Tony Moly Panda's Dream So Cool Eye Stick Review

Korean skincare is something I have been highly interested in this year. Aside from that, I love anything "cooling" or "minty", so when I saw this on the Sephora website for only $10, I knew I needed it. Unfortunately, it was out of stock for a long time, went back in stock and then went out of stock again a couple days later. I remembered Urban Outfitters carries Tony Moly and a few other Korean brands, so I went to the mall to snag this little cutie!

Something I noticed upon application is that even though there is a "cooling" feeling, it isn't as minty as Boscia's Super Cool De-Puffing Eye Balm. Tony Moly's So Cool Eye Stick (0.32oz) is also creamier in texture. I like to dab a little bit under each eye and then massage the excess with my ring finger. I find it very refreshing to use and it has a slight tightening effect, which makes this an excellent product for the morning-time or anytime you're feeling tired. 

I do appreciate great ingredients, and Korean brands are definitely known for having great ingredients at an affordable price. Panda's Dream So Cool Eye Stick contains a blend of hydrating and firming agents such:

• Niacinamide: this is a great anti-aging ingredient. It's known to increase ceramide and fatty acids levels in skin, stimulates microcirculation and prevents water-loss.  
• Adenosine: Anti-inflammatory.
• Bamboo Extract: nourishes and hydrates the skin. 

Something I have noticed is after it dries, it can leave a film, so if I ever so slightly rub the area where I've applied it, it can "peel" a bit. This is just something to keep in mind, but it doesn't bother me. I would use other eye products prior to makeup application and would never rely on something that "peels." Something else to keep in mind is that these little tubes go by fast, and they can be addictive to apply -- just a heads up!

Regardless, for 10 bucks, this is a GREAT, affordable buy!

Have you tried anything else from Tony Moly that you like? If so, do share!

Nia24 Eye Repair Complex Review

I find it hard to find an eye cream I like. Either the texture isn't right, it's not moisturizing enough or it peels if you happen to rub the area or add an oil on top. 

But there are others I actually really like, such as the Algenist Eye  Renewal Balm, Sunday Riley Start Over or my most recent favorite one, Bakel Cool Eyes. But today I want to talk to you about a very special one, Nia 24 Eye Repair Complex ($71, 0.5 oz / 15ml).

What originally drew my attention towards this eye cream was the fact that it claims to reduce sun damage around the eye area. I few months back I noticed a few dark spots had developed below my right eye and I was really concerned about this (another reason I should find a under-eye SPF). 

This eye cream contains myristyl nicotinate which is a component of Vitamin B3 (niacin) and though it is not the same thing as niacinamide, it acts in a very similar way - it fights hyperpigmentation. On top of that it has peptides (great for firming), Vitamin C and licorice (brighten) and caffeine (helps reduce puffiness). This is something else I noticed - the great ingredient list. As I've become more interested in skincare, I now read the ingredient list before I purchase anything. I promise it gets easier with practice!

But the ingredient list was not the only thing that intrigued me -- its texture made me fall in love with it; smooth, almost like a moisturizer, thick, yet not heavy. It has the perfect amount of moisture, it goes well under makeup and it's not too heavy for nighttime. I also have noticed those dark spots near below my eye begin to fade. For the record, I've been using this eye cream for two months now. 

I purchased mine at SpaceNK. If you're on a tight budget or are hesitant to spend so much money on a skincare product, I recommend you stopping by a SpaceNK store. I've never had an issue with them whenever I'm interested in a sample, and they usually have plenty of foil samples which better than them making you a sample since the packaging is an open jar and people usually dip their fingers in them - making them prone to bacteria. But try it. Try it and let me know how you like it. 

Something I do want to point out is that this does contain fragrance. It is not overpowering to me, but you can definitely smell it. But the fact that it glides so effortlessly, moisturizes and actually does what it claims to do, this is an overall winner for me.

