LAROCHE-POSAY DERM AHA Review

Hi

 

Today I am reviewing one of my very favorite aha products for you.I have tried a few different AHA and BHA products and not all of them really make a difference.AHA stands for Alpha Hydroxy acid.They can be natural or synthetic.AHA used in cosmetics are usually derived from food products including glycolic acid (from sugar cane), lactic acid (from sour milk), malic acid (from apples), citric acid (from citrus fruits) and tartaric acid (from grape wine). What it does is that it removes the top layer of dead skin so skin will produce a young new layer ,In another word it exfoliates the skin .BHA stands for Beta Hydroxy Acid which is made from salicylic acid.BHA is also an exfoliator but it goes a little deeper.It deeply clean out the pores.It is very useful to shrink large pore and treating acne.

Now let's talk about LAROCHE-POSAY DERM AHA.

The main ingredient in this serum are Glycolic acid-APF-Anisic acid which removes dead skin from  the skin surface and renew the skin. It comes in a 30 ml glass bottle with a dropper application and retails for 49.00 CAD.It is clear runny liquid.It is Fragrance and preservative-free.

 How to apply:

It should be applied on clean and dry face.The application on the product says morning and evening how ever considering that it exfoliates the skin like any other exfoliant it is better if you apply it at night and definitely wear sunscreen the following day(Side note;We should wear Sunscreen every day even if it is not sunny whether we are exfoliating our skin or not).

I don't advice to apply it every night because too much exfoliating can irritate the skin.It should not be applied on the delicate skin around the eyes either.

 I apply it 3 following  nights a week.It absorbs super fast.I should mention that even though it is fragrance free it doesn't mean there is no scent .It has a semi strong acidic scent but it doesn't stay on your skin.It fades away very fast.

What the product claims:

Wrinkles appear reduced, skin texture is refined, the complexion is less dull.

My experience:

As I mentioned I apply it 3 following nights a week . I pour one full dropper in my hand and apply it on my face (not around my eyes)and sometimes neck with my fingers.Then I follow with my eye cream and moisturizer.

With the very first application I felt my skin is softer and smoother.I have been using this serum for almost a year now and I can defiantly confirm it makes skin texture very even and smooth and skin looks very youth full and glowy. I absolutely love this serum.It doesn't irritate my skin at all and it absolutely works.

Just make sure you don't over use it like any other exfoliant.Some people breakout with AHA products but this serum doesn't break me out.I recommend trying this product if you are in the market for AHA exfoliator and I will continue purchasing it myself.

I purchase it at Shoppers drug mart but if you don't live in Canada you can find it in amazon.
I hope this review helps and thanks for visiting.Subscribe to the blog to be notified for future reviews.Have a pleasant time.

♥♥♥

Perfume Shopping Tips

Hi

One of my most favorite beauty items is perfume.I tried so many different ones,I liked and disliked so many different ones,I had allergy reaction to some ,some time I regret purchasing some of them and etc..

I wear perfume every single day no matter where I go or even if I am not going any where.I don't have a signature perfume or follow a specific rule to wear them like seasons or time of the day and etc.The only rule I have is my mood.I choose what perfume to wear based on my mood!

I am not a perfume expert by any means ,What I am  sharing with you today is based on my researches and experiences and sometimes disappointments over the years.
I know how difficult some time perfume shopping can be ,Specially because it is a splurge item and most of the time you are spending  a lot of money ,You really want to make a good choice.

With all of that being said let's first  talk a little about the different types of perfume and the notes  which some of you might already know .

 Different types of perfume are classified based on the concentration of the aromatic compounds in the solvent.In fine perfumes the solvent is ethanol mixed with water. The longevity of the perfume is based on concentration of the compounds and also the more concentrated the more expensive they are.

