Finally, Drugstore SkinCare Products that work !!

I tend to be OK with paying a lot more for higher end department store skincare treatments or products because I know I'm paying for better formulation of ingredients, higher quality ingredients and the science behind the product. Even though I adore my higher end skincare products, I still jumped at the chance to test out the L'Oréal Revitalift Bright Reveal™ treatments for 6 weeks when Influenster offered them to me. I thought to myself, can I truly find products that can deter the signs of aging, brighten, hydrate my skin and not break the bank? 

Read on to find out!

Influenster sent me the Bright Reveal™ scrub cleanser,daily lotion, dual overnight moisturizer, and daily peel pads (not pictured).

The timing of receiving this package was impeccable as I had just 

written a post on the importance of adding new products to your 

skincare routine at the turn of every season! As I truly wanted to provide a thorough review I dedicated 6 weeks to only using these products day and night. 

The Bright Reveal ™scrub cleanser provides gentle exfoliation to reveal new skin. This is done by the micro-pearls in the scrub that contain Glycolic acid. Glycolic acid is a powerful compound that penetrates deep into the skin to address any concerns such as blackheads and wrinkles. L'Oréal recommends you use the cleanser scrub once in the morning and once at the end of the night.

 I 'm usually not a fan of the micro-beads found in scrubs or exfoliators as I find they are too abrasive on my skin. I don't have sensitive skin, but my skin just doesn't react well to them.  Fortunately, I didn't experience any abrasions with this cleanser scrub. The micro-pearls are so fine that my skin wasn't irritated. Even though I found this cleanser scrub gentle enough to use everyday, I decided to use it three times a week in the morning.

The Bright Reveal ™ peel pads are pre-soaked with powerful amounts of gylcolic acid to help smooth out fine lines and wrinkles , brighten complexion, rejuvenate dull skin and exfoliate, at a higher concentration than the cleanser scrub, dead skin cells. I used the peel pads every night before applying the overnight moisturizer. I definitely saw a more even toned complexion in the morning after using it consistently for one week straight. After raving about this product for two weeks my sister snatched it from me before I could snap a photo of it for this post. I'm not mad at her though,  sharing really is caring :)

Bright Reveal™ Brightening daily lotion with SPF 30 can be used every morning after cleansing the skin with the scrub or pads. This lotion is very lightweight and definitely has become my favourite daytime lotion. Since it has SPF it's also become my only protection against the sun's harmful rays. The lotion is great under makeup and it doesn't give off a white cast due to SPF ingredients. I like to wear Estée Lauder double wear foundation during the day and this day lotion is the perfect base for it. Anytime I wear it I see my face has a glow to it regardless of what makeup I apply on top!

Bright Reveal ™ Dual Overnight Moisturizer can be used after the reveal pads or the cleanser scrub. This overnight moisturizer is a brightening + anti-wrinkle night treatment. This treatment contains a powerful combo of Glycolic acid + Vitamin C + Retinol to combat wrinkles and uneven skin tone while you sleep.I'm exceptionally surprised by the high level of Retinol contained in this overnight moisturizer. Usually drugstore products do not have high concentrations of retinol and therefore are not as effective on the skin. This is not the case with the this moisturizer! 

 Do I love these products?

 Yes, I sure do! I especially love the brightening peel pads and day lotion! I think they are the stars of the set! I am on my second bottle of day lotion already and I love how it feels on my skin and under my makeup. It gives my skin a surge of moisture and brightens up my complexion instantly. The brightening peel pads are doing wonders at shedding away dead skin. After using them every night I can see that they are more concentrated than the scrub but still gently enough to use everyday. The overnight moisturizer feels great when I apply it after cleansing my face. It's a light and silky lotion that doesn't have a fragrance. I have very small fine lines on my forehead and I wanted to see if after 6 weeks of continuous use they would be less visible , as per L'Oréal claims with this product. Unfortunately, I can't say the claims about reducing fine lines are true, at least for me they were not. I didn't notice any change with the fine lines. I may need to use the product longer, which I am doing anyway because I did notice that the little sun spot on my right cheek was diminishing slightly! Yeah no more sun spots, boo, still have fine forehead lines! 

I will continue to use the L'Oréal Revitalift Bright Reveal ™ products as a set for the the simple fact that I have seen a change in the overall tone of my skin. My sunspots are diminishing and hopefully with extended use they will disappear, but the #1 reason I will continue to use these products is because I have noticed that my skin is more radiant than ever before. 

