Weekly Empties (8)

Another weekly empties starting with masks. Well, I love masking and it shows. I've used up one more of Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels (link). I don't want to repeat myself, but these are great. I don't feel too much cooling on my skin, but they do firm undereye area very effectively.

I received Lancer Lift and Plump Sheet Mask (link) in my BeautyFix subscription box and I was really waiting for that special occasion/moment to use it as it is an expensive sheet mask. It promises so much, but I wasn't impressed by this mask. It wasn't cut ideally for my face though that happens with a lot of sheet masks. It was infused with serum well (but not to a point of dripping) and there was enough left in the package to use on my neck, chest and hands. The mask felt nice on the skin and I enjoyed the experience. However, I was expecting so much more from it. Once I removed the mask, my skin was plump and very soft, but only the area around my cheekbones felt somewhat firmer. I used it a few hours before going out, but even after removing the mask and patting in the remaining serum, my skin felt a little tacky and that sticky feeling stayed for the next 2-3 hours. It didn't interfere with makeup application though. Would I buy it again? No, because there are so many more less expensive sheet masks that give the same effect.

I know many people like Glamglow a lot, but I'm just ok with it's products. I used up a mini of Gravitymud Firming Treatment (link) and I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it either. A big pro for this mask is that it doesn't hurt when being removed. It's a fun experience to use metal colored peel off mask, but the firming effect is very minimal.

Mario Badescu Flower & Tonic Mask (link) is not my favorite mask from this brand, but it was good. This mask calmed the skin, gave light cleaning without drying and left my skin feeling hydrated and soft. Overall, I think Mario Badescu masks (and other products) are really reasonably priced and worth the attention.   

Sephora Aloe Vera Hand Mask (link) is my favorite of the 3 available hand masks. I use these masks when my skin needs extra hydration or before special occasions, because the result is not as long lasting as I'd like. The mask leaves hands very hydrated and soft, but it doesn't last long and lasts even less if you wash your hands. That's why I like using it right before bedtime and let the serum continue working into the skin while I sleep.

Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant (link) works like magic. If I need 100% protection, it never lets me down. I got hooked up on it a few years when I needed dependable protection for attending a special event. It worked great during the hot and humid summer as well and I just didn't want to be without it. I am trying to use it less often and rely on my natural deodorant for everyday use, but I am still going to continue using Secret for those important moments.

Alba Botanica Acnedote Face & Body Scrub (link) continues to be my must have product for years and since it's in my empties pretty much once a month, I'm not gonna expand on telling about it. 

I'm not crazy about Urban Decay Troublemaker Mascara (link). I had a sample that I tried for a few times and I'm getting rid of it. It doesn't separate/arrange my lashes the way I like, it doesn't give as much volume or thickness as I like. It was ok when I layered another mascara on top, but, honestly, why would I use two mascaras and spend twice as much time when my other mascara gives the same affect by itself in one coat.

Another product from Urban Decay is Vice Liquid Lipstick in Amulet (link). I was eyeing a few shades, including Amulet, for some time, so I was very happy to receive a sample. While the shade is beautiful and application is easy, the formula doesn't work for me. This liquid lipstick feels uncomfortable and drying on my lips. Even only an hour into wearing it I start feeling such tightness on my lips that I start imagining that the lipstick is peeling and is becoming patchy/cracked on my lips though when I check in the mirror, I see that it looks pretty fine. I really wanted to love it and to use it up, but that uncomfortable feeling is not worth is, because whenever I wear this lipstick I only think about how my lips look.

Weekly Empties (7)

Leader's 7 Wonders Sheet Masks (link) are still one of my favorite masks ever. I love them all and they all give my skin great hydration, but only Mediterranean Olive Brightening Mask gives something more than moisture to the skin.

I've just recently got into Skyn Iceland, but I'm already obsessed with this brand and want to try so many products. Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels (link) are the best eye patches I've ever tried. They aren't cheap though, so I try to use them more only when I really need that extra boost for my undereyes. They give moisture to the skin, but the also lift the undereye area and I can feel my skin being firmer.   

Sanitas GlycoSolution 5% Exfoliating Toner* (link) was part of my Sanitas travel set for normal skin. When I apply it to my skin, I sometimes get some tingling, but it doesn't irritate my skin. I've used it 2-3 times a week and really enjoyed it.