 These are different types of perfume from highest to the least concentration of aromatic compounds;

• Parfum :15–40% (about 20%) aromatic compounds
• Eau de Parfum :10–20% ( about15%) aromatic compounds,
• Eau de Toilette : 5–15% ( about10%) aromatic compounds
• Eau de Cologne : Chypre, citrus type perfumes with 3–8% (normally about5%) aromatic compounds
• Perfume mist: 3–8% aromatic compounds (non-alcohol solvent)

Every perfume contains 3 set of notes;

• Top notes: The scents that  you feel immediately on application of a perfume is from top notes. Top notes are made of small, light molecules that evaporate quickly. They are very effective on person's initial interest of a perfume and for that reason they are very important in the selling of a perfume. another name for top notes is head notes. 

• Middle notes: The scent of a perfume that emerges  the top note. The middle note form  the main body of a perfume and covers the possible unpleasant initial impression of base notes , which become more pleasant with time.They are also called heart notes.

• Base notes: The scent of a perfume that comes right when  middle notes departure. The base and middle notes are the main part of a perfume. Base notes compound are rich and deep ,So there will be received close to 30 minutes after applying the perfume.

As you can see from different set of notes you can not judge a perfume right when you apply it.Buying  a perfume based on first impression some time end up with disappointment !
Also considering how much money you are willing to spend and how much longevity you expect from the perfume there are different options to choose from.

Now there are several factors that helps when shopping for perfume to choose the right scent since you can not return the perfume after you open it all the time or in all stores!

• Don't purchase a perfume based on your first impression of it since this is coming from the top note which will evaporate very soon ,So it will change after 30 minute to one hour. Try it in store go for the rest of your shopping and come back if you are still interested or even better If you have enough time try to shop for perfume in 2 days.Try it in the store and go home to make sure you will still love the scent after awhile and then buy it the next day.

• Don't purchase a perfume only based on someone's recommendation or just because you like it on some one else.Even if that person is a close family like  mother or sister. perfumes react differently on different skins because of different factors like pH balance of the skin ,age, sweat and so on.The scent you smell and like from your friend's perfume will not necessary be the exact same scent on you.

• Don't try  perfume on your clothing in the store .Always put it on your wrist for the reason mentioned above to make sure how your body react with the compounds of the perfume.

• Don't shop for a perfume on line before trying it just based on reading the notes unless it is a repurchase or returnable.It is very hard to imagine what the scent of the mixture of all those notes would be?

• Always consider the possibility of allergy reaction if you are a sensitive person to scent (like myself) and the best way to know that before you buy the perfume is to try it for a few times. Some time stores have sample of the perfume or some store like sephora will make a sample that you can take home and try it for a few days  and make sure you have no allergy reaction to the scent like coughing,headache,nausea etc before spending your money.

and lastly ;

• Don't give a perfume as a gift unless you really know the person's likes and dislikes well since for all the reasons mentioned above choosing a perfume is very personal and you don't want to spent your money for a gift that might never be loved or used.

These are my tips for choosing a perfume.I hope that help you.Thanks for visiting as always .I would love to know your tips and experiences. please share them in the comment section and don't forget to join the blog!.

♥♥♥

Perricone MD Skincare review

Hi

Today I am back with another skincare review.Perricone MD is a line of skincare that has been getting a lot of attention these days,So I was very curious to see what is all the hype about .When I saw there is  a great promotion I went ahead and order the kit.I received Cold Plasma sub-D (30ml) and High Potency Amine Face lift (30ml) in the kit and also it came with 2 free gift, (30 ml) Blue Plasma and (7.5 ml) Blue Plasma Orbital .The price for all of these products was 49.99 CAD plus tax and free shipping on Sub-D website and I believe deal is still available.

At first I wanted to review each product separately but since my thought about all of them is pretty much the same So I will give you a short description of each and then my experience.

I have been using them since April 06 so It has been 21 days.and except for my usual moisturizer and sunscreen and eye cream I didn't mix them with any other anti aging product to see what would they really do .

