Indie Lee Retinol Alternative Cream

I recently received this Indie Lee Retinol Alternative cream to test.

“This high-performance cream is formulated with Natural Retinol Alternative Rambutan for improved appearance of elasticity, firmness, fine lines and wrinkles. Paracress extract reduces the visible signs of aging while Squalane and Orange Milk Tree extract plump skin and boost moisture retention.” Indie Lee website

The first thing I noticed is the packaging. This product comes in a refillable outer pump package. This means you can purchase a refill for a smaller cost. Both packages are plastic and if you look at the website, the company’s goal is to use at least 50% PCR (post-consumer recycled) plastic in all of their packaging by 2023. I wasn’t able to find, and didn’t think to check the packaging, if this product’s packaging is PCR plastic but it’s still great that the company is working towards sustainable packaging. In addition, they have a recycling program that earns you points for money off your orders.

Now, for the product. It’s a nice thick, scentless cream that absorbs quickly without feeling heavy or thick. I haven’t noticed adverse reactions to adding it to my existing skincare routine which includes a toner, some facial oils and a spf cream.

As for results. I can’t say that I’ve noticed a difference, but I’ve only been using it for a couple of weeks. I always forget to do “before and after” pictures but to be honest, I try so many new products that it’s hard to do a true comparison. Which might make you wonder why you should trust my review…

This is a first impression in case the brand is something you’ve seen or are interested in. At $72US it may be too expensive to trust a first impression review so I will try to focus on using this product and report back on results.

I received this complimentary to test with no obligation to post about it.

Niacinamide Serums: Glow Recipe, Juvia’s Skin and Good Molecules

Something I still struggle with is uneven skintone and texture. My cheeks get red spots that sometimes comes through my makeup and it’s something that still makes me feel self conscious.

Any serum that’s meant to focus on reducing redness or hyperpigmentation immediately has my attention.

Today I’m talking about three products, which are all on sale for 2021 Black Friday/Cyber Monday

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops, Juvia’s Skin The Niacinamide Serum* and Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum

• 

• 

  From Beautylish.com

The Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops can be used to hydrate visibly reduce hyperpigmentation and correct the look of dullness. The description also says it provides a “reflective glow” but that’s not something I’ve noticed. I can’t say I’ve used it long enough to notice a difference in my skin but, it is nice and hydrating and feels gentle on the skin.

The Juvia’s Skin The Niacinamide Serum is new, the skincare line in general is new, and it comes in a very similar looking bottle as the Glow Recipe product. It also clames to reduce hyperpigmentation and brighten the skin. With this one, I feel like my skin needs added moisturize.

The difference in the hydration made me take a look at the ingredients. I’m not an any kind of chemist or even someone who often checks ingredients so everything I say here should be taken with a grain a salt (what does that actually mean btw?).

The biggest difference I noticed is that the Glow Recipe product contains 10% Niacinamide and the Juvia’s Skin product contains 20%. Niacinamide is also the second product listed on the ingredient list on the Juvia’s Skin product while it’s listed as the fifth. I vaguely remember hearing that the higher up on the list an ingredient is listed, the higher amount of that chemical is used in the formulation.

There were a few other common ingredients, and some that were not found in one or the other. This got me to wondering which product would be considered the better deal.

I was focused on the Niacinamide. I did some Google-ing and found that you only need 2-5% Niacinamide to make a difference in your skin health. I also noticed that Juvia’s Skin provides 1oz of product for $20US (regular price) and Glow Recipe has 1.35oz for $34US. That actually makes the Glow Recipe product cheaper.

In my Google research, I also found that Good Molecules (found on Beautylish, Ulta, and other places) also has a Niacinamide Serum at $6 for 1oz. This is the only product I haven’t tried but I wanted to include it because of its price and because Good Molecules is a brand I enjoy and feel comfortable recommending.

In the end, I don’t know if a higher amount of Niacinamide makes a difference but, I can say the Juvia’s Skin product was noticeably less hydrating than the Glow Recipe product. Between the three, the Good Molecules product shares more ingredients with Glow Recipe product which leads me to believe it would be more hydrating than the Juvia’s Skin product.

Have you used any of these products? I’m especially interested in hearing how the Good Molecules product is.

Thank you for reading and I hope this was helpful or entertaining in some way.

*Juvia’s Skin The Niacinamide Serum was sent complimentary for review through BzzAgent with no obligation to post.

Fresh Body Wash

This one’s a little different but bear with me. (btw I googled and confirmed bear is the correct version of the word)

When we talk about self care we talk about face skincare, makeup, bubble baths and perhaps some yummy drinks. But what we don’t always talk about it our body wash.

There are definitely body washes I do not like but in general there are just body washes I use.

They’re interchangeable. They smell nice. They make my skin feel clean without stripping it if hydration. Whatevs right?

