DISAPPOINTING PRODUCTS #1

Before I purchase a new product I like to do a bit of research. I'll read reviews on blogs, watch demos on youtube, sample it in the store, or even purchase a smaller sized version of it. So, I'm generally pretty happy with my purchases. However, sometimes I end up not loving a product as much as I thought I would. I really like watching other bloggers/youtube beauty girls' videos on "Products I Regret Buying" or "Products Not Worth the Hype," so I thought I'd share some of my disappointing products with you.  On a side note, even though these products didn't work for me, they might work for you.  After all, I read a lot of great reviews before purchasing these products, so others think they're worth the hype.

Dior Rosy Glow Healthy Awakening Blush {Petal} //

This Dior rosy cool-toned blush is supposed to be a universally flattering shade that adjusts to your skin's natural chemistry to create a customized look.  I had such high hopes for this blush. It seemed full-proof.  Despite the bright color in the pan, it goes on sheer, but can be built up. The cool toned color is not the best for my skin tone. In fact, I think it accentuates imperfections in my skin and isn't flattering. On an upside, the packaging is really gorgeous. 

Nars Sheer Matte Foundation {Mont Blanc} // 

This one was partially my fault. When I purchased this Nars Foundation at Sephora, I thought I was getting the Sheer Glow, but I didn't read the fine print and ended up with the matte version. At first, I thought this wasn't going to be such a bad thing. I have combination skin and can get oily throughout the day, so I thought the matte would work nicely. Unfortunately, I didn't care for the finish. It made my skin look and feel dry, but somehow I was still oily in my T-zone by the end of the day. Also, it doesn't apply or blend very easily, and the fact that it costs $45 and doesn't come with a pump is disappointing. They actually sell the pump separately. {Crazy!} However, the color is a nice match, so I'll be exchanging this for the glow version as soon as I get the chance.  Hopefully I will have better luck with that one!

BOURJOIS FOUNDATION COLLECTION

I used to only use high-end/department store foundations (mostly from Lancome).  I still love Lancome foundations, but I've found that there are pretty awesome foundations at the drugstore.  I learned about the brand Bourjois from watching Lisa Eldridge's makeup tutorials. Apparently, Bourjois owns Chanel, so Bourjois foundations are very similar to those from Chanel. Unfortunately, Bourjois makeup isn't sold in stores in the US, but we can order it online. My favorite retailers are ASOS and LifeandLooks.  I've also found it on Amazon and eBay.

I currently have three Bourjois foundations: the 123 Perfect, Healthy Mix, and Heathy Mix Serum.

The 123 Perfect has the most matte finish out of the three and is medium coverage. It has three pigments that help color correct: yellow for correcting dark circles, mauve for to brighten, and green to counteract redness.  I enjoy using this foundation, and find it long lasting, but the finish can be a bit dull, especially in the winter. Since I have oily/combination skin I tend to favor matte foundations, but I don't want my skin to look flat and dull. However, once I add a nice bright blush and bronzer and/or highlighter, it looks quite nice.

The Healthy Mix foundation is my favorite. It has a semi-matte, satin finish and is similar to the Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua. It really gives the skin a flawless finish and is long lasting. I have it in two colors. I wear 51 light vanilla in the winter and 52 vanilla in the summer. I sometimes mix the 123 Perfect with the Healthy Mix foundation to get a finish that's matte but still has a nice radiance.

The Healthy Mix Serum the lightest coverage of the three. I'd say it has slightly more coverage than a tinted moisturizer, but is buildable. It has a nice radiant finish, and I use this one in the summer when I want a lighter coverage.I definitely need to set this one with a powder though!

MAKEUP REMOVAL

I wear makeup just about every day, so removing it at the end of the day is really important. My favorite makeup remover is the Bioderma Crealine water. It feels like water on the skin, but it removes makeup (even mascara) very quickly. Unfortunately, I only have that tiny little bottle, so I use it sparingly.  Usually, my first step of makeup removal is using the Aveeno Ultra-Calming makeup removing wipes. It doesn't remove all my eyeliner and mascara, so I follow up with either the Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remove or coconut oil. The Neutrogena remover works quickly and doesn't irritate my eyes. The coconut oil removes every trace of makeup and is deeply moisturizing. I usually follow up with one of my favorite cleansers, such as the Basis Cleaner Clean.

FAVORITE FACIAL CLEANSERS

I find that thoroughly cleansing my face is one of the most important things I do to keep my skin clear. I always use a washcloth (or if your British a flannel). I find that it is much more effective than just using my hands. My favorite cleansers are those that provide a deep clean, but are still gentle.  I discovered the Basis Cleaner Clean Face Wash at Ulta about 6 months ago. I was looking for a cleanser that would remove makeup, but was gentle and soap-free. This one is perfect (as is the price tag- only $3.74). It is gentle, but effective and has become one of my nightly cleansing staples.  The cleanser I've been using for the longest is the Clean & Clear Morning Burst facial scrub.  I've been repurchasing this one for about 5 years.  When I find something that works, I stick to it! I enjoy the scent - It really is awakening and I love that it exfoliates, but it isn't too harsh, and it doesn't irritate my skin as long as I don't use it every day.  The CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is the newest addition to my cleansing regime. I use this one in the morning. It cleanses well, but doesn't dry out or irritate my skin. I can see why my dermatologist recommends this brand!

