Summer naturally means showing off a lot of skin. Although I’m kinda a workout-aholic any time of the year, I take it more seriously in the summer months since I’m showing off more skin due to the hot weather.
I think it’s safe to say that everyone has their problem areas. Even if you think someone has the perfect body, I’m sure they could tell you something about it they don’t like. For me it’s my arms and legs. Since I’m short and teach a muscle-strengthening class, my thighs aren’t exactly as thin as I would like them to be. My thighs are bulky, and yes, like a lot of people, I have some cellulite on them. As for my arms, I prefer to keep them covered up. They are also quite strong, but I wish they looked more toned.
Okay, so this post isn’t a pity party about my body, since I am quite confident in it and although I may find faults with it, I bet most people look at me and see nothing wrong. Anyways, today’s post is on some lotions that I touched on in my Wednesday round up post, and are totally appropriate for summer.
I chatted about the Rodial Super Fit Tummy Tuck 150 ml
product, something I have been using for the past few months on my stomach, but originally when their PR reached out to me they also mentioned the Nip + Fab lotions are well, which are the more affordable sister brand to Rodial.
The trendy British brand (who formerly had Kylie Jenner as their spokesperson) offers up the Hi-Tech Bodycare, which not only moisturize, but are designed to sculpt, refine and tone. There’s the Cellulite Fix, the 365 Body Glow Fix, the Bust Fix, Tummy Fix, Upper Arm Fix, Body Slim Fix, and more.
Since I also received a couple of the Rodial products (which I’ll get into in a second here), I asked to try out the Nip+Fab Body Slim Fix by Nip+Fab
and the Nip + Fab Upper Arm Fix (100ml)
. The Body Slim Fix is designed to firm and tone the body through a two-in-one fitness formula which hydrates and tones the skin. It contains Unislim, which helps sculpt and refine body contours; cocoa butter, which soften and smoothes; and caffeine extract, which helps to improve skin tone and texture. The daily toning moisturizer is said to improve the appearance of your body contours for a firmer, slimmer appearance. You’re supposed to apply it after a workout or after a hot shower.
I’ve been applying this product on my legs, concentrating on my thighs, almost every night. I don’t bother applying it after a workout since I’ll be showering shortly after anyways. Have I noticed a difference? Yes, but I think that could just be my diet for the week. Less sodium and sugar usually tends to give me a more toned appearance in general. This product in particular applies as a cream moisturizer, as opposed to a gel, which is the formula for the other ones I’ll be talking about. My skin does feel nourished though. Since this is a drugstore product, you can probably find it for under $20, which for a moisturizer isn’t bad, especially one billed to reduce cellulite and give you a thinner appearance.
The other Nip + Fab product I tried out was the Upper Arm Fix, which I also got in the Rodial formula. I tried out both products on different arms to see if there was a difference between the two. The Nip + Fab Upper Arm Fix smooths and firms upper arms through a combination of active ingredients to stimulate circulation, promote the breakdowns of fats, and increase skin smoothness. It helps to define the appearance of the upper arm area, improves skin texture, and helps to tone the arm. The formula contains blue lotus flower (improves tonicity), active caffeine (promotes elasticity), cactus extract (retextures and exfoliates).
The Rodial Super Fit Arm Sculpt 100 ml
is a similar formula which is billed to retexture, firm, and define the look of the upper arm area. It contains bodyfit (decreases fatty deposits and water retention), skin tightener (contains wheat protein, which tightens and smoothes the skin), fruit acids (work to weaken the bonds that hold dead skin cells together to help with exfoliation), and pomegranate extract (anti-aging and protecting). After regular use, this gel formula is supposed to make upper arms look more firm and sculpted.
As I mentioned, I used both formulas on each arm. Did I notice a difference between the two products? No. Did I notice a difference in my arms? Kind of. I do feel like my arms look a little more toned. But again, that could just be due to exercise and healthy eating, thus making me look less bloated. They are both a gel formula, but the price difference is astonishing. The Rodial version at Shoppers Beauty Boutique is C$62, whereas the Nip + Fab version you can probably find for under C$20. Although they both feel the same on skin (a little tightening), the Rodial version does offer more expensive ingredients.
