I’m a huge sucker for branding.
I’ve been wanting to try Glow Recipe’s products for years now, mostly since they are so colourful and the packaging is so stinking cute. A couple weeks ago I blogged about their Watermelon line, of which they just released the Niacinamide Dew Drops month or so back, and I absolutely love how those products made my skin look and feel (I’m back home in Winnipeg now and I left them in Montreal). Since I now know that the brand is definitely worth the hype, I was excited to get my hands on some of their other products, especially ones that are bestsellers.
If you are interested in giving Glow Recipe a shot but don’t know where to start, then take a look at these three products to dip your toes in the water, so to speak ;).
Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Sleeping Mask
I’ve chatted about retinol products a lot on here but I don’t think I’ve ever touched on a retinol eye cream.
Glow Recipe’s bestselling eye cream, the Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Sleeping Mask (C$56) is a sleeping mask for the eye area that is formulated with avocado, encapsulated retinol and coffee berry to brighten, depuff, and treat the appearance of dark circles. This eye cream includes avocado, which has vitamin E and C to fight wrinkles and environmental aggressors, as well as soothe and nourish the delicate skin around your eyes. It also has encapsulated retinol to improve the look of uneven skin tone, as well as address the damage caused by daily exposure to pollutants and other free radicals. Since this is encapsulated retinol, it allows the retinol itself to sit on your skin for a long period of time, which will release small amounts of it, making it more gentle than traditional treatments.
In addition to retinol and avocado it also includes coffee berry, which is the seed of the coffee plant, which helps to revitalize, neutralize free radicals, and soothe. These three potent ingredients time release throughout the night so you wake up with brighter, smoother, and more awake eyes.
The cream itself comes in a little jar with a separate spoon. To be honest, I’m not the biggest fan of the packaging since I don’t find it to be the most efficient for an eye cream. It is cute though and does look adorable sitting in your medicine cabinet. With that being said though, a follower of mine on Instagram did mention to keep it in your fridge since the avocado in there tends to oxidize, so definitely some food for thought!
Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Serum
Okay, so we all know that winter and skin just aren’t a great mix.
To keep your hydration in check, take a look at Glow Recipe’s Plum Plump Hyaluronic Serum (C$55), which is a hydrating serum made with plum and five weights of hyaluronic acid to plump skin up with hydration.
Perfect for normal, dry, combination, and oily skin, this lightweight serum targets dryness, loss of firmness and elasticity, and fine lines and wrinkles. It contains next-generation hyaluronic acid, which is a powerful blend of multi-weight hyaluronic acids that hydrate the layers of your skin to plump it up. It also contains three plums to hydrate, nourish and rejuvenate skin’s appearance quickly and over time. Finally, it has vegan collagen and silk proteins to support the skin’s barrier by protecting it against free radicals, as well as to hydrate.
Apply this serum day and night to fight dryness, as well as reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner
Finally, when it comes to steps in your skincare routine, don’t forget to apply your toner!
I couldn’t imagine my routine without a toner and I was really excited to get in their bestselling one, the Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner (C$45) which is a PHA and BHA-infused watermelon toner that is aimed to hydrate your skin and minimize the appearance of pores.
Ideal for normal, dry, combination, and oily skin, this toner is a lightweight liquid that contains watermelon extract to hydrate, as well as deliver essential vitamins and amino acids; cactus water to seal in moisture and prevent moisture loss while delivering electrolytes and antioxidants; as well as PHA, which is a gentle exfoliator for softer and smoother skin.
This toner contains no alcohol so it won’t dry out skin and also has willow bark, which is a natural form of BHA, which will help to unclog pores while hydrating. Use this after your cleanser twice a day and you’ll notice a reduction in pore size, as well as glowing skin.
Glow Recipe has a ton of other products available as well that I can’t wait to try out, but in the meantime, these three will be a nice addition to my routine. In case you aren’t familiar with the brand it’s based off of Korean skincare innovations and is also vegan and cruelty free.
Have you tried any Glow Recipe products? Which ones are your faves?
Please note, products provided by PR. All opinions are my own.
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A couple days ago I showed on Instagram Stories a haul featuring the contents of today’s post, YSL Beauty’s Dress Me Wild 2020 holiday collection (I know, a little late to the game with this). Here’s the thing. I’ve chatted about this before on here and my connection to their Rouge Volupte lipsticks and what I was saying on Instagram was the fact that I’m very fortunate that a huge luxury beauty brand recognizes me, a beauty blogger from a small city in Canada.
Years and years ago, when I would travel to large cities that had a YSL Beauty counter I would always splurge on one of the Rouge Volupte lipsticks since the formula is amazing, the colours are to die for, and let’s not forget that the fact that it’s YSL. Having been doing this for so long now, I often get immune to the fact that these large beauty brands recognize my work and want to send me these products, and sometimes I like stepping back to feel a sheer sense of gratitude to these brands.
