Inexpensive Finds: Andalou Naturals Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask Review

Exfoliating masks are a staple in my skincare routine; I may skip the purifying clay ones, I may even go without a moisturizing one... but I just have to treat my face to some deeper chemical exfoliation at least once a week, and I see the biggest difference in my skin out of all mask varieties when I do. I've been trialing a lot of more expensive masks of this kind last year (here's my round-up post) but didn't love any one of those enough to shell out the big bucks, and when it came to purchasing a replacement for my regime, I opted for something a lot less expensive: the Andalou Naturals Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask ($14.99 for 50g; I purchased mine on Vitacost for $11.99).

You may remember that in general, I've had great luck with Andalou Naturals products so far: some of my favorites from the brand include the Apricot Probiotic Cleansing Milk (reviewed here), the 1000 Roses Floral Toner (here) and the Probiotic + C Renewal Cream (here). I would happily repurchase all of these products in the future, and they've set the bar pretty high in terms of my expectations of the brand.

The Brightening Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask claims to 'gently dissolve and lift away dull surface cells, exfoliating and resurfacing for even tone and smooth texture', and includes a whole host of delicious natural ingredients. The key chemical/enzymatic exfoliants in the formula are pumpkin puree, pineapple juice and glycolic acid, supported by nourishing antioxidants and humectants such as sunflower and meadowfoam oils, aloe vera, glycerin and hyaluronic acid (Sodium Hyaluronate), manuka honey, rooibos extract and Vitamins C & E. Ingredients lists like this one are why I get so excited about Andalou products - there are no fillers, no mysterious chemicals, no questionable bullshit (well, I do have a gripe with their stem cell claims - but I just ignore that, I don't think they're harmful to the skin or anything), just beautiful, yummy naturals I want on my face ASAP.

The mask comes in a sturdy plastic jar (there's a clear lid inside to prevent spills in shipment); nothing fancy but practical enough, and for once I don't think a tube would be a great improvement for this product. As you can see in my close-up photos, the Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask looks, feels and smells exactly like pumpkin puree; it's quite dense but creamy and easily spreadable on the skin, with tiny brown specks here and there - I'm not sure, but those may be from the cinnamon, nutmeg and clove powders included in the formula. Are you thinking pumpkin pie yet? You betcha.

The instructions state to apply evenly avoiding eye and lip areas, leave on for 10 minutes and rinse with cool water; quite standard for any mask of this type I've used in the past. But let me tell you guys: this shiz is INTENSE. I have never used an exfoliating mask that had as much tingle - or, you know, burn - as the Andalou Pumpkin Mask. As soon as the orange puree touches my face, my face starts feeling really hot and quite uncomfortable, and continues to do so for another 3 minutes or so, after which the tingling subsides and eventually goes away completely.

The first time I experienced it I was convinced my face was going to melt off, and that I must have an allergic reaction to the product or something. However, once I rinsed the mask off, my face wasn't red or irritated in the least - actually less so than from other exfoliating treatments. Huh. The experience also reminded me of getting a professional facial once; I remember the aesthetician used an exfoliating pumpkin mask from another line and it felt exactly the same on my face as the Andalou one - so I'm thinking that maybe pumpkin enzyme masks are meant to be this intense, and as long as my skin doesn't seem angry afterwards, it's all good. You just need a decent 'tingle tolerance' to use them :)

But most importantly, is the uncomfortable tingle really worth it? Yes, I believe so. I've been using this mask once a week for the past month or so, and after application, my skin looks exactly like Andalou claimed it would: smooth, even, more plump and luminous. Any blackheads or large pores on my T-zone seem cleaned out and slightly diminished, and my face feels baby soft to the touch. I follow up with a good hydrating serum and a moisturizer, and the next morning I admire my refreshed complexion in the mirror (no, really).

All in all, the Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask is another hit from Andalou Naturals in my book. In the future, I would like to see if their Berry Fruit Enzyme Mask for Dry & Sensitive Skin is just as effective but maybe without the intense tingle, but for now I'm happy with my pumpkin pie mask. Have you found any inexpensive skincare treasures recently? What is your favorite exfoliating treatment? I'd love to know!

Glorious Staples: Nuxe Crème Fraîche de Beauté Moisturizer* Review

With my combination, easily dehydrated skin, finding a good day time moisturizer can be a b*tch. Too rich of a formula and I'm an oil slick within a couple hours. Too matifying, and the dry areas on my face look wrinkly and cakey by the end of the day. Which is why I was so surprised to fall in love with Nuxe Crème Fraîche de Beauté Moisturizer Cream for Normal and Sensitive Skin* ($22 for 1 oz tube, also available in a 1.5 fl oz jar).

Nuxe's Crème Fraîche de Beauté claims to be a '24HR Soothing and Hydrating Moisturizer' and promises to leave skin 'fresh, soft and plumped'. And it does exactly that. There isn't really any advanced anti-aging or pigment-reducing technology involved in this moisturizer; it contains some tried and true moisturizing ingredients like glycerin and plant oils (macadamia, safflower, sunflower, soy and sweet almond) as well as plant extracts from aloe, orange blossom, oats and more.

It's a simple, no-frills moisturizer that just gets the job done. The texture of the Crème Fraîche is quite thick (definitely more cream than lotion) but it spreads and melts into the skin easily; I especially like to pat and press it into the skin. It doesn't completely disappear on the face like some more lightweight, gel formulas; there's still a fine moisturizing layer left over but I find it doesn't feel heavy or sticky and doesn't interfere with make-up application. This moisturizer leaves my skin soft and plump, and the effect lasts throughout the day and actually helps my foundation not break down on the more dehydrated areas around my face. The tube packaging is easy to use and sanitary, and I only need a small blob (the size of a pea) for my whole face.

