Exfoliators

Today I have decided to discuss exfoliators and exfoliating in general.  I think people take this lightly when in actual fact exfoliating is helpful in keeping your skin healthy. 

Exfoliating is basically removing dead skin from the outer surface of your skin.  This would create a glow to your skin, provide the skin with a smooth and soft look, fresher, brighter looking skin, prevent breakouts and prevent ingrown hairs.  This also helps the skin sink in the moisturizer when you are applying it. 

There are many ways to exfoliate your skin you can use cleansers/scrubs with micro beads, you can get facial peels at spas or even at home or you can use microdermabrasion products.  The products with micro beads consist of finely abrasive ingredients to help remove the dead cells from the skin.

How to Exfoliate:

1.     Dampen your skin with water

2.     Apply the scrub onto hands and massage in circular motions onto face and/or body

3.     Scrub until grains have disappeared and penetrated into skin

4.     Rinse face/body thoroughly with water

5.     Apply moisturizer to create smooth, soft moisturized skin

I would recommend exfoliating every other day, sometimes exfoliating too often might cause the skin to become inflamed and dry because of the scrubbing.  In the winter you could reduce this to 2-3 times a week because of the harshness of the weather your skin could become more sensitive.  Also make sure especially on the face that you are not scrubbing too hard as the skin is sensitive, so be gentle when exfoliating you want to create smooth, soft skin not cause dry patches. 

Recommendations:

I have tried a number of exfoliating products both for the body and face all of which I would re-purchase because they have worked for me. 

1.    St. Ives Apricot Scrub

I think this the most famous facial scrub out there.  It smells great and the fine granules are not too abrasive to cause damage to your skin.  St. Ives has a variety of scrubs for the face depending on your skin type. They also have body scrubs that can be bought in a tube like bottle and also a tub container.  They also carry many body washes, which include exfoliating beads to help when you are showering.  St. Ives can be bought at any drugstore, they are reasonably priced and the product gives the skin a smooth, radiant look. 

2.    Soap & Glory Flake Away Spa Body Polish 300ml

This is a product, which originally came from the UK and they carry a variety of skincare products.  The names of the products are hilarious and the products are great.  This particular exfoliator is specifically used for the body and it comes in a tub container.  It smells really good and it leaves the skin very smooth.  The product contains Shea Butter, sweet almond oil, peach seed powder, sea salt and sugar.  It retails for  $9.99 and is available at Shoppers Drug Mart. 

3.    Laura Mercier Face Polish 3.5oz

This exfoliator is specifically for the face, it is a higher brand so the price would be a reflection of that.  Although it is targeted for the face you can use it on the body as well.  This scrub can be used everyday as the grains are not abrasive enough to cause the face any harm.  The grains are small and they disappear quickly when massaged into the skin.  The scrub has a very creamy consistency and it smells great.  It also can be used as a replacement for a cleanser so it works as a 2in1 product both as a cleanser and an exfoliator.  This product is available at Holt Renfrew stores (in Canada) and retails for about $35.00. 

4.    Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash

      This product could also be considered as one of the higher end products, as it’s not readily available at drugstores.  Philosophy has great skincare as well as cosmetic products and I have used their cleansers and moisturizers so I am familiar with their products.  This exfoliating wash like the Laura Mercier Face Polish can be used everyday as the granules are very fine and cannot do harm to the skin if used everyday.  This can be used as a cleanser depending on your preference.  Because of the fine grains this exfoliator is very gentle even for the most sensitive skin types.  I am not too fond of the smell of this exfoliator however it does do the job and you will get use to it.  It gives the skin a smooth, soft surface and leaves it moisturized.  It gives the skin a very clean feel.  This product is available at Sephora stores and also on the Philosophy website, the price starts at $27 and increases depending on the size of the bottle.   Just a note Philosophy has great skincare starter kits to introduce you to the line that are reasonably priced so that way you can try a variety of products including this one. 

Transform your dull, dry skin. EXFOLIATE NOW 

Foundation Series #4: Lancome Oscillation Power Foundation

Next foundation review will be on the Lancome Oscillation Powder Foundation.  This foundation is a "vibrating" foundation in which it's sponge is battery operated to provide smooth, flawless results upon application. The foundation has SPF 21 and contains aloe and Vitamin E and comes with 3.5g worth of product.  This would be considered another gimmick targeting the consumer however it does do the job and the results are phenomenal.

