October Empties

☑ Benefit That Gal Brightening Face Primer (sample)

I don't usually use primers and I'm not sure this one really did something - at least I didn't notice a brightening effect.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Benefit The POREfessional 

☑ Avon ANEW Rejuvenate Mineral Facial Rinse-Off Treatment

I bought this a long time ago and I must admit I rarely used it. It's basically a clay mask to me (despite its fancy name) and it did nothing special. You could buy a super cheap clay mask at the drugstore and it would work just as well.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Elemis FreshSkin Face Mask Duo

☑ Magical Moisture Quenching Face Mask

Repurchase: no because as far as I know, you can't purchase this mask separately (it comes in a duo with the Deep Clean Purifying Face Mask , which did nothing for my dry skin)

What I'm currently using to replace it: other face masks

☑ Fruits & Passion Orange Cantaloup Foaming Bath

Smells nice in the bottle but almost nothing once poured in the bath. Very average foam that lasts about 10 minutes. Disappointing for the price.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: random bath treats

☑ Dove Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Oil Care (30mL)

I think this did left my hair softer but I can't really tell as I always use a leave-in conditioner after washing my hair anyway. It has a nice thick texture though!

Repurchase: no, Unilever tests on animals

What I'm currently using to replace it: Alberto Moisture Soak Conditioner

☑ Organic Aloe & Jojoba Creme Therapy

Repurchase: no as I'm sure I can find aloe vera products that work just as well at a fraction of the price

What I'm currently using to replace it: George's Light Special Moisturizing Lotion

☑ mark. Mist Opportunity Multi-Tasking Refresher with kiwi/grapefruit 

I got this a loooooong time ago when I became an Avon rep as reps have access to amazing discounts and this was included in a special mark. starter kit. I use this every morning as a toner instead of washing my face with soap because it's so dry, but I don't feel it really did something for my face. I'm glad I finally used it up!

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Equate Exfoliating Cleansing Towelettes (60 towelettes)

☑ Mario Badescu Kiwi Face Scrub (sample)

At first, I fell in love with this scrub because of its amazing smell and because it's so gentle... but after continuous use, I realized it did nothing for my skin... and it started to make the area around my mouth burn! Maybe I have an allergy to something in this scrub?


Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Bioré Daily Recharging Detoxify Daily Scrub 

September Empties

☑ Herbal Essences Body Envy Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner (sample)

I'm not sure if I have noticed my hair being more volumized after using these products, but one thing I noticed is the smell - it's amazing! I don't really care about which shampoo I use on my hair anyway, as long as it cleans my hair, that's all I ask!

Repurchase: no, P&G tests on animals

What I'm currently using to replace it: L'Oréal Paris Vive Pro Colour-Vive Shampoo and  Alberto Moisture Soak Conditioner

☑ Dove Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Oil Care Daily Treatment Conditioner (sample)

This product has an interesting texture, I've never seen something similar before. When you squeeze the product out, it's very thick and solid and it melts in contact with the hair. It also smells lovely, and I really think it has improved my hair's condition, leaving it soooo soft!

Repurchase: no, Unilever tests on animals

What I'm currently using to replace it: Dove Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Oil Care (30mL)

☑ Fruits & Passion Grapefruit Guava Foaming Bath

Very average foam that lasts about 10 minutes. Disappointing for the price.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: random bath treats

☑ L'Oréal Féria Shimmer Boost Hydrating Conditioner

This must be one of the best weekly conditioner I have used because the texture is so thick and it feels very moisturizing but sadly, I'm not sure I won't repurchase Féria hair dye in the future as I've been quite disappointed with the results for the price - not to mention that L'Oréal tests on animals.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: weekly deep conditioners from other hair dyes

☑ Mario Badescu Special Cucumber Lotion

The smallest bottle available (8oz) is $15.00 and so not worth it in my opinion - it stinks alcohol so bad and it dries my skin more than refreshing it - not to mention toners are not really necessary, especially if you have dry skin like me. This product didn't feel refreshing, disinfecting or deep cleaning at all, and if I'm not mistaken, alcohol in a body care product is never good, is it?