I've finished Ole Henriksen Blue/Black Berry Enzyme Mask (link to reformulated mask). This mask was reformulated and the packaging changed, but I tried the new one as well and I don't see/feel any difference between the two. The mask smells nice, very calming, relaxing and it leaves skin soft. However, I didn't really enjoy using it and didn't see any difference in my skin, so I just couldn't wait to finish it up.

I think Pacifica Vital Immersion Deep Hydration Mask is not available for sale any more. This was part of the discovery set and I'm so glad it was a mini size. I didn't like the scent at all, so I never really used it on my face. I used it as an overnight cream/mask for my hands and it did make my hands very soft.

I also used up lip mask from Ulta's birthday gift. I used it, I had fun, but I never see any special result from such lip masks. I much more prefer regular lip masks or just using thicker layer of lip balm.

Sante Eyebrow Pencil in 01 Blonde (link) was my favorite brow product for the longest time. Just like most such type of pencils it doesn't last long and is gone in about a month of daily use since it needs sharpening pretty much every time. It is easy to work with, it gives nice color, looks natural and stays on all day. However, recently I found another brow pencil that I prefer using, so I will not be repurchasing Sante for some time.

I really enjoyed using La Roche-Posay Lipikar Daily Repair Moisturizing Lotion (link) that I received in February's BeautyFix box. It was light, sank into the skin quickly, but gave good hydration. It is a bit too light for wintertime, but it would be really nice in warm weather.

I always have hair removal cream around, so this time I finished up Nair (link). It worked and it lasted long. I don't think I ever have trouble with such products as they are always good for me.

I also used L'oreal Excellence Creme in color 9A Light Ash Blonde (link). It's a very easy hair color to work with, but it comes out darker and not as cool toned as I hope for. Using purple shampoo for a  few times fixes the situation and the hair get cool tone, but I wish the hair dye did that.   




* marks PR samples received complimentary

Weekly Empties (6)

I like Drunk Elephant a lot, so once they released Protini Polypeptide Cream (link), I had to try it. I'm happy that Sephora was offering a sample of this (with a code when shopping online), because this cream was just ok for me. Yes, it is moisturizing. It has a nice light texture, a little goes a long way, but apart from hydration I didn't see/feel anything else. For me it was just a basic moisturizer.

I'm a little unsure how I feel about Real Chemistry Luminous 3 Minute Peel (link). I received this sample as part of gwp and with all good reviews around I was excited to try it. However, I don't really see much difference after using it. It felt just like a gentle exfoliator that leaves skin soft. I don't feel or see my dead skin being removed.

I really liked Algenist Splash Hydrating Mist (link), but I got tired of it. I literally used it for a year (got it in the middle of last February). It smells nice, the mist is pretty fine, it doesn't leave water drops on the skin. I sometimes set my makeup with it, but mostly used it to refresh my face throughout the day or as part of my skincare routine.

Another face mist that I enjoyed a lot is Hana Gentle Toner* (link). It smelled so good! I mostly could detect ylang ylang. It was very calming on the skin. I would spray it on the face before serum application.

Pour Moi White Serum* (link) was nice, but I prefer day creams from this brand (and they make more sense price-wise). This serum was like light lotion/milk, but it was very hydrating. I used it under my day and night creams, but I mostly used it by itself. I would either just use this serum or layer it on top of a water based serum. While it was really nice and hydrated my skin well, I think it's too basic for the price and I would recommend Pour Moi day creams, which are half the price and give more effect on my skin.

Last week I wrote a review on Image Skincare (HERE) and one of the products I mentioned was Biomolecular Hydrating Recovery Mask* (link). The sheet mask didn't fit my face properly and needed some adjustment, but the mask itself was nice. It was very hydrating and it firmed my skin. I would use it again.

I'm throwing away unfinished One'n'Only Argan Oil Cream Cleanser* (link) and I finished Argan Oil Dermabration Exfoliator* (link). I reviewed both products on my blog a little while ago and my opinion didn't change. In general, I think it's a very basic brand that is not bad. However, I can't stand the overly sweet scent of this line. The dermabration scrub was very creamy and very gentle and I would never call it dermabration. I used it up as a body scrub. When it comes to Cream Cleanser, I didn't even finish it. It was gentle on the skin, but it didn't remove makeup. Usually if face washes don't work for my face I use them to wash makeup brushes, but this cleanser did a bad job on brushes too.     

