Updated Skin-Care Products 2016

Hey guys!

So, today I wanted to give you all an update on some of the skin care products I have been using lately. Most of the products featured are from the Body Shop. I don’t really follow any particular skin-care line that they offer (i.e. Aloe for sensitive skin, Tea Tree for blemished or oily skin, Vitamin E for hydration.) I kind of just pull from a few products that I like or that work well together for me. That being said, continue reading to get a peak into the products I’ve currently been using.

First up, is the Body Shop’s Tea Tree Skin Clearing Foaming Cleaner. What I love about this product more than anything is the smell. Tea Tree oil itself smells very refreshing and natural and I think that when using any type of face cleanser, something that doesn’t smell artificial is an absolute plus. The foaming action of the cleanser allows the product to not be as harsh and drying on the skin. Since I live near Chicago the winter months can already be incredibly rough and drying on the skin but this product keeps from adding to that problem. Sometimes I still can’t get over how nicely this product has kept my skin clear and protected from any sort of breakouts.

A few months back I talked about how much I loved the Aloe Skin Protecting Serum and this is just another product from that line that just works wonders for the skin.  This is the Aloe Calming Toner. When I visited the Body Shop near me I was given the recommendation to follow up my cleanser with this overall balancing and restoring toner. Let me tell you, I’m beyond glad that I followed that advice. This toner, as with the Tea Tree cleanser, smells great. It’s very mild in scent and doesn’t over power the senses. I just use a small amount on a cotton pad and in a circular motion, rub it all over my skin. It instantly soothes any irritations and redness and doesn’t leave my skin feeling overly tight. It adds just the right amount of hydration back to my skin after cleansing.

This product by far has to be the product that stands out the most for me. As someone in there 20’s, I didn’t really think I needed to start hoping on the serum bandwagon just yet but boy…did this serum knock me right off my high horse. Typically the Drops Of Youth Serum is a bit on the pricer side but I managed to score it during one of the Body Shop good promotional deals. This serum has more substance than the oil or watery based products I’ve seen on the market. It has more of a goo like consistency. This product can be used day or night and I use between 1-2 drops that I either pat or massage it into my skin. I have noticed a definite difference in my skin. It feels hydrated and soft and I don’t have any dry patches. It just seems to instantly bring life into my skin. One small con I would like to mention however is that, I don’t care too much for the sticky feeling it leaves on my hands after applying so I just go ahead and rise them off with soap and water.

Last but not least, is my Manuka Honey Smoothing Face Cream and Eye Cream by SPA. I actually found both of these product at a Ross near me and unfortunately haven’t been able to find it since. For those who don’t know what Ross is, it’s basically like a Tjmaxx where you can buy higher end products for less. Anyways, since purchasing these two things I have been thoroughly impressed. Especially during the winter, this moisturizer, which is on the thicker side, adds a layer of protection from the harsh cold and wind. Also, the ingredients in these products are 100% natural. Not to mention, the Manuka Honey acts as a calming agent by adding essential nutrients to the skin.

All in all, I think I have finally hit the jackpot on all of these products. In combination, these skin care items have definitely made a difference in my skins texture, appearance, and over all health. As you can clearly tell, I can’t rave more about these products and I suggest that if you’re in the market for some new skin care products that you give these babies a try!

 

As always, I hope you enjoyed reading and feel free to like, comment, and follow!

-Kayla

The Body Shop: NEW Product review!

So, while out shopping today I just happened to pass by a Body Shop and I stopped dead in my tracks upon witnessing that the new Virgin Mojito product line from The Body Shop had been released here in Germany. Not to mention, I feel extra special because I don’t think that it has been released yet in the US. (I check the website and it’s nowhere to be found.)

I decided to grab the shower gel (7 Euro) and a mini version of the lotion (6 Euro). All of the products in the Virgin Mojito line are like that of all the other products in The Body Shops body care line. However, the Virgin Mojito line has two new products not featured in any of the other scents and that is a body splash and a body sorbet. The body splash is described as an innovative new way to apply the fragrance after a shower for a longer lasting scent. The body sorbet is one product that I think was genius. It is a moisturizer for the body but unlike the normal Body Shop body butters that tend to be pretty thick in consistency, this product is a light weight gel. When I tried it out in the store it  felt cool and refreshing and sank into my skin quickly. I think it’s perfect for those hot summer months where you want to apply moisturizer but don’t want to feel weighed down and sticky. I also have to mention that some of the products were packaged in an adorable gift set called the “happy hour collection” in none other than a martini shaker. How freaking cute!

