August Sisley Subscription Box

The August Sisley subscription box theme is The Luxe Collection. What better way to treat yourself, than with the ultimate skincare pampering? Your skin deserves the August Beauty Subscription. This month’s curated collection features a few of our most luxurious products, guaranteed to treat and soothe with their textures & results. As you discover the newest can’t-live-without from Sisley. Relax & Enjoy!

Inside is:

Sisleya L’Integral Anti-Age The ultimate name in anti-aging skincare. This formula combats visible signs of three different types of aging: genetic, environmental and behavioral-all in one luxurious cream. Instantly, fine lines look smoother and skin is durably moisturized. After 4 weeks, wrinkles appear reduced and the face recovers the firmness and radiance of more youthful skin. Also available in an Extra Rich formula for those in need of additional nourishment.

Supremya Eyes at Night Targeting the fragile eye area to address fine lines, dark circles, puffiness and eyelid slackening or sagging, the patent-pending complex of plant extracts delivers a dramatically more youthful and refreshed appearance to the eye area.

Sisleya Global Anti-Age Hand Care SPF15 Pamper and protect your hands with this ultra-soft, lightweight cream. Designed to diminish dark spots, fight aging, protect against UV rays and promote healing, it’s an all-in-one treatment to preserve the beauty of your hands.

Restorative Body Cream This silky light cream instantly quenches and soothes dehydrated skin by limiting water loss for intense hydration. Day after day, skin is better able to maintain moisture levels, nourished, soothed and protected for a softer, more supple feel.

Eau du Soir EDP A truly luxe fragrance effortlessly combines elegance and sensuality. This is Eau du Soir. The fresh citrus of mandarin orange and grapefruit are enveloped by the sensual florals of rose, jasmine, syringa and ylang ylang. The final base notes of amber and patchouli embrace the fruity, floral notes, leaving a decidedly sophisticated essence.

This was a good box compared to last month. Not that there’s truly ever a bad month with a Sisley subscription box. Read more about the Sisley subscription box in general in my Subscription Box information page under the bookmarks tab.

I’m excited to try the hand cream, it’s in my purse. We always neglect our hands. I’m sure I’ll love the eye cream and face cream. I’m sure they’re ridiculously expensive, luxe and worthy of pampering yourself. I have already tried the Restorative Body Cream and it’s fabulous. No major scent, hydrating without being heavy or greasy.

The Eau du Soir fragrance reminds me of something I can’t quite put my finger on. It reminds me of a fragrance my dad bought me as a kid in the 80s. Oscar de la Renta maybe? The bottle is so cute as well. This wasn’t a sample vial this time, it was a mini bottle with a statue top. It does smell fresh and floral with a hint of warmth from the amber and patchouli.

August Sephora Play! Subscription Box

The theme for the August Sephora Play! subscription box is The Innovators. From a breakthrough blending tool to cutting-edge hair care, we’re bringing you advanced formulas and high-tech products from brands that are paving the way for the future of beauty.

It comes with a cute fabric bag. The Sephora Play! bags are quite good in general. Inside is:

beautyblender micro.mini Revolutionary mini makeup applicator sponge for highlighting, contouring, and concealing. Perfectly shaped to reach the smallest parts of your face.

Clinique HIM Dual-Sided High Impact Mascara & Primer Duo Two-sided lash primer and mascara for longer-lasting eye looks and full, soft lustrous lashes.

Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick in Beige Highly pigmented foundation with e coverage of a concealer, smoothness of a liquid, and a weightlessness of a powder.

Lancer The Method: Polish Effective skin-resurfacing treatment uses natural plant enzymes and microdermabrasion crystals to reveal radiant skin.

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo Powered by a new, patented molecule, this effective dry shampoo absorbs excess oil and makes hair look and feel refreshed.

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue This fresh, citrusy scent channels the sunshine-filled Mediterranean Sea with notes of bluebell, white rose, and amber.

I really liked this insert that came with it. It lists The Elements of Beauty and has quite a few ingredients with quick tidbits about what they are found in and what they are best for. It’s very easy to understand and perfect for the basic skincare lover.

Here’s the basic product info:

I’ve used the micro mini beauty blender. I already have one in my stash. I love the full size sponge and the micro is a perfect size for concealer and highlighter. I never really use mine I tend to use a concealer brush or my fingers for highlighter. I forget to reach for it and it adds a step and extra time to my routine, that’s more so why I never grab it. It’s a nice tool if you have enough time in the morning. Ella just destroyed mine so perfect timing to get a new one.

