Product Reviews Archives | Page 6 of 7

Fresh Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask Review!

April 14, 2015

Hi everyone! Thank you so much to all who sent me their well wishes! I appreciate it! I’m just waiting for the results now.

Today I have a review on a sample I received at Sephora from Fresh. Here’s my take on this product. 🙂

Described as a mask that works in sync with the skin’s natural nighttime recovery process to achieve a lifted, firmer look by the morning. The intensely moisturizing treatment has a corset-like effect on the skin, giving the appearance of a visibly more defined, contoured complexion.”

Pros

Hydrating

Absorbs quickly

Not heavily scented

Good antioxidants

Cons

Pricey

Peptides are towards the bottom of the list

May not provide drastic firming results as claimed

Added fragrance

At a Quick Glance

Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester– peptide that can help strengthen skin (elastic fibers); sensitive skin soother and anti-aging ingredients.

Lychee– brightens, rejuvenates and protects skin caused by dehydration and UV damage.

Black Tea Ferment– provides anti aging effects and enhances skin smoothness.

Bottom Line: I think this product has a good range of anti-oxidants, including green tea, emollients and moisturizers and would be great for those who have normal, dry or combination skin that is looking for added moisture;my face felt nice and hydrated. Although it doesn’t feel heavy and absorbs quickly, I wouldn’t recommend this for oily/acne prone skin. It has peptides that can help strenghten the skin however I don’t feel it’s concentrated enough to make a drastic difference in respects to firming capabilities. For the price, personally I would instead invest in a product that is more concentrated with peptides or a professional treatment if you’re looking for better firming properties. However, if you want a hydrating mask with great antioxidants and have the money to spend, this would be a great product to try out.

Have you tried this product? What are your thoughts?

Stephanie

GlamGlow ThirstyCleanse Review!

March 26, 2015

Hello readers! I’m still feeling pretty drained from these allergies but I wanted to leave you with a review on a sample I received of the Glam Glow ThirstyCleanse Daily Hydrating Cleanser.

Described by GlamGlow as “a revolutionary Mud to Foam^™ daily cleanser that combines the Power of Mud and the Performance of Foam for a NEW Daily Cleansing experience. THIRSTYCLEANSE™ transforms from a luxurious mud into a moisture-rich foaming lather to gently & effectively rinse away make-up, dirt & impurities while deeply moisturizing your skin. Designed For Men & Women of All Ages & All Skin Types. THIRSTYCLEANSE™ for a Super Hydrated Super Clean Complexion.”

My Brief Description

Coconut scented (reminiscent of a tanning lotion)

Tan colored

Initial creamy consistency upon application

Foams up when water is applied

My Take At First Glance

Before trying this, I was skeptical on how this mud to foam cleanser could be moisturizing. After all, it contains sodium cocoamphoacetate, which when I researched found it to be a surfactant that causes a product to foam; this product also incorporates kaolin clay which is best used on oily skin types, due to its oil absorbing properties. I had read good reviews though, so I put this information on the backburner and decided to try it.

My Experience

Initially when I tried this, I was surprised by how creamy the product was when I applied it. I had some glimmers of hope that this pleasantly scented cleanser might just be hydrating after all. After I rinsed it off, my skin felt nice but unfortunately, this was short lived. About 3 minutes later, my skin felt so dry and tight even after I applied my toner and moisturizer. I added another layer of moisturizer and it helped somewhat but by morning, my skin had soaked up all the moisturizer, leaving my skin feeling very dry. (For the record, I have a combination skin type which you can learn about by clicking here.) I was able to squeeze about four uses out of this sample. For my last use, I decided to try something out. I also received a sample of Fresh Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask which is a hydrating night treatment and decided to apply this and leave overnight after using the ThirstyCleanse. Well, my skin apparently soaked that up all too. 🙁

Final Thoughts

Normally, I give products about a month or so to come up with my final verdict but this is one exception. This product is best suited for someone who has very oily skin but even at that, I wouldn’t suggest this as a daily cleanser as I found it to be far too stripping. I would use this no more than 2 times per week if you’re oily. Dry, sensitive, normal and combination should skip this one entirely.