So basically the foundation has a wand type sponge and a tiny button located on the wand which activates the vibrating motion.  The vibrations are suppose to break down the mineral makeup to blend into the skin effortlessly.  It creates a no-makeup feel and look.  It works well with all skin types and even with sensitive skin.

So how to use this foundation? 
Well first you will remove the cap and you will be left with two parts the wand/brush and the container in which the powder is kept in.  You place the wand/brush applicator in the barrel of foundation and you shake it till you get the product onto the brush.  After you can tap off any excess powder and put the brush to your face, press the button to begin the vibrations and apply in circular motions around the face. If you desire more coverage then you can repeat the steps again until you are satisfied.
As always apply a primer and or moisturizer before applying any foundation onto the skin.

Results:
I found the results of this foundation to be amazing.  The application is smooth, no mess and definitely an air-brushed look was achieved.  My skin looked and felt great.  The brush is very soft and smooth and glides nicely on to the skin.  It also makes my foundation look natural and flawless.  The foundation stays all day long and it is also the powder controls oil on the face.  I did have to apply concealer on my acne scars and pigmentation areas however it did give my face an overall great look.

Cons?
I do however have one problem with this foundation and that is that is a bit pricey.  It retails in Canada for $65 and the only reason I even considered buying it was because I had a gift card to The Bay.  I have never dished out this much money for a foundation.  I do think if you are not willing to spend the money for the foundation there are other mineral powder foundations out there that could probably give the same results.

Tips:
I did ask the lady at the Lancome counter if the wand/brush would run out of battery and she said it would not run out anytime soon.  I have had mine for more than six months and it works perfectly.  Since this is a mineral/powder foundation it would last a long time so for the price it would be worth it. Before buying it I do recommend asking the people at the counter to test which colour you would be and if they could apply it for you before you buy it.  Since this is a big purchase you should test it out and see if you like the results in case it is not something which you are looking.  Also you can try other makeup counters and see if you find something within your budget.

Hope this helped.  Any comments or questions let me know :)

Foundation Series: #3 CoverGirl's Natureluxe Foundation

Today's foundation review is on Cover girl's Natureluxe Foundation.  

I hope this is helping some of you in deciding what type of foundation you prefer to wear or at least saving you some money when it comes to picking up the right one for you.

I just wanted to mention that this again is my opinion and if these products worked for me it might work for some of you.  Everyone has different skin tones and skin types and preferences so always go into the store and check it out yourself.

This foundation has SPF 10 and is it enriched with hints of natural jojoba, rosehip & seal buckthorn extracts.  This is a drugstore foundation and it retails for $12.99 but can vary depending on where you get it from.  


This is a liquid foundation and it comes in 14 shades to match most skin types.  I am in the colour Maple.  This foundation smells awesome, it doesn't have a bad scent to it so when applying you won't feel gross.  This foundation applies very well, it is smooth, it doesn't set into fine lines or create flakes on the skin.  It feels very hydrating and lightweight on the skin.  The foundation blends easily into my skin and it is very buildable so you can layer the foundation according to the coverage you need.  It doesn't feel like you packed on layers on your face and the makeup does last all day.  My skin actually felt very soft after I applied the foundation which was nice as sometimes you can't even touch your face after you have applied foundation.  


Please feel free to comment below if you have tried this foundation, or if you have any questions :) 

Foundation Series: #2 MAC Studio Fix Fluid

Hello Make-up Junkies, so here is review #2 on my foundation series.


The second foundation I will be reviewing is MAC's Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 in color NC35.  This foundation retails for $31.00.  MAC is one of the cheaper "high-end" brands compared to others such as clinique, YSL, etc.  This foundation was my very first liquid foundation that I purchased.  

Alright, onto the review.  The foundation comes in an array of colours depending on skin tone and undertone of your skin, which is a plus because you would be able to match your skin well.  It comes in a 30ml glass bottle.  The thing about this foundation is that if you don't buy a foundation pump to replace the lid, applying the foundation could be hard and messy as you would have to pour it in the lid or possibly on your hand.  I would recommend buying a foundation pump which is available also by MAC.  


