First Impressions: Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Ampoules

A couple of weeks ago, I made a mental note to purchase, after I watched a Caroline Hirons video. Caroline talked about how much she loved the new Advanced Night Repair Intensive Recovery Ampoules, and that they would be coming out in September.  Silly me... obviously that is the UK release date.

I was surprised and thrilled to find this product at the Estee Lauder counter in Hudson's Bay, and of course, they had to come home with me. Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair (original and new version) is one of those products with cult status. I can't even count how many beauty magazine top ten products I have seen ANR on, so I had very high expectations for this new product.
Ingredients

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, Aleurites Moluccana (Kukui) Seed Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Bisabolol, Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Camelina Satvia Seed Oil, Vaccinum Myrtillus Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cholesterol, Linoleic Acid, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, BHT

These ampoules are designed as a recovery treatment for irritated, stressed out skin.  They come in small self contained capsules; you twist the top off then squeeze the product into the palm of your
hand to apply.  This would be a great travel item.

The ampoules contain a fairly lightweight, unscented facial oil.  It's somewhere between the consistency of a serum and a heavier oil.  It absorbs well on the skin.  Recommendation is to follow with your moisturizer.  For an oily skinned girl like myself, no additional moisturizer was needed.  My skin felt very hydrated.  Perhaps in the winter weather, I would top this off with more moisture.

Overnight, my skin felt plump.  I noticed increased hydration, and the ampoules calmed down the redness I was experiencing due to seasonal allergies.  Estee Lauder recommends to use this over top of the original ANR serum for 14 days straight as a 'reset' for your stressed out skin.

My first impressions are great.  Advanced Night Repair Intensive Recovery Ampoules are a lovely, hydrating treatment oil made with quality ingredients in beautiful packaging.  I will report back once some time has passed and give a more longterm review.

Review - Luna Sleeping Night Oil – Sunday Riley

From Sephora:

"Luna Sleeping Night Oil contains high potency, purified grade lactic acid to instantly correct dullness, plump the look of lines, and exfoliate the skin. With continued use, the appearance of stubborn hyperpigmentation, imperfections, and the visible signs of aging are reduced for a healthy-looking complexion. Enhanced with licorice for brightening, it helps to clarify and correct the appearance of imperfections for immediate, smooth radiance."

I believe this is a great ‘starter retinol’ and a nice luxurious treat for the skin, but I’m not convinced Luna is deserving of all the hype it receives.  This product did not have me shouting from the rooftops (unlike Sunday Riley’s Good Genes… which for me has been a game changer!)

Full disclosure:  I am turning 44 this year.  I am not looking for products that show subtle improvements.  I want workhorse skincare… the kind of product that makes me say ‘Wow!” when I look in the mirror the next morning. Twenty year old me might have loved Luna. Forty something me doesn’t impress that easily.

Pros:  It does last a very long time.  I purchased the Power Couple kit from Sephora last fall and just ran out of the tiny sized Luna this week.  (I’m on my second Good Genes).  It’s a lovely smelling product with a nice consistency, although may irritate those with sensitivity due to the essential oil irritants it contains.  The bottle and dropper are lovely; great for dispensing just enough without waste.

Cons:  It’s pricy… and I’m not 100% certain it’s worth it.  When I look at the ingredient list, I don’t understand the pricepoint.  The artificial dye is this product is worrysome. 

I might consider purchasing Luna again, and giving it one more try… but there are so many other ‘shiny things’ out there on the market that I ‘need’ right now, Luna will have to take a backseat.  To be honest, I’d be more inclined to look into a prescription retinol rather than repurchase.

I really wasn’t terribly impressed by the results I’ve seen from Luna.  I see rave reviews all over the intrawebs for Luna… many from people I trust and respect.  With skincare, not everything is going to work for everyone.  Luna.  I’m just not that into you.

2 out of 5 cups - not the greatest
* Product purchased with my own moolah

Review - Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Rapid Radiance Mask

I am a huge fan of Pai’s Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil.  I think it’s a great product, at a great price point.  The only thing I don’t love about the Rosehip oil is the packaging (clear glass – awkward pipette).  I was very excited to try Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Rapid Radiance Mask, so I ordered a wee sample from Clementine Fields (much love for this Canadian, natural beauty company!)