So now how can I even begin with this product? What caught my eye first was the gorgeous summery lime green of the packaging that instantly screams summer. The picture on the front of a slice of lime and mint leaves captures that refreshing sensation of a cold Mojito. But what really had me head over heals in love, was the smell of the Virgin Mojito products. It has such a light citrus scent with hints of mint and its not over powering at all. I by far think that this is a absolute home run for The Body Shop.

 

I hope you enjoyed reading. Don’t forget to Like, Comment and Follow!

 

 

 

March Favorites

Another month has come and gone and with that I have some monthly favorites to share with you guys!

Make-Up

(Pictured Above Lower Right)

Max Factor Blush – seductive pink

Bourjois Healthy Balance pressed powder- 52 Vanilla

Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation- Fair-Light honey

Benefit Gimme Brow- Dark brown

I just recently talked about the Bourjois Healthy Balance face powder in my “New Beauty Favorites” post a few weeks back. Since purchasing it I’ve been using it everyday single day and can’t rave enough about it. Its silky smooth texture and mattifyng properties keeps makeup looking fresh and free from oily looking skin.

Another Favorite I’ve been loving this month is one that I have had for quite some time now but completely forgot about. I stumbled upon the Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation again after wanting a quick foundation to throw on but that still made it look like I had put a lot of effort into my makeup, and boy did it get the job done! I totally forgot how much of a flawless coverage this product gives. It literally looked like I had airbrushed my foundation on. I don’t know what made me stray from this product but I can 100% promise it won’t happen again!

I am including the Max Factor Pastel Blush into my favorites even though I just picked it up at the drug store two days ago. I am already absolutely obsessed with this product. Alone this blush looks stunning with its mosaic like pattern and on its just the same. The color is a darker pinky/peach with a small hint of shimmer. I think its the perfect cheek color for spring and summer.

Benefits Gimme Brow is also another product that I have had for a while and fell in love with all over again. Ok so story time…..A few weeks back I was trying to see if I could find a cheaper alternative to this product because it is on the pricey side. I had heard about Maybelline’s Brow Drama and decided to run to the drug store and give it a go. However, I was not a fan of the product and decided to go back to the drug store to return it. The Maybelline Brow Drama just did not match up to Benefits Gimme Brow. Maybe in the future I’ll give Brow Drama another try but for now it’s Gimme Brow all the way.

Hair & Skincare

(Pictured Above Upper Left)

Batiste Dry Shampoo-Medium/Dark Brown

Rituals Lotion- Spark of Hammam

Body Shop- Aloe Protective Serum

Macadamia- Natural Healing Oil Spray

Dry shampoo is a must for me on days when I don’t feel like washing my hair. The Batiste Dry Shampoo is hands down the best dry shampoo I’ve ever used. It just leaves your hair looking like you just stepped out of the shower and blow dried it. I decided on getting the colored dry shampoo because since I have medium brown hair normal dry shampoos tend to leave a white residue towards my roots. With this product I find that the white residue is barely visible. I like to spray and my roots wait a few minuets, maybe do my makeup in the mean time and then brush it through my hair. My hair is left smelling good and looking fresh.

Rituals is a store the I unfortunately do not have in the US but…they do have it in Europe. I am currently studying abroad in Europe and on a shopping excursion this month I was sucked into this store and fell head over heals in love with this scent Spirit of Hammam. In my opinion this scent is the best one in the entire store and after purchasing an air freshener in this scent it was my mission to make my body smell like it too. So I picked up the product in the lotion form. The scent is a fusion of eucalyptus and rosemary and holy moly is that the best combination! Its such a fresh, relaxing and sophisticated scent. Its just the right amount of sweet.

The Body Shop has been on spot lately for me and the Aloe Protective Serum is no exception. I apply this product after I cleans and tone my face. Once I put it on is completely soothing and reviving to my skin. I once went a few days without using it because I though I had lost it but when I found it an put some on I didn’t even realize how much my skin needed it. Its helped clear up dry patches on my skin and leaves it feeling plump and hydrated. It’s also super light weight and sinks in incredibly quickly so you don’t have to wait long before applying your moisturizer and makeup.

