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.  

You need a Capsule Wardrobe!

It’s difficult to live the simple life when you are bombarded by falling clothing every time you crack open your closet door.  How much time have you spent peering at countless clothing options; but feeling like you have nothing to wear? How many times have you bought clothing and regretted it? 

A capsule wardrobe could be just what you need.

WHAT IS A CAPSULE WARDROBE?

Blogger Caroline Rector of the blog Unfancy defines a capsule wardrobe as:

“a mini wardrobe made up of 37 really versatile pieces that you totally love to wear.”

Essentially, a capsule wardrobe is a small, concise wardrobe that you feel amazing in.

Your capsule wardrobe is individualized.  All your clothing choices mesh with your tastes and your lifestyle; built with pieces that mix and match, and work well together.  The end result is you save time getting dressed.  You save money by buying quality long lasting pieces that you love, and that make you feel fabulous!

CAPSULE WARDROBE 101

There are many different philosophies when it comes to creating a capsule wardrobe… but here are some basics:

1)  Give yourself some wardrobe limits (somewhere between 30-40 items is a great start).  PJ’s, undergarments, fitness clothing, and special occasion clothing don’t count.

2)  One capsule per season.  The items you choose should get you through spring, summer or fall.

3)  Look for pieces that mix and match well with existing pieces and use great quality basics/staples as the foundation of your wardrobe.

4)  Once the capsule is created… wear it!  No more shopping until the next season!

THE BEST RESOURCES ON CAPSULE WARDROBES:

Caroline Rector - Unfancy - Caroline is sadly no longer blogging about her wardrobe... but great information remains, including her free capsule wardrobe planner.http://www.un-fancy.com/capsule-wardrobe-101/how-to-build-a-capsule-wardrobe/

Project 333 - 33 Items for three months.  A minimalist fashion challenge with great tips to get started, and a great community on facebook and instagram.

http://theproject333.com/capsulewardrobe/

Into Mind has some amazing tips on developing your personal style and building a capsule wardrobe.

http://into-mind.com/2012/12/20/building-a-capsule-wardrobe-101/

The Vivienne Files is chock full of inspiration on wardrobe building with amazing graphics on mixing and matching, and using versatile core pieces with more trendy pieces. 

http://www.theviviennefiles.com/p/starting-from-scratch.html

Jennifer L. Scott of the Daily Connoisseur has terrific advice from "Madame Chic" on channelling your inner french woman and looking your best every day. 

http://dailyconnoisseur.blogspot.ca/2011/02/10-item-wardrobe-getting-started.html 

http://dailyconnoisseur.blogspot.ca/2015/10/ten-item-wardrobe-fall-winter-2015.html

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.  

Fitness. There is no wagon.

I can't even begin to count the times I have 'fallen off the wagon' when it comes to working out consistently.  I used to beat myself up when I took a workout hiatus and it wasn't helpful.  Perhaps I'm not as consistent as I'd like to be... but I keep showing up.  I keep trying.  I keep beginning again and again, and that's something to celebrate.  I never give up... and I never quit!

Today I'm proud to say that I worked out for the first time this month.  I just did a few quick tabatas in the board room of my office... but I got the blood pumping and worked the muscle groups and it feels great.

I've read a great deal recently about motivation.  I don't think motivation is my problem. My focus right now is building a fitness habit.  My problem is not scheduling my workouts like I schedule everything else in my life.  My problem is not putting myself first and dropping workouts to meet the family obligations that come up constantly.

For the longest time, I've been thinking that in order to be more consistent with working out, I'm going to have to get up earlier.  But I adore that last hour of sleep I get between 6 and 7 in the morning, and I'm not sure I'm willing to give it up just yet.  For now, I'm going to take a little time from my workday and just do something each day.

Great article from Girls Gone Strong about 'Comply or Die' mentality and how it doesn't work for fat loss.  Zen Habits has written some great articles on building the fitness habit too.

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.