About Me

My photo
California, United States
Hi! Thanks for visiting ^_^ My social media platforms: Instagram: meowmier Youtube: http://goo.gl/U5SnNM (formerly under the username francesvlogs but I don't have access to that anymore). I don't really do videos anymore simply because I think blog posts are more informative. Hope you enjoyed your time here! :)

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Ebates and Recent Haul-- Drugstore, Chanel, Tony Moly BB cream and CC cream, and other random stuff

Hi guys!

So, where to start? =D

I guess I want to start out by telling you guys about Ebates.

Ebates Coupons and Cash Back





I first learned about Ebates from Hollyannarae (see this video). But for some reason I just didn't want to sign up for it. A few weeks ago she mentioned it again and I decided to sign up. And ohhh man did I regret not signing up earlier consider I shop so frequently online =____________________________________= I could've saved so much in the past years T_T Anyway I took advantage of its birthday week and got some really good cash back bonuses. The stores available from Ebates even include Nordstrom, Sephora, Amazon, Groupon, Beauty.com, Drugstore.com, and a bunch of other websites. So anyway, I strongly recommend you guys sign up!! And you even get cash back bonuses when you refer friends ^_^

Oh and also, when you sign up, you also get a $10 gift card of your choice :D
SAM_4456_zpsde94f2e0

I chose a Target one LOL (I think the available gift cards include Target, Macy's, Office Depot... and I can't remember the rest)
SAM_4457_zpscec4bed0


Moving on!

So even though I love my SKIN79 BB cream and I think I will always have/use it, I noticed I've been getting extra oily on my nose whenever I use it. Which is completely weird because that never happened before. So I decided to look into other BB creams. I decided to go for TonyMoly because I had good experience with their face mask while I was in Korea so I thought I'm less scared/worried about their ingredients? XD I also wanted to try out the Sulwhasoo BB cream. Hm no reason. Just because XD

SAM_4236_zps1eae9c13
... And instead of buying full sized products, I decided to buy some samples from eBay -_- ehhh because I'm not ready to commit to another BB cream yet XD and I don't want yet another base product sitting in my drawers -_-

And I actually picked up samples for TonyMoly CC creams, out of curiosity :D Not really because of the whole "color correct" thing I don't really buy into that. But if it's a good base makeup then it's a good base makeup I don't really care what it's called =P

Here are some swatches of the TonyMoly Pure Aura CC cream
SAM_4239_zps76046918
It comes out white (I don't know if all CC creams are like that?)

SAM_4241_zps8a9248d2
And it changes color after blending! (reminds me of Josie Maran Matchmaker foundation lol).

SAM_4244_zps4dc36a41
It does look pretty good but the coverage is super sheer... kind of like a primer. Or a tinted moisturizer but less greasy. I will do a full review so you guys can see face application.

For the TonyMoly Expert Triple BB Cream
SAM_4245_zps63eb15d5

SAM_4248_zps79ee69ed

SAM_4251_zps93c2e083

SAM_4254_zps98dfab65

SAM_4257_zps2bba3fa6
Which is also quite nice =D However I noticed my nose gets extra oily with this BB cream. Will still have to test it out more.

Lastly, the Sulwhasoo Snowise Whitening BB base (which is super expensive =___=)
SAM_4262_zps19acf186
The Sulwhasoo BB cream has a slightly more runny texture. I also made an unfortunate choice of buying #2 natural beige, which is too dark for me -_- #2 natural beige should be for people who are at least MAC NC30.
SAM_4264_zps4242b74a
I was VERY impressed with Sulwhasoo's coverage, which is excellent. Also my nose didn't get extra oily from using this BB cream =D but it was only one-time use so I don't know if I was just having a good skin day or what. But I can't be using this shade again because it basically turned my face orange =(

SAM_4274_zps9639677f

SAM_4305_zps1ab9fb17
Can you guys tell how dark and orange it is?

I don't know if #1 would fit me much better (a little weary if it is still going to be orange)

Since I'm on the subject of base makeup, I thought this is a good time to mention that I purchased another foundation O_O

While I still love my YSL Touche Eclat foundation, I'm finding it to feel a little bit heavy for the hot weather @_@ (which is surprising cuz I thought that foundation is pretty light) so I'm putting that away for now and saving it for the winter. And although I usually use BB cream for the summer, my issue with getting extra oily while I use SKIN79 is kind of putting me off it for now -_- so anyway, after weighing all my lame excuses, I decided to buy a water-base foundation (you might ask what happened to the Givenchy foundation?! Well I don't want to buy that without Sephora sale -_- yes I have weird logic ahahah).

