Tag: skincare review

Luxury Beauty Review :: Creme de La Mer

~ Beauty Meow ~ Leave a comment

I recently did a youtube review on the Luxe product Creme de La Mer, I wanted to expand upon it a bit. The video is below.

 

Overall thoughts

  • I got this over 2 months ago (almost 3 at this point) and I have to say I have seen an amazing difference in my skin. Softer, looks healthier, feels smooth, texture is improved and I have noticed an overall diminish in my pores appearance.
  • Overall I’m incredibly happy with the product. I have tried dupes of this in the past, but for me this is what has worked the best. That doesn’t mean it will work for everyone, and from a lot of reviews I read people had better experiences with the dupes. So it all depends on your skin, and your expectations.
  • I want to also add, that using it everyday at night for almost 3 months I am barely if even 1/3 of the way through the jar. I suspect this will last me at least throughout the entire summer. So even though it is incredibly pricey you get a lot of bang for your buck.

If you were on the fence about this product, or want a very effective and luxurious moisturizer, from my experience and results I would highly recommend. But do see if you can get a sample first (I am a HUGE believer in sampling before buying!) as not all skincare works for everyone, and this is a very expensive product. Hope this helped anyone!

Thanks!

April Favorites :: Skincare

~ Beauty Meow ~ Leave a comment

I already posted my April makeup favorites, and now it is time for my April Skincare favorites. I love my current routine, and would have loved to put them all on this list, but I decided to post the ones that I am super obsessed with, rather then the whole routine. If you want to learn my whole routine I have a recent post on that! ONWARD!

April Skincare Favorites

s1742329-main-hero

Tatcha Luminous Deep Hydration Firming Serum- It normally takes a good 4-6 weeks for me to see a difference when I switch serums/treatments. But this one I saw just after about 2. My skin felt firm, and definitely hydrated.

big_186804199454fea943df545

Secret Key Snow White Cleansing Foam- I love this as my morning cleanser. I bought it on a whim and I am so glad I did. have such a nice lather, leaves my skin feeling squeaky clean, and I notice that I have a much brighter complexion.

miracle pack

Tosowoong Platinum Miracle Skin Tightening Pack– I am OBSESSED!!!!!!!!! I reviewed this, I bought it, I use it. I LOVE it! Has to be the best mask I use hands down!

FullSizeRender_4

La Mer Creme de La Mer- This is practically holy grail status. I have used this in the past but at the time I was much younger and I don’t think my skin needed it as much. Fast forward over a decade and I decided to give it another go. Immediate results. I can definitely tell when I don’t use this. My skin hasn’t felt this healthy, or looked better EVER! Now I know it is pricey, good LOOOOOORRRRRDDDD is it pricey. But it has worked so well for me. So I will probably have this as a permanent part of my nighttime skincare routine from now on. A jar does go a long way though. With the current rate I am going through this I probably won’t need to rebuy another at until November or December.

f7ecd555218528d04f3a8c225436f6297b2c598d-one-step-camellia-cleansing-oil

Tatcha Pure Camellia Cleansing Oil- This is fast becoming my favorite oil cleanser. Leave my face feeling really clean and gets off all my stubborn makeup!

I didn’t include items I have been using over and over again like my Nature Republic Aloe Vera Gel, my Innisfree Jeju Pore cleansing Foam, or my SK-II Essence, but those are always in my favorite loves list! ❤

Honorable Mentions

  • La Mer- The Cleansing Gel
  • Sea Tree Moisture Mist
  • sk-II Facial Treatment Lotion
  • Corsx Power Blackhead Liquid

 

Hope you liked my favorites! ❤

New Skincare Routine for Spring/Summer

~ Beauty Meow ~ 2 Comments

I think I finally got the perfect routine of skincare down. I haven’t seen my skin improve so fast in such a long time. I haven’t had as much irritation lately. my pores are getting so small (areas were they were prominent are completely gone, just smooth flawless skin) and it feels so happy, healthy and hydrated! So here is an updated routine.This is my current skincare routine (with list of products).

Again,I change or try new things every few months, so I will probably be updating this blog with what I have tried and what works and what didn’t. However I am loving this routine so this may stay the same through summer.

