Product Reviews

Is the Naked 2 Basics Really Basic?

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Written by: @Twist.it.tea 

 

Matte Eyeshadow Palette in 6 shades

6 x 0.05 oz/ 1.4 g in Skimp (pale nude satin), Stark (nude-pink matte), Frisk (warm gray matte), Cover (muted red-brown matte), Primal (muted brown matte), Undone (deep, smoky brown matte). (Sephora)

Available at Sephora for $29.00 

 

I don’t normally delve into the eyeshadow world but boy oh boy do I love me a Naked Palette.  I always thought the Naked2’s palette had too many shades for my choosing so I was pretty happy when I got my hands on this sleek and compact case.  The Naked2 Basic’s palette includes 6 matted neutral shades, and 5 of which are brand new. I know it sounds boring but since I don’t ever wear eyeshadow, this is my go to for when I need to ‘spice’ up my makeup routine. From day to night I always reach for this palette.  The case is in a soft-velvetty coating and is slender and small enough to throw in any bag for traveling.  My only issue is that it’s pretty difficult to open especially with the length of my nails.  I haven’t broken one yet but my anxiety has peaked while attempting to open this sucker. 

 Lighter, brighter eyes and a formula that’s incredibly easy to blend, and are long lasting (with primer; I use Two-Faced Shadow Insurance) are some factors I can’t help but love.  I love the shade ‘Skimp’ to apply to the corners of my eyes and my brow bone for a quick pick me up.  ‘Undone’ is a great addition to my bottom mascara for a quick and definitive dramatized enhancement to the shape of my eyes.  While the rest are perfect for an all- around natural but pigmented look.    

 

Commodity Cocktail Kit Review

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Written by @Twist.it.tea

 

10 premium eau de parfum unisex fragrances

5 x 0.067 oz/ 2 mL White collection fragrances in Gold, Rain, Mimosa, Tea, Magnolia 

5 x 0.067 oz/ 2 mL Black collection fragrances in Whiskey, Book, Moss, Wool, Gin

Available at Sephora for $26.00

 

 

Honestly, Commodity had me at Cocktail.  And being the cocktail aficionado that I am, I hold this product near a dear to my heart.  I loooove unisex fragrances, and my go to is usually Bond No.9 New York Signature Scent.  But Commodity has come through to steal the show.  Unfortunately because I am a Bond girl, the compared longevity of most of the Commodity scents wear off rather quickly and that is the only reason I’m giving it 4 stars.  

Being able to mix and match these scents are what intrigues me the most.  At first I was timid and only wore one at a time.  Rain is a part of the White collection and it smells so fresh.  I’ve started using these scents as an expression of my mood.  Creating my personal ‘recipe’ and formula has been nothing short of interesting.  Mimosa and Rain become a part of my daily spritz when I need a mental boost; a reminder of a beach day with rays of sun warming my skin and the scent of the ocean breeze through an open window.  Ironically, before reading more about this company I noticed I was using certain scents to release a certain emotion or mood I was experiencing.  Commodity’s mission is to “find our inspiration in the creations of our collaborators and the emotions our scents, colors and textures evoke in you.” Eventually I started adding Book from the Black collection.  This scent was unexpected for me with hints of spicy cucumber and torchwood.  I’m really into woodsy scents and mixing this with Rain is my favorite.  All I need is about two sprays of Rain and a half spritz of Book and I’m feeling so refreshed.  Most of the time I grab a single bottle from the White collection and throw it in my bag to have throughout the day, which is easier than carrying around two or three different scentssince the White collection smells amazing all around. I can understand if the Black collection is a little too harsh for some women, but I enjoyed every scent.  Moss and Gin from the Black collection pair well with Gold in my opinion, but honestly I won’t get too deep about my preferences because I believe scents are such a personal experience.  Everything depends on your own mood and what you enjoy walking around emitting all day. 

The test kit I have is retailed at $26.00 which was perfect to test out whichscents I enjoyed the most and for travelling.  Sephora offers another kit at $45 which includes: 6 x 0.16 oz/ 5 mL Eau de Parfum Travel Sprays in Vetiver, Bergamot, Book, Moss, Gold, Rain.  I haven’t tested Vetiver or Bergamot but I would definitely splurge on the larger kit just to see what it was all about.  The Commodity kits are perfect for those who want to create their own scent, while Commodity does offer a selection of these scents in full and travel size bottles ranging from $35-135.00. 