Full Ingredient List

Water (Aqua), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Oil, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isopropyl Palmitate, Myristyl Nicotinate, Dimethicone, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Paraffin, Butylene Glycol, Polyacrylamide, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Extract, Betula Alba Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Fragrance (Parfum),Tocopheryl Acetate, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Panthenol, Caffeine, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide- 7, Sodium Pca, Urea, Trehalose, Polyquaternium-51, Sodium Hyaluronate, N-hydroxysuccinimide, Steareth-20, Chrysin, Polysorbate 20, Carbomer, Dextrane, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/dicaprate, Cetyl Phosphate, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Peg-40 Castor Oil, Polysilicone-11, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Propylene Glycol, Tetrasodium Edta, Potassium Sorbate, Bht, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol

Shop it here or here.

Mini Products, Mini Reviews

Shu Uemura Depsea Hydrability Moisturizing Emulsion: this is very milky and almost has a "watery" feeling. Though it wasn't moisturizing enough for my normal-to-dry skin, I can see those with oily skin loving it. 

Shop it here.

Nude ProGenius Treatment Oil: I know many people who use this and I've never heard anything bad about it. This omega-rich oil is extremely soothing on dry skin yet very lightweight. Skin immediately drinks it up and you're left with extremely smooth skin. PS: I also love how it's silicone-free. 

Shop it here.

Ole Henriksen Lemon Strip Flash Peel: this clear gel is potent. I could feel a tingle throughout the ten minutes I left this on. When I rinsed it, my skin was a bit red (normal after peels). It wasn't tender though, and I didn't get any adverse reactions. I would say it's exfoliating enough to only use every two weeks or even once a month. Long-term effects include reduction of lines and pores.

Shop it here.

Darphin Stimulskin Plus Multi-Corrective Divine Cream: I love the texture of this moisturizer. It's thick yet melts like butter, it's very hydrating and I wake up to smoother skin. I also love that it contains peptides. Only down-side: the whipping price point. 

Shop it here.

Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask: I keep mine in the fridge for a more cooling effect. This is perfect for skin that has been through a lot - whether you're a model and had a long shoot, you got sunburned, your skin is really sensitive due to cold weather or after a peel.

Shop it here.

Ren Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream: Aimed for people with sensitive skin. It has a semi-thick texture which is great if you have normal to dry skin. It has a slight herbal scent but it doesn't bother me. Just for the record, I have gone through three Evercalm Cleansing Milk bottles in the past. This line is very hydrating, yet gentle.

Shop it here.

Malin + Goetz Grapefruit Cleanser: I'm not a fan of foaming cleansers, but I have finally found one that is not stripping at all - this one! It has a subtle fruity scent and it makes my skin feel so clean but never stripped. If you have dry skin but do not like oil-based cleansers, give this one a shot.

Shop it here.

GlamGlow Thirsty Mud Hydrating Treatment: This is the only GlamGlow mask I'd recommend for people with dry skin. It has an creamy-oily texture that feels a bit cooling. This is something I pop for ten minutes and then wipe with a tissue whenever my skin is feeling drier than usual. It does have a light brown color that "tints" the skin when you have it on but it doesn't leave a residue when you wipe it off.

Shop it here.

Sunday Riley Luna Review

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Opal

 As soon as I hit twenty-five, I began noticing changes on my skin. The areas that used to be oily became dry. I then realized I had developed "normal" skin, which just means that it isn't too dry or too oily. I always prep my skin prior to applying makeup, always, but using specific products can help you get juicy-looking skin.

This year I also learned that I love "glowy" skin and one of my favorite ways of achieving that is by using a highlighter. I had seen "Opal" Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed on Instagram far too many times. I gazed at the golden glow knowing I needed it in my collection. 

Fast forward, it's now my favorite highlighter. I find Opal to look great on people with yellow undertones, however, Becca has a few more shades, so I'm sure you could find something suitable for you. 

Though this is a powder product, it blends as if it were a cream. Its high pigmentation means you have to be careful when dabbing your brush. It's always best to build the product little by little as it is never easy to "remove" makeup once it's on the skin. 

I love using my Real Techniques Contour Brush to apply it directly to the high points of my face. Highly recommend!

Benton Snail Bee High Concent Essence Review

The idea of applying snail mucin on the skin may seem foreign or even gross to many, and I understand that, but its use in the beauty industry has been around for a long time in Korea. Snail slime mucin is a type of mucus secreted by snail and is actually rich in elastic, glycolic acid and proteins of high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid and antioxidants.