 Lets get started;

Cold Plasma sub-D

 

Cold Plasma sub-D

 

This is a  cream with a thin consistency,It has a citrusy smell and absorbs very easily.It is Parabens ,Sulfates,Phthalates free.I apply it based on the direction twice a day ,morning and night on clean dry neck and jawline and décolleté.It comes in a glass jar.

Full size is 59 ml and retails for 165.00 CAD at Sephora

This is what the product claims:

Cosmeceutical ingredients to target the loose, sagging skin along the jawline , this product reduces the appearance of a double chin while wrinkles in the neck and décolleté are tightened and refreshed. It delivers noticeable and proven results to a neglected area that often contributes to an aged appearance.

My experience:

My skin is not too loose and saggy! well not yet anyway  however it is not as tight as it was when I was 20 also and I expect to see some sort of improvement  when I use any skin care that gives high promises.

specially the pricey one with a big hype .I am very sad to say I don't see any different in my skin what so ever.I don't see any improvement in firmness of the skin or any lift  tightness .All I can say is that it's a pleasant  moisturizer for my neck and obviously I will continue using it but only as a neck moisturizer!

As you can see on the picture I am more than half way through.

High potency Amine Face lift

 

High potency Amine Face lift

 

This is a creamy serum that is supposed to be applied on face and neck every morning.It has a very faint plasticy smell that goes away very fast.It absorbs easily and also gives a little hydration.It is Parabens

and Synthetic Fragrances free which explains the scent of the serum.It came with a pump application and I apply 2 pumps on my entire face and neck.
Full size is 59ml and retails for 118.00 CAD at  Sephora

This is what the product claims:

An unparalleled youth-restoring solution that delivers both instant and lasting anti aging benefits. A new level of healthy radiance and a gorgeous, youthful glow.It is supposed to lift the skin in the morning and repair at night(Even though direction says apply in the morning!?)

My experience:

Again just like the previous item sadly I have not seen any changes in terms  youthful glow or lifting or any anti aging benefit from applying this serum every single morning for close to a month!
I just consider it like a little hydration and primer and I have used close to half of the bottle.

Blue Plasma

 

Blue Plasma

 

This serum is a watery serum with a light blue color.It is a non acidic daily peel which is supposed to give the benefit of traditional peel without irritation and redness.I has a horrible smell in my opinion  but it goes away fast enough.It absorbs moderately fast and gives a sticky feeling to the skin and it doesn't hydrate, so you will need to apply a moisturiser after ward.it has a dropper application and half of the dropper is good enough to cover my entire face.
 Full size is 59 ml and retails for115.00 CAD at sephora.

 This is what the product claims:

With deep action  purifies the skin of build-up and pollutants; and hydro fusion with nutrient-rich water to smooth, soothe, and hydrate skin surface. Along with resurfacing the skin, Blue Plasma delivers luxurious luminosity, radiance, and clarity.

Also it claims to  increased brightness and glow, unparalleled softness and smoothness, plumpness of lines and wrinkles, and reduction in pore size. it is supposed to be applied on entire face once a day.

my experience:

I had the highest hope for this one between all of them So I should say it was the biggest disappointment .

I have used other serums or toners that were supposed to renew and rejuvenate the skin and didn't do much, but this serum has been the most disappointing until now.I should confirm that it didn't irritate my skin or make it red,however my skin feels very dry after using this serum.

Unfortunately It did not do any thing for me also. I really wanted to be able to say I see some brightness or smaller pores or anything but sadly I can't.Actually I feel that my skin seems dull and dehydrated since I've used this product ,It is like I have not been using any anti aging or moisturizer on my face for the past 3 weeks.Considering all the hype that this product gets on you tube and internet I don't know what else to say?!
It is really surprising!