I’ll use the Clinique mascara. I think I’ve tried it before and liked it. I’m not into the lash primers at all. Too much of a spidery effect for me. I already own the Hourglass Vanish foundation in Beige. It’s a bit too dark for me half the year. I do like it but I’ve been dying to try Sand or a shade lighter than Beige. I actually have never tried the Lancer polish. At least not that I can remember. I love pumpkin enzymes but I’m not a huge manual exfoliator lover. I prefer acids. I’ve had this for two weeks and haven’t touched it yet.

I always love giving a dry shampoo a try. This one was on my wish list to try. I do like it, it’s not too drying or anything. Not too powdery. Gives some nice volume too. It does have a white cast. Not the most severe white cast I’ve used in a dry shampoo but it’s significant enough for me not to grab a big one. I prefer the invisible ones. I’ve used Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue in the past. It’s a nice light feminine floral sea scent.

Overall this box was OK. None of the items were ones I was really excited about beyond the dry shampoo. While I love the foundation I already have a big one. Review here. The fragrance is a bit too floral for me, I’ve traded it out of my stash for other more true sea scent scents. The beauty blender is a good item I just never reach for mine. The lash primer is a waste for me and the polish is OK. Check back for my samples & empties posts for final thoughts on these items. You can also read my Subscription Box Information page under the Bookmarks tab for more general information about the Sephora Play! subscription box.

Kjaer Weis Cream Blush: Abundance & Desired Glow: Review & Swatches

I finally grabbed a few of the cream blushes by super luxe organic brand Kjaer Weis in Abundance & Desired Glow. The packaging is stunning. It’s a weighty silver metal that swivels open. The pans are easy to pop out and you can replace them with refill pans once you use it all up.

Kjaer Weis is a Danish born makeup artist based in New York. She wanted to create a natural makeup line that was elegant and sustainable. Therefore it’s all refillable. “Ultimately what I wanted to achieve was an alternative that fused beautiful color, texture and design with organic non-harmful formulas. I think it’s the way forward.”

Details per Beautylish which is where I purchased mine.

Luxurious, organic ingredients include: • Castor Seed Oil which strengthens the skin • Beeswax which nourishes and moisturizes • Jojoba Seed Oil which adds moisture to the skin • Rosa Rubiginosa Seed Oil which fights signs of aging • Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract which is an antioxidant and works as a natural preservative.

Left Abundance, Right Desired Glow:

Abundance is a wintery cream blush, inspired as a modern take on old Hollywood cinema. It gives gorgeous plummy taupe color to cheeks. This monochromatic cream blush has an iridescent finish that leaves you with a flushed, winter glow. Abundance adds rich color to pale to medium skin tones, and is wonderful as a highlighter on darker skin tones. It blends beautifully on the skin and is the perfect compliment to your winter wardrobe. Add a gorgeous, modern, crisp finish to your cool weather look with Abundance.

Abundance looks like it would be very cool and too plummy for me. On my skin it’s actually a quite nice natural deeper mauve blush. It is cool, but it pulls warmer on my skin tone than I expected. It was one of those shades I had to try. I wouldn’t label it as neutral but it’s close enough to work for some warmer complexions. It’s medium to deep in tone so start light. The shimmer is visible in the pan but it doesn’t really translate to the cheeks as shimmery. This is a pigmented shade.

Desired Glow is ideal for light to medium skin tones – a subtle bronze tone that gives the sense of a fresh tan. Perfect when applied to the apple of the cheek, and easily blendable with the heat of the fingers. Adds youthfulness to skin, no matter what age you are. With Desired Glow you can create the illusion of a post-holiday complexion, with a glow that is youthful and radiant.

Desired Glow is a creamy warm medium bronzy nude. It has a touch of pink and orange to it. It looks more neutral to warm in the pan but it pulls quite warm on my cheeks. This shade is a bit sheerer than Abundance.

The texture of this blush seems to vary. Abundance is a thick heavy cream. It’s very pigmented. I liked applying it with my fingers best as it was easier to control. I only needed one pass to get quite a bit of color. It lasts literally all day. For a cream blush that’s very good. Desired Glow is a bit thinner and feels less stiff. It’s also sheerer. I liked applying that one with a stiffer round brush like the Hakuhodo J210. The Wayne Goss #13 would be comparable. It does take 2-3 layers to get the desired level of color.

Desired Glow has no scent, I notice Abundance has a waxy oil scent like a crayon. I’m not sure if that’s normal for some of the shades or if I got an older one. Anyone experience that issue? I love that these last all day. There’s no issue with them not being pigmented enough. I love their chic aesthetic packaging. Who wouldn’t love that weighty silver package? It’s stunning. I would recommend trying this blush is you like cream blush and can handle the heftier price tag. It’s a very nice cream blush. It’s not greasy or too oily like some cream blushes and the staying power is great.

