Skincare Review: Context Skin

 I blush anytime a beauty brand reaches out to me to give their products a try, that just gives me more incentive to start rearranging to make room for the new products delightfully coming my way. Now, I don't say yes to every offer, and I thoroughly look into every brand's background story, ethos and products before I make a solid decision if its something that would actually help benefit my skin and and this is where Context comes in. They're not a skincare line that's wanting to help benefit my skin, but ALL skins, colors, and sexes.  

With added anti-aging benefits packed with antioxidants and oils, their products are geared to help the skin to provide a clean, healthy complexion. A brand whose products are all made in the USA, does NOT test on animals, hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, non-comedogenic, as well as being paraben and phthalate-free. Any fragrance you get is going to be natural, all giving you that advantage to be able to get healthy skin, and feel comfortable with not slathering on a jar full of junk all over yourself.

*The kind people over at Context sent me 4 full size products to try: Micro-Derm Regenerator Cleanser, Oil-free Daily Moisturizer w/ SPF 15, Restorative Night Cream, and the Vitamin C All Day Eye Cream. I have to say, none of the products disappointed me, though I do favor some over others, though thats also not to say that those said unfavored products weren't good, they just didn't fit my needs. 

Micro-Derm Regenerator Cleanser, $35: This cleanser is my least favorite product that I tried, but not in anyway because of the cleanser itself, I'm just personally not a huge fan of exfoliating cleansers generally, though I did try this one a few times to review. Granted, I do love that Clarins Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, but I can't remember the last time I bought one after that. I prefer to use exfoliating treatments and/or masks, the cleansers don't do much for me. I will say though, if you're looking into getting an exfoliating cleanser for yourself to try, or you love them and want to try something new, this one is pretty stellar. It didn't irritate my skin in anyway, which a lot exfoliating cleansers that I had tried in the past have (hence why I stopped using altogether); no redness, no blotchiness, no new spots popped up either. My skin felt smooth, clean (non-stripping) and hydrated, and another plus, fragrance free (sorry Clarins). It's really everything you'd want in an exfoliating cleanser, if you enjoy using them. I may pass this one off to my mom since she enjoys using exfoliating cleansers a few times a week.

Oil-Free Daily Moisturizer, $40: I really love this moisturizer, it was the first product that I was like 'yes, I love!'. Now, if I had the choice, I'd rather have a moisturizer that wasn't oil-free, but this case was different, because it didn't dry out my skin (combo/dry) and it kept it quite hydrated throughout the day thanks to the shea butter, manuka honey, and vitamin e packed in this bad boy. Another fragrance free product, its light, with an almost-milk like consistency, but just a tad thicker. Its got SPF which protects against both UVA and UVB, and it smooths and silkens the skin, which creates a great base for makeup. Any oily bits were controlled, and my skin felt hydrated all day. Despite all the praise, I didn't see any initial benefits to my skin besides keeping it protected with SPF and hydrated, which all moisturizers SHOULD do anyway, but this one just felt super comfortable, and the fact that I could use it multiple ways just makes it more bang for your buck. Normal/Combo/Oily skin types would love this; Dry/Very Dry skin types would need to add more hydration underneath this moisturizer though.

Vitamin C All Day Eye Cream, $35: This lightweight cream-gel is a perfect morning eye cream. Its really hydrating, while keeping the delicate area around the eyes smooth and brightened. Its also quite comfortable to wear alone, or under makeup, without letting makeup fall into any fine lines. You get a great size tube as well, with a little going a long way, this .5oz tube should last you a good few months if used everyday.

Restorative Night Cream, $45: Moisturizers and creams for nighttime use have been an issue for me; never finding the right one is frustrating at best and I can't ever stay committed to just one, having finicky skin, I never usually use the same nighttime moisturizer every single day of the week, except when I started using this one. I was very hesitant, enjoying every product I had used up to that point, this was the last on my list to try, but I ended up really loving it, and dare I say, kicking myself now, I ended up using it every night.

Its a very thick, rich cream; its sturdy in consistency, and you don't need a large dollop to cover the whole face, less than a nickel size really. My skin soaks this up with in a matter of a few minutes, and I wake up with clearer, less dull skin. I notice that spotty redness subsides as it soothes the skin of the days aggressors. I thoroughly enjoy rich creams because my skin tends to get a bit tight and dehydrated, and this definitely has helped ease it. My only qualm is the smell; I can't actually tell you what the smell reminds me off, but its got this bit of an off putting clean smell to it...No worries though, it fades after a short period after you put it on, so its not something thats going to annoyingly linger about.

