Review | Covergirl Super Size Fibers Mascara & Clean Matte BB Cream

CoverGirl Super Size Fibers Mascara

very black

Claims:
• 400% volume & lengthens
• 29000 fibers in a tube
• carbon black fiber-extend technology
• 4 shades: very black, black, black brown, brown

My Verdict:
• darkened lashes and made them more apparent
• can layer for building up fiber length
• doesn't separate as much as I want them to
• minimal clumping
• small bristles build up bottom lashes too
• doesn't smudge throughout the day

CoverGirl Clean Matte BB Cream

fair 510

Claims:
• evens skin, hides blemishes
• matte finish - rids of shine
• oil-free - won't clog pores
• for sensitive skin
• 6 shades: fair, light, light medium, medium, medium deep, deep

My Verdict:
• natural-looking
• lightweight
• easy spreading application
• formula blends into my skin tone perfectly
• removes redness
• mattes my oily skin
• lasts throughout the day

Products have been sent by @Bzzagent for consideration. All opinions are 100% my own.

Review | Clean Oil Control Foundation

Covergirl Clean Liquid Makeup 

30mL | water-based | hypoallergenic

The triangle bottle on the right hand side!

Claims:

• keeps skin in perfect balance

• ingredients include ultra-light oil-absorbers and gentle skin conditioners

• gives supreme shine control without any drying effect on the skin

• noncomedogenic and suitable for sensitive skin; won’t clog pores

Ingredients:

water-based, propylene glycol, isopropyl myristate, mineral oil, talc, acetyl palmitate, glyceryl stereate, fragrance, stearic acid, eucalyptus citriodora oil, sodium laurel sulfate, magnesium aluminum silicate, triethanolamine, trisodium EDTA, cellulose gum, camphor, menthol, eugenia caryophyllus flower oil (clove), propylparaben, methylparaben, lithium stearate, titanium dioxide, iron oxides

My Verdict:

• affordable

• unscented, hypoallergenic

• matte finish - great for night events with flash photography

• light coverage - covered rosacea and natural looking

• kept my oily - combination skin in check with a setting powder

• no greasy feeling

• didn't cover acne

• bottle should be in a pump form - too thick to pour out

* Products sent by Bzzagent for review. Opinions are 100% honest and my own.

Review | #TrySimpleSkincare Micellar Products

So lately there has been the talk of "micelles", which are tiny oil molecules (fatty-acid esters) that are suspended in water, and are small enough to enter pores for an effective clean over water. They are supposed to attract and draw out impurities then dissolve them, without stripping the skin of its natural oils. These mild soap-like  surfactants, that originate from France,is ideal for sensitive skin, since overwashing it with "chemically harsh cleansers" may irritate the skin and throw off the skin's acidity.

Micellar Makeup Remover Wipes ($7 for 25 wipes)

Claims:
• unclogs pores of oil, dirt, impurities and instantly hydrates freshens
• removes "tough makeup" simply
• no alcohol, oil, harsh chemicals

Ingredients:
Micelles - deep cleanses makeup without stripping hydration from skin
Vitamin B - restores, softens, smoothens skin
Vitamin E - replenishes, moisturizes skin
Triple-Purified Water - minimizes skin irritation

My Verdict:
• love how there is barely any scent
• wipes are soft in both formulation and texture
• removes simple makeup quite easily
• cannot remove waterproof eye makeup (ie. mascara) as effectively as their  "Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes" which are meant for that
• skin actually feels fresh and moisturized!

Micellar Cleansing Water ($7 for 190mL)

Claims:
• unclogs pores of oil, dirt, impurities and instantly hydrates freshens
• boosts skin hydration by 90%

Ingredients:
Micelles - deep cleanses makeup without stripping hydration from skin
Vitamin B - restores, softens, smoothens skin
Vitamin C - brightens, hydrates skin
Triple-Purified Water - minimizes skin irritation
Hexylene Glycol - dissolves makeup and conditions skin

Verdict:
• runny/watery consistency so definitely use a cotton pad
• better alternative than using a toner to remove residue because it is hydrating and is meant for deep cleaning
• have to revert to cleansing oil/wipes when removing stubborn eye makeup

Replenishing Rich Moisturizer

Claims:
• doubles skin hydration
• nourishes skin all day
• hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic
• no parabens, dyes, harsh chemicals