 

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Res Evercalm Mask Review

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Written by Deanna. P

I was in love with last Ren product I tried so I was excited to try something else in the line.   Next up, Ren Evercalm Ultra Comfortingrescue mask   It comes in 1.7 oz./50 mL and retails for $38.00.  It can be used on all skin types.  Use it 3X a week or anytime your skin is in need of an urgent rescue.  

To review who Ren is:

RENlaunched in 2000 & hasbecome a cult favorite amongst consumers & beauty editors.  You can find itin department stores, pharmacies and spas in over 50 countries around the world.

Ren is the Swedish word for Clean.  The concept of the company is making products with no nasty ingredients.   The three main things they focus on are Performance, Purity & Pleasure.    Performance is important to the company.  Their products go through rigorous testing & they demand proven results.  Purity in that Ren uses 100% plant & mineralbased ingredients.  They do not use anything synthetic.  They believe that when the consumer uses their product, the texture, fragrance & overall experience will make a person happy!  

Clean innovation is their overall focus!  

Ren Evercalm is a face mask that soothes your skin.  It helps reduce irritation redness, itchiness, & inflammation.   It’s the perfect product to use when your skin needs to feel rejuvenated whether it’s from sunburn, it’s dry, stressed, or jet lagged.  It contains no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates.

The key ingredients include:

-White Mushroom Extract which works to calm and comfort the skin

-Yeast Compound which accelerates recovery after stress with potent antibacterial and antihistamine effects.

Arnica that acts to reduces redness. 

Roman Chamomile Scent which offers a warm, sweet, relaxing, and calming feeling for both body and mind. It is very easy to use.  Apply a generous amount to your skin avoiding the eyes.  Leave on for 10 minutes.   Remove gently with a damp cloth or a cotton pad.  I tried this product when my skin did not feel so bad, although it was a little dry, but I did not suffer any of the other ailments that it promises to fix. I must say after just one use it made my skin look much brighter & healthier and it felt softer and smoother. I can’t wait to try it after a long flight, a day at the beach, or any other day my skin is not feeling up to par.  

This product is definitely worth $38.00.  After using it, I felt like I had left the spa.  It treats the skin while making you feel cool, calm, & collected.  I definitely give it Deanna’s seal of approval! 

 

To purchase this productat Sephora or direct from REN:

http://www.sephora.com or renskincare.com

 

Colourpop Cosmetics Pressed Powder Shadows

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By: Amanda V.

Colourpop Cosmetics, who are known for their super affordable creamy shadows, highlighters and liquid lippies finally released pressed powder eyeshadows earlier this year. Being the fangirl that I am for this brand, I picked up a few and they did not disappoint. At just 5 bucks a pop, these eyeshadow pans are a pretty good steal to add to your collection. Some of the shimmers and metallics can double as a highlight. They blend really well without skipping which is what i loved the most. Of course they have a bit of fallout, just about every eyeshadow does but thats nothing a a quick swipe of a wipe can't fix. 

Unedited, Single finger swatches! do you see this beam?! Colourpop's Metallic and shimmer shadows are out of this world. From Top to Bottom: Let Me Explain, Take It Slow, Liar Liar, You Know The Drill, High Strung, Come and Get It, Milli. 

I was actually surprised to see that the matte shadows not only showed up with a single finger swatch but also blended well with a brush. I've had many past experiences with inexpensive mattes, they tend to go on like chalk and not blend at all. These blended like a creamy dream. I've worn these for a full day and with the right eye primer, they last quite a long time. 

These neutral Mattes ARE A DREAM!!! From Top to Bottom: Wake Up Call, Bel Air, Wait For It, Get Out, Backseat, Goody Two Shoes (I highly recommend this sultry metallic gunmetal shade to everyone, it reflects beautifully and is perfect for a summer smokey eye!) 

