Eminence Organics Rosehip Whip Moisturizer

Rosehip Whip Moisturizer

Marketed for oily, sensitive, and reactive skin types, Rosehip Whip Moisturizer by Eminence Organics is a lightweight, calming formula designed to smooth and condition while leaving a mattified look to skin.  I love Eminence products in general and have tried quite a few, and this is the moisturizer that I keep coming back to out of the 4 or 5 I've tried. 

I did notice with the last jar I purchased that the formula has been enhanced, and indeed, it does look a bit different in texture and color.  The scent is a light lemony rose and you can mix this with a few drops of water for a lighter application if desired.  I like that a spatula is included in each box, as that helps to cut down on potential contamination of the product.  I would caution to rinse and dry the spatula after use, as Eminence uses food grade fruits and vegetables in their products, so any residue left on the spatula will grow bacteria, and you don't want to be sticking that back in the container.

I find this to be a good, lightweight moisturizer for my oily skin.  I got some for my mother and she did not think it was moisturizing enough for her, so if you have dryer skin you will probably want something more heavy duty.  I later gave her Eminence's Gingko Whip Moisturizer which is for dehydrated, mature skin, and it's become her holy grail moisturizer.  Eminence has such an extensive line of products that's it's not hard to find something perfectly suited for your skin needs, although since they are mainly sold online or at spas, sampling before buying is difficult and they are too expensive for much trial and error.  I've noticed some online retailers do offer samples with purchase, however.

The Rosehip Whip Moisturizer retails for $56.00.  


Disclosure:  I purchased this.

Sephora Hot Hues Neon Lip Balm in Hot Pink

Hot Hues Neon Lip Balm in Hot Pink is described on Sephora as a lip treat that combines the hydrating benefits of a lip balm with the sheer tint of a lipstick.  I'd describe it more as a lip stain, as I did not find it particularly hydrating, but it did manage to leave a nice wash of color on my lips that lasted after the balm itself had worn away.  I love the look of this lip balm, from the pink tipped black tube to the translucent balm itself. 

I was actually surprised at how well it showed up on my lips, as the swatch I did on my arm did not exactly scream "color!".   It provides more of a sheen than a gloss, and given that I did not find it hydrating, a gloss on top was a must for me.  However, I like this lip balm as a lip stain, especially at it's $3 sale price.  It may still be available on Sephora if anyone wants to indulge.

Hot Pink Lip Balm

Disclosure:  I purchased this. 

NOTD: Peach jelly sandwich

Love Letters, Traffic Stopper Copper

I decided to try another jelly sandwich manicure, this time with China Glaze's Love Letters and my favorite single color glitter polish, Traffic Stopper Copper by Sephora by OPI.  Love Letters is a very sheer peach with a jelly finish.  The first two coats looked like a clear polish, and unfortunately the brush was a bit wonky with uneven bristles.  I had some bubbling, but they don't show up in the finished look. 

I then did two coats of Traffic Stopper Copper, followed by another two coats of Love Letters.  If you count the base and top coats, that's 8 layers of polish.  Fortunately, I managed to not smudge it during the drying phase.

It takes of minimum of 3 coats for Love Letters to start looking like it does in the bottle, but that's not unusual with lighter colored jellies.  Of course, my experience has mainly been with OPI's ballet series, and it took lots of coats to get them to show up.  I can say that Love Letters performed much better than they did, with no streaking at all. 

I do love the lit from within quality that comes from sandwiching Traffic Stopper Copper between Love Letters.  I don't like that my natural nails are a bit yellow from polishing, and of course you've got some visible nail line here.  Oh well, I can live with it.

Disclosure:  I purchased these.

Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara

In the Clinique gift with purchase that I recently got was a sample sized Lash Doubling Mascara, and I've got to say it's the mascara I've been using for the past several weeks.  I like that it does not clump, is a rich black, and has a glossy finish.  I find it great for work day application when the last thing I need is a finicky mascara that is going to clump or smudge.

I can generally get through application without smudging it on my skin, but when that does happen, it wipes off easily.  This mascara does not flake or smudge once on, nor does it irritate my contact wearing eyes.  The main thing I have to be careful about is putting in my contacts, as I do that after applying my makeup.  Since this mascara is not waterproof, any dampness from the contact solution could lead to smudging if I'm not careful.

Marketed as volumizing and thickening, Clinique claims that Lash Doubling mascara magnifies lashes to twice their size.  I wouldn't go that far.  Bottom line, this is an easy to use, unfussy, solid results mascara.  It's not a "wow I can't believe my lashes" mascara, but more of a solid performer, work horse type.  Lash Doubling mascara retails for $15.

Disclosure:  I received this as part of a gift with purchase.

BeautySage Launch Sample Gift Box

BeautySage, an online shop founded by Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen’s YouBeauty.com, launched this month.  This short video explains that beauty editors handpick items that impressed them for inclusion at BeautySage.  Chemists then analyze label claims and the ingredients behind them, confirming in the scientific literature if the  ingredients really deliver as well as verifying claims like organic, natural, vegan and paraben-free (I love this).  Finally, a select group of YouBeauty users are sent samples to review and report back if the products worked for them.  Currently, there are only 13 brands included at BeautySage, although I would imagine they will expand.

I had signed up for email notification for when the site went live, and my email included a code for a sample box of products with a $30 purchase.  Here is the sample box in case anyone else is contemplating using their code but is undecided.  I'm not sure if all the boxes will be the same, however.  I also purchased a Bayberry cleanser and Shea Terra eye oil I'll be reviewing after I've used them for a while.  The contents of the box are comparable to the size and types of sample I receive in my Birchbox and Eco-Emi subscription boxes.   