SAM_4288_zps5b248137
I have reviewed this foundation before, but I will be doing a new one ^_^ by the way I bought this through Ebates when it had 14% cash back for Nordstrom so it's like I got like $6 off this foundation XD

I also picked up some drugstore products over the last few months:
SAM_4075_zpscda31eed
Revlon ColorStay under eye concealer, Rimmel Scandaleyes, Rimmel Stay Matte long lasting pressed powder, and Maybelline Dream bouncy blush.


Let's first talk about the Rimmel Stay Matte powder shall we?
SAM_4076_zpsb6c7035e
So I got interested in this powder because Tanya Burr is ALWAYS using this powder and ALWAYS raving about it. Although I already have really good powders that I really love, I convinced myself it was under $4 and couldn't hurt to try. I wish I didn't -_- Because I do not like it at all (by the way Walmart does not take back makeup once it's opened, did you guys know that?)

I have to be careful to dust off AND dust off to make sure I have the tiniest amount of powder, otherwise I would look very powdery and made-up. Even then the powder isn't the longest-lasting (as in staying matte), and it does get slightly patchy as I get oily. Also, I've tried touching up with this powder when I get oily. Don't even try! It just clumps like crazy (although most powders clump if you touch up with them anyway).

In conclusion, might be good for dry skin if you use very very very tiny amount. And you might like this if you like the very made-up look. By the way this powder is very strongly fragranted-- it has a very strong floral scent. I am not entirely sure but I kind of feel like this powder breaks me out as well? I can't be sure because my skin has been acting out a lot and I can't seem to isolate the cause (I blame it on the weather). But it seems to get worse when I use this powder.

Here are some swatches
SAM_4084_zps0b78e2c6
1 is heavy swatch. 2 is after blending it out.

Next I have the Maybelline Dream bouncy blush. The color is 15 Rose Petal.
SAM_4097_zpsdabca980

SAM_4098_zps3382c5b6
When I first used it I was like what the crap?! But it was because I was using a brush with it and surely it picked up no pigment at all hahaha. You need to use your fingers for this blush.

SAM_4346_zps45f3f9cc
Basically you pick up clumps of product with your fingers, and smother it on your cheeks XD Reminds me of Stila Convertible Color in Gerbera but more subtle and easier to use (I used to find the Stila Convertible Color a little sticky to use).

SAM_4351_zpsd0f17381
Result is this gorgeous, soft, satin (or maybe semi-matte?), baby pinky peach color >w< I ADORE. It looks incredibly natural, and gives a super nice satin glow. Love love love. I can say this is probably the most used blush in May! My poor Benefit Hervana.... completely upstaged -_- Hervana is a beautiful pinky blush but at the moment I am so feeling this Rose Petal blush hahahaha.

SAM_4354_zps1977a0b3
I feel like Rose Petal is such a universal color (for NC20 skin anyway =P) it goes with everything.

SAM_4368_zpsb47bf3c3
Since I love this blush so much, I went back to the store to look for more colors. Unfortunately nothing else caught my eye. But I am super happy with this blush ^_^ my biggest blush love affair since the Etude House Lovely Cookie Blush in #2 Strawberry Choux.


I also picked up the Revlon ColorStay under eye concealer after seeing Lisa Eldridge use it in one of her videos (can't remember which).

I used to not use under eye concealer on a regular basis (because I have fine lines underneath my eyes and I hate concealer caking up underneath my eyes), but lately I have been because I've discovered some products that work for me :)

These are the three under eye concealers I kind of rotate about:
1. Revlon ColorStay under eye concealer, Clinique Airbrush concealer, Maybelline Instant Age Rewind treatment concealer
SAM_4313_zps271d3b74
Frequency of use: Clinique > Revlon > Maybelline

I think I reach for Maybelline least because it is slightly thicker than both Clinique and Revlon. However I would say the coverage of all of them are just light. They make my dark circles a bit better, but certainly do not cover them all. Probably also because I only use a tiny bit because I don't want to risk it caking up on me.

