What happens when two mega beauty brands collaborate? They come out with a collection that incorporates best-selling products and helps expose a new audience to a beloved brand.
Earlier this month Avon released a collab that I totally didn’t see coming. K-Beauty has been a huge trend in our Western world here for a few years now and one of the biggest K-Beauty brands is The Face Shop, a Korean skincare and makeup brand that actually has some outposts here in Canada as well (you can find them in the Nature Collection stores). Avon teamed up with The Face Shop and released a capsule collection that takes some of their bestsellers and makes them more mainstream, delivering them to a whole new market that perhaps didn’t even think of trying K-Beauty products… until now.
Avon sent me a box of goodies that really allowed me to explore the collection. I have tried some of The Face Shop products in the past, so I was familiar with the line up already.
The star product in the range is definitely their Cushion Foundation, which I feel like is a K-Beauty staple. The Ink Lasting Cushion Foundation Slim Fit (C$38) comes in 18 shades and is a compact foundation that opens up to a sponge fulled with product (hence the term “cushion”). Use the included puff to apply the product to skin, leaving you with a smooth, natural matte finish. The formula is a buildable medium-to-full coverage application and feels weightless on the skin.
Before the foundation, apply the Ink Lasting Primer (C$30), which is a clear primer that minimizes pores, helps your makeup last longer, mattifies the skin and controls oil. I was actually quite surprised with the texture of this product since I thought it would be a more like a silicone feel, but it’s actually quite smooth and glides into the skin and absorbs nicely, prepping your skin for your foundation.
For the cheeks, Avon also came out with their own version of the Moisture Cushion Blush (C$20), which is available in three shades (they also have this in a highlighter as well). This blush is similar to the cushion foundation, just in a smaller package, and you apply it the same way. The formula is long wearing, pigmented, and lightweight on the skin. It also has passionflower, rosehip oil, and vitamin E in the formula to leave skin feeling nourished.
Finally, finish the look with the Flat Velvet Lipstick (C$16) which is a unique pencil lipstick that has a flat square tip shape. Available in 10 shades, this lip product allows you to line, contour, and fill in lips. The formula is a velvet matte finish and is infused with calendula oil for a moisturizing application. I will say that although these deliver pretty colour, there is a little learning curve in figuring out the best way to apply these. The shape is a rectangle, so you have to apply these kind of head-on instead of the usual application on an angle. Once you get the hang of it though, it glides on smoothly and really allows you to outline your lips nicely.
If skincare if more your jam, then take a look at the offerings they came out with. The hype over Korean skincare is so real, so if you were interested in picking up some items but don’t know where to start, here is your chance.
The Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser (C$18) is a creamy cleanser that lathers into a rich foaming texture, allowing you to remove all makeup, dirt, oil, etc. in preparation for the rest of your skincare routine. The key ingredients, rice water and soapwort extract, help leave skin clear and bright.
For your moisturizer, try the Dr. Belmeur Advanced Cica Recovery Cream (C$55) which is moisturizer for extra-dry and damaged skin (perfect for those dry, cold winters). This stuff has strengthening ceramics to help restore the moisture barrier. Avon also has this cream in a Hydro version as well.
Avon has also released another moisturizer in the line, the Therapy Oil Blending Cream (C$58), which is designed to leave skin visibly smooth and glowing. When you open the packaging initially you may find that the oil and cream has separated; that’s completely normal and you’re supposed to use the included spatula to stir it all together. The whole point of this product is it’s supposed to harness the power of oil blending to deliver an anti-aging experience. The formula includes sandalwood, avocado, and palm arose leaves to help keep skin moisturized and fresh.
So if you’re wondering what the difference is between these products and the normal The Face Shop ones, it looks like Avon has released them in exclusive shade ranges and new to Avon formats, such as the cushion formula.
If you are already a fan of K-Beauty or The Face Shop then I highly recommend checking this collection out. The Face Shop has a few different cushion products, but it looks like this particular one is exclusive to the Avon collab.
Are you a K-Beauty fan?
Please note, products provided by PR. All opinions are my own.
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Okay, so I know I just chatted about skincare this past Friday, but I really wanted to devote a whole post to a particular brand who recently came out with new regime that will definitely have people talking about your skin.
Ole Henriksen recently introduced a new set, The Glow That Starts Rumours, which includes three star products targeted to transform your routine and deliver glowing skin. Included in this set, which all come sold separately as well, is the Glow2Oh Dark Spot Toner, the C-Rush Brightening Gel Creme, and the PHAT Glow Facial.