My Skin

I have a very pale complexion, with combination sensitive skin. I also suffered from enlarged pores. I have lived in South Florida my entire life, and would wear sunscreen everyday on my arms and neck but not my face. As such I had some sun damage, and some issue with a nice texture on my skin. At 30 (I’m going to be 32 in a few months) I decided it was time to put on my big girl pants and start really taking care of myself. Diet, exercise, and SKINCARE!

I don’t like under-exxagerating how bad my skin was, because truly whats the point- I had bad skin. Breakouts, pores, flaking. All because I didn’t take proper care of it. It was MY FAULT. So when I owned up to that (rather then blame genetics) I started to see a VAST improvement.

After trying new products, and really refining my regimen  I can say that my skin hasn’t felt this healthy, or looked this good ever! I have been doing this routine for about 3 weeks now.

My Routine

Morning

  • Oil Cleanser – Clean It Zero From Banila Co. This is a great first cleanse in the morning. Sometimes I do not do a double cleanse in the morning, but if I wake up and my face is extra greasy then I do this. I can say I usually do a double cleanse in the morning. at least 5 times a week.
  • Foaming Cleanser –Secret Key Snow White Foaming Cleanser. I love this in the morning,. my complexion looks brighter and my face feels great.
  • Toner –SK-II Facial Treatment Lotion
  • Exfoliate – Cure Natural Aqua Gel (twice a week, I love this) or Freeman’s Charcoal Sugar Scrub (this one is ok, just using it up right now since I don’t like to waste product)
  • Essence – SK-II Facial Treatment Essence- Put a small amount in my hands and gently pat into my face. I let it absorb completely before moving on, BHA Blackhead Power Liquid by Cosrx – I put a fair amount on a cotton pad and dab in on my entire nose and chin. I wait for the SK-II to absorb before I move onto the other.
  • Serums –Tatcha Firming Serum, Then Red Tea Antioxidant Serum from Ole Henriksen
  • Eye Cream –SK-II Eye Cream, this one has been one of the better ones I tried. Although I am still a fan of the ETUDE House Moistfull collagen one.
  • Cream- Perricone MD Cold Plasma, this is a dream product. It smells horrible but it makes my skin look amazing.
  • Moisturizer – Indigo Soothing Triple Recovery Cream by Tatcha.
  • I also apply Nature Republics Aloe Vera Gel all over my body and chest and neck area.

Evening/nighttime

  • Oil Cleanser – Tatcha Camellia Cleansing Oil. This leaves my face clean, and takes off all my makeup and gunk from the day.
  • Foaming Cleanser –USUALLY Jeju Clay Pore Cleanser from Innisfree, which is my holy grail cleanser. But If I wore a very heavy face of makeup I use La Mers The Cleansing Gel, which is amazing, and during hormonal breakouts I use Tatcha’s Rice Enzyme Cleanser. I found a big difference when I catered my cleansers to certain times of the month, and different instances as well.
  • Toner –Benton BHA Aloe Vera Toner
  • Exfoliate – Cure Natural Aqua Gel (twice a week, I love this) or Freeman’s Charcoal Sugar Scrub (this one is ok, just using it up right now since I don’t like to waste product) I used to just exfoliate at night but I was still getting clogged pores. Now that I do it twice I have seen a huge difference in the amount of blackheads I get
  • Mask– Either a foaming mask, clay mask or sheet mask
  • If I am using a sheet mask I skip this step/ If its a wash off, peeling or clay after I rinse it off then I will wipe my face off with the Green Tea cleansing water from Innisfree
  • Tone Again- SK-II Facial Treatment Lotion
  • Essence – SK-II Facial Treatment Essence- Put a small amount in my hands and gently pat into my face.
  • Serums –Tatcha Firming Serum, Then Red Tea Antioxidant Serum from Ole Henriksen
  • Eye Cream –SK-II Eye Cream
  • Cream– Perricone MD Cold Plasma, this is a dream product. It smells horrible but it makes my skin look amazing.
  • Moisturizer – If my skin is irritated at all I will use Tatchas Indigo Soothing Triple recovery Cream. If my skin isn’t irritated I use Creme de La Mer from La Mer
  • I also apply Nature Republics Aloe Vera Gel all over my body and chest and neck area.