As I am always open and honest on this blog (and life in general) I want to finish off this post by stating that if Influenster didn't send me these products to test out, I probably wouldn't have picked them up on my own. Why? Because I had the mind set that any product under $25 was not powerful and concentrated enough to make a difference on my skin. You see, I am that girl that spends atrocious amounts of money on makeup products so if I can find a drugstore dupe for some of the higher end makeup that I fancy then I go for it and buy the $8 mascara that will give me voluminous lashes like Lancome Hypnose can. I need to start applying the same way of thinking to drugstore skincare products as well. Just because it's sold at Walmart or Shoppers doesn't mean it's not as effective as the product sold at Nordstrom or The Bay. I'm not saying that all drugstore skincare products will do as they claim on the packaging but I won't dismiss them as quickly as I used too.

XO, MAHA 

Disclaimer: I was sent these products for review by Influenster, but I was not asked for a positive review on my blog. All the  opinions expressed are my own.

ESSENTIAL DAY+ NIGHT LIP CARE

 

(Source Google Image)

We have a hair care routine, feet care routine, and skin care routine (day+night) but how many of us have a lip care routine? In the Winter months your lips will take a lot of abuse because they lack natural protection. Your lips don't have any oils for sweat glands needed for protection from the cold and wind.They can become chapped, blistered, and sometimes even bleed from wind burn, Ouch! Let's show our lips some TLC this winter by following this routine. 

Start off by exfoliating your lips to get rid of all the dry skin that builds up over time. As you know I'm a DIY beauty concoction enthusiast( does that even make sense?) so of course I have a basic but effective lip scrub recipe to share with you:

LIP EXFOLIATING SCRUB

2 TBS Brown or White Sugar
1 TBS Organic Coconut or Almond Oil (I prefer Coconut)
1 TBS Organic Honey or Maple Syrup

Mix the sugar and coconut oil in a small bowl. Ensure they are mixed well as this will become the base of the scrub.Combine the honey or maple syrup to the bowl and mix well. Transfer the scrub into a small jar( a baby food jar will do). The lip scrub can be used 2-3 times a week and should be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

After all the dead skin cells have been scrubbed off, you need to add some hydration back to your lips as they may feel a bit "parched". In the daytime you should use a lip balm that has at least SPF 20. I recently started to use Jack Black intense therapy lip balm with SPF 25 and I really like it. Maybelline Baby lips SPF 20 is also a really good product to use. 

In the night time I HIGHLY recommend using a product that will help your lips heal from the day's stress. I just started to incorporate a lip balm into my night time routine (by now my night time routine ends as the sun is rising...beauty is work!). On a recommendation from a dermatologist I started using Sally Hansen overnight lip recovery balm. The company states that " this product will revitalise and repair your lips as you sleep". It helps combat night time water loss so your lips stay super hydrated and plumped in the morning. I have to say I'm really happy with the Sally Hansen lip balm. It has surpassed my expectations as my lips in the morning not only feel super hydrated and smooth, but I noticed my lips are a brighter pink than usual. This may be because they are really hydrated. I love it and I'll definitely continue to add this balm into my routine.

If you wear lipstick during the day, you can still ensure your lips stay hydrated and smooth by using a moisturizing lipstick. A drugstore brand I really like is Rimmel London Moisture renew  is Estèe Lauder long lasting lipstick.

I hope you take my advice and add a day+night lip care routine, your lips will thank you in the morning :)

Maha 

xoxo

DIY After Sun Care Body Butter

Hi Beauties,

I hope you're all enjoying the last few weeks of summer! I know technically the last day of summer is the 23rd of September, but my kids go back to school in 2 weeks so for us summer ends then!
So far we've had a kick ass summer. Lots of outdoor activities, water parks, and picnics :) We've been outside so much that I actually developed my first sunburn in years. Ouch! My olive skin usually tans but this year I burnt!




