Philosophy Hands of Hope Hand and Cuticle Cream Review

Finally the spring weather is here!  Even though the cold months are of the past now, my hands and cuticles somehow still look dry during the warm months.  My cuticles look worse than my hands because I'm always changing my nail polish every week and am always picking on a hang nail or something else.  Because of this, I carry a hand cream with me everywhere I go.

I've been loving this product from Philosophy but have never used it until after winter.  I received this as a free item from one of my online Sephora purchases a long time ago.  This 1 oz. bottle is great to throw into your purse.  Don't fret, there's a 4 oz. bottle too.  This cream helps moisturize and soften dry hands and rough cuticles.  It contains shea butter and a blend of natural oils to help provide long-lasting moisture and prevent hands and cuticles from getting dry again.  This absorbs quickly so you won't feel any greasy or sticky texture on your hands.

I haven't seen this at my local Sephora (at least the small size).  This miracle item costs $10 for 1 oz. ($20 for 4 oz.) at any Ulta store.  I think you should give this a try if you need a cream to save your dry hands and cuticles.  I believe this will be a summer life saver especially if you like to paint your nails frequently (like I do).  I wonder if they make something like this for your toes?

Anyway, I hope you like this quick review.  Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Just Another Manic Monday

This is a review of an eye cream I've been using for the past few days.  This comes from Origins where I was using their VitaZing moisturizer for a while.  I wanted to test another item from this brand to truly see how these products are.  I picked up the GinZing eye cream a while ago when I was in New York City.  Before I continue, please excuse the background of my pictures as this was taken on my bathroom counter...

GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream is "clinically-proven to instantly de-puff eyes and reduce dark circles". This 0.5 oz jar (retail price $30 at Sephora) contains coffee beans that provide antioxidants and age-fighting ingredients and ginseng that enhances vitality.  Meant to be used in the AM and throughout the day if needed, this pearly pink cream product gives the illusion of well-rested eyes.  Most of Origins skincare items are natural and are of organic ingredients healthy for your skin.

Usually before I purchase any makeup or skincare product, I do intense research as to whether or not it has received good reviews.  This eye cream was an impulse purchase based off of one person's positive review on YouTube.  After using this for a while, I wish I did my homework.  Before knowing what this product was all about, I was using it as a nighttime eye cream even though the directions clearly say "to use in AM".  The cream has a slight scent (if you smell the open jar close to your nose) and is lightweight that it instantly absorbs onto your skin.

My previous eye cream was Boscia's Enlivening Amino-AG Eye Treatment which is awesome.  When I first started using that, I applied the cream directly underneath my eyes at night.  In the morning, my eye area would look like I was crying all night long.  Then I started to apply it along the orbital bone (the bone just above the cheekbone that circles underneath the eyes).  That's when I saw a difference in my eyes when applying the Boscia eye cream properly.  I expected the same results using the Origins product.  But alas, I saw no change in my under-eye area.  It does lighten up the darkness, but I still need to use a concealer.  I don't have heavy bags under my eyes, but it doesn't get covered up either.

Overall, I would not repurchase this product once I'm done with the jar (if ever I finish it).  I definitely plan on repurchasing the Boscia eye cream but I have another eye cream waiting to be tested.  Have you used Origins GinZing before?  Do you feel the same way about this product?

Let me know!

Favorite Items of December

Happy New Year everyone!

Here's my favorites for the month of December.  I'm so blessed to have started this new venture in cosmetics with my YouTube channel and blog.  I hope 2013 will bring lots of happiness, luck and success to my family and me.  I wish the same for you too!

My Skincare Routine

I've been preparing this video for a long time and have finally buckled down the products that have been working for me.  This skincare routine is not too complex, but works for my skin issues.

I have combination to oily skin and major acne issues.  I have a serious issue with picking and popping my pimples which is a TERRIBLE habit.  I've been working on breaking this habit.  Most products that I use can be purchased at any drugstore or local shopping center.  I will list the items that I use into my AM routine and PM routine.  I also do weekly masks which I will also include below.

AM ROUTINE
- Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel
- Clarisonic Mia with Deep Pore brush
- Clean & Clear Finishes Pore Perfecting Moisturizer
- Origins VitaZing SPF 15 Energy-Boosting Moisturizer with Mangosteen

PM ROUTINE
- Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel
- Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner
- Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment and Mark Treatment
- Boscia Enlivening Amino-AG Eye Treatment
- Boscia Recharging Night Moisture

WEEKLY MASKS
- C.O. Bigelow Power Berry Mask No. 1675
- Neutrogena Deep Clean Long-Lasting Shine Control Cleanser/Mask
- Boots No7 Total Renewal Micro-Dermabrasion Exfoliator

If you have acne issues and are sick and tired of purchasing separate products that don't work together, I highly suggest looking into Clean & Clear's Advantage acne kit.  It worked miracles when I first used it back in college.  Here's the link if interested: http://www.cleanandclear.com/product/acne-treatments/advantage-acne-control-kit
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Favorite Items of September

Hey everyone and happy end of the month (almost)!