Lastly;

blue plasma orbital

 

blue plasma orbital

 

This is a gel like formula with the same blue hue as the blue plasma but without that horrible smell .It has a faint plasticy smell. It is Parabens ,Sulfates ,Phthalates free.The direction says to apply it around the eye contour once a day.I apply it at night and after it completely absorbs which takes a while (It is not super fast absorbing) I apply my other eye cream over it .mostly for moisturizing purpose since this one doesn't hydrate  and also leaves an uncomfortable sticky feeling.(Direction also says you can apply your usual eye cream over it if you need to) .It comes in a glass jar.

Full size is 15 ml and retails for 78.00 CAD at Sephora

This is what the product claims:

A non-acidic and non-abrasive exfoliator for the eyes to smooth, soothe, and depuff.This product is recommended for everyone who has a concern with fine lines, puffiness, dry skin, bags, dark circles, and loss of brightness in the delicate eye area.

 My experience:

Well to be completely honest I have to say I don't have dark circles or puffy eyes however I do have a few fine lines which I don't see any changes in them ever since I used this eye gel.I can't claim that I will not have any effect on puffiness or dark circles but in terms of noticing an overall improvement in eye contour area unfortunately I don't see anything like the other products!!

So as you can see this skincare line didn't really wow me at all.I really wanted to like them and I had high expectation but I should tell you like it is otherwise It will not be an honest review ,would it? I am just glad that I only paid 52.00 CAD after tax to try them  and not the full price! 

But still something that didn't work for me might work for you .These are my experiences with the line.

If you are interested to try it I think you can still order the kit from Sub-d website for 49.00 CAD plus tax.

I hope this review helps.Thanks for visiting.Subscribe to the blog to be notified for future posts.

♥♥♥

2014 favorite makeup products

Hi

 

As promised today I am sharing my favorite makeup products of 2014 with you.I have a lot of products to mention.These are every thing I loved and used the most in 2014.
Let's get started:

Face

Foundation  

Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup

 

 

This liquid foundation has been my one and only favorite foundation last year and still is.What I like about it is that it really is weightless and you won't feel that you are wearing foundation.It has very natural and beautiful finish .It lasts all day(without primer,I don't wear primer under my foundation). It gives a beautiful light to medium finish .I have a full review which I link it down below.

 Naked Foundation Review

Concealer

Mac prolong wear concealer

 

 I really enjoy applying this concealer under my eyes.I don't have dark circles so I am not looking for something to cover up heavily .The reason that I apply a concealer is to brighten up  under my a little and this concealer does a good job and lasts very long without sinking in to fine lines.

 

Blush

(In this category I have a few drug store and a few none drug store favorites)

None drugstore Favorite

Benefit Cosmetics Rockateur

 

This is a beautiful rosy color blush with a little sheen to it .I wore this blush  a ton .It goes with so many different eye looks and it is so easy to wear.

Nars Orgasm

 

 

This is an absolute beauty.This is a coral /pink color ,It has a  golden sheen to it. I is a gorgeous color and immediately brightens up your face.

Dior Blush  Strawberry Sorbet

This is  a beautiful soft pink blush .I absolutely love this color .It gives a beautiful rosy flush to the cheeks and lasts very long. As you can see I wore this one a lot as well.

Drug Store Favorites

L'Oreal True match Blush Baby Blossom

I love this blush .It is very soft and easy to wear.It is a gorgeous everyday soft baby pink. goes with  so many eye looks.

Elf mineral Blush Joy

 

 

This one is another beautiful soft neutral pink.It is flattering on most skin tones.Very easy to apply and lasts very long.You can find it  on line at:
Elf cosmetic

 

 

Physician formula Nude Wear Nude Glow Blush Natural

 

 

 

This blush was a gift from a good friend and I absolutely love it .It is a very soft ,beautiful peachy color. Very  easy to apply and it has very cute packaging as you can see.

Bronzer

 

Physician formula Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting Beauty Balm BB Bronzer

 

 

Physician formula definitely choose  mouth full names for their products,With that being said I really enjoyed this bronzer last year a lot.It has a nice glow to it ,not too mush ,not too shimmery.It just gives the face a gorgeous healthy glow .I have it in medium to dark even though I have  Fair skin.I use it as a bronzer to warm up may face,and I use it for contouring as well.