SAM_4322_zps5ab42331
I got the Revlon ColorStay in medium. I really like this shade actually, the Maybelline one is just too light for me (I use them under foundation so it's okay. But I wish I have a concealer that I can use over my foundation)

SAM_4345_zps9abf2eb4
I wish there's a between shade between Clinique and Revlon XD
SAM_4342_zps98574922
In case you can't tell, Clinique leans slightly more pink than Maybelline (which is completely yellow toned).


SAM_4336_zps1dad29c2

SAM_4325_zps4fec2bca

I will try to use up the Maybelline one, but probably won't repurchase once I'm finished. So far I'm liking the Clinique and Revlon ones :)

Lastly, here's a comparison picture of before and after using the Rimmel Sandaleyes in Nude (I heard about it from TiffanyD =D)

Before
SAM_4091_zps755cc848

After
SAM_4118_zps2488e833
But may I say you must be careful to use just a little bit lol otherwise it looks super unnatural hahaha.


Remember a long long time ago I bought the Eyeko mascara/eyeliner set? (which I got from Sephora, but I don't think it's available anymore)
SAM_4376_zpsdba11d19
Eyeko Lengthening Skinny Mini brush mascara
SAM_4378_zps36290c74
Sorry I don't have a picture of me wearing this mascara. But I thought I could share my thoughts anyway. This mascara has no curl hold whatsoever (tried using with a primer and clumped like crazy). There was no flaking, but it smudges my lower eyelid a little after a long day. The lengthening is good-- not amazing but not bad either. I'd say above average. Slightly clumpy upon building. I won't repurchase because of the lack of curl and smudging. Probably only works for people who already have nice lashes.


Next I picked up a paintpot from MAC in Quite Natural.
SAM_4085_zpsefff35b4

SAM_4087_zps6324525a

Swatches:
SAM_4088_zpsbf4dcc02
Lol I purchased it to soften my eyeliner look. Also I'm trying to use it as a shading color on days I don't feel like wearing eyeliner. We'll see how that works out XD

Here I used it to blend out my MAC liquidlast black eyeliner.
SAM_4092_zpsf1dd1e8a

The eye look:
SAM_4101_zpsa124e320
Eyes: MAC liquidlast in Point Black + paint pot in Quite Natural. Za mascara. Maybelline Dream bouncy blush in Rose Petal (I guess I didn't use enough for the camera to pick up the colors), and Revlon super lustrous lipstick in 415 Pink in The Afternoon. Chanel Aqua Vitalumiere foundation. No powder.

SAM_4120_zps473e4e02
(This was after adding the Rimmel Scandaleyes in nude. Small difference but a difference nonetheless huh?)


Okay now other random stuff in no particular order (like I had any order in this post to begin with XD)

I finally started using my Bobbi Brown Soothing Cleansing Oil!
SAM_4228_zpse0575214
Surprisingly it is really good! Why am I so surprised... I think it's because of how thin the consistency is. I'm so used to the thick consistency of Shu Uemura's cleansing oil that I was a little weary at how efficient this cleansing oil would be. It. is. GOOD. If not better than, at least as good as Shu. However I don't think I'll be willing to spend so much on another Bobbi Brown cleansing oil -_-a ($42) (I got mine at a discounted price). As much as I like it, I think I'll go back to MAC or something. Only thing I don't like about this oil-- I think it's supposed to smell like lavender, but it smells like fish oil supplement to me O__O;;;

By the way the pump pumps out so little product, I have to use like 4 pumps to remove a full face makeup O_O (whereas Shu I use 1 pump and a little squirt, lol!)


I have to say my most recent/exciting discovery is this Neutrogena anti-residue shampoo!!!!! =D
SAM_4229_zpsafed5b02
I first learned about this product from MissChievous when she was talking about her empties a while ago. I was really intrigued (I found mine at Walmart). This stuff is great and now I can't imagine my hair care routine without it =D You're supposed to use it only once a week. Which is a shame because my hair is always so fluffy and voluminous after using this that I wish I could use it every day!!!!!! hahahaha. It smells very pharmaceutical, but I don't care I love it :P

Now if you read my May empties post, you will know that as much as I enjoyed my Za cleanser, I like the one that I tried after even better... here it is... don don don donnn!!!!!!