Instructions say that this mask is to be applied generously and left for 8-10 minutes.  I think I may have left it on a bit longer than 10 minutes because I was immersed in this week’s episode of #outlander.  It’s a beautiful, thick texture that feels incredibly moisturizing and soothing to the skin… non drying.

The first thing that struck me about this mask is “Holy Cow… the Tingle!”  Don’t get me wrong, I love the tingle, but I wasn’t expecting it with a mask designed to nourish and hydrate.  I’m wondering if it was the lactic acid?  I barely notice any tingle at all with Sunday Riley Good Genes, but this mask really surprised me with it’s tingling.

My skin felt like a million bucks afterwards, and I would say that the morning after my skin was still nicely plumped and skin texture felt/looked a bit more refined and overall more ‘glowy’.  Overall, it’s a lovely mask which would be great to slather on for a pre-event pamper session.  Having oily and congested skin, most of the masks I own are the type that draw impurities out of your skin (like May Lindstrom’s the Problem Solver).  It was a treat to slap on the buttery loveliness that is Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Rapid Radiance Mask.  I had no issues with irritation, redness, or congestion. 

I have enough left in my sample jar for another generous slather of this mask… and I am definitely putting this on my repurchase list.

Review - May Lindstrom - The Honey Mud

the Honey Mud - available in Canada at Clementine Fields

I first heard of the incredibly lovely May Lindstrom from Caroline Hiron's blog.  May’s product the Blue Cocoon was featured in Hiron’s Cult Beauty box (which I lusted after…but couldn’t bring myself to make the investment).  

I have since tried and purchased several of May Lindstrom’s skincare essentials, and would likely have bought everything she makes by now if they weren’t so damn spendy. Her product descriptions read like poetry. Also, please take a look at this woman and tell me you don't want to buy everything she puts on her face? 

photo from cultbeauty

I purchased the Honey Mud from Clementine Fields, a great canadian website featuring green, beauty products.  The shipping was free and ridiculously quick; great service.  I'm currently lusting after the Blue Cocoon and will no doubt be purchasing it from Clementine Fields in the near future.

HERE'S WHAT THEY SAY:
An exquisitely distinctive union of raw honey, white halloysite clay and aromatic pure plant oils marry to envelope you in a truly intoxicating and highly addictive cleansing ritual.  This silken, pudding-like treat gently frees you of the day’s pollutants, infusing your skin with active enzymes and nourishment while restoring your optimal hydration and individual rhythm.

INGREDIENT LIST:
***Raw Honey, White Halloysite Clay, *Macadamia Integrifolia (Macadamia Nut Oil), *Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel), Argentum Metallicum (Colloidal Silver), Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa Absolute) Oil, *Citrus Sinensis (Sweet Orange) Oil, *Cananga Odorata (Ylang-Ylang) Oil, *Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla) CO2 Total Essential Oil, *Juniperus Virginiana (Cedarwood) Oil, **Boswellia Carteri (Frankincense) Oil, **Commiphora Myrrha (Myrrh) Oil.
* Certified Organic
** Wild Harvested
***Collected from unsprayed and unfertilized fields of Michigan wildflowers

HOW TO USE:

As a cleanser: Massage a plump pea sized dollop into warm, damp skin, making circular motions with the pads of your fingertips to release makeup and debris before rinsing clear. As a masque: Apply liberally to clean, dry skin. Allow to penetrate for 10-20 minutes as desired.

PROS:
Ermagosh, this stuff smells good enough to eat!  The smell is gorgeous!  I do feel like the Honey Mud has had a calming effect on my redness prone skin.  I will confess, that I actually might have accidentally/on purpose tasted the Honey Mud, and although it's not for consumption, it is kind of tasty.  Why do they make so many skincare items that I want to eat?

CONS:
As a cleanser, this product is a bit of a fail for me.  My skin leans towards the oily/combo side of things, and I have to be careful about cleanser residue being left on my face.  When I use the Honey Mud as a cleanser, I find the texture a bit sticky/too much grip on my skin.  Plus, it’s a little difficult to rinse off, even with a flannel.  But as a masque….?!  I love this stuff! I have been masking with the Honey Mud quite often, and it leaves my skin soft, hydrated, and alleviates some of my chronic redness.