Here are some interesting facts on how snails benefit from their own mucin: it actually protects and heals its squishy foot as they move through rough surfaces like rocks. As for the beauty industry, snail mucin is known to reduce inflammation, restore damaged tissue, hydrate and effective in treating acne and scarring.

And I got to try it myself. My friend Fenny raved about Benton's Snail Bee High Content Essence and when she asked me if I would be fine using snail mucin in my face, I said yes without any hesitation. 

Benton claims this product "is for all types of skin including sensitive and troubled ones. Instead of water, the product uses snail secretion filtrate, bee venom and EGF to cleanse your rough and damaged skin from various stresses and pollution. In addition to the skin-troubled care, moisture supply and skin tone improvement functions, Arbutin and Adenosine contents of the product help you whitening your skin and remove wrinkles." 

Now here are my thoughts. It is surprising that a product contains no water and no alcohol. This bottle contains 90% snail extract and bee venom. I love how snail secretion filtrate is the first ingredient listed, so you're not getting bogus claims about the ingredients. Doesn't it bug you when a brand raves about an ingredient and you find it towards the end of the ingredient list? 

Another interesting fact about snail mucin is that aside from all the benefits listed in the beginning, it also helps with photodamage and it has antibacterial properties. 

As for bee venom, which has been popular in Asia for a long time,"tricks" your body thinking you've been stung to increase collagen production and promote healing. Hence this is a fabulous product not just for those battling with spots, but also for anyone looking to improve their over-all skin tone and clarity. 

I've been using it for a month and have been pleasantly surprised with the results. I use it right after cleansing as a serum. It actually has a clear, gel consistency that spreads easily almost into nothing. In a matter of seconds, you can't tell it's on your skin. It is fragrance free and it doesn't even have a funky smell to it. 

I posted a picture on Instagram three weeks ago after giving myself a facial massage. You can judge my skin for yourself. Ever since I started using this product, my skin has been amazing and I'm actually actually not even wearing any makeup most days. 

Packaging-wise, this comes in a plastic bottle and you get 60ml. It comes with a pump and usually one pump is enough to cover my face, but I like to use two to cover my neck as well. Though the bottle itself doesn't feel luxurious, this is a perfect example of how sometimes you shouldn't judge a product by its appearance but rather by what's inside.

You can shop Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence here. Oh and a bonus? It's affordable.

Ingredients

Snail Secretion Filtrate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Arbutin, Human Ogliopeptide-1, Bee Venom, Plantago Asiatica Extract, Laminana Digita Extract, Dios Pyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Ulmus Campestris (Elm) Extract, Bacilus Ferment, Azelaic Acid, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Butylene Glycol, Beta-Glucan, Betaine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Cross Polymer, Adenosine, Panthenol, Allantoin, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Usnea Barbata (Lichen) Extract, Pulsatilla Koreana Extract, Arginine

L'Occitane Amande Firming & Smoothing Milk Concentrate

I was walking at Sephora during the VIB Sale Event earlier this month and stopped at the L'Occitane aisle. I was wearing shorts that day and my legs were very irritated. I did something very stupid: I "dry" shaved because I was in a rush one night and then moisturized with jojoba oil mixed with peppermint oil. I got a little carried away with the peppermint which ended up irritating my already-irritated skin due to dry shaving (never do that!). Hence my legs were very itchy, to the point where my skin hurt. 

"Try our almond range" said the L'Occitane rep, in a very casual fashion, not trying to sell me anything. I told her I was currently using the Almond Shower Oil which I love (I've gone through three already!) and use to shave my legs with, but also told her about my silly incident. Since my legs were already there and bare, I decided to try the Amande Firming & Smoothing Milk Concentrate. Immediately I felt the itchiness subside and my bumpy skin was softened. 

I wanted to take advantage of the sale and actually ended up purchasing the Delicious Almond Set (which is ah-mazing and highly recommend you getting before it's gone!) which includes half size (3.5 oz.) of the Amande Milk.