As far as these pressed eye shadows go, they are an 11/10. Luxe quality at the perfect price. Colourpop.com is currently having a promo, 3 eye shadows for $10 and FREE DOMESTIC SHIPPING IN THE US!!! If you're someone like me, who prefers not to spend too much on shadows because its what I use the least on myself,  this is a perfect go to. This is also great for teens and the MUA beginners who are looking to bulid their kit. I only knocked out half of a star because i feel that the processing prior to shipping takes FOREVER!!! (I'm annoyingly impatient, but then again since shipping is free I shouldn't be complaining.) 

Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin™ Lipair Review

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Written by Deanna. P

I hope by now everyone knows who Dr. Jart is.   I have written a couple of reviews on his products, but I will summarize for those who are not that familiar.  A young dermatologist named Dr. Sung Jae Jung was running a clinic in Seoul.  He created creams that would help resolve complicated skin problems of his patients.  His friend JinWook Lee, an entrepreneur & one of his biggest fans partnered with him to launch the skincare brand.   The name is a combination of Dr. Jung’s name & the art of skincare.

The brand took off in Korea & now is available in 15 countries around the world & in the USA.  I have reviewed a few of their products so far & I have liked them all.  I am a fan of lip balms, but there are millions on the market.  What differentiates one from the next?  I look for 3 things in a lip balm:

How it feels on my lips?  Scent? Is it effective in healing my dry lips.  

Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin™ Lipaircomes in size 0.14 oz/ 4 g and retails for 19.00.

It is easy to use.  All you do is apply it to lips as often as necessary to keep them moisturized.  There is no scent or flavor to pure, but the lipair does come in a mint flavor if you prefer. The lip balm is designed to treat dry lips & make them soft & smooth. It has no Parabens or Phthalates. It is formulated with ceramide (time released moisture).  It also has -Ceramide 3: Provides time-release moisture. 

It also includes all of these fine ingredients.

-Babassu Seed Oil, Avocado Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Coconut Oil, and Pomegranate Seed Oil: Moisturize and protect. 

-Shea Butter: Moisturizes. 

I have been using Ceramidin Lipair pure all week & I absolutely love the way it feels on my lips.  It definitely is a cut above other lip balms that I have tried,  It goes on smooth & does not feel oily or waxy.   It has no scent which is fine with me as I prefer this as to something that is too overwhelming or unpleasant since it very close to my nose.  My lips feel so great when I apply it.  I find myself wanting to go without lipstick so I can apply it all day. It is pricey at $19.00, but it probably will last you a full season if not longer.  It also is effective so you don’t have to invest in more than one product to beat dry lips. This is a great find to keep in my arsenal of products as it meets all the expectations I have set for an extraordinary lip balm.

 

Hello FAB Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer

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Written by Deanna. P

The mission of FAB is to help skin look & feel it’s best.  They want to make everyday a good skin day! In 2009,  Lilli Gordon created FAB (First Aid Beauty). Lilli had a finance background & happened on the beauty industry by accident when she worked as a partner at Fresh. She was bought on to share her business knowledge with them.  Once she helped broker the deal & Fresh was sold to LVMH, Lilli left & did various projects.  She always suffered from sensitive skin & saw a void in the beauty market.  There were doctor brands, classic beauty & feel good products, but there was nothing that everyone could rely on to solve their skin problems.  She wanted to introduce something new.The creation of FAB was the solution.  The thought that every household owns a first aid kit, they should have a brand that resolves their beauty issues was the reasoning behind the creation.  FAB stands for First aid beauty & the products practice what they preach.  

My first introduction to this brand was Hello FAB Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer.  The size is 50 mL (1.7 flOz) and it retails for $28.00 It works on all skin types.  The moisturizer is a primer & moisturizer all in one that lessens pores & imperfections while brightening & smoothing your skin.  The three main issues it resolves are shrinking pores, alleviating dryness, &  eliminating dullness & uneven texture. It has no Parabens, Sulfates, or Phthalates.  It works on all skin types even sensitive skin.  It also is noncomedogenic & allergy-tested. The minute I saw coconut as one of the ingredients, I fell in love with this moisturizer.   I love anything coconut!  The smell & health benefits make me very happy!   I am a big proponent of natural ingredients & this hits the mark.  Some of the ingredients include:

-Coconut Water: Packed with electrolytes, amino acids, and phytonutrients, it revitalizes and hydrates skin. 

-Mineral Blend (Zinc, Copper, Magnesium, Iron, and Silica): Supports skin health. 

