Glowy Skin – Beauty and bounty

Age Prevention Superfood Cleanser | Youth to the People | REVIEW

Age Prevention Superfood Cleanser

with Kale, Green Tea, Spinach and Vitamins

by Youth to the People

Claims

Ph balanced (no Ph listed on website)

Protects again free radical damage

Non-drying

Suitable for all skin types

Ingredients

SLS free, mineral oil free, vegan, no added fragrance or color

Vit A – Retinol palmitate

Vit C – Ascorbic Acid (but given that this is in a clear glass bottle with a pump 🤷🏻‍♀️ who knows long you will benefit from this before it oxidizes)

Green Tea – contains antioxidants that can neutralize free radicals, reduces inflammation, prevents signs of aging, and is an antimicrobial.

Review

I have been completely loving the Age Prevention Superfood Cleanser by @youthtothepeople. It is an SLS free cleanser that is suitable for a second cleanse or a morning cleanse – though it can remove a full face of makeup if you wanted to use it as a first cleanse. It lathers slightly and while it doesn’t feel hydrating, it leaves my skin feeling balanced and isn’t stripping at all.

The APS Cleanser is so enjoyable to use because its scent is *fantastic* like a luxury interpretation of basil+health food store. There are no fragrances in the cleanser (or basil for that matter, it’s probably the kale I’m smelling).

I love/hate the packaging. It is a glass bottle that shows off the beautiful green cleanser. It looks like something you can leave out on the counter top because the labeling is so simple and clean. Although the bottle is a very think glass, it’s still glass. So it’s not travel friendly and, frankly, it’s not Liz friendly because I have the coordination of a three year old and I really think it’s just a matter of time until I Hulk smash this onto my bathroom floor.

I really think this is a fantastic cleanser. You may want to pass on it if you are very dry or want a hydrating cleanser. Also, this cleanser is packed with essential oils so this cleanse isn’t for you if you have a sensitivity or don’t like to using products w essential oils.

February Empties | 2018

Glossier – Milky Jelly Cleanser

I like this cleanser, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to buy it again. I’m not a huge fan of roses, but the rose scent is subtle enough for me to tolerate it. While the cleanser isn’t drying, it doesn’t feel hydrating or creamy or rich. I will probably buy it again next time I place an order from Glossier because it a fine utilitarian cleanser.

belif – The True Cream – Moisturizing Bomb

A true favorite! Moisturizing, thick, absorbs quickly, and leaves your skin feeling velvety. I have already repurchased it!

Paula’s Choice – Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid

It’s fine… it does what it should do but I have grown to like AHA exfoliators better and I don’t really notice a difference in my acne when I am using it.

FEBRUARY FAVORITES | 2018

Christophe Robin – Moisturizing Hair Oil with Lavender

This hair oil is the most nourishing product I have ever used. I have dry, color treated hair and a good hair oil is a must for me. This hair oil is silicone free and contains palm oil (I couldn’t find info how how it was sourced – if that is a deal breaker for you), linoleic acid, vitamin E, and olive oil. It’s a little hard to use because it is a semi-solid and can be tough to get out of the bottle – I just take mine into the shower with me and let the heat liquefy it a bit. I hae been using it for 3 months as an overnight mask or before/after styling and I have seen a noticeable difference in my hair – it feels and looks more moisturized, smoother, and all around healthier. This will probably be too heavy for someone with fine hair.

Smashbox – Camera Ready BB Water (fair)

Smashbox’s BB Water has been my everyday, go-to base! It has light coverage that evens out skin tone, lasts all day, melts seamlessly into the skin, and sets down completely without powder. This product really gives a “your skin but better look” and does not wear away throughout the day. My biggest complaint is that it takes close to a full dropper to do my entire face so I have been plowing through it.

e.l.f. – Beautifully Bare Natural Glow Lotion (rose)

This lotion is beautiful – it is a light pink,glitter free skin perfecter. I use the Glow Lotion as a primer under foundation or as a luminous base on a no-makeup day and it gives the skin an effortless, youthful, ethereal glow. This is the perfect thing to throw on if you don’t want to wear makeup, but your skin is looking a little dull or flat.