 

I CAN SAY THIS. I used to dread cleaning my face a few years ago and now its one of the favorite parts of my day. And I get to do it twice!! I really look forward to it.

Again I have seen the biggest improvement in my skins overall health and appearance since I have switched up my routine. I do know a few of these items are very pricey. So if I had to only recommend one or two to add I would definitely say add the Sk-II essence and lotion, or just the essence. I think essences are one of the most important things in any solid skin care routine.

❤

Favorite Cleansers

~ Beauty Meow ~ 1 Comment

I have a variety of different cleansers I use depending on what my skin needs. What I use in the morning, what I use at night, what I use when I wear a lot of makeup, and what I use when I am having a hormonal breakout, or a lot of skin irritation. Here is a list of my favorites.

Oil/Balm Cleansers – First Cleanse

I do a double cleanse every morning and night. I use a different one for the morning, and different for the evening.

Unknown

 

Banila Co Clean it Zero- I Love this one from Banila Co. It is definitely a cult favorite for people who are obsessed with Korean skincare. I love how clean it makes my face feel. I use this one on the morning.

20011713-PigNoseClearBlackHeadDeepCleansingOilBalm

Holika Holika Pig Nose Deep Cleansing oil/balm- I used this one before I used Banila Cos Balm. I really liked it, and it gave me a really nice clean. I don’t usually buy it because I have moved on to the Clean it Zero, but it does clean very well and if you have wanted to try it out I would recommend it.

f7ecd555218528d04f3a8c225436f6297b2c598d-one-step-camellia-cleansing-oil

Tatcha One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil- I love this oil. I use it at night to help remove all my make up, and any gunk that’s been accumulating on my face the whole day. Its’ gentle, leaves my skin feeling healthy and fresh, and super squeaky clean.

Foaming Cleansers- Second Cleanse

Just like the first cleanse, I use a different foaming cleanser at night then I do during my morning routine. It all usually depends on the amount of makeup I have worn that day, stress, and if I am having any hormonal breakouts.

big_186804199454fea943df545

Secret Key Snow White Cleansing Foam-  This has become my favorite morning cleanser. It creates a great lather, cleans very well, and leaves my complexion glowing.

jeju-volcanic-pore-cleansing-foam-title

Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam– THIS IS MY HOLY GRAIL CLEANSER. I don’t know what I did before I tried this, and I hope I never have to be without it. It is such an amazing cleanser. It cleanse so deep down into my pores, leaves my face feeling nice and fresh, and doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin. I use this at night, and sometimes in the morning when I am planning on wearing little to no makeup.

s1673813-main-zoom

Tatcha Polished Classic Rice Enzyme Powder (I also like the Indigo version as well)- I love this cleanser. It is a little fickle, but once you get the hang of it it leaves the most remarkably clean skin. I use this around the time I get hormonal breakouts, it does a good job of not aggravating my skin and keeping those pesky buggers at bay.

New to the List

thkjdskdj

La Mer The Cleansing Gel- I had heard so many amazing things about this I just had to try it out. I have been using it for a short time and I can honestly say it is worth the hype. It is on the expensive side, so I use it on days I wear a full face of makeup, or I feel like I need a ridiculously squeaky clean. If you wanted to splurge on a nice cleanser I would recommend this one. So good!

Lastly are my 2 favorite cleansing tools.

i_m-dual-pore-brush-main-thumb

I’m Dual Pore Brush– I picked this up from Memebox on a whim. Its such a special little brush. It cleans my face and pores very well, and is very gently for my sensitive skin. I use this in the morning.

07021133_5594a30aa8663

Kashoen Cleansing Brush– Oh baby do I love this! Seriously, this is the best facial cleansing tool I have. It cleans my face so well, feels so nice, helps with circulation, and overall is such a pleasure to use. I use this at night, and it is really helpful to create a lather with the Rice Cleanser from Tatcha. ❤

 

Those are my favorite cleansers, and I use a few others but these are my die hard ones I go to.

Review :: Acure Pore Minimizing Facial Scrub

~ Beauty Meow ~ Leave a comment

acu0065_1

This is a product I received in a subscription box. I was reading about it and got pretty excited to try. I love clay masks, and facial scrubs!