-Quinoa: Helps protect, repair, and fortify skin’s surface. 

-Imperceptible Micro-Pearls: Light reflecting particles that amplify skin’s natural radiance and impart a beautifully luminous effect.

I have used this product for the last week & I am quite happy with it.  I like it because I can wear it with no makeup over it.  I do occasionally like to let me skin breathe & wear only moisturizer on my skin during the day.  I can put this on & head out.  It makes my skin look presentable to go out sans makeup.  I do feel it is a little pricey at $28.00.  I would have liked to see it sized a little bigger for that price.  All in all, I do think the product works & if you have sensitive skin then it is important to use a product that won’t make your skin break out.  I would definitely recommend trying this product & brand.

 

COVER FX Clear Cover Invisible Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30

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Written by @Twist.it.tea

30 ml / 1.0 fl oz - retails for $45.00 at Sephora

Finding a sunscreen that flawlessly glides over my face without leaving a nasty white cast, while simultaneously adhering to all of my beauty qualms like being vegan and cruelty free seemed impossible.  That was until Cover FX Clear Invisible Sunscreen wandered into my life.  It was a match made in heaven.  Everything Cover FX stands for is what I look for in a beauty product.  I try to be VERY conscious of what I am rubbing into my face on a daily basis, ever since I started noticing my skin change severely since moving to New York City. Love New York,  but not what it’s been doing to my face the last two years. 

With a slightly hefty price tag of $45, there’s a reason it’s sold out at most retailers like Sephora.  Apart from the silky smooth finish it leaves on my face; it brightens, moisturizers and protects against the harmful sun.  Its always been hard for me to find a sunscreen that moisturizers without leaving my T Zone greasy.  Being able to confidently apply the Cover FX Invisible Sunscreen knowing my skin will feel like silk and blend well with my daily makeup routine is why I’m giving this product 5 stars.  Confidence throughout the day knowing I don’t have to blot my face every 15 minutes and also the reassurance of the SPH 30 protecting my skin. I always find something wrong with the sunscreens I use, especially the white cast left on my face.  When I first tested this product on my hand I thought it was too good to be true.  The way the serum blended into my skin and left it noticeable softer I couldn't wait to try it on my face and test how well it layered with my makeup. Not to mention it didn’t leave the typical sunscreen scent on my face, which has always been an over powering scent to me.

 

This beautiful bottle reminds me a gleaming sunbeam despite the weather out side. A simple, nice morning pick me up when I look out my window at another cloudy day in NYC. I can't wait to use this sunscreen over the summer - with or without makeup.  It will be hard to get this stuff out of my hands unless Cover FXcomes out with some revolutionary sunscreen that no ones ever thought of.  But I am sold, and will forever be using this sunscreen in my daily routine. It’s perfect for me and what my skin craves. 

 

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Marc Jacobs Beauty Dew Drops Coconut Gel Highlighter

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By Amanda V. 

I am a self proclaimed highlight aficionado. I just want to gleam and shine bright and blind the weak. Marc Jacobs Dew Drops Coconut Gel Highlighter does just that. First off, I was sold with the words "Dew", "Coconut" and "Highlighter". I thought to myself this must be the ultimate package. 

The Shade of The Dew Drops Coconut Gel Highlighter is "#50 Dew You?".

I love all of Marc Jacobs minimally, chic packaging. The weight and feel of the gorgeously frosted glass bottle makes it feel like you've treated yourself to something really luxe. 

This was LESS than half a pump... It is very creamy and blends seamlessly. 

It was love at first pump. This golden peach gleam is gorgeous and the shade is universal. It can work for those very fair as well as those very rich in melanin. The shimmer is soft (I wouldn't call this a glittery highlight at all) but the reflective beam can build up to be quite intense. VERY LITTLE GOES A VERY LONG WAY. Sometimes I pump the tiniest drop onto the back of my hand and it always seems like I've pumped out too much. The best way I've found to use this is to first apply with a small duo fibre brush and then blend quickly with a slightly damp beauty blender, issuing a bouncing method until it is blended the way I like. 

You can use this highlighter on ANY Part of your body. You can blend this into your foundation for radiant, glowing coverage, or even into your body moisturizer for a gorgeous all over glow this summer. 

