Review: Philosophy Cleanse, Peel, Treat Kit!

Sephora had a deliciously tempting sale this past Boxing Day, and when I saw the product that I had been interested in for some time, and at great prices, I happily withdrew my credit card and went about adding items to my online cart. The first set I ordered was Philosophy's "Cleanse, Peel, Treat" skincare set. After working through the holidays, running after two little ones, hosting Christmas dinner, putting up family, way too much wine, AND hosting our 3rd annual New Year Eve party...I was feeling, and looking, completely burnt out. I thought I earned this online shopping trip, and my face needed some proper TLC.

When my shipment arrived in the post box, I was eager to get home with it and test the products out on my poor, tired face. I was drawn to use Philosophy's kit first as it has a peel treatment and raved about moisturizers, exactly what I needed to refresh my skin. The products are all trial sized, and for a moment I wondered how great of a deal I had really purchased.

They come in a lovely simple and clean box, all labeled with positive writing on each of the products packaging.

I started my treatment off with using the 3-in-1 cleanser, as directed. It has what I would describe as a lavendar/lemon/soapy smell. I found it nice and almost aromatherapeutic. It can be used as an eye makeup remover as well, so I tested it out and massaged it in to my eye makeup and mascara.
The cleanser works well for removing face makeup, and cleansing the skin, however, I have found that it irritated my eyes a bit, and left my face feeling stripped, tight, and dry... Which is not in favour of my 30 year old combination skin. Overall I think it is a good cleanser, and may be better suited for me personally post workout or during the summer when my skin tends to be more oily. I will keepnthis in my gym bag, and stick to my holy grail Stone Crop gel wash cleanser by Eminence of Hungary for my daily cleanser (that stuff is GOLD!)

Following the directions of use, I followed with step 1 ( a citric scented crystal scrub paste) and step 2 ( an aha gel) of the peel treatment. I followed the directions, and I must say, the write up on this product does not lie. It really worked well, efficiently (I did it in 4 minutes while my 5 & 2 year old ran a muck) , and it reuly did resurface my tired skin delightfully. It was easy to use, and gave me great rests at home. I will definitely be using this product again, and will repurchase it in the full size to add to my weekly regimen. You MUST try this peel system if your skin needs a gentle overhaul. It's revolutionary!

After I let my skin dry post peel, I applied their "Time in a Bottle" serum. It absorbs almost instantly, and left my skin feeling light, fresh, smooth, vibrant and with virtually no residue.  It was a great follow up to the peel treatment.Because I did the complete treatment set in the morning, I finished off with the "Hope in a Jar" (day formula). It was the perfect finishing, leaving my skin well moisturized and supple.

At the end of the night, I repeated the cleanser, serum, and used the "Hope in a Jar" night formula, which contains aha for added gentle resurfacing while you sleep. I awoje to beautiful skin, and after my morning cleansing, my makeup applied flawlessly. Philosophy's philosophy of "great skin is the best cosmetic " came to fruition.

All in all, I LOVED their products, packaging and simplicity of use. I will certainly be repurchasing. Almost all of the products from the kit in the full size. If your skin is also in need of a gentle overhaul post holidays, I highly recommend giving these products a try.


Xo

Eminence Organic Skin Care!

I am so over the moon excited to have these freshly delivered treats in my hands. You all have no idea just how amazing Eminence skin care is (unless, of course, you have tried the products for yourselves!)

I just filmed a small snippet showcasing their packaging Watch it HERE. I will have a detailed and updated skincare routine blog post and YouTube video also posted, hopefully by this evening.

xo

Exciting Announcement!

I am so over the moon happy with this news that I want to share so badly with you all! I will have a YouTube blog post up by tomorrow (which I will share here) to spill the beans. Also, I have been testing out a new organic skincare line which I have completely fallen head over heels for. I will have have a full review on it later on this week.

Much love,

Hales

Autumn !

I know, I  know,  I am terrible at regularly posting content.   It has been a whirlwind of a summer, and I have been thoroughly enjoying these precious days with my daughters and husband. I have also started up a photography business, so that has taken up my spare time.