This body moisturizer is hands down the most luxurious I've ever tried, and though I don't think you should stick to expensive moisturizers, you do get what you pay for with this one. I love how there is slip to it due to the almond oil & milk in it, meaning you will need less amount to cover the skin, making this jar last quite a while. About the jar -- it's very heavy, so it's not good for travel.

And a tip: make sure your skin is slightly damped before applying your moisturizer, just like you would with skincare products. 

Four Mascaras, Four Opinions

I've had these mini mascaras (which surprisingly last a long time) for a little over three months now. In case you didn't know, you're supposed to toss your mascara every three months, as the brushes are a ground breed for bacteria. 

Today I will share with you its claims vs. my thoughts on them. 

Blinc Mascara $26

Its Claims

If you're looking for a no-hassle, no-smudge mascara that you can take throughout your day with no re-application, blinc mascara is your answer. Instead of painting your lashes like conventional mascaras, blinc mascara forms tiny no-smudge, water-resistant "tubes" around your lashes. Once applied, these mascara tubes bind to your lashes and cannot run, smudge, clump, or flake, even if you cry or rub your eyes.

Whether your daily activities take you from the office, to your sweaty workout or out to dinner, your lashes will look as good in the evening as they did when you first applied blinc in the morning. blinc mascara will add volume and length to give you a radiant natural look that lasts all day.

Only when you are ready for removal, the tubes will effortlessly slide off your lashes into your hand without the use of a harsh makeup remover.

My Thoughts

A good friend of mine actually swears by this mascara. She loves that it deposits little tubes into every lash giving the illusion of thicker lashes. Unfortunately, it didn't work for me. I felt like it did nothing for my lashes and the formula was very wet. 

Note: if you try this, don't freak out when you're removing it with water at the end of the day. It's not your lashes that are falling off, it's the little "tubes" that coat them. 

Benefit They're Real! Mascara $23

Its Claims

They're real! lengthens, curls, volumizes, lifts & separates. Our jet black, long-wearing formula won’t smudge or dry out. A specially designed brush reveals lashes you never knew you had! What else you need to know:
94% saw dramatic length & volume* 90% saw base-to-tip curl* 94% saw visible lift* 100% saw long-wearing results*
*Results observed in a consumer panel survey

My Thoughts

This used to be my go-to mascara about a year ago. I loved the way it thickened my stubborn, straight lashes. However I then began noticing that the plastic bristle was hard and hurt my top lashline. On top of that, it's a pain in the ass to remove. There's actually a drugstore mascara that is way better than this one for half the price and better results.

Tarte Lights, Camera, Flashes $23

Its Claims

Take your lashes to the extreme with this ultra-black mascara that lengthens, curls and magnifies for an intensified look proven to increase lash volume by 752% instantly!

Product Performance: Take your sultry, flashy lashes to the extreme with this amped up, ultra-black mascara that lengthens, curls and magnifies lashes for an intensified look proven to increase lash volume by 752% instantly! Powered by tarte’s proprietary triple black complex, this longwear, vitamin-infused formula emphasizes length and volume while conditioning lashes for a dramatic look that won’t dry out, flake or budge. The custom-engineered, dual-molded brush boosts even the skinniest lashes for an exaggerated, voluminous look. First, the shorter, denser side of the brush delivers the optimal amount of mascara to volumize and coat each lash perfectly, then the longer, firmer side of the brush lengthens and separates for maximum volume without clumping.

Powered By: Provitamin B5: vitamin B derivative that helps treat and thicken lashes.
Beeswax: a protective barrier between the skin and the environment that has been known to naturally stimulate collagen production.
Mineral pigments: soothe and soften lashes.

My Thoughts

Yada, yada, yada...some people take marketing to the extreme these days. I don't like to use the word hate, so lets stick to "strongly dislike". I strongly disliked this mascara from the moment I first tried it. It's dry, the brush was uncomfortable and out of all the mascaras I'm reviewing today, this one is the worst, in my experience. 

Lancome Hypnose Drama $27.50

Its Claims 

Get instant lash drama in a single coat, no clumping or flaking.

• Intense black pigments
• Triple coating system delivers a fluid and creamy application to quickly and easily build big, battable lashes that won’t clump or flake throughout the day.