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Nivea Visage Gentle Toner

☑ Burt's Bees Radiance Eye Cream with royal jelly

I always find it hard to properly review eye creams as I'm not sure what I'm looking for. I'm 22 and I do have some expression lines around my eyes but nothing really noticeable. I use eye creams as a prevention, thus I don't really look for an anti-ageing product.

I guess I was drawn to this eye cream because it contains royal jelly and it's an OK product but I didn't notice my eyes looking more radiant or awaken despite the little reflecting particles in the cream. The texture is nice and easy to apply but I won't use it in the morning when I'm in a rush before putting on makeup because it takes some time to be absorbed into the skin.

I didn't realize this until now but I've had milia around my eyes for some times and now that I've stopped using this eye cream, it has really improved!

At around $23, it is pricey, but I have yet to find a good eye cream that doesn't cost more than $15. Keep in mind that it's 98.2% natural!

Repurchase: I would, if it didn't give me milia ):

What I'm currently using to replace it: Avon Solutions Plus Ageless Results Eye Cream

☑ Neotoric Diabetic Oxygenated Advanced Healing Cream review

Because this cream is claimed to be "an exceptional intensive treatment for chronic dry, cracked, damaged, slow healing skin", I had high hope it would help with my eczema, but it didn't. Thid product didn't feel very moisturizing at all. On the packaging, it says it's great to use on feet, and that's what I did instead of just throwing it away.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it:  Udderly Smooth Shea Butter Foot Cream

☑ Lady Speed Stick Stainguard Antiperspirant/Deodorant in Powder Fresh

I loooove the smell of this, it smells like baby powder, but it's also very fresh. I don't think I've ever had problems with yellow stains on my clothes so I didn't notice if this antiperspirant/deodorant really prevented them. As for odor and wetness protection , I can't say it works all day. I mean, I won't stink by the end of the day, but let's just say I just don't feel as fresh as I felt in the morning, but I have yet to find a product that works 100%.

Repurchase: I would, if only Colgate-Palmolive Co. were not conducting tests on animals

What I'm currently using to replace it: Secret Scent Expressions Ooh-La-La-Lavender Antiperspirant/Deodorant

☑ Diane Lai Soothe Sport Treatment review

This is my favorite product from the Diane Lai line. I especially like to use it on my affected hand as it's fast absorbed into the skin and non greasy. It does a great job at calming the itch and it helps heal the redness. The texture is perfect - it's rich without being thick as a butter but it's not milky either. The Soothe Spot Treatment has a very subtle lavender scent which is pleasant and relaxing. Even though eczema can't be completely healed to this day, I'm glad to have found a natural product that help keep flare-ups under control. I would love to continue using Diane Lai products, but the price is a little steep for a student budget.

I didn't want to use the Soothe Spot Treatment too often because the bottle is so small for the price ($34 for 30 ml), and  technically, I haven't really used it up - I don't know what happened with the pump but I can't get any more product out! I tried to wash it in case it was blocked or something, but nothing worked, so I decided to scoop out as much product as I could but I wasn't able to completely "save" it. Oh well.

Repurchase: no, it's way too expensive ):

What I'm currently using to replace it:  Diane Lai Rejuvenate Daily Moisturizing Lotion

May Empties

☑ Avon Solutions Plus+ Maximum Moisture Hydrating Booster

This is actually the first serum I have used, and I must say, it got me hooked! I always thought serums were for older ladies, but I decided to give this one a try as it was on sale for around $3, and I'm glad I did! I can totally see a difference in my skin condition when I use a serum.

Repurchase: yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: Biotherm White D-Tox Translu-Cell Intense Brightening Serum

☑ Mario Badescu Skin Care Enzyme Cleansing Gel (sample size)

There's nothing special to say about this cleanser, but I'm glad it didn't dry out my skin.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Marcelle Hydra-C ComplexE Gentle Self-Foaming Cleanser

☑ Jergens Natural Glow Face Daily Moisturizer SPF 20

I have this since such a loooong time, and I never properly used it because a) it's not moisturizing AT ALL for my super dry skin, and b) it doesn't give me a "glow" AT ALL. Totally disappointing. Anyway, I figured out I would use it up now that's it's the summer and the weather is less harsh on my skin. The only thing I liked about this moisturizer was the scent - it smells like caramel!