Lastly is the Rodial Super Fit Tummy Tuck 150 ml, which I already covered in my last post. In case you didn’t read it though, the gel product is a concentrated skin-firming lotion for the stomach area that helps to improve skin tone and elasticity. The formula includes Gemmoslim, which assists with the breakdown of body fat and reduces the size of fat-storing cells; tensile wheat protein, which smoothes and decreases the appearance of imperfections; and laracare, which improves skin hydration.
I didn’t necessarily notice a huge difference using this. I do find I look slimmer, but again, I’ve been changing up my exercise routine, so that’s where the toned appearance could be coming from.
Overall, I really like the idea of these creams. Did they really work? It’s hard to tell what was due to exercise and healthy eating as opposed to regular use of these lotions. If you can find the Nip + Fab ones, I would try those out first since they are more affordable and if you find results with those, look into the more expensive Rodial ones. If you already have a diet and exercise plan, then I think it would be a good idea to throw these in the mix as well, every little bit helps!
Have you tried out any firming creams before?
Please note, products provided by PR. All opinions are my own.
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Last weekend was the first day this year where it actually felt like summer for me (okay, I’m lying, it felt like summer in Southeast Asia at the beginning of the year too, but that doesn’t count). I spent all weekend out in the sun or by a pool and it felt amazing.
Since our summer beauty routine is much different than our winter one, there are so many items in my collection which are on rotation. Whether it be a BB cream with SPF, or a hair treatment to protect my locks against the sun’s rays, I have an abundance of products that I pull out every year around this time.
I’ll be doing a few different round up posts this summer, but I wanted to start with some of my essentials. I will be doing more complete reviews on some of these products, but for those of you looking for some summer staples, these are them.
Organique Pineapple Ritual skincare line
I am obsessed with pineapples. Whether it be pineapple cushions, pineapple neon lights, or just eating the actual fruit itself, this flirty food item can do no wrong. So naturally I gravitated towards Organique’s Pineapple Ritual Body line as soon as I saw it. I have the body mousse and the face mask, but they also offer a body scrub as well.
The Pineapple Ritual Body Mousse contains a variety of vegan, natural ingredients aimed to brighten skin. The combination of shea butter, vitamin E, pineapple extract, and more helps to even skin colour, smooth skin, protect, and provide long-lasting hydration. It also has little exfoliant beads that help you get soft, supple skin that smells amazing.
The Pineapple Ritual Face Mask is a cream-based mask that is recommended for use two to three times a week. Slather it on, leave on for about 20 minutes, then rinse off. The pineapple extract helps to smooth skin, whereas the grape seed oil helps to regenerate, nourish and soften your skin. The formula also contains vitamin E in micro-capsules, which are a strong antioxidant, protecting against aging, and the physic acid improves hydration and elasticity.
If you’re interested in purchasing these products, use code ORGANIQUEBEAUTY for 15% your first order on their Canadian site.
Rodial Super Fit Tummy Tuck
I have a few of these toning lotions, which I’m going to do a most thorough post on, but I just had to mention this one first in my round up. Summer means bathing suit season and if you’re going to don a bikini, you may want to include this cream in your daily workout and clean eating routine.
Rodial’s Super Fit Tummy Tuck is a concentrated skin-firming lotion for the stomach area that helps to improve skin tone and elasticity. The formula includes Gemmoslim, which assists with the breakdown of body fat and reduces the size of fat-storing cells; tensile wheat protein, which smoothes and decreases the appearance of imperfections; and laracare, which improves skin hydration.
I’ve been using this nightly and combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, I have noticed my stomach does look more toned. Although it’s targeted to give you a more fit stomach, don’t rely on this alone, it’s supposed to be used with a healthy lifestyle. It is on the pricey side (C$104 on Amazon.ca), but Nip + Fab does make a more affordable version (same parent company).
Vita Liberata Ten Minute Tan
Don’t tan well naturally? Neither do I.
For those of us pale-skinned people, the invention of self tanner was a lifesaver. There are so many different formulas on the market now and a lot of them are getting very high tech.
If you’re short on time but want a tan ASAP, then take a look at Vita Liberata’s Ten Minute Tan. This rapid tanning lotion lets you shower the product off after just 10 minutes.
Wait, what?
