purpose balms that can be used for just about anything. Never heard of them? Well let me familiarize you with the original (and a newer one) beauty balms!

Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream
Beauty products come and go, but this cult product has been around for over 70 years. 8 Hour Cream has quite a bit of shine so makeup-wise you can use this to highlight your checkbones or even use it on your legs. Personally I crave 8 Hour Cream for it's hydration benefits, because it soothes chapped lips, dry elbows, cracked feet, it also works wonders on sensitive eczema too. In addition to just being emollient this balm also contains vitamin E. This powerful antioxidant helps repair wounds, cuts and bruises. I kid you not once this even healed a itchy mosquito bite. If you were looking for a product with some heritage to it Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream is well worth a try.

Homeoplasmine (in France) or Cicadermine (in Canada)
Next on the list is the French version of 8 Hour Cream Homeoplasmine. Homeoplasmine is great if your looking for a matte finish or an completely unscented product. Although I've never tried this myself, makeup artists swear this is one of the best primers on the market. Like the balm above Homeoplasmine is excellent at moisturizing dry skin, repairing skin irritations and healing cuts. This is a product that lives in my purse all winter, because it seriously repairs dry skin in minutes. At under $10.00 a pop this is a incredible, must have drugstore buy.

The Honest Company Healing Balm
This is a new discovery for me and I have to say I'm absolutely loving this. This balm is excellent for those who are searching for a more natural product. Yes this repairs, nourishes and hydrates like the rest, but it has the added benefit of being safe to use on the whole family. Lately this has been living in pocket moisturizing my lips and repairing the baby's dry skin. 

Personally I reach for these balms to heal scratches,  hydrate dry skin, moisturize cuticals
 or even to tame crazy eye brows... Basically I use these balms all day long! Whatever balm you choose I am happy to report all three are seriously good must have products. 
 . What are your favourite multi purpose balm? 

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray Review

Every time I talk about my love for facial mists people roll there eyes at me. In some ways I roll my eyes at myself, because the application of these sprays can make one look a little high maintenance. In reality these diva like mists are anything but princess products.  Dare I say I would actually lump these spritz's pretty laid back in the world of skincare. Why you ask? Because if you think about it what other skincare product can offer instant hydration all while never touching having to touch your face? Let me introduce to you my new trusty sidekick Clinique Moisture Surge Spray. 

Let me first say this facial mist surprised me. Initially I thought this spray would be loaded with alcohol, parabens and other irritating ingredients. To make matters worse I also had the misconception that the spray itself would be overly misty or even wet. 
 I might be the definition of beauty pessimist, but once again I am happy to share with you I was wrong. 

Ingredient wise this facial spray has got it going on it contains a soothing combination of aloe and chamomile. In addition it contains no nasty preservatives, pimple inducing oils, nor does it contain irritating alcohol's. As for the mist itself I happy to report it's both fine and gentle. While Moisture Surge feels refreshing its not the kind of product that's going to blast off your makeup either. 

Dry, normal, aging and even oily skin can all seek benefit from Clinique's Moisture Surge Face Spray. You can use Clinique's Moisture Surge as a toner. With that being said you can also use this as a makeup setting spray too. However, as a girl who always needs an added burst of hydration my favourite use for this spray is as a instant moisturizer. Now I'm not suggesting you skip out on your skincare routine, but rather keep the Clinique close by for speedy moisture touch ups. I don't even care if I look high maintenance while I mist, because the truth is my hydrated skin has been thanking me for it. So ladies whatever way you choose to use Clinique's Moisture Surge Face Spray I say let your inner diva shine and keep on misting! 


Saturday, January 16, 2016

Meet Baby Everleigh

Where do I even start? I had a baby... 
Well let me back track to January 1st around 3:00 pm my water broke. In my case it really wasn't dramatic as the movies make it to be. There were no contractions, nor was there a huge gush of water and I have to say overall I felt pretty good. Basically my midwife told me if active labour didn't start overnight we would meet her in the hospital in the morning. So I did what any rational person did and went out for dinner. After that Jay and I watched a movie and about 1:00 am the contractions started. By 4:45am we were on our way to the hospital and by 11:00 am I was ready to start pushing. 

