Eminence Firm Skin Acai Cleanser Review

Today we are taking on the Eminence Firm Skin Acai Cleanser. Typically I like to start my reviews by listing ingredients, but every once and a while I stray and talk about scent. Scent wise, this purple hued creamy cleanser smells like a fresh berry smoothie. I would even go as far as saying this smells so good you will be tempted to go in for a taste. Now I'm not saying you should purchase skincare just based on scent. However having a lovely scented product just makes the whole skincare experience so much more enjoyable... Now onto the formula!

The thing that I love about this cleanser is just how antioxidant dense it is. This age fighting ingredient helps protect your skin from environmental aggressors. Along with anti-aging benefits antioxidants found in skincare can also calm redness and sooth irritating too. With raspberry, blueberry and Eminence's own BioComplex booster this cleanser has all the antioxidants your skin could ask for. 

Next up hydration! 

If your skin is craving some extra nourishment you need to try this. The first step of hydration is the addition of Seabuckthorn Oil. This miracle oil not only nourishes, but actually protects the skins natural moisture barrier. The next step of is the addition of my favourite skincare ingredients, hyaluronic acid. I'm sure we all know this by now, but just incase you didn't ... hyaluronic acid aids in retaining water. This extra dose of water will make your skin look luminous, younger and plump. While other nourishing cleansers leave your skin oily, Eminence's Firm Skin leaves your skin feeling comfortable and perfectly cleaned.  

If you couldn't tell right now this vegan, soy free, nut free, paraben free is awesome. Not only are the ingredients amazing, but the scent is delicious and most importantly it feels fantastic on the skin. Come to think about it feels and smells so lush it's a shame to wash it away. Those looking for an anti-aging cleanser this would be an excellent addition to your routine. However, if you had dry skin or sensitive skin you might want to check this out too.

You can learn more and Eminence and where to buy products here. 

Chanel Nail Polish Collection

I am really good at parting with old makeup. However one department I have a hard parting with are my Chanel Nail polishes. Yes, I'm well aware that some of these are old. Yes, I'm also well aware that some of these shades are 'out of style'. However spoken like a true hoarder, this luxe nail varnishes are the pride of my collection. So I thought why not have a light hearted post and talk about some of my all time favourite shades. Ladies and gents here is my Chanel nail polish collection.

Chanel Emprise 

I'm not really into pink or peach nail polishes. While they look flattering on others I find on my pale skin most shades make me look ill. Chanel however knows how to do a good peach and out of the all four peachy pink shades I know Emprise is my favourite. Emprise is a peachy nude that is perfect for the summer. With that being said Emprise is also great for formal events... its the kind of shade that tells people 'you've got your shit together' when really you might not.

Vert Obscur

I went though a phase of buying a ton of nail polish. However these day's instead of buying polish in quantity I like to occasionally splurge on a Chanel. In comparison to other brands I find Chanel has cutting edge colours and typically the formulas are better. Not always... take the golden Delight, beautiful shade, but crap formula. I am rambling, but what I am getting to is Vert Obscur was my last years fancy polish. This almost black teal is something thats totally unique to my collection, however unlike other most unique colours Vert Obscur is wearable too.

Graphite

Graphite is one sexy ass colour, I would even go as far as saying this is my all time favourite nail polish colour. Graphite is a silvery grey, what makes this colour unique is at times it can look quite golden and at other times it can look green. This colour looks great all year, applies like a dream and just looks super rock and roll on.

Dear Chanel, if your reading this (what are the odds) you really need to permanent colour!

Some other favourites in my collection are Black Pearl and Rouge Noir (review here). Actually if you really wanted to splurge there nail polish remover is a pricy but a fantastic treat too. So with my Miami Peach polish going off and my Chanel Vertigo lacquer looking slightly outdated I can whole heartily say I love my little collection. 

The Double Cleanse

Everyone knows I love skincare and one of the first questions people ask is "what is your skincare routine?". The truth is I don't have a set skincare routine, the products I use shift daily and let's just be real here sometimes I get lazy and a 10 step skincare routine goes out the window. One thing that I always stay loyal to is a double cleanse. Yes you heard me and for those of you who can't make it out of bed to wash your face I'm hear to say you should be washing that face of yours twice.