Since I cut my hair really short I’ve noticed that I blow dry my hair much more frequently than I’m used to and my hair is feeling more dry that usual. I brought this product with me to Europe after getting it in my Birchbox. I like how light weight this product is and how it leaves my hair feeling smooth and like its had a big gulp of water. I do have this product in a sample/travel size and once I’m out I will most definitely be purchasing a bigger bottle.

Randoms

Rexona Spray Deodorant – shower clean

EOS- Coconut

Burts Bees- Hydrating Coconut Pear

Perfume- Elizabeth and James Nirvana White

It might seem strange mentioning a deodorant but just hear me out. Since being in Europe I’ve noticed that stick deodorant is just not really a thing here like it is in the US and I think they are on to something here. Its so simple to me just to quickly spray my deodorant one or two time and then be on my way instead of taking the time to roll on my deodorant and worry about it smearing onto my clothes. I don’t think I can go back to normal deodorant when I get back home.

There is also a trend here in my randoms and that is chap-stick. I always forget how important it is that lips are skin too and they, just like anything, need moisture. I have always been a fan of EOS and when they released their coconut flavor I had to have it. The smell is not to overpoweringly coconut, which I enjoy. It also leave my lips soft and free from dry cracks. Also, this Burts Bees Hydrating chap-stick in Coconut Pear is perfect for quick hydration on the go. Since the EOS packaging is round it does fit too nicely in my pockets but the Burts Bees is the perfect size. Not to mention the smell is intoxicating. Sometimes I find myself just applying it to smell it.

Lastly is the perfume I’ve been wearing lately. I know everyone was a big fan of the Nirvana Black but I’m just not into heavy scents like that. The Nirvana White however, is a perfectly light comparison. With a sweeter floral scent its perfect for spring or just to throw on when you want to smell really good.

Hope you enjoyed reading! Don’t forget to comment and Like!

Rainy Day Essentials

April showers brings may flowers

Its officially spring and with that comes rainy days. I particularly have a love hate relationship them. I love the soothing sound of rain drops on my window and the instant sense of calm and comfort when one rolls around. However, with that, rainy days make me anything but productive since all I want to do is be bundled up in blankets with my favorite movie on. So, whether you have all day to lounge around or maybe just a few minuets these are some of my favorite rainy day essentials.

I was just recently been introduced to the “Wreck This Journal” books a few months ago by none other than my 10 year old sister. I had a moment of panic thinking she knew more about what “in” than I did but I was happily distracted by the awesomeness that was these books. I have one of the 8 total books by this author, Keri Smith. I can honestly say that you could spend a good portion of your day just letting your imagination run wild with this book. It has a multitude of out of the box activities to do from creating secret codes, to finding new ways to transport the book without using your hands. Almost everything can be done indoors give or take a few things and its the means to hours of amusing fun. Secondly, I picked up a book recently…yes from the young adult section don’t judge me…its called “Asylum” by Madeleine Roux. Its one of two books about a 16 year old boy named Dan Crawford who ends up being accepted into a prestigious program held during the summer. When Dan arrives he finds that the usual dormitories are closed down and now the program is placing students in near by dormitory that was also formerly psychiatric hospital. I haven’t read very far but what ensues I can only imagine is straight from a horror movie. What also had me freaked was ion several pages in the book there were real photographs from asylums featured. So if you’re in the mood to be a little scared on your rainy day this is perfect for to set the tone.

 

Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner by LUSH is a deliciously smelling in shower lotion that is perfect for those rainy days when you just want to pamper yourself. This LUSH product works just like a conditioner for your hair but for your body instead. After using a body wash (i.e shampoo) take a scoop of this rose infused conditioner and massage it into your skin as you would a normal lotion. Then simply wash it off, hop out of the shower and pat dry with a towel. A word of warning: the sensation is a slightly weird one. After washing the product off in the shower the argan oil from the conditioner have clung to your body leaving a somewhat greasy feeling. However, don’t let that dissuade from this product. Once you’ve gotten out of the shower and patted dry, your skin is left feeling incredibly moisturized and soft and not to mention smelling amazing!

