madeline.dm
Member Since: August 27, 2013Reviews
Paula's Choice Self-Tanning Concentrate
This is a clear yellow gel recently launched by one of my favourite skincare brands, Paula's Choice. I'm loving the small bottle and smell-free gel which amps up your normal moisturizing routine. One pump of this lightweight gel can be added to any... +
This is a clear yellow gel recently launched by one of my favourite skincare brands, Paula's Choice. I'm loving the small bottle and smell-free gel which amps up your normal moisturizing routine. One pump of this lightweight gel can be added to any lotion for a sheer, natural tan. Works well for me and lasts for a good few days. -
St. Tropez Classic Self Tanning Bronzing Mousse
This stuff dries quick! Go one pump at a time and work in small sections of the body so you don't get streaks. Mousses have a colour guide, meaning they provide an instant tan, which must be washed off at least 4 hours after application. Take note... +
This stuff dries quick! Go one pump at a time and work in small sections of the body so you don't get streaks. Mousses have a colour guide, meaning they provide an instant tan, which must be washed off at least 4 hours after application. Take note that the colour guide will transfer onto white clothing or sheets, but can be washed off. Avoid silk and polyester since they will stain. It's also important to shave, exfoliate and moisturize before applying your mousse tanner. I can get around 5 days of tan from one application. Wash the mitt with mild soap and warm water to leave it fresh and free of bacteria. I love using Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap in peppermint. -
Shiseido Ultra Sun Protection Cream
Yes, random number of SPF. Also, an amazing lotion for daily use. This stuff is practically water and is perfectly suited for use under makeup. Although this is a pricier option, one bottle does last quite some time even with daily use. Don't let... +
Yes, random number of SPF. Also, an amazing lotion for daily use. This stuff is practically water and is perfectly suited for use under makeup. Although this is a pricier option, one bottle does last quite some time even with daily use. Don't let it's thin consistency fool you though- Make sure to apply a generous amount before sun exposure to ensure full protection. -
Clarins Sunscreen Care Oil-Free Lotion Spray SPF 15
For my lowest SPF protection, I reach for an ultra-lightweight spray that literally feels like nothing on the skin. This is my favourite product for re-application on the body after being out in the sun for a few hours, especially because the light... +
For my lowest SPF protection, I reach for an ultra-lightweight spray that literally feels like nothing on the skin. This is my favourite product for re-application on the body after being out in the sun for a few hours, especially because the light mist is nice and refreshing. Also, this is the only product I'd recommend for use on the scalp. I can't be the only one who has gotten one of those painful scalp burns in the past! I'd sooner tell you to throw on a floppy sunhat, but this will do if you aren't a chapeau person. -
La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Anti-Shine SPF 50
I've heard only amazing things about the legendary Anthelios XL fluid Ultra-Light, but I had to include my Anti-Shine Anthelios lotion which I managed to pick up in France for under $10 CAD. Score! Although this is a much thicker option than the... +
I've heard only amazing things about the legendary Anthelios XL fluid Ultra-Light, but I had to include my Anti-Shine Anthelios lotion which I managed to pick up in France for under $10 CAD. Score! Although this is a much thicker option than the fluid, I get great results when I apply a nickle-sized amount to my hands, then gently smooth it onto my skin. This stuff dries quite quickly, but has a wonderful finish for applying makeup overtop. I've tried a few of the Anthelios options in the past, and would definitely recommend all of them. -
Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration SPF 30
This stuff smells magical, quite similar to a piña colada. It's my go-to beach pick, which glides on smooth like a light and silky moisturizer. Ladies, you'll love it.