One thing I'm not completely in love with when it comes to this moisturizer is the scent. It contains quite a strong floral fragrance (Nuxe says it's orange blossom) that lingers just a bit too long for my tastes. Not that there is anything wrong with orange blossom in itself; I just find it interesting that a product marketed for sensitive skin would contain so much fragrance. It doesn't irritate my skin though, so I guess I can't complain too much.

I would definitely recommend the Crème Fraîche de Beauté if you have normal/ combination skin type and are looking for just a good, basic moisturizer that could be used in the morning and evening, perhaps to layer with more active serums or other treatments. It's definitely one of the more moisturizing creams I've tried that still feel light on the skin and don't exacerbate my oil production. For other skin types, Nuxe also sells an 'enriched' version for dry and very dry skin, as well as a 'light mattifying' version for combination skin - this one also sounds promising for the hot and humid summer months.

As promised, I'm working on that skincare routine post for you guys - I'm thinking of breaking it down into two posts for the morning and evening routines (because I'm quite high maintenance in terms of number of products used). Stay tuned for those! Have you tried any skincare from Nuxe? I've been a huge fan of the Reve de Miel lip balm for years now but have never thought to check out the facial range - now I'm thinking there may be some gems hiding in there...

Disclaimer: Product featured in this post is a press sample I received from the brand's PR for review consideration. All links are non-affiliate. All opinions are 100% honest and unbiased, no matter if the product featured were purchased with my own money or provided free of charge. Thank you for reading!

Easy Hair Styling Favorites from AVEDA feat. Dry Shampure, Thickening Tonic and Air Control

I'm not a hair person, as discussed in detail in this post. On a typical day, I'll wash and condition my hair, brush out the tangles, and wait for it to air dry. I may use some hair spray to tame down fly aways if I'm feeling fancy. And that's it. The reason I don't style my hair is that in my experience, it requires a lot of time and energy but gives minimal results - any volume that I manage to create in my fine hair deflates an hour later, and my curling iron curls fall out even faster *shrugs*.

Which is why I was interested, if a little skeptical, when a gorgeously wrapped box from AVEDA landed on my doorstep. First thing that I zeroed in on was obviously their Shampure Dry Shampoo* ($30 for 2 fl oz/ 56 g, same size refill available for $26 at aveda.com and Nordstrom), given that my oily roots usually need some help by second day.

You may remember that so far, my Holy Grail dry shampoo has been Batiste, but it comes with its own set of issues: a) a can doesn't last very long, b) it's rather strongly scented. Right off the bat, Aveda's Dry Shampure beats Batiste in this respect; from my understanding, the non-aerosol dispense mechanism (it's a soft plastic bottle which releases a cloud of powder when squeezed - and the cool thing is that you could totally pack this anywhere in your carry-on bag since it's not an aerosol nor a liquid) makes the product last incredibly long before you have to repurchase, and the scent is... Yeah, I can understand the hashtag #SmellsLikeAveda. It's a sweet lemon verbena fragrance with a hint of vanilla that makes you feel refreshed and uplifted, and I don't have to hold my breath and then run out of the bathroom when I spray into my hair. I've never come across a dry shampoo that smelled better than this.

Yeah yeah, it smells good, we get it, but does it even work? Yes, yes it does. While the dispenser isn't as directional or continuous as an aerosol spray, I still find it quite easy to get exactly how much I need exactly where I need it. It does have a white cast straight out of the bottle, but in my light brown hair, it only takes a couple brush strokes/ some massaging with my fingertips for it to disappear entirely. This dry shampoo has some interesting natural ingredients: corn and tapioca starch, oat flour, silica... and montmorillonite clay. The combination is very effective at soaking up the oils but also giving my roots some nice volume and texture. The Shampure is definitely more texturizing than Batiste, and for this reason, it doesn't work as well if you want to apply it again on third day hair - which I can sometimes get away with when I use Batiste. But on the other hand, sometimes on the third day with Shampure, I don't even need a top up because my hair still looks fresh and clean (so fresh and so clean clean... LOL). I really enjoy this, and I can see a refill purchase in my future.

On the days when I shampoo my hair, I've been reaching for Aveda's Thickening Tonic* ($28 for 3.4 fl oz/ 100ml) to give some lift to my fine tresses. I have a love hate relationship with volumizing and root lifting sprays - I've tried many from both drugstore and salon brands and they've all felt stiff and sticky in my hair while giving almost no results. But I've been pleasantly surprised by the Thickening Tonic: it feels lightweight in the hair, has a pleasant herbal scent (mint? eucalyptus?), and conditions the hair lightly (thanks to aloe vera, wheat amino acids and brazil nut & soy proteins) while definitely adding some fullness from roots to ends. I've tried it both blow drying my hair and letting it air dry, and I've had good results both times. I also feel like it extends the freshness of my hair so that it looks better the second day after washing. If you've been let down by volumizing sprays in the past, I'd definitely give this one a go.

Lastly, I've also been playing around with setting my dry hair with the Air Control Hair Spray* ($9 for 1.4 oz travel size or $28 for 9.1 oz full size can). Aveda describes Air Control as having lightweight, workable hold, but I guess their lightweight hold packs enough of a punch for my everyday needs (I'd even compare it to MorrocanOil's Strong Hold hairspray - but not anywhere near the shellacked results of Kenra's Platinum 26 Spray). It's a dry spray with a similarly pleasant aroma to the Dry Shampure - maybe a bit more lemongrass. What I like about it is that with a couple sprays, I can pat down all the annoying baby hair at my part, smooth down the frizzies throughout the lenghts, and set my style (or lack thereof) for the rest of the day. In my salon-working days, I tried A LOT of different high-end hair sprays (the two I mentioned above, Big Sexy Hair, TIGI, Sebastian, Enjoy etc.), and the Air Control is among the best of them.