Overall, I give all of these products, including the exfoliating cleanser, 4 of out 5 stars on the rating scale. The packaging and products check off all the marks, they're products women and men can both enjoy and that can be used everyday if desired. They also have a Hydrating Toner, a Daily Facial Cleanser (which on their site is described as a 'gel-cream'), and the Intensive Daily Moisturizer w/ SPF 15 which I wasn't sent to try , though I'd love to try eventually. Also, the price points of the range are very much on the reasonable side for a more 'higher end' brand and you definitely get a good amount of product for what you spend.

Currently going on their site, you can get 15% off new orders using the promo code NEW at checkout, and there's always free shipping with every order.

*Disclaimer: The product(s) mentioned in this post were sent to me by the mentioned brand(s) for review. All opinions and comments in this post are of my own from my personal use of them. I am not being paid by any brand(s) to talk about their product(s) that are mentioned, unless otherwise stated by me.

Glossier: Phase 1 Set Review

"Skin Is In!" Three words have not rung truer for the beauty brand, Glossier. But, you shouldn't expect nothing else from a brand that creates skincare, right? Thats what I thought, thinking all their catchy lingo was just to gain press but, they are all bark and bite, and their products definitely bite my beauty bug!

Since this post has gone up, Glossier has just newly released their Boy Brow eyebrow product, as well as cheekily announced that there is also a face cleanser in the works for a 2016 January release (excited!!!) so, keep your eyes peeled sometime in the beginning of next year for reviews on those products. For now, I will be reviewing and talking about my favorites from the Phase 1 Set. I do also have both of the masks from the range, the Mega Greens Galaxy Pack and Moisturizing Moon Mask, but I will pair those together in a separate post after this one goes up (probably the following week).

The Phase 1 Set includes: Soothing Face Mist, Priming Moisturizer Buildable Hydrating Creme, Balm Dotcom, & the Perfecting Skin Tint (shade Light). Each product in this set is sold individually on the brands site, which is a lovely option because I had started to run very low on the mist & primer before I typed this post, so instead of repurchasing the whole set again ($80), I was able to repurchase the individual products that I needed instead of dishing out a load. The P1 Set is priced at $80; it doesn't cost you more or save you money because each product, if purchased individually, would also come out to $80, the fact that the option is given is nice nonetheless.

Phase 1 Set

Soothing Face Mist: This is your very typical rosewater facial mist. Its lovely, fresh, smells of roses, no fuss-no muss kind of mist. Its very gentle, super hydrating, and great for any time of day. I use this one in the morning always, after I cleanse, before I moisturize. It mists out beautifully, the way all bottles of that sort should; it lightly gives a nice dewy finish. This isn't anything special but, unlike most facial sprays, this, if not all Glossier products, are all: hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, good for all skin types,  non-comedogenic, non-irritating, paraben free, alcohol free, and not tested on animals. Which gives all their product two big thumbs up from me already!

Priming Moisturizer, Buildable Hydrating Creme: Firstly, I probably should have done a separate blog post on this primer alone, because I feel like a lot of love is going to come pouring out of me and I'm not going to know when to stop, so brace yourselves.

This primer was a huge win for me, which came to also be a huge surprise considering my general dislike for primers. As mentioned in the beginning of this post, I already repurchased this product, still shocked! I fell absolutely in love with this priming moisturizer.  My lack of lust for primers usually stems from their silicone feeling, which, if you guessed, I normally detest. Those types of primers almost always clog my pores and make me break out, and/or make my makeup melt off or break apart after some point in the day...This primer on the other hand, so hydrating, so plump, so nice!

My skin feels healthy, plump, fully hydrated, and foundation just sticks to it so well without clogging the pores or breaking up. It has a very light creme consistency, sinks into the skin quickly, and pumps that moisture into the skin without leaving a residue or making the skin oily. This soft, unscented primer can also be used just as a regular, everyday moisturizer, though since none of this brands' range have SPF in them, its best to remember to add that into the mix as well before stepping out the door.

