Friday, September 16, 2016

Skin Care - L'Oreal RevitaLift Bright Reveal


So I recently signed up for Influenster Canada and received a VoxBox from L'Oreal to test. Within the box, was their new JLo spokesperson Bright Reveal line. As I am becoming older I realize how important skin care is and I take great pleasure with a skin care routine, as it allows me to wind down before bed and relax. I have used it for a couple of days and truly, you cannot review a skin care line until you have used it for at least a month. Instead, I am going to discuss my first impression and then follow it up with a full review after using it for a while.

Brightening Scrub Cleanser - is a daily scrub cleanser containing Glycolic acid and Perlite. First, what is Perlite? Google to the rescue. According to www.perlite.org, it is "a naturally occurring siliceous volcanic rock". Therefore, I am assuming the "grit" is this.  Secondly, the glycolic acid does not have an indicated percentage.
I am not a proponent of daily scrubs. I say this because too much physical exfoliation can lead to micro tears and inflammation of the skin, thus more break outs. Additionally, I prefer chemical which this line already has with its glycolic pads. The cleanser is perfumed with a clean, fresh scent and also contains sodium laureth sulfate. Both of which are irritants to the skin, with the latter potentially drying out the skin.
My thoughts so far are mediocre due to the scent, the recommended daily exfoliation and the ingredients.

Brightening Peel Pads- claims to resurface uneven skin. Immediately brightens. Reduces wrinkles* (in terms of looks).  It contains 10% Glycolic Complex, a combination of citric acid, glycolic acid and HEPES (-hydroxyethyl)-piperazineethanesulfonic acid). For me, I would like to know the percentage of  each acid within the complex.
My first impression is a good one, but I am a little biased as I enjoy a chemical exfoliation. These are gentle and do not make my skin sting. These are great for glycolic virgins.

Brigtening Daily Lotion with SPF 30-  this contains Glycolic acid, Vitamin Cg (Ascobyl Glucoside) and Pro-Rentinol (Retinyl Palmitate). I love the idea of Vitamin C with my moisturiser; however, I am not a fan of using retinols nor glycolic acid during the day. For me, using retinol  and glycolic acid during the night where cell turnover is at is most efficacious, is best. Again, the packaging does indicated the amount of glycolic acid, which is irksome. However, I am glad it contains a broad spectrum sunscreen Octocrylene 7%, Homosalate 5% Octisalate 5% and Avobenzone 3%. All of which are chemical sunscreens. In addition, one the ingredients closest to the beginning is dimethicone, which is a silicone and will give the skin a soft, velvet feel.
I can appreciate a broad spectrum especially if it contains pro-retinol and glycolic acid. It would be irresponsible of them not to. However, I do not like silicone in my moisturiser as it leads to a false sense of smoothness and silicone can block pores. It absorbs nicely into the skin without the white cast that many sunscreens give. The scent is very light and clean.

Brightening Dual Overnight Moisturiser -  this contains 4% glycolic acid and pro-retinol, which is where it should be. It has a dual chamber, one is transparent, while the other is semi-opaque with a pearlescent quality. Once pumped, the texture is silky and slightly thin.
Looking at the ingredient list, you find glycolic acid near the beginning, which is fantastic but the pro-retinol near the bottom. Furthermore, dimethicone is also near the beginning.
Even though it has silicone in it, I am enjoying it thus far. While at first it feels slightly tacky, this fluid texture eventually absorbs well into the skin, leaving it smooth and feeling hydrated. Anytime, you moisturise  your skin at night, your skin will thank you.

These are just a few of my thoughts and observations
Megsx

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Bite Beauty- The Multistick

You know those days when you just want a little colour or can't be bothered to do a full face. I love easy, fuss-free beauty. Let me further explain. I love makeup that can be used multiple ways. And no, I don't mean when you are in a pinch, using your lipstick as a blush. There have been many products that has been marketed as such, but Bite's, The Multistick, is something a touch different.

First, the colours flatter lips, cheeks and eyes. All too often, companies will imply that they can be used as such, but in reality, it looks horrible on the eyes. Bite's Multistick colour line up contains mostly nudes;  nude rose, nude brown, nude pinky peach, you get the idea. Secondly, the texture of the bullet is soft but dry. Using it on the lips creates a matte dry feeling, and not greasy for cheeks and eyes. Third, it blends  easily and almost "sets". However, the formula does not last, at least, not on me. I have normal to oily skin and it stays for about 3 hours at most. The colours are so flattering and soft, that it is forgivable and easily reapplied. 

With more research regarding harmful ingredients, I love Bite's philosophy, i.e., food grade makeup. I also love that a Canadian company is innovative and creative with their ingredients textures,packaging, and colours. I am talking about you Kale and Squid Ink. It is reassuring to know that what you put on your face and ultimately, into your body is not harmful. 

I purchased Gelato at my local Sephora prior to the display, therefore I wasn't able to try the textures nor colours. Gelato is a nude mauve rose. Perfect for lips,cheeks and eyes.  It felt a little dry on the lips but not like liquid lipstick dry. $28 Canadian gives you 0.17oz/4.75g.  Furthermore, the product has a shelf life of 24 months. Additionally, I bought two more colours, papaya and cerise. Both goregous with papaya a bright coral pink and cerise a deep neutral red/rose.

Specs:
4.75g for $28 Cdn
Organic Food Grade product
18 colours

http://www.sephora.com/multistick-P411038?keyword=BITE%20BEAUTY%20Multistick%20P411038&skuId=1855261&country_switch=ca&_requestid=250092

Enjoy
Megsx