I haven't had any problems with this product affecting my skin. I've experienced no irritations so far... (Bless! Because I'd be sad if I couldn't use this gorgeous highlighter). 

This liquid highlighter is scented and smells very beach-y and I have a feeling every time I smell it I'm going to think of this upcoming summer because I know I will be grabbing for this highlighter plenty. Some of you may find this to be a problem,  it says it is lightly scented on the website but I feel like it's fully scented. Although I love the scent I find it to be a bit strong. 

You get a lot of bang for your buck with this product. It retails at Sephora, Sephora.com and MarcJacobsBeauty.com for $44. You get 0.8oz of product and even half of a pump is too much so this will def last you. If you want to treat yourself to a luxe highlight and you're ready to glow I think you should give this gem a try.

OUAI Medium Hair Spray

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By Amanda V.

Gone are the days when hairspray wouldleave your hair hard to the touch, crunchy and with flaky white residue. I cringe at the thought of it. I always avoided hairspray because i felt that it was so hard and crunchy that the strand would break off. This Ouai Medium hairspray is the complete opposite of what I feared. Not only does this smell like a a gorgeous bouquet of flowers, but it has such a great hold, as well as leavingyour strands soft and touchable with body and movement. This spray worked perfect for taming my annoying flyaways and massive amount of baby hairs by spritzing a bit on a toothbrush as well as over my entire blowout for a frizz free barrier. Even through the most humid day this year as well as getting caught up in the rain, my hair never frizzed, it stood exactly the same as when I left my house. What made me love this product even more is that it works well with my damaged, thin strands. While many products tend to weight my hair down down, this Hairspray is featherweight with the lightest mist. I haven't experienced any white flakes or sticky residue whatsoever which is what I look for most in a product such as hairspray (which i thought was absolutely impossible until now). Ouai has yet to fail me and has become a major staple in my hair routine and trying to get my hair back to it's healthiest state.

You can grab a 7.2oz can at your local Sephora and Sephora.com as well as TheOuai.com for $26. I recommend this product to those who want a frizz free blowout and also those whose strands are on the finer side and cant use heavy product. 

BECCA x CHRISSY Glow Face Palette Review

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Written by Myrna .R

Fresh out the oven! The moment Instagram & Twitter queens alike have been awaiting! Enter the hotly anticipated BECCA collab with none other than Mrs. Legend herself Chrissy Teigen! This beautifully rose gold gilded palette results from a collab made in makeup heaven. Chrissy is the epitome of the understated Boho Beachy vibe that BECCA has made synonymous with it's brand image.  A lot of people may ask "Why Chrissy?"  It is important to recognize that like the diverse BECCABeauty which their products are geared towards, Chrissy herself is of a multicultural background consisting of Thai & Norwegian descent. She is a model, wife, mother, cook & completely embodies that approachable best girlfriend vibe. 

 

The lovely palette with its muted soft pinks & neutrals strives to capture the different sides of Chrissy--The Softer Side, The Friend, The Muse that make her a natural pick for this collab. The palette itself consists of three shades exclusive to the palette in the form of the Sunlit Bronzer in Malibu Soleil, Luminous Blush in Hibiscus Bloom, Shimmering Skin Perfector pressed highlighter in Beach Nectar and a much-loved classic & Chrissy's fave Rose Gold.  As always BECCA hits a homerun by delivering the same beautifully blendable pigment & a finely milled velvety texture in their formula. The palette is VERSATILE & I often find myself using this as  my go-to for Face AND Eyes in a pinch! I achieve a understated yet feminine eye by using Rose Gold in my inner corners, Beach Nectar on the lids with Malibu Soleil as a transition in the crease.  I most recently have become borderline obsessed with Patrick Ta's tip of topping off the transition shade of a neutral or soft eye look with your matching blush on your cheeks--a tip I definitely utilize every time I pick up this palette by layering a hint of Hibiscus Bloom in my crease.  Overall I think this palette is a must-have this Spring and I give it five stars!

IGK Call Time Styling Primer

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By: Amanda V.

It has recently been muggy as shit in NYC, and humidity equals Monica from FRIENDS hair. 