The foundation is very thick, creamy and easy to apply.  It has a faint smell so you would have to get use to the smell of the foundation.  The coverage of this is amazing! If you like full coverage makeup or you have blemishes you want to conceal and cannot find something which would cover them all, this is your foundation.  You can apply a thin layer and then apply as needed until you have the desired coverage so its very build able.  I did however find this foundation too heavy, I mean I like to cover up any blemishes of redness, etc. however it just got too much for me.  I would however sometimes wear it on special occasions but for everyday wear this is just not something I would put on.  It does feel like you are wearing makeup when you are wearing this which I do not like.  


Anyways, what I like about it is that it has an SPF and that MAC foundations have the same color scheme so if you wanted a concealer the same color as your foundation it is possible to find the match.  


To apply to the foundation I would use the MAC Foundation Brush in #190, however there are plenty of other foundation brushes which would do the job.  I'll discuss brushes in another blog post :) Also, note I did find that you needed to put on a good primer on before applying the foundation.  Also, I would recommend always no matter what foundation you are wearing to carry a pressed powder for touch-ups during the day especially if you are wearing it on a regular basis.  Obviously everyone has there preferences, so just a suggestion.  

I would recommend this foundation for anyone looking for full coverage however I do think there are better ones out there.  I have heard instances where people break out because of MAC products, I have not had a problem with this foundation however I have had it with one of MACs concealers.  


Have a good day :) 

Foundation Series: #1 Revlon ColorStay Aqua Mineral Makeup

Hello my lovely makeup junkies! 

So I've decided to do a foundation series about all the foundations I've used, powder, cream, liquid, etc.  
My skin is combination, and during the winter it does get fairly dry.  I have olive skin with yellow undertones. I prefer not to use liquid foundations however I do have some liquid foundations which I like, but only for special occasions. 


The first foundation I will be reviewing is the new Revlon ColorStay Aqua Mineral Makeup in Medium.  I have not tried Revlon's other foundations so this would be the first one.  This is a loose powder which comes in a small cylinder like shape, and it is SPF 13 which is not much however it's better then nothing.  I do however think applying sunscreen whether summer or winter is highly recommended to prevent scarring and skin cancer. PROTECT YOUR SKIN!


The foundation is described as the following: Instant hydration with coconut water, Luminous look that lasts all day, Shine-free formula made with water, not oil, SPF 13


I did use a primer before applying this foundation like I use while applying any foundation or powder, today I happened to use Stila's One step Correct Primer.  I liked how this foundation was number one a mineral loose powder foundation and also a brush was included.  The brush is small and compact however it's great for travel purposes and to put in your purse.  The brush is also very soft!


I didn't know what to expect with this foundation in terms of coverage and application but I was actually quite impressed.  The foundation has a very cooling effect when you put it on your face and it is also very easy to blend.  When you put it on your face its like if you are actually applying something watery to your face which is quite cool.  I did not need a tremendous amount of coverage however it did cover up my slight acne scarring and redness.  I actually feel the hydration in the foundation which I have not felt in any other powder foundation that I have tried.  Also when applied it does not feel or look cakey or even too powdery on the face.   I do also recommended using a concealer if need be for under the eyes as this foundation would only be good as coverage for the face not for any dark circle coverage.  Also, if you want more coverage you could use a concealer for your blemishes this however is all depending on personal preference.  


I would recommend this foundation however the colour selection does not have as much variety as some of Revlon's other foundations. The only down side I would say about this foundation is you need to shake it to get the product out of the sifter so it could get messy, but other then that once you close it nothing would leak out. If you do need a tremendous amount of coverage I would not recommend this foundation because although it covers up your blemishes it might not be sufficient for some who like the full face coverage.  This is actually a great foundation and worth a try if you are looking for a drugstore mineral makeup =) 


This foundation retails for $17.99, I got mine at Shoppers Drug Mart.  This would seem pricey too many, which too me it was however it is worth it considering you do get a good amount of product and it will last you long plus a brush is included.  Revlon is considered one of the "higher" end brands in drugstores.


Hope this helped!