Step 1: The Oil Cleanse

Traditional gel or foam cleanser really struggles with breaking down makeup and sunscreen. This product build up can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. If you were thinking 'then get a stronger cleanser' your wrong because using a stripping cleanser can lead to dehydration and increased oil production. So the first step of your cleansing routine should be some sort of oil cleanser. Not only does this step give the skin extra nourishment, but the fatty oil actually breakdowns product residue effectively and gently.

If you had extra couple of minutes you could really pamper your skin and really work the oil into your skin ...aka facial message. The benefits of facial message are lymphatic drainage and increased circulation. Some people even compare the effects of facial message to Botox, just saying!

Your oil or balm cleanser doesn't have to cost you a fortune, a great drug store option is the Super Facialist (review here). Likewise if you wanted a cleansing oil for sensitive skin the Avene Lipid Replishing Cleansing Oil is one of my all-time favourites (review here). Coconut oil lovers you will be happy to hear that you can use this miracle oil too! Whatever oil your choose make sure to always apply to dry skin.

Step 2: The Final Cleanse

So with the gunk on your face throughly removed you can get the most out of your cleanser. I highly recommend using a cleanser that is best suited for your skin type. One of my favourite cleansers is the Clarins Daily Energizer CleansingGel. I find the Clarins gentle, effective and leaves my skin looking bright. Dare I even say it is good for most skin types too. Whatever cleanser you choose remember a cleanser should never feel your face feeling stripped, tight or irrtated. 

With the two step cleanse your skincare products will work better and your makeup will apply better. If your still thinking I'm nuts, I challenge you to the two step cleanse... trust me your skin will thank me for it! 

Ole Henriksen Nurture Me Cleansing Cloths Review

We all know I'm an good ole fashion cleanser and water kind of girl. However I can't deny the idea of a wipe appeals to me, especially when your pressed for time, drunk or want to get to bed. I however bought these wipes specifically to pack in my hospital bag back in December. Since going into labour back in January I have used (and finished) these wipes and dang do I have news for you. So ladies, skincare enthusiasts and face wipe lovers lets start the review shall we. 

As mentioned I am a cleansing kind of girl, so when it came time to buy wipes I put in tons of research to find the perfect product. Ole Henriksen describes these as "a package of luxe satin-spun clothes strutted with an ultra gentle nourishing formula that blankets your skin with the softest, smoothing cleaning experience". In addition they also claim that these "remove all traces of makeup" including water proof makeup. Even online reviews praise the Nurture Me Cleansing Clothes to be one of the best on the market. 

I however hate these and here's why. 

In a world of alcohol saturated facial wipes, Ole's are alcohol-free and contain many hydrating oils. The formula is groundbreaking from the outside, but once these wipes come in contact with your skin... ouch. These cult wipes, known for being 'gentle' irritated the heck out of my skin. I wish I can pinpoint the singular ingredient that caused irritation, but the truth is the ingredients are pretty solid. Maybe my skin is sensitive? Maybe it's the fragrance? Whatever the ingredient is proceed with caution. 

If the burning sensation didn't turn you off, the single reason you should pass on these wipes is there ineffective. I don't want to come off harsh, but I can remove more makeup from a baby wipe. Not that I'm suggesting you use baby wipes, but in terms of makeup removers there are better options out there. If you wear waterproof mascara my words to you are ... good luck. 

So with my face burning and makeup residue still lingering around my eyes the first thing I did after labour was properly wash my face. Moral of the story nothing beats a good cleanse. I know many of you love these wipes so I don't mean to upset anyone... BUT these wipes are a huge pass for me. 

July Favourites

From the beautiful hot weather to going to the cottage this month was quintessential summer to me. And everything summer means two things for my beauty favourites more skincare, and less makeup. Yes, I am definitely one that falls in to the no makeup category once the weather gets hot. So once again I have a skincare heavy favourites for you so lets just jump in.