I received Pureology Hydrate Sheer Conditioner (link) as part of gwp. I also received a shampoo and while I loved it (already use 1 liter bottle), the conditioner was just ok. It wasn't bad, but I like my conditioners to be heavier and give plenty of hydration. This one was too light for my liking.

I love the feeling of freshed hair. I also don't like how styling products or dry shampoos/texturizers feel in my hair, so I never use them. But I received Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray (link) with gwp (see the pattern here?). I've heard great things about the scent and this product, so I wanted to give it a chance. It didn't work for me (though it does smell great) and I forgot about it... Until one evening while I was getting ready to go out I used a brand new oil based hair product and went a little too heavy handed with it. I remembered this texturizing spray and it did save the situation. It made hair more volumized and soaked up oil. Though this container only lasted me for 2-3 uses. 

I think this is the last time I'm using blush. I'm not into blush, but sometimes I'm tempted to try and use it. I end up throwing away pretty much new blush as they expire before I even make a dent. This mini of Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush (link) was part of last year's Sephora vib birthday gift and while I love the shade (very neutral and universal), I barely used it.

I love Avril lipsticks, so I decided to try eyeshadow as well. I picked out Eyeshadow in Marecage (link). The color looks very nice in the packaging. However, it is lighter and not as beautiful once swatched on a hand or applied to the lid. It doesn't have fall out and is easy to work with even though the pigmentation could be much better. I don't wear eyeshadow often, but when I do, I pick something that works better. Since I've had this eyeshadow for over a year and barely touched it, I'm just getting rid of it.

Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara (link) is one of my all time favorite mascaras. It makes lashes big, thick, it layers nicely, it doesn't clump lashes, it doesn't flake and is perfect from the first use until the last one. Sephora has this mascara as a 100 point bonus quite often, so I always stock up on them. Mini size is perfect. I toss my mascaras every 3-4 months and I never run out of it.

I got a sample of Juice Beauty Liquid Lip in shade Gwyneth (link) and I'm not keeping it. It's a beautiful color for the summer, but I didn't like the product. This lip gloss doesn't taste good (tastes like chalk/old lipstick), it is sticky and applies unevenly.

Fresh Sugar Lip Caramel Hydrating Balm (link) smells and tastes so good! It's like liquid toffee. In general I'm not a fan of sticking my finger into products, but I didn't care with this one. I had a sample and used it before bedtime and first thing in the morning to hydrate my lips. It's a very soft product that hydrates and softens the lips well.   




* marks PR samples received complimentary

BeautyFix February 2018

BeautyFix never stops amazing me. It's the only subscription box that I continue receiving and it's the one that has the most things I end up using. Too many boxes have great things in them, but they're not for me. I end up with piles of eyeliners that I don't use, a bunch of eyeshadow in colors I never use and other products that are not for me. With BeautyFix I end up using everything, except for a few samples. So since I see value in this box, I want to share the goodies inside with everyone.

I'm very excited to receive Lancer Lift & Plump Sheet mask (link) since it's so expensive and it's not something I would by just to try out. I've heard great reviews about this mask, but I'm saving mine for some special occasion.

I love using acids and my skin reacts well to them, so another product that I'm happy to receive is REN Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic (link). I haven't tried many products from this brand, so I am interested to see how I like this one. Besides, I'm running low on toners and this came in at a perfect time.

BeautyFix often includes some serum and/or moisturizer, which I think is great. This time the box has a sample of Replenix All-Trans Retinol Smoothing Serum 3X (link).

There's also a sample of La Roche-Posay Lipikar Daily Repair Moisturizing Lotion (link) for body. I probably should have kept it until the weather gets warmer, but I was too curious to try it out. Besides, body lotions/creams/butters are products I'm least excited about and get easily bored of using the same thing over and over again, so I had to try out La Roche-Posey. This lotion is light, absorbs quickly and gives good hydration. It is too light for long lasting hydration on my winter skin, but it is nice to be used in the evenings before bedtime. It's fragrance-free and it doesn't irritate the skin. 