Top to Bottom–Abundance sheer than heavy, Desired Glow heavy than sheer:

Compared with Top to Bottom–Kjaer Weis Abundance, Kjaer Weis Desired Glow, Glossier Cloud Paint Dusk, Cle de Peau Cream Blush #4 Perfect Peach:

Botanic Farm Salmon Egg Hydrogel Eye Patch: Review

I was looking on Ulta one day trying to find something else to add to my cart (for whatever reason escapes me now). I saw these eye gels by Botanic Farm a new to me Korean beauty brand. I’m a fan of most Korean beauty and I’m not afraid to try anything like snail filtrate, bee venom or salmon roe. I grabbed their Salmon Egg Hydrogel Eye Patch. Details per Botanic Farm:

Sagging Eye Bags? Stubborn Dark Circles? Botanic Farm’s Salmon Egg Hydrogel Eye Patch effectively eliminates these imperfections around the eye area in an instant. With its rich blend of premium ingredients including salmon egg, snail slime filtrate and colloidal gold, each hydrogel patch gives the thin skin layer around the eyes more strength and elasticity to be able to prevent further damage caused by the environment’s harmful elements. It also contains aloe vera extract that gently soothes sensitive skin.

Directions for Use

Using the spoon included in the container, scoop the hydrogel patches and apply them under the eyes. Leave for 20~30 minutes then pat gently to allow better absorption. These patches should be used at the last stage of your basic skincare routine.

Salmon egg extract has been seen more in skincare and is the key ingredient seen in Perricone MD’s Blue Plasma line. Touted as being a mild exfoliator which in turn helps with dark circles. Snail filtrate contains hyaluronic acid, glycoprotein, proteoglycans and copper peptides. Its said to be antibacterial, stimulate collagen and elastin production, protect from free radicals, soothe skin as well as helps repair damaged tissues and restore hydration. What’s not to love from this anti-aging powerhouse?

Colloidal gold in skincare is said to be anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant. In essence it’s nano gold particles that has a positive electrical charge so it may help with some kinds of catalytic reactions at the cellular level by reacting with the ions already in our skin. Aloe Vera and seaweed are soothing and anti-inflammatory.

You get 30 pairs for $30 so $1 per set. Compared to some other brands it’s not bad for an eye patch. I find these patch style products tend to be way overpriced for what they are. That being said these type of cooling, moisture drenched eye patches really do help my under eye bags and puffiness. If even only for a day. Most of the results from patches tend to be short lived for me.

Eye patches are perfect for times when my overtired eyes need a shot of hydration. My eye area always feels hydrated, refreshed and renewed after using. I don’t use them everyday to be able to see a real difference in my under eye circles from them. I notice the biggest difference in the way it cools, hydrates, calms and depuffs my eye area. I think these are worth trying if you love K Beauty, new and not always conventional ingredients, and love a soothing eye patch.

 Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Adenosine, Chondrus Crispus (carrageenan),ceratonia Siliqua Gum, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum, Agar, Potassium Chloride, Glucose, xanthan Gum, Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Salmon Egg Extract,caulerpa Lentillifera Extract, Codium Fragile (green Seaweed) Extract, Dipropylene Glycol, Adenosine, Disodium Edta, Sodium, Propylparaben, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Calcium Lactate, Fragrance, Ricinus Communis (castor) Seed Oil, Yellow Oxide Of Iron, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Niacinamide, Colloidal Gold

SUQQU Lucent Powder Foundation 202: Review & Swatches

I never really been into powder foundations. Since moving to Texas two years ago I have come to experience heat and humidity like I’ve never known before. After last summer I was thinking a powder foundation for the summer might be good. Then one of my favorite Japanese brands SUQQU released their new Lucent Powder Foundation. I figured it was time to try one. Details per SUQQU:

Powder foundations are quicker to apply and easy to carry, while they tend to get heavy and cakey, drying the skin and lacking natural skin’s freshness. 

While removing as much of the cons as possible to develop our least-powdery powder foundation, SUQQU has also discovered a new kind of radiance that only powders can create. It’s light, soft and elegant radiance, unlike the dewy rich glow of liquid or cream foundations. You will choose this foundation for its graceful radiance, not just because a powder foundation is handy.

The crystal beads smooth unevenness while the porous beads absorb excess sebum. This technology by SUQQU provides a silky smooth finish without any powderyness. It both feels on skin & appears to eyes, hydrated & light.

