Miracle In A Can: La Roche-Posay 'Serozinc'

photo credit: laroche-posay.com

I can barely begin to get into my explanation onto why this has been one of the best, newly introduced products I've tried out so far this year. If you missed it, I did a UK Beauty Swamp with the lovely Jess over at MakingItUp, & LPR's Serozinc was one of the lovely items I was gifted during the beauty exchange. Its been a few months now & I have yet to put it down from the moment I received it.

If you're a beauty junkie, you'd have heard, read, seen, and/or tried this blue-beauty-in-a-can already, so you know all the rave and hype surrounding this is pretty amazing. I talked a little bit about my love for it early back in that swap post, but todays post is going to be my full thoughts on the product, and how I use it in my day-to-day routines.

In the beginning, I used it as a toner and/or mist after my cleanse, predominantly in the evening hours, and my skin reaped its lovely benefits but, with all the other stuff I was putting on top of it after, I felt slightly bad that it wasn't getting its upfront recognition that it so rightfully deserves. For whatever reason, the way I use it now came to me rather randomly...I thought it would serve and benefit as a great setting spray for my makeup...wait, what?!

My indecisive skin is combo, so more days than not, my skin can get oily midday, and with makeup on and no real time to take a break and blot/retouch/what-have-you, my face looks half grease pan, half goddess-perfection, which can be very (half) aggravating! After all my makeup is on, I spray lightly up, down, & across my face to set it, as you would a normal setting spray. Not only has this method kept my oily bits at bay during the day with its mattifying properties, its helped my makeup stay in place longer than without it! When my skin gets oily, the makeup starts to slide (nose & chin mostly) and by days end, might as well not have put on any makeup at all.

I wasn't seeing everything I wanted to when I was using it as a toner, so I chose this nonconventional route; this was a whim that worked for me. This doesn't mean to neglect it as a toner/mist, with everyones skin being different, listen to what yours wants and go with whatever method best suits you.

Sadly, I'm more than half way through the can already and I haven't been able to find it any place that sells it to ship it to the U.S. Its frustrating that La Roche-Posay hasn't released it over here; theres been no mention or hint at it either that it ever will, so without further ado, my plea/love letter to the brand:

TO La Roche-Posay,

If you're reading this, please, PLEASE take into huge consideration of releasing this absolutely outstanding product that is Serozinc across the pond in the States! There are a plenty acne/oily skin sufferers that can greatly benefit from this gentle & effective product, we would greatly appreciate your it!

For those of you in the UK & France, its readily available to you almost anywhere that sells the La Roche-Posay brand!

The Battle of the Body Scrubs: Clarins vs Soap & Glory

Theres nothing like a good body scrub, am I right? A few times a week at the end of the day, gently exfoliating the dead skin and grime off, only to reveal, soft, smooth, new skin that you never want to stop touching: thats what body scrubs are great for. A little at home treat that your body needs in order to regenerate skin and help cure any rough patches that may take hold on it; your skin is brighter and glowing and clean, just like a car coming out of a car wash. Ok, I think you get it, body scrubs should (if not already, tsk!) be apart of your shower routine a few days a week, though if I could do it ever night without damage I would!

Highend: My favorite body scrub for the last year has been Clarins' 'Exfoliating Body Scrub for Smooth Skin'. Like most Clarins products, the fragrance is a loveliness of medicinal serenity and calmness while being super gentle on my sensitive skin. I pretty much have sensitive skin head to toe, and Clarins has never irritated with its fragrances (which they are known for). It claims to soften (check!), smooth (check!) and firm (?!). I'm not completely sold on the firming capabilities but, that doesn't bother me in the slightest because my skin always feels so lovely and wonderful when using it. I've been using it for so long now, I forgotten how long I've had this bottle for already, but I am almost out!