I've read some reviews that Elon Lanolin-Rich Nail Conditioner (link) doesn't smell nice, but for me the scent is quite light and neutral. It's a creamy balm that needs to be massaged into nails and cuticles 2-4 times a day. I've only used it a couple of times and I'm sure I'm not gonna use it few times throughout the day, but I'm going to use it and I'm going to enjoy it. It really softens the skin and leaves it protected.

I've just tested Manna Kadar Glo Illuminator (link) on my hand, but I already love it. I think it's going to be a nice product to apply to the body. I also want to try mixing it into foundation. 

The only product that I'm not too crazy about (but will try it out) is Nick Chavez Horsetail Root Lifting Spray (link). Not only the bottle doesn't look appealing, but I'm also not into root lifting products. Either they don't work/work too short or I don't like the way my hair feels with those sprays. While I'm not excited about this spray, I will give it a chance and see what it's all about. 

Brand Review: Image Skincare

I'm so excited to finally write this review about Image Skincare products (link). Image Skincare is a clinical skincare brand that uses high percentages of active ingredients and smart botanicals. I received a whole bunch of products and to include them all in my skincare routine and to test them out properly took a little while. Sometimes I start using a few new products at the same time, but I prefer to do it gradually in order to see what each product does and how my skin reacts to it. Some of these products I kept using together, others I incorporated in my different skincare routines, but I finally used them all for a long enough time to be able to give my opinion.   

Some of these products came as part of 2017 Holiday Collection kit, but they are available for sale by themselves as well. I love how each product was either wrapped in plastic or had a foil seal. This gives me confidence that products are fresh and no one opened/tested them before me. I understand that this applies more to store bought products, but it feels nice anyway (I've been in situations when I buy something online and then wonder if the container is filled that little or if this was somebody's return that they restocked and sold to me). 

When looking at Image Skincare products, I was looking for something to match my winter skin. I have normal skin, but in winter it gets a little dryer, I also have some redness on my cheeks, so I'm looking for something hydrating, anti-aging, firming and calming. Did I find that in these products? Well, keep on reading and you'll find out. 

All Vital C line products have a sweet citrus-y scent. Just like the other products the smell is not overpowering, but it is there. I like it, so I'm not bothered. Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum* (link) comes in an airless pump container while Vital C Hydrating Repair Creme* (link) comes in a jar. The cream comes with a spatula that is sitting under the cap. It seems such a simple idea, but many companies don't do it and I always struggle with finding place to keep spatula and to keep it clean.

The serum feels as rich as the cream and is almost a little bit thicker. Both products apply to the skin smoothly, they sink in quickly and doesn't leave oiliness behind. They both feel lightweight yet very hydrating and gives long lasting effect. My skin doesn't get irritated while using this serum and cream and, in fact, feels very calm, soft and gets even toned. When I want something lighter or use other moisturizing products (e.g. hydrating face masks), I often use only the serum. Because of its texture my skin gets enough moist and doesn't feel dry/tight.   

Prevention+ Daily Matte Moisturizer SPF 32* (link) not only gives protection from the sun's harmful rays, but also doubles as a primer before makeup. It smells like candies and has a thinner texture (reminds of face milk). A lot of times I get clogged pores when using sunscreen on my face constantly, but I haven't notice this issue with this moisturizer. It is light, spreads on the skin smoothly, sinks in quickly and doesn't leave shiny/oily film. In fact, it is lightweight on the skin and it is left breathing. It also doesn't leave white cast and doesn't pill when I apply makeup. I don't use sunscreen every day (I know I should), but when I do I often apply this directly on a serum and skip moisturizer.

Vital C Hydrating Enzyme Mask* (link) was (and still is) my go to wash off mask when I needed a boost of hydration. I use it both by itself and in combination with other masks. For example, I apply some clay mask on my nose, chin and this enzyme mask on the rest of the face. My skin feels as if it got a glass of water as it instantly becomes hydrated, soft, plump and radiating from inside.

I Mask Biomolecular Hydrating Recovery Mask* (link) is a sheet mask that regularly comes in a pack of 5. I got this one in the holiday set. The mask is very wet and is filled with essence. I used the remaining liquid from the packet on my face and hands. This mask feels hydrating and calming. It felt as if my face is drinking up the serum and 35-40 minutes later (I often leave sheet masks longer than recommended) the mask was mostly dry. My face was left very hydrated, plump and firm. I didn't need/want any additional moisture, but I still applied some eye cream and face serum.