So, of course, I headed straight to the kitchen to create a very simple and refreshing concoction to sooth my burnt skin. I found this recipe online a few years back and I've used it on myself and my family whenever we've had too much sun and our skin needed some TLC. This recipe is loaded with powerhouse ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Coconut Oil, and Vitamin E. These all carry a high dosage of antioxidant properties. This body butter will not only treat your sunburn but also help with other skin ailments you may be experiencing ( dry, acne prone, aging). Aloe Vera is highly moisturizing and is used to soothe burnt skin instantly. Coconut oil is the holy grail of skin care repair! It's loaded with antioxidants so I slather CO on my face, body and hair before bed every night! Its moisturizing and seeps into your skin follicles quickly so you reap the benefits of CO faster. Vitamin E oil is used in many skin care lines to block free radicals from the body (bonus!) but here we are using it mostly for its anti-inflammatory benefits which help to calm and hydrate sensitive skin. You can also add essential oils to this recipe and it's your preference on what scent you would like to add. I personally love to use citrus oils. I just love smelling like a citrus fruit :). Go ahead and try this recipe and tell me what you think in the comments below :)

Ingredients

• 3 Tbsp Shea Butter
• 2 Tbsp Coconut oil
• 1 tsp Vitamin E Oil
• 3 Tbsp Aloe Vera
• 1 Tbsp Avocado Oil (OR Olive, Jajoba or Almond Oil)
• 10-15 Drops of Essential oils of choice (optional)

Instructions

1. Melt coconut oil and shea butter in a double boiler. You can create this by putting the ingredients in a small, glass jar and then placing the jar in a pan of simmering water.
2. Remove from heat once melted and let the mixture cool until it's opaque (to speed this is you can put it in the fridge, but don't let it become solid.)
3. Next, add the remaining ingredients and the coconut/shea mix to a stand mixer bowl, and whip until ingredients are well combined, and the mixture is light and fluffy (about 5-10 minutes.) It's finished when the body butter can stick to a spoon when held upsidedown.
4. Transfer to an a small container or jar and store in a cool place.

( p.s. I dont' recall the source from which I found the recipe)

talk soon,
Maha

Part 1 : Summer Essentials - Skin Care Products

Hi Beauties :)

So I couldn't decide what to write about for my first post!! Yes you read that right, this is my FIRST post on my blog and I'm so excited!! This blog has been a vision of mine for a very long time, but always found excuses to put it on the bottom of my TO DO list! Well this year I tossed that list out and made a new one......TO DO list for 2015..... get this darn blog up and running  :)

HERE WE GO...........



Summer is just around the corner and I need to get my essential Summer products ready!!  I thought, why not share my list with ya all!  Instead of doing a long blog post, I wanted to break it down to 3 parts -  Skin Care - Makeup and Clothing /Accessories-.

First Image is Summer skin care essentials that I constantly use and repurchase . The second image are Summer skin care essentials that I had heard so much about from other bloggers / friends and I wanted to find out what all the hype was about. Let's just say I've been missin' out on some awesome products.

Keep reading to find out if you've been missin' out too!

Skin Care Products

1. RESIST CELLULAR DEFENSE DAILY MOISTURISER SPF 25

I have been using Paula's Choice products for years now and I love them all,  especially the Daily Defense Moisturiser. It's my every day moisturiser. It contains SPF 25 with protects your skin from sun damage. It's lightweight and is loaded with Anti-Oxidants , so not only is it protecting your skin from sun damage, it's also protecting your skin from other environmental stress factors. It's lightweight and is best used if you have normal to dry skin. I would stay away from it if you tend to have oily skin.

2.  Clarins Sunscreen for Face  SPF 50+

I can't stress enough how important it is to wear sunscreen!!! I have sunscreen in my moisturisers , my makeup and I also wear added sunscreen protection in the form of Clarins 50+ Cream.  This sunscreen is creamy and spreads really easily. It's also provides broad-spectrum sun protection ( think anti-aging) and  works well for all skin types. This is the best, I would even say I found my HG of sunscreens!

3. L'Oreal Sublime GLOW

This product is unique in 2 ways . 1st way is because many people think of it as a full fledged tanning lotion... but it's not. It's supposed to be used everyday to give your skin gradual colour.  Sublime glow is a daily moisturiser to be used all over your skin, it's enriched with mango butter , sweet almond oil and vitamin E. These ingredients condition and hydrate the skin. These ingredients work with you skins chemistry to give it a natural deeper tone and glow.The longer you use it, the more it enhances your natural skin tone. Don't go thinking that your Snow White skin will look like supermodel IMANs' skin after 2 weeks of use...it won't!  It will , however , give you a nice gradual colour and glow :) 2nd reason this product is unique , is because it's extremely hard to find it in Canada. Actually before Target closed down in Canada, that was the only place left where I could buy it. No other pharmacy that I have seen in Ontario sells it :( When I travel to the Red, White, and Blue I stock up! I am not sure if L'Oreal is replacing this product therefore not restocking the shelves but if you do get your hands on it, give it a go.....you won't be disappointed. If you want a similar product I would try This! I like This product and it does a good job.