Infused with Japanese native skincare ingredients such as Sanshou (Zanthoxylum Piperitum) Peel Extract & Someiyoshino Sakura Leaf Extract. 

The case is a slim black plastic which makes it easy to tote around. The case is sold separately and you buy the refill in whatever shade matches your skin tone. I grabbed 202 Warm Nude. You can also buy extra sponges though one comes with the case. The sponge is well made and will hold up to washing well. I don’t see it falling apart and it feels like a good quality sponge. I got mine off of Selfridges which is the best place to grab this item right now.

The powder foundations I’ve tried in the past have been heavy and looked cakey which is why I have always stayed away from them. This formula is not one of those. This powder foundation is lovely. It has a very thin lightweight texture. This actually disappears into the skin. It melds with your skin instead of looking like powder sitting on top. It mattifies the skin reducing shine and oiliness. Making it perfect for summer. I’ve used setting powders that look heavier than this on the skin. This really doesn’t look heavy or powdery at all. It’s quite brilliant.

Lucent Powder Foundation holds up fairly well in the Texas heat and humidity–it lasts most of the day. This is very portable so touch ups are a breeze. I loved that this wasn’t drying either. It is a drier foundation in general so plan your skincare or primer to counteract this. I didn’t use a mattifying lotion nor primer when using this. You can if you have really oily skin and it would probably work for you. It was overkill on my combination skin to use a lotion like La Mer The Moisturizing Matte Lotion followed by a matte primer than this powder foundation. You’re going to have to play with the right combo for your skin type, climate and season. This could be used in winter as well with the right combination.

Do make sure you use this on a well exfoliated face. I found this can emphasize the nose area pores and hairs if you one-apply too much or two-didn’t exfoliate your pores prior to applying. This is a foundation that’s best to start light then build intensity. It’s very easy to build in certain areas and do a light coat overall to avoid a heavy powdery look. You can get a light medium to medium full coverage. This isn’t sheer nor is it heavy. It covers the redness on my cheeks for the most part as well as any other skin discolorations while still allowing enough skin to peek through. That’s what makes this a successful powder foundation. It doesn’t try to be something it’s not. It delivers on it’s promise of being easy and quick, covers well, absorbs oil and mattifies the skin with no heavy powdery feel–all while remaining light, skin like and non-drying.

Top Rouge Bunny Rouge Imperceptible Powder Evanescence Eidola, Bottom SUQQU Lucent Powder Foundation 202 Warm Nude:

Deciem The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10%: Review

Time for another The Ordinary review. I’m slowing working my way through their line. The Argireline Solution 10% is a lightweight serum with 10% Argireline peptide complex. I immediately dove in as it’s slated for reducing forehead wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes. Details per Deciem:

Argireline is a trademark owned by Barcelona-based Lipotec. It is a proprietary solution of Acetyl Hexapeptide-8. Controlled studies have shown that Argireline improves the appearance of facial areas prone to developing dynamic folds, including around the eyes and in the forehead area. 

Same usual The Ordinary package–a glass bottle with dropper. Not my favorite package but for the $7.80 this costs I can’t complain much. However, I did knock the bottle over more than once and spill some. That’s why I don’t like droppers. Plus the texture of this product is thin like water. If you knock it over it will spill out quickly. This feels like a water based toner. It absorbs fairly quickly and no residue or any greasy feel. It feels clean after applying. You would have no issues layering anything over this. A quick note by Deciem below on why they made this formula watery:

Note: Studies have shown that the water content of formulations does impact the utility level of topical Argireline and specifically that higher water content results in better utility. This formulation is water-based and avoids oils, esters and silicones.

While I did find this product easy to use, it plays nicely with other skincare items, there’s no adverse side effects and best of all it’s cheap. However, it wasn’t really that impressive in it’s results. When I first started playing with this I thought I got overnight improvement. After using this for weeks and changing around other skincare items in my routine I found it was the Zelens 3t Complex that really made the overnight difference for me, not this item. I’ve used this for a few months changing it around with other creams and products but it still remains to be lackluster for me. It makes no real improvement in my forehead lines or fine eye lines.

Directions  Apply a few drops to face in the AM and PM as part of your skincare regimen. Use sun protection in the AM.

I used this both morning and night as well just tried night only. There was no real difference between once or twice a day use for my skin. I even tried making sure my toners dried first, then applied this and let this dry before moving on to my other serums and lotions/creams. The idea of letting a product dry in between layers is to not dilute the active ingredients by adding layers to quickly. If you let the products dry and absorb between layers they’re more effective in general.