My favorite thing about these three AVEDA styling products is the fact that they require next to no additional time and energy to incorporate into my routine. They're quick, they're easy, they're effective. I also fully commend AVEDA's environmental efforts - they aim for zero impact to the Earth's climate by using renewable wind power in their primary facility, more than 85% of their PET bottles and jars contain post consumer recycled materials, they strive to use sustainable, fair trade natural ingredients and participate in many more iniatives to promote the green message. This month, for Earth Month 2016, you can purchase Aveda's Light The Way Candle (here), of which 100% proceeds support Global Greengrants Fund water-related projects.

Have you used any hair products from Aveda? What are your effortless hair styling favorites? I've also heard good things about their Kinetics skincare line - I may look into those products some time. Thank you for reading!

Disclaimer: Products featured in this post are press samples I received from the brand's PR for review consideration. All links are non-affiliate. All opinions are 100% honest and unbiased, no matter if the products featured were purchased with my own money or provided free of charge. Thank you for reading!

March Beauty Favorites

I haven't posted a Favorites post in a very long time, and even though I don't have that many products to share for this month, I still thought they deserved a mention. Sometimes even those fantastic items get somewhat forgotten between all the reviews that I do, so I wanted to show you what I've been really enjoying reaching for time and time again.

Let's start with a Holy Grail lip balm I've recently repurchased: the Nuxe Rêve de Miel ($15 for 0.52 oz on Nuxe US website). I did a review/ comparison post of this beauty and the Osmia Honey Myrrh Lip Repair a couple years back (here), and while the Osmia is good, Nuxe is better - in fact, it is the best overnight nourishing lip balm I have ever tried. My lips tend to get very dry and dehydrated, and daily lipstick wearing tends to exacerbate the problem. But a generous layer of Nuxe's deliciously citrus-scented Rêve de Miel before bed solves all my parched lips problems, and I love that this balm is thick enough to stay on the lips all through the night. If you haven't tried it yet, I would encourage you to give it a go - the price tag may be a bit high for 'just a lip balm', but one pot lasts me nearly a year.

Continuing with 'targeted area skincare', I've been recently sent a new eye cream to test out - Tatcha Deep Hydration Firming Eye Serum* ($95 for 15ml/ 0.5 fl oz, also available in the travel size for $33), which is part of their Luminous range. It's a lightweight gel/ cream enriched with Okinawa Red Algae, Honeysuckle Leaf and caffeine to depuff, firm and plump up fine lines. I don't have very serious concerns when it comes to my under eye area, but a lot of lightweight eye cream textures just aren't moisturizing enough. I'm pleased to report that Tatcha (yet again) got the formulation just right: the serum feels light and absorbs quickly into the skin, but feels very hydrating and soothing on the skin. I also love, love, love the cooling ceramic applicator - the shape fits perfectly in the inner corners and under the eyes, and the serum layers beautifully under concealer. While this product does contain some 23-karat gold dust, the shimmer is so fine that I can't see any particles once on the skin. Big thumbs up.

I don't often feature haircare on the blog as I tend to be rather low-maintenance when it comes to hair products, but this past month I had a chance to try out some of Pacifica's haircare range via their Jet Set Trio Kale Collection* ($19 for 2 x 2fl oz shampoo & conditioner and 0.5 fl oz leave-in detangler, available at Ulta). I haven't formed an opinion on the Super Kale Juiced-up Shampoo & Conditioner yet, but I've been really enjoying the hot pink tube of Hairvana Leave-on Detangling Conditioner*. I tend to be a bit biased against brands that try to do it all - skincare, haircare, bodycare, make-up - but I've been very pleasantly surprised by this Pacifica's product. First off, it smells divine (like coconut vanilla cookies), but more importantly, it detangles my fine hair easily without weighting it down. In fact, I almost feel like it gives my annoyingly soft and fluffy hair a little bit of texture, so that it's easier to manage. I would definitely purchase a full size of the Hairvana ($14 for 5 fl oz/ 147 ml) once I run out of my other detanglers.

Onto two meager make-up items, both of which I reviewed in detail in the past couple of weeks. I wanted to mention them again because they're the type of product that you just can't put away. I've been using the Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara* ($26 for 0.32 oz, reviewed here) since early January, and I'm dreading having to toss it rather soon. I haven't been using a lash growing serum but even on my shorter and less dense lashes, the Velvet Noir still gives lots of volume and definition. It is starting to flake off slightly now that my tube is drying out, but I still can't bring myself to swap it out for a fresh mascara from a different brand.

I also can't get enough of my ILIA Multi-Stick in Fine Romance* ($34 for 5g, review with swatches). I don't have a blush in my current Project Pan, so in the past three months, I'd been swapping my blush options out every couple of weeks. But since trying out Fine Romance for the first time, that's all I want to wear on my cheeks. I think it's a great spring-time color for my pale complexion; towards the end of winter, I can look a bit tired and ghostly, but this beautiful berry rose shade brings vitality to my skin again. Seriously, a great cream blush formula.

That's it - a short and sweet list of products this month. I'm getting a little bored using the same items every day due to my Project Pan and I'm looking forward to a new selection in a month's time, when my Project draws to a close. What have you been loving this month? Are you already in a full-on spring mode?

Disclaimer: Products marked with an asterix (*) were press samples I received from the brands' PR for review consideration. I purchased everything else myself. All links are non-affiliate. All opinions are 100% honest and unbiased, no matter if the products featured were purchased with my own monies or provided free of charge. All links are non-affiliate. Thank you for reading!