Perfect Whip foam cleanser by Shiseido. Why am I so not surprised that I like this so much XD I LOVE Shiseido cleansers!!! =P
SAM_4309_zps75d6d91c
The lather is so silky and dense and I always feel so luxurious when I'm using this XD Also this doesn't dry out my skin as much as the Za one (much much more gentle) I can see myself coming back to this whenever I don't know what I want to try =P


I also picked up a Dermalogica skin hydrating masque after seeing Lisa Eldrige's video on long haul flights
SAM_4310_zps85aec684
It was just a little sample size I purchased from Amazon. Since I am flying back home in about a month, I figured this would come in handy while I'm flying this year :P




And... in an "effort" of getting ready for my rotation, I decided to invest in a pair of Danskos. I'm sure anyone working in the medical field would be familiar with this brand :)
SAM_4299_zps9be48ece
Lol definitely for comfort, not for style. Last year after getting a taste of what it's like to stand for 40 hours a week, I can't bear the thought of going into my month-long rotation without a pair of comfy shoes. We'll see how they work out :D

SAM_4297_zpsedb481a4

SAM_4298_zpsd842d56c
Thanks to Ebates, I was also able to get 14% cash back for this pair :D this pair is worth like 1-2 pairs of heels -_-|||

I wear it in European size 35, which is US size 5. I wear my Nikes Free Run 3 in size 6 (am I shrinking? I used to wear 6.5 O_O)
SAM_4301_zpsd2a41588

SAM_4302_zps8ed95519


Since we're on the subject of shoes/clothes now, it is only appropriate for me to introduce my recent obsession: boyfriend jeans!!!!

I blame it on Claire for posting this pic on her Instagram XD
IMG_3580_zps2efcfee2
Oh my gosh she looks so effing amazing in these!!!!!! She mentioned the model of these boyfriend jeans in this video. It's Zara Z1975 Zara Basic Dept. Denim Special Edition (I didn't find it on Zara's website but I did manage to find it in store)

I also love her Brandy Melville Carolina sweater top but that website charges SO much for shipping (the shipping increases with more purchase, unless you purchase over $100). And I heard about their quality being not on par with the price, and the horrible customer service. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm


Trying out the jeans in the fitting room. It was a size 2 and it was so big LOL. I was tucking my shirt up in the first pic because I realized baggy jeans probably go better with fitted tops.
IMG_3581_zps4fcac6a3
lesson 1: Must wear a shorter top, Or a fitted top
lesson 2: Must wear heels. Otherwise the baggy jeans make me look even shorter ahhaahah -___-.....

Also tried on another pair of boyfriend jeans. My friend liked this one better but I like the first one XD
IMG_3558_zpsc9f9ce73

As much as I'd LOVE to own the exact same pair of heels she's wearing in that Instagram pic, they don't have my size anymore on the website =( I usually wear a 5.5 in heels. They didn't even have 6 ='(((
2361201040_1_1_3_zpscab82860
Droooooooooooooooooooool.

The other day I wore my new babies out hehe XD I was going to wear my other pair of black heels but I decided they were too over the top for just a trip to the mall
IMG_3618_zps61425059
I realized I don't have any small shirts -_- so tank top it is. Definitely much better with a fitted top XD
Although I think I'll ever only wear these jeans with a white top. Plus a leather jacket depending on the weather. I'm not very creative when it comes to styling outfits. Any ideas?

In a different fitting room XD
IMG_3624_zps86ad2488

IMG_3625_zpsbb18e1b1

IMG_3631_zpse93ac7aa
Okay please ignore the jeans xD just imagine the dress without the bottom ahahaha. I've only ever shopped at A&F once before (and that was in high school) but I thought this dress was so cute. I wasn't going to try anything besides the discounted bikinis, but my friend was trying this dress on and didn't like it so I tried it... and I liked it XD Something easy to just throw on and go. I'm thinking this dress would be really cute for the beach? =D By the way this dress is half off in store, but $49 online O_O I suggest you try to find it in store first before buying it online if you're interested. My size is Small.