You do need to apply this before heavier products. That makes this product not for those in a hurry as it will add time to your routine. Another minus for me. It is cheap and worth trying as just because it didn’t work for me, doesn’t mean it won’t work for you. A bottle will last you forever.

Ingredients

Aqua (Water), Propanediol, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Gellan Gum, Sodium Chloride, Isoceteth-20, Ethoxydiglycol, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.

Christophe Robin Instant Volumizing Mist with Rose Water & Reverie MARE Mediterranean Sea Mist: Review

If you’ve been reading this blog or following my Instagram you know I love salt and hair texture sprays. I never blow dry my hair, it’s air dry all the time for me. I use some sort of salt or texture spray pretty much every day. Here’s a post about two recent salt sprays I’ve tried.

I had to try something from Christophe Robin eventually. I grabbed the Instant Volumizing Mist with Rose Water. Details per Sephora:

A volume-boosting, leave-in mist that provides easy styling and lasting body to fine, color-treated, or natural hair. Instant Volumizing Mist with Rosewater protects color, nourishes the hair fiber, and provides body and volume—without drying out the hair. The innovative, alcohol-free formula is composed of 96 percent rose water with softening properties, which delivers natural hold, while natural rose extracts prevents oxidation of color for a refreshed, healthy look. Hair is left styled to perfection, super-soft, and delicately fragranced.

Active Ingredients

-Rose Extracts: Nourish and protect color.
-Baobab Leaf Extract: Volumize and strengthen.
-Vitamins A and E

Ingredients

Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydrolyzed Adansonia Digitata Extract, Glycerin, Behentrimonium Chloride, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water, Fragrance, Cetyl Alcohol, Rosa Moschata Seed Oil, Rosa Gallica Extract, Cetrimonium Chloride, Hydroxypropyl Guar, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polyquaternium-16, Citric Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Disodium Edta, Sodium Benzoate, Citronellol, Geraniol, Phenoxyethanol, Carbomer, Potassium Sorbate, Tocopherol. 

The Details 

This smells amazing, like rose water. Real rose water nothing synthetic. This is alcohol free so it’s not drying beyond the salt. Some salt sprays can be very salt heavy and more drying than others. Those kinds also create lots more volume but also give way to frizz more at the end of the day. Christophe Robin is a milder salt spray which means less volume, less frizz, less dryness. It made my hair soft and shiny but only added a touch of volume. This is perfect for a rose lover who likes light salt sprays. I tend to prefer more from mine.

I ran across Reverie MARE Mediterranean Sea Mist on several sites. As my love for salt sprays is never ending I grabbed it. Details per Sephora:

A lightweight styling mist that enhances movement and volume to create beachy, tousled texture without drying out the hair. MARE Mediterranean Sea Mist is formulated with rice seed extract to add volume and strengthen hair, while algae extract thickens strands, enhances shine and protects from environmental damages. Mediterranean sea salt conditions and amplifies natural texture without dryness or stiffness. The scent of vanilla, bergamot, lemon and almond will instantly transport you to shores of Southern Italy. 

Active Ingredients

-Rice Protein Extract: Adds major volume, strengthens, and helps prevent damage while leaving the hair soft and manageable. 
-Algae Extract: Thickens, hydrates, provides vital minerals, enhances shine, and helps protect from environmental damage. 
-Mediterranean Sea Salt: Amplifies natural texture without drying out the hair and conditions. 

Ingredients

Water, Sea Salt/Sodium Chloride/Maris Sal (Mediterranean Salt), Alcohol Denatured, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Seed Extract, Spirulina Platensis (Algae) Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Glycerin, Quercus Rubra (Amaretto) Flavor, Citrus Madurensis Fruit Juice, Water, Polyglycerin-3, Decylglucoside, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Citrus Bergamia (Bergamot) Peel Oil, Vanilla Planifolia (Bourbon Vanilla) Bean Oil, Santalum Spicatum (Sandalwood) Wood Oil, Prunus Amygdalus (Almond) Flavor, Piper Nigrum (Black Pepper) Fruit Oil, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil, Phenethyl Alcohol, Caprylyl/Capryl Glycosides, Sodium Cocoyl, Glutamate, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Glyceryl, Caprylate, Citric Acid. *Certified Organic

The Details

This one is all natural from a small Indie brand. It looks great ingredient list wise. It does contain alcohol. For having alcohol listed in it it’s not really that drying. It has a higher salt content which equals more volume. Oddly this has an amber color to it. Most salt sprays are clear for me. The color of the spray does not affect my hair color at all. For the life of me I don’t know what the amaretto and almond flavor is in this hair mist for. It smells like warm citrus and slightly woody. This one has quite a bit of salt in it. After I spray this on my hair it never fails that I can taste salt on my lips. That’s not usually the case for me with other salt sprays. 