A Fine Romance with ILIA Beauty Multi-Stick*

Even though I'm a big fan of natural skincare, I have to admit that I haven't dwelved too much into green make-up products - the less expensive brands often get lukewarm reviews, and as for the more high-end of the spectrum... Well, there aren't that many reviews in the first place, and then there's the price to consider.

ILIA Beauty, a Canadian brand focused on organic and ethically-sourced ingredients, has always drawn my attention on BeautyHabit with its sleek packaging and luxurious lip products, so I was more than happy to receive their Multi-Purpose Stick in A Fine Romance* ($34 for 0.176 oz/ 5g, available on ILIA's website here, Beautylish & The Detox Market in the US and Net-A-Porter worldwide) to try and review.

ILIA's Multi-Purpose Sticks come in 6 flattering colors, contain nourishing shea butter and Vitamin E, and can be used on cheeks, lips and eyes. I'm forever skeptical when it comes to products meant for both lips & cheeks; most of the ones I've tried in the past have been either too dry to use on the lips, or too emollient to use on the cheeks, or both at the same time. However, I'm happy to report that ILIA's Stick is the first multi-use product I've ever used that actually does what it claims!

The Stick has quite a firm texture in the bullet but applies and blends easily - for my cheeks, I use a small stippling brush, and for my lips, I just apply directly from the bullet. It's not greasy or oily in any shape or form - it has a somewhat translucent, gel/ cream feel, and applies very lightweight on the face. It has a beautiful satin finish that gives a natural glow to my cheeks and a stained look to my lips - no obvious shine, no settling into lines or pores, just a fresh 'my skin but better' appearance. Even as a stand-alone cream blush, this formula rivals my favorite Canmake Cream Cheeks - except it wears nicer and more comfortably on the lips as well. There's a faint natural nutty scent to the product that's only discernible on application, but otherwise the product is completely fragrance-free.

The shade I received, A Fine Romance, is described as a berry on ILIA's website - I'd say it's somewhere between a deep rose or a light wine shade with a cool undertone, a bit more muted than a true berry shade. I often have to be careful with shades like this because they can look too dark on my fair skintone, or make me look somewhat bruised - but A Fine Romance is pure perfection. Sheered out on the cheeks, it gives me a healthy flushed look, built up on the lips, it's an everyday 'bitten' wine - and even when the product wears off (it's not very long-wearing on my lips but stays put on the cheeks all day without sliding off or fading), it leaves a nice pink stain behind.

I'm a little bit in love with ILIA's A Fine Romance - you guys, it's so, so effortlessly pretty. For me, it's the epitome of what most green make-up brands strive for in their products: something quick and easy to use that enhances your features without covering them up, while nourishing your skin at the same time. Even on my parched lips, the Multi-Purpose Stick looks even the entire wear time and actually manages to moisturize and soften dry patches. I can't wait to try more products from ILIA - I'm seriously impressed, and I have been rather critical lately when it comes to roadtesting new products. Have you tried anything from ILIA? What are your favorite green beauty make-up brands?

Disclaimer: The product featured in this post is a press sample I received from the brands' PR for review consideration. All links are non-affiliate. All opinions are 100% honest and unbiased, no matter if the products featured were purchased with my own monies or provided free of charge. All links are non-affiliate. Thank you for reading!

Skincare from Amazon.com? InstaNatural Vitamin C Serum Review

Generally speaking, thousands of glowing reviews on any product at any given website make me extremely suspicious. Is it all generated by bots? Is it spam from the company itself? Were people paid hundreds of dollars to type out all these five-star opinions? I don't know, but it sure looks too good to be true. So I was indeed very skeptical when I received this InstaNatural Advanced Formula Vitamin C Serum* ($14.22 for 1 oz/ 30ml on Amazon.com), which boasts 4.5 star rating from over 3,000 reviewers. Crazy, huh?

InstaNatural Vitamin C Serum claims to hydrate the skin, clear up blemishes and even out skintone for younger-looking skin. It contains 20% a stable form of Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate), hyaluronic acid, ferulic acid, Vitamin E, algae and green tea extracts, as well as lots of plant oils: rosehip oil, seabuckthorn oil, argan oil, jojoba, carrot seed and apricot kernel, all in a liquid base of water and organic aloe vera.

If you've ever used a pure aloe vera gel, the consistency of InstaNatural Vitamin C Serum is pretty much the same. It's a lightweight liquidy gel dispensed from a dropper that absorbs into the skin incredibly fast - faster than any gel serum I've tried in the past, it actually behaves on my skin more like an essence. The serum is a light orange and has a lovely citrus scent from the pink grapefruit essential oil used in the formula; thankfully, the fragrance doesn't irritate my skin.

I've been using it every night for the past three weeks and you know what, I'm actually pretty impressed. While Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, even at such a high percentage, isn't the most effective form of Vitamin C, I have noticed that my freckles, which were getting gradually darker over the course of the summer, are actually quite a bit lighter and less pronounced than before. I have one particularly dark spot under my right eye, and it's definitely lighter now, as are all the different post-acne hyperpigmentation marks I'm constantly trying to eradicate. My skin is overall more even in tone, and I can see and feel that it's better hydrated as well - I haven't had a dry patch anywhere on my face in a really long time.

While I feel that these results aren't anything extraordinary and could be achieved with Vitamin C products from other brands as well, I think it's incredible that you can purchase a serum that's simply jam-packed with incredible ingredients with very few fillers for less than 15 bucks. I've also been testing the InstaNatural Premium Hydration 5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum* ($14.22 for 2 oz/ 60 ml, double the size of the Vitamin C one), and while I don't like it as much and still prefer my Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion (which utilizes Hydrolyzed Hylauronic Acid that has smaller molecules and absorbs better into the skin for greater efficacy), again, I think it's a lovely product for the price, and so lightweight that even the oiliest skintypes would enjoy reaching for it.