First Impressions

This is thick and also watery, when I applied it I noticed it didn’t have much exfoliating particles in it. I wanted to leave it on for a few minutes, but the directions say just to scrub. So I started scrubbing…… then it happened.

The Fragrance…. UGH

The fragrance of this is so stinkingly sweet. It smells like rotten mangos. I could barely wash it off fast enough. YUCK! Like I normally do not mind things with fragrance, but this smelled rancid almost.

Overal Impressions

After I washed it off my face did feel very smooth, and it also felt very clean. I can honestly say that the fragrance is unbearable for me though. I normally do not mind fragrances,. but this hit me on a smell level I didn’t know I had. The package says that it is synthetic fragrance free, but that smell is just awful.

To give it a fair review I will make a pros and cons list.

Pros-

  • Does an excellent job at cleaning face
  • Its Vegan, if that is important to you then you should definitely give this product and brand a try
  • Has a lot of really nice ingredients

Cons-

  • Fragrance. Smells like rotting fruit
  • not a lot of exfoliating particles
  • a little watery

Ok, for me this is an F product purely because of the fragrance. But it did a good job at cleansing (not so much at exfoliating though) so I will give it a better grade based on how it performed.

Grade- B-

Review :: My Serum Treatment Empties

~ Beauty Meow ~ Leave a comment

I just finished up 3 different serums, so I wanted to share with you my thoughts, results, and if I would buy again.

Shiseido ULTIMUNE Power Infusing Concentrate

2650527

This is supposed to have anti-aging and regenerative properties. You are also supposed to use this first to help your other serums work better.

I got 2 deluxe samples of this and just finished my second bottle. Overall it lasted me a month. I can definitely say that my skin felt smoother and felt healthier, but I didn’t see any difference when I used this. I am going to buy the 1 ounce bottle since I believe that would last me 2-3 months to really see how well this product works. I also really like the fresh light fragrance of it.

Grade – B

Ole Henriksen Truth Serum® Vitamin C Collagen Booster

s965681-main-hero

Brightening serum rich in vitamin c. Supposed to help with fine lines, wrinkles, brighten your skin and boost collagen.

Ok, I have a love hate relationship with this product. I see almost instant results. (especially the next morning because I only use this at night) My skin feels firmer, healthier, and my fine lines started to disappear. PROBLEM is, like most Vitamin C products it really irritates my face. When I apply it my face gets beet red and can feel a little burny. But the results are so dang good! So I only use this at night. I already bought a replacement, because well, the stuff works. But if you have sensitive skin to be careful. This stuff may aggravate it.

Grade – B+

RADICAL Skincare Advanced Peptide Antioxidant Serum

s1655901-main-hero

This is an anti aging, and high in antioxidant serum.

I got this as a deluxe sample, and was able to use it for over a month. I can honestly say I saw absolutely no change. No bad reactions, no results of any kind. This formula did nothing for my skin. I will not be purchasing this. I am not saying if this is good or bad it just did nothing or me.

Grade – C

 

Those are my empties this go around!

REVIEW ::Dr Brandt Time Reverse Cream

~ Beauty Meow ~ Leave a comment

s1564467-main-hero

Dr Brandt’s Do Not Age Time Reverse Cream was another deluxe sample I tried. I am looking for a good anti aging cream to wear at night, and I received this sample to try out. I have stated before I won’t spend a lot of money on things unless I had the opportunity to try them out for 2-3 weeks first. So I was able to make this sample last about 3 weeks and I have some feelings about it.

The Low Down (taken from Sephora’s website)

What it is:
A nourishing, age-defying cream.

What it is formulated to do:
Powered by the skin transforming system, Juvenesscence+ Complex, and infused with an energetic blend of essential oils, this incredible cream helps reduce the look of aging skin. Developed with hydrating babassu oil to provide the ultimate sensorial experience and delivered in an exclusive lamellar formula, the cream melts at skin temperature to moisturize while delivering the power of Juvenessence+ Complex.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
– Parabens
– Sulfates
– Phthalates

What else you need to know:
This product helps promote smooth, supple, youthful-looking skin and acts as an amazing age-defying duo when used in conjunction with the Do Not Age Transforming Pearl Serum.

