MAMO Botanics - Oro De Cacay Facial Oil Review

As much as I enjoy the Holiday season (mainly the atmosphere not so much for the stress of buying gifts) the cold weather almost makes my skin react badly. Every year my eczema flairs up which is always less than ideal.

Facial oils are always my go to once the weather gets colder. Even though my t-zone area is still oily, my cheeks become really dry. Doesn't matter how much or how thick the moisturizer I apply, my face still becomes dry and pulled.

MAMO Botanics reached out to me back in October and offered to send me their facial oil called, 'Oro de Cacay' to try. The oil is made from cacay nuts which are grown and native to the Colombian Amazon rainforest. What I especially like about MAMO is that they work together with the farmers in Colombia.

Taken from their website:

MAMO works with indigenous farmers that wild harvest tree-based ingredients to conserve Amazon forests and indigenous traditions. 15% of MAMO's profits are invested in biodiversity conservation [...] Environmentally sustainable sourcing that promotes reforestation. Generations incomes for small and indigenous Colombina farmers

I love Josie Maran's Argan Oil as much as the next person. But if you're looking for a good facial oil for the winter that also gives back to the community they source their ingredients from, MAMO Botanics is worth checking out.

Cougar Beauty Products - Anti Oxidant Defence Serum with Hyaluronic Acid Review

I've mentioned it a few times, but I love serums. I love trying new ones and I also enjoy layering them in my skincare. I've realized over the years that relying on just face cream alone just isn't enough. 

If you're not too familiar with Cougar Beauty Products, they're a company that is based in UK and all of their products are manufactured there as well.

Taken from the Cougar Beauty website:

Designed for those who enjoy high quality products and are not prepared to compromise [...] all products are new, edgy, of the highest quality and most importantly, they work [...] all ingredients are sourced locally [...] cruelty free formulas, that are never tested on animals. All of our packaging is recyclable and any mark marketing material is made from recycles material

I really love Cougar Beauty's vision. High quality ingredients are very important, but knowing that their packaging is used from recycled materials, is also an added plus.

As skincare and makeup are becoming incredibly popular, it is nice to know that there are brands out there that focus on quality all the while reducing their carbon footprint as well.

Smile Brilliant - Professional Teeth Whitening at Home

Hey everyone!

Hope you had a great week. We just had a blizzard, where the heck did the snow come from? I'm ready for Spring to come now. Who's with me?

A couple months back, Smile Brilliant reached out to me and inquired if I wanted to test out their Teeth Whitening kit. Unfortunately, I personally can't because I have invisalign and I need to keep them on as long as possible everyday. So while I couldn't use them, my boyfriend could. So you're going to see some close up shots of my significant others mouth/teeth!

My boyfriend Jason's teeth aren't too stained, but he was still pretty excited to try this out.

What's great about the whitening set is that it offers professional results from the comfort of our home. I know this is what appealled to Jason because he's a homebody. Also because I basically prepared everything for him. He's not going to say no to that.

Be sure to check out the end of my post to enter in a giveaway as you can win the exact whitening kit I received (Value of $139 USD)

Skin18 Masks Galore: Part 2: Luke Hydrogel Patches, Mugwort Nose Patch & Inoface Modeling Cup Pack Reviews

Part 2 the conclusion of the second package of skincare products from Skin18. If you haven't read part 1, you can find it here

Masks being reviewed in this post:
Luke Mugwort Nose Strip
Luke Vitamin Hydrogel Eye Patch
Inoface Modeling Cup Pack - Tea Tree

May Empties and De-Clutter 2016 + Mini reviews

Hey everyone!

Have you been enjoying the weather so far? It's been amazing out lately! The one thing I miss having living in Toronto is a balcony. I would love to just lay out and tan a bit. Oh and not having to smell sewage everywhere I walk. In my hometown, I just smell cow manure. Which some people can argue is worse, but it's usually only one time out of the year the town smells like it. Mainly April when they fertilize the fields. I choose manure one time out of the year over sewage all year round! Would you agree?

I'm actually quite proud of myself this month. I like to hoard things so I usually have random junk lying around. This also means I tend to buy more products than I can use. I was cleaning out my drawer the other day and found so many random products I forgot about. It's like shopping and everything is free!