Drugstore: Thats why I had put a hold on the Clarins before I finished the bottle, and started using the Soap & Glory 'The Scrub of Your Life' that I received in my UK beauty swap with Jess, the lovely lady behind one of my favorite beauty blogs,  MakingitUp.  Right off the bat, I fell absolutely in LOVE with the scent of this body scrub! It took me to such a sweet place that I never wanted to put it down and get on with the day, just wanted to sit and sniff the crap out of it from the tube. The first time I used it and felt my skin, I literally squealed in shock at the smoothness of it, that well, I couldn't stop feeling how smooth and soft I was, and that was before any moisturizer was slathered on! I get baby-soft, reborn-again skin from this scrub, skin so soft that I didn't even think it was possible until.

Now, to get to the bottom of this post... which one is better? To be honest, they are both quite top-notch products. They both do an incredibly phenomenal job at getting rid of annoying dry patches and smooth the skin with ease and no irritations. But, if I must choose one...it would be...the drugstore's Soap & Glory! The reason being, it made me squeal upon first use, and that never happened with the Clarins scrub. You won't be disappointed either route you take, if you're looking for a great body scrub, give one of these a go!

Dry Brushing: Why Its Worth The Hype

I mentioned a few weeks ago about this (not-so) new beauty trend thats making its way back into the beauty world, dry brushing, and how I've been giving it a go, thanks to the generous Jen at Jen Charming. Prior to Jen reaching out to me, I was reading a few articles on Cindy Crawford for beauty research & curiosity, and in almost every article that had to do with her beauty must-haves, dry brushing was always mentioned more than not. For whatever reason, it sparked my interest, than again who doesn't want to know the beauty secrets of one of the worlds top  acclaimed models such as Crawford. So, I did my dry brushing research, & a lot of it.

The benefits of dry brushing are:

1. Reduction in Cellulite: I can't say first hand that this achieves this for me personally, though the consensus thats tried it saids thats what its supposed to help, maybe I haven't been doing it long enough yet to see such dramatic results like that...I'll take the pros word for it, though!

2. Exfoliates Dead Skin: This I can most definitely say this does. Since you dry brush before a shower on dry skin, the bristles from the brush help relieve the skin of dead skin cells to provide a smooth canvas, much like an in-shower body scrub can do, but less abrasive.

3. Decongests the skin: I don't have body acne, so this one I can't vouch for, either. Though studies and trials have stated that this can help decongest and unclog pores for clearer skin with continued, everyday use.

4. Lymphatic System: This simply means that dry brushing helps release and eliminate toxins from the body that can potentially make you feel unwell. Dry brushing is usually recommended during the day for this reason, it kind of jump starts your body and gives you more energy.

No wonder why Cindy Crawford raves about this every chance she gets! I was easily hooked on trying this technique, so when Jen reached out to me about a week or so after I read these articles, I didn't hesitate to jump on board to give this trend a try.

I have to say, I absolutely love that I did.

Steps on How to Dry Brush:

1. Before you shower, morning and/or night, on dry skin.

2. Legs: Start from the ankles, with a firm grip on the handle, gently sweep UP the leg in medium strokes gently, all around the calves and thighs, working your way up to the heart.

3. Arms: Start from the wrists, same technique and process as the legs, sweeping up towards the heart with gentle, medium strokes.

4. Stomach: gentle, circular motions.

5. Proceed onto your normal shower routine.

What I love about Jen's brush so much is that its double-sided: one side provides the dry-brushing bristles, while the other is a gentle, completely relaxing body massager that you can work around all over the body. The massager portion provides the proper blood flow and circulation throughout the body.

After my shower, I pat most of the excess water off, then cover myself in Target's up & up light sesame formula body oil (Neutrogena dupe for half the price), per Crawford's ritual; I then use the body massager side and take a few minutes to gently massage every part of my body in this oil, starting from the ankles up. My skin feels smooth, hydrated, relaxed, and comforted. I find this is the best way I can get a great nights sleep when I just take the time to do this step every night. 

If I find myself being a bit lazy (which happens some days, guilty!), while still in the shower, I'll massage Sanctuary Spa's 2-Day Moisture Shower Oil, and repeat the same steps with the body massager, than rinse off. Either route I take, my skin still feels so wonderful and my body and mind feel enormously relaxed afterward. I notice that on those odd days where I don't dry brush, my skin can get irritably dry the next morning, so I make sure its done (almost) every night!