This just goes to show that good skincare with clinically proven active ingredients doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg, and doesn't have to come from Sephora or a department store. I don't think I'll now start shopping for all of my skincare on Amazon, but I'm surprised at these little gems and would consider trying more products from InstaNatural in the future - I just wish they posted their full ingredients lists more prominently in the product description. Have you ever bought any skincare products from Amazon? Are there any small and relatively unknown skincare brands that you're a fan of?

Disclaimer:  I received the two serums featured in this post complimentary for testing purposes from the brand in exchange for an honest review on Amazon.com. All opinions are 100% honest and unbiased, no matter if the products featured were purchased with my own monies or provided as free press samples. Thank you for reading!

Double Cleansing on the Cheap: Andalou Naturals Apricot Probiotic Cleansing Milk

I've been on a green beauty kick lately, focusing on the mid-range brands like Andalou Naturals and Derma e in particular. The gist is that I'm a bit tired of spending big bucks on all the cult skincare favorites, only to realize that while they're nice and luxurious to use, they don't make that much of a difference to my skin, especially when it's already being kept in good condition thanks to my basic skincare principles, discussed in detail here.

So when my REN Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk was very nearly used up, I decided not to repurchase another one, despite the fact that my skin really enjoyed it. Instead, I replaced it with the Andalou Naturals Apricot Probiotic Cleansing Milk ($12.95 for 6 fl oz/ 178 ml); one of you has actually recommended this cleanser to me (thank you!), and since I've had good luck with almost all of the Andalou products I've tried (reviews of the 1000 Roses line here, and the Probiotic Renewal Cream + Facial Lemon Sugar Scrub here), I thought that this could be a great inexpensive product to use for the second step of the double cleanse.

The ingredients sound very good to me, but like with all Andalou products, bear in mind that it is fragranced - predictably, the Cleansing Milk smells amazingly of ripe apricots. It's a more natural apricot scent than the Origins Drink Up Overnight Mask, for example, and I definitely prefer it to the Origins - this one has an almost nutty element to it, maybe from all the nourishing natural plant oils (sunflower, apricot, sweet almond, rosehip and borage) used in the formula. The Andalou Cleansing Milk also contains a probiotic complex (mostly oligosaccharides and lactobacillus), as well as a whole skew of antioxidants such as resveratrol, coenzyme Q10, polyphenols and Vitamin E.

The cleanser is packaged in a convenient plastic bottle with a pump, which I greatly appreciate. The Apricot Probiotic Cleansing Milk, contary to the NUDE Omega Cleansing Jelly I've reviewed not too long ago, does not emulsify, which is something to bear in mind if you're used to emulsifying cleansing oils or (gulp!) foaming face washes. Instead, it has a soft creamy texture that spreads very easily on the skin - I would say the consistency is similar to a standard body lotion, or even a light face moisturizer.

I purchased it with the intention to use it either alone in the mornings, or as a second cleanse at night, so personally it doesn't bother me that it's not the greatest make-up remover, especially if you wear waterproof eye make-up. I wouldn't recommend it for that purpose. However, as a basic cleanser meant to cleanse the skin from the remnants of last night's skincare or lingering traces of make-up, it performs very well indeed. It feels soothing and hydrating on, and once removed with a warm wash cloth, doesn't leave a residue. My skin feels refreshed, plump and perfectly clean - I give it a big thumbs up!

All in all, I think the Andalou Naturals Apricot Probiotic Cleansing Milk is very comparable to the REN Evercalm Milk, and while I may prefer the herbal scent of the latter, that's not reason enough to pay more than double the price for the REN version. I also feel like the Andalou is a touch more hydrating than the REN, so I would definitely recommend it if you're struggling with dryness. I'm really happy with this purchase - yet again, Andalou products just don't disappoint. What is your favorite more affordable cleanser? I recently got a mini of the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser and I'm excited to try that out next :)

Going the Simpler Route: Derma e Overnight Peel with Alpha Hydroxy Acids

It's no secret that I love a good chemical exfoliant; starting with acid toners and pads (here's my overview), through exfoliating serums and even masks (another overview here). But even though I like variety, the abundance of bottles in my medicine cabinet was beginning to feel overwhelming, and I started looking for one product to perform a couple different functions.

I've already worked through all of my deep exfoliating masks, and I'm just about done with both the Dr. Wu Mandelic Acid Serum and a deluxe sample of Clark Botanicals Marine Smoothing Cream, a moisturizer containing lots of glycolic acid. To replace all of those, I purchased the Derma e Overnight Peel with Alpha Hydroxy Acids ($15 for 2 fl oz/ 60ml at Vitacost - my referral link for $10 off $30, also available at Ulta).

For whatever reason, I've never tried anything from Derma e, and for a long time, I would confuse them with another natural brand, Reviva Labs. But even though their aesthetic is a bit similar, they're two separate brands with completely different product lines. What drew me to the Derma e Overnight Peel, on top of the excellent price, was the simplicity of its ingredients: 5% glycolic plus lower concentrations of lactic and malic acids at effective pH level of 3 (according to beautypedia.com) to exfoliate and brighten the skin; glycerin, caprylic triglyceride and jojoba oil to moisturize, vitamin C and green tea for an anti-aging antioxidant boost. No drying alcohol, no scent (dear Beautypedia, the lemon and passionfruit in this product are not 'subtle fragrance' - you guys, do they review actual products over there or just the ingredients' list?!), no parabens for those of you who are sensitive.

The texture of the Overnight Peel is a light lotion that absorbs well into the skin. On top of my Hada Labo Hyaluronic Acid Lotion, it feels a tad sticky on, but since I use this product in my evening skincare routine, I don't really mind. I use one pump for my entire face, and I do experience a bit of a tingle for the first couple minutes, but it's absolutely NOT painful or unbearable, and it subsides quite quickly.