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Marcelle Hydra-C 24H Moisturizing Gel Cream for dry skin

April Empties

☑ Garnier Fructis Light Cream Ultra Protect Leave-In Color Resist

This is the first leave-in conditioner I ever purchased, and it instantly got me hooked. It's a total life saver! It leaves my hair super soft, smooth and silky. It is the only thing that has been able to really revive my hair after I bleached it several time somewhere in 2007:

What was I thinking? My hair was totally FRIED!

Repurchase: yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: Hana Shine Shield

☑ Vichy Normaderm 7-Day Challenge (samples)

In February, I signed up to take part in Vichy Normaderm 7-Day Challenge, but the samples lasted me far more than 7 days LOL. This is claimed to:

1 Reduces imperfections
2 Mattifies
3 Hydrates for 24Hr

Healthier-looking skin in only 7 days.
Technological breakthrough - Patent pending
Exclusive association of 3 acids used in dermatologist' offices, salicylic acid, glycolic acid and lipo-hydroxy-acid, in a daily moisturizer.

This product seems to be aimed at oily skin, maybe that's why I didn't really see improvments. I didn't really like the gel texture as it leaves residues if you scratch your skin or try to blend foundation.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Elemis FreshSkin Softly Softly Daily Moisturiser

☑ Pureology SuperSmooth Shampoo & Conditioner (sample)

There's not a lot I can say about small samples like this. I'm very sceptical about hair products that claim to prevent hair color from fading as it always fade anyway.


Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Nexxus Therappe Luxurious Hydrating Shampoo & Humectress Ultimate Hydrating Conditioner (89 mL)

☑ Bliv Off with those Heads Blackheads Sebum Gel (sample)

I have stubborn blackeads on my chin, nose and cheeks and no matter how much I exfoliate, they never seem to come off. This product didn't really help either.


Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Bliv Off with those Heads Blackheads Sebum Gel (sample)

☑ Biotherm Skin.Ergetic Day and Night Creams (sample)

I got these through Facebook some times ago and I can't say a lot as they have lasted me for about 3 days, but I really enjoyed the scent, and I think the texture is perfect.They smelled of berries, too... yummy!

Repurchase: yes... if they weren't that expensive!

What I'm currently using to replace it: Elemis FreshSkin Softly Softly Daily Moisturiser and Avon Basics Rich Moisture Face Cream

☑ Barielle Total Foot Care Cream

The texture is great, not too light nor too thick, and the scent is very subtle. I got this from Meg's Makeup but I don't think I would repurchase it as it has nothing special and there's many great (and cheaper) alternatives out there.


Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Neotoric Diabetic Oxygenated Advanced Healing Cream

☑ Avon Moisture Therapy intensive Treatment Extra Strenght Cream for extra dry skin

I liked this, even though it didn't relieve the itching and roughness of my extra-dry skin (due to eczema), like it's claimed to do. I didn't feel that it provided 24 hour of moisture, but it was moisturizing anyway. I also think the texture is perfectly thick.


Repurchase: yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: Jergens Replenishing Vitamin E Gentle Exfoliating Moisturizer

 ☑ Mario Badescu Summer Shine Lotion

There's nothing I liked about this lotion except maybe the scent! It's too light, it isn't moisturizing at all, and I absolutely hated the shimmers (seriously, who would want shimmers in their body lotion?!)


Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Jergens Replenishing Vitamin E Gentle Exfoliating Moisturizer

My mini giveaway for a NEW Lancôme Color Design Palette ends tonight at 11:59, hurry to enter if you haven't already!

Mail of the week (September 13 - 17)

  Samples from SPAresource: Go here to tell the people over at SPAresource why you love their products and they will send you a free sample to try (I actually got 5!). This is for Canadian residents only. 

