getupkid144
Member Since: June 6, 2016Reviews
L'Occitane Almond Shower Cream
I've really enjoyed every single L'Occitane product that I've used ever since being first introduced to the brand many years ago. While their creams and lotions are my mainstay, their shower products have also been amazing every time I've had the... +
I've really enjoyed every single L'Occitane product that I've used ever since being first introduced to the brand many years ago. While their creams and lotions are my mainstay, their shower products have also been amazing every time I've had the chance to try them. Using the Nourishing Whipped Almond Delicious Shower Body Cleanser was a luxurious experience from start to finish. The texture and consistency of the cleanser lives up to its name, as the product very much feels whipped. As a result, it applies more like a cream than a traditional lathering cleanser. While I found the experience of applying it to be more enjoyable as a result of needing to massage it in, the downside is that I found myself using more product than I would with a traditional cleanser. However, the creaminess of its application made sure that it was really absorbed by my skin. Unlike other shower washes, the scent of this lingered on my skin for significantly longer and my skin felt much more supple and moisturized. The scent itself is best described as an authentic sweet almond - nutty and vanilla at the same time - and was both subtle and elegant. Like L'Occitane's other products, this is made in France and contains sweet almond oil, shea butter, and sunflower seed oil. It truly turned my showers into more of a ritual, where I felt pampered and as if I was using a very luxurious product, without needing to visit the spa.
- Product received for free from L'Occitane Canada in exchange for an honest review.
- Product received for free from L'Occitane Canada in exchange for an honest review.
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Sarna Bug Bite Patches
I’ve never used bug bite patches before and usually just opt to suffer in silence when it comes to mosquito and spider bites. I really appreciated the fact that these were a more natural alternative to other bug bite “treatments”. Each patch... +
I’ve never used bug bite patches before and usually just opt to suffer in silence when it comes to mosquito and spider bites. I really appreciated the fact that these were a more natural alternative to other bug bite “treatments”. Each patch is infused with witch hazel, aloe, and chamomile to help soothe skin, and they’re latex and steroid free, so there’s no risk of any reactions in that respect. Since I know I don’t have any adverse reactions to these particular botanicals, I was ready to let’er rip as soon as I felt my first mosquito bite of the season. The patches are very large in size, which I actually think might be a bit overkill. I would have liked having a greater number of smaller patches, rather than fewer large ones. It felt like there was a lot of excess patch. I did like the fact that they’re very easy to stow in your bag for a weekend away or in a carry-on for air travel, without fussing over liquid limits. It didn’t take long after application that I no longer felt the incessant itch of my bite. It also seems as if it healed quicker, likely in part because I wasn’t picking at it constantly.
I #gotitfree from Butterly to try in exchange for my honest review.
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L'Occitane Redefining and Cellulite-Reducing Artichoke Body Cream
Every one of L'Occitane's products that I have used has been an absolute winner. That's why I was so excited to try this new body cream featuring artichoke as its star ingredient. The artichoke used is grown in the south of France, where L'Occitane... +
Every one of L'Occitane's products that I have used has been an absolute winner. That's why I was so excited to try this new body cream featuring artichoke as its star ingredient. The artichoke used is grown in the south of France, where L'Occitane originates, and the company has now tried using it for cosmetic purposes to try and firm up skin. This is a massage cream, which comes with it specific instructions on application. On the inner flaps of the box is a four-step system for application, starting with the neck and shoulders, down to the waist and hips, on to the lower back. Then, you switch over to your wrists, elbow, and underarm, and end on the ankle to knee to thigh area. I believe this is meant to be applied in such a way that you're also performing a "draining" massage.
First, the packaging. This comes in an absolutely gorgeous and heavy glass jar with the L'Occitane brand name built in to the glass itself. The cap is metal and a shiny metallic green. The jar looks very luxurious and high-end, and is simply gorgeous sitting on any surface in your bedroom or bathroom.
The scent is flowery, but not at all in an artificial way. I've smelled my share of sugary sweet, cloyingly fake flower scents over the years. This is more akin to taking a walk and catching a whiff of early summer blooms. It's very natural, light, and beautiful.
The cream itself is rich and thick, making it a very pleasant experience to massage it into your skin over your entire body (minus the face). The ingredients list is short and includes L'Occitane's classic shea butter, glycerin, caffeine, sunflower seed oil, and artichoke leaf extract.
I've used this consistently for a week and while I can't say that I've noticed any dramatic change to my early signs of cellulite, or that my skin appears firmer, it's always advantageous to work in a body massaging and moisturizing regime like this to help keep things circulating. I loved this cream so much that even if it doesn't make a noticeable difference to the appearance of my skin in the long term, I would continue using it. It's great at making my skin look more hydrated and I really enjoy the scent and overall sensory experience.