Was this article helpful? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks for reading,

Stephanie

My Morning Skincare Routine!

February 10, 2015

Hello readers! It’s a lovely day here in sunny California which is always great but I’m feeling under the weather. At the beginning of the year, I always manage to get sick and though I thought I had broken this spell, I’m sadly mistaken. 🙁 Anywho, I hope all of you are doing well.

I often get asked what my morning skincare routine so here it is. Since I am often testing and trying new items, the product lines I use vary but the gist of my routine is the same.

1) Cleansing– Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel I used this when I was in school and I really liked it so I pick one up every so often when I go to IDI (Dermalogica Headquarters). It’s a basic, soap free cleansing solution that foams but doesn’t feel harsh.

2) Toning– Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner Again, another product I used in school that I liked, I spritz this toner to wipe away any residue left after cleansing- you’d be surprised by what’s left behind after you cleanse! It’s refreshing, doesn’t sting and has the humectant Sodium PCA.

3) Serum– Renee Rouleau Vitamin C & E Treatment I always make sure to incorporate a vitamin C serum in the morning. It gives your skin antioxidants to fight free-radicals, results in a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, promotes the formation of collagen and can also reduce pigmentation due to its brightening properties. (For more information on vitamin C, click here.) Paired underneath sunscreen, it gives your skin extra antioxidant protection your skin needs from the sun’s harmful rays, which plays a prominent role in the breakdown of collagen. This serum is one of the more hydrating vitamin C serums I have tried and I love the fact that it incorporates vitamin E, which nourishes the skin and enhances the effects of vitamin C. (For more information on vitamin E, click here). Apply to the face and extend to the neck and chest area.

4) Moisturizer/Sunscreen– Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50 A staple in any skincare routine is sunscreen! I’ve purchased this product several times because it combines moisturizer and sunscreen in 1- a true time saver. It’s light-weight, works well underneath makeup and is formulated with antioxidant white tea.

5) Eye Cream– Renee Rouleau Total Eye Repair Cream Using an eye cream is a must to hydrate the eye area, especially during the colder months, to minimize the appearance of wrinkles. This one contains hyaluronic acid and firming peptides. It does not irritate my eyes, which some eye creams tend to do, and absorbs quickly into skin leaving it moisturized without a heavy feel. As for the firming effect, my eye area isn’t lax so I did not notice a difference in this aspect.

Disclaimer: The Renee Rouleau products were recommended and given to me by Renee (thank you!), however, ALL reviews are based on my own honest opinions and experiences.

I hope you found this helpful on how I keep my skin healthy and protected! 🙂

Have a great Tuesday,

Stephanie

Mini Lush Haul!

December 4, 2014

Hi readers! A while ago I purchased these two Lush products and I finally got around to reviewing them. Just a quick recap on the brand in case you’ve never heard of them: they are a company that prides themselves on creating and selling fresh, handmade products with little to no preservative and they support humanitarian, environmental and animal rights causes. You can read a little bit more on the brand and other Lush products I tried by clicking here.

D’Fluff Strawberry Shaving Soap

lushusa.com

D’Fluff Strawberry Shaving Soap is a thick, pink product that boasts fresh strawberries, egg whites, golden syrup, rosehip oil, coconut oil, maple sugar and Fair Trade cocoa butter designed to leave skin silky smooth after shaving. Strawberries contain natural fruit acids that can provide mild exfoliation, allowing for a smoother shave while coconut oil, rosehip oil and cocoa butter provide a moisturizing component. While I do like the fact that my legs feel really soft and moisturized afterward, the scent to me isn’t pleasant. It hinges more on an artificial strawberry scent mixed with bubblegum and lingers for a while.

Pros

The bottom of the jar lists the date it was made and the date you should discard it

Handmade and fresh

Natural acids from strawberries provide mild exfoliation, which can lead to less ingrown hairs

You don’t have to moisturize as much after shaving

Cons

Is pricier than standard shaving creams 2.4 oz for$9.95; 5.2 oz for $16.95

The smell- either you love it or hate it- and it has added fragrance.