It's now almost autumn!  I have missed you all, and writing little posts here on my blog. I will be putting up a few new DIY and review posts this week here on my blog, and also my YouTube channel.

'Til then!

Hales

Raving About: Kat Von D Tattoo Eyeliner

I have been toying with eyeliners for a good 15 years.  Some smudge, some flake, some "bleed".  Some are okay, some are good, and some are great! I can't conceive the total tally of eyeliners that I have tried..it is a large quantity, I assure you. In all 15 years of experimenting and experience, I have not ever found one that was truly precise, pigmented and absolutely perfect...until now.

The name is well suited to the beautiful precision and pigment this liner packs. one test swatch on the back of the hand demonstrates the absolute prestige and skillful application of this liner.  The most masterful calligraphers could use this liner "pen" to perfectly craft their work.  Seriously...this stuff deserves major kudos.

I have small eyes and lids, and I find it difficult to find a liner that truly allows me to apply a perfectly thin, elongated, winged or thick line...without smudging, burning, flaking or "bleeding".  Even my liner brushes seem imperfect compared to this all-in-one awesome.  It's application tip is devised of highquality, smooth tiny brush "hairs, and the liquid it is perfectly saturated in has the perfect balance of viscosity and pigment.  If you are a fan of gel liners...get ready to set them aside and forever give your heart to Kat Von D's Tattoo Liner.

xo

                                                                         

Review: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

As I mentioned in my Dewy Winter Foundation Routine post, I've always loved, and preferred MAC concealers, but this product from NARS is breaking that mould.  It has a beautifully light and creamy texture, it is hydrating, and it delivers all of the multi skin benefiting and firming it boasts on the website.  I have fine creases under my eyes, and it is incredibly difficult to find a concealer that isn't "cakey", dry, too thick or sits and emphasizes fine creases and dry skin.

Upon application, you can feel the hydrating effects, and this benefits perfectly precise blending of the product before it sets.  It has a well balanced consistency, delivering fantastic coverage any way you use it. I use it under my eyes, to cover blemishes, and to highlight my facial features for natural looking daytime makeup.  It blends flawlessly with my foundation, and sets in a beautiful satin finish, delivering beautiful natural radiance.

                                                        

The name of this product says it all. I LOVE this and it has now replaced my beloved MAC mineralize concealer.  I paid $30 CAD @ sephora.


Xo

First Impression: New Maybelline Volum'Express "The Rocket" Mascara!

There was once a time that I had such long, thick lashes, they would always bat against my sunglasses...and I would trim them! I know, I know, and trust me I have smacked my self for you! Now I gaze at the lashes of my young daughters with envy.

Because I lack magazine worthy lashes, Mascara is the one artesian tool that I use pretty much daily.  I've paid mere dollars, and I've also paid absurd amounts towards the promise of lush lashes.
No matter what the cost, some clump, some crust, some burn, and some cause ugly raccoon eyes after only a few hours of wear..even if they boast "long wear", and "Waterproof"!
Because of all of that,I am constantly on the lookout for a good product. That is what lead me to pick up this product while at the drugstore running errands.

I was immediately drawn to the colours and the packaging (I'm a sucker for all things pretty, and for marketing) of Maybelline Volum'Express "The Rocket " Mascara. It boasts an efficient brush that delivers 8x the volume in one coat, and clump free preciseness. It has a firm core of the brush, with flexible silicone bristles.

I tore into the packaging and tried it for the first time ever ( you can watch that and my initial first impression here^^^^^^^ ).

Immediately I saw length, definition and the volume that it boasts.  There are no clumps, it doesn't burn my eyes, so far there is no under eye fallout AND I feel that I have lashes worthy of comparing to my daughters.  The only thing I dislike is the stoutness of the brush itself. I have small eyes and stubborn lashes so I find that using stout brushes gives me an almost clumsy application.

All in all though,this mascara is my new favourite, and tops my Makeup Forever "smokey lash".  I paid $ 8.99 CAD at my local drug store.  If you are looking for a new mascara to tuck into your daily makeup bag-I recommend giving this one a try!

'til next time,

Xo