Determining Skin Type

Quiz to Determine Skin Type

Determining your skin type is very important because it can decide what kind of product is right for you in order to provide a flawless finish throughout the day and making sure that you're not using products that can break you out as well.

1. Oily Skin (makeup's worst enemy but less likely to get wrinkles)
2. Dry Skin (more prone to wrinkles & can make you look worst with makeup)
3. Normal Skin/ Combination (not too oily & not too dry; has a combination of both depending on products used) --> best of both worlds
4. Acne prone (self explanatory)

Fast Forward to determine skin type-->

Philosophy Miraculous Anti-Aging Moisturizer

So I am currently on a hunt for a night time moisturizer and thought I give Philosophy a try. I went into Sephora and asked for a generous sample so that I could give it a try before splurging $57USD on a 2oz jar. Buy Here

Sephora description

What it is:
A rejuvenating, age-fighting hydrator that softens, firms, and brightens the complexion.

What it is formulated to do:
This luxurious cream treats signs of aging and fortifies the skin's natural moisture barrier, maximizing moisture-retention capacity for healthy, soft, smooth results. Loaded with vitamin C and glutathione, this revitalizing essential helps enhance natural collagen production, promote longevity, and imparts radiance.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan

What else you need to know:
This easily absorbed, satiny formula is comfortable for all skin types



I have used it once so far and it does live up to its claim of being easily absorbed and I like it so far.  I decided to try Philosophy because I love their Hope in a Jar for dry/sensitive skin. There was a period 2 years ago where my skin went through a freak out period where it was extremely dry and it would not stop flaking for the life of me. I gave Hope in a Jar a try after reading many raving reviews and it did not let me down. After I finished 2 jars I decided to give other moisturizers a try that were less expensive, but I will never forget that it was once my saviour.

Kit includes $119USD Buy Here
- 2 oz Miracle Worker Anti-Aging Retinoid Solution
- 60 Miraculous Anti-Aging Retinoid Pads
- 1 oz Miraculous Anti-Aging Concentrate
- 2 oz Miraculous Anti-Aging Moisturizer


If I end up liking the moisturizer I will mostly pick up the kit because its better bang for my bucks.

Pros

• fast absorption without sticky feel 
• not greasy
• formulated without a lot of chemicals
• did not break me out

Cons

• unsanitary packaging
• odd little smell that I can accept
• not moisturizing enough & I woke up with small flakes if I don't top it off with my night jelly 
• expensive
• did not see dramatic change to my skin

