madeline.dm
Member Since: August 27, 2013Reviews
Thayers Cucumber Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera Toner
This is the most gentle and effective toner ever. My favourite versions of it are rose (calms redness), cucumber (fresh and clean), and the regular unscented option. I like to pour this into a smaller spray bottle, which I buy from the dollar store... +
This is the most gentle and effective toner ever. My favourite versions of it are rose (calms redness), cucumber (fresh and clean), and the regular unscented option. I like to pour this into a smaller spray bottle, which I buy from the dollar store, to use as a refreshing mist after washing my face/body. Immediately after towel drying my skin, I spray this witch hazel all over and lightly tap it in with my hands. It reduces dryness, lightly cleanses, and balances pH. Using this product makes me feel so fresh and one bottle lasts forever, especially when used as a spray. You can even put it in the fridge to use as a cold, refreshing facial spray in the summer. The best part is that it's ALCOHOL FREE. My real question is, why do alcohol toners even exist? Alcohol ruins the skins natural balance, causes breakouts and excessive dryness. Get this stuff instead! If you want to use it as more of a cleanser, simply pour a bit onto a cotton pad and sweep over the skin either in the morning or evening as a gentle toning cleanser. A total win for me.
This can be purchased at nutrition stores and from various retailers online.
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L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream
I have been blessed with naturally moist palms (gross, I know) but the back of my hands can be the exact opposite. Throughout the day, I wash my hands a lot and rarely apply lotion afterwards. If I do, it's always a small bottle of this exact... +
I have been blessed with naturally moist palms (gross, I know) but the back of my hands can be the exact opposite. Throughout the day, I wash my hands a lot and rarely apply lotion afterwards. If I do, it's always a small bottle of this exact L'Occitane cream, and I only put it on the back of my hands. It is extremely moisturizing and does not feel greasy. It works the best right after washing with warm water, since then it can actually lock in the hydration. This is a high quality product with good ingredients. Considering how little product it takes to sufficiently cover the hands, I definitely recommemd this hand cream. I also purchased the magic key, which allows you to roll up the metal tube as it is empties for optimal ease of squeeze. This cream can be found at some drugstores, department stores, Sephora and at L'Occitane stores. -
Biotherm Aquasource bb Cream
I'm not a big fan of wearing heavy face makeup on the daily, so bb creams tend to be my best fit. For the past few years, I've been pretty loyal to my very fair-toned Korean bb creams, for their great coverage and porcelain finish. More recently... +
I'm not a big fan of wearing heavy face makeup on the daily, so bb creams tend to be my best fit. For the past few years, I've been pretty loyal to my very fair-toned Korean bb creams, for their great coverage and porcelain finish. More recently, I've been opting for less coverage and a warmer tone, achieved with some other american and european brands. The Biotherm Aquasource bb cream adds just enough glow and is nourishing for the skin. It has SPF and a decent amount of pigment. You could definitely find a comparable product for cheaper, though. -
KORRES Lip Butter
I have this lip butter in Jasmine. Ease of Use: 6/10 The container is lightweight and the product isn't too sticky to use with a finger. More so a product to use at home or at a desk where you can keep your hands clean. Lasting Power and... +
I have this lip butter in Jasmine.
Ease of Use: 6/10
The container is lightweight and the product isn't too sticky to use with a finger. More so a product to use at home or at a desk where you can keep your hands clean.
Lasting Power and Appearance: 7/10
Not the most long-wearing product but does look very nice on the lips when initially applied. Nice light vanilla scent and generally comfortable and moisturizing to wear.
Packaging: 5/10
The little pot packaging isn't hygienic and can get messy. There seems to be an excessive amount of container when compared to the amount of product inside. The plastic feels a bit cheap.
Price/Value: 5/10
Unless you're looking for a particular shade and find it within this line, I would not say this product is completely worth spending the money on. It must be used within one year of opening and does not have any kind of SPF or other unique qualities. Simply a comfortable buttery lip balm that isn't too glossy and provides decent moisture.
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Avène Soothing Moisture Mask
Details: From the Avène USA website: • Rich, creamy, non-setting mask soothes over stressed skin • Replenishes moisture to dehydrated skin and helps restore skin’s barrier • Deeply penetrates skin to restore suppleness as it minimizes... +
Details:
From the Avène USA website:
• Rich, creamy, non-setting mask soothes over stressed skin
• Replenishes moisture to dehydrated skin and helps restore skin’s barrier
• Deeply penetrates skin to restore suppleness as it minimizes redness
• Pleasant fragrance tolerated by sensitive skin
• Preservative-free and Non-Comedogenic
This mask is available at Shoppers Drug Mart in Canada.