My Thoughts

This is my new holy grail mascara. In spite of it not being waterproof (though they do have a waterproof version I haven't tried), this holds a curl like no other. When I carefully coat each lash, I notice instant volume. I also love that my lashes appear to be longer and ahhh -- the formula. It doesn't flake. I love it!

Yes, it is an expensive mascara. No, your lashes and mine are not the same, so perhaps there is a mascara in here that you love and I disliked. Perhaps some mascaras that I love and you dislike. That's just how it goes! 

Are there any mascaras you love or strongly dislike? If so, do share!

Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil Review

I've been a fan of hair oils or "serums" all my life. It's a must-have in my haircare routine because I always apply a dime size from mid-shaft to ends prior to using my favorite curly hair product, Moroccan Oil Curl Defining Cream. 

I've used the MoroccanOil Hair Treatment and the Agave Oil Treatment before, but before I ran out of the last one, I decided to get the Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Oil (100 ml / 3.4 fl. oz / $48) just to try something new and well, because I was already shopping at SpaceNK. 

Texture-wise, Oribe's Gold Lust oil is thinner than both the MoroccanOil and Agave oil, which I prefer. I just use a dime size amount right after combing my hair as soon as I get out of the shower. 

This oil makes my hair soft yet it's very lightweight, so it doesn't weigh it down. I also use a smaller amount just on my ends if I want to touch-up on hair day #2 or #3. If you have short hair, you might want to use less than a dime-size, otherwise, it will make your hair oily.

Oribe's signature scent envelopes your hair, and bonus: it's a scent that men love. Jasmine, edelweiss flower extract, shea butter, argan oil, lychee, sandalwood and bergamot are just some of its key ingredients -- an ingredient list I instantly fell in love with: 

Cyclopentasiloxane, coconut alkanes, dimethiconol, caprylic/capric triglyceride, crambe abyssinica seed oil, coco-caprylate/caprate, limnathes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil, butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, argania spinosa kernel oil, tocopherol, parfum/fragrance, hordeum distichon (barley) extract, orbignya speciosa kernel oil, santalum album (sandalwood) extract, phellodendron amurense bark extract, astrocaryum murumuru seed butter, olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, citrus limon (lemon) peel oil, citrus aurantium bergamia (bergamot) fruit oil, ribes nigrum (black currant) seed oil, jasminum officinale (jasmine) oil, citrullus lanatus (watermelon) fruit extract, litchi chinensis fruit extract, lenotopodium alpinum flower/leaf extract, TBHQ, limonene, hexyl cinnamal, linalool, citral.

Overall this is an amazing hair oil that leaves my hair remarkably soft, bouncy and smelling ultra-sexy.

Bite Beauty Lip Love Ultimate Lip Rescue Kit

I suffer from dry lips. Really dry lips. It doesn't help that I bite them whenever I don't have anything on them. 

While walking through Sephora, I saw that my favorite lipstick brand, Bite Beauty had come up with a couple holiday sets, but "Lip Love" ($40) in particular caught my eye, especially since they labeled it as "Ultimate Lip Rescue Kit". 

I do own lip balms that I love: Nuxe Reve de Miel, Tatcha Camellia Nourishing Lip Balm, Fresh Sugar Advanced Lip Therapy Treatment. They are all great, but my lips needed something stronger.

What you get inside: 

• 2x Lush Lip Wipes
  
• 1 Whipped Cherry Fruit Scrub: 0.13 oz. / 3.7g (Original price $18 for 0.26 oz)

• BB for lips SPF 15 in the shade "Tawny": 0.12 oz / 3.52 g (Original price $24 for 0.12 oz, so you're getting this full size)
   
• Agave Lip Mask: 0.18 oz. / 5.0g (Original price $26 for 0.52 oz)

If you go visit Bite Beauty in Sephora, you'll see rave reviews on their Agave Lip Mask. And I can't believe it took me this long to get it. 

You need the tiniest amount, and by tiny I mean the following: 

It does have a very medicinal scent with a very ironic taste: it's surprisingly sweet. I love using this both in the morning and at night prior to bedtime. Something I've noticed about this lip treatment in contrast to other lip "balms" I've tried is that this one doesn't sit on your lips. It doesn't feel heavy either. It actually hydrates so much, all my flaky spots are gone by the morning. 