My hair is difficult to describe just like everything else in my life. I have big curly hair that has been heat damaged and prine to breakage but although it's big it is also kind of on the thin side (are you still with me? That was alot to take in). So I've recently added  IGK's Call Time Styling Primer to my hair routine. To be honest I didn't know if this would work with a blow out but it did!!! This lightweight priming mist smells so sultry and the actual product isn't sticky whatsoever. I had zero static with added shine for ultimate smoothness. It didn't weigh my hair down or make it flat or greasy looking. I also decided to try it on the second day of my blowout to refresh as well as for beachy cool girl texture and it worked as well without having my hair get completely back to its natural curly state which also tends to frizz up at the drop of water. but my hair stood straightened with a bit more movement.  It gives it a nice wave and honestly I would purchase this again and again solely for the scent. I got rained on and my hair stood the same!!! Pure Magic. I have also used this on freshly washed hair to continue to protect it from the uv rays. It's like giving your dehydrated hair a sip of water. I will pair it with IGK coconut oil gel and put it up in a ballerina bun. It even refreshes my hair when i wear it out in a curly fro!!

This fine mist is perfect for heat styling protection and it protects up to 450 degrees, which BTW, you should never use your flat iron on full heat... but if you wanted to, this would be the perfect barrier for your hair. The coconut oil in this product helps strengthen my hair to survive my endless blowouts. This is my new go-to for my severely dehydrated, damaged hair. It's coming with me everywhere I go. It earned a permanent spot in my routine, especially for the Summer months.

The Call Time Styling Primer retails for $27 at Sephora stores and Sephora.com. This is 5oz of product and you don't have to use much and the mist is so fine that you truly get a ton of product for the price. 

Dr. Jart Face Mask Review

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Written By Deanna P 

Last year during the holidays, I tried Dr. Jart+ Derma Contour System & I really liked it.  I really thought it made my face look younger & I finished the product.  Just when I was thinking about investing in a new kit, Dr. Jart+’s Neck & Chin Lift targeted hydrogel patch & Cheek & Eye Lift targeted hydrogel patch arrived. 

 

Just to recap on who this company is:

The company was started when a young dermatologist named Dr. Sung Jae Jung was running a clinic in Seoul.  He created creams that would help resolve complicated skin problems of his patients.   His friend JinWook Lee, an entrepreneur & one of his biggest fans partnered with him to launch the skincare brand.   The name is a combination of Dr. Jung’s name & the art of skincare. The brand took off in Korea & now is available in 15 countries around the world & in the USA.

Recently, I saw an article that asked the readers to guess the age of a Korean model.   I usually am on point with guessing ages, but I was stumped by this model.  I thought she was in her 20’s or younger & she was actually 39.  Her skin was like porcelain & the article definitely pointed out the superiority of Korean skincare.  Dr. Jart+’s products definitely prove this theory to be true.  The Neck & Chin Lift & The Cheek & Eye Lift come in a set of 2 individually packaged hydrogel patches.  They retail for $12.00  They both work to diminish lines & lift the area they treat.  There are no Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates in these products.  Both products contain these three ingredients that work in unison to make your skin look more youthful.

-Volufiline: Reduces the appearance of fine wrinkles and improves elasticity.  It comes from plant extracts.  

-Collagen: Improves moisture retention within the skin and provides hydration.

-Adenosine: Reduces the appearance of fine wrinkles and provides functional restoration by activating damaged skin cells.

The Neck & Chin is known as the Heart zone.  To use this mask, wash your face & apply toner, gently peel off film liner and apply mask so the cutouts can be attached to your ears.  Smooth the mask over the neck area and leave it on for 30 minutes & then remove.  Massaging mask with fingers will help it be even more effective. I saw a few complaints on line that this mask did not fit around the ears on some peoples faces.  It definitely fit mine, but I could see where it might be tight. The Cheek & Eye are known as the apple-zone. To use this mask, wash your face & apply toner.  Leave on for 30 minutes & remove.  Massaging with fingers will garner better results. I used both masks & I liked them both.  My skin did look rejuvenated after use.  I lookedmuch better immediately after using.  I do recommend using these when you need a quick pick me up on how you look.  I used them on a Friday & Saturday, before I had a big event.  I have to say it made a world of a difference.  My skin looked brighter, my lines were lessened, & I looked years younger. 

