10.28.2014

Glossier Phase 1 Set



When one of your favorite beauty-focused internet-reads announces a surprise project, you pay attention. That was definitely the case for me when Into the Gloss announced Glossier. I mean, ITG is basically my beauty bible at this point — can you blame me?

The Phase 1 Set includes four products and the cutest little sticker set. Never a letdown with these guys, huh.

The Soothing Face Mist is magical. Magical in the sense that it's exactly the kind of product I want to use to refresh my skin during the day and just the perfect base after cleansing and before makeup application. The rosewater makes spritzing this on feel just a teensy bit luxurious, and I'm totally okay with that.

I got the Perfecting Skin Tint in Medium and I have no regrets. It's a very close match to my skin currently and I figure winter rolls around I can grab the lighter shade and mix the two. I was unsure if I'd like this due to how light and watery it seemed on the back of my hand but alas, I was wrong. I love the application (especially with a stippling brush or fingers) and the finish is gorgeous. It's light but not too light and it looks SO natural. Not to mention how dewy it is. This stuff is on daily rotation.

Aside from the fact that it's called the Balm Dotcom, I have to say that this little tube is kind of the bomb. I wasn't sure how I was going to use this stuff at first but my boo Amy told me to use it on my lips and hey, I'm a convert. I've also been applying to my cuticles and ugh, it's amazing. Super moisturizing and hydrating; it lasts for so long, even on lips! This is one of those products that I just need to be carrying with me at all times (and I do).

I'm picky when it comes to moisturizers, you should know this. It's so hard for me to find something light enough for my liking that also provides my skin with some real hydration. PSA: I love Glossier's Priming Moisturizer. It's light, it feels fresh on the skin, it fully skins in and doesn't leave a weird layer of leftover product after application. My face feels more supple and soft and I'm hoping that with continuous use, I'll see a little less redness too.

So I guess basically what I'm saying is that Glossier knocked it out of the park. I can't wait to see what they do next. Hurry up, Phase 2. I'll try to be patient.


5.16.2013

Origins (for Men) Save the Males Moisturizer



Backstory: We were in England, staying in a hotel for Richard's grandparents Diamond Anniversary party. We leave the hotel a day later. Richard realizes he's left basically all of his skincare at the hotel. Massive freakout ensues (not really, but maybe). Amongst the lost ones was a pretty nice Kiehl's moisturizer we were both using... aka bummer city. So the night of Christmas Eve, I picked him up a bottle of this as a last resort as Kiehl's had closed ridiculously early in hopes it would be a good replacement.

He wasn't so sure about it at first, so I began to try and use it because well, why not. He warmed up to it fairly quickly after that, and so did I. Though I was mostly using Enzymion at the time because the English weather had turned my face into an oil-slick, when we came back home and my skin returned to a normal state, this became my #1 daily moisturizer. It lasted us quite a few months which is surprising but the moment we ran out and I was forced to use something else, my skin wasn't very happy. Now? We're all good.

My biggest issue with most moisturizers is that they sit on top of my skin. This absolutely does not do that. It's lightweight and sinks in nicely leaving me with the perfect amount of hydration. Not too much and not too little. It doesn't make me greasy at all (it's oil-free!), and seems to keep my skin in almost pristine condition. I have absolutely no qualms. It's also really great with Richard's super sensitive skin too, soooo I highly recommend it.

I don't even care in the slightest that this is marketed and made for men. It does the job I want it to do and I absolutely love it. No product discrimination here!

Ladies: have you ever tried a "men's product" that you ended up loving?

1.04.2013

LUSH Enzymion Facial Moisturizer


LUSH Enzymion · $39.95

As of late, and especially while I was in England, my face has been anything but cooperative. My fairly normal skin started to feel extremely oily and greasy which is something I'm really not used to. Up until now I still hadn't found a moisturizer that I really loved. Most things are just too thick and sit on my skin. While others actually gave me this weird sweaty feeling. I've tried tons of LUSH ones, some Kiehl's and Origins too, but still, nothing I've found works with my skin! When it comes to moisturizers I need something quite light but still able to do it's job. For me, Enzymion takes the cake.

It smells of fruits and feels sooo nice when slathered onto the face. I take a small bit between my fingers and massage it into my skin. I can literally instantly feel a difference; any greasy spots are now long gone, yet my face feels really moisturized and not overly saturated. Win! Another awesome thing? I've noticed that my makeup stays in place a lot longer than normal.

While the pot is quite small and the price is a bit higher than what I'd like it to be, a little really does go a long way so I'm sure it'll be a long while before I run out.  I've got to admit that I don't see this leaving my skincare routine for a very very long time — this stuff is holy grail to me. Have you guys tried Enzymion before? Do you love it as much as I do? If not, what are your other favorite LUSH moisturizers?

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