So, when I realized I was running out of by bath and body works body gel I went to reorder what I had. I thought, maybe I’ll check out some other scents etc. The issue was, I really like not going to malls now and I hate $6 shipping for a $14 body wash.

This applies to all stores too, not just BBW.

While trying to figure out what I wanted to wash myself with, I discovered Fresh also sold body wash and it was on sale.

I enjoy many other Fresh products so I decided to give it a try and patiently waited for my order to arrive.

Let me tell you all. This did not disappoint. Not as a Fresh product and not as a body wash.

It foams up perfectly, and you don’t require a heap load to get that nice commercial style lather. And the lychee scent? Like I smooshed all the unavailable lychee and rubbed it on myself.

This made my entire shower smell of my fruit dreams and left my skin feeling clean and refreshed.

In conclusion, I highly recommend this body wash if you’re in the market to splurge on your body.

Olehenrikson #Oleglow Challenge

Back in April Olehenrikson reached out and asked if I would be interested in receiving some complimentary products to review as part of a 3 week skincare challenge. Since I’ve used and like their products I said yes. After filling out a survey regarding my interests and skincare needs I received the following products

The C-Rush Vitamin C Gel Moisturizer was one I had received a small sample of in the past but nothing enough to help me form an opinion and I have the Banana Bright Eye Cream which I enjoy so I was happy to get to try more of this line.

I was especially excited to try the Glow2OH toner because I had my eye on this for a while now due to the dark spots on my cheeks.

Here is my over all review based on 20 days of using only Olehenrikson products including the following gifted products:

▫️Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum 

▫️C-Rush Vitamin C Gel Moisturizer

▫️Truth Juice Daily Cleanser

▫️Good Night Retin-ALT Sleeping Cream

▫️Glow2OH Dark Spot Toner

I also used the Olehenrikson Phat Glow Facial Mask mask (purchased in my own) and the banana bright bright eye cream (also purchased on my own) 

Over the last 20 days I’ve only used the five gifted products for my skincare routine and I have seen a very noticeable difference in the overall health of my skin.

• 

• 

• 

My skin has a natural glow and is lacking the dullness I had when I started this routine. It looks more hydrated and suptle and has made applying makeup so much easier because I require less to get that healthy look I like.

The biggest difference has been in the redness and dark spots on my cheeks. I’ve been so self conscious about these areas and I always have to add some more foundation here but after 20 days of using these Olehenrikson products I find myself with a lot less to cover up!I didn’t expect to see much of a difference because the challenge coincided with work trips to a much colder environment than where I live and with a vacation to a much hotter environment but having these products helped keep my skin balanced. There were a couple of days while on vacation that my skin felt so dry and even got flakey, but after two days of using the overnight cream, the Vitamic C Serum and the gel creme my skin was back to feeling soft and smooth.

I was happily surprised at the difference just 20 days made and have already shared my results with friends and family with high recommendations!

I’m so happy and grateful to have gotten to be a part of the Oleglow challenge and will definitely continue using these products and looking to add more into my routine!

Have you tried any of these or any other Olehenrikson products that your would recommend?

Morning must haves

It’s officially heater season and with it comes dry skin and a runny nose for me.

Fortunately I’m not having to worry about people seeing my flaky skin but it’s still a concern so I’m doing everything possible to protect my skin.

With all the skincare I have, I probably overdo my routine but I do have some staples I stick to:

Saturday Skin 10% Glycolic Acid + Pore Control Compkex (gifted) : helps refine and smooth skin’s appearance. I use this 4-5 times a week

Peach & Lily The Good Acids Pore Toner : an exfoliating toner that’s gentle enough for daily use. It’s designed to wipe away dead skin cells and has ingredients to keep your complexion clear, which is perfect for mask enduced acne.

Innisfree My Lip Balm : this is a mousse texture balm that instantly hydrates your lips. I apply this right after toner and leave on while I finish my skincare routine and makeup.

Fresh Beauty Black Tea Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence (gifted) : this is for smooth, luminous skin and makes my skin feel instantly hydrated.

Saturday Skin Wide Awake Brightening Eye Cream with Avocado (gifted) : helps with dryness, dark circles and puffiness. This adds instant hydration to my undereye area.

Tatcha Serum Stick: a concentrated treatment and touch up balm. I use this on my chin, my eye socket area and between my brows. These are my driest and most wrinkled areas so I figure they require the high intensity stuff

Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence (gifted) : help with dryness, dullness, uneven texture and oiliness. This is described as “an essence that drenches the skin in esencial moisture” and that’s exactly what it does.

Saturday Skin Pretty Pop Probiotic Power Whipped Cream (gifted) : helps with dryness, fine lines and wrinkles. This is a great moisturizer that doesn’t leave my skin feeling oily and is lightweight.