THE STRAIGHT DOPE:
May Lindstrom products cost an arm and a leg as in you “May” have to sell a vital organ to afford this stuff. The Honey Mud is a luxury cleanser, not a necessity… but a lovely, lush product to add to your self-care ritual. Although I love using this product, I’m not entirely sure I would repurchase the Honey Mud once I run out. I would rather save my beauty investment dollars for products that I do not rinse off my face. 

Beauty Rituals: Radical Feminist Self-Care

from my instagram

I am addicted to all things beauty and skincare related.  You will often find me surfing the intrawebs in search of new lotions, potions, and glitter.   At any given time, I have 7 different cleansers in rotation, serums, essences, toners, peels, masks…. The ritual of a skincare routine is a relaxing and satisfying addition to my day.

For me, having a lengthy, pampering skincare ritual is one way to steal a little “me” time from my busy day as a working mom with too many children.  Rather than viewing beauty rituals as subscribing to patriarchal dictated norms of how women should look and behave, I embrace the time I spend on makeup, hair and skincare. 

Adeline Koh’s blog post on beauty as self-care resonated with me:

“I’ve started to view beauty as a form of self-care, instead of a patriarchal trap. One of my deepest inspirations, the writer and activist Audre Lorde, famously declared that “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”

Society tells me I should be hyper-focused on work, relationships and family.  There is an expectation that women should be constantly caring for the needs of others.  In an equitable world, taking a few minutes to put one’s own needs first wouldn’t be seen as selfish or even radical but in our society it can be.  Something as simplistic as spending a few minutes each day on skincare and beauty rituals, for me is an act of radical feminist self-care.

Review - Sunday Riley Good Genes

Good Genes Treatment from Sunday Riley

HERE'S WHAT THEY SAY:
Good Genes is an all-in-one lactic acid brightening, multitasking, radiance treatment and mask. 

What it is formulated to do:
Everyone wants the unmistakable look of having good genes. This hydrating treatment is formulated with key ingredients that plump the look of fine lines to reveal brighter, renewed skin, and support natural circulation to create a smooth, vibrant complexion. Long term use will help restore damaged skin, reduce hyperpigmentation and scars, reduce the depth and number of lines and wrinkles, even out skintone, and increase skin firmness. 

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

What else you need to know:
The flash facial: two products, one dramatic result. Lactic acid plus green clay DIY mask to reveal flawless, glowing, radiant skin—in a flash. Mix three pumps of Good Genes with two pumps of Ceramic Slip, leave on for five to 10 minutes, and rinse off. For sensitive skin, begin use as a mask two to three times a week, building tolerance to lactic acid exposure. Layer under all other Sunday Riley treatments, except for Luna Sleeping Night Oil, for most amplified results. When used together with Luna Sleeping Night Oil, apply after the oil has been absorbed into skin. 

This cruelty-free product is vegan, gluten-free, and hypoallergenic. It is formulated without synthetic fragrances.

PROS:
I have never seen my skin look this good.  If you can score a sample, try it.  You will not be disappointed.

CONS:
You may have to sell a kidney to afford this stuff over the long term.... but I think it may be worth it.  I'm sure Good Genes would make an amazing mask, but it hurts my heart to think of putting 5 pumps of this expensive serum on your face and washing all your hard earned money down the drain.

THE STRAIGHT DOPE:
I wanted to hate Good Genes, simply because it is so damned expensive, but it has quickly achieved holy grail status.
This product is one of the few things I have tried, that really and truly lives up to the hype.  I have never tried another product that made my skin look so amazing right off the bat, and I can only imagine what the cumulative effects of using Good Genes will be.

Review - Estee lauder - Shape + Fill Expert Serum

Estee lauder - Shape + Fill Expert Serum

HERE’S WHAT THEY SAY
Now, look more beautiful from every angle. With this innovative serum, in just 2 weeks you’ll see more defined looking facial contours. Cheeks and jawline appear more lifted. It’s that effective.

Shaping Technology and our pro-collagen complex help improve both visible volume and structure.

Tested and proven: Instantly, skin is more radiant.