I love how this brush in particular feels on my skin. This is a great brush to get yourself into the habit of dry brushing. Its very gentle, with a a long and sturdy handle to help better control and reach in those harder to reach spots! I love supporting up and coming skincare companies, and Jen's done an amazing job with this brush, so please go check her out here & get a brush of your own to start your dry brushing journey!

Lilfox Botanicals: (Affordable) Luxe-Green Beauty + Offer

Green beauty can be a luxury without having to break the bank. When you think or see the words all natural, organic, handcrafted, naturally you'd assume it would cost a lot like how organic food usually costs more than non-organic at the grocery store; that doesn't have to be the case anymore with LilFox Botanicals.

Madame Fox, aka Alexis, the owner & botanical apothecary connoisseur of this new, straight out of Miami skincare brand is making itself known in the green beauty world with her luxe-without-the price-tag skincare range. Her extraordinary, information-filled brand website of every single product she makes is worth a checkout and read. With every product listed, she gives a background on why she created the product, every ingredient that she's crafted into it, and the functions and purpose of each ingredient in the product. I probably sat in front of my computer screen for a good half hour reading every single page; she writes with such eloquence. It shows the time she's spent on the research and the thoughtful consideration of every product and their ingredients. If that hasn't gotten you excited, please go and check it out for yourself, you will be overjoyed with all of the insightful information without leaving anything into question, and something that excites the skincare addict. 

Aphrodite Rose Toning Mist w/ Rose Quartz Infusion, 100ml/$32

With that being said, she graciously reached out to me recently and asked to give some of her products a go, after having such a joyous experience from reading her website alone, I was excited to be able to incorporate more organic and natural skincare into my routines. She sent a lovely care package, and I gleed with each delicate unwrapping of the beautiful, dark glass bottles and jars she stores her products in with its simplistic packaging; something that'll look splendid on the bathroom vanity. I love that she uses dark glass by the way; she's helping keep the integrity of the products and extend their longevity. A lot of companies make the mistake of putting delicate ingredients in light or clear colored bottles; with constant light exposure, this, overtime, ruins the product and its use and cuts the longevity in half.

Now, this isn't going to be a review post, forgive me for not making that clear earlier but, the main reason why I am making this post, besides to introduce you to LilFox Botanicals, is that the lovely Madame Fox has given my followers on my blog & all other platforms, here & here, an absolute outstanding offer on all her products on LilFox's website, starting now and ending October 15th!!

With using the promo code 'ALWAYSAVIXEN' at checkout, you guys will receive the following promotion(s):

- 15% off ALL orders + some free samples.

- Orders $150 & over  will receive the 15% OFF, FREE samples, FREE domestic shipping (U.S. residents only), & a FREE 'Chamomilla Infusion Makeup Remover' (pictured below, full size).

Chamomilla Infusion Makeup Remover, 20ml/$22

- If there are any specific product(s) that you would like a sample of instead getting a few at random, leave a message in the 'order note' box at checkout!

LilFox Botanicals is being so incredibly generous to myself and my followers, that I had to make a post about it to make sure everyone can take advantage of this amazing offer! Keep your eyes on this page in a months time, I'll be giving my full review on the products she sent me and how they faired. For now, you'll be able to see how I am incorporating them in my skincare routines throughout the next month here. 

Again, don't forget the offer above ends October 15th!!!

Drugstore Gems: That Pixi Glow, Tonic & Mist Review

'Drugstore Gems' is well, it says what it means in the title: drugstore beauty products, skincare or makeup, that I find to be standout gems in the drugstore. Drugstore items tend to be more misses than hits with me, solely due to the harsher (& cheaper) ingredients used in them. Needless to say though, I have found some pretty good ones & I'd like to share them with you guys with this series. I don't know how often I'll have these up, may be every week, or every other, or once a month, who knows. I shouldn't really keep a set schedule with this blog because I am never good at keeping up with having things more 'tidy' and set; I'm a bit scatter-brained as you can notice by now, hope you don't mind. '

Anyways, onto it!