Below is a list of my favorite items that I've been using on a daily basis and/or have been helping me look awesome when I step out of my house.  You can also see me rant about these items on my YouTube channel.

- Clarisonic Mia with Deep Pore brush head : This is a great at-home cleansing device that cleans deep into your pores and removes all dirt, oil and makeup.  It leaves your face feeling smooth and refresh.  With this particular brush head, it has helped remove all my blackheads on my nose and reduce the size of my pores.

- Clean & Clear Finishes Pore Perfecting Moisturizer : This is very similar to benefit POREfessional (if you use this).  This softens the appearance of pores with light-diffusing minerals to give you a beautiful finish.  It's lightweight, oil-free and has SPF 15.

- Jouer Matte Moisture in Hazel: Absolute favorite of this month!  This foundation is lightweight, medium coverage and evens out imperfections leaving your skin with a smooth, matte finish.  This is perfect for all skin types with SPF 15 protection from UVA and UVB rays while Vitamins A, C and E deliver rich antioxidants to the skin.

- Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Concealer in Medium: Best under eye concealer by far!  The smooth, easy-to-use applicator gently spreads the product evenly under your eye and instantly erases dark circles and fine lines leaving your eyes looking radiant.

- Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow in Pink Bellini: This is part of the Bobbi Brown Instant Pretty Collection at QVC.  I believe this is exclusively sold only at QVC unless you eBay it.  The shade is a neutral, light pink with a lilac shimmer.

- Maybelline Volum' Express One By One Mascara in Blackest Black: This mascara de-clumps every lash and coats each one from root to tip giving you the volume that you want.

- Mary Kay Satin Lips Set: This exclusive lip duo from Mary Kay is a god-send for those who have dry, cracked lips or for those who like to pick or bite your lips.  The two-step system gently exfoliates dead surface skin cells and moisturizes lips for at least 6 hours.  I use these items at night and in the morning, my lips are still moisturized.

- Revlon Color Burst Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie: This lipstick is a butter balm with beautiful shine and gives you soft, smooth and hydrated lips.

Skincare Challenge: Exuviance

An unfortunate battle that people deal with or have dealt with in their lifetime is acne.  It's punishment from Eve eating that damn apple- just joking.  I have oily combination skin and have dealt with acne since I reached puberty (and so did everyone else).  Since then, my face has gone through the challenge of me using different products to reduce acne, scarring and hyperpigmentation.  Products I've used range from prescribed ointments to drugstore products such as Neutrogena and Clean & Clear.  Those are the only 2 drugstore products that I stick to.  I've had great success with these brands on separate occasions.  Overall, my skincare routine is very sacred to me that if I skip it, I feel a difference in my face and will have to suffer the consequences a few days later.

Right now, I'm testing out different skincare products that target my skin condition (oily/combination), acne, scarring, hyperpigmentation and smoothing my skin and complexion.  I used Clean & Clear Advance acne kit throughout college.  It was a great starter kit and I still use the acne treatments every night to reduce scarring.  I was using Boscia Best Set, which I already rambled about back in May, for six weeks.  The kit included a cleanser, under eye cream, moisturizer with SPF15, night cream, and blotting sheets.  My review for this kit is not good therefore not recommendable to anyone who has the same skin issues as me.  I knew after purchasing Boscia, I wanted another kit or brand to compare to.  That's when I found Exuviance.

As you can see from the title, I'm "challenging" my face as I start to use the Exuviance kit for six weeks.  I aim to blog weekly and share with you my results whether good or bad.  I have high expectations for this kit due to the reviews from the saleswoman from Ulta.  She has recommended and sold this brand to family and friends who consulted with her about their acne issues.  Whether she was acting like a good employee, her selling point caught my attention.  We both have similar skin issues and she understood my need to make my face look and feel better.

The kit comes with 5 items: a cleansing gel, toner, moisturizer with SPF15, evening cream and treatment masque.  I already used the products this morning and already felt a difference after following the routine.  I'm going to avoid using other products that didn't come with the kit.  I plan on doing a video too so that you can hear what I have to say.

Here are a few pictures of the kit and my current face conditions.  Let the challenge begin!

 The top flap opens upwards where there are instructions underneath and the products shown here.

No makeup taken this morning under natural lighting in room.

 Scarring next my right eyebrow and on my cheek.  There's discoloration under my lip.  I already feel a pimple making a appearance...sadness!

Scarring on my left cheek with some discoloration.  I started breaking out on this side.

Favorite Items of June

Here's an end of the month recap of my favorite makeup and skincare products.

You can check out my YouTube video and hear me ramble about these items.