In just 3 days, 85% said their skin felt more plumped and refined.*

At 4 weeks, 87% saw a positive transformation in the look of their skin.*

See the transformation.
Look in the mirror. You’ll love what you see with New Dimension—skin that looks radiant and more defined.
*Consumer testing on 308 women.

PROS
The texture of this serum is really nice.  It’s has a moisturizing gel consistency and absorbs well.  It’s chock full of antioxidants, peptides and beneficial fatty acids; all great for skin.

CONS
Are we marketing to Kardasians here? There are some lofty ‘pie in the sky’ claims like "you'll see more defined looking facial contours," and, "cheeks and jawline are visibly more lifted."  MMM-K!  That’s not really possible without surgical invention, Estee Lauder.  This product is quite scented, and may pose problems for those with sensitivities.

THE STRAIGHT DOPE
The marketing claims are rather hilarious, but the product itself is quite nice.  As someone with oilier skin, I love the texture.  Moisturizing but not greasy, and absorbs very well.  I personally like the scent, but know that some would prefer unscented to prevent irritation.  Overall, it’s a nice anti-aging serum that would work well on combination to oily skin.

Review - Missha - Time Revolution - The First Treatment Essence

bwah- Backwards text - mirror too dirty to photograph

I've just started using Missha's Time Revolution - First Treatment Essence.  It's only been a few weeks, and I will report back after some time has passed.  So far, I'm quite happy with this product... and it may very well be the replacement for SKII Essence that I've been searching for.

THE FIRST TREATMENT ESSENCE improves fine lines and skin tone. The miracle water hydrates, restores, rejuvenates, and gives you a glowing complexion.

It doesn't have that "Sake-face" smell of the SKII.  So far, Missha Essence seems to work in the same way that SKII does; clarifying and improving skin texture.  My skin feels lightly moisturized when I use the product. Missha  It doesn't have that "Sake-face" smell of the SKII.  So far, Missha Essence seems to work in the same way that SKII does; clarifying and improving skin texture.  My skin feels lightly moisturized when I use the product. Missha Time Revolution - First Treatment Essence is also considerably cheaper than SKII Treatment essence.

For some strange reason, Sephora Canada stopped selling SKII products.  I have no idea why.  It's significantly more difficult to buy SKII here in Canada now.  Missha Canada has a great website.  Products that I've ordered were shipped and received within days.

Update to come... once I have lived a little with this product.  So far, I'm very optimistic.

YEAST is a naturally fortified Vitamin B Group. Vitamin B supports and increases the rate of metabolism and maintains healthy skin.

Recently, more and more researches prove fermented yeast extract to be a good source for skin care products.

PROS

I will give it some time... my first impressions of this product are great... it's moisturizing and seems to encourage skin turnover in the way SKII does.  My fingers are crossed!

DISCLOSURE  -  The opinions expressed are 100% mine.  I was not paid to review this product and this product was purchased with my very own moolah.  

Review - Blinc Mascara

Stop painting your lashes... Tube them!

I adore mascara, but mascara and I do not get along.  I have relatively long eyelashes, however they are quite blond.  This means that mascara makes a huge impact on my overall look.  Without mascara, I look like I have no eyelashes. Unfortunately, there is something about my skin that melts all eye makeup right off... even waterproof makeup.  Within about an hour of application, even the most expensive waterproof mascara that money can buy will be running down my face and giving me raccoon eyes.

I have literally tried every mascara on the market from the cheap drugstore brands to the higher end stuff like Lancome Hypnose and Diorshow.  I love the way the 'fancypants' mascaras lengthen my lashes... but they melt off my face the same way good ol' Maybelline Great Lash does.  So I decided to invest in a tube of Blinc mascara.

HERE’S WHAT THEY SAY…

If you're looking for a no-hassle, no-smudge mascara that you can take throughout your day with no re-application, blinc mascara is your answer. Instead of painting your lashes like conventional mascaras, blinc mascara forms tiny no-smudge, water-resistant "tubes" around your lashes. Once applied, these mascara tubes bind to your lashes and cannot run, smudge, clump, or flake, even if you cry or rub your eyes.