Anyways, sappiness aside, we are here for a reason and that’s to talk about YSL Beauty’s stunning holiday collection (which are actually still available at Nordstrom, the YSL Beauty site, and probably department stores that have a YSL Beauty counter). This collection features numerous items all housed in a beauty leopard motif on the casing. If you have some favourite YSL products already (*cough* Touche Eclait *) then I would recommend grabbing a backup featuring this limited-edition packaging.
Okay, so starting with the star of the show, the Couture Colour Clutch Palette (C$175) is probably the most beautiful palette I have ever seen in terms of packaging. The casing features a giant YSL logo in the middle with a raised and glittery red leopard design all over.
Open it up to reveal 10 shades which can be worn as eyeshadows, blushes, and highlighters (depending on the colour of course) in matte, pearl, satin, and metallic finishes.
The shades in this palette are a mix of colours that help you accomplish everything from romantic and babydoll looks to something a little more smoky and smouldering. I did try these colours out as blushes, eyeshadows, and highlights and although I did like them as a blush and highlighter, I found the colours I used (the pinks and the taupe) were a little too light for my taste for an eyeshadow. It still worked, but for $175, I do think that this palette is very expensive for the quality of the shadows (and it pains me to say this since I adore YSL).
It would also be really cool if this palette could actually transform into a clutch, but if it did that it probably would be way more money than it is (and it’s already probably the most expensive palette in my collection already).
Next up is the iconic Touche Eclait, which got a wild twist for the holidays. In case you aren’t familiar with the cult-classic illuminating pen, Touche Eclait Le Stylo (C$52) features a micro-pearl formula that highlights your features, all without any shimmer or glitter. In comes in a pen packaging that dispenses the product into the brush tip, allowing you to precisely apply the product wherever you need. This product is said to give you eight hours of beauty sleep in one click.
I’ve used this product a lot in my early blogging days and it’s perfect for any areas of your face that have shadows. So for instance, under your eyes, around your nose, along the hollows of your cheekbones. This special-edition packaging is offered up in two shades and features a black and gold leopard print, which honestly, if you are a fan of this product already, then you need to scoop this up before it’s gone. It would look so cute on your counter or in your makeup bag.
Finally, we need to talk about the lipsticks. As part of this collection, YSL Beauty came out with four shades of their Rouge Volupte Shine lipstick. Since I’m a pretty basic B and you guys know I love my baby pinks and nudes, I wasn’t too thrilled with the colour line up just looking at the beautiful tubes. Since it’s been awhile since I’m actually worn this formula, I forgot how creamy and sheer these go on, so when it came to swatching them, I was actually pleasantly surprised by how they ended up looking.
In case you aren’t familiar with the formula of Rouge Volupte Shine (C$49), these lipsticks melt on the lips and contain six sensorial oils to enhance the lips. The special-edition lipsticks come housed in a black and gold leopard pattern which also shimmers.
In this collection there are two reds and two burgundies, which like I said, actually applied nicer than I thought they would. My favourite is Rosewood in Wild, which comes off more like a baby pink than a rose colour and is now my favourite lipstick in my collection (it’s also so perfect for Valentine’s Day). These lipsticks are also super hydrating and wear well, so even if you have nowhere to go (thanks COVID), since they are so hydrating, you can just apply them whenever you’re feeling like a burst of moisture.
Finally, if a traditional lipstick formula is more your jam, don’t worry, they have those too.
The brand has released four shades in their Rouge Pur Couture (C$49) line, which is a full-coverage satin lipstick that gives you up to six hours of colour in one stroke.
Housed in the same red and black leopard print as the eyeshadow palette, these lipsticks come in four shades, including their iconic Le Rouge colour (which was the one I received). The other three shades are various tones of red as well.
Again, this lipstick is a stunner and I have purchased this formula from YSL in the past. It’s definitely more of a traditional lipstick, as opposed to the Rouge Volupte Shine, and the limited-edition holiday packaging would be perfect to carry around with you on date nights (when those can actually happen again).
YSL Beauty also has a few other products in this holiday packaging, which probably is one of my favourite collections looks-wise in a long time. These products are still available on their site and can be found virtually on retailers like Nordstrom as well.
Did you pick up anything from the YSL Beauty holiday 2020 collection?
Please note, all products provided by PR. All opinions are my own.
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One thing I don’t think I will ever get sick of? Skincare.
Since there isn’t a ton of excuses to actually wear makeup right now, the one thing that people seem to be focusing more on is skincare, and truthfully, there’s never been a better time to do so. There are so many amazing formulations out there, at all different price points, that it’s a great time to invest in your routine.
Now I know that it can be super intimidating trying to find the perfect products for you, and with so many different innovations out there, there really isn’t an excuse to have a bad skincare routine. I talk about skincare a lot on here and it’s because I truly love taking good care of my skin and also because I get in some amazing products.
Since the weather has been so cold here in Winnipeg, I’ve been pulling out more thicker moisturizers and more hydrating serums. If you are on the hunt for a little refresh in your routine too, then keep reading.
Dr. Belmeur Intensive Face Mask Cica Peptide and Daily Repair Cica Moisturizing Lip Balm
Something I do every Sunday? Apply a face mask of course!
