Favorite Skincare, Bath/Body, Haircare Products of 2014

I don't talk much about skincare because everyone reacts differently with the product since we have different types of skin and expectations.
I don't have much trouble with my skin. I have some hyperpigmentation on my cheeks, everything I tried I was never able to get rid of them. I get the occasional break out, usually around menstruation or when I'm very stressed. I am fortunate there is no signs of wrinkles yet. I think the regular maintenance must've done the job but my overall complexion is a bit dull and uneven. I have combination normal skin and slightly oily on the T-zone.

Raccine Ultimate Hydra Perfection Advanced Lumious Gel. I was sent this product for review but it's really a nice gel and gives a boost of hydration. Feels and looks luxurious. Price is average.

Algenist Firming & Lifting Eye Gel. I really like how quickly it absorbs and keep my skin feel hydrated for hours.

Algenist Firming & Lifting Cream. I've been quite pleased with the couple products that I tried from the line. The texture of the creams are smooth and hydrating. I love that they are unscented. I dislike the jar packaging but what's inside is good.

Origins A Perfect World Age Defense Skin Guardian With White Tea. You must test this when you get a chance because it feels so silky smooth. It feels silicone-ish so if you don't like this feeling then it's not for you. I find it works well for me during winter for some of the areas that feels a little dry. It reduces the appearance of dry skin.

Shiseido The Skincare Night Moisture Recharge. I haven't been using this in the winter because it's a light-weight moisture night cream, well actually it feels more like a gel. I used it more often in the spring and summer when my skin isn't as dry. If you have normal to oily skin, I think you'll like this but if you have dry skin you might not feel like this would be enough moisture for you. You get a lot of product and a little goes a long way. This will last a pretty long time.

Garnier Nourishing Cleansing Oil. It does a wonderful job at removing makeup. I wished drugstore carried more of these cleansing oils.

Missha Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Gel Mask. By far my favorite mask of all time. It's a bit pricey but next time they have a sale, I'd definitely picking up more of these. Once you're done, your skin feels soft like baby skin.

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion. Nothing worked for me like this drying lotion for pimple spot treatment. It sucks that bad boy dry overnight and helps reduce the look of scar and speed the healing process.

Freeman Facial Polish Mask Charcoal & Black Sugar. There's some issues with the cap not wanting to stay close after you used it a few times but other than that it's a wonderful exfoliator. My skin feels clean and smooth after use. I didn't find it harsh or drying either.

L'Occitane Almond Collection. I love the almond line from L'Occitane. I'm usually not a big fan on sweet scents but it smells warm, sweet, and divine. I didn't care much for the soap cause it's so small but the supple skin oil, shower oil, and almond milk concentrate are my favorite.

L'Occitane 100% Shea Butter. This stuff is pricey but I haven't found anything else that compares. It feels thick yet it absorbs quickly and easily into skin. This is the most hydrating cream I ever tried. It works wonders on my dry hands during the winter time. I also like that it is unscented.

Macadamia Natural Oil Healing Oil Spray. I love the light-weight feel and healthy shines it gives my hair.

Garnier Fructis Marvelous Oil Frizz Defy Hair Elixir. A little goes a long way to smooth and detangle hair without weighing it down. Smells nice too.

St. Ives Even & Bright Pink Lemon & Mandarin Orange Scrub - Review

Hey yall! Gosh I am beat and stressed out. This is a rough month and I can't wait to get it over with. Fortunately for my blog, I managed to work on some posts over the weekend because I knew I wouldn't be able to focus during the week because I wouldn't have any energy left in me at the end of the day. With that said, let's just move on to the review...I hope you're having a much better month than I do.

Packaging

• I think the bright orange and pink sort of caught my eyes and judging from the packaging, my initial thought was I wonder how that smells like. 
• It comes in a stand up squeeze tube, which is practical and just the way I like it. 
• 6 oz or 170 g

Product

• So the first thing I notice about it is the scent. It has a bright and refreshing citrus scent. It also has a softer light floral scent to it. It's rather strongly fragranced so if you are sensitive to strong scents, you may find it overwhelming but for me I like it so it doesn't bother me. 
• It contains 100% natural exfoliant
• The consistency of the scrub is thick so you'll need to wet your face first. 
• I thought it was kinda cool that they printed the exfoliating factor on the packaging so you can get an idea of what you're getting. Even though this scrub is labeled as moderate, I find it still kind of gentle. 
• The scrubbing beads are tiny but dense, which is why the scrub is thick. The friction is gentle and painless. Unless you have sensitive skin, you could probably use this every day if you wanted to. 
• Once you're done rubbing the scrub, you can rinse it off with warm water. The scrub feels slippery when rinsing off and the tiny scrubbing beads tend to cling a little so you will need to rinse more vigorously in order to get them all off. 
• I'd definitely recommend that you especially be careful not to use the scrub too close to your eyes or be very careful not to get any in your eyes while you rinse.
• My skin felt maybe just little dry after my face dried but my skin didn't feel tight. 
• Honestly, I didn't notice that my skin got any brighter or even toned after use. 