Start first with the PHAT Glow Facial (C$65), which is similar to the Drunk Elephant Baby Facial I chatted about last week (except this one is available in Canada). This facial, which can be used twice a week, contains PHAs, an exfoliating acid which is similar to AHAs in that they deliver skin-perfecting, age-fighting results, but these are fats (hence the name and PHAt), so they are a bigger molecule. PHAs don’t go as deep into the skin and they loosen up the surface layer of skin to reveal newer, fresher skin below. Pump some of the formula onto your fingers and then apply it to the face where it will turn from pink to white. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse off with a damp cloth. Afterwards apply the rest of your skincare routine.
I love using these facial products as they really help to up my skincare game (I like applying them right after a mask on Sundays). It also is a nice treat to my skin and helps it even out skin tone, gives skin a radiant glow, illuminate skin, and more.
The next step in this routine is the Glow2OH Dark Spot Toner (C$37) which is a toner with a high concentration of AHAs and witch hazel water designed to reduce the look of dark spots in as little as seven days. This toner will also help to combat fine lines and wrinkles, as well as smooth out texture.
The formula contains sandalwood, chamomile, and liquorice extracts and is perfect to use morning and night. You’ll get a slight tingling with this toner (I love the sensation), but that way you know it’s really working to penetrate skin for a deep clean, prepping you for your serum and moisturizer.
Speaking of moisturizer, finish up your routine with the C-Rush Brightening Gel Creme (C$58), which is a moisturizer designed to deliver 24-hour hydration, brighten and firm skin, and target fine lines and wrinkles.
This moisturizer is powered by three sources of vitamin C (for addressing signs of aging) and Rose of Winter (which is rich in antioxidants to help nourish and condition skin). The peach-tinted gel creme instantly illuminates and hydrates skin and will improve your makeup application as it creates a smooth, hydrated canvas for your foundation.
You can purchase these items separately or save some cash when buying them together for $122 USD. I really love all these products and with winter upon us, now is definitely the time to stock up on some goodies that will save your skin this season.
Have you tried Ole Henriksen products?
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If you watch my Instagram stories, you’ll know I get a lot of skincare.
I don’t know what is going on in the beauty world, but it seems like all brands care about right now is skincare. There is a revolution behind having great skin and truthfully, I’m all for it since all the makeup in the world can’t cover bad skin.
Since I get in so many items I’ve been holding them and instead of doing separate posts on each one, I wanted to do an anthology of products for each month. Since the temperatures are dropping fast here, it’s really important that you are taking good care of your skin since cold weather often means dry skin.
Here are my top picks for November..
Bioderma Sebium H2O collection
If you suffer from oily or combination skin, then this is the collection for you.
From French skincare brand Bioderma, their Sebium H20 collection features a number of products aimed at targeting oily and blemished skin.
Start first with their infamous micellar solution (C$13.90 for 250 ml), which cleanses, removes makeup, and purifies the skin without drying it out. I love using this stuff to remove makeup since it does such a great job of removing everything prior to using my cleanser. If you are more of a makeup wipe kind of girl, then take a look at their Sebium H20 Cleansing Purifying Micellar Wipes (C$12.90), which contains 25 biodegradable wipes which has the same formula as the micellar solution, but in a single-use wipe format.
Afterwards, go in with the Sebium Oily Skin Purifying Foaming Gel (C$22.90), which gently cleanses and purifies the face without dry it out. The formula cleanses skin, reduces the number of blemishes, and limits sebum secretion as well.
After your face is nice and clean, use the Sebium Lotion (C$19.90), which acts like a toner to rebalance combination to oily skin. Pour some of the product on a cotton round to help refine the skin’s surface texture and tighten pores.
Finally, if you suffer from acne, try using one of their new products in this line, the Bioderma Global Cover (C$21.06), which is a high-coverage tinted treatment that acts to rebalance the composition of sebum to restore its natural protective functions and prevents new blemishes from forming.
The formula contains AHA esters and salicylic acid, which is commonly found in acne products to help clear pores and smooth out the skin’s texture. This product is also rich in pigments and magnifying powders to cancel out any shine. The green colour also helps to neutralize redness as well.
Indeed Labs noAcid Pads
I’ve always been a fan of the products that Indeed Labs comes out with since innovative products that feature alternative ingredients to popular items that are already out there (plus bonus points since they are a Canadian company!).
The newest item to the line is their noAcid Pads (C$19.99) which are a gentle alternative to acids. I’ve tried a few different at-home acid treatments that usually come in presoaked pads that you apply to your skin a few times a week or nightly. The use of acid in your skincare helps to intensely exfoliate skin and regenerate it for a better complexion. You may have heard about acid peels in dermatologist’s offices and these at-home products work the same way, but on a slower timeline and at a less-intense level.
