skincare

Brand Product Review: Ole Henriksen Skincare

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My mom introduced me to the brand Ole Henriksen a couple years ago.  She purchased a sample trial kit and loved it so much that she convinced me to try it out (we have very similar skin – olive tone semi-acne prone combination skin).

I’ve tried MANY products from their line but decided to focus this post on the ones that I loved and repurchased and the ones I didn’t enjoy or find effective.  I have included links below directly to the Ole Henriksen website.

Please note, that they do not ship to Canada or internationally  however you can purchase many of the products at Sephora. 🙂

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Sneaky Sneaky LUSH! A fave renamed and reformulated.

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Angels Delight Soap (photo from http://allthingslushuk.blogspot.ca/2013/05/review-angels-delight-soap.html)

 

My all time favourite LUSH product is Angels Delight, a bright pink holiday seasonal soap with blocks of  blue and yellow that smells like fruity heaven (it reminds me of mango and citrus).

Every winter, I would go to the store and purchase the biggest block I could find…no, not just their medium size pre-cut pieces…I bought one of the HUGE blocks and would take it home and cut it into smaller usable soap squares to have for the entire year until they relaunched it for the next holiday season.

Last year, I was incredibly disappointed to learn that, for the first time in YEARS, the product was not available.  The store staff tried to sell me on a couple other soaps but I left empty handed (well, let’s be honest, not totally empty handed, I bought a couple bath bombs and shampoo bars,….just without soap).

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My Sephora VIB Fall 2016 Sale Haul

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It’s that time of year again….the SEPHORA VIB SALE!

Twice a year Sephora launches a brief 20% off sale for their VIB and VIB Rouge Beauty Insiders (ie. second and third tier loyalty members).   I took advantage of this sale and picked up a selection of my beauty essentials, new favourites, splurges, an anniversary gift, and a free point purchase.

In today’s blog, I decided to only include images and descriptions (from the Sephora website) instead of including my full reviews and/or swatches of each product, like I usually do.  I thought this would be a great opportunity to hear from you about which of the listed products you would like me to review, swatch, compare to competitors…etc (not to mention, prevent this post from being insanely long).

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L’Oréal Revitalift Bright Reveal VoxBox

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L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Influenster Voxbox

A couple months ago, I signed up for Influenster, a site where “social savvy shoppers” can stay on top of the latest product news, review products, and receive free products (“VoxBox”) based on their social media presence.

Last month, I received my second complimentary VoxBox – the L’Oréal Revitalift Bright Reveal VoxBox.  It contained a Daily Scrub Cleanser, Reveal Peel Pads, Overnight Moisturizer, and SPF 30 Moisturizer.

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Tried & True: My Concealer Journey

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Dark circles, acne scars, or discolouration?  Foundation helps but sometimes you need a little extra coverage to feel your best.

Over the past 22 years, I’ve tried a variety of concealers depending on my needs at different stages of my life – liquids, creams and powders, medicated and cosmetic.  I’m definitely not a concealer expert, but I wanted to share my product journey with you in hopes that you can learn a little, laugh a little, and reflect on your makeup journey.

Before I start, I should mention that this blog is focused on products (vs. application).  I normally select concealers that are one or two shades lighter then my foundation.  If a product doesn’t come with a spongy tip, I dab it onto my skin with my middle or ring finger and then blend it in with a Beauty Blender.  For dark circles, I apply it in a half moon or triangular shape under my eyes and then blend it out. (Not mind blowing info…but more of an fyi).

In the beginning

acnomelAlthough it’s an acne medication cream, I have always considered Acnomel my very first concealer. When I was 11, I had a little acne so my mom bought it for me to help clear it up.   The product was tinted beige/tan, and I discovered that if I dabbed a super thin layer on my problem areas, it would cover them up.  So, although it wasn’t meant or marketed as a concealer, I used it daily to help treat and hide my acne (I went through MANY tubes …probably helped keep the company in business).

Does this make me look…orange?

When I began high school and started wearing makeup, I realized why Acnomel was not marketed as a concealer – once dry, it cracked, was cakey and sometimes had a slightly orange tint if I applied too much.  No one could see my zits, but they could see the dry, cakey, orange splotches all over my face.  Oy!

So, I went on a hunt to find a  new acne fighting concealer.  I wanted something that was easy to apply and blend, matched my olive skin tone, and helped clear my face.

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About me

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Who am I?

I am a Self Taught Makeup Artist, New Mom, Marketer, Singer, Reality TV Junky, Movie Enthusiast, Music Lover, Chef in Training, Disney Princess Wannabe.

Why did I start this blog?

A couple years ago, I was thinking about starting a blog to share my beauty tips, tricks, and product recommendations.  I never went to beauty school but I worked for a cosmetic company and have learned a lot from books, articles, videos, observing others, and self-trial. I decided not to start the blog because, as a marketer, I didn’t think I had an interesting enough angle to make it worthwhile.

Several years ago, however, I had a life changing experience!  I was laid off from my job, had to make a new group of friends, lost over 40 pounds, learned how to cook and took my first solo vacation.  Through all this, I finally discovered my inner strength and beauty.  I became interested in analyzing the concept of beauty and happiness and how they relate to inner confidence – ie. What makes someone beautiful? Does confidence come naturally? Is happiness a choice?  What can we do to make ourselves feel more beautiful / confident / happy?  …etc.

So…I finally found my angle and decided to start this blog!

Why should you follow my blog?

Every women, at some point, struggles with self-acceptance, appreciation and feeling beautiful.  Sometimes all it takes is a dash of mascara, inspiring story or compliment from a stranger to make you feel fabulous!

I hope that I can entertain, teach and/or inspire you by sharing my experiences, discoveries, thoughts, and beauty tips.  Every woman deserves to feel beautiful!

Enjoy!


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