There are two ways I like to use the Overnight Peel: either as a mask I like to leave on for about 15 minutes after exfoliating my face with a gentle manual scrub, or as recommended, as an overnight exfoliant, usually layered with the Hada Labo hydrating lotion underneath or a night-time moisturizer over the top - you could use it alone though, because the formula is nicely moisturizing on its own.

I've been using chemical exfoliants for years now, so I have to say that for a veteran like me, the results from the Derma e Overnight Peel aren't really miraculous or instantaneous, but I do like it. I can definitely see an improvement in the texture of my skin the next day after usage, without any dryness or irritation, which is really important for my reactive, easily dehydrated skin. It doesn't budge any of my blackheads or clogged pores after just one use, but then again, I haven't really found a product which does that - my favorite Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant would make my pores look smaller, but I think that's more due to its clay-like consistency. After about three weeks of using it once a week, I have noticed that most of the stubborn bumps I've been getting on my forehead recently (I'm guessing they're caused by hot, humid weather and my touching my face too much...) are now completely gone, and that makes me really happy.

I'm enjoying using my bottle of the Overnight Peel with Alpha Hydroxy Acids, but I have a feeling that I'll probably want to try something else once it runs out, as we beauty bloggers tend to do. Have you tried anything from Derma e? What is your current favorite exfoliating treatment?

Perfect Cleanse: NUDE Omega Cleansing Jelly Review

As you know from my previous post, I REALLY like a good cleansing balm, especially in the evening. I had managed to work through all of my back-up cleansers a couple weeks ago, and I decided to reward myself with this balmy beauty: the NUDE Perfect Cleanse Omega Cleansing Jelly ($38 for 100ml/ 3.4 fl oz), a gel-to-milk cleanser suitable for use around the eyes.

That last piece of information may seem very 'duh' to you, but you'd be surprised how many oil/balm cleansers perform poorly around the eye area, causing stinging, blurred vision or failing to remove any make-up. Even though the Omega Cleansing Jelly contains both problematic (for me) bitter orange extract and fragrance, it's mild enough not to cause any irritation around my eyes - yay!

I've actually opted to purchase this balm cleanser for several reasons. First, I really liked the sample I received a while back with a Sephora order (see, using up those samples sometimes really does end in happy discoveries), second, I was glad to see the product packaged in a soft squeezy tube as opposed to a fiddly pot with a screw-on lid, third, I like that the ingredients' list is so short and sweet. I could do without the added fragrance, but the slight fruity scent isn't too strong and makes for a more enjoyable experience, I guess. As for the omega acids claims, it's worth noting that all of your good, natural oil-based balms and other skincare products contain omega fatty acids - because all base/ plant oils contain omega acids, just in slightly different proportions. Sunflower oil, which is the main ingredient in the NUDE Omega Cleansing Jelly, is especially rich in Omega-6 and Omega-9.

I use the Omega Cleansing Jelly as my second cleanser on days I'm wearing make-up and/or sunscreen, after having removed those with a cleansing oil, or as my only night-time cleanser on days when I go barefaced. I start with a dry or slightly damp face (which you would have after having removed that first cleanser with a wash cloth), and work a small dollop around - it takes a little work for the balm to melt into more of an oil consistency, but I always spend a bit more time to do that second cleanse, so I don't mind.

Now, the Nude Cleansing Jelly is a bit different than some popular cleansing balms in that it actually emulsifies, thanks to the addition of sucrose palmitate and sucrose laurate in the formulation - meaning, turns into a milk when a bit of water is added. Many folks prefer emulsifying balms/ oils as they're a bit easier to remove, especially if you're just rinsing with water. I always use a wash cloth anyway, so it doesn't really matter to me either way, but I think if you're a balm cleanser neub, the Cleansing Jelly could be a good option for you. In that way, I find it quite similar to the famous Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm (click!), except with a slightly firmer texture, and obviously much cheaper and easier to get hold of in the US.

All in all, I really like this Omega Cleansing Jelly, and I've been enjoying reaching for it every evening. I don't know if it's the best cleansing balm I've ever tried (well, I'd be hard pressed to choose just one), but it's definitely up there with my other favorites. It doesn't irritate or strip my skin, gets rid of residual make-up, and feels luxurious on the face. If you've been on the fence about it or have been looking for a new oil/balm/milk cleanser, I'd say give it a shot; the price is a bit up there, but you really don't need a lot, so it should last a while. What is your favorite night-time cleanser? Have you tried any other products from NUDE?

In My Skincare Stash: Overview of Brightening and Exfoliating Masks and Peels

While attempting to use up my considerable stash of samples and minis via my Project the past two months, I've realized I had a lot of nice deluxe samples of masks and peels that were all aimed at brightening the skin. As a fair-skinned person, I struggle with hyperpigmentation all the time: freckles, age spots, post-inflammatory marks from acne and mosquito bites (yeah, that's a new one even for me) - you name it, I've got it. Which is why I've been enjoying treating my skin to a more intense exfoliating session about once a week, and these masks are perfect for a quick at-home treatment.

Starting with an old favorite, and the only full-sized product in this overview: the Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant ($41 for 2.5 fl. oz - they hiked up the price by at least $5 since the last time I bought it!), which I've talked about a couple times in the past, now sadly all used up and gone from my medicine cabinet. This is a fantastic option for combination and oily skintypes, as it both exfoliates with fruit enzymes, salicylic and lactic acid, but also helps to absorb the oil and minimize the appearance of pores with diatomaceous earth, which gives it a clay-like consistency. There aren't many products that give me immediate, visible results every time I reach for them, but this Gentle Cream Exfoliant really was one of those. If your skin is very sensitive, I'd definitely ask for a sample first, because it's not really that gentle - on my somewhat reactive skin, I'd get a tingle, but no irritation and little redness after application. I'm considering a repurchase.