Caudalie Grape Water 

This year I have discovered so many facial mists, dare I even say 2016 is the year of the facial mist. With that being said Caudalie's Grape Water is an old favourite. Like most facial sprays Caudalie's has an that addicting instant refreshing feeling. However unique to aerosol sprays the Grape Water actually comes out cool. So with the weather over 30 most days nothing feels better then a cooling, refreshing facial mist. 

Caudalie's Grape Water spray also reduces redness and clams irritation too.

Le Serum de Jacynthe

Sometimes I really like to pamper my skin, but cottage trips to me embody simplicity. So instead of packing 100 different things I made a strong emphasis multitasking products.  One of these multitask-ers was Le Serum De Jacynthe. This oil based wonder is a serum, moisturizer and treatment all in one. It's multifunctional abilities leave my skin looking glowy and feeling hydrated.

Read my complete review is here.

L'Occitane Luminous Oil

I know what your thinking 'two oils favourites in the middle of summer?'

Both oils are super lightweight and almost dry in texture, so fear not ladies.

L'Occitanes Luminous Oil can be used in the hair and on the body. I typically use this on the body because it leaves the hydrated and baby soft. With that being said it works wonderfully at smoothing hair too. With the scent of summery scent of mimosa this oil is my new all time favourite.

L'Occitane currently has this on sale for $12.50, so if your interested its an excellent time to scoop one up (link here).

Chanel Poudre Signee Illuminating Powder

For years this product sat in pristine condition and still in it's packaging. Yes, ladies I'm one of those rare breads that buys makeup to just "collect". However after doing a makeup clear-out I realized this product was too beautiful not to use, so I cracked it open and haven't looked back since.

Poudre Signee is a breath taking pale pink with a touch of gold highlight. The formula of this powder is buttery and easy to blend. It literally is the perfect highlight, especially if you have pale skin like me. Moral of the story if you have one of these use it!

Skincare, body care and a touch of highlighting powder... Can you tell I've been having a laid-back summer?  With that being said I hope all of you are enjoying the weather and thank you all for taking the time and reading.

Avene Lipid Replenishing Cleansing Oil Review

I love a good oil cleanser and over the years I've tried the cheap cult must haves (review here) to the all natural (review here) and just about everything in-between. However in all my experiences I've never found a cleansing oil free of essential oils and perfect for the even most fragile skin types. So if you prone to irritation, or just avoid essential oils (pregnant ladies) let me introduce you to Avene's Lipid Replenishing Cleansing Oil.

Now let me start off the basics... deodorant, makeup and sunscreen usually doesn't come off with regular soap. This product build up can lead to pimples, infections and all sorts of skincare problems. What these stubborn products need is a fatty cleanser to break them down and get them off. So in my humble opinion every skincare routine needs a oil based cleanser.

On a side note I can seriously can talk about oil cleansers all day, because I haven't even touched facial message, circulation and lymphatic drainage yet. Hmmm I see a future post here...

Avene's Lipid Replensihing Cleansing Oil can be a life saver for those with sensitive eczema prone skin. Firstly this this cleanser restores and repairs the outer layer lipid layer of the skin. Secondly for the past 12 years the good scientists from Pierre Fabre (Avene's mother company) have create a skincare ingredient called I-moduila. This innovate ingredient soothes itching, irritation and even calms redness too. It's kind of like oatmeal, except way more effective! Thirdly the addition of Avene's magical thermal water ensures skin is soothed all while keeping things baby soft. Literally this cleanser is the trifecta of perfection for sensitive skin.

Next up is texture and when it comes to a good cleansing product texture is everything. Avene's Lipid Replenishing Cleansing Oil is a cross between an oil and a gel cleanser. This perfect consistency is thin enough that it's easily worked into the skin but thick enough that it doesn't run off your face. The end result is comfortable, perfectly clean beautiful skin.

If you haven't noticed I really, really like this product. From its tear free formula to it's ability to cleanse the body and face equally well I give this Cleansing Oil a huge thumbs up. If you have sensitive skin this cleanser is a game changer. Likewise oily skin types might like this for its calming, redness reducing abilities too. Actually this worked wonders on my babies eczema prone skin too! Perfect for the whole family Avene's Lipid Replenishing Oil is a must!