Key ingredients: resveratrol (antioxidant), medical grade lanolin, jojoba oil, organic agave nectar. 

I LOVE that it doesn't contain petroleum (basically what you find in vaseline, cheap)

The lip scrub has a delicious cherry scent (think the RED starbursts!). Unfortunately, this was a disappointment. The granules in this are very sparse meaning you don't get a "proper" exfoliation. It is creamy and very nourishing though, so my lips felt very soft after using this. 

Key ingredients: resveratrol, vitamin C, rice bran, olive fruit oil, pistachio seed oil, beeswax.

When I heard Bite Beauty had come up with BB for lips, I admit I sighed, a bit underwhelmed. BB? For lips? It seemed like a gimmick to me, that's why I never even paid attention to them at Sephora even though Bite Beauty is my absolute favorite brand when it comes to lips. This is what I love about these holiday kits: you end up trying things you wouldn't have thought of getting in the first place. 

Boy... oh, boy. 

This is lush. 100% lush. It's unlike any other tinted lip balm I've ever tried, especially when layered on top of the Agave Lip Mask. My "cracks" disappeared. I couldn't even feel them afterwards. My lips where so nourished, soft and plump afterwards, it was almost addictive to rub them together. 

Bite Beauty says:

"Say hi to your new lip essential. BITE’s new BB for lips is a multi tasking miracle balm that hydrates and nourishes, as well as colour-corrects and protects. Shea butter and essential oils soften lips, SPF 15 protects, and sumac wax locks moisture in, repairing and priming for all day coverage. The balm comes in 5 natural mineral tints that create a healthy looking flush.

Show off your natural lips, only better!"

I agree. And even though the shade "Tawny" looks dark in the picture, it is actually very sheer. It's definitely a "my lips but better" shade. It immediately plumps my lips and the softness endures throughout the day. LOVE. 

The only thing I haven't tried from the set are the wipes, but Bite states they were developed exclusively for the lips to hydrate while removing old color. They can also be used anytime to nourish while mattify at the same time. 

Overall, I think this is an excellent holiday kit perfect for anyone who suffers from extremely dry lips or perhaps for yourself! As someone with chronic dry lips I can say: this works and it gets an A+ for me.

Disclosure: I bought this kit myself.

Oil-Based Cleansers

It's no secret I'm a fan of oil-based cleansers. I find them soothing, nourishing and more gentle than any other formula. Today I'm breaking down different types of oil-based cleansers: oil, jelly, gel and balm. 

I like these cleansers for different reasons but all of them have many things in common: 

• You begin by massaging them onto your skin and they turn into an oil, and once they come in contact with water, they turn into a milk. 

• They break down makeup and SPF. 

• They are all free of nasty ingredients like mineral oil and silicones. 

• They are great for sensitive eyes and contact-lense users.

They're fabulous "skin" cleansers, which means I not just use them to remove makeup and SPF but also to give myself a soothing, gentle cleanse. 

Tatcha One-Step Camellia Cleansing Oil: This cleanser has the thinnest consistency of all but it's actually the most powerful in breaking down makeup. Aside from using this to cleanse my skin, it's my go-to for giving myself facial massages as there is enough slip to it. And a little secret: I use this to clean my gel-liner brushes as it quickly dissolves the product that dries on them. 

Shop it here.

Nude Perfect Cleanse Omega Cleansing Jelly: This cleanser does something no other cleanser has managed to do -- it gives my skin a radiant, healthy glow after I rinse; an effect that makes this cleanser quite addictive. This is a staple when my skin is leaning more towards the dry side as it never makes my face feel stripped but actually nourished and moisturized.The only con is that it doesn't have much slip to it at first, but I can live with that.

Shop it here.

Ole Henriksen Pure Truth Melting Cleanser: This cleanser looks like jello but it instantly turns into a slippery, comfortable oil once massaged onto the skin. I love that it contains nourishing and brightening ingredients like rosehip oil and Vitamin C. My skin is a smooth, comfortable and clean after rinsing. 

Shop it here.