Whether your daily activities take you from the office, to your sweaty workout or out to dinner, your lashes will look as good in the evening as they did when you first applied blinc in the morning. blinc mascara will add volume and length to give you a radiant natural look that lasts all day.

Only when you are ready for removal, the tubes will effortlessly slide off your lashes into your hand without the use of a harsh makeup remover.

PROS  It doesn't smudge, and it doesn't run down your face; not even with removal.  Rinse with water, and the tubes slide right off.

CONS It's so wet that application is very difficult.  I'm pretty adept with mascara under normal circumstances, but applying Blinc is redonkulous.  My entire face was covered with the stuff.

THE STRAIGHT DOPE  I had such high hopes for this mascara.  I had my fingers crossed that Blinc would be the Holy Grail Mascara that I have been searching for.  Blinc is very thin and very wet, and takes quite a while to dry... which makes for an unholy mess when applying.  I have never managed to put this mascara on my face without getting it all over the dang place.  I don't find that it creates much volume or length, and it is difficult to layer or build.  I'm kind of hoping that the product might dry out a bit after a few months and be easier to apply.  Blinc isn't cheap and I'm not impressed... definitely wouldn't repurchase.

2 OUT OF 5 COFFEE CUPS

DISCLOSURE  -  The opinions expressed are 100% mine.  I was not paid to review this product and this product was purchased with my very own moolah.  

Review - Ole Henrikson - 3 Little Wonders

from the Ole Henrikson website

HERE’S WHAT THEY SAY…

This professional strength AM/PM regimen rapidly reverses all visible signs of aging skin. Each proprietary blend works in synergy to reveal your most youthful, healthy & radiant complexion. With nurturing textures and indulgent aromas, witness the transformation as you delight in the experience of treating your skin.

Collection Includes

• truth serum collagen booster 
• invigorating night treatment 
• sheer transformation 

PROS

It's a great little trial set for a minimal investment.

CONS
I haven't seen any improvement in the condition of my skin.  Products are highly scented, especially the truth serum, which is reminiscent of Tang.

THE STRAIGHT DOPE
I've been using these products for about a month, and I notice no substantial difference in the look or the feel of my skin.  I find the truth serum quite tacky on the skin, almost sticky.  I love the texture of the sheer transformation lotion... although it would be better if it had some SPF.  The night treatment makes my skin tingle, as if it's actively doing something.... but I have seen no evidence that it is working or affecting the look or feel of my skin in any way.

2 OUT OF 5 COFFEE CUPS

DISCLOSURE  -  The opinions expressed are 100% mine.  I was not paid to review this product and this product was purchased with my very own moolah.  

Review - BiothermBiosource Balm to Oil Cleanser

I purchased the Biotherm Biosource Balm-to-Oil Cleanser hoping it would act as a cheaper substitute for the Eve Lom cleanser, which is so expensive that I hate to love it as much as I do.  I am constantly on the hunt for it's replacement.

HERE’S WHAT THEY SAY…

The first 3-phase transformation formula with Life Plankton™.This balm melts into a silky oil and then becomes a comforting milk. It dissolves all kinds of make-up, even waterproof and removes urban impurities. Warm up a small amout of balm in the hands and massage on dry skin. Emulsify with water, then rinse thoroughly for a deeply cleansed skin, instantly hydrated, without any greasy film.

PROS
It's relatively inexpensive, about half the price of the coveted Eve Lom Cleanser.  It works well; even removing stubborn waterproof makeup.  It has a nice mild smell (biothermy).  I like the way it emulsifies with water, and it doesn't dry my skin out.

CONS

It's not Eve Lom Cleanser.  WAH!  
The only other issue I have with this cleanser is that I find it doesn't rinse off that easily and it feels like it leaves a slight greasy film on my face.  After I use this cleanser, I will typically do a double cleanse with Bioderma micellar water and that resolves any cleanser residue.

THE STRAIGHT DOPE
It's a pretty good cleanser.  I was hoping for a thicker consistency (like Eve Lom) but I find this pretty thin.  It doesn't irritate my eyes, but it's not the easiest to rinse out of eyes.  I have been using this consistently for more than a month, and am happy... but it's no holy grail cleanser.