Okay, I'm finally done with this post that was full of nothing but randomness. Haha. If you read the whole thing, thank you for your patience ^_^ I've been "working" overtime trying to get as many posts done as possible cuz I figured once rotation starts, I probably won't have the energy to blog (well... no sunlight after I get off work either. Meaning no good swatches. BOO).  Also in the process of packing and moving. Which is a huge pain in the you know what. Anyway I'm just rambling now. I hope you guys enjoyed this post! :)

Monday, June 3, 2013

May 2013 Empties and Mini Reviews

1. Shu Uemura Skin Purifier cleansing oil
SAM_4174_zps05ad5f9b
I stocked up on this before Shu was pulled out of the US. This was my last bottle =/ I really enjoyed it but I think I will just go back to cheaper alternatives like MAC =P

2. Essential Nuance Airy conditioner
SAM_4175_zps432c8fdd
At first I was in love because it was SO conditioning. But after a few weeks I discovered that this was pretty much the worst residue-causing conditioner ever. In the end I only used this on the ends of my hair so it kind of worked out (plus I discovered an anti-residue shampoo which also helped). I'm glad I tried it and I know I won't be repurchasing.

3. Hada Labo toner and moisturizer
SAM_4176_zps0139682e
I think a lot of people will probably want to strangle me for saying this: I think these are overrated products. All I ever feel from these products is how sticky they are. I feel like these products don't absorb well so they kind of just sit on top of my skin. In theory hyaluronic acid is supposed to be extremely moisturizing, but I don't find these particular products all that moisturizing at all (I suspect the molecules are too big... who knows). The only reason why I even finished these is because I was using them on my body not my face -_-at best I'd say these are nice but not worth the hype.


4. Aveda Foot Relief
SAM_4177_zps85e30b06
I really enjoyed it while it lasted. But I don't think I want to spend so much money on body lotions anymore =P By the way it smells like mint... hmm I'm not sure why I thought this is an important detail to disclose XD

5. Origins Mega Mushroom Skin Relief Face Cleanser
SAM_4178_zpsb7abc7b4
This is one of the few skincare items that is on my holy grail list. My face has been reacting to some unknown cause (maybe changing of the weather??) so I've been using this a lot to calm my skin down. Already using another one and have another backup XD


6. OleHenriksen Sheer Transformation and Truth Serum (Collagen booster with vitamin C complex)
SAM_4180_zpsfa5e22a6
The sheer transformation is alright, it's a creamy texture but surprisingly not too rich. It's nothing too outstanding but a nice one (although I did hate how it was in a jar; I wish it came in a bottle with a pump).

The truth serum is a little bit sticky. Sometimes I just used it alone without additional moisturizer because I found it alone is enough. Although it does brighten up my face, I really question if it actually contains vitamin C complex in there, because if it really were vitamin C, then the bottle should be brown to keep out light and prevent the vitamin C from oxidizing. Even though I didn't trust what was in the bottle, it didn't break me out, so I just used it up anyway XD


7. Za Foaming Cleanser
SAM_4232_zpsee0d42ad
Sorry for the dirty bottle XD
SAM_4233_zps06808d32
I really enjoyed this cleanser! It smells amazing and gives really dense and amazing lather. It made my face squeaky clean without drying it out too much =P the only thing I didn't like about this cleanser is that it contains these large blue beads (as shown in the pic above) that DO NOT disintegrate. Like seriously. I had to massage and massage and massage before the beads break down. However this was really minor and it didn't change the fact it was a great drugstore cleanser. I'd recommend if you could purchase this for cheap =)  As to if I will repurchase? Probably not, but that's only because the drugstore cleanser I'm using after this is even more amazing XD so I will be repurchasing that one LOL.

PS: Since it makes my face squeaky clean, it probably isn't the most gentle (certainly isn't especially with the blue beads). So don't purchase if you are aiming for gentle and tender cleansing =P

8. Kiehl's Lip Balm
SAM_4285_zps7684c44f
A friend recommended this to me. I went home, tried it, and was like this feels exactly like vaseline? Then I turned it over and looked at the ingredient... and gosh I wanted to faint -__-
SAM_4287_zpse9a7a64f
See this my friends, this is just petrolatum =____________= aka vaseline. I can't believe I spent $9 some dollars on this crap. Friends, please do not waste your money on this! Even the packaging is crap... the applicator is the worst of the worst; I have to get the product onto my finger first before I apply it. Because directly using the applicator on my lips hurt -.-

Those are the products I used up over the last few months. Hope you guys enjoyed =)

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Michael Todd Skincare Review + Belated Sephora Haul + Wen Cleansing Conditioner Review

Hi guys!