Ren No.1 Purity Cleansing Balm: I reviewed this balm early of last year and it's still one of my holy grail cleansers. It has a balmy consistency that easily spreads on the skin and has an evident rose scent. This is my go-to cleanser when my skin is irritated or sore (it can happen from testing out other skincare products). It instantly calms and balances my skin. Unlike all the other cleansers previously mentioned, this one does leave a film behind so I do use a warm cleansing cloth / muslin cloth to remove it. 

Shop it here.

Sunday Riley Good Genes and Start Over Review

I'm beyond excited to share with you my thoughts on these two skincare gems by Sunday Riley. I had a couple of samples of them last year and so did mom. Good Genes blew our minds away. I'm in my mid-twenties and mom's in her early 60's and we both fell in love for different reasons. I loved the immediate glow it gave me and mom loved how it instantly plumped her fine and deeper wrinkles. It was like magic in a bottle. 

Start Over was another treat; immediately firming and brightening. 

So they were on my wishlist for quite a while and then I decided to dip my toes in the water again, tried a couple more samples this year and purchased them full size last week.

Good Genes is a serum that can also be used as a 20-minute mask. Sunday Riley describes it as:

"An immediate complexion booster. Brightens and deeply exfoliates the skin, while plumping fine lines, balancing skin, and evening hyperpigmentation. Circulation is stimulated and oxygen is brought t the skin for instant vibrance and radiance." 

I'd say yes to all of them. My mom, who suffers from hyperpigmentation and is very self-conscious of it, loved how by only using two samples, her skin looked much more radiant. I might have to get this for her for Christmas!

So how does it do all this? Good Genes is lactic acid-based and Sunday Riley actually uses a pharmaceutical grade and this is going to exfoliate, stimulate skin renewal, plump fine lines and increase epidermal firmness and thickness. So basically it's going to resurface the skin and make it feel and look smoother. It's also going to help products you add on top penetrate easier. It also contains Licorice, a fabulous skincare ingredient because it helps brighten the skin, therefore fighting hyperpigmentation and it also reduces inflammation. Its soothing anti-inflammatory properties also come from Arnica. Lemongrass is a circulation stimlulant and antioxidant.

This is a must prior to going to a big event or say, a first date. Just whenever you want your skin to look ah-mazing. In fact, Sunday Riley products are always seen in fashion shows to prep models' skin prior to make up application. I do want to point out that this product does tingle a bit. I advise those with extreme sensitivity to ask for a sample instead of purchasing the full size right away just to see how your skin reacts to it. Remember, what works for some may not work for others.

The texture is like a light lotion. One pump is sufficient to cover my entire face. You can also use it as a mask (just use an extra 3 pumps) for more visible results (glowy, plumper skin).

Start Over is a very well-formulated eye cream and hello you get 1 fl oz.! Sunday Riley claims:

"Lifting, brightening eye cream that radically reduces puffiness. Vitamin C and licorice erase dark circles and build collagen. Anti-pollution protection with algae, lutein, and alpha lopoic acid."

I had read some reviews, though they were the minority, that this eye cream made their eyes watery or itchy. I never experienced any discomfort or irritation, but it's just something to keep in mind. As I said before, getting a sample is the best way to see if your skin will react to a product or not. 

But on to why this eye cream is so amazing: 

Vitamin C helps rebuild collagen on the area and is going to help brighten. Licorice will also help brighten as well as reduce puffiness around the area. Algae, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Astaxanthin and Pomegranate Seed Oil are great, powerful antioxidants which protect against free radicals. Start Over also contains Lutein which in conjunction with Astaxanthin, helps prevent and repair DNA damage. And to top it off, Sunday Riley added NV-5 Ageless Complex which is a detoxifying blend of blue agave, aloe, prickly pear, cactus and a lady's slipper orchid to rejuvenate damaged skin and reduce inflammation. 

Yes, I know. It's amazing. I use it both in the AM and PM. It has a beautiful silky, light gel texture which instantly absorbs into the skin leaving no sticky residue. I love adding a bit more throughout the day to refreshen and re-hydrate the area. Sometimes if I had a little too much salt the night before or a late night, I'll add a thicker layer and use it as a an eye-mask. 