Kate Somerville – Anti Bac Clearing Lotion

I have the biggest love/hate relationship with this product – nothing clears my skin like a good benzoyl peroxide and nothing slowly sucks the life out of my skin like benzoyl peroxide. The Kate Somerville’s Anti Bac clears all of the texture from my chin and forehead, but I walk a fine line between using it frequently enough to be effective without drying the hell out of my skin. It’s made it into my February favorites because I took a good 3 month break from it and reintroduced into my skincare this month and was reminded about effective it can be on some of the problem areas on my face.

That’s So Retrograde –

I’ve casually listened to this podcast for awhile now, but recently I have been on a binge listing to the whole catalog, and re-listening to episode I have really loved! It is a wellness podcast that covers everything from numerology to foam rolling. It is hosted by two hilarious women – Elizabeth and Stephanie. They are very well informed and yet are still constantly surprised and learning in each episode. They ask the perfect questions and have hilarious banter with their guests – even the episodes with guests I’m not particularly interested in are still entertaining. I have linked to an episode with Rose Marie Swift, the founder of RMS Beauty.

The Ordinary – Serum Foundation – Review

The Ordinary Serum Foundation is a budget friendly light/medium coverage, dewy foundation with a skin-like finish.

I really enjoy this foundation – it’s a beautifully natural looking product. I think that you would like this foundation if enjoy cushion foundations or water based foundation like the Smashbox BB water. I like wearing this for short periods of time like to run errands because it is not long lasting (but fades evenly throughout the day).

This foundation has a crazy big array of shades – 21 total with cool, neutral, and warm undertones. I have mine in 1.2N and it matches me pretty well, The Ordinary states that every person will match two to three shades so it should be easy to find a shade that matches you. They also have two unique shades 1.0NS and 1.2 YG – a light foundation with silver highlights and a medium shade with golden highlights. I know there was a lot of chaos when the foundations were first release (I waited 3-4 weeks for mine). Now that the hype has calmed down, I haven’t read any more about issue of keeping up with demand.

I do plan on repurchasing this foundation and I will probably buy two shades – 1.0NS, pale shade with silver highlight and a foundation in my shade – I might try their coverage formula, but maybe I’ll just stick with the serum foundation because if it’s not broken, why fix it?

Ulta Haul – Fall 2017

Ulta recently had a 20% off sale and I not only made a few staple repurchases, but also tried out a few new products too. I’ve had these products for about a week so I’ve included mini reviews!

I picked up a few fall lip colors. I’ve heard great things about L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Lipsticks. While they are a really comfortable because they don’t dry down completely, they can survive coffee but not a whole meal. But, the don’t wear well at all – they tend to flake off after a couple hours. I do like the colors I bought (Matador and Cowboy) so I’m still playing with them to find the best way to wear them.

I really like the L’Oreal Infallible Lip Paint Matte Metallic – I own Moon Lust already – this formula is not long lasting or transfer proof, it’s wear is similar to a metallic lipstick. I pick up the color Brick Metal and I really like the color.

L’Oearl Voluminous Feline Noir Waterproof Mascara and Essence Volume Stylist 18hr Lash Extension Mascara are both staples for me. They both add volume and separate the lashes, the only differences are that Essence has a bristle brush and will transfer off the bottom lashes and L’Oreal has a plastic brush and is going nowhere.

I’ve been using micellar waters for cleansing in the morning and Pacifica Cactus Water Micellar Cleansing Tonic is a decent, budget friendly option – theres nothing really outstanding about it except the price.

The primary ingredient in Little Barn Apothecary Coconut + Pear Refreshing Mineral Mist is aloe juice and it also contains fermented radish root… and dead sea salt? I’m going to do some reading up on that because I have never used a face mist with dead sea salt in it. I really like that they have travel sizes of this face mist so I can test out the brand for cheap.

The e.l.f Hydrating Face Primer was a miss for me – it’s basically a silicone primer and I just do not like that texture on my face. I have used it a few times and it was fine so you might be interested in it if you like silicone face primers.

The internet has been loving Vegas Nay lashes for Eyelure, but most of the pairs are just too intense for me. (My favorite lashes are the Kiss Trio Lashes). I saw that there were new Vegas Nay styles out and the style I ended up buying was Easy Elegance and I like that the lashes are crossed and longer in the center. A+.

Cosrx – Honey Overnight Mask – Review

An overnight mask that provides intensive hydration with refreshing moisture.

