Product Review - Bare Escentual BareMinerals Try. Believe. Love. 6 Piece Starter Kit (mineral foundation)

Today I am going to review the Bare Mineral Make up which I bought from Sephora and used for about one week.

What is it?

The Starter Kit contains the following items: 

• Original SPF 15 Foundation (size:small)
• Matte SPF Foundation (size:small)
• Mineral Veil Finishing Powder (size:small)
• SPF Concealer in summer Bisque (size: petitie)
• Mini Full Flawless Face Brush
• Mini Concealer Brush

This is Bare Escentual's introductory kit to its BEST seller - Bare Minerals. 

These exclusive formula made up of 100% pure minerals provide the look for beautiful bare skin, while giving flawless coverage without any harsh chemicals. 

How much and where?

The Starter kit usually retails @ US$20 from Bare Escentual's website. I got mine at one of Sephora's VIB sales for US$10 as Sephora Canada store does not carry the Starter kit. Sephora Canada carries the bigger full size starter kits (retailing for C$61)

How to use it? 

• Tap the concealer summer bisque lightly to place some of the powder on its cover. Use the concealer brush to pick up the powder and tap off excess powder. Apply on imperfections on face
• Tap the original or matte foundation to place some of the powder on its cover. Use the mini flawless brush to pick up the powder in circular motion and tap off excess powder. Apply on on face by moving the brush lightly in circular motion.
• Apply eye make up and blush
• Tap the mineral veil to place some powder on its cover. Use the mini flawless brush to pick up the powder in circular motion and tap off excess powder. Apply on face by moving brush lightly in circular motion
• Finish off with lipstick

My Experience

I love how easy it is to use the concealer, foundation and mineral veil. It is quick and I don't need a lot of skills to get a close to flawless skin without looking made up (especially if I put on light make up). Just close to perfect, healthy looking skin after less than 5 mins. The foundation is powder based but yet it does not feel dry or cakey even after an entire day. The best part is that because it is so light, it is very easy to remove. I usually get some clogged pores and some breakouts after a week of regular make up but I must say that I have not gotten any of those after one week. 

My Verdict

I definitely highly recommend BareMinerals to those who like simple, light and natural make up. It's quick and easy for someone who does not want to wake up a whole lot earlier just to put on make up before work. I have combination skin and it definitely works for me. The effect is so rewarding that I am motivated to use it every day.

Product Review: Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser

I just finished using my Philosophy Purity Made Simple One -step Facial Cleanser and thought it would be the perfect time to do a product review.

What is it? 

Philosphy Purity Made Simple is a one-step facial cleanser that removes dirt and make-up for not just your face but also your eye make up. It is 3-in-1, i.e. you don't need to use toner and moisturizer after that if you are too tired. It is an award winning daily facial cleanser that contains infusions of sage, chamomile and carrot. 

My experience

I love the smell of the Purity cleanser. It is very refreshing.  I use the Biotherm Aquatrio in mornings but I use Philosophy Purity as a daily facial cleanser in the evenings. The purity cleanser is more effective in removing my Clarin's UV Plus HP suncreen as well as light make- up for both face and eyes than my Biotherm cleanser. When I use it to remove make up, I usually use a toner just to check that I have cleansed my face well and I am pleased to say that Purity has been quite effective in removing all my make up. I still use the Biotherm Aquasource moisturizer after the purity cleanser because my face feels a little tight and dry if I do not use any moisturizer after that. 

Verdict

I bought my current 8 oz bottle of Purity from Sephora, my next bottle of Purity will be the biggest one I can find at Sephora. Definitely a buy as a daily facial cleanser/make-up remover . It really makes removing light make up an ease without the need to use different cleansing products. I would not call it a One-step Facial cleanser unless what Philosophy means is that there is no need for a separate eye make up remover. I can skip the toner part but I do need to put on moisturizer after using the cleanser.   

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!

Product Review - Josie Maran Argan Oil, Is it better than the other Argan Oil?

I have used the Josie Maran Argan Oil from Sephora for nearly a year now. I was so excited about it during the first 2 months that I was practically telling all my friends about it. It is THAT amazing.

For those who are new Argan Oil, here is a pretty good description on what it is on the Sephora's site:


What it is:
A lightweight oil that can be used as a daily moisturizer or treatment for skin, hair, and nails.

What it does:
This 100% Pure Argan Oil is a legendary oil that's rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, and grown organically in Morocco. With its multitasking benefits, Argan Oil can be used for many areas including hydrating and nourishing skin, as a daily moisturizer, skin treatment, treating spilt ends, and softening cuticles. It's gentle enough to use on all skin types and is believed to help with skin conditions including acne. Argan Oil easily absorbs into skin to give you a youthful, dewy glow, and has astonishing healing, conditioning, and antiaging properties to keep your skin and hair nourished and revitalized and to keep you looking beautiful from head to toe.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan

What else you need to know:
100% Pure Argan Oil is first cold pressed to ensure the best quality, highest-grade oil. It is housed in a recyclable glass bottle and purchased from women's cooperatives in Morocco to support their social and economic welfare. These cooperatives work within a UNESCO biosphere reserve that ensures the protection and reforestation of Argan trees.

If you want a 100% natural product with no addictives and other chemicals, THIS is IT!

It is essentially a bottle of miracle that you can use practically from head to toe. I love it especially as a lip & hair moisturizer during the winter months.

Just like many others, I have a concern if the oil will cause breakouts. During my first few weeks of using it, it did not cause any breakouts, but subsequently, I had some breakouts. I am not sure if they are because of argan oil but I would recommend to use it sparingly on the face and apply it to wet face. Now, I use it on my face, once a week instead of twice a day like I used to.

The other question I had is if Josie Maran Argan Oil is better than the other Argan oil since it is a lot more expensive than those available in drug store. I have tried 2 other brands of cheaper Argan Oil from drug stores. I could not even bring myself to continue using them after trying it a few times. Somehow, they just lack the elegance and have a somewhat oily smell. I am not sure if the bottles I bought are bad or that they are generally not of the same grade as those at Josie Maran.

I highly recommend Josie Maran Argan Oil at Sephora even if the price is higher. The quality is definitely worth it. :)