Highlighter

 

Mac Mineralize Finish in Soft and Gentle

 

This is an oldie but goodie.I have used it last year a ton.It is a champagne color highlighter.It has very fine shimmer ,but it is not noticeable on the skin.It gives a beautiful glow to your face.

Eyes

Eyeliner

 

Maybelline New York Eye Studio Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner

 

This has been my favorite liquid eyeliner  for years and I have gone through so many.It is easy to apply and stay put all day.

Mac Techno kohl liner in graph black

 

Thia is a mechanical eyeliner so no need for sharpening .It has been my only eyeliner kohl that I use for my waterline for years.I tried so many before ,But this one is the only one that doesn't irritate my sensitive eyes and also stay put in my water line all day.

Eye Shadow

 

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

 

This has been my most used eyeshadow palette in the year 2014.I love the colors and I don't think I need to say anything about the quality since everybody probably knows urban decay makes fabulous eye shadows.

Mac Eye Shadows

 

From left to right :Up;Wood winked,Sable.Down;All that glitter,Satin taupe

For the individual shadow I loved and used my mac eyeshadows more than the others.Mac eye shadows have great quality ,very pigmented and lots of color and finishes to choose from.These four are my most used in 2014.


For mascara I can't choose one that I used the most or loved the most in 2014.I change my mascara every 3 month and I really don't have a favorite to choose from between mascaras that I used last year that performed better than the others.How ever mascara that I am using right now has become an absolute favorite which technically doesn't count for 2014.So stay tuned for full review !

Lips

Lip Balm

Nivea Lip Butter Lip Balm Vanilla and Macadamia

This is my favorite lip balm.It makes my lips super soft specially in cold and dry Canadian winter!
I've gone through so many ,and I will always repurchase it.

Lipsticks 

None Drugstore

 Mac Lipsticks

 

From left to right: Please me(matte),Fanfare(cream sheen),Angle(Frost)

Cream Cup(Cream sheen),Pure Zen(Cream sheen),Syrup(luster)

 I have always been a big fan of mac lipsticks and in 2014 they won the prize again.There are different finishes, so many beautiful colors to choose from. The longevity is good and price point is good as well.I have so many different colors but I reached for these shades more than the others last year.

 

  Drugstore

 Milani Color Statement Lipstick

 

These are my two favorite of the bunch: Fruit punch and Nude cream

There are so many great lipsticks in drugstore ,how ever I will give the trophy to milani lipsticks.They are super creamy,very pigmented.The longevity is very good and I also like the scent of them ,They have a watermelon scent.My only complain is that I wish they come up with more colors ,specially light color ,like light peach,light muted pink ,lilac,and etc...

 

These were my most loved makeup products last year.I hope you enjoyed reading the post. Stay tuned for none Beauty favorites of 2014

Thanks for visiting and have an outstanding day.

♥ ♥ ♥

Nude Wear™Glowing Nude Blush

2014 favorite hair and Skin care products

Hi

Today I am sharing my most used and most favorite hair & skincare products in 2014 with you .I will not explain too much about each product to prevent it to be a long and boring post ,however I will write a very short review about them.
I will share my favorites makeup and also favorite none beauty related products of 2014 in 2 separate blog post.So stay tuned ! :)

Let's get started;

Skincare:

I tried so many different skincare products last year in search of the one that works best for me .I liked or even loved some and also I didn't like a few , but these are what I loved the most!

Anti Aging Products:

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II     

I apply this serum only at night after cleaning and toning my face and I see noticeable results with it more than any other serum that I have used. It made changes in terms of fine lines ,large pores and overall look of my skin.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Synchronized Complex II

 

 This eye cream absolutely has been the best eye cream I have ever used and when I use up all the other eye creams that I already own,I will defiantly will purchase this one.I had a sample size of it and I applied it for about 2 months and It completely transformed the skin under my eyes to younger and smoother looking skin.