I've also written a short summary at the end of the post as well. 

After some products failed to impress me and some just causing my skin to break out, I managed to get rid of quite a number of products. I definitely de-cluttered more than I emptied.

NEW! Biore Baking Soda Scrub and Pore Cleanser Reviews

Hey everyone!

I'm back again with another Influenster review! This time around I was sent the Baking Soda VoxBox!

Biore has released a new line of pore cleaning products with baking soda!

Yes, that's right, baking soda does more than just remove odor and help baked goods rise; it is also a great exfoliator.

I actually use baking soda as a substitute teeth whitener. Once every two weeks, I dab my brush with toothpaste into baking soda. My teeth feel super duper clean and my teeth are whitened in the process. Win, win. But it really does erode your teeth enamel so do not use it more than once a week. My younger self and my dentist will attest to that.

Biore released two cleansing products:

1) Baking Soda Pore Cleanser
2) Baking Soda Cleansing Scrub

If you're not familiar with Biore, the brand focuses on skincare products that help fight acne, blackheads and clogged pores. I'm sure everyone is most familiar with their pore strips! All those blackheads you pull off your nose. So gross, yet so addictive and fascinating!

Let's take a closer look and see how these two products faired:

KOSE- Softymo Speedy Cleansing Foam Review

Hello everyone! 

How are your New Years Resolutions coming along? I didn't really make any, since I knew I would break them almost immediately. I did tell myself I would try waking up and going to sleep earlier. I have failed. But I am keeping up with writing down everything I need to do for the day or the next day. It helps me stay organized. 

Anyway, I'm reviewing a cleanser today. I haven't found one that I've liked enough to stick with. But so far with this one, I like it enough that I may repurchase after it's finished. 

I usually use a gentle cleanser for the morning and a gentle exfoliating facial cleanser for the evening. 

. 

I really enjoy using Japanese skincare products. Kose is quite popular in Japan and Softymo is quite affordable. 

Back in High School I used their oil based cleanser, which I didn't like at the time, but I am looking to repurchase in the future. 

Let's take a closer look!

The Face Shop - Chia Seed Watery Eye & Spot Essence Review

Hello 2015! Hope you had a wonderful New Years. I didn't do anything too exciting. It was far too cold to celebrate outside so I stayed in instead. No regrets! The older I get, the more I just want to stay indoors and just be in my PJs. Anyone else feel the same?

Anyway, last year when I was getting into skincare my under eyes were neglected. I'm a little self conscious of my dark circles, so I wanted to find something to help with them.

I did a bit of research and behold, The Face Shop Chia Seed Watery Eye & Spot essence!

The Face Shop Chia Seed line is very popular and is known for its hydration. When I first started reading up on what products to try, my friend recommended this to me. 

Fall/Winter Empties + short reviews. L'Occitane, Missha and The Body Shop

I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday! I can't believe it's already going to be 2015 soon! Time sure flies!

I'm surprised with how much I managed to use up these past couple of months. I also can't believe I managed to keep all the containers for so long.

These posts will be few and far between, but let's take a look at what I managed to use up from the past couple months!

Etude House: Goodbye Pore Ever: Pore Primer Essence Review

I've actually had this particular product for a while now. I just never got to reviewing it till now unfortunately. 

I really like Etude House. I only have one lipstick of theirs, so majority of the products I've tried are skincare items. 

So when I began caring for my skin around last year, one of the biggest things I didn't like about my face was my pores. Granted, they're not as big as others, but enough that I get a really oily face. 

A friend of my recommended I check out their pore cleansing line to help combat my pores. 

As you know, I have tried their pore toner and I love it! But you can check out the other products they have here.

CrySense Hair Organic Essence by Palan Cosmetic review

Hello everyone!

I have a review from the Memebox Global # 12! About time I start pumping out reviews from them though huh? I haven't had a chance to really use a lot of the products from my first box, the Luckybox #5. Most of the products from that box are facial, and I'm still in the midst of using up my current moisturizers.

This Memebox is perfect for me, because starting this summer, I have started putting more time and effort towards my hair. I've always used conditioner after shampoo, but recently I've purchased some hair masks and sprays to prevent damage when I use my hair straightener.

When I saw this Hair Organic Essence in the box, I was so excited to use it!

