Showing posts with label Skin Care. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Skin Care. Show all posts

Glossier Just Dropped A Sunscreen! Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen+ Pictures and Guest Review

Wednesday, May 10, 2017
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After 2 years in the making, meet the Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen+.


Oooooh! Aaaaah! The packaging on this is completely not what I was expecting by the way. I always envisioned a squeeze tube and their traditional white and Glossier Pink color scheme, so the columnar bottle and shocking chartreuse threw me through a loop. Personally, I'm not a fan of the aesthetics of this package but hey. The bottle is filled with 1 oz/30 mL of product and retails for $34, however you can get 20% off your first order if you shop with me, and because of the price this automatically goes over the threshold of $30 for free shipping.


The Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen+ was formulated because the people over at Glossier couldn't find a sunscreen that everyone agreed on, and so instead they decided to formulate one without any greasiness, no white cast, that wouldn't mess with makeup applied on top of it, and that didn't feel heavy on the skin. In addition to sounding like the best sunscreen known to man on paper (I can't sign off on these claims just yet, folks), it's supposed to also protect against pollution which, next to UVA/UVB damage, is one of the most harmful external forces on your skin. So lemme get this straight... 35 SPF with pollution/free-radical fighting ingredients? This is more than I could have ever dreamed for.


The key ingredients of this product are as followed:
Active Microcapsules: Tiny spheres packed with UVA/UVB filters freshly delivered to your skin with ever application.
H2O: Watergel formula with no drying alcohol and no thick, greasy ingredients for a texture that disappears onto skin. 
Antioxidant Complex: Powerful mix of Vitamin E, Vitamin P, Broccoli, and Aloe Leaf extracts help neutralize free radicals inside skin.
Fermented Yeast and Vegetal Extract: Create an invisible and breathable matrix on top of skin that prevents pollution from getting in.  
Sweet Orange Essential Oil: For a pleasant citrusy scent.  
Aaaand here are the ingredients:




I've been keeping a laundry list of items I wish Glossier would come out with, and SPF is right up there with a mascara, so I was delighted to learn that May was the month all - ok, half - of my dreams would come true! I will say that I am a little iffy about the orange essential oil since I tend to find orange scented things nauseating, but hopefully it's a subtle hint and not a strong waft.


I wasn't lucky enough to get my hands on a bottle of this during the pre-launch, but you can bet your mother that I was up as early as possible to ensure I grabbed a bottle this morning. Now, like thousands of other Glossier and skin care enthusiasts, I'm waiting rather impatiently for my little cardboard box to get here in the mail.

Even though I can't say anything about the formula, I do have a fellow Glossier rep, Dymond Moore, who managed to get her hands on it, and this is what she has to say;

TheScienceOfChic: How long does it take to sink in?
Dymond: It sinks in almost immediately after application. I'm talking 10 to 15 seconds.
TSOC: Does it leave any feelings on the face, i.e. tightness, powderiness, oiliness... anything at all?
D: It doesn't leave my skin feeling oily or sticky like my other physical sunscreen. 
TSOC: Have you noticed any interactions with it and makeup? 
 D: It plays well with Perfecting Skin Tint, Cloud Paint, and ColourPop Blush, but I haven't tried it with much else. 
TSOC: Tell me your favorite AND least favorite things about it.
 D: WHY IS IT $34?? I hate the price - not good for a student budget, and I just don't think it's worth the price. It's average (to me). I like that there's no white cast, and the lemon scent.

Beauteque April BB Bag + Coupon Code!

Monday, May 1, 2017
PR Sample

Howdy, y'all! I know I haven't talked about it much (or at all) on this platform, but I've been really getting into Korean skincare as of late. You'd be hard pressed to find a more innovative and exciting region for skincare since brands are constantly having to stay on their top-game with products and innovation to please a very informed and picky consumer base. That is precisely why I'm so intrigued by it - there's always something new and there is never a dull moment. If you remember my last post, you know that I no longer say yes to working with companies or reviewing products just to stay up-to-date, instead I want all of my content to be enthusiastically created just like this post. Thank you so much to Beauteque for reaching out to me and sending me their BB Bag.



The reason I'm making this post is to fill the gaps in my unboxing video. I wanted my reactions to be genuine, and since it was so off-book, I found myself completely unprepared to talk about most of the products since nearly all of them have instructions in - you've guessed it - Korean! Plus, some of these products are really pretty and I wanted to get a few shots of them in before I inevitably demolish them... seriously, I go through skincare like water.