Are any of these part of your morning routine? What are your must haves?

Dr Denese Skincare Review

I was gifted various skincare products from Dr Denese Skincare for review.

I love a brand that offers a full range of skincare products, I think it’s the easiest way for someone to establish a routine.
These products contain a range of ingredients including: Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen, Ceramides and Retinol to name a few.

I’ve been using some of these for a few weeks now, slowly integrating them into my existing routine, and I love the results I’ve seen so far.

One of my biggest concerns is a very oily t-zone, the face serum helps mattify this area without drying out the rest of my face and gives me a blurring effect.

The hydrating dream cream is hydrating without making me oily and the spf offers a lightly tinted matte finish that really smoothes out my skin, tones down my redness and doesn’t make me oily.

Of all the products, the sunblock is the one product that I was most blown away by. With this, I’m able to go without foundation and just set my face with powder and have an almost flawless complexion.

I enjoy using the eye masks before applying my makeup and I feel like it helps hydrate and absorb creams in this area. My favorite part of this are the little plastic tweezers that come on the inside of the lid to help grab the eye masks.

Overall I would recommend this product to anyone starting a skincare routine and also to any skincare junkie.

Farmacy Green Clean Makeup removing balm

Recently I’ve been enjoying buying mini sizes of products for two reasons. I can try the product out before committing to it and there’s more of a chance I’ll use it all up and feel better about my spending habits.

Last night I finished 0.4 fl oz of the Farmacy Green Clean Makeup removing balm

I enjoyed the scent and how soft it melted onto my face. It doesn’t feel oily or heavy and it removed my makeup nicely.

I did have to focus on my mascara more in order to get it off but that’s pretty standard; I use two or three coats of mascara.

I enjoyed this balm but have another to use up before deciding if I will purchase a full size.

Mamonde Essence Mask

Available at https://www.octoly.com/c/hf1f7/r/hb70x

Mamonde gifted me with these face masks
This face mask is so thin and feels like a second skin while my face absorbed all the “skin loving ingredients”! It had a nice scent that made relaxing so easy and it didn’t slip around at all. After 20 minutes my skin felt soft and hydrated.
The best part is these masks are biodegradable!
The other part of this brand that I really connected with is the the work they’ve put in to help protect honey bees

Who ever looks good in a face mask anyway?

OK, maybe this guy

Thank you again to Mamonde and Octoly for the opportunity to try this product

Farmacy Daily Greens Moisturizer

I was gifted the new Farmacy Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer to test and here are my first impressions:

Now available at Sephora!

The first, and most important (to me), thing to note is this does NOT smell like papaya. The moringa definitely drowns out the papaya scent with its fresh and springy scent.

Second, this isn’t your typical gel moisturizer that feels wet and gooey. I would say it’s more of a hybrid between a gel and light cream moisturizer.

It’s vegan, cruelty-free and contains four types of hyaluronic acid.

From Farmacy’s website

Overall it left my skin feeling hydrated and not at all oily.

While I enjoy the packaging I wish it came with a scoop to help get the product out, or it came in a more hygenic container.

It claims to help clear pores and reduce shine as well as soothe minor irritations. I’m excited to keep using this and see if I notice a difference in my pores and the amount of shine my skin has. (while I don’t want to have dull skin I also don’t want to look like I’ve been well oiled throughout the day)

Derma E Mist Mood Enhancing

I recently received three different Derma E Skin Beneficial Mist Mood Enhancing to try.

I’m obsessed with using sprays to prime, set and refresh my face so I was excited to try these. My favorite is the Uplift mist, it has a nice subtle citrus scent that I have been loving this season. The spray is nice and even, it feels refreshing and doesn’t leave any sticky residue.

• Create: Contains aromatic waters, coconut essence and witch hazel. The key ingredients: Rosemary, Lemon Sage & Eucalyptus Essential Oils – energize one’s senses. Brahmi & Alma – adaptogens to help to re-focus – help to reduce fatigue and anxiety
• Uplift: Contains citrus waters, coconut essence and witch hazel. The key Ingredients: Rosemary, Cinnamon & Cardamom Essential Oils – help to lifts the senses. Cordyceps & Long Pepper – adaptogens that have anti-aging properties
• Calm: Contains herbal waters, fofcint essence and witch hazel. The key ingredients : Lemon, Jasmine, & Chamomile Essential Oils – soothe skin and calm one’s senses. Eleuthero & Artic Root – adaptogens that help to reduce fatigue and anxiety.

DERMA E is dermatologist recommended, proven and effective – their slogan is “Proven Clean Beauty”. All three of these mists are:

• 100% Vegan
• Cruelty-free
• Recyclable & wind energy certified
• Formulated without GMOs, gluten, or soy

You can get yours here: https://dermae.com/search?q=mood+mist

Thank you to Derma E for sending these for me to test and review!