NUXE 

Nuxellence Jeunesse
BRIGHTENING YOUTH CARE

NUXE 

Nuxellence Jeunesse
BRIGHTENING YOUTH CARE

This is a fluid, more like a lotion kind of serum not watery.It has a divine scent . It is paraben free and 87% of the ingredient is natural.

This fluid which I apply in the morning after cleansing all over my face and neck has a beautiful luxurious texture that absorbs in the skin like a dream without leaving your skin greasy .It makes my skin so soft and smooth and as the brand claims it give a beautiful velvety finish which is fantastic for under makeup.

RoC RETIN-OX CORREXION Nourishing Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream 

RoC RETIN-OX CORREXION line has been my favorite for years and last year this was and still is my most favorite night cream . It moisturizes and plumps up the skin .When I wake up in the morning my skin is fresh ,soft and smooth.It has great anti-aging and moisturizing ingredients like Retinol and Hayluronic Acid.

 

Skin Exfoliators

•  Paula's choice Resist Daily Pore-Refining Treatment With 2% BHA 

• Paula's choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant

   

I've been loving these two exfoliator last years .I use them together twice  a week at night to clear out my pores and exfoliating my skin.They make my skin super soft and fresh and ever since I use these 2 I had almost no break outs!

Resist Advanced Kit for Wrinkles + Breakouts - Advanced Kit

Cleanser,Makeup remover and Toner

LacomeCrème Mousse Confort

 

This cream cleanser has been fabulous to my skin last year and still is.I apply it on wet skin and message it ,it turns into a creamy foam and cleans every thing beautifully without drying out my skin.
This cleanser deeply cleans my pores and I use it only at night.

 

Body Shop Tea Tree Cool & Creamy Wash

 

This is another cream cleanser I have been loving last year. I clean my face with this one in the morning.It is very soothing and gentle enough for morning time that I don't have any makeup on. 

Thayers Alcohol Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner    This alcohol free toner refreshes and hydrates the skin ,It has a nice rose water scent and  I absolutely love it.I have been using and loving this toner more than any other last year.   Estee Lauder Take It Away Gentle Eye and Lip Long Wear Makeup Remover   Boy it is a mouthful name,Isn't it? I used to love Bioderma  Sensibio H2o makeup remover but last year I noticed it doesn't remove my eye make up completely so I tried Estee Lauder Take It Away and I loved it.It removes all of my eye makeup without irritating my sensitive eyes and I feel this one removes every kind of eye makeup(water proof or none water proof)faster,easier and better that Bioderma . Hair care Products: Chi Ionic color protector system Shampoo and Conditioner   I always switch my shampoo and conditioner but Chi Ionic color protector shampoo and conditioner has been my most used and most loved and I always switch back to them. They prevent my hair color from fading and keep the color nice and shiny longer and also keep my hair smooth and hydrated.   Rusk Thermal serum   I always apply a heat protector on my hair before styling ,however every heat protecting spray that I tried dried out my hair after a while ,So I tried this heat protecting serum that has oily consistency and has pure argan oil. I love this serum .you can apply it on wet or dry hair.It makes my hair very silky and when I use it before curling my hair even though it is an oily serum surprisingly it keeps the curl nice very long and my hair is completely frizz free since I use it.I only apply a dime size on my hair and I only apply it on my hair ears down .   And Last but not least: Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment   This oil treatment has been my one and only favorite oil treatment for years and 2014 was no exception! It  is a great product.Not only it hydrates my hair and keeps it healthy looking and shiny it also repairs the damaged hair and brings it back to life. These are My most used and most loved hair and skin care products of the year 2014.I hope you enjoyed reading this post. Please subscribe to the blog to be notified for future posts.Please leave a comment and share your favorites of last year. Thanks for visiting and have an outstanding day! (You can find all of these products in sephora,Department stores or amazon. ) ♥ ♥ ♥