It was a great value for the money as they are reasonably priced at $6.00 per treatment.  Most mask are more expensive & a facial is $80+.

 

They can be purchased at sephora.com

MILK Eye Vinyl & Concealer Review 

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Written By Myrna .R

 

This past week I had a blast thinking out of the proverbial box with innovative ways in which to use these two aforementioned products. So I'll first start out with the frontrunner in this little contest of efficiency. I absolutely adored the performance of the unassumingly packaged MILK Makeup concealer in the shade MediumTan for an instant brightening and neutralizing effect.  The star ingredient of this little gem comes in the form of Arnica(for centuries used as a holistic method for reducing swelling and bruising) which in effect helps not only hide, but also to TREAT undereye darkness or discoloration over time! I rate this one a five star for its minimalist packaging and superior performance and blendability.

 

Next in the lineup we have MILK makeup's iconic Eye Vinyl in the shade Bridge.  Now I will say that I was the most eager to try this little guy, but sadly wasn't all too thrilled with its wearability and overall performance.  In all fairness I will preface this by saying the the glossy eye lid is in fact meant to be more editorial in nature and perhaps my expectations were set too high(I did envision myself on some imaginary catwalk or photoshoot somewhere perfectly primped and primed with my budgeproof glossy lid.)  Well enter reality! In fact the way it played out was my wearing it for a chill night of hanging out at my cuzzo's; to which the reaction to this bomb glossy lid was "Why do your eyes look so greasy, are you wearing ointment?!) Indeed NOT the reaction I was going for and I realized I'd have to go back to square one and figure out a different technique to make the Eye Vinyl more wearable.  Some success finally followed when I wanted to go for a glossy/glittery eye a la' Pat McGrath.  It was at this point that I had my Eureka moment when I used the Eye Vinyl as a base for my loose glitter--Ta Da!!!! It worked. But not for long as the night wore out so did my lids a bit.  But at the end of it all I figured let me own my glittery/glossy/slightly smudgy lid. As we all know the quest for perfection is a long and winding road: especially when it comes to makeup!  I give this product three stars.

Too Cool For School Egg Cream Mask

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By: Amanda V.

Calling all dry skin babes, Supreme hydration in a sheet mask is here! Actually it has been here I'm just a little late to the party. First of all I love any and all packaging by super adorable Korean brand TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL (their mascara has a dinosaur scribbled on it. A DINOSAUR! I LOVE). Not only is the packaging Cute AF but the product inside DELIVERS!!! YES!!! It's a win/win here. I decided to take this mask to work with me to get me to relax a bit during one of my vey rare breaks. This mask claims to clarify and remove dead skin cells and and moisturize and firm your skin to look youthful, fresh and... GLOWY!!! (100 points for Radiance)

I excitedly ripped open the package and was ready to slap it on my cleansed face. The mask has a net protecting it from ripping I assume. It's pretty... uhh... gooey? There is so much excess serum in the packet but that's nothing to complain about because HELLO! More nutrients for your skin. With the mask on my face i could feel my severely parches skin soak up the product. The mask kept slipping off and I don't think it was because of the slippery goop of "egg cream" making the mask slide off but because I couldn't stop laughing at how horrendously ridiculous I looked with it on. It gave me a good laugh. The texture of the egg cream serum is so silky. I left it on for about 20 minutes (do not go beyond that time limit, it will do the opposite of hydrating your skin, yikes!) and the redness on my cheeks seemed to have calmed down and i was left with a fresh, deeply hydrated, lit from within glow and silky smooth skin. For those super hot NYC Summer days you can stick these in the fridge for a little chill, pampering session. This mask is good for just about every skin type there is, even for you oily babes, it will leave your skin MOISTURIZED, not oily. the egg white nutrients reduces shine and gives more of a radiance to the skin rather minus the greasy look. This Egg Cream mask is cruelty free and free of harmful chemicals, also super safe for sensitive skin, no irritation occurred with this sheet mask which normally can happen to me with most sheet masks.

I heard many complain about the price $6 for a single sheet and $24 for a 5 Pack, which I personally think is an incredible price point and it does exactly as it claims. I'd rather spend $6 on a chance for glowing skin than a frilly frap at Starbucks. For $6 at your local Sephora or Sephora.com, you can kiss your dry patches good bye and say "Hello Lover" to Intensely hydrated, radiant, deeply cleansed, fresh skin. 