Ingredients:
Pro-Vitamin B5 - restores, softens, smoothens skin
Chamomile - softens, soothes
Glycerin - hydrates
Allantoin - soothes

My Verdict:
• absorbs slowly and has a moisturizing layer formed over skin but will not last all day
• perfect all-year round
• simply moisturizes
• builds a thick goopy layer if too much is used; a little goes a long way

Although it feels weird not using water to remove my makeup, it's intriguing that micelle technology like this is even more effective than it. I feel that it cannot replace a regular makeup remover or cleansing oil because it'll be troublesome removing heavy makeup (ie. waterproof eyeliner, mascara, glitter). Since it's not oily, it will be refreshing for summer days. I find that it is best to leave it next to my bed-side table to motivate myself to remove my makeup after a long day, then proceed to wash my face. It would be perfect for travelling in that sense, where makeup looks will be light.
Products have been sent by Chickadvisor for consideration. All opinions are 100% my own.

Review | Shara Shara Honey Bomb

3-in-1 treatment • glowing skin • 250mL

Claims:
• uses Clear Nutrition Gel Technology: botanical, moisturizing, natural ingredients that hydrate without the stickiness
• improves skin texture, glowiness, fine lines
• 3-in-1 treatment (toner, serum, moisturizer)
• all skin types
• no artificial colorants, parabens, mineral oil, fragrance, synthetic dyes

Ingredients:
Manuka Honey: nutritious honey from New Zealand, amino acids & vitamins
Royal Jelly: hydrating, anti-inflammatory
Propolis Extract: treats acne
Bamboo extract: firms, hydrates skin with antioxidants
Sea buckthorn berry extract: hydrating, anti-inflammatory, heals wounds
Niacinamide: decreases hyperpigmentation

My Verdict:
• has an artificial sweet smell that is subtle but noticeable - not my favourite
• comes in a jar with spatula - I like to decant this into a glass dropper bottle to keep contents hygenic
• applies stickily and absorbs a little slower than the usual
• feels lightweight yet moisturizing for a pure bee honey complex
• may seem pricey ($36CAD on ebay) but comes in a 250mL bottle that will last awhile
• seems to be solely a hydrating ampoule & light moisturizer but not a toner
• skin glows immediately after use, making it a great base for daytime makeup as well

First Impression | Biore Baking Soda

Biore Baking Soda

pH balanced • deep cleanses • gently exfoliates

This line was featured in Glow Magazine's Spring Checklist in their newest issue!

Biore Baking Soda Pore Cleanser (200mL)

Claims:
• for everyday use
• ideal for combination skin
• oil-free

Ingredients:
Water: main ingredient
Glycerin: humectant (attracts water)
Sodium Laureth Sulfate: foaming agent
Salicylic Acid: heals acne
Citric Acid: balances out pH, promotes skin regrowth
Sodium Bicarbonate: gently exfoliates skin & deep cleanses pores

My Verdict:
• leaves skin with a matte texture
• pores feel invigorated

Biore Baking Soda Cleansing Scrub (127g)

Claims:
• use 2-3 times a week
• cleans 2.5x better than basic cleansing

Ingredients:
Sodium Bicarbonate: main ingredient. gently exfoliates skin & deep cleanses pores
Citric Acid: balances out pH, promotes skin regrowth
Menthol: potential irritant

My Verdict:
• flip top cap is convenient for dispensing
• maximum quarter-size of the powder is needed
• make sure to mix with water in your palm before applying to face
• more water added softens cleansing action
• face feels squeaky clean and dry
• it is key to moisturize after since this is an exfoliator

Final Thoughts for Both Products:
Surprisingly, both of the products have the same pleasant smell that remind me of one of my first Biore products that was a holy grail of mine: the Steam-Activated Green Tea cleanser! I had expected a harsh grainy smell, instead. The conveniently-packaged dispensing products create instant results by fizzing up in deeply cleaning out pores of makeup & dirt and leaving a matte skin texture. It's the ultimate cleanse for days that I've felt I've been sweating a lot, exposed to the outdoors. I believe this product will be more ideal for summer use. Even though baking soda in itself has a more basic pH=9, it is balanced out by the citric acid in the products. The cleansing scrub is a harsher exfoliator in comparison so I suggest using less than the recommended quarter-size with more water. Also, with baking soda being multi-purpose and skin-care friendly, I can imagine myself using this for acne spot treatments, body odour, and stained nails/enamel in emergency scenarios.