RATING 4 CUPS OUT OF 5

DISCLOSURE  -  The opinions expressed are 100% mine.  I was not paid to review this product and this product was purchased with my very own moolah.  

Review - Chanel CC Cream

HERE’S WHAT THEY SAY…

With its CHANEL signature, CC Cream combines 5 actions in 1 single step:

SOOTHES. Cornflower water comforts sensitive skin.
MOISTURIZES. Hyaluronic acid helps maintain hydration level all day long by trapping and retaining moisture inside the skin.
PROTECTS. SPF 30 and PA+++ sun filters block aging-accelerating UVA-UVB rays. A mineral filter guarantees higher tolerance on the skin.
PREVENTS. An active ingredient of natural origin, Rejuvencia, provides the best shield against external aggressions.
EVENS OUT IMPERFECTIONS. Redness, dark spots and pores are visibly diminished. 

PROS
SPF 30, nice buildable texture and coverage

CONS
$$$$ Big bucks!  Terrible colour selection! This product comes in two colours, and both are quite light; no options at all for medium or dark skin.  For the price, Chanel should put this product in a pump formulation and increase the colour options.  The CC cream is highly fragranced, which might pose issues for those with sensitivities.

THE STRAIGHT DOPE
I actually like this product.  The colour is a little too light for my summer complexion, but I think it will be perfect for my winter skin.  I would say it's medium coverage but very buildable and the product has good longevity.  

RATING

DISCLOSURE  -  The opinions expressed are 100% mine.  I was not paid to review this product and this product was purchased with my very own moolah.  

Review - Benefit Lip Lovin' Balms

I am a lip balm addict.  Lip balm is never further than an arm's reach.  I keep several in every bag, and I have lip balm strategically stashed throughout my house and workplace.  I have a problem.  Of course I couldn't resist Benefit's adorable little trio of balms at Sephora.

I've used the Benefit Benetint Cheek and Lip Stain before, and not been terribly impressed.  The colour was inconsistent and spotty on me, and although the rose scent is lovely, the taste was horrible.  But I love the Lip Lovin' Balms!

They are slightly tinted, and super moisturizing.  The texture is nice and light, and not at all gooey or sticky.  It's a great balm on it's own or on top of a lipstick.  The balms share Benetint's characteristic rose scent... but the taste is much better.

If you're looking for a slightly elevated version of a lip balm, these are great products.  If you're looking for more pigment, these are not the products for you.  There is barely any colour deposit from these products and if your natural lip colour is darker, you will barely notice a difference.

SK-II Review - Facial Treatment Essence

Now I know this add is airbrushed to infinity and beyond... but Cate Blanchett has gorgeous skin! Refinery 29 wrote about it here.  Cate is the spokesperson for the Japanese skincare line SK-II, and apparently has been using it for more than 10 years.  She is definitely doing something right!

from SK-II's website:

"SK-II's signature product, the much-loved and most awarded bestseller, Facial Treatment Essence has over 90% Pitera™, the miracle ingredient discovered over 30 years ago that remains essentially unchanged till today.

Its irreplaceable formula gently exfoliates the face and helps moderate the skin surface renewal cycle.

• SK-II Facial Treatment Essence helps to improve the appearance of 5 dimensions of beautiful, crystal clear skin: spots are less visible, appearance of wrinkles is reduced, skin texture is more refined, firmness is improved, and radiance is beautifully elevated.
• Skin becomes breathtakingly crystal clear.

Texture:

This pure and lightweight miracle water is quickly absorbed into the skin."

So I decided that it SK-II works for Cate, it just might work for me.  I found a three piece set at Sephora that included toner, the facial essence, and a mask.  For some reason, it looks as if SK-II products are no longer available in Canada through Sephora?  Weird!

First I decided to try the mask.  I noticed immediate improvement in my skin.  It was softer, and somehow the quality of my skin felt and looked more refined (smaller, less visible pores).  I would definitely consider the mask for a special occasion.

Next the toner and the Facial Treatment Essence.  The toner is 'meh.'  It really didn't feel any different than the micellar water that I use.  Certainly not a game changer.

But the Essence...  The Holy Grail Product that so many beauty addicts refer to?  I have been using the Facial Treatment Essence for 2 weeks now, and my skin has never looked or felt better.