Will NOT repurchase just because it did nothing for my skin & it is way over priced

~~~~~Tee Hee

Pangea Organics Moroccan Argan with Willow & Rosemary Facial Cream

I have been using this for about 2 months now since I got the Discover kit from the Pangea Organics website for oily to blemish skin. Buy Here $43CAD. I am almost done with the product and felt like it is time to review it because I have given it enough time to wow me. 

30 mL sample last a long time & gives it a fair chance for your skin to get a good feel about the product

Forward >>

INGREDIENTS: PURIFIED WATER (AQUA), ALCOHOL (SDA 38B ORGANIC LAVENDER), CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, SODIUM HYALURONATE (VEGAN), GLYCERYL STEARATE, LECITHIN (NON GMO SOY), SACCHARIDE ISOMERATE, SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (ORGANIC JOJOBA) SEED OIL, ARGANIA SPINOSA KERNEL OIL & SERENOA SERRULATA (SAW PALMETTO) FRUIT EXTRACT & SESAMUM INDICUM (SESAME) SEED EXTRACT, SUCROSE STEARATE, ORYZA SATIVA (ORGANIC RICE) BRAN EXTRACT, GLYCERIN (VEGETABLE), EPILOBIUM ANGUSTIFOLIUM (CANADIAN WILLOWHERB) FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT, NIACINAMIDE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE (VITAMIN E), ASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C), FOENICULUM VULGARE (ORGANIC FENNEL) SEED EXTRACT, TILIA CORDATA (ORGANIC LINDEN FLOWER) EXTRACT, ALTHAEA OFFICINALIS (ORGANIC MARSHMALLOW) EXTRACT, PLANTAGO MAJOR (ORGANIC PLANTAIN) EXTRACT, VIOLA ODORATA (WILDCRAFTED BLUE VIOLET) LEAF EXTRACT, CITRUS MEDICA LIMONUM (ORGANIC LEMON) OIL, MENTHA PIPERITA (ORGANIC PEPPERMINT) OIL, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS VERBENONE (ORGANIC ROSEMARY VERBENON) OIL, ROSA DAMASCENA (ROSE OTTO) OIL, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) OIL*, XANTHAN GUM, CITRIC ACID

*ESSENTIAL OIL

THIS PRODUCT IS VEGAN AND GLUTEN-FREE.

The moisturizer is fairly priced at $38 for 60ml and it was a better deal to get the discovery kit where I got a chance to try all the products. So far I have used the eye cream which I have reviewed here on the blog. I do like it and it worked perfectly under my foundation but the only thing I did not like is the fact that it does not have SPF since I use it only during the day because I find it to lack moisture for the night time. The would work great for those that are more normal to combination oily where it primes the face nicely for foundation and will not clog pores and cause your foundation to melt off. 

Pros:

• very moisturizing
• fast absorptions
• organic
• did not make my combination skin oily in the Tee zone
• did not break me out
• fast S&H from the website & frequently will have promotions and discount codes
• good for normal to combination oily
• great under foundation
• very decently priced with good sturdy packaging

Cons:

• very herbally scent =(
• only purchased via the website 
• will probably not be moisturizing enough for those with dry skin/ winter season
• no SPF

Would repurchase when I have tried all the new skincare products I have purchased recently. 

~~~~~Tee Hee

Pangea Turkish Rose & White Tea Eye Cream

I got this as an example when I got the discovery kit way back then which I love. I got the Oily - Blemish Prone skin $43CAD on the website but there is a discount right now and they are going for $34.40CAD!! The eye cream alone is $58CAD on the website. Buy Here

Fast forward for more-->

Pro

- no dry patches

- fragrance free

- little goes a long way

- organic

- not overly heavy

- did not cause little bumps under the eye

Cons

- did not do anything amazing it was meh

- pricey as hell for 15ml

~~~~~Tee Hee

Jurlique Purely Age Defying Night Lotion

I am more than half done =) which means I have permission to explore other brands and products. 

Buy Here $66CAD off the website but you can also get it off the Sephora website. 

Fast forward ---->

Pros

- very moisturizing

- no breakouts

- fast absorption

- no greasiness

- nice hygienic packaging

- travel friendly

- lots of coupons and freebies when purchasing

- reasonable shipping & handling

Cons

- pricey as hell

- herbally smell that might not suit everybody

- only online for Canadian customers

- 40ml compare to standard 50ml that comes with most moisturizer

Repurchase?

- maybe when I run out of things to try, but it has done wonders for my skin during the winter and kept it very hydrated along with my Naruko serums. 

I can comment on its effectiveness in terms of its age defying skills as I am only 25. I am looking into trying some Shea Terra products next because I am interested in the argan oil from Josie Maran and refuse to pay so much for it. I have read some read reviews that they are very comparable. 

~~~~~Tee Hee

Origins GinZing Eye Cream

I've hit pan!! Woohoo !!! I end up buying so  much of everything that it is rare that I ever hit pan on anything before its expiration date. I got this last summer I believe when MakeupByTiffanyD raved about Origins' products. I also have the VitaZing moisturizer which I liked for a bit but no long enjoy it so its been sitting in my shelf unloved. 

Read more for review......

I did not like this at all, it did nothing for my baggy under eyes and my dark dark circles. It started off as a light texture but as time progressed it turned into a thick consistency even though I make a note to keep it out of the sun and to put the top back on tightly.