Final Thought

So well, I like it but I don't love it. It's not a miracle worker and I didn't notice that it did anything fabulous for my skin. It smells nice and does a decent job with exfoliating and cleansing. It's gentle enough for daily use if you don't have sensitive skin. I normally use it at night but it's also great in the morning because the bright citrus scent wakes me up.

Rating: 8/10

Price: $4-$5
Availability: Wal-Mart, CVS, Walgreens

Tried it? What do you think of it or what is your favorite facial scrub?

My Latest and Bestest Haul This Year So Far

I stopped by Sephora the other day to take advantage of my VIB 15% off coupon. I was rather disappointed that they did not have the OCC Lip Tar Primary Colors set in store. So I figure I would order it online later. Well, come to find that the set already sold out! I guess I can't feel too bad, considering all the new stuff that I hauled here.

So I grabbed this Algenist Eye Gel ( $68) because I needed a treatment for my eyes. You know at my age, you have to be conscious about skincare and I believe taking good care of yourself and your skin really helps prevent premature aging. It's very thin, lightweight, and absorbs quickly. I like the pump dispenser and the fact that it doesn't smell funny. 

I picked up my birthday present. As you know, the perk of being a Sephora beauty insider is that you get a free gift on your birthday. This year they have a mini Make Up Forever liptick and mascara.

I redeemed 100 points for this Benefit Big Easy foundation. I swatched it in store and it reminds me of a BB cream/foundation hybrid. 

Also redeeming another 100 points for the Algenist Firming & Lifting cream. I figured since I'm trying out the eye gel, I figure why not also get the moisturizer.

Got this free cute makeup bag with some free goodie samples.

We stopped by Forever 21 and I was hoping to find their new makeup collection but didn't had that luck with that store. I scooped these two Confetti nail glitter for $3.80 each. 

I redeemed my $10 birthday coupon for these two nail polishes at Victoria's Secret. I circled the store a few times and didn't find anything I was interested in so in the end, I just decided to go with the nail polishes. These are regularly 2 for $15.00.

Yesterday, I was in Chicago visiting my sister and the new baby. It just hit me how long it has been since I drove down that road. I just found out that the toll fee increased. We only saw the baby for like 5 minutes and the nurses had to take her to another hospital to run some test and treat the baby for jaundice. Drove my family around running some errands and on our way back home, we stopped by the outlet mall and the CCO store. As you can see, I grabbed a few things.

MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Clearwater and Stormy Pink. I don't know which collection they came from but I likey. $14 each.

I got two Estee Lauder Pure Color Eyeshadow Paint in Neon Fuchsia and Steel. I don't have any color like these so I had to grab. These were $17.00 each. 

I scooped up the Estee Lauder Pure Color Cheek Rush in X-Pose Rose ($19.75). I thought the product was interesting so had to give it a try.

Lastly from the CCO, the Estee Lauder Pure Color Vivid Shine in Mirrored Orchid ($21). I know I have a lot of berry colored lipstick but something about this color and finish that just make me want to take it home plus I love the gorgeous packaging. 

Across from the CCO was the Bare Minerals outlet store and of course I stopped by too. There was some pretty good deals but I had my heart set on these Prime Time Primer Shadow sets. When I took them to the cash register, they told me the sets were only $9.50 each! I was excited! I have so many colors to play with.

And lastly, my daughter wanted to stop by Rue 21 and I spotted this ring and glitter polish that I thought was cute. Plus we got a 40% off coupon so the discount was pretty awesome. 

So that's it. Definitely went way over my budget but oh well! I used coupons and discount and it's my birthday month so it makes me happy to spend, lol. Hope you had a lovely weekend. 

What do you splurge on for your birthday? See anything you want me to review first?

Epielle Facial Essence Mask Green Tea and Aloe Review

Happy Saturday everyone!

I was stalling and browsing online. Just when I decided that it was time I get in the shower, my daughter beat me to it. Ugh, she's going to take foreva now and fog the whole bathroom cause she likes to take very hot showers. I gotta do some last minute birthday shopping for my niece and nephew.

I purchased these masks a little while ago when I was shopping at Big Lots and was curious to try them out.

Packaging

• One pack contains 4 one time use facial sheet masks soaked into a special solution that contains green tea, aloe, and botanical extracts. 