4. Avène Thermal Spring Water

This is one of those versatile products that I love and you truly get your moneys' worth. I use it to freshen up after a work out - a little spritz on the face and you look fresh and along with that natural work out flush , you have a nice glow. I, and many other makeup artists,  use it to set makeup. I've used it on clients and they love it. I've used it after shaving to calm any redness I may experience on my legs and underarms. After long flights, I use it to freshen up my skin so I don't look tired. I know some ladies that have super sensitive skin use this product to calm their skin if they have been in the sun too long...as it's used to calm and hydrate the skin quickly.  Love it! Love it! Highly recommend it for the upcoming Summer! If you can't find this product at your local drugstore or department store you can try This .

 Skin Care Products

1. Tarte Amazon Clay BB Tinted Moisturiser

Tarte is an amazing brand. I would say I love 80% of their products and this one is at the top of my list. It's a BB cream so it falls into skin care category but because it adds a bit of colour to your face it also can be considered makeup.  For those new to BB creams, it's a moisturiser that hydrates, primes, protects, and camouflages your skin. Simply put it's a foundation and moisturiser in one! Being a busy mom with 3 kids and a full time job I never  sometimes don't have the time for my usual skincare/makeup routine ( post coming soon!!!) so I depend on BB creams to hydrate my skin and give me a bit of  coverage and colour. If you are a full coverage kind of gal, this won't work for you. This is a lightweight oil free moisturiser ( think Summer heat!!) so it won't clog your pores. I love that it also contains SPF. I first used this product when I took the kiddies out for a picnic. I was really impressed by the longevity of it and how it gave my skin even coverage. I don't need to wear full coverage foundation but I still need a bit of coverage , so BB creams are life savers to me. The price point on the Tarte BB cream can be a bit steep so if your looking for an alternate BB cream, try my other favourites , Here and Here

2. Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser

I never wear foundation without a primer,  NEVER EVER EVER. I'm extremely loyal to my Benefit
The POREfessional primer on myself and my clients until......I ran out and needed primer for a client. I couldn't' make it to Sephora so I ran to my local drugstore and grabbed  the Maybelline Baby Skin. Wow ! I was blown away. It's really silky and it definitely blurs the pores away giving you smooth skin. Plus you can't complain about the price! I still love my Benefit The POREfessional primer but in the summertime I'll defiantly be switching to Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Eraser.

3.MAC Makeup Remover Wipes

Am I the only person in the beauty world that never tried these wipes before 2015? I just never knew they existed. I know, I know, what kind of makeup artist am I!!!! I honesty have been loyal to the Kirkland brand makeup remover wipes. I was stole from my sisters room gifted the MAC makeup remover wipes and I never looked back at my Kirkland brand. According to M.A.C, these wipes are
"Over sized, luxurious, super-saturated with special M·A·C cleanser infused with protective vitamin E. Hydrates and nourishes highly efficiently. Extremely refreshing. Totally addictive. Slickly packed, re-sealable, ready to go!.." and I AGREE!!! LOVE THEM! One swipe and the makeup is off. They ARE over sized and do not tear if your a bit rough with your face taking the makeup off. You don't have to wait for Summer time to use these babies, use them all year round! 

4.Bliss Lemon-Sage Body Scrub

Where have you been all my life! If you know me you know I love a good body scrub. I use my Clarasonic religiously in the shower for all over body cleansing and I never found a great body scrub, until I was gifted,  I didn't steal it from my sister, the BLISS Lemon- Sage Body Scrub. I LOVE the smell. It wakes me up in the morning. You're supposed to use this as a pre-shower scrub , meaning you can use it dry on your skin but I don't like the way that feels so I use it with water. It exfoliates really well due to the small scrubbing beads. I like to exfoliate ( so important ) my body at least twice a week to promote new skin cell growth and ensure there isn't dead cell build up on my skin! It's time for me to repurchase this product , but I was a bit hesitant due to it's price point, however,  I really love how my skin feels after I use it so I will buy it again as a treat for myself, but if you are being economically conscious these days, try THIS. 

I hope you've enjoyed my very FIRST post! Stay Tuned for Part 2 : Summer  Essentials : Makeup

Please leave me a comment if there are any products or beauty topics you would like me to blog about. 

Don't forget to check me out and follow me on Instagram : @MakeupbyMahaMatar