Tub container isn’t the most convenient in the shower

You have to use quite a bit of product because it tends to slide of very easily

Not sure how effective the self-preserving formula is meaning if water is introduced into the product, can it breed bacteria?

*To be safe, you should use dry clean hands or a clean spatula to scoop out the product

Ocean Salt Face and Body Scrub

lushusa.com

Ocean Salt is a salt based skin softening scrub that is mixed with “fresh avocado and coconut to hydrate thirsty skin, leaving it balanced and soft. The cleansing effects of lime and vodka are ideal for blocked pores, blackheads or blemishes and leave skin visibly brightened.” The scent in this scrub is exactly like a margarita (yum!). It’s a nice way to give your body a little energizing boost. *Note: Although this is marketed as a face and body scrub, I would recommend this only as a body scrub as the course salt is too abrasive for the face.

Pros

The bottom of the jar lists the date it was made and the date you should discard it

Handmade and fresh

Margarita scented (without the calories!)

Effective exfoliator, especially for rough spots like knees, elbows and feet

Didn’t experience any dryness

You don’t need to use a lot of the product

Cons

Price $21.95 for 4.2 oz; $35.95 for 8.8 oz

Tub container isn’t the most convenient in the shower- it would be great if it came in a squeeze tube

FD&C Blue #1, fragrance, and Lanolin, although in small amounts, can cause sensitivity for some

Course salt is too abrasive to be used on the face

Bottom Line: I would not purchase the D’Fluff Strawberry Shaving Soap again as I find it to be a hassle in the shower. I do love the Ocean Salt scrub and I may repurchase again-the only deterrent is the price.

Have you tried these or any other Lush products? What do you think of them?

Stephanie

First Look: Renee Rouleau Pro Remedy Oil!

September 30, 2014

Renee and I at Sofitel in Beverly Hills

Hi readers! I hope you all had a great weekend!

I was given the unique (and awesome!) opportunity to assist celebrity esthetician Renee Rouleau during one of her quarterly visits here in L.A. This is the second time I have helped her during her stay and words cannot express how blessed I feel to be able to participate in this event. Renee is one of the go-to skin care gurus with celebrity clients like Demi Lovato and Lisa Rina and generates rave reviews from beauty editors with good reason. Aside from being extremely knowledgeable and formulating her own skin care line, she is also genuinely sweet, caring and humble. When I first met her, she greeted me with a hug and smile that felt like I had known her forever. Such a lovely person inside and out.

I was one of the lucky ones that received a bottle of her ~~soon to be released~~ newly released Pro Remedy Oil! Pro Remedy Oil is a blend of 12 natural oils including sweet almond oil, evening primrose oil, rosehip oil and cranberry oil that “helps repair dry skin from airplane travel, eczema, sunburn, dry climate and pregnancy.” Since many of us receive chemical peels during the fall and winter months, this oil can also be used post-chemical peel to soothe skin.

Pro Remedy Oil is a clear light-weight, citrus scented oil that absorbs quickly into the skin. Since I have combination skin, I mix about 2-3 drops with my moisturizer and apply to my face-a little goes a long way. So far, I like how my skin has felt hydrated with no heavy after feel and I haven’t broken out. We’ll see if that changes in the next couple of weeks.

If you have dry skin or eczema and haven’t found products that work, definitely look into this oil, especially during these next few months when we’re prone to losing more moisture. Those with acne or oily skin types should tread lightly since you already produce enough oil and probably don’t need anymore.

Other goodies I received: Bio Calm Repair Masque, Aloe Cleansing Milk and Bio Radiance Night Serum- can’t wait to try them out.

I’ve tried a couple of products from Renee’s line and although there were some I didn’t like or didn’t work for me, some items worth checking out that I love include Luxe Mint Cleansing Gel, BHA Clarifying Serum, and Triple Berry Smoothing Peel.

If you’re interested in Renee’s skin care line, visit her website www.reneerouleau.com

Hope you enjoyed this post and sneak peek!