I haven't had Pixi's Glow Tonic in my skincare arsenal for a while now (only on my first bottle still) but I can say thats a product that I will end up going back to once I've run out; I am absolutely love the stuff. The hype surrounding this product is all true; an extremely gentle, hydrating, exfoliating toner that is alcohol-free. It soothes the skin with its aloe & ginseng content, plows away at removing dead skin cells for a clearer, healthier, & brighter complexion.

I am more particular of using this tonic in the morning because it's like the equivalent of splashing coffee on my face; it looks less dull, glowy, and awake! The fragrance to this is non-irritating and doesn't linger on the skin, its quite relaxing and refreshing to smell when first waking up to be honest.  Granted if you still wanted to have coffee splashed on your face at night, have at it because its just as pleasant in the evening as well, it comes down to personal preference.

The Glow Mist is just as good except I use this as a refresher throughout the day. I wouldn't compare this to the Tonic, yet it still nourishes the skin with a touch of dewiness & glow. The reason for the incomparability coincides with my con of the product: after I sprayed it to refresh my makeup, about 2 hours or so later, my face looked more oily than it normally would be if I didn't use it. I deduced that it was the argan oil, which tends to always be heavy on my skin, unless its toward the bottom of the ingredients list. This doesn't steer me away from still using the product, the composition is still quite lovely, especially during the spring and summer months, sans makeup for me. 

If you don't want to spend the $29 on the Glow Tonic (8.5 fl oz) & argan oil does you more wonders than worries, this comes at a more affordable price of $15 (2.70 fl oz); the size is also quite convenient for travel, a great little skincare treat to pack on your summer holiday.

Institut Esthederm: Active De Jour, Tinted Day Care

With a mouthful of a name, a top-notch product stands behind it. My love for Institut Esthederm is strong, as seen in a previous brand spotlight post I did sometime back. It shouldn't be any surprise than that I still try out more of their products with the success rate I've had with them, which only continues with their Tinted Day Care.

This can certainly be put in the 'tinted moisturizer' category, though with such light coverage, can also be more well suited for a CC Cream, just with more science behind it. It helps protect the skin against environmental irritants and climate changes. Though I live in a suburb, I work in a more bustling part of town where a lot of pollutants reside, and this has protected my skin more than other tinted moisturizers have. I've noticed with use that less grime and dirt comes off my face by days end, which shows on my cotton pad the effectiveness of this product.

Now, this next part is something I'm not completely sure I understand scientifically speaking, but I'll try to explain it as best I can. This doesn't have an SPF rating, though does have a UV protection agent to help protect your skin from:

Special UV cellular protection without screens or filters helps prevent photo-aging, cell damage and inflammation 

So, I'm not sure if this actually helps protect broad spectrum (UVA & UVB), but I put an spf underneath anyway since I'm not so understanding of this part of the product. Regardless, I don't see any irritations or redness from the sun with use.

There is no color range for this product, though the product itself comes out in this tan color, which at first was a bit daunting to me considering I'm more light/medium skintone. I'm happy to say that it blended into my skin beautifully, with only a subtle notice of color, but not off-putting in anyway to notice a shade difference. If anything, the shade helped reduce the appearance of my common redness and other discolorations on my skin, which in turn makes it look more toned & refreshed, a "my skin but better" look. I get away with using this as a base, little concealer, little setting powder, & a quick setting spritz & I felt confident walking out the door. With all that said, I wouldn't recommend using this in hopes to help cover blemishes, because the coverage is very, very light. 

Overall, this product happily surprised me, and I notice a difference when using this on my skin; it looks less dull, less beaten up by environment and weather pollutants throughout the day, less grime gets attracted to the face, and the overall appearance of the skin looks healthier. 