This stuff smells magical, quite similar to a piña colada. It's my go-to beach pick, which glides on smooth like a light and silky moisturizer. Ladies, you'll love it. -
Neutrogena Beach Defense SPF 60
I've been a huge fan of Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock with SPF 55, but was blown away by the texture and ease of application of their Beach Defense option. This product has been amazing for days when I'm out and about in the sun for... +
I've been a huge fan of Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock with SPF 55, but was blown away by the texture and ease of application of their Beach Defense option. This product has been amazing for days when I'm out and about in the sun for hours, and don't want any tan lines from my clothing. I also don't feel sticky or uncomfortable when wearing this waterproof lotion on my body, which is a total win. -
Bella Vita Formidable Deodorant
For the winter, I really enjoy using a more natural and gentle deodorant since my skin can get irritated and dry from typical antiperspirant. I like to apply the Formidable deodorant with a cheap makeup brush, after my evening shower. Especially... +
For the winter, I really enjoy using a more natural and gentle deodorant since my skin can get irritated and dry from typical antiperspirant. I like to apply the Formidable deodorant with a cheap makeup brush, after my evening shower. Especially when the weather gets colder, I try to refrain from washing my hands over and over, so using a brush to apply this cream works very well.
It's important to note that Formidable is only a deodorant, not an antiperspirant. I wouldn't opt for using this product during the warmer months, since it doesn't sufficiently keep the sweat or b.o. at bay, like my trusty cucumber fave from Dove. This deodorant is 96,3 % natural and contains no aluminum or alcohol. It's suitable for sensitive skin, even after hair removal treatments such as waxing or laser.
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Bella Vita Miracle Hand Balm
I use this balm on my hands and feet right after my nighttime shower or bath, when my skin is still barely damp. I find that applying oil to dry skin isn't very effective since it has a harder time getting absorbed. I love how this product comes... +
I use this balm on my hands and feet right after my nighttime shower or bath, when my skin is still barely damp. I find that applying oil to dry skin isn't very effective since it has a harder time getting absorbed. I love how this product comes with a small plastic spatula, since digging my manicured nails into a solid balm isn't the most appealing task. To apply, I simply scoop out a pea-sized amount of product into my palms, which almost immediately melts into a thick oil on contact. This balm is a godsend for those dry cuticles and rough heels. It also has a very soothing scent- I really pick up on the citrus and lavender oils. -
Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid
I came across Paula's Choice on YouTube, after hearing popular faces like Wayne Goss rant and rave about her products. After browsing the site a few months back I decided to place my first order and brave "acids" once again. With free shipping over... +
I came across Paula's Choice on YouTube, after hearing popular faces like Wayne Goss rant and rave about her products. After browsing the site a few months back I decided to place my first order and brave "acids" once again. With free shipping over $50 and easy returns, I couldn't say no to the $20 price tag.
Salicylic acid has been an ingredient that I assumed was irritating to my sensitive skin. Lone behold, it's the product base and all the other "filler stuff" in the tube causing irritation, since the acid itself is only 1-2% of the entire quantity.
Salicylic acid, also known as BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid), is an oil-soluble ingredient in almost every "clearing" skincare product. This means that salicylic acid relieves and dissolves the oils which can harden and clog pores, therefore oxidizing and causing blackheads. Pores cannot be shrunken. Blackheads cannot be removed for good. The only way to control, minimize and temporarily eliminate blackheads is by using a BHA product like this.
I apply my 2% BHA liquid once per day, at night, after my toner and before my moisturizer. I've applied it to untoned skin, over moisturizer, under makeup, you name it. I've never had adverse reactions and I've noticed a great diminishment in clogged pores and breakouts in general. My skin doesn't feel stripped or tight after applying my BHA, if anything, it feels a touch more moisturized. To save product and cotton I'll simply dampen my finger tips with the dropper bottle and gently massage the liquid onto my entire face- avoiding the eyes and lips. To apply this product onto my back or chest, I'll moisten a cotton pad and apply with that.
I would recommend this product to anyone, unless you have had an allergic reaction to salicylic acid or aspirin in the past. BHA exfoliants are actually used for general anti-aging purposes also, since the gentle chemical "exfoliation" helps to eliminate dead, dull skin cells, providing a more even-toned and brightened skin surface.
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