Hand Cream Favorites!

September 25, 2014

As colder weather starts to set in (except maybe here in California), were bound to be bombarded by excessive handwashing and hand sanitzer use in an attempt to prevent colds. The disadvantage? Dry hands. Here’s a couple of staple products I like to keep on hand. 🙂

bathandbodyworks.com; target.com

Bath and Body Works Pocket Bac Hand Sanitizing Gel, $1.75 and The Honest Company Hand Sanitizer Spray, $2.99

Small and portable, the Pocket Bac Hand Sanitizers come in different scents and the Hand Sanitizer Spray makes disinfecting surfaces easy.

crabtree-evelyn.com

Crabtree & Evelyn Ultra Moisturizing Hand Cream in Rosewater, $8-$20

Was gifted a hand cream from this brand a few years back and I love how it contains ceramides and vitamin E to help moisturize the skin, yet feels light. Found this one at TJ Maxx for about $7.

sephora.com

Caudalie Nail and Hand Cream, $9-$15

Used this citrus scented hand cream back in esthetic school and loved how quickly it absorbed into skin. It contains grapeseed oil and vitamin E to provide antioxidant properties as well as shea butter. Leaves nails with a nice sheen.

bathandbodyworks.com

True Blue Spa Shea Cashmere and Silk Hand Cream, $12.95

Have used and repurchased this one for a long time and love the vanilla and sandalwood scent. Leaves hands feeling super soft. I have noticed this leaves behind a bit of shimmer but I don’t mind as it’s subtle.

lush.com

Lush New Charity Pot, $6.95-$25.95

New to my collection, I use this hand and body lotion at night or after I shower since it has a heavier and thicker consistency. Albeit ylang ylang and cocoa butter are dominant scents in this one, I find it’s the least scented one out of the bunch. Also, every dollar except the taxes goes towards a charity

sephora.com

L’Occitane Hand Cream, $12

Another staple product as it’s creamy but non-greasy. Shea butter is blended with honey, almond, grapeseed and coconut oils for a nice, hydrating formula that lasts.

Hope you enjoyed the post. What’s your favorite product?

LUSH Review!

August 21, 2014

I’ve heard some great things about LUSH so when I came across this store, I stopped by to check out what they have. If you’ve never heard of LUSH, they are a company that prides themselves on creating and selling fresh, handmade products with little to no preservative and they support humanitarian, environmental and animal rights causes. Their items range from shower gels, face masks, hair products and makeup among other little knick knacks. After glancing at their products, I decided on a face mask and shower gel.

The Sacred Truth Fresh Faced Mask

LUSH describes this mask as being for dry or mature skin but I definitely think combination/oily skin would benefit from this a bit more. The reason? It’s made with kaolin clay which helps remove sebum and removes impurities from the skin- not too ideal if you have dry to very dry skin. Among other ingredients, this mask also has honey ( a great humectant and antibacterial ingredient), shea butter, green tea, yogurt and fresh papaya juice, whose enzymes provide an exfoliating effect. After using this mask, my face did seem a bit brighter and smoother and my T-zone was less oily.

Pros

$6.95 for 2.1 oz

The bottom of the jar lists the date it was made, the person who made it and the date you should discard it

Handmade and fresh

Enzymes provide a gentler exfoliation effect

Nice cooling effect (especially for hot, summer days and nights!)

Cons

Because it is fresh, it needs to be stored in the fridge

Only sold in stores because it needs to be kept in the fridge

The smell- you either love it or hate it. Not the best smell in my opinion but tolerable

You get a good amount of product for the price but because it doesn’t have preservatives, it needs to be tossed out sooner than most products. Use it as a body treatment (i.e. your back and décolleté) so you don’t waste the product.

Can enhance your complexion but don’t expect major changes

It’s Raining Men Shower Gel

lushusa.com

Absolutely LOVE this shower gel! My skin is pretty sensitive to shower gels and I usually stick to Aveeno Baby Soothing Relief Creamy Wash since it’s the only body wash that doesn’t irritate me or cause my skin to itch. So, needless to say I am very wary of trying anything new but I gave this a try and gladly so. It smells amazing-think honey, citrus and bergamot- and leaves skin super soft. I find the scent to be very soothing and the best part is no adverse reactions on me as of yet.