I've been using it consistently for the past month, and I feel I've adequately used it enough to write a review.

Mint Julips Lip Scrub Review from Lush Cosmetics

Aaand I'm back! I'm typing this post whilst at work! Shhh... I have some down time right now, so at least I'm staying busy!

Sticking to the lip review theme from before, I finally bought the famous Lush lip scrub!
For those of you not familiar with Lush, they're a company that makes products completely by hand, and using/buying ingredients that "do not conduct or commission tests on animals and testing products on humans".
They also only use vegetarian products and some of them, including the lip scrub is gluten free!

Previously, I had only ever tried their bath products. Bath bombs are good, but I especially love The Comforter bubble bar. SO MANY BUBBLES!! I'll have to purchase it again sometime-and you should try it too!

I know what some of you may be thinking, 'sugar scrub? Could have just made one at home!' Yes, that is true. I definitely could have. Considering how I've only used this a handful of times, I should have made one myself. But I can't make my lip scrub smell as good!
At the time when I was in the store, I was planning on buying bubble gum. A friend of mine recommended that one to me.  But in the end, mint chocolate smelt the most appealing.

So let's see if it was worth the purchase!

Smith's Rosebud Salve Review

Hello hello! I've been rather M.I.A lately. I went on a week vacation at the end of June, and when I came back, the internet was down >< story of my life.
On the bright side, I was able to watch the Canada Day fireworks from my window at home. Hope everyone had a good Canada Day and 4th of July!

On my vacation, I went on a little shopping rampage. Mostly for dried food, though I did make some really exciting purchases!
One of them, being Smith's Rosebud Salve. I've heard a lot of good things about this product. I don't have a Sephora back in my hometown or anywhere close to where I'm working this summer either. I stopped by Sephora while on my vacation, and I decided to pick this lip salve up.

Though I'm not really a huge fan of lip balms where I have to use my fingers to apply, (less sanitary) but with everyone recommending this, I figured I'd give it a try. 

Broadway - imPress Press-on Manicure Nail Review

Hello hello! As you may know, I have settled into my new place for the summer. Work hasn't been too busy, and I have been shopping way too much for my own good. When the days are slow, I browse different clothing websites. I buy more than I can use, but regardless, I still buy more and just hoard it in my room. Eventually, I will become a hoarder. A crazy cat lady AND a hoarder. 

Well anyway, I signed up with this community called influenster. It's a website where a variety of people post their reviews and experiences on different products. Every time you write a post, you build up points towards not only your social media presence, but also particular badges you can unlock on your profile. The more reviews you write, the higher your influence will be. 

I was lucky enough to be eligible for the imPress Manicures by Broadway. They sent me two of their products to review.

The imPress Manicures boast:

• No drying time
• Superior lasting shine
• Easy removal
• Lasts up to a week
• Salon results

Let's see if they do just that! 

Kao - Essential Damage-Care Nuancy Airy Hair Mask

I never really bothered too much about caring for my hair. Not until I had a lot of dandruff, especially during the winter, and my hair became frizzy and static. I have yet to try hair serums, but I have been addicted to this hair mask!

I had read about this mask about 5 years ago on Xiaxue’s blog. If you don’t know who she is, she’s a really famous Singaporean blogger. She’s not as frequent with her posts anymore, and the brands she endorses don’t interest me as much, but when I read about the hair mask, I knew right then I wanted it. At the time, I was not an avid online shopper. So anything I wanted overseas, the best place to search was the over-priced Asian stores in Toronto. Luckily! My Aunt brought over the Essential Rich Primer hair mask for me to try, and it was love from then on. 

Now, I'm not quite sure what 'nuance airy' is supposed to mean.... the definition of nuance is "a subtle difference". So... a subtle difference in airy hair?

This information taken from Yesstyle says:

Intensive hair mask repairs and smoothens damaged and ragged cuticles with ultra-moisturizing shea butter, milk protein and high-purity honey. Hair attains unbelievable body and bounce after every use. After cleaning hair with shampoo, rinse and towel dry hair. Apply a generous amount of hair mask onto damp hair and leave on for 5 minutes before rinsing off. Use 2-3 times a week for healthy hair. Best for limp and fine hair types

Also contains ‘Heat protective ingredient’ to penetrate deeply into damaged tips, repair hair with heat damages brought by dryer or curler.