Despite all my praise, there are a few unfortunate downsides: it only comes in 1oz; though most foundations and the like come in this size, you get more bottle than product, kind of similar to a bag of chips! Also, its hard to find in the US, like really hard to find. I have probably found about 2 websites that actually sell this product, and one of the places (where I purchased from) was Amazon because it was the most inexpensive (though usually with these kind of hard-to-get products, they tend to be more overpriced than under, this was luckily the exception). If this product wasn't so hard to find in the US, I would have stocked myself up with a few more by now! Its just my luck to find an amazingly wonderful product like this, only to notice that it's not even readily available for purchase here, like, anywhere! Such a drag.

Institut Esthederm, if you happen to stumble upon this post, can you darlings be kind enough to hook a girl up and send some more bottles of this my way, please! Your generosity would be undoubtedly appreciated, tenfold. 

Makeup Stash: Contour & Highlight

I am not all about contouring my face every time I put on makeup; sometimes I just need a little fluffing up & out the door and can't be bothered by it. While other times, its nice to shape my more round face into...not as round? And when I do contour, I don't go in heavy-handed because for me, a little does go a long way. I'm not opposed to others doing it that way, if it works it works, you know?

Anyway, it's small, but here's my contour & highlight stash.

NARS 'Olympia': This may not have been my very first contour palette, but I consider it to be due to the fact that I've used this one for so long, so often. It's a very basic, yet well made palette. I could have probably gotten away with going a shade darker than this one but, I wanted to play it safe. Needless to say, I've loved Olympia & I'm surprised I haven't hit pan yet! I've put it to the side for the time being; I think some NARS products have been irritating my skin suddenly, & I don't know why. Until my skin decides to figure its fuss out, I won't be using this for a while.

On the other hand, its not the worst thing to have happened...

Lancome 'Le Duo Contour & Highlighter Stick' in 'Buff': Out of them all, this probably is the one where you can accidentally go in a little heavy. I don't know if its to take into consideration that its a creamy-stick formula but what have you, I still really dig this. It blends in quite nicely, with a few strokes of a brush buffing it in (fingers do the job well, too), you get a very nice, deep contour & lovely, slightly shimmery highlight. Honestly, I love the contour end more than the highlight end, thats not to say that its rotten, it just doesn't WOW me as much as I thought it would. This is a clever idea to do with contour, the size is absolutely perfect for traveling and with its very sleek black and gold packaging to add a bit of luxury and style, Lancome gets the nail on the head.

Charlotte Tilbury's 'FilmStar Bronze & Glow': 2 words, absolute perfection. If there ever was a perfect contour palette, this is it; but I wouldn't say this is perfect all across the board because it isn't too adaptable for every skintone to use. Now, if Tilbury decides to come out with more shades of this, than yes, this would be the most best contour in all the land, seriously. UPDATE: Oh happy day! Tilbury announced recently that they are coming out with a darker shade of this. I don't know when or where it will be released just yet, though keep your eyes peeled for that if this one wasn't the right match for you!

The shades and formulation in this palette are absolutely divine, they come out beautifully on the skin and are buildable, as well as blending into the skin perfectly. You can never go too heavy handed with this but even if you do, you just end up looking better & better. The highlight is SPECTACULAR, with more highlight than shimmer. This is just a great compact to own and invest in and the packaging, hold me back. Just a rose-gold beauty, as is most of Tilbury's line. I have seriously promised myself I wouldn't be purchasing anymore makeup (HA!) for a while until I am able to get more of Charlotte Tilbury's, she knows what she's doing. With every product I have tried & own, she has blown me away with how great they are. I'm CT obsessed, & can't wait to continue to get & try more of her line in the months & years to come.

Honorable Mention - Urban Decay 'Naked Illuminated Shimmering Powder for Face and Body' in 'Luminous': This is strictly a highlight, so to speak. Its very much glittery in every single way but, what I love about this is that it does highlight and accentuate where you put it noticeably well. I usually put this on my collar bones & shoulders to give off that gleam & lean kind of look/highlight. I find it too strong and glittery for my face, so I just stick to using it on the body with this one. If you're into the glitter and the shimmer in a highlight, this will not disappoint.