Product Review: Clarins UV PLUS HP Day SunScreen High Protection Emulsion SPF 40 Oil-free (100% Mineral screen)

The official date for summer is 21 June 2013. However, it definitely feels like summer is finally here in Vancouver as we enjoy more than 15 hours of sunshine from 6 am (maybe even 5 am, I don't know since I am still asleep) to 9:30 pm. Before I go crazy soaking myself in the sun, I have to remind myself to put on sunscreen. The cool breeze tend to make me forget how intense the sun is on a day with clear blue sky.

I just bought Clarins UV Plus HP Day Screen High Protection SPF 40 Oil Free sunscreen from Sephora yesterday after I noticed a layer of rosy and tanned skin on my cheeks after I removed my sunglasses. It was C$40 + tax.

Here are some information on Clarins Sunscreen:

It's a tiny white bottle (50ml/ 1.7 Fl Oz). C$40 sounds pretty expensive for such a small bottle. Honestly, you can probably get a Banana Boat or Neutrogena suncreen or even sunblock for twice the size for less than C$20! I was a little hesitant about getting it but since it is one of Sephora's favourite sunscreen and it has was almost a 5-star rating on Sephora's review, I decided to give it a go since I don't want to risk getting freckles etc on my face.

Just like everybody else mentioned, you don't need a lot. It's an emulsion. I literally used 2 drops on my whole face. I think that is definitely less than 0.5 ml per drop. I can easily use this for at least 3 months! It doesn't sound so bad after all.

According to Clarins, the Day Screen offers a high protection against UV rays, from an ultra-lightweight texture that leaves skin looking smooth, soft and matte. 100% mineral screen. Apply over regular day care. It is also allergy and ophthalmologist tested, non comedogenic.

I tried it today. True enough, it's super light and my face feels smooth and matte after application. After almost 8 hours, my face still feels matte. That is truly amazing. My face didn't feel dry or sticky. It is matte even after 8 hours.

Verdict:

This is definitely a SCREAMING BUY! If you have not found a good sunscreen for your face, give it a try! Chances are you will love it from the first application!

Product Review: Peter Thomas Roth Clinical Peel & Reveal Dermal Resurfacer 100 ML/ 3.4 FL Oz

I bought the Peter Thomas Roth Clinical Peel & Reveal Dermal Resurfacer (It's a mouthful, so I will just call it Clincal Peel & Reveal from now on) from Sephora during the last VIB sale. It usually retails for C$58 + tax.

I picked this up from the store out of the many possible scrubs and peels because I remembered my sis was raving about Peter Thomas Roth. To be honest, I bought it because I thought it was a product that my sis was telling me about. It was the right brand but not the product my sis was raving about. Pretty embarrassing right? But I did a quick search on internet and the reviews are quite good so I thought, why don't I just try it? If it does not work out, I can still return it to Sephora. 

What is the Clinical Peel & Reveal? 

It is a three-in-one anti-aging resurfacer:

• peel with alpha hydroxy acid (AHA)
• exfoliate with pumpkin enzyme
• polish with aluminium oxide

Why the Clinical Peel & Reveal? 

To reveal smoother, younger looking, radiant and revitalized skin. The triple action dermal resurfacer helps even out skin tone, smooth out fine lines and wrinkles and clarify skin. It addresses dull, aging and congested complexion by peeling, exfoliating and polishing. 

How to use the Clinical Peel & Reveal?

Massage onto wet skin, leave on 3-7 minutes and let the AHAs and enzymes work. Rinse thoroughly. It mentioned used as needed but I think using once a week would be more appropriate.

My Experience with the Clinical Peel & Reveal

If you have read my earlier product reviews, you would have realized that the smell of a product is a big thing for me. the Clinical Peel & Reveal smells delicious! Yes, you read correctly. It smells like a yummy dessert, so applying it on the face for 3-7 minutes is a very pleasant experience. On top of that, the texture is very fine, so I enjoyed the massage portion too. 

Once it is rinsed off, the effect on the skin is immediate! My skin feels smooth (and I could not stop touching it!). 

I used less than a dime size (1 ml) on my face so I don't think I can finish it within 12 months (assuming I use it once a year). Even though it seems pretty pricey @ $58, one tube is all I need for an entire year. I will prob use it on my hands, back and foot if I still have half the tube by the 10th month. 

I am not able to comment on its effectiveness to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles but my skin definitely feels and looks clarified. 

Verdict

I definitely recommend the Peter Thomas Roth Clinical Peel & Reveal Dermal Resurfacer! This is definitely worth it not just for clarifying your skin but also for the enjoyable experience!