Saturday, September 28, 2013

Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil

I have never used any face oils. I was feeling a bit cagey at first since I have combination-oily and acne-prone skin. I fear that it will worsen what's worse already. But I was wrong. This stuff has extraordinary power in a glass bottle. It may be pricey but it's worth every penny.

Cost: 2,550 (Rustans) = $50 (Nordstrom/Sephora)

*The  price is inclusive of tax, I think.


  • DETAILS from Nordstrom:

  • Natural astringent. 100% pure plant extracts. Clarins' exclusive blend of rosewood, geranium and lotus extracts purifies, tightens pores and refines the skin texture. Hazelnut oil softens, soothes and seals in moisture to prevent fine lines. Non-staining.
    How to use: In the evening, after thorough cleansing and toning, apply a small amount to face and neck still damp with Toning Lotion, avoiding the eye contour. Gently dab face with a soft tissue to remove any excess product.
    • For oily or combination skin.
    • Preservative-free                                                         *photo from Sephora
    • 1 oz.

    Ingredients from Sephora: Rosewood, Geranium, and Lotus Extracts: Purify and normalize. -Hazelnut Oil: Helps prevent moisture loss and signs of ageing. 
    Corylus Avellana (Hazel) Seed Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Parfum/Fragrance, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Oil, Belumbium Speciosum Flower Extract, Tocopherol, Citronellol, Linalool, Geraniol, Limonene, Citral, Coumarin, Benzyl Benzoate.

    Clarins has three kinds of treatment oils and this Lotus Oil is for those people with oily or combination skin. I kept on reading reviews
  • and asking people for their feedback on this. So far, they all gave it a thumbs up. 

  • Ponderous on the budget I must say but if your skin needs all that pampering , you really have to invest big time. At the end, your skin will really thank you.

  • Before I bought this, I asked the SA in Rustans what does this oil do to the skin (though I already know but I want to be certain). She explained that it balances the skin's oil production and regains back the lost moisture on the dry patches of my face. 

    She also added that it works best if paired with the Toning Lotion with Iris, which is also for oily to combo skin. I told her I'll buy it next time but she insisted. Sensing that I couldn't purchase it (I don't have enough cash), she told me that she'll look for a sample. 

    Hallelujah! Such a kind-hearted SA. She gave me a 100-ml sample which she had saved for herself. Thank you good SA.

  • With the perfect duo set, she explained to me how to apply the Clarins way. 
    She also advised me to use this twice a week.

  • That night, I was so psyched to try it out. I cleansed my face with a mild cleanser from Physiogel, a drugstore brand cleanser which is really amazing too. 

  • (I had to stop using Mario Badescu's Glycolic Foaming Cleanser because it was too strong for my skin already. I mentioned in my last blog that I use this everyday)

  • Suggested Usage from Clarins:
  • -Add two drops of Face Oil and warm between your hands. 
  • -Press gently into skin on the cheeks, forehead, and neck.

  • The smell is like that of a spa. Minty and smells like herbal medicine but not too strong. The scent is actually very soothing. I applied it that night. My face looked oily and shiny but it's fine since I'm just at home. I then applied a sample of my Clarins Multi Active Youth Recovery Night Cream. You can even not apply any moisturizer since this oil does give your skin the moisture it needs.

  • Have you ever had that feeling that you are so excited to try stuff out that you can't sleep right and when you've tried it you can't wait to see the results? It takes weeks to months for the product to show it's magnificence but I just couldn't wait. 

  • That morning, I hastily search for my mirror to check my face. I have a huge red pimple on my right cheek that after using the treatment overnight, that pimple looked quite dry and less painful.  

  • What was so amazing too was my face became softer and velvety beneath my touch. The dry patches on my cheeks are no longer there! Just one night of use and I have seen brilliant results. I couldn't help touching my face but I should! 

This is still my first week of use so I couldn't say more about it but if there are changes, I will surely update!