- Product received for free from L'Occitane Canada in exchange for an honest review.
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Ozonol® Non-Stinging Ointment
Ozonol is a staple in my household’s first-aid box. It serves as a fantastic all-around ointment for scrapes and burns, among more minor irritations like bites and chafing. Ever since I burned my hand badly on a baking sheet a few years ago, I... +
Ozonol is a staple in my household’s first-aid box. It serves as a fantastic all-around ointment for scrapes and burns, among more minor irritations like bites and chafing. Ever since I burned my hand badly on a baking sheet a few years ago, I always make sure to have a tube of this around the house for easy access. It doesn’t contain antibiotics, so there’s no concern about overuse in that respect. It only has two active or more “medicinal” ingredients: phenol and zinc oxide, which are gentle but effective in the ointment acting as an antiseptic, while also providing soothing relief. It also contains lanolin and other non-medicinal ingredients that help keep skin moist, particularly important for burns. The smell is very old-school medicinal and I actually don’t mind it. I’ve never noticed any side effects or further irritation from using it, neither on myself nor my husband. Also, a tube is 30g but because you use such a small amount on any area, it lasts a long time and you certainly won’t finish a tube before its expiry date.
I #gotitfree to try through Butterly’s Product Review Club.
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Aveeno® Calm + Restore Oat Repairing Lotion
I love Aveeno’s oat-based lotions and moisturizers since they always do such a great job of hydrating my skin without relying on gimmicks or overpowering fragrances. This repairing lotion is free of all the bad stuff: parabens, dyes, and... +
I love Aveeno’s oat-based lotions and moisturizers since they always do such a great job of hydrating my skin without relying on gimmicks or overpowering fragrances. This repairing lotion is free of all the bad stuff: parabens, dyes, and fragrances. Its ingredients are simple and very effective for moisturizing skin quickly, boasting among them glycerin, petrolatum, panthenol (B3), and oat and aloe extracts. Be warned though that it truly is fragrance-free – there is no lingering scent from any of its ingredients...it just smells like...nothing (which is admittedly a strange sensation). The consistency is not too thick, more akin to a gel lotion, and it absorbs very quickly without leaving any sort of greasy residue. Other than feeling immediately more moisturized to the touch, it was virtually unnoticeable that I had applied the lotion. It’s a very inoffensive lotion for those with more sensitive skin and my husband who has bad eczema was happy to use this since it didn’t exacerbate his flare-ups or create new irritation. -
Aveeno® Calm + Restore Body Wash
My skin often gets tired and sensitive from overuse of harsh, fragranced and chemical-laden body products. As a result, I frequently do a sort of skin detox or reset, where I focus on using gentler products that will help it recover. This body wash... +
My skin often gets tired and sensitive from overuse of harsh, fragranced and chemical-laden body products. As a result, I frequently do a sort of skin detox or reset, where I focus on using gentler products that will help it recover. This body wash is perfect for sensitive, yet dry skin that’s look to rehydrate. It’s fragrance free, dye free, sulfate free, soap free, paraben free, and recognized by the Canadian Dermatology Association. Its formula is fairly straight-forward and includes glycerin, aloe leaf extract, panthenol (aka B3) and oat extract to help soothe and calm. When they say fragrance free, they really mean it. The body wash itself smells absolutely neutral and will likewise not leave a lingering fragrance after use. Its more of a gel-like consistency and doesn’t lather up in the traditional way, but does a great job of cleansing and leaves you feeling squeaky clean, yet still hydrated. I like using this knowing that it isn’t harming my skin, but rather is helping maintain the hydration balance and my skin barrier, without any harsh ingredients. Even my husband who suffers from pretty bad eczema had an enjoyable experience using this and didn't notice any dryness or other effects. -
Grown Alchemist Skin Renewal Serum
When Grown Alchemist describes this serum as a “powerhouse”, they aren’t exaggerating. This formula is loaded with clean ,skin-benefitting ingredients like glycerin, niacinamide, panthenol, aloe leaf juice, arginine, echinacea, and... +
When Grown Alchemist describes this serum as a “powerhouse”, they aren’t exaggerating. This formula is loaded with clean ,skin-benefitting ingredients like glycerin, niacinamide, panthenol, aloe leaf juice, arginine, echinacea, and ashwagandha. I used it as recommended, as an overnight serum. A few small drops were sufficient to cover my entire face, though I recognize that the price of a 25mL bottle is quite steep. The scent is really pleasant, a sort of herbal-botanical fragrance that no doubt is the result of all the natural ingredients that have been included. My skin is usually very visibly parched/dehydrated. After a week of continuous use, my face does look plumper and more hydrated than before. It may be too early to tell whether this is helping with my fine lines and early wrinkles, but everything does look a little more softened or “blurred” than before. I was also able to apply my usual water-based gel moisturizer over top with no pilling.