However, I do have an issue with the way this sheet mask is shaped. It didn't apply on my face comfortably where I could apply it straight and evenly on my skin. It seemed like the mask is too long for my face and the part going above the lips went over them unless I fixed it (but then the part on my cheeks became uneven). A little bit of adjusting, folding and layering later I was happy the way the mask is placed on the face. While the shape was not ideal, I really enjoyed how my skin looked afterwards and I would not hesitate on using more of these masks.

I didn't notice any change in my lips with continuous use of Ormedic Balancing Lip Enhancement Complex* (link), but it is a nice lip product. It has a texture of a balm that's not too thick, but is not runny either. A little goes a long way with this product. I'm sure I've mentioned in my posts that cold weather makes my lips and hands very dry, but currently I have no problems with my lips. Ormedic Balm made my lips smooth, soft and gave long lasting hydration. This balm leaves lips plump, filled and very even textured (not visibly bigger or anything like that though). It has a pleasant scent and taste. I use it throughout the day, but I also like applying it when I start doing my makeup. My lips feel and look amazing by the time I'm ready to apply lip products. 

Last, but not the least is The Max Stem Cell Facial Cleanser* (link). This is my favorite morning face cleanser. I've never really used it at night to remove my makeup, but I did test it on my hand (mascara, lip stain, brow products) and while massaging it on the skin, everything melted away. Directions tell to apply it with wet hands and massage on the skin for a minute washing it with warm water afterwards. This creamy face wash leaves skin clean, but doesn't strip off moisture. It leaves skin hydrated, calm and even toned. I also apply a little bit on my hands and leave it until I'm done with the face. I love how soft my hands feel after washing them off.     




* marks PR samples received complimentary

Weekly Empties (5)

It's becoming a tradition that I start my empties with masks. I don't know how much I believe in sheet masks for lips, but I'm always curious to try them. I've tried hydrogel type of lip masks in the past, but Burt's Bees Moisturizing Lip Mask (link) was the first one that is sheet mask type. It was thin, so it applied on the lips easily and stayed on well. It is filled with oils and feels nice on the lips. It has a pleasant taste/smell. However, the mask is way bigger than my lips, so part of it went above my lips and part went on my chin (I really don't need oils there). I wish it was smaller and maybe came with 2-3 in the package, which would make more sense. The directions tell to keep the mask on for 5 minutes. Well, the lips were left soft and hydrated and while it was a fun experience, I get the same results by massaging a drop of oil or eye cream into my lips.

I saw these Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels (link) online with great reviews and decided to try them. I fell in love instantly. These patches have a sticky side that applies to the skin. It helps them to stay on the skin (hydrogel patches move a bit if I'm doing something around the house or talking), but they are gentle and don't pull the skin when being removed. They feel very comfortable and cooling on the eyes. Once removed, the undereye area feel hydrated, plump and firmer without any uncomfortable tightness. I wish I could use them everyday, but since they're on the pricier side, I use them 2-3 times a week. When I purchased my eye patches, I received a sample of Hydro Cool Firming Face Gels for Forehead (link), but I can't find that one for sale by itself, so I assume it comes in a set with smile line gels. It was big enough to cover my whole forehead. It was just as comfortable and cooling as the eye gels and it gave the same instant plumped, soft and firm result. I'm tempted to get those as well, so maybe I'll pamper myself.

Just like I said in my review of this brand (you can find it HERE), One'n'Only Argan Oil Makeup Removal Cleansing Cloths* (link) don't do a good job at removing makeup. I used them on my vanity to wipe my hands while applying makeup, to clean around makeup containers, etc. 

When I was deciding which bubbling face mask to get, Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Foaming Mask (link) was one of the options. I didn't get it, but I received it as part of gwp. It promises to refresh, to revitalize and make skin look more radiant. It was a small sample, but I got 3-4 uses out of it. The mask felt nice on the skin and the foaming was gentle and didn't irritate the skin. After washing it off, my face was left very smooth and soft and as if having some barrier on the skin without really having any residue/film.