I am 43 (aging skin with oiliness in the t-zone).  My skin feels much more balanced with SK-II... no more mid-day oil slick.  My skin tone is much more even, and feels moisturized but not greasy.  My pores appear smaller, and I haven't had the patchy dryness that I sometimes get between my eyebrows.

It would be an ideal product, aside from a few issues:

1) Unfortunately there is no way I can continue to feed my children and use SK-II.  It's incredibly expensive and once I have run out of this product, I will have a tough decision to make.... buy more... or sell a dependant?

2) I spent 2 days at the cottage without the Facial Treatment Essence and in that short time of stopping use, I had tons of tiny whitehead appearing around my nose and chin.  Two days later with regular use and that problem has completely resolved.  I am afraid of what will happen if I stop using this stuff!

Sadly, (because I cannot afford SK-II!) I really love this product.  I don't really know why it works so well.  Paula Begoun, my guru of beauty product reviews tells me there is no science backing this product... and essentially it is quackery, but my results have been really great.  Please Maude, let me win the lottery so I can continue using SK-II!  I would absolutely love to try more products from this line but not in my current income bracket!

Brow Wow

I've been addicted to brow products for many years now.  I like the look of a fuller brow... always have... I'm old school... so more Brooke Shields than Cara Delevigne.

Thankfully, I didn't pluck mine until I was in my 30's and avoided the overplucked sparse brows that many women my age have.  I will blame Drew Barrymore for the 1990's pencil-thin brow trend.

I love the look of a strong brow. hate the look of a 'drawn' on brow.  I started out with my old faithful MAC eyebrow pencil in blonde.  It's a good product with a great colour, but it's a little bit too powdery for my liking.

My next brow product obsession was Benefit's Brow zings.  Lisa Eldridge (goddess of makeup application) did a capsule makeup video that introduced me to the amazing Brow's A-Go-Go Palette that includes the brow zings, a couple of brow powders that double as great neutral shadows, black eyeliner and two highlighters.

I've also tried and liked Benefit's Gimme Brow.  It's fast and easy.  I'm far too lazy to meticulously pencil brows in for everyday wear and this product gives me a good natural look.

But now we have Maybelline brow drama.  It's less than half the price of all the other products, and I actually prefer the texture and the brush.  The bristles are super thin, and you have more control with this product.  It comes in a larger colour selection as well.  Any chance to get a great product that is comparable/better than the premium brands.... I am in!

Oil Pulling... not as gross as it sounds!

this is the brand I like

I'll admit that it sounds a bit 'hippie/granola/crunchy' but for about 6 months, I have been oil pulling.  I first heard about it from Design Mom, and subsequently lost hours of my day researching oil pulling on the intrawebs.

I have always had very sensitive teeth.  They are sensitive to cold and heat, and sometimes even sugary things produce discomfort.  I was fairly skeptical at first, but oil pulling has worked really well for me.  My teeth are really white, and they have that smooth, 'fresh from the dentist' feeling all the time now.  Some people completely give up tooth brushing once they start oil pulling, but I am using it as a supplement to my regular brushing and flossing routine.

My dentist doesn't know what to think about oil pulling; but my last checkup showed a big improvement in gum health.  I had some deep pockets in my gums that decreased significantly after a few months of oil pulling. 

I also believe that oil pulling has strengthened my immune system.  I can't be entirely certain about the cause and effect, but I  I have been sick (viruses, colds, etc.) far less often since I have been oil pulling.
What is Oil Pulling?
from Food Matters:
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic remedy for oral health, and detoxification.  It involves the use of pure oils as agents for pulling harmful bacteria and other organisms out of the mouth, teeth, gums and throat.

How to Oil Pull with coconut oil.
1)  Take approximately 2 tsp. of coconut oil and put it in your mouth.
2)  Chew and melt the oil in your mouth.  It will become liquid.
3)  Swish the oil, pushing and pulling back, forth and sideways through all your teeth.
4)  After 20 minutes of swishing, spit the oil into the trash (it can clog plumbing)


For more information, here's a dentist's 'take' on why oil pulling may be a great compliment to regular dental care.