Speaking of clay-like textures, I had high hopes for this Boscia Bright White Mask ($38 for 2.8 oz), which contains titanium dioxide as well as bentonite and kaolin clays, but it doesn't work for me at all. First off, my bad for not realizing this is a peel-off mask, which is a type I generally dislike partly because of the high alcohol content. It also took me a good 10 minutes to try and peel this mask off, at which point I gave up and just took it off with a warm washcloth. More importantly though, I could not see any brightening effect on my skin at all, and looking at the ingredients' list, I'm really not sure how this is supposed to brighten - there are some plant extracts and peptides in there, but with sporadic usage, I don't know how you'd be able to observe any significant results. I'd give it a pass.

The Elemental Herbology Facial Glow Radiance Peel ($66 for 1.7 fl oz; full size comes in a glass jar) is the only mask in this line-up that uses a combination of manual (jojoba beads) and chemical (mostly papaya enzyme but also glycolic, malic and lactic acids in a low percentage) exfoliants. Radiance Peel also contains vitamins A, C and E, manuka honey and nourishing oils like macadamia, olive and argan. I personally could do without the exfoliating beads, but otherwise, it's a lovely mask I'd recommend for normal to dry skintypes, as the creamy formulation seems to have an added moisturizing effect on the skin. The directions say to leave it on for 4 minutes, but I found that to be too short of a time to notice a result in my skin, so I'd leave it on for 10-15 minutes instead. I also think this one would be good to try if you're particularly sensitive, as I didn't get much of a tingle but still saw improvement in the texture and softness of my skin.

Jumping from one of the gentler options to something more hardcore, I found the Murad Intensive-C Radiance Peel ($55 for 1.7 oz) to be too much for my skin. This creamy mask contains glycolic acid, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, and while I love all of these ingredients, the Intensive-C mask burned my face like nobody's business - the sensation was actually quite similar to the mentholated tingling you'd get from lip plumpers. Yes, I saw noticeable improvement in the texture and clarity of my skin, but using this mask just wasn't pleasant. I'd recommend it to most skintypes with no sensitivity whatsoever, and preferrably after patch-testing a sample. You've been warned.

The popular REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask ($55 for 1.7 oz) also relies primarily on glycolic acid in combination with lactic acid and fruit enzymes (papain from papaya and bromelain from pineapple fruit extracts) in a moisturizing base of grape seed, cranberry seed, and seabuckthorn berry oils. I'll be honest with you - while I think this is a nice exfoliating mask that smells and looks like orange marmalade, I don't know why so many people rave about it over these other options I'm discussing today. My main problem was that this mask went off very quickly after I first opened my sample, becoming separated, grainy and very weird-smelling. I've also found a lot of citrus essential oils in the ingredients' list (bergamot fruit water, orange, mandarin, tangerine and grapefruit oils) and unfortunately, I'm allergic - although fortunately, I didn't come up in a big rash the few times I used it. Why do brightening products always have to smell like oranges, I ask you?

Lastly, we have another natural option: the Enzyme Peel Mask with Vitamin C and Papaya from The Organic Pharmacy ($79 for 40ml). This gel mask contains lactobionic acid (a Polyhydroxy acid, also known as PHA, which some studies have proven to be less irritating but as effective as glycolic acid thanks to its reduced absorption due to larger molecular structure), lactic and salicylic acids, both papaya and pineapple enzymes, and hyaluronic acid. It's a lovely product - slightly tingly on the face but not irritating, and I can definitely see an improvement in the texture, tone and hydration of my skin after usage. This is the first product I've ever tried from The Organic Pharmacy, and I have to say the experience has got me a lot more interested in their skincare range; although sadly, the products are without a doubt on the pricey side.

Speaking of prices, all of the masks I've reviewed for you today seem rather expensive to me now that I'm looking at it. I don't know if my tolerance for prices has shifted recently or what it is, but I don't feel okay spending over $50 on an exfoliating mask - to my knowledge, glycolic and salicylic acids as well as fruit enzymes are not expensive ingredients, so I'm not sure why all of these need to be so pricey. While I loved my Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant, I'm considering giving a cheaper option a try, and I've been looking at the derma-e Evenly Radiant Overnight Peel with AHAs (glycolic, lactic and malic), which retails for $15-18.75, or the Andalou Naturals Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask, which is $11-15, depending where you buy it. If you've tried one of those, please let me know!

Do you use exfoliating masks or peels on a regular basis? What is your favorite weekly exfoliating treatment?

What's In My Shower

I don't believe I've ever shared my shower routine on the blog; it probably has something to do with the fact that I'm predominantly a bath person, but recently I've started going to the gym and so the need for a post-workout shower has arisen - and at any rate, I use pretty much the same products when I shower as I do when I bathe. Having trudged through this completely superfluous introduction, we can now jump straight to the products I keep in my shower/ bathtub!

Starting with bodycare, I have come to the conclusion that I am not a bar soap person and much prefer the convenience of a shower gel. To that effect, I've been using the Pacifica Sulfate-Free Body Wash in Malibu Lemon Blossom for a better part of this year; even though cost per bottle is quite high compared to drugstore shower gels, I find that it lasts a really long time, and most importantly, it's very gentle and non-drying on the skin. The Kneipp In Shower Body Lotion in Black Currant & Pomegranate is the newest addition to my routine; it was a gift from my brother this past Christmas but I just started using it. I expected it to be something along the lines of Lush Body Conditioners or the Nivea In Shower lotion, but it's actually a shower gel and body lotion in one - or simply put, a moisturizing body cleanser that doesn't lather. I'm really liking the different texture and cassis smell, but I've read online that a tube doesn't last long.