First up is a Marula whipped body butter by Shea Terra.  I actually received one of these in a different variety in one of my Eco-Emi boxes and was quite impressed with it.  The scent is pleasant but hard to describe, as it is not a scent I'm familiar with.  The texture is light but dense and did not leave a greasy after feel.  Very nice!

Next is lavender bar soap by bayberry Naturals.  This definitely smells like an herbal lavender and is a generous enough size for sink side use.  I actually prefer bar soaps to liquid soaps for some reason.

The next sample, One Love Organics Skin Savior balm, I don't actually see on the BeautySage site.  Perhaps they will be carrying it in the future?  It's billed as a hair tamer, illuminizer, make up remover, moisturizer, pomade, primer for mineral powder, and skin soother.  Composed of cold-pressed plants oils, apparently a little goes a long way.  I'll be interested in trying this.

I also received an aromatherapy sample vial from 21 drops in the formula "11" De-Stress, composed of frankincense, lavender, ylang ylang and German chamomile to help steady the nerves, relieve tension and reduce irritation.  I mainly smell the chamomile, which always smells like straw to me.  This is a mild scent and does dissipate quickly, although apparently it's effects continue after the scent has gone. 

Last was a sample of Kneipp's Herbal Bath Valerian & Hops.  I actually love these herbal bath formulas and used them years ago when I would soak in them after rock climbing, loosening my sore muscles.  I had forgotten all about them, so this is like rediscovering an old favorite again. 

I like the premise of featuring "proven" products and will be interested to see how BeautySage does going forward.  What do you think?

Disclosure:  This sample box was part of an introductory offer for new members who had signed up prior to site launch - spend $30 and receive a free sample box.  I'm not affiliated with either BeautySage or YouBeauty in any way and my opinions are my own.

Image Skincare Daily Defense Universal Moisturizer SPF 30

I've got a confession to make.  I hate wearing sunscreen.  And I live in a sub-tropical climate with lots of sun exposure.  Sunscreens make my already oily skin even more shiny and add a slickness that I just do not want.  So, I've deluded myself that the SPF present in my makeup or other skincare products was sufficient.  I know they are not though, so I've been testing out some products with high SPF's and forcing myself to wear them.  It's the equivalent of eating beets for me.

I got the Image Skincare Daily Defense Universal Moisturizer SPF 30 as part of a holiday gift set that included a cleanser and exfoliating masque, but the regular retail for just the sunscreen is around $30.  On the Image web site, Daily Defense is described as lightweight,  ultra-sheer, and providing ultimate protection against the aging effects of the sun and environmental exposures.  In addition to being a broad spectrum sunscreen that is paraben free, it also contains the potent anti-oxidant thiothaine as well as other essential vitamins to prevent free radical damage.  Sounding good!

The smell is wonderful, a light tropical scent that makes me go "yummmm" every time I put it on.  Image also describes this sunscreen as non-greasy and an excellent makeup base.  Sounding even better!  Could this be the one that changes my mind about sunscreens?

Notice the sheen?

Sadly, no.  Daily Defense leaves a marked sheen on my face that does not dissipate, and that worse, I can feel.  Definitely not light weight in my mind.  It also is not an excellent makeup base, as it pills if rubbed.  Sheen and pilling - a double negative whammy in my book.

So, I find myself wearing this on weekend days when I'm going without makeup and taking the dogs for long walks.  I don't want to waste it, especially at that price, but it's usage is limited to only the above for me.  Sad, really.  Image does make a matte sunscreen which might be a good alternative, but I did not know about it at the time I bought the set. 

Image Skincare sells it's products through spas, estheticians, and dermatologists, but I have seen them available on Amazon as well.

Disclosure:  I bought this. 

DHC's Alpha-Arbutin White Mask

While we here in the western part of the world are familiar with facial masks, they usually come in a jar.  Apparently in the east, or at least in Asia, they come in paper sheets that you cover your face with.  I've been curious about sheet masks for a while and purchased DHC's Alpha-Arbutin White Mask to give them a whirl.  

According to DHC, these Alpha-Arbutin masks can help you can uncover a brighter complexion by evening out skin tone and combat dullness and discoloration due to aging and sun exposure.  I've definitely got some discoloration going on and have been investigating multiple ways to combat this, so bring it on.  Ingredients include alpha-arbutin, mulberry, and citric acid to brighten and condition. 

The masks come five to a box and are separately packaged.  They are heavily saturated with the "essense" but do not drip or anything.  You unfold the mask, place it on your clean face, and then leave on for 20 minutes.  I use mine after I've finished puttering for the evening and want to relax in front of the TV.  I find this refreshingly cool straight out of the box, but imagine they'd be even better if kept in the refrigerator.  I used the last of the 5 last night, and as hot and humid as it's been lately, it was a real treat. 

After 20 minutes or so the mask will have dried some and I usually wipe my neck and chest area with any remaining moisture.  My skin feels soft and slightly dewy afterwards.  I honestly cannot tell if it has helped with my melasma (I've read that it takes a while for alpha-arbutin to work), but I do like these masks and would repurchase again.  They are relatively inexpensive at $12 a box and I find them to be a non-messy, refreshing, and easy way to treat my skin.   I do notice that my dogs look at me strangely when I have these on:-)

Disclaimer:  I purchased these.

Ingredients: water, butylene glycol, glycerin, pentylene glycol, sodium PCA, phenoxyethanol, morus alba root extract, alpha-arbutin, sodium citrate, sodium hyaluronate, 1-methylhydantoin-2-imide, serine, citric acid, dipotassium glycyrrhizate, acetyl tyrosine, paeonia suffruticosa root extract, pueraria lobata root extract