At $22, this is a considerably reasonable price for such a wonderful angelic creme in a cute tube. Its worth every penny in my opinion, & a little goes a long way so you'll get a good use time out of it. Everything negative that I've ever said about primers...well, still stands, though this Glossier one is the exception. This will be a continuous repurchase until they stop making (which if thats ever the case, I hope there's a heads up ahead of time so I can stock pile the hell up!).

Balm Dotcom, Universal Skin Salve: You can say that this is almost (but not entirely) like a $12 tube of vaseline with pretty packaging. I find this to be less tacky than vaseline, and though not as thick, its still just as moisturizing and very comfortable on the skin. I've only used this on my lips, but it saids you can also use this on pretty much any little dry bits you may have, even scratches. Its helped my lips stay hydrated all day long, even if I were to wear a matte lip product; they look full, plump, and healthy. This little wonder tube will come in handy during the winter season, especially if your prone to drier lips, and with its cute size at only .68oz (20ml), its purse and pocket friendly.

Perfecting Skin Tint: This is NOT a tinted moisturizer, foundation, BB Cream, CC Cream, etc...this is an extremely light veil of color that adds just that little extra UNF to the skin, but just a little. Its your skin, but slightly better. A very light, watery, thin formula that comes in a 30ml dropper bottle helps: slightly even out skin discolorations, while smoothing out the skin, whilst giving it a subtle, dewy finish (especially so when paired with the mist & primer beforehand). This will not help cover blemished prone skin, scarring, dark and/or sun spots.

This shouldn't throw you off with not being a full coverage makeup base, this is supposed to help enlighten the skin a bit, your real skin, not mask it, which is really what Glossier is trying to achieve with their range, and they do so, so well.

I got mine in the shade light, though I probably could have gotten away with the medium shade as well. This is great for:

- the 'makeup-no makeup' look lovers

- running-late-this-morning-but-need-something-on-my-face people

- non-makeup wearers that want to change things up a bit

- people that love their skin

At $26, again, a little goes a long way but, as previously stated, you will need to put an spf underneath or on top of this. That is the only gripe I can honestly say about all of these products, especially the moisturizer and the tint, is that none carry SPF in them.

The absolutely beautiful white and pink packaging, the type, the products themselves...everything about these products was instant love as first sight/use for me. I think this set would make a great gift for any skin and beauty lover, or a nice little treat for yourself this holiday season, or really anytime of year! 

Glossier wants you to love your skin, appreciate it, embrace it, but most of all, take care of it. The brand makes skincare fun, with its adorable and vanity-worthy packaging, they also always throw in a fun sticker sheet with every order, so you can decorate your products or stick them anywhere you like. They focus on their audience while stepping out of the box, while sticking to their mantra: 'Skin Is In'!

You can purchase the Phase 1 Set, or any of these products individually over at Glossier here

Brand Review: Lilfox Botanicals

Finally have the time to sort this post out and my reviews. I have been trying to get around to it the last week but, unfortunately my work life outside of this beauty world has been a bit chaotic as of late and has been permitting me from doing such. Now, as I take a deep, long, relaxed breath, I can finally do it!

Let's get right into it, shall well?

You may have seen a few posts back that the lovely green-goddess beauty Alexis, the creator and botanical-skincare mastermind behind Lilfox Botanicals, **sent me a lovely care package of some of her top products to try out. I couldn't be more pleased with everything she sent, truly.

Here's the rundown of what I received: an oil-based makeup remover, a toning mist, face serum,  eye butter, and a lip balm. All are really lovely in their own, different way. Alexis' products really stand out among other 'all-natural', organic', 'green-beauty' products I've tried in the past; she knows what she's doing when she makes all these products using fresh, all-natural ingredients, and doesn't stop with the packaging either. Her products are kept in beautifully labeled, dark glass jars and bottles for the safeguard and protectiveness of the ingredients.

You can read more about the brand from this post here, so let's get onto those long-waited reviews...

First up, the 'Chamomilla Infusion Makeup Remover': A very light, oil-based makeup remover; this would be my 'first cleanse'. It only has 4 ingredients: jojoba wax, chamomile buds, lavender buds, and frankincense resin; which all are organic. And like majority of all products in her line, it is vegan, cruelty free, gluten free, & free of parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances.