The first thing I saw in the box was their card for this service. Large, cute, and to the point! I REALLY like that Beauteque included pictures, information, and prices about the products since sometimes that isn't a given with subscription services. The card also has a very thoughtfully placed QR code that has even MORE information about the products, and, most importantly, the list of ingredients.]


The packaging on the Too Cool For School Dinoplatz Magic Wand For Lip & Eye Remover  is absolutely adorable, plus the convenience of having pre-loaded remover swabs is really nifty! I don't regularly use makeup remover since my cleanser does a great job of obliterating anything on my face, but I'm excited to test them out when I fly up to Oregon in a few weeks.

Ingredient list and analysis.


I've heard of A'Pieu, but I've never tried it before. This Aqua Nature Dewdrop Clouding Cream is one of two items from the brand that I'll be testing out. For a $14 cream, I'm really impressed with the packaging - it makes it look a lot more high-end. Since I'm always on the prowl for good, yet affordable skincare, I'm hoping this one works out for me! Oddly enough, this does contain Titanium Dioxide, but it doesn't specify that it has SPF properties anywhere on the packaging. 


Can we just talk about the *~AeStHeTiC~* here though? What a handsome product! This A'Pieu Base Maker came at a really great time since I've been a few weeks without facial SPF (whoopsie). This has 30 SPF with a PA++ rating, so not the best protection you can get, but also not the worst. I've actually used this a few times and it seems to work on my skin quite nicely, which makes me happy because it's only $9 and leagues ahead of the American ones in terms of comfort and price... plus it's really effing pretty. It is really thick though, so I like to thin it out with a serum to make it easily spreadable. It also has one hell of a white cast, which makes sense because it is a literal white base.



This Somang M Cerade Professional Texturizing Hair Essence was the wildcard of the bunch for me since it was the only brand that I wasn't familiar with. Honestly, I thought there were going to be more brands or more products that I'd never heard of, but this ended up being the only one *shrug*. I've been wanting to try out a hair essence for a few months now, so it's pretty cool that one ended up in here, but I'm surprised at how thick this thing is. The texture, and scent, is very much like a gel-ish conditioner. I haven't had the opportunity to try it out yet, so I can't report on how it works, but a review is pretty likely to pop up eventually. Also, there is/was a bit of a discrepency on pricing on this between the card (listed as $17.99), and the website ($15)... I don't know what that was all about, but I've put the correct(?) price in the link. 

I didn't include the ingredient analysis on this because the website wouldn't allow me to make a page on it, but feel free to peek at them in the above link.



Heck yeah, sheet masks! Well, heck yeah even if this Etude House Honey Jelly Lips Patch isn't technically a sheet mask, but is still in the same category. Etude House is another brand that I've heard about, but have never tried, and I don't even know why since this stuff is pretty accessible here in the States. I've used a few lip patches in my day, but all three varieties were domestic, so I'm going to have some fun seeing how they stack up to an O.G. 



Ok, so I totally misidentified the Skin Food Vita Nail Essence as a nail polish in the video, but can you really blame me? It comes in a polish bottle and even has the phrase "formula COLOURS and covers in one quick, mistake-proof stroke". After using it, I can definitely confirm that it is indeed an essence and is not a nail color. It's a'ight... not amazing, but it does condition the cuticles a bit.

I'd include an ingredients list, but it literally says "vitamins and keratin". Wat. I can't find it anywhere else either, which is a little weird. 

This bag is valued at $59, which is a little more than twice the subscription cost of $24 + $3.95 shipping. Not bad... not bad, says I. There is a decent variety in the six, full-size products making this bag totally worth it to me!

If you're interested in this and want to save a lil' cash, you can use the code "YOUTUBE10" for 10% off your first bag. I'm not getting any commission from that code, btw. Just wanted to be transparent.

September Birchbox

Friday, October 7, 2016
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I tried out Birchbox back in 2011 and after a while I became bored with it because my focus at the time was primarily makeup. As the years have gone by and my sights have shifted slightly, I felt like this service would better suit my current needs since I'm more interested in higher end brands and finding skin care and hair care that I actually like instead of just use out of convenience. This box marked the 6 year anniversary of Birchbox and they teamed up with the new and über trendy brand Milk Makeup. Apparently people that were previously subscribes were able to choose which of the Milk Makeup mini sizes they could receive, which to me is pretty rad! Being able to choose what comes in your box is a nice little perk so you know you'll get at least one thing your little heart desires.