Pushing, I don't think anyone can prepare you on how absolutely exhausting this task is. After pushing for an hour I was advised to stop because the babies heartbeat was getting dangerously low. Things start to get a little blurry at that point, but around 2:00pm my midwives and doctor recommend the best thing to do was to get a c section. The next thing I knew I was been wheeled into the operating room. I have to say I'm usually pretty brave about these things, but I was absolutely terrified. 

At 2:29pm on January 2nd Everleigh Teresa was born at a healthy 7 lbs 12 oz. We later found out that the umbilical cord had been wrapped around her neck, which was why her heart rate was getting low. With that being said baby is now doing well and gaining weight like nobodies business.

It still blows my mind that this little lady came from my tummy. Without getting to mushy (because I swear the moment I start talking about her I cry the happiest of tears) I couldn't imagine life without her. 



Wednesday, January 13, 2016

3 Things To Try Klorane

Let me start off by saying I’m am in no way, shape or form a haircare guru. Yes, there are bloggers out there that pride themselves on Pintrest perfect hair styles; I on the other hand can barely work a flat iron. My lack of craftsmanship in the hair care department has lead me to trust in effective, simple and practical haircare products. The one brand that sticks out is Klorane. So if you want so trusty, effective products that you will actually use here are three Klorane products you must try.

Oat Milk Shampoo
Most of the time I wash my hair everyday. Gasp, I know but like I previously stated I am not a hair care guru. When it comes to shampoo I find many are either too drying or leave my hair too greasy, Klorane's Oat Milk Shampoo is the exception. Not only does this leave my hair perfectly clean but it also leaves my hair incredibly soft too. So if you were on the market for some seriously perfect shampoo and are prone to frequent washing this is for you.

Date Leave in Cream
Another product I've always struggled with is leave in conditioner! Some leave your hair looking greasy while others just don't do anything at all. Actually I've tried some leave-in's that make your hair dry and crispy too. Why people, why?
My point here is the Date Leave in Cream is totally unique in the sense it nourishes, but doesn't leave your hair greasy in the slightest. Why I gravitate towards this product more so then others is it leaves my hair smooth and soft. So if your like me and wake up a birds nest on your head this product will have you looking bed-head Parisian chic in seconds.
It also smells like a delicious Chai Latte! Just saying...

Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk
Where do I even start with this cult product? This dry shampoo has been around for over 40 years and to this day it still remains to be one of the best on the market. It's perfect quick fix to greasy hair, but it also works wonders in adding volume to clean hair too.
From being in the bags of the worlds most glamours women to simple hair girls like my self this is a cult product that totally lives up to the hype.
I did a whole post on this you here, should you want to know more about the history of this product!

At this point I'm sill considering eating my tube of Date Leave in Cream. I won't I promise but the temptation is very real people.
Have you tried anything from Klorane, leave me a comment below!


Saturday, January 9, 2016

Beauty Resolutions 2016

For most New Years resolutions are filled with hopes to get healthy, learn a new skill or whatever have you. For the beauty obsessed (such as myself) the new year marks a time to really reflect on my beauty routine and make beauty goals I want to accomplish in the upcoming year. If your not a beauty lover your probably thinking I am crazy at this point. On the other hand if you are then I'm sure you can understand my addiction. 
Here we go...

Beauty Resolution #1 - Condense the Collection
The reason I started my blog was to share my honest experiences with beauty, so yes I will always be buying more and more beauty. My goal however is to only keep the best and pass along the rest, throw out old products and finally use up the products I have before buying more. 
Sounds easy, but my stash is prone to craziness without constant upkeep. 

Beauty Resolution #2- Drink More Water
Drinking water is not only great for your health, but evidence suggests it can also be great for your skin too. I make this resolution each year and each year I fail. However now equipped with a very cute water bottle I feel l will be my year. 

Beauty Resolution #3- Try More Canadian Beauty 
Bite Beauty, Harlow Skincare and Ilia are just some of the Canadian brands I would love to try this year.  Don't get me wrong people I will never turn down French skincare or cute Korean makeup products, but I think its important to highlight some Canadian brands on the blog every once and a while. 

What are some of of your beauty resolutions? Leave me a comment!