Pros

Moisturizes your skin and leaves skin soft even if I forget to moisturize

Leaves behind a faint scent that is not overwhelming

A little bit of product goes a long way

The bottle states when it was made and when to discard

Several sizes available

Cons

There is added fragrance so if you’re sensitive or allergic, tread with caution

Main ingredient is honey so if you’re allergic to it or to bees, steer clear

Price- it’s a bit more pricier than most body washes found in drugstores- $9.95, 3.3 oz; $$18.95, 8.4 oz; $28.95, 16.9 oz

Bottom Line- I think they have some great products to try but I was disappointed a lot of the products meant for the face have ground almonds in them. Ground nuts and fruits can be too abrasive for the delicate skin on your face and cause microscopic tears-save this knees, elbows and feet. Also, as I stated before, these can enhance your complexion but if you’re wanting professional results, this wouldn’t be the best line.

Have you tried LUSH products? What do you think about them?

My Current Favorite Exfoliators!

July 8, 2014

Exfoliating is a great and easy way to achieve a healthy complexion and to improve texture of skin. Here are some exfoliators that have found their way (and stayed!) in my skincare routine.

Sephora, $85; travel-size, $22

Kate Somerville Exfolikate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment

One of my favorite products that I find myself repurchasing every so often, this exfoliant is truly intense. As soon as you apply it, you immediately feel a tingly sensation and can feel your blood circulating thanks to the cinnamon, acids and enzymes found in here. I definitely have a glow after using it and my complexion feels (and looks) super soft. I tend to pick up the travel sized version of this at Sephora since it’s more wallet friendly and the tube lasts a good 3-4 months.

*For sensitive skin, there is Kate Somerville Exfolikate Gentle Exfoliating Treatment

Ulta, $52

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

I was introduced to this product in esthetic school and while it took me a while to warm up to it, once I learned how to correctly use it, I love it. First of all, this product is a rice-based powder that requires water to activate. You dispense a little bit of product onto wet hands and rub them together to form what becomes a creamy paste. Once you create the paste, you massage it over your face, leave it on for about a minute or so, and then rinse off. What’s great about this gentle but effective scrub is that you can mix it in with your cleanser to get that ‘deep’ clean feel.

Note* Although the name says Daily Microfoliant, I would use this no more than 3x per day as it can be too drying. Also, don’t leave this in your shower as you can end up with a clumpy mess.

reneerouleau.com, $46.50

Renee Rouleau BHA Clarifying Serum, $46.50

A new favorite that has found its way into my skincare routine, this exfoliating serum is especially great if you have textural concerns. I tend to get little whiteheads all over my forehead and this blend of lactic, salicylic and glycolic acid has significantly reduced them-people have actually noticed the smoother complexion! I stopped using it for a few weeks only to have the whiteheads develop again, so I know this particular product is what is making a difference. Unlike the other exfoliants featured here, this one is unique in that you leave it on overnight.

PCA Skin Representative/Dermstore.com, $25

PCA Skin Gentle Scrub, $25

If you have normal to dry skin and want something that is fragrance free, this would be an apt choice. Round beads that are suspended in a creamy base of aloe vera leaf juice, glycolic acid and jojoba seed oil gently polish away dead skin cells. Bonus: The bottle is 7 oz.

What is your favorite exfoliator?

SPF Lip Product Guide!