I received a 0.24 fl.oz - 7 ml sample of each of these:

• Amber Vanilla Body Lotion
• Vanilla Grapefruit Body Lotion
• Moisturize Foot Cream (I didn't even know they had foot cream!)
• Orange Blossom Deep Nourishment Body Cream
• Coconut Hand Cream

October 2010 issue of Fashion: I was excited to participe in their Big Giveaway, but it's sadly not open to Quebec residents (as always) -_-

  My gift as a new member from VoguePassion.net : VoguePassion.net is a website where you can buy makeup brands like MAC and Clinique at a super low cost. Click here to get your free gift and a 10% off your next purchase (I got L'Oréal Bijou Facets Precious Effect Nail Colour in B. Angelic).

My coupons from Save.ca

My prize from Brittany's giveaway : I won the new Lady Speed Stick Stainguard Antiperspirant/Deodorant. Thanks Brittany!

 My prize from Laure's giveaway : I won this super cute bird cage necklace from Mimischkä (take a look at her shop here). Thanks Laure for having this giveaway and thanks Mylène for giving away some of your creations!

 Samples from Bioré: I received:

• Bioré Refresh Daily Recharging Daily Cleansing Cloths with green tea (1 pre-moistened cloth)
• Bioré Daily Recharging Detoxify Daily Scrub (7 g)

 My prize from Henna's giveaway: I received:

• Pair of skull earrings
• MSCHIC SkunkLook Black/White Stripe Eyeshadow
• Nails Inc. London InStyle Nail Polish in Candy
• Lotus Lily Lip Balm by Glamourflage
• Gosh Velvet Touch lipstick in 140 Tutti Frutti

Thank you Henna! =D

My prize from Bailey's giveaway : I was lucky enough to win out of 632 entries! I was so amazed at all the goodies she included:

• Book "Oh La La Perfect Hair", by Susie Galvez
• Book "Oh La La Perfect Makeup", by Susie Galvez
• Mario Badescu Travel set with Summer Shine Lotion, AHA Botanical Body Soap and Hydrating Hand Cream
• St. Ives Restore 24 Hour Moisture Advanced Body Moisturizer
• Upper Canada Soap All About Feet Peppermint Warming Foot Scrub
• Philosophy Amazing Grace Shampoo, Bath and Shower Gel (60 mL)
• Pantene Medium-Thick Frizzy to Smooth Shampoo (50 mL)
• Pantene Medium-Thick Frizzy to Smooth Conditioner (50 mL)
  
• OLAY Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging Eye Makeup Remover + Anti-Wrinkle Treatment
• ELF Tools Mechanical Eyelash Curler
• Essie Nail Polish #90 Really Red
• Very Cherry Pedicure Set
• Quo All Over Colour Stick in Venus
• Quo Jumbo Lipgloss Stick in Pink Petal
• Avon Super Extend Mascara
• Avon Super Curlacious Mascara
• Avon Ultra Luxury Eye Liner in Khaki
• Nail Art stones
• Cake Winter Wonderlips Lipgloss in Ginerbread
• Smackers F'Lip Juicees in Sugar Splash
• NYC Lip Sliders Tinted Lip Balm in Sugar Fairy
• "Beauty Rest" Sleep Mask
• Maybelline Eye Studio Colour Pearls eye shadows in Tantalizing Teal
• Maybelline Eye Studio Colour Pearls eye shadows in Silver Starlet
• Maybelline Eye Studio Quads in Copper Chic
• Maybelline Eye Studio Quads in Sapphire Siren
• Maybelline Eye Studio Quads in Spirited Seas
• Baskin Robbins Vanilla Ice Cream Hard Candies
• "Recyling" Tatoo canvas tote

Thank you very much Bailey, I can't wait to play with all of those goodies!

Giveaway winner + mail + Wal-Mart haul + FOTD

Hello lovelies! I'm pleased to announce that the winner of my Skin MD Natural giveaway is...