Research results:
In a consumer study lasting 30 days:
– 100% of subjects reported that their skin felt replenished and hydrated after 1 day
– 100% of subjects reported that their skin had become firmer and tighter after 2 weeks
– 96% of subjects reported that their skin looked plumper and smoother after 1 month
– 96% of subjects reported that the contour of their face looked redefined

My Thoughts

I saw no real noticeable results. Like nothing! If anything the product when applies made my face feel slightly cool, and super greasy. It has really good reviews but it just did absolutely nothing for my skin. Nothing at first, and definitely nothing after 3 weeks of use. I got much better results from the Dr Brandts Dream Night Cream, but even those were lackluster. So far Dr Brandt’s products don’t seem to do anything for me, so I will probably steer away from them. They do get really good reviews so they must work for some people, but this one did nothing for me….whoooomp whoomp.

Grade D

Review :: Lindsay Luxury Magic Mask – Charcoal

~ Beauty Meow ~ 4 Comments

lindsay_luxury_magic_mask_set_with_bowl_-_charcoal

OK so I love a good mask, especially after I feel like I have put my skin through Hell (a lot of high fat and sodium foods, alcohol, tons of makeup) so today being a Holiday was one of those days (LOTS of wine). So I decided to try out this mask again I got from Lindsay, that is a charcoal peel away mask!! I used it once, but wanted to try it at least twice before I made up my mind about it.

Let’s review!

When you first get this mask you have to mix 2 components together, I believe all sets come with a collapsable bowl and spatulas (mine did) so you just add step one and step two together and mix away

FullSizeRender

step one is really pretty!

FullSizeRender_1

step two mixed into step one…

I don’t know if it is supposed to be super smooth, I tried to mix it as well as I could.

Applying this mask is sort of easy with the spatula, impossible with fingers so don’t do that. For the mask to peel off you have to put a thick layer around your face.

FullSizeRender_2

frightening I know…

You have to wait 20-30 minutes in order for it to dry before you peel it off. At first I was wary, but this mask feels so good on. Really its nice and cooling, and it starts to set up quickly so it doesn’t run down your face. So I really loved having it on.

Pulling it off was so easy. And my skin felt so soft and nourished.

FullSizeRender_3

I should save this for Halloween. Its terrifying!

Impressions

Ok, I LOVE this mask.  My skin feels so nice, to was easy to use, and a pleasure to wear. The only downside is it is a little expensive ($30 for a set of 5 masks) But If I save these for days I really need a pick me up I don’t think the price would be that bad. A little to pricey for twice a week use though).

I spent $30 on them at memebox.com > Link to masks!

I wanted to wait to use this mask at least twice before I reviewed so I could give a really proper grade for it. Overall when I run out of these I will be buying them again, and if you have sebum, oil, or pore issues this mask could be awesome for you!

Grade  A-

Review :: Freeman Facial Charcoal and Black Sugar Scrub Mask

~ Beauty Meow ~ 2 Comments

OK, so I was at the supermarket and I was getting some toiletries when I saw that they were having a bogo for this brand, Since I am always on the hunt for a good exfoliator I figured I would take the plunge ($8 for 2 bottles seemed good, I however got this one and their cucumber peeling mask)

I decided to do a first impressions mini review on it. A lot of higher end brands get reviewed, so why not a drugstore brand?

WARNING weird picture of my long face below.

This is the packaging, and it seems like it could be very promising…

FullSizeRender

fyi, I am always wary of things that say all skin types, but I decided to still give this a go.

A little dollop in my hand, it had a unique and unexpected consistency.

FullSizeRender_1

I think I was expecting something that had more charcoal, this just looked like a repackaged sugar scrub (which this mask is, but I also was hoping for something more, well maskish)

Here is where I applied it to my face, you are supposed to let it sit on your face for 5-7 minutes, then massage it into your skin for 1-2 then rinse off. It didn’t really like staying in one spot and started sort of sliding on my face, so that was a bother.

FullSizeRender_2

 

(my face was all puffy that day, UGH)

OK so anyways I managed to let it sit on there, then I massaged it in and rinsed it off.

Overall it left my skin feeling VERY clean, and smooth. Was a hassle to leave on, but I think that the annoyance of that is worth the pay off. Especially when this was very affordable and easy to find. I don’t know if I will rebuy though. So I am still on the hunt for exfoliators!

Grade – B+