In a Few Words
An overnight mask that provides intensive hydration with refreshing moisture.

Cosrx Ultimate Moisturizing Honey Overnight Mask has a gentle formula suitable for dry, rough and sensitive skinh soothes dry skin and heals rough and flaky patches. The mask can be used several ways:
1. As an overnight mask : Use the skin care routine before bed. Apply a decent amount on the skin.
2. As a wash-off mask : Apply a generous amount of honey mask and leave it on for 15 minutes. Wash off with toner or tepid water.
3. As a cream (in the morning) : Use in the end of the basic skin care routine and proceed with your normal makeup step.
The Cosrx Ultimate Moisturizing Honey Overnight Mask has comes in either a 60 mL plasic tub or tube and sells for about $15.00.

This mask was … fine. As far as overnight masks go, it’s very light in texture and hydration. I initially bought it because I don’t like heavy lotions, but it’s thinness is the ultimate reason why I dislike it. This mask has a gel like texture, feels like nothing in the face, and isn’t extremely hydrating or heavy. Normally, I don’t like products that feel very occlusive so when I found an overnight mask that was so gel, I thought it would be the perfect fit for me! But it just doesn’t pack the punch of creamy masks like the Cosrx Ultimate Nourishing Overnight Mask or Laneige Water Sleeping Mask. It turns out I really like to be able to still feel the overnight mask on my face the next morning because I feel like my face is staying hydrated all night. The creamier sleeping masks also make my skin feel softer and plumper than this mask did.

This mask might be for you If you aren’t very dry and are looking for an lightweight sleeping pack.

Notable ingredients it DOES have:
85% Bee Propolis
Hyaluronic Acid

Notable ingredients it does NOT have:
sulfates, triclosan, coal tar, formaldehyde-releasers, sodium lauryl sulfate, formaldehyde, tea, talc, mineral oil, peg, propylene glycol, mit, dye, parabens, phthalates, alcohol

Possible Irritants:
N/A

Vegan:
No

Tested on animals:
No

Complete Ingredients:
Propolis Extract, Butylene Glycol, Betaine, 1, 2-Hexanediol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Arginine, Cassia Obtusifolia Seed Extract, Dimethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carbomer, Hyaluronic Acid, Allantoin, Panthenol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Adenosine, Honey

Sephora VIB Sale Cart Fall 2017

The most wonderful time of the year is here! The Sephora Rouge/VIB sale happens every year around the end of October or beginning of November. This year it will be {ROUGE: November 3-6 AND November 10-15 code 20FORROUGE} and {VIB dates + code, when released}. This sale gives you 20% off of everything, no exceptions!

I’ve been slowly curating my cart for weeks because I can go a little crazy sometimes and make impulsive purchases just because they are on sale! This year I’ve picked out a few special items, a few essentials, and I even got suckered into a Sephora Favorites box!

Visart Warm Neutral Eyeshadow Palette – This was the first thing to go into my cart! A Visart palette was in and out of my cart 100 times last year and completely regretted it. I don’t own anything by the brand yet, but the Warm Neutral Palette looks like a fantastic everyday palette for me.

Bobby Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Based Moisturizer – This was one of the first high end skincare products I ever purchased almost 10 years ago! I haven’t bought it again since that first tub and my skin has changed a lot, but I decided kind of nostalgically to try it again. I will probably use it as a primer in addition to my current routine, rather than using it in place of my moisturizer.

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask – I usually pick up a lip mask every sale because winter is coming. The past years I’ve bought the Bite Beauty Agave Mask and the Fresh Mask and I wasn’t really blown away by either so I’m excited to try something new!

Jo Malone London Basil and Neroli Cologne – I’m a little nervous about this purchase because I have only smelled this perfume and it was months ago… but I loved it and I couldn’t stop smelling myself throughout the day! I hope it’s as wonderful as I remember – earthy and citrusy and fresh.

Briogio Ultimate Hair Goals Kit – I was planning on stocking up on the the Briogio Don’t Despair Repair Mask and this kit is the same price and an 8oz jar and includes an 8oz jar of the mask plus 3 deluxe samples of their Rosarco Blow Dry Perfection and Heat Protectant Creme, Rosarco Milk Reparative Leave-in Conditioning Spray, and Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo. I know I like the leave-in conditioner and I am really excited to try the shampoo because my scalp get so dry and flakey in the winter!