Directions:
"Apply generously in a thick layer to dry face and neck. Allow to absorb for 10 to 15 minutes. Gently tissue off any excess. Finish by spraying a fine mist of Avène Thermal Spring Water. Can be used once or twice a week, according to the skin type and condition."
I don't always apply the thermal water afterwards, since I don't find that it makes a huge difference. If you happen to own thermal water to begin with, try it out if you desire more moisture and freshness.
Results:
No matter what, my face always looks the absolute best when I wake up after using this mask before bed. No redness, no congestion, no excess oil. Just happy, plump, smooth skin. Without a doubt, this treatment will be the product I stock up on at the Pharmacie when I venture off to France in July. No wonder all of the top makeup artists swear by it!
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AmorePacific Treatment Enzyme Peel
Details: This peel is expensive, but also lasts for a very long time. The natural botanical enzymes work to gently exfoliate even the most sensitive skin with no harsh scrubbing or irritation. It comes in a light yellow powder form, which pours in... +
Details:
This peel is expensive, but also lasts for a very long time. The natural botanical enzymes work to gently exfoliate even the most sensitive skin with no harsh scrubbing or irritation. It comes in a light yellow powder form, which pours in the most incredible way. With one pour, the spout mechanism stops the flow of powder once you've gotten the right amount for one use. Now, this is some intelligent marketing since you don't actually need one entire pour for the face. I try to stop the pour half way to get a more reasonable amount.
This treatment is available at Sephora.
Directions:
All you need to do is mix the powder with a bit of water and massage it on the skin for 30-40 seconds. I like to wet my hands before pouring the powder, since adding water after dispensing can cause over-dilution and product waste. Use your hands to mix the powder and water into a thin cream, apply to the face and neck in small circular motions, then rinse with warm water.
Results:
Let me just say that the results are absolutely instantaneous. No more dry patches, seriously smoothed skin texture, reduction in pore size, improved breakouts and a clean feel without that overly tight, stripped sensation. The product has a light scent, which is a bit citrus-y. Be sure to follow up with a moisturizer afterwards. Actually, look to my next mask for a great follow-up treatment to this enzyme peel.
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Olay Pro X Facial Brush
This is a good brush for travel or if you don't want to commit to an expensive face cleaning system. At $50 or under, the spinning function of this brush works much better than hands alone.
This is a good brush for travel or if you don't want to commit to an expensive face cleaning system. At $50 or under, the spinning function of this brush works much better than hands alone. -
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil
This is a recent discovery of mine, and is a great replacement for Bio Oil. It is marketed as the same type of oil blend but has better, less greasy ingredients such as canola oil, sesame seed oil, and cocoa seed butter. It is a bit more emollient... +
This is a recent discovery of mine, and is a great replacement for Bio Oil. It is marketed as the same type of oil blend but has better, less greasy ingredients such as canola oil, sesame seed oil, and cocoa seed butter. It is a bit more emollient than something like jojoba, but it comes in a convenient plastic bottle and smells quite nice. -
Bio-Oil
I initially purchased it to treat scars on my face and body, and this is exactly what it is marketed for. Well, that and preventing stretch marks. It definitely did improve my minimal scarring, but wasn't very pleasant to use. I don't love the... +
I initially purchased it to treat scars on my face and body, and this is exactly what it is marketed for. Well, that and preventing stretch marks. It definitely did improve my minimal scarring, but wasn't very pleasant to use. I don't love the fragrance and it left a pretty slippery feel to my skin. This is one of the most popular oils out there since many expectant mothers use it to help decrease their chances of developing stretch marks throughout pregnancy. I can't speak for that, but I do know that any other oil will probably do the exact same thing. Stretch marks will happen regardless if they are genetic, but constant use of oil will help reduce their severity. Bio oil does mention to use their product for at least three months to get results. The main ingredient is mineral oil, which isn't comedogenic but also isn't very natural. It also includes some natural oils, including rosemary and lavender, which could be irritating to sensitive skin. Take note. -
Weleda Sea Buckthorn Body Oil
This is a deliciously smelling, bright orange oil which is amazing as a post-shower body treatment. Massaging oil onto damp skin can really lock in that moisture and dry down to a slick-free feel. At $30, this is a pricy option but comes along with... +
This is a deliciously smelling, bright orange oil which is amazing as a post-shower body treatment. Massaging oil onto damp skin can really lock in that moisture and dry down to a slick-free feel. At $30, this is a pricy option but comes along with a great experience and long-lasting, visible results. -
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