Chamomilla Infusion Makeup Remover, $22

This cleansing oil is truly remarkable and absolutely lovely and gentle on the skin. I feel like the word 'lovely' is going to be thrown around a lot in this post, just word of caution. Its a very light cleansing oil that rids of makeup and all elements from the day off the face, leaving an incredibly smooth and soft canvas, prepping the clean skin for the following step in the routine. No strong fragrance; the oil itself is runny, and about 2 1/2 pumps does the trick for me in making sure every area of my face is covered. I love massaging this in all over, do that for about a minute or so, and rinse away. I'm a huge fan of Una Brennan's cleansing oils, her Vitamin C & Rose specifically, but this one has scooted its way right up to the number one spot.

My only gripe, which isn't really a gripe about the product itself, but the packaging for my own personal preference, is that I wish the bottle was a bit bigger (would totally spend the extra $$ for that) and that the pump was replaced with a dropper, or something that I have more control with getting the product out. I'm not saying that the pump causes inconvenience in that aspect, like I said, just a personal preference.

Aphrodite Rose Toning Mist - Rose Quartz Infusion, $32

Next up, 'Aphrodite Rose Toning Mist with Rose Quartz Infusion': If I had to pick what my favorite product was out of the bunch, it's between the eye butter and this toning mist. The first time I sprayed this onto my skin and got this absolute breathtaking scent of roses that took me to this beautiful, fairy-tale like world in an instant. It's strange, really, that a skincare product had such an effect on my pschye but, with its calming, relaxing, and energy opening experience I felt with this spray, its been unlike any other I've ever tried before. You guys are probably thinking I may had a few cocktails before typing this post, but really I just misted the product all over me before I started typing up this review, so I'm in a bit of an angelic daze at the moment!

Again, the ingredients are pure and organic, just containing Rose Distillate (organic) & Rose Quartz. The mist itself is nicely hydrating and helps calm my skin of any tightness or very mild sensitivities I may be dealing with. I particularly find this very good to use after the face serum ('nectar'), but it works just as grand before any serum or moisturizer, or just as a nice pick-me-up throughout the day. I have also noticed I sometimes like to spray it on my hair, not only to make it smell like a rose garden, but to help add a little bit of shine and tame those little pesky flyaways when need be. Out of all the rose toning mists, and just toning mists in general that I've tried, this one has to be the most relaxing, calming, and beautiful experience. Honest, I really do feel like a goddess after I've immersed myself in this spray, maybe not Aphrodite specifically, but like her cousin or something.

Cucumber + Black Seed - Youthful Vixen Eye Butter, $52

Since we're on the topic of what my top favorites were, let's talk about the second one I mentioned, the 'Cucumber + Black Seed Youthful Vixen Eye Butter'. This definitely feels more like a balm /butter, think the consistency of Clinique's 'TTDO Cleansing Balm' for reference. At first it was a bit of a task to get some product out but, gently rubbing your ring finger in the little pot for a few seconds does the trick, and helps get the right amount of product out so you can never over-do it (though, I'd recommend over-doing this one whenever you want because it's absolutely-freaking wonderful and such a delicious treatment for the eyes).

Ingredient List breakdown: *certified organic, **grown organically, *** wildcrafted [NOTE: ALL ingredients are fully listed on the beauty brand's website]

Mango Butter**, Black Cumin Seed Oil*, Cucumber Seed Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil*, Coconut Oil*, Candelilla Wax, Argan Kernel Oil*, Marula Kernel Oil***, Pomegranate Seed Oil*, Avocado Fruit Oil*, Red Raspberry Seed Oil*, Tocopherols (vit.E/non-GMO), Pumpkin Seed Oil*, Elderberry Extract, Lavender Buds + Oil Infusion*, & Frankincense Resin + Oil Infusion***

It has an oily slip to the butter-balm, and can/may leave an oily residue behind around the eye contour after application so, oily eyes beware. I don't find this a turn off, but to some people it may. Personally, I love a really oily, hydrating eye balm/butter/cream since I have dry, sensitive eyes. After a long day, it shows in that area, more than others sometimes, and this little miraculous gem comforts, relaxes and protects it from the days' woes. The mango butter really helps cling that moisture to the skin, some nights if I pack it on heavy, I can still notice some remnants of the eye butter left clinging to my skin the next morning. I wake up with smooth, hydrated, plump eyes, ready for the new day ahead. Everything in this products helps with moisture, fine lines, wrinkles, and overall comfort for the sensitive eye area. If you are looking for a multi-purpose, heavy-duty eye treatment, look no further!