Overall, these are two outstanding products and I am beyond happy to have them in my skincare collection. Whether you're in your 20's or 30's and looking for prevention, or 40's and above to help fight wrinkles, darkness and dullness, Sunday Riley is for you.

And just a reminder, I'm not sponsored. I purchased these two myself and I am in LOVE!

Are you a fan of Sunday Riley? If so, which are your favorite products from her line?

Holiday Sets Love: Sephora Skin Wionderland

Raise your hand if you love holiday sets! I wouldn't be surprised if everyone did. They make an excellent gift for loved ones or yourself, they're usually reasonably priced for the amount of products you're getting and you get to try a wide range of products without committing to full sizes. 

Today I'm sharing with you my current favorite one by Sephora out for 2014 which I bought yesterday: Skin Wonderland. Inside you get 11 products worth a total of $147 for only $56. 

• Amorepacific Treatment Enzyme Peel (7 g / 0.2 oz)
• Caudalie Hand and Nail Cream (full size / 75 ml / 2.5 fl oz)
• Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil (30 ml / 1 fl oz)
• Josie Maran Argan Infinity Intensive Creamy Oil (5 ml / 0.6 fl oz)
• Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz)
• Kate Somerville ExfoliKate (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz)
• Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant in Pure Vanilla (25 g / 0.9 oz)
• L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil (75 ml / 2.5 fl oz)
• Nude Skincare Pro Genius Treatment Oil (10ml / 0.34 oz)
• Ole Henriksen Lemon Strip Flash Peel (15 g / 0.5 fl oz)
• Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Pure Retinol Express Smoothing Eye Mask (1 packette / 2 sheets)

Great sizes, great brands. You do get a full size Caudalie Hand Cream. I've heard the Clarins Tonic Body Treatment is great for stretch marks. The L'Occitane Shower Oil is an evident favorite, as I'm on my second full-size. I love shaving my legs with it! The Nude Oil is a great over-all treat for the skin. It is packed with fatty acids without leaving the complexion shiny. I'm excited to play with everything else and report back. Overall, I think this is highly worth it!

Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder

For the longest time I was contouring with Benefit Hoola - a warm toned matte bronzer. Sure, it did a good job of accentuating rather untraceable contoures on my face but it was still a bronzer, hence it was just a tad too obvious it was there. 

I also tried a darker shade of the Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick but it had too much red in it.

A contour should be ashy in color with a grey cast to it to fully imitated the natural shadow on hollow areas of the face. 

Kevyn Aucoin - I had read enough about his Sculpting Powder in Medium and how it was the perfect shade for those with light to medium skin tones. People were right. This is worth the hype.

The Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder will give the illusion of a slimmer face with more dimension. Don't know what to do with that bronzer you were using before? Use it for what it's meant to be used as: to warm up your complexion.

What is your favorite contouring product?

Bite Beauty Lipsticks Review: Sucré, Violet and Corvina

I've been a proud fan of Bite Beauty ever since they launched in 2011. I've never been a lippie person -- I'm more into eyeshadows. However from the brands that I've tried in the market, this Canadian brand beats all other lipstick formulas. Creamy, comfortable, pigmented -- everything you want in a lipstick. I suffer from very dry, chapped lips, so I guess I'm a good candidate to try "creamy" lipsticks. 

Something that is so distinct about Bite Beauty is that their lipsticks are actually edible -- they're that "natural". You'll be happy to hear that they are free of synthetics, polybutenes, petroleum byproducts, parabens, sulfates and phthalates. They are also certified gluten-free. 

Leaving those nasties aside, Bite Beauty lipsticks are rich in resveratrol, a very powerful antioxidant. They also contain other yummy ingredients like jojoba oil, castor seed oil, and shea butter. 

Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick

After seeing Amra post a picture wearing this lipstick, I knew I had to get it. Unfortunately, I didn't really like how the color looked on my lips and to be honest, formula-wise, it could have been better. 

Pigmented? Yes, but it does become patchy as you try to layer it. I had to go over some areas resulting in more unevenness. 

The shade is beautiful but washes me out. I'm sure other people can pull it off. Not a fan of this formula. 

Regardless of my dissatisfaction, here I am wearing "Melted Coral".