Glossier Soothing Face Mist Review

Tuesday, August 16, 2016
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It's no secret that I'm absolutely in love with Glossier's Milky Jelly Cleanser. Since that product worked so well for me, I decided to foray into more skincare items from them. Glossier recently had a promotion where you got their Soothing Face Mist at their Coconut Balm Dotcom for $5 with free shipping, so I decided the time was NOW... er, THEN! It's been many moons since I've had a facial spray in my daily routine.

Sephora and Ulta Birthday Gifts | a.k.a Happy Birthday to Me!

Sunday, August 14, 2016

Today is my birthday! If I was a normal person I would be enthused, but having a birthday in one of the hottest months of the year and also experiencing nearly 2 decades of my friends not being able to make it to my parties because everyone is out vacationing has put a bit of a sour spin on turning a year older for me. At least I have freebies from two of my favorite stores to console me being a year older and away from 99% of my friends and family.


Last Week in Review (August 7 - August 13)


In contrast to last last week, I actually got a lot done! Yaaaay! I feel really happy with my production rate last week and I'm aiming to keep it that way for the next year. Yep, today is my birthday. Another year older, another layer of age-related anxiety and regret... like being kicked out of the family health insurance plan in a few years. Can't we go back to when birthdays were fun and you got to invite all your friends over for cake and ice cream? I'm really not digging this whole "another nail in the coffin" birthday schtick that comes with adulthood. Anyways, I'm sure you're not here to hear me kvetch about how sad I am about being an old fart. On to the makeup!

My Top 5 Favorite Lip Balms

Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Press Sample, Affiliate Links



I am a total slut for lip balm. I don it as part of my morning and evening skincare routine, I slather it on before I start putting on my face, I always have a tube of it on my desk, in my purse, and on my bedside table. I. Love. It. I've tried so many formulation and tubes over the years, but there are definitely five that stand out to me. The list below is ranked "love" to "must have".

Skinfix Ultra Rich Hand Cream Review

Sunday, August 7, 2016
Press Sample, Affiliate Links


I always have a tube of hand cream at my desk to slap on when I'm working. I can't stand the feeling of slightly dry skin, plus giving yourself a little 3 minute hand massage is a good way to take a small break and indulge in a little self care. The hand cream that has taken up residence at my work station as of late is the Skinfix Ultra Rich Hand Cream and oh boy is it super-charged with hydration power!

Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser Review

Friday, August 5, 2016
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There are just some things that when you find them you just know. Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser and I hit it off immediately and I've never fallen in love with a skincare product this quickly. I love it so much that I repurchased it even before my current bottle ran out. MJC is basically my Gwendoline Christe in Shining Armor and I never want to be without it again. Obviously, you can already tell how this review is gonna go.

Last Week in Review (July 17 - July 23)

Sunday, July 24, 2016
Man oh MAN! It has been SCORCHING this weekend here in San Diego! I was supposed to do a large batch of filming and post writing, but my poor little laptop and I could not deal with the heat. Instead of actually using my brain to write what was supposed to be today's post, I've decided to just do a little week in review with all of my posts and videos if you happened to miss them!

Milk Makeup Natural Deodorant Review

Tuesday, July 19, 2016
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I've been wanting to try Milk Makeup products for ages. The minimalist designs, the cool-girl vibe, and eco-conscious products really caught my eye. Unfortunately, not a lot of Milk Makeup items are available in my area so I had to settle for trying out what I could find. Fortunately I've been on the hunt for an aluminum-free deodorant for a minute, so picking up the Milk Makeup Natural Deodorant wasn't a begrudging buy.

Glossier Flavored Balm Dot Com Rose Review + Swatch

Sunday, July 17, 2016
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I have a confession to make: I'm an 87 year old trapped in a 22 year old body. I enjoy collecting vintage tea cups, black licorice is one of my preferred sweets, and I love rose-scented products. I've been meaning to try out the very hyped Glossier Balm Dot Com, so i just had to spring for this rose one after it launched.

Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover

Sunday, July 3, 2016
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Eye makeup remover isn't something that I deem absolutely vital to my skincare routine. I rarely wear eyeliner and Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser normally has my back when it comes to fully removing everything in my eye area. In my pre-Milky Jelly Cleanser days I would use the Target brand knock off of the Neutrogena eye makeup remover, which was superior, so since I don't have a lot of experience with high end makeup removers I didn't really know what to expect going into this. Apparently this Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover is the most popular Lancôme product and is popular world wide, so it's gotta be good, right?

About Serums and My Personal Faves

Saturday, July 2, 2016
Affiliate Links, PR Samples


If you would have asked me 5 years ago what serums were I would have given you a blank stare. Back then I was young and didn't really know much about skin care beyond cleanser, moisturizer, exfoliator, and the occasional mask. Now that I'm approaching my mid-20's (scoff if you must, but it's mildly terrifying for me) I'm starting to take my skincare seriously since I'm beginning to see the beginning of some wrinkles forming and I am not having it. Serums actually play a pretty big part in my skincare routine, and while I'm still discovering what works for me and what doesn't, I've definitely got a few that I stand by. Before we get into my favorite serums, let's do a little skincare 101 and actually discuss what they are and what they do.

Summer Lip Care for Under $10

Thursday, June 2, 2016
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Ah, summer. That time of the year everyone looks forward to until you remember the scorching heat and bodily damage from all that blasted sunshine. There's a lot you should be doing for your body as the thermometer creeps higher and higher, like staying hydrated, wearing sunnies, and protecting yourself from the sun, but if there is one thing I can't live without during 3 months of hell on earth the warmer months it's lip care. There is nothing worse than being hot AND thirsty AND feeling like  your lips have turned into a landing strip for dessicants and hot sauce, which is why, dear readers, I wish to share some of my favorite lip products to keep your kissers plump, protected, and properly hydrated while you wait for fall. Oh, and they're pretty inexpensive.

April Ipsy Glam Bag Review + Video

Sunday, May 22, 2016
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Ok, so yes this is extraordinarily late, but in my defense I did receive my bag a few days into May. I decided that I wanted to kick things up a notch and do my boring monthly Glam Bag video in a totally different format because, frankly, I'm tired of doing them and having them be almost identical to every other small potatoes YouTuber out there. I'd really appreciate any and all feedback you have on the video/how I'm going to handle my ipsy subscription from now on! Without further ado, I present to you my April 2016 Glam Bag video and product review blog post!



Derma e Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask Review

Monday, April 11, 2016
Press Sample

As someone with combination/oily skin that is also very acne prone, I appreciate a good detoxifying/purifying mask. This Derma e Charcoal Mask is definitely a food detoxifying/purifying mask, and it comes in a sanitary squeeze tube, opposed to an icky pot that you have to dip into like a lot of other masks on the market. This product, along with the rest of the range is formulated without parabens, phthalates, sodium laurel sulfate, petrolatum, mineral oil, artificial colors, or GMOs. In addition to having awesome purifying ingredients like activated charcoal, and two oil absorbing clays (bentonite and kaolin if you were wondering), it also has exfoliating apricot seed grans that turns it into a scrub once you're ready to rinse.

Sephora Spring Sale Products Worth Buying

Thursday, April 7, 2016
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Just because I'm on a spending ban for the rest of the month doesn't mean I can't share the love! I decided to throw together a little list of some of the more pricey buys from Sephora that I think are worth it, but I normally can't repurchase because of the price - however the 10%-15% sale for Sephora customers makes the price tag a little more palatable! Before we get into the products, here are the coupon codes and dates of the sale for all three tiers of Sephora shoppers:

Jouer Essential Lip Enhancer Review

Monday, March 28, 2016
I got this product in my ipsy Gen Beauty swag bag. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.


I know that not that long ago I raved about the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Lip Therapy being my new favorite lip treatment, but there's a new player in town. I mean, I still like the F.A.B one, but this puppy floats my boat a little bit better. The somewhat pearly pale white/pink, unassuming tube with golf writing doesn't look super interesting, but it's what is on the inside that matters.

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water Review

Thursday, March 10, 2016
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Micellar waters are definitely trending in skincare and this Garnier one is the latest to hit the drugstore. I'm gonna be honest with you guys, prior to trying this one, I'd only ever used two others - the one from Simple, and a long discontinued and highly fragranced YSL micellar water. Even with my limited exposure, I can still say that I feel a bit "eh" about this one. It falls right in the middle of the two, meaning I don't love it, but I don't think it's horrible.
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