*guilty grin*

I think this is the longest I've been without blogging. Did anybody miss me? XD hahahaha (or actually... do you guys even remember my existence... 囧). Anyway I'm enjoying my summer vacation for now before I start my one-month rotation, so I thought I'd come up here and just write about stuff. Instead of writing another longggg ass post, I decided to be good and section it into different posts. So hopefully I'll be posting a little more frequently in the next few weeks :D

Looking at the notes from my old drafts =_= I saw that I planned to write about the Sephora Chic week sale (yeah... that was like forever ago. I sowee XD). So here's my SUPREMELY BELATED haul from Sephora XD

As I mentioned in that last post, I purchased the Wen cleansing conditioner (16 oz) in Fig, and the Benefit Hervana blush.
SAM_4132_zps96129e31

SAM_4128_zpsaa4ebd8e

SAM_4129_zps3a986221
This is a really nice everyday kind of blush. Pretty much goes with anything. However I haven't got as much use out of it as I had anticipated... I purchased a drugstore blush right after this and pretty much have been reaching for that 囧. I will talk about that in another post. Nonetheless I do like this blush and it is super easy to use.


After I tried out the Wen conditioner, I decided I like it and was curious to try out more Wen products, so I also went into the store and picked up the Wen Healthy Hair Care Kit.
 photo SAM_4136_zps3818ea09.jpg

In addition, because the Michael Todd products didn't work out for me as I had hoped, I also picked up a Shiseido Matifying Lotion to serve as my summer moisturizer.

SAM_4131_zpsfa4b1d45
I have used up a 1 oz bottle last summer, so I can safely say this is definitely my favorite light moisturizer for the summer and I would recommend this to anyone who's looking for an ultra light moisturizer ^_^


So before I get into the Wen products, let me tell you guys why the Michael Todd products didn't work out for me (click here to see the haul):

1. Citrus Cream Moisturizer with DMAE and hyaluronic acid
SAM_4064_zpsaa1d9947

SAM_4065_zpsaa93b3e9
At first this moisturizer seemed okay (apart from the fact I really disliked the smell), but after using it for a few weeks, I noticed it seemed to give me those little fat bumps/deposits on my face... I have no idea what they're called. You guys know what I'm talking about right? So I stopped using it, and my skin went back to normal. This moisturizer for me is definitely on the richer side and suitable for the winter.


2. Moisture Lite non-oily hydrating lotion
SAM_4061_zpscca8b9f5


So I intended to use this as my summer moisturizer but it totally did not go as planned. Too rich. Compared to the Citrus Cream it is slightly lighter in consistency, but not any lighter in the content I guess. That was the first problem. Second problem: I used this every day for a week and every day I got a new breakout. It wasn't anything bad, just tiny breakouts. My skin definitely does not agree with this moisturizer. Other than that the scent is so much better than the Citrus Cream. I feel like Michael Todd products are designed for people with dry skin needs.


3. Pumpkin nutrient-rich facial mask
SAM_4066_zpse2a11260

SAM_4068_zps160e3db1
I've only used this once but it stung when I applied it. My face felt really warm while the mask sat on my face. It didn't burn my face or break me out and my face wasn't red after using this mask, but I can't say the experience was entirely pleasant. It almost felt like the mask is spicy for my face?? That's the best way I can put it XD But my face did feel moisturized and soft after.


4. Jojoba Charcoal facial scrub
SAM_4069_zps49b8aac8

SAM_4070_zps521f599a
It's nice I guess. Nothing spectacular though. I don't find myself reaching for it at all (in fact I completely forgot I have this until now I'm writing about it -_-"). I do prefer my St. Ives green tea scrub-- it works just as well (plus the salicylic acid calms my face down when I feel like I'm about to break out). Although I think the scrub is nice, it's not something I'd go out of my way to purchase.


5. Honey and Oat gentle deep pore cleanser
SAM_4072_zps54e5297e
Sorry I don't have a swatch for this. I didn't want the cleanser to get all over the place.

Ehhh I'll admit I don't like liquid cleanser. The consistency of this cleanser reminds me of detergent. Other than that... nothing special to say about this cleanser except it's gentle?