FRENCH SKINCARE FAVORITES #1

Avene Antirougeurs Mask //

The Claims / Product Info: This ultra-soothing repair mask provides immediate comfort by cooling, calming, and restoring skin. Relieves warmth, redness, inflammation and irritation. Ruscus extract calms irritation while reducing redness. Sucralfate and vitamin E help to repair and protect weakened skin. Avène Thermal Spring Water soothes the skin with natural minerals. Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.
My Experience: I have generally well-behaved skin, but occasionally my skin acts up and I get patches of irritation and redness. I've found this mask to be a very effective treatment. It is different from other masks I've used in that it is colorless and blends right into the skin. I leave it on for hours in the evening and love the calming effect it has on my skin. 

Avene Triacneal //

The Claims / Product Info:Reduces the appearance of skin imperfections and signs of aging. Works to reduce inflammation associated with acne. Glycolic Acid exfoliates and retexturizes the skin for a smoother complexion.
My Experience: I love to exfoliate my skin since I find that it helps clean out my pores and keep acne at bay, but abrasive cleansing scrubs can be damaging to the skin. This contains glycolic acid which is a chemical exfoliant, which is said to be a safer alternative. I've found it to be effective in making my skin smoother and softer. Hopefully it will also help stave off wrinkles in the future! 

Caudalie Beauty Elixir //

The Claims / Product Info: Part-toner, part-serum mist of essential oils and plant active ingredients. Smooths the skin, tightens the pores, and provides an instant burst of radiance, as it stimulates microcirculation.
My Experience: This is one of the most unique products I have ever used. The scent is so calming and refreshing. I love to use this as a makeup setting spray or before bedtime. I'm not sure if it actually tightens pores and smooths the skin, but I love using it. I've already repurchased it from Birchbox (unfortunately, for much more than I paid in Paris)!

Bioderma Crealine H2O //

The Claims / Product Info: Make-up remover and cleansing solution without perfume. Solution of fatty acid esters, enables dirt to be emulsified and surface hydrolipidic film to be reconstituted. Soothing and emolliant, thanks to cucumber extract. Non detergent, non foaming, neutral pH. Soap free.
My Experience: I am still kicking myself for not buying a larger bottle (or two) of this! It is the most gentle yet effective makeup remove I have ever used. It feels just like water and leaves no residue. Seriously considering purchasing this on Amazon.

La Roche Posay Zero Zinc  //

The Claims / Product Info: A spray toner that purifies and soothes the skin's surface irritations. 

My Experience: Like the Caudalie Beauty Elixer, this is a spray toner, which makes it really easy (and fun) to use. It feels really refreshing and hydrating on the skin, and since it contains zinc, it helps heal my occasional breakouts. 

 

Homeoplasmine  //

The Claims / Product Info: A multi-purpose, non greasy ointment that soothes, protects and moisturizes the skin. 

My Experience: This one definitely lives up to the hype.  It's super moisturizing and totally heals my chapped lips within one use.  It's unique in that it goes on matte, which makes it great to wear under lipstick.  It is also great for soothing skin irritations. I love when a product has multiple uses!

FRENCH SKINCARE

Ah, French skincare. Where do I begin?

I have always been interested in skincare and I try to take good care of my skin. I started seeing a dermatologist in my early teens, I try to use gentle, but effective skincare products, and I never go to bed without removing my makeup and cleansing my skin. However, my obsession with French skincare began about a year ago when I saw Lisa Eldridge's French Pharmacie Skincare Favourites video. (If you aren't familiar with Ms. Eldridge, I encourage you to check out her blog and youtube channel. In my eyes, she's the creme de la creme of makeup artists on the interwebs and can do no wrong.) At the time, I was planning a trip to Paris, and hearing about all the amazingly effective products I could find there at reasonable prices sent me into a tizzy. I immediately started writing a list of products I wanted to purchase while there.

The French seem to take skincare a little more seriously that we do in the US. All around the city are stores (known as pharmacies) dedicated to skincare. They are often very small and charming and jam packed with brands such as Bioderma, La Roche Posay, Avene, and Nuxe. Some French skincare brands are available in the US on sites such as Amazon, LifeandLooks, and Drugstore.com, but I found that the prices are better in France, even with the Dollar to Euro conversion rate - so needless to say, I came home with one heavy suitcase!

My next post will be a review of my most used french skincare items. So check back if you're interested!