I've talked about the Haus of Gloi Bubbling Scrubs numerous times on the blog - it's still one of my absolute favorite body scrub formulas, and the scent Twice is Nice is a delicious concoction of sugar, butter and coconut. I was curious about the 'Fresh Cream' fragrance of this Philosophy Hand Wash when I spotted it at TJMaxx, but it turned out to be just okay; I use this as a bubble bath, by the way. You can use any type of a foaming product as a bubble bath: a shower gel, hand wash, even shampoo, if you so desire - it's a good tip if you have a backstock of products that you want to use up a bit faster.

Now for my haircare, the MoroccanOil Clarifying Shampoo and the Goldwell Rich Repair hair mask both date back to when I used to work in a hair salon, which marked the peak of my interest in hair products. But ultimately, I'm really not a 'hair person' - I just can't be bothered. So even though both of these are lovely products, I'm working on finishing them up and eliminating clarifying shampoos and hair masks from my routine.

My current shampoo and conditioner combo is by the brand OGX (formerly Organics), which has great sulfate-free options at the drugstore. Since my hair is fine and I'm always looking for ways to increase volume in my strands, I opted for the Biotin & Collagen Shampoo - it cleanses very well without stripping. One tip to remember about sulfate-free shampoos is that they don't foam as much as regular shampoos, which is why I find them more effective when I shampoo twice: first with a small dollop to lift most of the dirt and grease, secondly with a slightly bigger dollop to really lather up and massage the scalp. I follow with the Coconut Water Conditioner, which is good, but I'm not too particular about conditioners - nearly any will do in my book.

Lastly, the pink razor you see in the first photo is by Dorco, which makes fantastic razors and cartridges at less than half the price of Gillette or Schick razors. If shaving is your preferred method of hair removal, I strongly recommend you to check out Dorco's website - I was sick of paying around $25 every time I need a new pack of cartridges for my Venus razor, and now I don't have to (so you know, more money for make-up...?).

And that's it! Let me know if you have any questions about these products, and please comment down below with what is your current favorite shower product. Thank you for reading!

Lip & Cheek... Oil? Josie Maran Argan Infinity Cream Color Duo

So, that YSL Tint-in-Oil everyone's been raving about? Seems like Josie Maran was there first with her Argan Infinity Lip and Cheek Creamy Oils ($18 for 15ml/ 0.5 fl oz or $16 for 2 x 5ml/ 0.16 fl oz); my best friend is a big fan of these and she recently gifted me the Infinitely Argan Lip & Cheek Cream Color Duo, which comes with minis of the shades Timeless Coral and Everlasting Honey.

I'd actually tried a colorless version of this product shortly before receiving these (mentioned in my January Favorites), and loved it especially as a cuticle treatment, so I was curious to see how this texture would work on the lips and cheeks. The 'Creamy Oil' formula is basically a balm that melts into an oil with the warmth of your skin, and these little tubes contain a lot of natural moisturizing oils and waxes: castor oil, argan oil, rapeseed oil copolymer, as well as beeswax, mimosa and sunflower waxes. I was curious so I checked whether my clear Argan Infinity Cream Intensive Creamy Oil had a similar ingredients list since the texture is nearly identical to the tinted version, but it's actually quite a bit different: there's even more nourishing oils as well as shea and mango butter in that one.

I was surprised by how pigmented these are; sure, they're not fully opaque, but for my cheeks, I only need the smallest dab to get a burst of color. Timeless Coral is a hot pink coral on my fair skin, while Everlasting Honey is a more subdued reddish rose. Both look very pretty on and should suit a variety of skintones; Timeless Coral is a bit more brightening, Everlasting Honey a bit more nude. These have a delicious orange creamsicle scent from orange and tangerine peel essential oils, and for some reason, actually taste sweet when you're wearing them on your lips.

Timeless Coral, Everlasting Honey in full sunlight (see the clear oil on the sides of the second swatch?)

I've been testing these on and off for at least a month now, and my overall feelings are still a bit conflicted. You guys, I'm just not completely sure how I feel about actual oil texture on my cheeks and lips. These Creamy Oils feel like blending a lipgloss over your cheeks. While they're easy to apply evenly and last pretty well on them apples, they definitely remain glossy and tacky throughout the day - so I imagine if you wiped your face on a scarf/shirt or rested your cheek on something, most of the color would rub off. My other gripe with the formula is that sometimes, especially if you haven't used these for a while, they tend to separate into clear oil and concentrated color in the tube. My tube of Timeless Coral also has weird little balls here and there when I squeeze it out.

Wearing Timeless Coral on lips and cheeks.

For the lips, I really enjoy the juicy, glossy look they give my pout when I first apply the product. However, they don't last at all - I think most of the oil gets absorbed into my lips, but drinking or eating anything absolutely obliterates any traces I may have had left. The texture of the oil is quite thin, so they don't glide over or conceal any flakes or dry patches. I'm sure this formula is moisturizing for my skin; except, maybe not enough for my lips, and as for the cheeks... I don't know if I actually want any additional moisture in my blush? But man, are they glowy. Can you see that?

Wearing Everlasting Honey on lips and cheeks.

I still do enjoy using my little duo; I think they're fantastic for a natural, luminous look, especially in the winter months when your skin may benefit from some extra nourishment and glow. I would recommend trying them on the cheeks if you have a dry skintype and powder blushes and/or highlighters tend to look a bit cakey on your skin. However, for me, I need to apply the glow a bit more judiciously, and probably file these away during the hot and humid New York summer.

Have you tried any of the new 'oil' make-up formulas? What is your favorite Josie Maran product?