That being said I do quite like this salt spray. It gives a fair amount of volume without being too drying. It has better longevity than some salt sprays and doesn’t make my hair too poofy, matte and dry at the end of the day. The Christophe Robin is for the mild salt spray lover, this is for the moderate salt spray lover. Extreme or heavy salt sprays lovers should go for Davines This is a Sea Salt Spray as it is still the most volume producing salt spray I’ve tried to date.

KYPRIS Cleanser Concentrate: Review

I’ve been eyeing KYPRIS products for quite some time. I’m excited that I finally have a few items from their line to talk about with you guys. First up is the Cleanser Concentrate. Details per KYPRIS:

The ideal cleanse…

Featuring co-op grown Moringa, wildcrafted Prickly Pear, and probiotics, this opulent, non-foaming Cleanser Concentrate gently dissolves the day and evening actives to leave skin soft, hydrated, glowing, and ideally cleansed.

As I haven’t talked about the KYPRIS brand yet I’ll give you a bit of background–KYPRIS is a luxurious line of holistic, high performance skin care boasting organic, wild-crafted, and sustainably grown ingredients for gorgeous results and Beauty-Full experiences. It’s vegan, green, organic and cruelty free. That should make quite a few people happy. The products are also made in the USA. The packaging is all glass and has a very aesthetic appeal. The details on the serum bottles are to die for. I’m addicted to cleansing balms and was super excited to dive into this Cleanser Concentrate.

Benefits Gentle, yet effective cleanse. Removes daily impurities that cling to skin’s surface. Gently dissolves congestion. Reinvigorates skin to soft, glowing, supple dewiness. Removes superficial free radicals.

Active Ingredients

MORINGAA wealth of vitamins, nutrients, and fatty acids from the kernels of a miraculous tree that flourishes even in drought to soothe and nourish stubborn dry skin. // KYPRIS’s moringa kernel oil and glucoside are derived from a co-operative effort that uses the leaves for malnutrition relief and the kernels for the oil. A wealth of vitamins, nutrients, and fatty acids from the kernels of this miraculous tree that flourishes even in drought soothes and nourishes stubborn, dry skin. The kernels can be used to regrow the trees but so can clippings of the leaves. The kernels can clarify water but not purify water to an extent that it is potable, so they are best used for their nourishing oil which is not traditionally consumed. The Moringa Kernel oil in this product benefits Trees for Life in Nicaragua. 

SHEA Sustainably produced from women farmers, the Shea ingredients in this product help to remove daily grime and dissolve surface congestions 

SODIUM PCA A salt that occurs as part of skin’s natural moisturizing factor (NMF) and helps to maintain skin’s hydrated appearance

SUNFLOWER Local, organic blooms yield a golden seed oil wealthy in sun-protective beta-carotene and an auspicious fatty acid composition for a delicate emollience.

PRICKLY PEAR: Wild crafted from the Arizona high desert and the result of a 3+ year collaboration with a wildcrafting group, our organic, wild- crafted Prickly Pear seed oil is a unique wealth of amino acids, fatty acids, and vitamin E to soothe stressed and tired skin.

BAOBAB A nourishing wealth of phytosterols, essential fatty acids, and vitamins A and E to reduce skin’s loss of moisture and encourage beauty even at a cellular level. 

ASIATICOCIDE The active saponin of Centella asiatica to discourage the appearance of congestions and irritations

This appears thick in the jar but it’s actually like a lightweight cream texture wise. The scent is floral with some fruity notes. The scent, while not synthetic, may be a little strong for some who are sensitive to scents-even the natural ones. This starts out as a lightweight cream texture and as you rub it into your skins it liquefies and feels more like a lotion.

It can be used on wet or dry skin. I’ve tried both ways. You could use it on dry skin to remove makeup as a first cleanse or you can use it on wet skin as a second cleanse after removing makeup. This rinses clean away with water. You don’t need a cloth. You can use a cloth if you want to but it’s not necessary.

Official Directions for Use

With clean hands, apply a pearl-sized dollop of Cleanser Concentrate over a dry or damp face and neck. Wet fingertips and gently massage into face and neck. Continue massaging as you rinse.

I loved this cleanser. It removes makeup well without stripping the skin. This has enough oils in it to be a cleansing balm yet it’s lightweight, creamy and rinses clean with water sans cloth. My skin felt soft, clean and hydrated after cleansing. I liked using this both ways–as a first or second cleanse. It was really more of my mood that dictated which way I used it. This also is lovely as a morning cleanse, no second cleanse needed.