I have masks of every single formulation out there and although I don’t really have a favourite, you can’t go wrong with a sheet mask.
As you guys may know, you can purchase The Face Shop brands through Avon and one of those brands is Dr. Belmeur, which is a Korean skincare line. They recently sent me a couple products which have come in handy for the cold, dry January weather, and with items like a sheet mask and a lip balm, these are two products which will always come in handy.
The Dr. Belmeur Intensive Face Mask Cica Peptide (C$6) is a sheet mask that helps to balance and support skin’s moisture barrier. Apply this mask to your face for 10 to 20 minutes to soothe troubled skin. This mask includes concentrated cica and peptides, which will reveal naturally glowing skin. I like to apply these after my cleanser and then pat in the excess serum in my skin before my eye cream and moisturizer.
Pair the sheet mask with the Dr. Belmeur Daily Repair Cica Moisturizing Lip Balm (C$21), which is perfect for dry, sensitive lips. This lip balm is made with mineral oil and is perfect for whenever your lips are feeling dry and parched. It’s also fragrance free and safe for suitable skin.
Biotherm Lait Corporel L’Original
So speaking of dry skin, something you must have on handy during the dry winter months is a good body lotion.
The Biotherm Lait Corporel L’Original (C$39) is a daily moisturizer that smells amazing and instantly smooths skin. The brand calls this a body milk and is targeted for dry skin. Apply this all over your body to help rehydrate, improve elasticity, reduce flakiness, and restore the skin’s moisture barrier.
The texture of this cream is lightweight and absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving it feeling heavy, oily, or greasy. It also features a pleasant citrus scent.
I like keeping this at my desk for on-the-go moisture for my hands and arms. I love this moisturizer and although it is quite pricey, your skin will thank you for it.
Biotherm Blue Therapy Uplift Night Cream
So when it comes to moisturizers, I have one for day and one for night. Typically when it comes to night creams, these are sometimes thicker in texture, but are specifically formulated to repair skin as you sleep.
I love Biotherm’s skincare so I was really excited to receive their Blue Therapy Uplift Night Cream (C$94), which helps to deeply restore, envelop, and smooth skin as you get your beauty sleep.
Apply this before bed for smoother and more comfortable skin. The formula includes red algae to firm, tense, and restructure the skin, and collagen fraction peptide to boost all types of collagen synthesis essential to skin’s elasticity.
Skinceuticals Phyto Corrective Masque
If you want heavy-duty skincare then take a look at Skinceuticals.
I’ve talked about the medical-grade skincare brand a lot on here and if you are looking for something to tackle redness and discomfort, then take a look at their Phyto Corrective Masque (C$72).
This mask can be used a variety of different ways and is ideal for those who have recently had procedures such as lasers, extractions, PDT, IPL, or other in-office treatments.
This mask contains highly-concentrated botanical extracts, dipeptide to calm skin, and hyaluronic acid to soothe and moisturize skin. This mask is cooling on contact and helps to comfort sensitive skin, helping to restore it back to its natural radiance.
You can apply this daily, weekly, or after a procedure. Other great times to apply it would be after sun exposure, after windburn from winter activities, or even after long travel on a plane. You can either apply it like a mask for 10-20 minutes and then wash off or even overnight for a more intense treatment.
IT Cosmetics Hello Results Wrinkle-Reducing Daily Retinol Serum-In-Cream
Finally, another one of my favourite brands in general is IT Cosmetics and when I saw they released their own version of a retinol cream, I was so excited to try it out.
The Hello Results Wrinkle-Reducing Daily Retinol Serum-in-Cream (C$90) is a daily retinol serum-in-cream that helps to visibly reduce wrinkles and dark spots. This product is supposed to replace your moisturizer, but since it does have retinol in it, which can be drying, if you feel the need for extra moisture, you can apply another moisturizer over top. It is also only supposed to be applied once daily.
This products contains dual retinol, which is a blend of free and encapsulated retinol to exfoliate skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines; niacinamide (vitamin B3) to reduce environmental damage and minimize the look of dark spots and discoloration; vitamin E to soothe skin and balance the common effects of retinol usage; and Vitamin B5 to moisturize.
When using this product is it very important to apply an SPF afterwards. I use retinol at night so I always make sure to apply an SPF the day after (I apply an SPF everyday on my face, but if you don’t make sure you don’t skip this step). Also, make sure that you don’t apply this to your eye or mouth area, or on broken or irritated skin. If you have sensitive skin, or never tried retinol before, use this product gradually, so maybe only use it twice a week and then build it up from there. Also, like I said, if you want extra hydration, apply a thick moisturizer over top.
January is a finicky month since it’s the start of a new year, but also really cold out (depending on where you live of course). Typically I try to be really mindful of the types of products I am putting on my skin and lean more towards thicker and more nourishing products since it’s very cold and dry where I live.
I’ve have some other great recommendations coming up, but these are some great starters in building your winter skincare routine.
What’s your favourite skincare product for winter?
Products provided by PR. All opinions are my own.
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