- Product received for free from Grown Alchemist in exchange for an honest review.
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Grown Alchemist Instant Smoothing Serum
I’m always on the lookout for a more natural, “clean” skincare routine. Grown Alchemist has been great for trying out high-quality formulas, in luxe packaging, that also contain a select number of effective, safe ingredients. The formula of... +
I’m always on the lookout for a more natural, “clean” skincare routine. Grown Alchemist has been great for trying out high-quality formulas, in luxe packaging, that also contain a select number of effective, safe ingredients. The formula of this serum is very simply and straight-forward, and it’s even ceritfied organic, certified toxic-free, and EWG verified (a huge green flag). I used this in the evenings before applying my regular moisturizer. It contains Hyaluronan molecules, which are meant to impart intense hydration to your skin. I tried using it in the mornings before applying my makeup, but found that my foundation and concealer just didn’t mix well with this, so I stuck to evenings only. Come morning, my face did look plumper and smoother. I didn’t notice any dramatic improvement to my fine lines and early signs of wrinkles, but it seemed like there was a bit of softening taking place. Most of all, my skin is incredibly dehydrated, so I was interested to see how this fixed the issue. In combination with my regular moisturizer and used religiously each night, my face really did look a lot more hydrated and generally just healthier after continued use of this. While a bottle of the serum is only 25mL, a little goes a long way in spreading across your face. Also worth nothing, if you’re expecting or hoping for a flowery scent, this won’t be for you. It’s by and large a fragrance-free formula, with its scent best described as being clinical-neutral. This makes it ideal for those with sensitive skin and noses, who can’t handle anything overwhelming.
- Product received for free from Grown Alchemist in exchange for an honest review.
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Aveeno® Eczema Care Rescue Relief Treatment Gel Cream
This gel cream is a really neat product, unlike any I’ve seen before from any brand, let alone Aveeno. The consistency is, as the name suggests, gel-like and it feels very cooling and refreshing on the skin. I can see myself turning for this gel... +
This gel cream is a really neat product, unlike any I’ve seen before from any brand, let alone Aveeno. The consistency is, as the name suggests, gel-like and it feels very cooling and refreshing on the skin. I can see myself turning for this gel over the summer months, particularly when dealing with heat rashes or reactions to things like plants and flowers. I love using products with shea butter to really effectively moisturize my skin, but they’re often very fragranced so I end up having to stop using them after a short time because it irritates my eczema and causes flare-ups. However, this product incorporates shea butter, along with colloidal oatmeal, oat extract, and oat oil all in one unscented package. It’s a great way to enjoy the benefits of shea butter, without any of the unintended consequences of added fragrances. This was really a miracle product for calming my eczema – both in terms of calming the itch and moisturizing the underlying skin. It's worth noting that it does contain lactic acid, so you need to be careful when going out in the sun after using this, and for a bit of time afterwards. -
Aveeno® Eczema Care Daily Moisturizing Cream
I suffer from occasional eczema which is obviously worsened by the cold, dry weather we have in the winter. I’ve tried products aimed at combatting eczema symptoms from an enormous range of brands – my cupboards are filled with half-used jars... +
I suffer from occasional eczema which is obviously worsened by the cold, dry weather we have in the winter. I’ve tried products aimed at combatting eczema symptoms from an enormous range of brands – my cupboards are filled with half-used jars, bottles, pumps, etc. that seemed great at first, but quickly proved useless. I always find myself returning to Aveeno’s products, which have been tried and true proven to not further irritate my skin. Their special Eczema Care line takes what they’ve been doing to the next level. This cream is specially formulated to both benefit and protect the skin. Its star ingredient is colloidal oatmeal, which is widely-known to be a skin-soother, but it also contains oat extract, oat oil, glycerin, panthenol, and petrolatum. It’s basically a mixture of all the top ingredients I regularly seek out when looking for an eczema-effective body cream. I’ve been using it all over for about a week now and have noticed the redness and irritation on my arms and legs has really gone down. I can see why this is an accepted product by the Eczema Society of Canada! It’s also fragrance-free, which is essential for eczema sufferers – any sort of scent can really irritate the skin even more. It absorbs really quickly and doesn’t leave me feeling greasy when I put on clothes overtop of applying it, and its effectiveness has really helped soothe and calm my skin at a time when I really needed it. -
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