I received this free to test, however this has been in my shopping cart numerous times in the last few months. I would have purchased it anyway sometime this year. I would purchase once this jar is gone. If you’re addicted to cleansing balms you’ll want to try it. I’m a cleanser nut and I own more than I could possibly use considering I have only one face. That still doesn’t stop me from trying new cleansers.

This KYPRIS Cleanser Concentrate is most similar to my Kat Burki Vitamin C Nourishing Cleansing Balm. KYPRIS is thinner in texture but the way my skin feels after is similar. The Kat Burki leaves a tiny bit more oil behind. I do wish this was in a pump or tube package. I know KYPRIS only does luxe glass, but I’m not a jar packaging fan for any product. I don’t like sticking my fingers in a jar even if they’re clean. Personal preference. Considering that’s the only downside of this product for me that’s pretty good. It also wouldn’t keep me from purchasing it because the cleanser is amazing.

Ingredients

Water/Aqua, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Cetearyl Olivate, Shea Butter Ethyl Esters, Moringa Glucoside, Sorbitan Olivate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Sodium PCA, Glyceryl Caprylate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Extract, Algae, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice, Opuntia Ficus-Indica (Prickly Pear) Seed Oil, Moringa Oleifera (Moringa) Seed Oil, Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Seed Oil, Asiaticoside, Ceramide NP, Lauroyl Lysine, Lecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Phytosterols, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane (Olive), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Leaf / Flower Oil, Santalum Spicatum (Sandalwood) Wood Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Oil, Tanacetum Annuum (Blue Tansy) Flower Oil, Chamomilla Recutita Matricaria (Chamomile) Flower Extract, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, Bisabolol, Citric Acid

July Samples & Empties: Part 1

Time for the July Samples & Empties Post. I had to split this month into two posts, this is part 1. Quick thoughts about each starting above left to right.

Margaret Dabbs Intensive Hydrating Hand Lotion: Loved this lotion. It smells faintly of citrus, love the pump and it manages to be hydrating while not being too greasy. Review here.

January Labs Daily Brightening Tonic: Loved this. It uses gentler lactic acid and citrus extracts for a mild brightening effect. Review here. I would buy it again.

Herbivore Botanicals Coco Rose Body Polish: Staple hero product. Love it. I have bought more jars of this than any other beauty item. Review here.

Skin Food Black Sugar Mask: This was OK. It is similar to Fresh Sugar Face Polish but not nearly as good. It’s thicker and feels less hydrating. The sugar granules are also like raw sugar size which is a bit too big and scratchy for me. I’ll stick with Fresh.

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA: This was OK. It wasn’t very effective. It has the same texture as “Buffet”. It just doesn’t layer as well for me. More to come.

Kat Burki Complete B Vital Hydration Face Mask: I love this moisturizing mask. It may look like pizza cheese when you squeeze it out (because the oil separates from the creamy parts). However, don’t let that scare you it’s not too greasy. It’s really hydrating and has quickly become a favorite of mine for hydrating post peel.

Bioderma Sensibo H2O: Love this for eye makeup removal. It doesn’t sting and it works. Review here. Nothing else just seems to work quite as well without stinging my eyes.

Archipelago Botanicals Lotion Coconut: I loved this lotion for years. When I lived in Montana it was my favorite. It’s a touch too hydrating here in Texas. It smells like a natural coconut and not too fake and sweet. Review here.

Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser: I liked this. I thought the crushed walnut shells would be too abrasive like the St Ives, but it was actually really gentle. The creamy cleanser was also pretty mild and overall it wasn’t drying or anything.

Jason Smoothing Coconut Hand & Body Lotion: I wanted to like this. It smells like natural coconut with some citrus to it. It has an odd effect when you apply it. It turns white when you rub it into your skin and it took forever to rub in properly. So I ended up using it for my hands as a lotion until it was gone instead. I wouldn’t grab it again. It just didn’t absorb right.

Nivea In-Shower Body Lotion Nourishing: I love the cocoa butter version of this. This version the scent was way too powdery and strong. It was too overpowering.

Kat Burki Form Control Marine Collagen Gel: Love this. Smells like a cucumber dream, it’s a hydrating collagen boosting serum. Review here. I would repurchase.

Omorovicza Gold Hydralifting Mask: I like this. The creamy mask is a bit too heavy for me. But it’s nice. This would be great for dry skin.

Drunk Elephant TLC Framboos Glycolic Night Serum: I love this. It’s gentle enough for an AHA serum to be used daily without irritation. It was a staple hero product for me for years and I still love it. It’s kind of being replaced by Sunday Riley Good Genes for me. Good Genes is just more effective. I talked about it here and here.