Indeed’s product contains ingredients that will revitalize and improve overall skin texture since acids often leave skin feeling dry and irritated. The noAcid pads contain active probiotics and natural extracts from yarrow and Japanese cedar buds to exfoliate and reveal new skin and retexturize it for a youthful appearance. This product will refresh and tone skin, remove dead skin, brighten the look of skin, and reduce the appearance of pores.
These come in a jar and contain 30 single-use pads which are safe to use every day, morning and night, after cleansing your face.
Kiehl’s Breakout Control Targeted Blemish Spot Solution
I recently reviewed one of Tula’s new products, their Keep It Clear Acne Spot Treatment, but if you are Canadian like me, it may be hard to pick up that product unless you’re planning a trip to the States. If you’re looking for something easier to find, then take a look at Kiehl’s Breakout Control Targeted Blemish Spot Solution (C$37).
This targeted acne treatment helps to rid your skin of acne and blemishes thanks to salicylic acid to refine the skin’s texture. It also contains anti-bacterial properties to get rid of acne-causing bacteria, oil-absorbing ginger root extract to soothe skin, and frankincense to help reduce sebum production.
I love using these treatments when I get a pimple, since I’ll put a dab of this stuff directly on the zit and after a few days it disappears. I’ve been using an Olay version for years but have retired it for this one and the Tula one. I know a lot of people like to pick and pop zits, but if you can contain yourself, definitely try something like these products instead.
St. Tropez Gradual Tan Watermelon Infusion Everyday Moisture Miracle Body Lotion
Okay, so I’ve talked about how I’m ghostly pale a lot on here. As much as I wish I was born with beautiful olive skin, I wasn’t, so therefore I have to rely on self tanner.
I don’t usually self tan unless it’s summertime or I have an event or trip planned, mostly because I’m super lazy and self tanner is expensive, but now that it’s pretty much winter in Winnipeg that means dry pale skin.
I’ve been slathering on body lotion every night before bed to keep my skin nice and soft, but it’s still pale as hell. That’s where St. Tropez’s new moisturizer comes in.
The St. Tropez Gradual Tan Watermelon Infusion Everyday Moisture Miracle Body Lotion (yes, that’s a mouthful), is an everyday moisturizer that will gradually build up to a medium-coloured glow. The best part is that it doesn’t have that dreaded self tanner smell, instead it smells like watermelon, which is much more pleasant.
This stuff locks in moisture for up to 72 hours and will gradually leave you a sun-kissed glow when used regularly (and none of that awful self tanning smell). The product is infused with hyaluronic acid and absorbs quickly into the skin. I like to apply this with a self tanner glove just in case it leaves you with orange palms, but the formula glides on smoothly and is definitely more of a moisturizer texture as opposed to a self tanner.
When I first started using this, I wasn’t sure how “gradual” it would develop my tan. After one use I saw some noticeable colour and was quite pleased with the results. Since it does have tanning properties in it, you obviously want to cover your body in it (whereas I would normally use moisturizer on my legs, arms, and chest), otherwise you may look a little uneven. That also means that you’ll use up the bottle much faster, which at C$38 a pop, it’s definitely not a cheap moisturizer.
Regardless, I still recommend picking this up if you enjoy self tanner. You could also rotate it out every second day or so to make it last a little longer.
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial
Speaking of items you can only get in the States, Drunk Elephant’s T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial is only available stateside for now, but if you’re planning a trip down, definitely pop into Sephora and pick this guy up.
This weekly treatment ($80 USD) is a pro-quality AHA/BHA facial that reveals improved skin texture and tone, as well as a more youthful radiance. This stuff gently exfoliates the pore lining and gets rid of built-up dead skin cells. It contains a high percentage of 25% AHA (Health Canada hasn’t approved this level of AHA, hence the lack of availability in Canada at the moment), as well as two per cent BHA to smooth texture while minimizing the look of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Apply this once a week and leave on for 20 minutes then rinse off. You’ll notice that there is a slight tingling/burning sensation, which is totally normal. Afterwards, apply a serum to your face and the rest of your skincare and you are golden.
I’ve been using this product every week since September and love how it makes my skin look and feel. I’ve loved all of Drunk Elephant’s products in general, so I knew I would love this one as well. If you suffer from stubborn skin then I would highly recommend you look into investing in this product.
Alumier MD EverActive C&E and Sheer Hydration Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40
As much as skincare found at department stores and the drugstore can get rid of a number of skin issues, sometimes you need something a little more powerful.