6. Blue Green Algae antibacterial toner
SAM_4071_zpsfdba7e5d
No swatch again... just a toner XD

So the kit I bought is designed for normal/combination skin. I think this toner is what made this kit geared toward combination skin. It is VERY drying. After applying the toner, my skin feels so dry and tight. I actually did find it quite uncomfortable. Furthermore this toner stung going on. I still have to test out if it controls oil or not. If it does then I'll come back and update it. If not then you guys can safely assume it's nothing remarkable.

So the only Michael Todd product I haven't tried from my purchase is the eye cream. Not very excited about it anymore. But it will probably take me a while to get to the eye cream since I still have a few that I'm using now.

So these are my thoughts on the Michael Todd products that I own. So far, NOT impressed at all -_-" I can kind of see why a lot of Youtubers like them because of how moisturizing they are. But I honestly think they are overrated and I don't think I will try anything from them in a long time. What are your thoughts on Michael Todd products? Anyway, you can expect a blog sale from me pretty soon.

Now, onto the Wen hair products.

As you recall, I became interested in Wen after seeing Claire's video:

This is a very informative video and I think if you're interested in Wen as well, it will answer a lot of your questions.

I picked out the scent in fig
SAM_4127_zps64b46788
At first I thought the scent was kind of weird. But now I absolutely LOVE it. There's a very calming effect to it for some reason lol!

SAM_4134_zps17b92e5f

SAM_4135_zps5d4363c7

I use about 10-12 pumps for my hair (I don't have a lot of hair at all XD). And I don't leave it in as leave-in conditioner because I dry off my hair with a towel afterward and I think it's a waste if I just towel the conditioner off @_@ (I wash my hair at night and just let it air dry).

So my experience with Wen conditioner?

First thing I notice is how shiny my hair looks after using it. And my hair is usually straighter after using it (because it's very conditioned I guess?) Two days into using the cleansing conditioner my friend pointed out that my hair looks super shiny and glossy :D However 4 days into using it I noticed about 1/4 of the bottle is gone -_-||| So now I only use it once a week (I would run a hot bath and let the cleansing conditioner sit in my hair while I read to maximize the conditioning effect XD). It's simply too expensive for me to maintain this as my regular cleansing routine. However, even if I can afford it, I still won't be using it everyday-- although I noticed how luscious and voluminous and thick it made the mid and ends of my hair look, I noticed it made the top of my head look really flat. Definitely not greasy or heavy, just flat (like I said it made my hair straighter, which contributes to the flatness). A little weird because it makes the bottom part of my hair look so voluminous, but just not at my crown -_-a Also it detangles my hair really nicely, but I don't feel it makes my hair softer or anything. Another thing I don't like is I think because I have to really massage my scalp when I use this cleansing conditioner, I found that I lost even more hair while washing it X_X maybe I just massaged too hard?


From the Healthy Hair Care Kit (only Sweet Almond Mint is available), you get a 12 oz cleansing conditioner, and replenishing treatment mist, and a Re Moist intensive hair treatment.

SAM_4136_zps3818ea09

SAM_4126_zps6e36583a

SAM_4137_zps10969eee

SAM_4139_zps280bffcf

I think this kit is a great value if you want to test out some Wen products. So far I got a lot of use from the replenishing treatment mist-- I spray it from the mid shaft to the ends of my hair after toweling off most of the water from my hair. It keeps my hair detangled and conditioned (I feel like it's pretty much the cleansing conditioner in the liquid form, because it feels the same and it also doesn't make my hair soft). Not sure if I've mentioned this before but I don't really use any leave-in treatments because a lot of times my face would break out from the hair products. This treatment mist didn't break me out so I'm pretty happy about that =D

The Re Moist intensive hair treatment, like the name indicated, is a pretty intensive treatment. My hair does feel softer after using it. Other than that I don't have anything else to say about it? LOL.

I do enjoy all the Wen products I own, and I've placed another order to try out the lavender ones (I was told that one is good for volume). I will report back after I've tried that out ^_^

That's all I have to share for now! Sorry if this post is all over the place-- I haven't written a blog in forever haha. Anyway I hope some of you guys found this helpful. I will come back blogging again soon =D


<3 Frances