Briogio Don’t Despair Repair Gel-to-Oil Overnight Treatment – This is meant to hydrate, strengthen, smooth, and soften the hair – my hair and scalp is hella dry and damaged and I’ve never tried an overnight treatment. I like the brand because it’s silicone free so I feel like their conditioning products actually do something more than just coating the hair.

Sephora Favorite Soko to Tokyo – I have never bought a Sephora Favorites box before because I usually feel like there’s 2-3 products I like and the rest will most likely go to waste. This box is perfection! It’s a combination of products I know I love (Tatcha Polished and belif True Cream Aqua Bomb) and products that I really want to try (SKII Facial Treatment Essence).

Honorable Mention: ABH Subculture – I’m in LOVE with these colors but I’m not sure if I can handle the formula – I’m just not sure if I can work with it so it’s hanging out in my cart and I will probably just decided as I’m checking out…

Update: Between writing and posting, the Sephora Favorites Soko to Tokyo has gone out of stock and Kevin Aucoin The Sculpting Contour Powder and snuck into my cart.

10.24.16 AM Skin

10.24.17 AM Skin

I decided to give my skin a bit of a break for a couple weeks so I’m choosing some gentler actives, cleansing waters in the AM, and putting focus on hydration and nourishment… I don’t know if I’ll be able to give up all my acids, but I might back off from them a bit.

Simple Cleansing Micellar Water

Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist

Hada Labo Hyaluronic Lotion Moist

January Labs Moisture Balancing Lotion

Deciem’s The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%

Deciem’s The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG

Deciem’s The Ordinary 100% Plant Derived Squalane

Tamanu Oil

Leahlani Skincare – Aloha Ambrosia – Review

In a Few Words
An oil moisturizer that repairs, strengthens, and softens the skin.

“Aloha Ambrosia has a feather light consistency, making her ideal for daytime use. She absorbs like a dream and moisturizes to perfection. This beauty will help to strengthen, soften, and repair the skin while filling in fine lines. Your skin will feel soft and supple, and ready to take on the day… Jasmine oil helps to restore the skin by balancing moisture, reducing dryness, gently fading scarring and minimizing breakouts due its antiseptic and antibacterial properties.”

In a Few Words
An oil moisturizer that repairs, strengthens, and softens the skin.

I bought my Aloha Ambrosia on Leahlani’s website about a year ago and have used the entire bottle. I had a love/hate relationship with this product. I loved this moisturizer as an SOS product – it is so intensely hydrating and soothing on irritated skin. This elixir was the perfect rescue treatment if my skin was dry and irritated from too much retinol, changes in weather, or a sunburn. With that being said, even in those situations, I would never use this in the morning if I planned on leaving the house… which leads me to the hate. This moisturizer was so heavy and greasy. It never fully absorbs into the skin and even hours later your face is still an oil slick – and I am dehydrated so my skin usually drinks up everything! On top of being too oily, it has a heavy floral scent that never really dissipates – though, I might be extra sensitive to the smell because I hate florals. For those reasons, I never used this elixir in the morning and saved it for PM routines only. If this moisturizer did not have the heavy floral scent, I would repurchase this in an instant. Unfortunately, the smell is a deal-breaker for me. I could accept the greasiness because I knew that, no matter what state my skin was in, I could always turn to this moisturizer.

Aloha Ambrosia is extremely hydrating and healing, but it is also very heavily scented and never fully absorbs into the skin.

Notable ingredients it DOES have:
Squalane
Jojoba oil

Notable ingredients it does NOT have:
Mineral oil
Parabens

Possible Irritants:
Essential oils

Vegan:
Yes

Tested on animals:
No

Complete Ingredients:
Organic cold pressed olive squalane oil (Squalane), Organic cold pressed jojoba oil (Simmondsia Chinensis), organic aloe (Aloe Barbadensis), organic acerola cherry oil (Malpighia Glabra), organic mangosteen oil (Mangosteen Pericarp), organic goji berry oil (Lycium Barbarum), organic passionfruit seed oil (Passiflora Incarnata), organic cold pressed kiwi seed oil (Actinidia chinensis), organic guava oil (Psidium Guajava), organic sunflower oil (Helianthus Annuus), proprietary blend of essential oils and LOVE (Aloha).