...JustScarllet from Glamour, Glitter and Gold! 

Congratulations! I'll be contacting you soon by email for your shipping informations (=

I've got mail today ^^

I received my Mario Badescu products samples today! YEY! And look at all those goodies:

• Enzyme Cleansing Gel
• Special Cucumber Lotion
• Flower & Tonic Mask
• Kiwi Face Scrub
• Ceramide Herbal Eye Cream
• Drying Cream
• Alow Moisturizer SPF 15

The little containers are so cute! I have a HUGE thing for cute little containers ^^ I'll definitely be reusing them!

My mother wanted to return some clothes she had bought from The Bay, and since their 70% sale was still going on, I decided to go with her. I hate The Bay, but I wanted to take a look at the things on sale. Of course, I found nothing interesting. Even on sale, everything is so expensive! Anyway, so we headed to Wal-Mart after that, and, of course, we browsed the skin care aisles. As I never buy skin care or makeup products at full price, I always look for those big yellow or red labels that they put on the shelves to indicate that a product is on sale, but I thought nothing was really interesting today. But my mother spotted interesting things with a tiny yellow label on them that I have not seen, and other products that were at ridiculously low prices. Here is what I bought:

Dr. Teal's Therapeutic Bath & Body Sensuality New Deep Amber Vanilla Chapped Hands Cream: As I just pan the hand cream I was using, I needed a new one to protect me from the harsh winter's cold. I couldn't resist the scent of this cream, and the texture is just what I was looking for!

Freeman Goodstuff Organics New Moisture Shea Butter & Vitamin E Whipped Body Butter: OK, this is a new product, and it's already on sale... for 1,64$! The scent is divine and the texture is p-e-r-f-e-c-t! As I LOVE body butters (even more when they are whipped!) so much... I bought two! Here, I tried to take pictures in various lightning to show you the texture of it:

Burt's Bees Bee Keeper - Classic, Featuring Four Beeswax Lip Balms: OMG! This stuff was on sale for 3,75$... instead of 23,97$! And you get four original Beeswax Lip Balms for not even the price of one! I bought one, and my mother bought the 3-4 others left on the shelf xD

How cute is this little tin? If I was a smoker, I would have definitely used it to carry my cigarettes or cigars LOL.

Burt's Bees Lip Balm Purse Pack - Mixed, Featuring a Pomegranate, a Honey, & two Beeswax Lip Balms: As for the previous Burt's Bees lip balms kit, this one is also 3,75$ instead of 23,97$. I grabbed one (mostly because of the cute purse!), and my mother bought the 2 left on the shelf, too!

Isn't this purse the cutest thing? I still don't know what I'll be doing with it...

Maybe I'll use it to carry my change around? Or as a makeup bag? Hmmm...

My mother was also hesitating between these two bonus packages:

The mascara is the same in both packages (Marcelle Volume Precision Mascara in Black), and the other product is a Marcelle Essentials eye-makeup remover. The difference between the two is that the one on the left is a gel eye makeup remover and the one on the right is an oil-free eye makeup remover. As I was more interest in the gel based one, and my mother in the other, we came to an agreement: she buys the gel base one and, back home, we switch products! Yes, because my sister in law gave me the bonus package with the oil free eye makeuop remover for Christimas (=

My FOTD is pretty boring today as I used the same eyeshadow as Saturday... but anyway!

Face
Marcelle Colour Cube Bronzing Powder - Multi-bronze

CoverGirl Cheekers Blush - ? (the label has been torned)

Eyes
Joe Fresh Duo Concealer - Light (used a as primer)

Physicians Formula Mosaic Cream Eye Shadow - Nutmeg Mosaic

Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner - Onyx

Maybelline Lash Stiletto Mascara- Black

Lips

nothing

I attempted another FOTD with this Pysicians Formula palette because I wanted to try using my concealer as a primer to prevent the crasing, and I also noticed that Saturday, after like 3-4 hours, little bits of mascara were stuck in my crease, which I've never experienced with any eyeshadow before. I don't understand what I'm doing wrong...