Alumier MD is a medical-grade skincare line that you can find at doctor’s offices and contains medical-grade ingredients that are stronger than the stuff typically found at Sephora. If you are looking for something heavy duty to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, then give their EverActive C&E a shot.
This serum is a high-strength vitamin C and vitamin E serum that is designed to revitalize skin and reduce the appearance of ageing. The antioxidants in the formula neutralize free radicals and protects against UV damage, whereas the vitamin C and MATRIXYL Synthe’6 strengthens and brightens skin. This serum is unique in that the container actually separates the vitamin C in the cap, which when released into the serum, will start to work right away. Typically, when they are mixed together, the vitamin C oxidizes, so by the time you purchase the product it’s no longer beneficial to the skin.
This serum comes in a pack of three with one dropper. Apply a few drops in the morning and then follow up with your moisturizer and sunscreen.
Speaking of sunscreen, you should be applying some sort of SPF to your face every morning (regardless if you are even stepping foot outside at all). Their Sheer Hydration Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40 is a great option to pick up with the serum since it provides protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Mary Kay Cosmetics HydroGel Eye Patches and TimeWise Moisture Renewing Gel Mask
I don’t know about you, but with the sun setting so early now I just want to go to bed at like 6 p.m. Not only that, but I feel like I’m tired all the time. Because of this, it’s actually been perfect timing to receive some new goodies from Mary Kay.
The brand has recently released their Mary Kay HydroGel Eye Patches (C$45 for 30 pairs) which are designed to wake up tired eyes thanks to gel patches that you place under your eye area. These crescent-shaped patches hug the eye area and instantly cool and soothe the skin, boost skin hydration, and diminish the look of puffiness and dullness.
I like using these in addition to their TimeWise Moisture Renewing Gel Mask (C$26), which gives you 10 skin-renewing benefits in one ultimate mask.
Apply this to your skin to lock in moisture, diminish signs of stress, plump your skin, minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and breath new life into tired skin. Apply both these products for 20 minutes twice a week, or you can also leave the mask on all night for an overnight treatment. For an extra-special treat, store the eye patches in the fridge to cool tired eyes.
Tula Bestsellers Skincare Essentials Kit and Travel Kit
You guys know I’m a Tula diehard, so when I got a couple of their new sets in the mail I was ecstatic to dig into them right away.
I’ve tried a lot of Tula products and can honestly tell you that their stuff works wonders, so if you are interested in picking up your own routine, then here is your chance. The beauty brand just came out with their Bestsellers Skincare Essentials Kit, as well as a travel-sized kit containing all of the same products (aside from one).
The Bestsellers Skincare Essentials Kit ($138 USD, a $50 savings!) comes with everything you need for a complete skincare routine. In this set you get full sizes of the following:
- cult classic purifying face cleanser (6.7 fl oz)
- so polished exfoliating sugar scrub (2.9 oz)
- 24-7 moisture hydrating day & night cream (1.5 oz)
- face filter blurring & moisturizing primer (1 fl oz)
- glow & get it cooling & brightening eye balm (0.35 oz)
- blue cosmetic bag
I already use a lot of these products every day and can honestly tell you that they all rock! Although most of these are essentials, I wish they would have swapped out the scrub for their toner, but hey, a scrub is great to use once or twice a week as well.
If you already use Tula and are looking to bring these products along for a trip, or if you want to try them out but don’t want to invest over a hundred dollars on a routine you’re not sure about, then take a look at their Bestsellers Travel Kit which includes minis of all the products except for the Glow and Get It Eye Balm (I wish they would have just thrown this in here too since it’s so compact anyways).
In this set you get:
- cult classic purifying face cleanser (1.69 fl oz)
- so polished exfoliating sugar scrub (0.38 oz)
- 24-7 moisture hydrating day & night cream (0.56 oz)
- face filter blurring & moisturizing primer (0.23 fl oz)
- TULA blue bag
The travel set retails for $52 USD and has a $70 value. If you are unsure of Tula or want to try out a variety of products, then this is definitely a good set to pick up. These minis will last you a while and give you a good idea of how these products work wonders on your skin.
Don’t forget, you can score an additional 20% off your Tula order with code SHAYNA.
There are so many great skincare products to try out this month and if you’re eyeing any of these, take a look to see if the particular brand has released a holiday gift set with that item. The holidays are the perfect time to pick up new skincare items since you can usually find some great sets that would cost as much as a single product.
I’ll have some wonderful skincare sets coming up in my holiday round ups, but until then, let me know if you’re loving any of these items currently.
Please note, products provided by PR. All opinions are my own.
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