Products have been sent by @InfluensterCA for consideration. All opinions are 100% my own.

Review | Mizon All in One Snail Repair Cream & Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule

Being a skincare fanatic, I was intrigued by the effects of snail mucus; antioxidants, proteins, elastin, glycolic acid properties that are multi-purpose, in especially skin regeneration and healing of skin wounds  (eg. blemishes and acne scars). I ended up picking up part of Mizon's beloved and affordable snail skincare line known for their ambered glass packaging The complete list of products - in order of application - is surprisingly the heaviest to the lightest consistency: All in One Repair Cream → Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule → Snail Repair Eye Cream → Snail Repair Gel → BB Cream → Snail Repair Hydro Mist. I tried out the first two in the line just to test it out: All in One Repair Cream ($25.83 CAD) and Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule ( 30mL for $17.92 CAD).

Mizon All in One Snail Repair Cream

Claims
• repairs, protects, firms, moisturizes skin
• reduces pore size, fine lines and wrinkles, and acne scarring
• balances overall skin tone
• ideal for oily, acne-prone, combination, sensitive skin
• no fragrance, artificial colour, or parabens

Ingredients
92% Snail Mucin: renews skin, reduces appearance of pores, blemishes & acne scars
Sodium Hyaluronate: hydrates, promotes blood circulation & nutrient absorption
Glycerin:  hydrates, improves skin elasticity, heals wounds, antimicrobial
Cocoa: promotes circulation for hydration and healing
Copper Tripeptide-1: promotes skin cell regeneration, anti-inflammatory
EGF (Human Oligopeptide-1): promotes healing and collagen & elastin production
Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4): promotoes collagen & elastin production, heals damaged skin
Adenosine: anti-inflammatory
Plant Extracts: anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, moisturizing
Cetearyl Alcohol, Triethanol Amine, Stearic Acid: potential irritants

Snail Secretion Filtrate, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Dimethicone, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Butylene Glycol, PEG/PPG-17/6 Coploymer, Polyacrylate-13, Polyisobutene, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Polyacrylate, Caprylyl Glyocol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tropolone, Adenosine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Artemesia Absinthium Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Gentiana Lutea Root Extract, Alcohol, Camellia Sinesis Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Copper Tripeptide-1, Human Ogliopeptide-1, Propylene Glycol, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract, Beta-glucan, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Disodium EDTA

My Verdict
• Texture: light, more viscous, smooth gel, unscented
• Fast absorption which is perfect for day-time use

Mizon Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule 

Claims
• repairs, protects, brightens, firms & refreshens skin
• clears spots, acne scars, skin damage for soft and plump skin
• reduces pores, fine lines, wrinkles by moisturizing
• ideal for sensitive skin
• no fragrance, artificial colour, or parabens

Ingredients
80% Snail Mucus : skin cell regeneration for tight skin
Sodium Hyaluronate: hydrates, promotes blood circulation & nutrient absorption
Glycerin:  hydrates, improves skin elasticity, heals wounds, antimicrobial
Cocoa: promotes circulation for hydration and healing
Copper Tripeptide-1: promotes skin cell regeneration, anti-inflammatory
EGF (Human Oligopeptide-1): promotes healing and collagen & elastin production
Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4): promotoes collagen & elastin production, heals damaged skin
Adenosine: anti-inflammatory
Plant Extracts: anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, moisturizing
Alcohol: potential irritant

Snail Secretion Filtrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Alcohol, Panthenol, Glycereth-26, Punica Granatum Extract, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Trehalose, Copper Tripeptide-1, Human Ogliopeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Cornus Officinalis Fruit Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Caprylyl Glyocol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tropolone, Sodium Polyacrylate, Adenosine, Coptis Japonica Extract, Disodium EDTA

My Verdict
• Texture: sticky, thick but is not viscous, unscented
• Slower absorption than All in One Repair Cream