I recently reviewed a skincare set from Sanitas (HERE) and I finished one of the products - Antioxidant Moisturizer* (link). I enjoyed using this cream and my skin really saw a difference using Sanitas products. A little goes a long way with this moisturizer. I would apply it over a serum, but later I started mixing the two together in my hand and then apply to the face. This helped to cut down absorption time.

Another great product is Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum* (link, use code DIT536 to save additional 5% on your order). I mentioned Mad Hippie products in one of my skincare articles (HERE). I took a break from this serum and used some other products and I finally got back to using it in January. I loved it as much as I loved it initially. This serum absorbs quickly, it doesn't irritate the skin, it doesn't leave any stickiness. It makes skin soft, bright and very even toned.

Oz Naturals Vitamin C + Sea Hydration Mask (link) is one of the products I don't like. I only used it once on my face, but I didn't see any difference, so I decided to use it up as a hand mask. I did that only once, because my hands started burning and got so irritated that I had red spots, rashes and bumps all over my hands. It took a few hours just to calm my skin down.

Initially I wrote a good review about One'n'Only Argan Oil Serum* (link), however, after a few uses I passed it on to a family member who finally returned it back and I used it as a body moisturizer. I think this is a pretty nice lightweight serum that absorbs to the skin quickly, doesn't leave any film on the skin and leaves it firmer and hydrated. My biggest issue is the scent. The whole line has this sweet smell that bothers me. I tried my best, but just couldn't overcome it. When I gave this serum to a family member, I was told that it irritates the skin and makes it feel uncomfortable, so I took it back and used as a body cream. It worked well and I finished it up.
   

I've used Baby Foot Original Exfoliant Foot Peel (link) only a couple of days ago, so I don't see any peeling yet, but I have high hopes. I've tried some of this kin of products in the past and some of them worked. Recently I tried one from Nails Inc and one from Boscia and they both did nothing. There was literally not a slightest effect. My skin didn't peel, my feet didn't look better. 

I've mentioned in the previous posts that my hands and body get extra dry in cold months. While I apply hand cream constantly, I also like to pamper my skin with Sephora Hand Mask (link). I enjoy using these and don't see much difference in hydration among the different scents. These hand masks give extra boost of hydration to my skin, they make my hands very soft and refreshed. I wish the result was longer lasting. Since it's not, I use them once a week or whenever my skin needs that boost of moisture.

I remember when Yuni came out with Shower Sheets (link) and I was curious to try them, but I never did. I was pleasantly surprised to find one on my Dermstore's BeautyFix subscription box last month. I initially planned to try it out during a weekend trip, but I ended up not using it. So one evening I used it at home not knowing what to expect. These sheets are really large and feel very refreshing. They have a minty cooling feel. They are damp, but not too wet. They didn't dry out the skin and they made me feel really fresh and clean. They don't replace shower, of course, but they are way more refreshing than regular wipes. I can imagine using them on a hot summer day while running errands and wanting to cool down and freshen up. 

I don't like strong minty mouth washes, so The Natural Dentist Rinse in Peppermint Twist (link) is my go to mouthwash for at least 6 years. It tastes great and gives enough freshness without being too minty. It also does a good job. The only issue I have with these thorough the years is that the product always leaks and the bottom of the bottle and the countertop need wiping once in a while. It's not that the bottle has holes. When pouring mouthwash into a cap and afterwards putting the cap back, whatever liquid is left in the cap runs down the side of the bottle and pools underneath. It's not a lot, but it's a little inconvenience. However, the product is great and that little issue doesn't stop me from using it.

I've mentioned Leonor Greyl Hair Treatment Oil (link) in one of my articles. HERE is the link to full review. I got this product after hearing great reviews, but I wasn't that impressed and I'm happy I finally finished it. It's a pricey oil, but the bottle seems a bit cheap. It comes in a simple thin cardboard box, which looks more like a packaging for tester, not a regular product. The bottle itself is heavy glass and is nice, but the cap is feels cheap as it is simple white plastic. Again, it seems like a tester. The cap is not tight enough. I noticed after a few uses that the cap doesn't screw on tightly and tends to unscrew easily. This oil is coconut based, so it gets thick in cooler temperature and needs to be warmed up in hot water to make it liquid again. I would apply this oil to my ends and a little towards half length of the hair, but never to my roots. I'm not a fan of floral scents, so I never enjoyed it while using this product. The oil would make hair more shiny, hydrated and easy to brush. It wouldn't make hair weighed down. However, I don't see any magic for the price and effect and I think pure coconut oil or a homemade mixture of oils could do the same.     