L’Occitane Almond Milk Concentrate: This was an OK creamy lotion. Hydrating. Smells kind of like sweet almonds. Too rich in general for a daily lotion for me.

Sisley-Paris White Ginger Contouring Oil for Legs: I love the idea of this. The ginger is actually warming when you rub it in which is nice. The oil is thick and heavy but not too greasy. So it’s like a thick body oil. It’s insanely expensive so I wouldn’t buy a big one. Good if you love to show your legs a lot.

skyn ICELAND Blemish Dots with Salicylic Acid: Love these. Staple in my household. Review here.

Sisley Paris Neck Cream: I liked this. Nice hydrating light cream. Light scent, nothing too overpowering. Too pricey for me to end up grabbing it.

Kate Somerville True Lash: This was a creamy eye makeup remover. It was OK. I had to use some Bioderma over it to remove all of the lotion feel after.

Sisley-Paris Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream: I like this. It’s a bit more hydrating than a regular gel cream. It’s a heavy weight hydrating gel cream. Light rose scent. I’m sure I’ll end up with a big one some day because it’s Sisley and I like their Black Rose collection. Maybe in the winter.

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Natural Eyeshadow Palette: Review & Swatches

I got excited when I saw this new Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Natural Eyeshadow Palette as I love Chanel and neutrals. Win win all around. This is part of the summer Chanel Les Beiges collection. I believe it’s limited edition as Nordstrom is sold out. However Chanel still has it in stock. Details per Chanel:

A versatile eyeshadow palette for easy, neutral-toned looks. Five smudge-proof, long-lasting colours — from soft to intense, with matte to shimmery finishes — offer base, highlighter and liner effects.

The case cover has the Les Beiges beige instead of the traditional black for most Chanel. Inside is five shades of neutral toned shadow ranging from almost matte to shimmer. Chanel suggests usage beyond just eyes. Using some of the shades on brows or one as a face highlighter.

Tip: Try applying the deeper shade to build intensity on dark-hair brows and the lighter shade as a highlighter on cheekbones, the brow bone, the tip of the nose and the Cupid’s bow.

The top shade that spans the width of the palette is a matte soft cream shade that’s perfect for a base shade. The middle left shade is a matte cool driftwood brown. The middle right shade is a matte warm cinnamon brown. When I say matte for these three shades I mean almost matte. They have an ever so slight bit of micro shimmer which is perceptible more in the sunlight than anywhere else. It’s a cross between matte and satin leaning towards matte. They look mostly matte on the lids. It does give the shades a touch of dimension.

On the bottom left is an almost matte soft black. I’m usually not into more matte blacks but this one is excellent. Matte blacks are usually either way too pigmented and hard to blend or too soft and light, they hardly show up. This one is perfectly in between. It’s pigmented, yet soft. It shows up but not too much. It’s the Goldilocks of blacks. Just right. The four almost matte shades are soft and thin in texture. They’re not overtly pigmented yet not sheer. They have a bit of a powdery texture.

They look very much like Surratt shadows. That’s what I first thought of when I opened this palette. Surratt matte shadows also have a hint of faint shimmer in them. The shimmer in this Chanel palette more prominent than Surratt, it’s a touch larger. I do find the Surratt to be a bit more pigmented than these. The Chanel feels a touch softer, drier and more powdery. The bottom right shade is a shimmery beige. It’s shimmery in base plus has some micro glitter in it. It feels less dry and soft than the other shades in the palette. It’s not powdery at all. The shades are all long lasting and stay put pretty well so bonus in that area.

I like the palette overall. It’s a good basic palette for neutrals. It’s very soft in the look it gives. Very day appropriate. You won’t be overdoing it with these shades. You can smoke it up for sure with the black to go into night. The nudes take a heavier hand to get a deeper application. I’m not a fan of how powdery they feel.

As some of the shades are very similar to my beloved Surratt shades I really don’t reach for this palette. I prefer the Surratt which is more pigmented and less powdery. I also find the shimmery shade doesn’t really work all that well with the rest of the shades. It’s too shimmery and the textures clash a little. It would be better on the face as a highlight versus just the eyes. The shimmery shade is also very pigmented and it can overpower the softer matte shades. I prefer the Chanel Entrelacs Palette to this one for soft nudes. That palette had a more cohesive feel. It was better matched in textures.

Top to Bottom–Base top shade, Clockwise starting top left:

Compared with Top to Bottom–Surratt Brunatre, Surratt Ombre, Surratt Greige, Chanel(same as listed above), Surratt Brun Noir: