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 - 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.  

Lush Mange Too Review

LUSH products are handmade with fresh, ethically sourced ingredients that are never tested on animals.

Mange Too - Lickable honey massage bar

HERE’S WHAT THEY SAY…
The sweet scent of chocolate and honey combined with skin-softening bananas and the melt-y abilities of Shea and cocoa butter equals one downright delicious massage. Glide all over your partner (or do some self-pleasuring and rub into your arms and legs), and find out how soft and smooth it gets the skin. We won’t blame you if you take a lick (and maybe a nibble, if it’s consensual); this one tastes almost as good as it smells.

PROS

Smells amazing, moisturizing.

Doesn't leave a yucky perfumey taste in your mouth if for some reason your tongue happens to land in the areas being massaged (he heh!).

CONS
Little bit messy.  Melts if you order it on the internet on a hot day.

It doesn't fit into the massage bar tins that LUSH carries... so you have to chop it up to travel with it.

Sadly, we don't have a LUSH in our area... so it's a planned trip to Guelph or the T-dot when we run out.

THE STRAIGHT DOPE

I love this product and use it all the time.  It's a great massage bar with a chocolatey smell and a wonderful texture.  I use it instead of lotion on my dry legs.  I use it on chapped kiddie skin.  I think it would be great for baby massage... and I think it's fabulous for me/hubby massage!

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.