I usually will apply self tanner before I go to bed to let it settle and develop overnight. With this product, you apply it before the shower, leave it on for at least 10 minutes, then rinse it gently off. Your tan will develop in as little as six hours later with no sign of transfer (definitely the best part). The formula also includes Matrixyl 3000 Peptide Complex, which plumps and conditions the look of skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and supports natural collagen production.
I plan on doing a more in-depth review of this product, since it’s so innovative and definitely deserves a post all to itself. I know for a lot of people they don’t like the transfer of self tanner (or the smell), so this is definitely a product to look into this summer.
Tarte Hair Goals Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo is a must this season. Whether you’re hitting the beach or a festival, a good dry shampoo is nice to pack in your bag when you need a little touch up.
At C$25, Tarte’s Hair Goals dry shampoo is a little on the pricier end, but it comes housed in the cutest bottle and smells amazing. The formula is vegan and is designed to instantly lift oil and freshen hair. It also contains natural thickening ingredients inspired by Tarte’s mascaras to lift roots and boost volume.
Since I work out a lot, I often just use this product in the morning to give my hair a touch up so I’m not constantly washing it. My hair products have their little home inside my cabinet, but since this one is so cute, I keep it on my sink, handy for touchups whenever I need it.
Tarte Clay Pot Waterproof Liner
Colourful liners are a must for the summertime, especially at a pool party. Since eyeliner has the tendency to smudge, no one wants to look like a unicorn raccoon, so invest in some fun waterproof liners this season.
Another Tarte product, their Clay Pot Waterproof Liners are available in 12 shades and are an oil-free, budge-proof gel liner that can easily double as a cream eyeshadow or base.
Obviously there are more everyday colours, but I’m totally digging Blue Moon (peacock blue), Margarita (lime green) and Prom Queen (purple). Grab an angled liner and rock a bright look this summer, or use these all over the lid for a totally bold look.
There are so many products to try out this summer and I have even more roundups coming up. Let me know which products are your summer staples!
Please note, products provided by PR. All opinions are my own.
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Guys, it’s official summer, which means lots of sun and lots of late nights (who really wants to go to bed before the sun goes down?). If there are three items you need this summer it’s sunscreen, dry shampoo, and a good concealer.
I have some favourite concealers in my collection, but ones that continuously blow me away are ones by Benefit. I’ve tried a number of them and this summer the brand is actually bringing them all under the Boi-ing umbrella. So that means that if you had a favourite concealer by the brand before, it’s still there, just with the Boi-ing name.
If you’re unsure about the Boi-ing family, there’s the Brightening Concealer (full coverage, brightens dull, tired eyes and discolouration), the Industrial Strength Concealer (full coverage, covers heavy-duty dark circles and blemishes), and the Hydrating concealer (sheer coverage, hydrates dry underlies and hides dark shadows). In celebration of the new family there’s also a new one to add in the mix, the Airbrush Concealer.
Benefit’s Boi-ing Airbrush Concealer (C$27) blurs, smoothes, and conceals those pesky undereye circles to bring some brightness to the eye area. It conceals and retouches unevenness, fine lines and undereye circles. Housed in a jar with the cutest pink lid (it also comes in a super cute box that looks like those pink erasers), you apply this concealer with a brush or your fingers and it instantly melts into the skin, providing you with 10-hour wear. It’s also waterproof (a major plus for the summer months), and doesn’t crease or cake on your skin.
Benefit graciously sent me two of the three shades to try out, 02 and 03, and since I’m quite fair, I obviously went with 02. Although I thought that 01 would be more my shade, 02 actually worked out perfectly. I applied the product with a foundation brush and it instantly melted into my skin. I don’t really have problems with undereye circles, so I often reserve my heavy-duty concealers for nights out when I’m doing a full glam look. This particular concealer is actually sheer to medium coverage, making it perfect for everyday wear.
Overall, I think I found my new favourite daytime concealer. I love the way this applies and I found that you only need a little to go a long way. Plus, who can resist that cute packaging?!
Also, a little tip for those who want to try out the concealer (or anything else from Benefit), you can get 3 FREE bronzing & highlighting minis with any $70 order. Code: SOLSTICE
Are you planning on trying out Benefit’s new Boi-ing Airbrush Concealer?
Please note, product sent by PR, all opinions are my own.
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