Product

• After cleansing your face, remove the mask from the package and place it on your face. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes and peel off the mask. There is not need to rinse. 
• I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the mask. It was made with thick, strong, and soft cotton. 
• The eyes cut out are a bit too far apart for me and the mouth cut out is a bit small. 
• The mask has a cooling and refreshing sensation. 
• It was hydrating but it didn't make my skin feel super soft like the Asian masks do, which was a bit of a let down. I also noticed that the solution doesn't feel as slimy or as thick as the Asian masks. 
• It has a fresh and slightly citrucy scent.

Final Thought

If you're used to wear Asian sheet masks then you might be disappointed that they are not as hydrating and as softening. Otherwise, overall they are pretty decent and refreshing on the skin. They are also easily found at your local Big Lots and they're pretty inexpensive.

Rating: 8/10

Price: $2 for a pack of 4
Availability: Big Lots

please excuse the creepy face, lol, sorry I can't smile...testing testing!

Racinne Skincare Review - Ultimate Hydra Perfection Serum, Luminous Gel, and Fortifying Emulsion, Ultimate Aqua Blanc Brightening Mask

Had to move the clock forward 1 hour for daylight saving...Ughhh! I feel like I got nothing done today so I need to get on a roll with this review.

I receive these free samples from Racinne for review consideration a month ago and I'm ready to tell you what I think of them. Racinne is a Korean base company, which extend its products to many other parts of the globe and the products are also available at the Dermstore.com as well as their website http://racinne.com/main/.

Before I start, let me briefly give you a description of my skin type and condition. I have normal/combination oily on the T-zone area. I suffer from uneven skintone (who doesn't?). I have some light freckles on my cheek area and the occasional acne scar. I don't have sensitive skin, no wrinkles or sagging skin, and I'm in my mid 30's. I'm pretty consistent with my skincare regimen. Cleansing and moisturizing morning and night with the occasional exfoliating and masking.

Ever heard of this brand before? I know I haven't and I also understand that when we are not familiar with a brand or products we are often hesitant to shell out the money for it. When I was given the opportunity to give them a try. I was quite excited and looking forward to it. Hopefully, you will find my reviews helpful.

Ultimate Hydra Perfection Essentialift Supplement Serum Review

Here's how Racinne describe this product:
A regenerating serum that aims to nourish and repair dull and damaged dry skin. Sodium hyaluronic binds moisture to the skin and creates a plumping effect on fine lines and wrinkles. Combined with antioxidant rich grapes stem cells and ginkgo biloba leaf, this concentrate protects against free-radical damage, promotes elasticity, softens up your skin and improves texture with a radiant glow.

Packaging

• The packaging to me looks fancy and bulky. I find it kinda cool that it has a subtle glowing violet shimmer on the bottle. I think the material of the bottle is either clear plastic or acrylic. 
• It comes with this squeezable dropper to dispense the product. So here's my concern with the packaging is that the serum is not liquidy enough. It's actually a little thick for this type of packaging and my fear is that once the product runs low, it will be hard for the dropper to grab the product that are lingering around the edge of the bottle. 
• 1.7 oz or 30 ml

Product

• I use about two drops for my entire face, once in the morning and once at night after cleansing and before applying a moisturizer.
• Even though it seems to appear a little thick, it actually feels thin once your rub your fingers with it, it absorbs really quickly into the skin. 
• I don't feel that this is a miracle worker type of serum but it does help tone and hydrate my skin. 
• Suitable for all skin type.
• It has a very subtle and pleasant fresh scent. 
• List of ingredients: Aqua, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, CetylEthylhexanoate, PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, Glycereth-26, Dimethicone, Trehalose, VitisVinifera (Grape) Callus Culture Extract, Glycol Stearate SE, Phenoxyethanol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polyacrylate-13, Chlorphenesin, Stearic Acid, Alcohol, Polyisobutene, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Fragrance, Tromethamine, Glyceryl Acrylate/ Acrylic Acid Copolymer, CymbopogonSchoenanthus Extract, LepidiumMeyenii Root Extract, Prunuspersica (peach) Fruit Extract, Propylene Glycol, NelumboNucifera Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disodium EDTA, SorbitanIsostearate, Polysorbate 20, Octyldodecanol, FucusVesiculosus Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, LigustrumJaponicum Fruit Extract, Phytosterols, GlycerylCaprylate.

Final Thought

Well it's hard for me to approve or disapprove of its claim for plumping fine line and wrinkles. My skin is in generally good condition so I personally didn't notice any sudden changes other than the toning and hydrating effect. I think is a good product to use to help maintain your skin.