Seabuck + Neroli Face Nectar, $72

'Seabuck + Neroli Youthful Vixen Face Nectar': Face Nectar = Face Serum. Alexis has a very cute and unique way of describing her luxe-green products, which is another tick mark of excellence because sometimes its just about the little things, really. A much thicker oil than the 'Chamomile Infusion', as well as having a 'stronger' scent; I use the word 'strongly' loosely, considering the scent isn't overpowering in the least but, you can pick up on the natural essence of it.

Ingredient List breakdown: *certified organic, **unsprayed, ***wildcrafted. Vegan, cruelty-free; free of gluten, sodium sulphates, and synthetic fragrances.

Grapeseed oil*, Watermelon Seed Oil, Pomegranate Seed Oil*, Jojoba Seed Wax*, Maraca Seed Oil, Sea Buckthorn Seed + Berry Oil*, Argan Kernel Oil*, Red Raspberry Seed Oil*, Tocopherols (Vit.E/non-GMO), Neroil + Orange + Pettigrain Oil*/**, Sandalwood Oil*, Palmarosa*, Grapefruit Oil*

This oil-serum is best suited for Combination/Oily or Acne Prone Skin types; Normal/Combo can benefit from it as well; though very  dry/sensitive/reactive skins may need to stay weary of this one and/or you'll just need to top it off with a really hydrating moisturizer. The serum is packed full of nurturing antioxidants though, which helps revitalize the skin and plump it up to give it a natural, healthy glow and appearance. The Sea Buckthorn & Red Raspberry Seed Oil gives the skin a high dose of Vitamins A (retinol) & E. While Neroli, Watermelon Seed Oil, and Palmarosa help balance oily skins' sebum production. The other ingredients, such as the Grapeseed Oil, & Grapefruit + Bitter Orange are all used as a gentle astringent and antibacterial force to help aid blemish-prone skins.

With all that said, I use this sparingly. This is not a serum I use every night due to the high potency of all these natural products. If your skin is used to it or can take the punch, than this is something I would definitely recommend using everyday, especially if you deal with the occasional blemishes. Overall, the product is quite comforting, perfect for a pamper night when a face massage is required, the smell pleasant, and gives that spa-like touch to your skincare routine.

Coco Lime -Tinted Lip Balm, $8

Lastly, the 'Coco Lime Lip Balm' is the only product that came in a little metal tin opposed to the glass jars like all the others.

Ingredients breakdown: *certified organic, **wildcrafted. Again, Vegan, cruelty-free, gluten free; free of parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances.

Coconut Oil*, Jojoba Wax*, Vanilla*, Alkanet Root**, Candelilla Wax, Tocopherols (Vit.E/non-GMO), Lime*

Extremely hydrating and comforting lip balm that gives a slight red hue to the lips. The lime scent is not strong in any sense, thanks to the added vanilla that calms the sometimes overpowering, citrus aroma that straight-up lime can give off. Great packaging though to throw in the bag or for travel and/or great for the 'no-makeup' makeup look as well.

I have to say, every product that the lovely Alexis was kind of enough to send me, I was in no way disappointed...I wasnt expecting to be, but I was happily taken aback by all the wonderful ingredients and time it took for her to produce these products. All of these ingredients are carefully selected to make each individual product standout from the next, and to help provide every skin type and concern with a treatment that could truly help benefit it. I can't wait to try more products from this luxury green beauty brand in the future! All of the products she sent me will definitely be future repurchases, as well!

Again, here is a link back to my brand overview post of Lilfox Botanicals. You can shop all the products mentioned in this post over at Lilfox here, plus the rest of her gorgeous green line! You can also follow the creator and botnatical-goddess Alexis herself over at Lilfox's IG here.

 **Disclaimer: The product(s) mentioned in this post were sent to me by the mentioned brand(s) for reviewing purposes.  All opinions & comments about product(s) are from my own personal use of them. I am not being paid by any brand(s) to talk about their product(s) that are mentioned, unless otherwise stated by me.