Glossier Super Pure Super Serum

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By: Amanda V. 

Once a Glossier gal, Always a Glossier Gal. I come to you with yet another exquisite product reviewed. When the cult millennial brand launched its Supers, I of course ran with the hype and grabbed a pack. I did use up all 3, but I didn't expect to really use Super Pure in particular, let alone finish the entire bottle. I get breakouts here and there but nothing major. That is... until about a month ago. I was super stressed out, super menstrual and my nutrition was super poor. All of that affected my skin leading it to also affect my self-esteem. I decided it was time to give this little guy a go. After using my Glossier Milky Jelly cleanser at night I would also use this serum right after. I chose to do it at night because my skin would remain cleansed without the addition of makeup. This way my skin could breathe and absorb the vitamins in this serum. 

This serum did calm down my stress induced and PMS breakouts. The more I used it the smaller the blemish and with less soreness and redness. This worked wonders for my skin and now I know what to use when I breakout again. Yes it works, but it does take some time so you must be patient. It's safe to say I am keeping this serum on my Top Shelf when my new shipment arrives. I think it's great to have during stressful times as well as a girl's most pleasant time of the month (10 points for sarcasm). 

What's great about the Glossier Supers is that you can mix them up or use them separately and it wouldn't throw your skin completely off. They're basically daily vitamins for your skin. 

The packaging is small and cute (.5oz of product to be exact) but the product is powerful. Vintage medical dropper vibes, like an adorably pastel prescription. You don't have to use too much, you get about 4-6 weeks worth of product if you use it everyday. It will last longer if kept to just treat occasional breakouts. This serum contains Zinc to purify the skin of pollutants and also contains Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) to soothe redness and soreness surrounding the blemish. 

I highly recommend, especially to those who are acne prone, give this a try and see what it can do for you. Separately the Glossier Super Serums cost $28, if you purchase the super pack, the cost $65 plus free shipping (saving you $19! Thats 1900 pennies honey!) If you make your first purchase on Glossier.com, use this link to get 20% off!

http://bff.glossier.com/eq5SF

Frank Body Glow Mask

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By: Amanda V. 

It's no secret that I'm a sucker for good skincare that has minimal, natural ingredients, which is why one of my top skincare brands is FRANK BODY. I'm already obsessed with their body Cream and Coconut body balm along with their original coffee scrubs to slough away dry flaky skin (even though it's messy AF, I don't care, they make messy seem so glam). A couple of months ago the brand released their GLOW MASK and of course me being me, ordered it the second it came out. I LOVE this stuff! It instantly brightens your entire face, making you want to be makeup free. IT'S MAGIC! 

This incredibly moisturizing formula goes on thick and creamy and is ideal for those of us who suffer from mega dry skin. (Team Forever Parched). This heavily moisturizing formula consists of a cocoa and shea butter base along with other natural oils and extracts making the treatment super moisturizing and containsa breathable water resistant barrier to lock up that moisture and your skin hydrated. It's has been so good to my super sensitive skin as well (so sensitive babes, this one is for us). Oh, and another thing... it smells absolutely delicious, like a vanilla milkshake. 

Not only does this thick, creaminess of this mask feels so good on the skin, it IS good for the skin and is free of parabens and PEGs (which diminishes your skin's natural moisture and elevates the appearance of aging aa well as leaving it susceptible to bacteria... yuck).

After cleansing in the morning, I massage a thick layer into my face and neck and I leave this in for 10 min (most likely while brushing my teeth because I multitask like a MF). After rinsing off the mask you are left feeing deeply cleansed with fresh, glowing, radiantly plumped skin (thanks to the caffeine in key ingredients like Arabica Coffee seed extract that tones and firms the skin and glowing antioxidants like Goji berry extracts) that is as smooth as a baby's bottom. 

This 2.70 oz tube is fairly priced at $21.95 with free, quick shipping at FrankBody.com and can also be found on the shelves at select Urban Outfitters stores. Go grab a tube... gorgeously ethereal, lit skin is waiting for you!!  (Vegan friends... this one is for you as well!)