Contains Rose essence

Packaging
I don't usually like pink, but you have to admit the packaging is very neat. It's a pretty durable container too. I wrapped this in a bag and threw it in my suitcase for my summer move. It has faired quite well. I like that it's small, so it's easy to travel with, but on the other hand, I don't use this mask as often as I should, because there's 200g and in the instructions, they tell you to generous amounts.

Scent
I could go on about how AMAZING this smells! It's a light mix between honey and roses. It lasts for quite a while also. If you shower at night, like myself, then the scent goes away once you wake up, but I can see if lasting a while if you shower in the morning.

Product
Now, onto the stuff that actually matters, does the product work? Does it do what it advertises?
To give you a better idea of my hair, I'm Chinese, so it's limp, straight, no volume and I have never dyed it. I've never had split ends before either, so my hair is in pretty good shape. The only issue is that it's really frizzy and in the winter, it gets a lot of static. I've been using an iron to straighten my hair when it gets longer, and so I've been getting a lot of static from that also.

Anyhow, the product is very creamy. As mentioned in the instructions, you do have to use a bit in order to cover most of your hair. Although, it is most recommended to use on the tips of your hair, to help with split ends, I sometimes use this as a substitute for conditioner. I want all of my hair to be smooth, not just the tips!
Some people may not like coating of conditioner or product that stays in their hair once they rinse it off, but I quite like it. This coating makes my hair feel so incredibly smooth. After the first use, the difference is profound.

I use this mask sparingly, simply because there isn't much. If I were to use this every few days, I would probably use this up within a month or so.
I haven't tried a lot of hair masks, but so far this one hasn't given me any reason to find something else. I will continue buying this until it is discontinued. I may try a few others here and there, but for the most part, it'll be a staple for me.

Final thoughts
I really like this hair mask. I'll have to find the ingredients list, because unfortunately, the back is in all Japanese. Regardless, I love almost everything about it. My hair is smooth immediately after I use it, the smell is incredibly pleasing, and my hair feels less flat. Not so much 'airy' but not as limp as it usually is.
So I definitely would give this product a try.

I purchased this from yesstyle.ca for $15 CAD

Do you have a favourite hair mask? Have you thought about trying this Nuancy Airy Hair Mask?

Avene: Eau Thermale: Thermal Spring Water

I've become a little obsessed with facial sprays/mists these past few months. This is only my second purchase, but I have my eye on a few from Sephora and one from Laneige.

When I was at my local drugstore, I decided to pick up a facial spray from Avene.

I went with the 50ml travel size first, since I wasn't sure how I would like it. 

Skin79 - Wrinkletox Collagen Serum Review

Hello, hello! 

I am back with another serum review! This is the 2nd bottle from the set of three. 

From the New Turn Therapy Special Set from Skin79.

If you haven't read my first review of the 'Repair Amino-Acid Serum', check it out here! 

Beyond - Cream Puff - Rice Milk Foam Cleanser review

I had never heard of Beyond, which is a Korean skincare company until I saw the products being sold. The brand was established in 2005, so it is relatively new and somewhat unknown. 

In Korea, the brand is just referred to as "Beyond". But in North America, it is, "Beyond Fruits & Passion", Fruits & Passion was the store I purchased it from. Though it has since closed down and The Face Shop opened in its place. (no complaints there!)

But since I always have my eye out for Korean skincare/cosmetics, I opted to try this out. I have cleansers already, but really, more the merrier... right?

I went with the Rice Milk Foam cleanser as it advertised in big letters, "Rice smoothes and relaxes your stressed skin"

As a student, anything that claims to relax stressed skin is something I want! Get it on my face!! De-stress me please!

Let's see if it actually does what it claims

Skin79: Repair Amino-Acid Serum Review

Originally, this serum came in a pack of 3. Called The New Turn Therapy Set from Skin79. Which is another Korean skincare company. Yes, I have been going a little nuts with their skincare items. But what can I say, their products are good!

Not to mention, I bought this serum set for the most amazing price!

The Body Shop - Limited Edition Papaya Body Butter Review

It figures my new found favourite body butter scents, happen to be limited edition. I can only buy them once a year.

Well, I know what I'll be stocking up on come Christmas!