Lastly, I have LiLy Lolo Pressed Bronzer in Miami Beach (link). I like Lily Lolo makeup a lot and I've used a lot of face products. I had this product for a little over a year and since I don't use it anymore, I decided to throw it away. I got a good use of it and I don't have a lot left. I use bronzers to contour my face and apply on my cheeks. This bronzer was very pigmented, but the shade was a bit too warm for my light skin even though it is recommended for light skin tones. It was ok in the summer when I had some tan on my skin, but my winter skin can't take it. I look too unnatural, too warm toned and I don't like the look. I have plenty of bronzers and contouring products in my makeup bag right now, but I would definitely get another face product from Lily Lolo in the future.   




* marks PR samples received complimentary

Product Review: Physicians Formula The Healthy Foundation SPF20

For the longest time I was into this one full coverage foundation that I could rely on for lasting all day even in hot humid weather. I still love it, but the shade that worked through fall and beginning of winter is too dark on my skin now. I was going to get the same foundation in lighter shade, but with all new makeup releases I decided to test some new foundations and see if I find one that I like. Well, I did try a bunch of them both drugstore and high end and the one I fell in love with is Physicians Formula The Healthy Foundation SFP 20 (link).

This foundation comes in a glass bottle and feels very high end. It came wrapped in plastic and the sticker you see on the back of the bottle was on that plastic (I moved it to the bottle so I could have that information in case I need it). It retails for $12.99, but Physicians Formula often has deals at drugstores, so you can get it for a really good price. I bought mine at Ulta as I couldn't find it at any of my local drugstores at the time.   

The Healthy Foundation SPF 20 is described as a long wearing, buildable and breathable foundation that gives lightweight, medium-full coverage with a natural, satin finish. I couldn't agree more and it is exactly what my opinion about is about this product. But let me expand on that a little later.

When I first received this foundation, I tried taking the cap off. Not sure why, but I expected it to have a pump. Instead, The Healthy Foundation SPF 20 comes with a doe foot applicator. I really don't mind that and it worked pretty well so far.

My only complaint is that it's a little messy. When I used this foundation for the first few times, every time I put the applicator back into the bottle, it would squirt some foundation out of the bottle. I clean the bottle around pretty much after each use, but as you can see in the photos, both the neck of the bottle and the cap of the applicator are dirty. Maybe this wouldn't be a problem if I held the bottle on top of my vanity, but I traveled with it and a lot of times I lay it in my vanity drawer.     

Usually I have no problem picking a shade, but this time it was even easier as there's a color chart on the brand's website. I picked LN3, which stands for Light with neutral undertone.

I dot foundation on my face using the applicator and work it into the skin with a Beautyblender. Then I apply a bit more of the foundation and blend it out again. I had no trouble with layering it and top layer doesn't move the bottom layer around. The shade is my perfect match and quite often I don't even go down my neck. It doesn't oxidize on my skin and looks just the same throughout the day. This foundation gives a medium to full coverage. I've never tried to build it up to full coverage, but I think it would be lacking to be a truly full coverage. It feels very light on the skin and gives a natural finish. It's not matte, but it's not glowy either. It gives a satin/demi-matte finish.

The Healthy Foundation SPF 20 lasts well all day. It doesn't rub off from touching the face or from scarf or jacket collar touching neck and face. It doesn't accentuate dryer spots, skin texture or lines. It doesn't settle into lines and doesn't break apart throughout the day. The only area I ever have to touch up is around the nose, but I don't blame foundation for that as I use a tissue quite often and it's natural that it rubs products away. Even then it lasts 4-5 hours without a need to touch up. As for the rest of the face, it lasts for 7-8 hours without a problem. I usually don't wear foundation that long, but if I do I fix my makeup around that time if I need to go out somewhere.       

This foundation is so good that I'm planning to get a darker shade for late spring. I will need to test it on hot days to see if it's as good as it is now, but overall it's a great find.