Description on the website: $29.50USD Buy Here

Refreshing eye cream to brighten and depuff

√ 86% brighter appearance 
√ 80% reduction in puffiness

Late night? Long flight? Look tired all the time? Prepare to become one of the perky people! Nature's clinically-proven morning-after eye cream instantly reduces dark circles. Unsightly bags and puffiness virtually disappear. And Origins proprietary complex of Caffeine from Coffee bean, Panax Ginseng, Magnolia Extract and natural optic brighteners rapidly wakes up, refreshes and restores radiance to tired eyes.

• Best for all skin types

I used this solely for the morning and I don't think it did anything miraculous for my under eyes. It was moisturizing enough that I did not see any dryness but in terms of brightening, I saw very little effect. I really wish it could live up to what it claimed because it is formulate from natural ingredients at a decent price. So now I am on a search for a new eye cream; I am currently using my night time one (Jurlique Herbal Eye Cream) during the day as well until I can find a eye cream that I truly love.

Pros

- decent price

- natural ingredients

- good general moisturizer

- lasted a good time (small amount goes a long way)

Cons

- not very brightening

- unsanitary packaging (prefer pump)

- no de-puffing action

- turned a thick consistency as time progressed

~~~~~Tee Hee

Bath and Body Haul

Hey beauties, wanted to show you my favourite body moisturizer. Bath and Body's triple moisture is my fave and they smell fantastic. There was a promotion going on for Buy 3 get 3 free so had to jump on that. 

~~~~~Tee Hee

Skincare

Hey beauties, this is my skincare regime, this is what I use during the day, it might seem a lot but a good foundation for makeup is very important. NEVER forget sunscreen either!!

~~~~~ Tee Hee

40 Carrots

These were purchased from the Winners at Hwy 7 & Woodbine near First Markham Place. I got both for $8.99 CAD each; their original price is super inexpensive as well being less than $20 each.  I've been big on more natural product recently so thought I give these a try. Buy Here

~~~~~Tee Hee

Weleda Haul

Another haul from Winners!! I got these at the Victoria Park & Sheppard Winners for $8.99CAD a pop! Buy Here

Reviews

Organic Makeup & Skincare

~~~~~ Tee Hee

Skinstore Haul

I just came home and received a little present from the mail man ! I do love online shopping. Recently I posted a coupon code for Skinstore.com and I made a small purchase to replenish what I have been using.

I bought Clarisonic replacement brush head twin pack for deep pure cleansing. It is what I have been using for the pass 3 months (recommended to replace every 3 months). I love my Clarisonic and I can see that it has made a significant difference in my skin tone and texture. I find that my pores are smaller and my skin is much smoother and has a nice glow. Definitely worth the investment and I also purchased mine on Skinstore.com when they had a 20% discount. $119USD on the website. (the colour I own is sapphire which they no longer have on the website but they do have a variety of different colours)

To go along with my Clarisonic, I used the Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aginjng Buffing Beads. There is many variations of their cleansers that all sound like they do the same things. I choose this one simply because it had anti-aging in it and the fact that it had small jojoba beads in it. It also had a combination of glycolic acid and salicylic acid in it which are suppose to be good for acne prone skin and pore minimizing. I have been using it for 2 weeks now in combination with my Clarisonic and I noticed that my skin is even softer and brighter. It does recommend that you start of with 2-3 times a week for your skin to adjust before using it everyday. In the beginning, I did notice that I had dry patches on my right cheek, but nothing my Kate Sommerville moisturizer couldn't fix (did not ruin my makeup applications). Depending in your skin type I do recommended you follow their instructions carefully otherwise you might end up with a cherry tomato face and dry patches.

Buy here $36USD

Skinstore was also kind enough to give me another 20% code to use whenever and I am thinking I might do another skincare haul and purchase some SUPER by Dr. Nicholas Perricone products. I discovered this brand via Raeview on YouTube and her blog. Relatively priced and I am interested in their activators that is suppose to exfoliant the skin as well as tone all at the same time!!

20% on recurring orders for your must-haves is also pretty awesome. 

~~~~~ Tee Hee