Here are some of my photos with these hideous scars! 



Front


                                                            Right Cheek


                                                          Left Cheek
            *Photos are taken using my MacBook Air. I hope it's clear for you guys to see. :-)


  • What are your thoughts? Partagez vos pensées! Share!

Vodkapomme says:
✓ Best treatment for oily to combo skin types
✓ Softens your face
✓ Dries up a cystic acne
✓ Scent is very soothing
✓ Sophisticated packaging so you need to be very meticulous
✓ The product will last you about a year
✓ Pricey but worth it


Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Clinique Chubby Stick in Mighty Mimosa



I love peachy colors. They match my tan or fair-skin. I got bored with my Romantic Lip balm stain from Revlon. The color cherry-red was too much for my daily use.

Cost: ₱920 (Rustans) = $16 (Sephora)

*The ₱ price is inclusive of tax, I think.

DETAILS from Nordstrom:
Eight natural-looking lip tints in all, each with a subtle sheen. Tempt lips with a soft cushion of color that's not quite sheer, not quite opaque - just the perfectly happy medium. Loaded with mango and shea butters so lips feel comfortably soft and smooth. In a variety of shades

I couldn't find any list of ingredients on the internet and the photo of the packaging with the list is not that visible.

I have been eyeing this stuff ever since I heard about lip balms that color the lips. I have read reviews about this and the Revlon's. I couldn't make up my mind because both seemed to equally have positive comments from customers, but most of them say they prefer Revlon because it's way cheaper than Clinique's.

I purchased Revlon in Romantic and regretted a bit because after doing another research about the two, people swore Clinique's chubby stick is the best. I couldn't sleep. I needed to buy the that. It took me a month before I could get hold of the chubby stick. 

This is the Clinique Chubby stick lip color balm in Mighty Mimosa. I asked the SA for a peachy-pink color and this is what she suggested.






The actual product is the photo below. No edits. I used my iPhone 4s to take photos since I can't afford to buy those high-definition-taking-cameras. The money I am earning cannot suffice all my WANTS so basically, I'll have to use whatever I've got. I saved a lot for this baby too.









It took me a while to decide what colour should I get. What's so good about Clinique is that they have tons of shades to choose from that you want to try all of it. I have fair skin so peachy-pink to orange suits me well.

This is the actual photo of my lips wearing the Mighty Mimosa. In the photo, the colour looks more on the pink side. I'd definitely say this stuff works on any skin colour. I am glad that the SA in Clinique Rustans Cebu suggested me this. 


I felt how the balm is quite moisturising. It doesn't give a sticky feeling. I looked at the mirror across me. I couldn't tell if this shade is peach or pink because the lighting in the little Clinique station was quite yellowish. I was hesitant at first. Sensing my reluctance, she told me give it a try and go around for a while to see if the colour really works for me. 


After a few moments of strolling around, I checked my lips. It was a beautiful peachy-pink but more on the pinkish side, the one that I really wanted! I love the shade. 


It awakened my pale lips. It had little shimmers on it but not too visible. Really perfect for everyday use.


Without a doubt, I went back to Rustans and purchased it.  


The downside of this lip balm is that I have to reapply more than three times a day. Unlike the Revlon (which I will then right a review on soon) stays long the whole day.


I wouldn't say this is the best lip balm stain I have ever used. I do like the color but the staying power is too short. When you eat and drink, it erases nearly everything. Oh, if you have chapped or cracked lips, this isn't the best balm to help your lip problem. This is good when your lips are already hydrated and you want to keep them on the hydrated level.




                       This photo is taken using my Mac Air. I don't know if the colour is really that visible.
   


Vodkapomme says:

✓ Natural Color 
✓ Not too sheer
✓ Not too glossy
✓ Suits fair-skinned women
✓ Cute design
✘ Re-application is needed
✘ Color doesn't stay too long
✘ Pricey


What are your thoughts? Partagez vos pensées! Share!