June 24, 2014

While we may protect ourselves with sunscreen from face to toe, what about our lips? Many of us forget about protecting our lips from the sun’s damaging rays, so I created a list of great lip products with SPF. From things you can find at your local drugstore or nearest Target to Sephora, perhaps you will see your favorites featured here or discover a new favorite one!

target.com; $2.99

EOS Lemon Drop SPF 15 $2.99 target.com

Summer definitely conjures up images of pitchers filled with ice cold lemonade, making this a fitting product for summer. Housed in a spherical container, this lip balm contains vitamin E, shea butter and jojoba oil to help keep lips smooth with a hint of lemon.

sephora.com, $22.50

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15 (Coral) $22.50

I am a fan of Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment because of its hydrating, long-lasting nature that also provides a hint of tint. Coral is my choice for a fun summer color but there are other shades to suit your likes ranging from nudes, pinks, reds and plums. The one deterrent is the price so for me, it’s definitely a splurge item.

sephora.com, $7.50

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25

Although this product is targeted for men, either gender can use and benefit from this lip balm. It’s moisturizing without feeling overly heavy and absorbs fairly quickly, leaving lips soft without much shine.

target.com, $1.99

Soft Lips Raspberry

I used to carry these with me all the time and forgot how much I loved them. True to the name, they keep your lips soft, and with a delicious raspberry scent and green tea extract, not to mention the great price point, you can keep them both or gift one to someone else. Unlike other lip balms, these are encased in a slender tube, making them less bulky and space efficient.

target.com, $2.99

Maybelline Baby Lips Moisturizing Lip Balm SPF 20

Although these are not my absolute favorites, I do like them. They do soften lips (albeit they don’t last long on me) and although the color range isn’t as expansive as the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments, the price definitely allows for multiple purchases.

What’s your favorite sun protecting lippie?

Sephora Sun Safety Kit Review

May 22, 2014

Sephora Sun Safety Kit, $32

Last week, Sephora released their annual Sun Safety Kit and I believe it is perfect timing since May is Skin Cancer Awareness month. Since 90% of skin cancer is caused by the sun, I love that this kit provides an array of sunscreens you can try out. This year, they included a lot more self-tan/bronzing products, which in my opinion is okay, but I would personally prefer more sunscreens. All products are great for traveling and you can toss them in your purse, making it easier to reapply. $20 of the proceeds go towards the Skin Cancer Foundation. Here is the breakdown of the kit, along with my thoughts and/or experience.

Sunscreens

Algenist Regenerative Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 20

This is both a moisturizer and sunscreen, which is great if you want to cut down your morning/afternoon skincare routine time. I find it has a slight medicinal-sunscreen like fragrance that while not overpowering, is prominent. However, the scent does not linger after it is applied. It feels a bit thick but it absorbed quickly into my skin and so far, has not broken me out. Ingredients like enantia chlorantha bark extract and biotin can help control oil and it does contain a bit of vitamin C. *Note: No synthetic fragrances are added.

Bare Minerals ready Touch Up Veil Broad Spectrum SPF 15 in Translucent

I really like that they included a pressed powdered sunscreen instead of the loose powdered one. Definitely not as messy. I also love that this is an easy way to reapply SPF, especially if you are wearing makeup. It also can work to keep shine at bay for those with oilier skin. It’s also formulated with antioxidants like green tea, vitamin C, vitamin E, and grapeseed oil.

Clarins UV Plus HP Ecran Multi-Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Titanium Dioxide

This is a 100% mineral based sunscreen (titanium dioxide). Personally, this is not my favorite as it leaves behind a white cast on my face and feels like a heavy sunscreen. I do keep this in my purse though and apply to my hands while driving to keep them protected. It does contain two notable antioxidants, green tea and vitamin E. However, I also see that alcohol is listed as an ingredient but it doesn’t state which kind so it may be irritating to some.

Ole Henrikson Protect The Truth SPF 50+

I don’t particularly love this sunscreen but I don’t hate it either. The consistency is light-weight but it leaves behind a little bit of a white cast effect too. It’s easily covered when you apply your foundation on top though, works fairly well under makeup and it contains vitamins A, C, and E, which are excellent antioxidants. Another downside: There is a minute amount of fragrance added but it appears last on the ingredient list.

Origins A Perfect World SPF 25 Age Defense Moisturizer with White Tea

Another time saver in the morning as it is both a moisturizer and sunscreen. The scent is kind of herbal and citrus like and it does tend to linger a bit. The texture is lightweight and it is oil-free. The addition of white tea and resveratrol are great antioxidants and can strengthen the efficacy of the sunscreen. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a complete list of the ingredients online, so I can’t tell if it has any added fragrance. Bottom line: It’s good but not my favorite.

Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense Lotion Sunscreen Lotion

This sunscreen definitely smells like a traditional sunscreen and it does feel a bit heavier. While it didn’t make me break out, it tended to make my skin feel a bit more oily. *Note: It is a chemical sunscreen, so if you are sensitive to chemical sunscreens and are looking for a physical sunscreen (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide), you may want to skip this one. Noteworthy ingredients: Vitamins A,C and E, allantoin (a calming and soothing ingredient) and panthenol (pro vitamin B5 which is an humectant).

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream+ Broad Spectrum SPF 50+

Since the texture of this sunscreen is heavier, hence the cream factor, I think those who have a dry skin type would benefit from this. What is great about this sunscreen is that it has the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal Of Recommendation for those who are active. This means it “should protect the wearer from extended sun exposure, such as exposure received outdoors during recreational activities.” It has also been found to include a water resistance factor, although as with any sunscreen, you must reapply every two hours or so, especially when outside.

Sunscreen Oil

Supergoop Sun-Defying Sunscreen Oil with Meadowfoam Broad Spectrum SPF 50

I have not tried this one as I glanced through the ingredients and it contains coconut oil. Although coconut oil may work for some, it makes me breakout when I use it on my face. I feel this would really make me breakout and I would have to do more research on sunscreen oils. Not entirely convinced on this idea yet. It is also a chemical sunscreen and lists tocotrienols (members of the vitamin E family), argan oil, grapeseed oil and shea butter among other ingredients.

Lip SPF

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF 15

I am glad that the kit this year included a lip product with SPF as sometimes we (yes, even me!) tend to forget about protecting our lips. Fresh Sugar lip balms in general are pretty moisturizing but fee light-weight. This particular one has a lemon scent, which is pretty perfect for summer.

Oil Control with SPF

Murad Oil-Control Mattifier SPF 15

I think this mattifier would work great on oily skin. It contains cinnamomum zeylanicum bark extract, which is excellent for treating acne; biotin and niacinamide, great for controlling oil production; and antioxidant vitamin E. My skin isn’t too oily yet, but I will keep this around and see how it works.

Bronzers

Dr. Denis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad Anti-Aging Exfoliating Self-Tanner with Active Vitamin D and Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Glow Moisture

I haven’t had luck with self-tanner towelettes and this was no exception. In theory, this would be great because you receive exfoliation benefits as well as a nice tan. However, until I get the hang of how to use these, I will pass because they tend to streak and some areas are darker than others.

St. Tropez Self-Tan Bronzing Mousse

Of all the self-tanning products in this kit, I like this one the best. It’s a dark-colored foam that is easy to apply and you can actually see where you are applying it. I think this would work best on those who are fair-skinned. The color looked the most natural on me but I am still working on learning how to apply it evenly.

Stila All Day10-in-1 HD Bronzing Beauty Balm Broad Spectrum SPF 30

This is a BB cream with a bronze tint. While I wouldn’t use it by itself, I may mix it in with my normal CC cream to add a hint of color. It comes in a ‘universal’ shade, which by my experience won’t work on everyone. Fragrance is listed rather high on the ingredient list so beware if you are sensitive to it.

Tarte Brazilliance Self Rejuvenating Maracuja Self Tanner

Sadly, this didn’t work out for me. True to their claim, this did not turn orange, but on me, it looked muddy. Definitely not natural. I know the full size comes with a mitt so maybe that might make a difference. This does contain vitamins A,C, and E but is also lists fragrance towards the top of the ingredient list.

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Medium/Deep Matte Bronzer

Love this bronzer. It is a matte finish (perfect for my skin since it tends to get oilier in the summer), great for contouring or adding a hint of color, is travel sized and has a mirror attached on the inside.

You can purchase the kit at Sephora stores or you can ask for samples to try them out. I hope this review was helpful!