ITEMS MENTIONED:
-Boscia Detoxifying Black Cleanser: A black, cleansing gel that when rubbed between your fingers has a warming effect that deeply cleans and detoxifies your complexion.  I use this every or every other night as part of my PM skincare routine.

-Boots No.7 Total Renewal Microdermabrasion Exfoliator: An intense, at home exfoliating treatment that's great to use as it works to remove dead skin cells, revealing radiant skin.  I use this once a week on a Friday night.  Since this is an intense treatment, it's advise to use this at most twice a week.

-Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35 (medium): A beauty balm (or "bb") that moisturizes, primes, perfects, protects and controls oil all in 1.  I use this as my daily foundation and don't need much product.  This is light to medium coverage since it evens out your complexion and it can be worn by itself or under foundation or powder for more coverage.

-Maybelline Dream Matte Powder (medium/beige): A pressed powder that's super soft for a smooth application.  I press this on my T-zone or in areas that are oily to set my foundation.  Since this powder is matte, it won't leave your face looking duey.

-Urban Decay All Night Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray: A weightless, setting spray that keeps your makeup from melting away throughout the day and night, whether it's hot and humid or cold and windy outside.  I spray this over my face once I'm done applying all my makeup.  There's no fragrance and it doesn't feel sticky once misted over your face.

-Urban Decay NAKED Palette: A shadow palette that everyone can use for that neutral, everyday look.  The 12 shades range from glitter to shimmer to matte.  What can I say- I use this regularly and love this!

-Benefit CORALista: A blush powder that is a beautiful pink coral color with gold shimmer.  This smells amazing and the packaging is so cute.  You won't find any blush compact like this!

-Korres Mango Butter Lipstick SPF 10 (natural pink-13): An ultra-conditioning lipstick that's sheer and moisturizing.  This is my go-to lipstick since there's SPF protection and a hint of color with a glossy finish.

Thanks for reading this.  Until next month's favorite items...

Good night Tuesday!

As the evening comes to an end, I wanted to share a skincare product that I purchased 2 weeks ago at  Sephora.  A friend of mine purchased one of the products from this skincare line and was satisfied with the results.  Her satisfaction struck my curiosity to give this a chance.

Before purchasing this product, my skincare routine consisted of using my Clarisonic, Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Treatment kit and Nivea SOFT Moisturizing Creme.  I switched out my moisturizing creme to C.O. Bigelow All-in-1 Protective Day Lotion SPF 15 because I started to run out of my Nivea creme.

This product is Boscia's Best Set which includes an oil-free daily hydration SPF 15, purifying cleansing gel, recharging night moisture, enlivening amino-AG eye treatment and green tea blotting linens.  When I purchased this at Sephora, I talked to a saleswoman and asked what's the difference between the 2 kits that's sold by Boscia.  I told her that I have oily skin, so she recommended this kit over the Boscia Clear Complexion kit.  Since the night creme was meant to hydrate your skin overnight, I did not want to wake up the next day in a pool of oil.  So, the saleswoman gave me a sample of Boscia's oil-free recharging night moisture to try out.

My daily routine with this product is as follows: every AM and PM, I wash my face with a quarter size of the cleansing gel and apply a pea-size amount of the eye treatment.  In the AM, I use the oil-free daily hydration and in the PM, I apply the night moisture before bed.

I have combination oily skin with redness in my T-zone, acne scars and occasional breakouts on my chin, apples of my cheeks and/or the side of my face.  Since this kit did not come with any ointment to prevent acne, I used my Clean & Clear products when necessary.  My expectations from this kit was to have healthier and smoother skin and to even out my complexion and redness.

Overall, my experience did not meet my expectations.  At the beginning, I used all the products (except the blotting sheets) as directed on the box for 3 days.  My face felt smoother (yay!) but was so oily that I could scramble an egg (boo!).  I knew this would happen but wanted to give the night moisture a chance before switching to the oil-free one.  The eye treatment did nothing for my eyes.  There were some days where I'd wake up with baggy eyes and other days where lines underneath my eyes were visible (even without my glasses).  I have no complaints with the oil-free daily hydration.  After using the kit for a full week, I decided to start using the oil-free night moisture.  This product did the EXACT opposite!  In the morning, I had dry patches in between my eyes and around my nose and mouth.  I don't know if this is due to a ton of sun exposure over the weekend because my face is a little red.  But, I am not happy with the oil-free night moisture.  I switched back to my original routine and am hoping that things will turn out better.

Even though I've been using this product for 2 weeks, I would not recommend this kit to anyone with combination oily skin.  On a 1 to 5 star scale, I'd rate this 3 stars.  Despite the fact that the original night moisture leaves my skin super oily in the morning, I don't mind the excess because my husband is still in bed by the time I'm up.  Like I said earlier, I have no complaints with the daily hydration creme and I bet the blotting linens will do exactly what it's suppose to do.

Let me know if you have used this product and what's your experience with it.