Final Thoughts for Both Products
+ skin feels soft, bright, hydrated
+ does not break my skin out
+ faded acne scars by A LOT
+ prevented new fine lines from forming
+ pores slightly reduced
- skin is not hydrated enough to help plump out existing wrinkles (laugh lines are just as noticeable as prior use)
- does not help with hyperpigmentation (eg. sun spots)

Before | After
PIH hasnt changed but skin is brighter and pores arent as obvious

Both ingredients are essentially the same so I feel that just having one snail product in your skincare regimen is a smart decision.  The Ampoule was a little too sticky with a slower absorption rate, and after adding it onto my skin regimen did not help with fading hyperpigmentation. I will purchase just the Mizon All in One Repair Cream again, for my summer routine, since it lasted much longer (for about a year) after using it regularly for both day and night. The quick absorption and non-greasy feeling leaves a glowing dewy complexion and its all in one healing properties softens, and maintains the skin of acne scars and redness.

Review | The Face Shop Monkey Character Mask

Apple Flavour • Soothing • 23mL

Happy Lunar New Year everyone!

I decided to be festive by getting my monkey face-mask on for the Year of the Monkey.

Official Claims:
• promotes moisture & elasticity
• additive-free (no mineral oil, sulfate, talc, polyacrylamide)

Ingredients:
• Hyaluronic Acid: heals wounds, hydrates, improves skin structure
• Collagen: increases skin elasticity & firmness, reduces fine lines/wrinkles/pore size
• Betula Platyphylla Japonica Bark Extract: anti-inflammatory
• Rumex Crispus Root Extract: anti-inflammatory

Water, Propanediol, PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, Panthenol, Betaine, Butylene Glycol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Potassium Hydroxide, Caprlhydroaxmic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Phenoxyethanol, Beta-Glucan, Betula Platyphylla Japonica Bark Extract, Rumex Crispus Root Extract, Dimethicone, FragranceApplication:

Application:
• wash face
• tone
• place mask on for 10-15 minutesMy Verdict:

My Verdict:
• smells like apple-flavoured arizona tea!
• hard to stay adhered because the size is too big, causing ripples
• sheet is cute but looks more like a panda to me because of the eyes
• can squeeze out excess essence to rub on body or save it for later after putting it in the fridge (for up to 3 more applications)
• face feels baby smooth and dewy the next day; it works well for the little amount of investment ($ and time)!

Event | Starlight Children's Foundation 2nd Annual Tea & Tiaras

Location: Fairmont Royal York Hotel

Starlight Children's Foundation is a non-profit organization that "bringing joy to children who need it". To be exact, they help children with illnesses and their families create positive memories. With enough awareness and fundraising, Starlight provides both in and out of hospital programs, to help families take their mind of what could be a strenuous and stressful time by giving them the opportunity to fulfill their child's dreams ex. a trip to Disneyland.

This is the 2nd Annual Tea & Tiaras Event, where fundraisers get a delightful afternoon of a "High Tea" experience, with gourmet snacks, exquisite teas, entertainment, a fashion show, a silent auction, and raffles.

The program began with local celebrities walking the red-carpet, or should I say pink-carpet. Among many include:

Tara Spencer Nairn (@TSpencerNairn) - "Saving Hope" actress

Suhana Meharchand (@CBCSuhana) - host, CBC News Now/Network

Simone Denny (@SimoneDenny) - singer, motivational speaker

Allison Dore (@AllisonDore) - comedian, writer, actress, radio host for Sirius XM

Stacey McKenzie (@StaceyMcKenzie1) - supermodel, motivational speaker

Kim Shaw (@ItsMeKimShaw) - actress

Alessia Cohle (@AlessiaCMusic) - country musician

Tara Shannon (@TaraShannonSW) - singer/songwriter

& more...

Suhana then hosted the entertainment to be followed for the afternoon. Her take home message for the event was to "Show we care"

Suhana as host!

Jessica Gorlicky (@JessGo333) provided entertainment while everyone enjoyed their scrumptious snacks & tea by painting and throwing glitter on a spinning canvas. The finished piece was to be put out for the silent auction.

Jessica Gorlicky and her masterpiece

We got to hear an inspiring story of how Starlight Children's Foundation took the stress off of Karyssa and her family.. by pursuing her passion: singing! We were even graced to hear her sing "I Dreamed a Dream - Les Mis"

Karyssa and her father

Triple-tiered pastries!

Cranberry mojitos