Rating: 9/10

Price: $48.00
Availability: Racinne 

Ultimate Hydra Perfection Advanced Lumious Gel Review

Here's how Racinne describe this product:
A lightweight moisturizing gel enriched with grapes stem cell and organic peaches to repair cell damage, and restore vibrancy to dull and dehydrated skin. Gingko and lemon grass stimulate cell growth and reduce fine lines, and work to deep nourishing hydration. Skin is left smooth and supple with a matte finish that provides an ideal make-up base.

Packaging

• Jar container with an inner plastic cover. Just like the serum, it has that subtle violet shimmer glow to it. it has a good weight to it but I don't think it's made of glass. Perhaps clear acrylic. Overall, the packaging is simple and elegant. 
• .9 oz or 25 g

Product

• It looks like a thick cream but once you massage it into the skin, it smooths out and absorbs quickly into the skin. This gel seriously packs a punch of moisture. If you have dry, dull, and tired skin, this gel is instant gratification. 
• It doesn't give me a matte finish. It's not greasy but I'm still a little shiny from it. Personally, I find it a bit too rich for daytime so I've only been using it at night and I find that it worked out better for me. I wake up with soft, re-energized, and supple skin. 
• for all skin type but dry skinned people will probably benefit the most from this gel. 
• It has a pleasant subtle fresh scent similar to the serum. 
• List of ingredients: Aqua, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Glycereth-26, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Alcohol Denat., PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, Dimethicone, Trehalose, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Callus Culture Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Chlorphenesin, Polyacrylate-13, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tromethamine, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Polyisobutene, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Extract, Lepidium Meyenii Root Extract, Prunuspersica (peach) Fruit Extract, Propylene Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Fragrance, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disodium EDTA, Menthol, Octyldodecanol, SorbitanIsostearate, Polysorbate 20, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, LigustrumJaponicum Fruit Extract, Phytosterols, GlycerylCaprylate.

Final Thought

This gel is super moisturizing and gentle. Even if my skin isn't dry I still loved using it. I admit, I actually like it much more than the serum. I find it ideal for night time use but if you have generally dry skin, you will also benefit from using it during the day to help you combat the dry cold winter skin. This is something I would actually buy for myself.

Rating: 10/10

Price: $40.00
Availability: Racinne

Ultimate Hydra Perfection Optimal Fortifying Emulsion Review

I receive 3 sample packs of the Ultimate Hydra Perfection emulsion and so I was only able to use it only a few times.I don't know if there will be any changes or improvement with long term use but I can only speak on behalf of the limited times I have used it. 

It has a clear gel consistency, not too thick or thin, but once massaged into the skin it become very thin and absorbs quickly. I found the texture of it very similar to the serum I reviewed above. It helps tone and add a boost of moisture into the skin. I definitely wouldn't use it alone though. I think it works better with a moisturizer on top of it. It has a very subtle fresh scent to it and is formulated for all skin type.

I would say if you are going for the serum, skip this one but if you are getting the emulsion then skip the serum. I'm getting the same effect with both. 

Rating: 9/10

Price: $39.00 for 1.79 oz

Availability: Racinne 

Ultimate Aqua Blanc Brightening Mask Review

What Racinne says about this mask: 
Formulated with snow lotus stem cells, niacinimide, and deep sea pearl, this double action brightening formula rapidly penetrates into skin cells to reduce appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation and unevenness when used twice a week. Pearl extract boosts cell renewal and detoxifies the skin while sodium hyaluronate binds moisture to skin. This masque assists to refresh the complexion, tighten pores and give skin a healthy, radiant glow.

After cleansing and on dry skin, apply a generous amount all over face and neck and wait for 15 minutes then rinse off with water and follow with a moisturizer. I noticed that some of the product gets absorbed into the skin and some will remain on top of the skin. This mask feels very soothing and creamy and even when it dries it doesn't tighten your skin. It keeps it soft and supple. It's very hydrating and I must say I really liked it. It's soothing, softening, and gentle. It has a lovely fresh scent that slightly leans flowery. The fragrance is pleasant and delicate.

I don't know yet if with prolong use that this mask could reduce dark spots and even out skin tone but even if it doesn't, I still love how my skin feels when I use it. It's definitely a product I would purchase.

Rating: 9/10.

Price: $36 for 2.46 oz

Availability: Racinne

Overall, I had a good experience with this skincare. I find the products very soothing, comforting, and gentle. I didn't have any reaction to them. In general I rarely do but there are some that can cause me to break out. I like the fact that the products are suitable for all skin type, even my normal/combination skin quite enjoyed the products and my favorites are the Ultimate Hydra Perfection Advanced Lumious Gel and the Ultimate Aqua Blanc Brightening Mask. The prices are mid-range and still remain affordable. Check out their current promos for deals HERE.