 

Like I mentioned, on a rainy day sometimes I like to take the time while indoors to pamper myself. The Mario Badescu Almond and Honey non-abrasive face scrub doesn’t contain any harsh abrasive beads or chemicals but instead small bits of ground almond incorporated throughout the product. Also, the honey within this scrub is amazing on the skin as a natural antiseptic and moisturizer. Another perk is that this product can be used not only as a face scrub but you can also use it as a mask for 10-15 mins. On smell alone this scrub is absolutely delectable and not to mention I am a HUGE sucker of anything almond smelling, so this product has me hooked.

For me tea is an essential part of everyday but it’s especially a must for rainy days. A big cup of tea is like a big cup of comfort and relaxation. I like to sit down while I’m reading one of my books or even just to watch the rain fall outside and have something nice to sip. I am currently obsessed with this tea brand. I know it’s a UK based tea brand called Clippers but here in Germany, where I am currently, they call it Cuppers ( I don’t know why the name is changed but the packaging is the same…) Every time I’m in the store I’m always looking to see what flavor I should try next. Right now I’m loving Zen Balance. It’s and herbal blend with a mixture of lemongrass, ginkgo, and eucalyptus. The flavor is so unique and refreshing and instantly relaxes your mind and body.

 

 

So I hope you’ve enjoyed reading a few of my rainy day essentials. Feel free to comment with any essentials that are a must have for you!!

 

 

 

 

 

My Nighttime Skin Care Routine

No matter the season is my skin tends to be on the sensitive side so I like to gravitate towards products that aren’t too harsh on the skin but also still get the job done. So, for the transition between spring and summer, these products seem to be keeping my skin hydrated where it needs it be while also combating any breakout/oily areas I might have.

First up (top picture) is the LUSH Fresh Farmacy bar cleanser and the Body Shop Chamomile Silky Cleansing Oil. Now I’ve tried cleansing oils before but none where as simple as the Body Shop Chamomile Silky Cleansing Oil. All you need is a few pumps into your hand then massage it into to your dry face. Listen….I know smearing oil all over your face sounds like the last thing you want to do after wearing makeup all day but trust me this stuff MELTS the makeup right off your face. It also turns into creamy white almost cleanser like liquid when you add a bit of water while continuing to massage the makeup off your face. Then all you need to do is wash it away with water or a washcloth. I don’t feel like any oil is left over on my face after using this product and my face feels soothed and moisturized. Next up, I use the LUSH Fresh Farmacy bar cleanser. On the LUSH website it describes this bar as “carefully selected ingredients for its gentleness on the skin, with chamomile, elderflower, calamine and lavender; this is nature at its kindest.” Fresh Farmacy also contains tea tree oil which is a natural antiseptic to keep that skin pimple free! This cleanser is awesome for people with sensitive or blemish prone skin. Its not harsh in any way so even if you’re just looking for a good cleanser you should definitely try this out!

Second step (pictured middle) is of course using toner. I switch mine out occasionally depending on the season but right now though I use either my Mario Badescu cucumber cleansing lotion or my LUSH tea tree water. Both keep oil under control without being too harsh on the skin while also controlling  any breakouts. I apply the Mario Badescu cucumber cleansing lotion with a cotton pad all over my face and it is described as “A cooling and cleansing astringent that disinfects and removes residue, oil and bacteria from the skin surface to prevent breakouts.” I have to say though, that I prefer the LUSH tea tree water more because it’s not only a toner but you can use it to get off any residue makeup or just spray throughout a hot day to keep your skin refreshed and the oil under control. For night time I just lightly spray this on my face, let it dry, then apply moisturizer.

Speaking of moisturizer, I use the Body Shop’s Vitamin E night cream and Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate. I recently got Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate and I’ve been in love ever since! Not only does it smell great! almost spa like, it makes my skin feel pampered and soft in the morning.  I then apply my Vitamin E night cream right after my face oil however, I  recommend applying this cream really lightly because it doesn’t really sink into the sink right away and it tends to feel leave an oily feeling on the skin. I will most likely change my night time moisturizer when it gets warm outside.

I hope you enjoyed reading this I will try and post every tuesday and thursday.