Review – Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation Moisturizer

It feels like I have been getting moisturizer samples a lot lately.  I’m actually not complaining, especially since we are coming into a harsh season, Winter.  Protecting your skin is a must.

 $38.00 USD for 1.7 oz

From Ole Henriksen’s website:

So sheer in texture, this luxurious oil-free cream feels light and silky as it penetrates the skin and helps fade discolorations such as freckles, age spots and sun damage without the use of chemicals. Instantly nourishes and retexturizes the skin, smoothes facial lines and provides intense free radical protection to prevent further damage.

BENEFITS

Actiwhite™: Prevents and corrects discoloration and evens skin tone with an effective combination of pea extract and sugar
Vitamin C: Stimulates collagen production
Fruit Acids: Retexturizes and smoothes lines
Sandalwood, Geranium, Licorice and Chamomile Extracts: Soothes, replenishes, balances and purifies the skin
Vitamin E: Heals, restores and nourishes the skin

MY THOUGHTS

I really enjoyed using this sample. I won’t say that this is some extreme special moisturizer, but it’s a very good moisturizer.  It is non-greasy, yet it doesn’t leave my skin dry.  I used it during the Summer to Fall transition weather, with fluctuating temps.  It help up very well, adjusting to my skin’s needs.

It’s not really scented, it has “a” scent, but it’s just sort of faint and nondescript.  Some can call it chemically.

As to how well it holds up to all the anti-aging claims, I don’t think the sample is large enough to see an actual difference in skin texture.  If you recall, I had to use the Pond’s cream double the time recommended by the brand to see any difference in my skin. Here is the link to that review.

Could it in theory make a difference?   Sure, but you would probably need to use this for about 8 weeks to see an improvement.

Would I purchase this?

For the price, no way.  This is a high end cosmetic price point.  I think there are less expensive products on the market that will do the job in that same time frame.

Are you a fan of Sheer Transformation?

Thanks for reading!

~Anna

Mèreadesso® All-In-One Moisturizer, a winning multi-tasker?

The same month that Ipsy gave me LeeAni Eco, Birchbox sent their own version of a 3 in 1 product in the form of Mèreadesso® All-In-One Moisturizer.

Both of these are sold as a multi-tasking/3 in 1 type of product.  However, these two could not be any more different.

Mèreadesso® All-In-One Moisturizer promises to be a moisturizer, eye cream, and primer in one.  This is a slight difference from the LeeAni  claim of being a  toner, serum, moisturizer.

Also different – the price.  Mèreadesso® All-In-One Moisturizer will cost you $120.00 USD.

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From Birchbox:

Birchbox Breakdown

When we first encountered the iPhone, we learned that a great all-in-one product could change our lives forever. Mèreadesso brings this principle to skincare with their simple one-step moisturizer, which also functions as a toner, primer, and eye cream. With benefits ranging from redness reduction to antiaging properties, this multitasker is tailor-made to streamline your routine, all while nourishing skin with a host of natural enzymes and antioxidants.

How it Works

This aloe-based gel contains 16 botanical extracts, 8 enzymes and minerals, and over 20 antioxidants chosen for their purity and effectiveness—adding up to one powerful product. A combination of caffeine and apple and cucumber extracts contributes to the all-in-one moisturizer’s refreshing cooling and tightening sensation.

How to Use

Morning and night, after cleansing, gently apply one pump of product to your face and neck. Apply a second pump if skin is extra dry, but remember, this serum is potent: A single bottle should last 2-3 months with daily use.

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My thoughts

Cool package, even for a sample.  The opening is so tiny, you are able to really control how much product is dispensed.

Okay, so let’s break down the claims-

1) Does it moisturize?  – YES.  Very very very well.  The formula is very creamy and although it’s not thick, it is very moisturizing.

2) Does it double as an eye cream? – Yes, because of its thick consistency it makes for a really pleasant eye cream.

3) Does it prime? – Meh.  Sorta.  Here’s the deal; if you are wearing a BB cream or are going without foundation of any sort, this will provide a nice finish.  However, if you are looking to be a Pow!  Hottie! with flawless primed skin, you will need another primer.  For me, this didn’t do as good of a job preparing my face for a foundation as my beloved Smashbox does.

HOWEVER, what it does slightly do is even out your skin tone when you are wearing it.  The cream itself is slightly green tinted, so it combats the redness in your skin.  Win!

Additionally, because it is so moisturizing, it can leave you sort of dewy looking  Which is great for me, I love that.  However, it doesn’t work super well under a liquid foundation.  Also, if you are on the more oily side, you may not like to do the dew.

Would I purchase?

Would it surprise you if I told you I’m thinking of saving my Birchbox points for this?

I think this is a great product, even if the priming aspect is lacking.  I think it would be a great summer product if you do lots of outdoorsy things.  I am picturing it during beach and camping trips.

Have you tried Mèreadesso® All-In-One Moisturizer?

What did you think?

~Anna

What I am loving – Coconut Oil

I’ve been resistant to jump on the coconut oil band wagon because last time I tried a  natural approach to my hair, this happened. It was a mild nightmare.

However, soooooo many beautiful ladies were talking about this and a co-worker brought me a sample a couple of months ago.  I liked it.  Eventually, I bought my own.

I bought this Spectrum Organic Coconut Oil from a grocery store for around $10.00. You can also get it on Amazon here.  Since then I have been using it daily as a body lotion.

It works very well on my dry skin. My legs actually feel silky smooth at bedtime!  That’s more than 16 hours of moisture.

I use it once a week or so on my hair.  Sometimes I apply it at night and leave it on while I sleep.  Sometimes I apply it for 30 minutes to an hour and wrap my head in plastic.  #twinpeaksreference

The only complaint I have is that it doesn’t moisturize my hands!  Sup with that???  After I apply it post shower, I have to apply a second hand lotion to my hands.  That seems stupid.

It’s in a solid form in the jar, white in color, very lightly scented of sweetness.  I wouldn’t call this a coconut scent.  The scent disappears when applied.  It turns to liquid pretty much on contact with skin.  It applies really easily.

Are you a fan of coconut oil?  What brand?

~Anna

Review – OGX Hydrating Body Lotion Moroccan Argan Oil

OGX Hydrating Body Lotion Moroccan Argan Oil is an affordable drug store cruelty free option.  It says it isn’t tested on animals!

This HUGE bottle was on sale at my local Mariano’s for $5.00.  I couldn’t resist since I was ready to replace my current lotion.

Whopping 13 ounces of perfume lotion for $5!

So what did I think?

Why I like it

I liked the argan oil ingredient along with the other natural stuff.

It’s not tested on animals!  Yay for cute bunnies not going blind!

It’s huge!  You get a long of product for your dollar.

It’s moisturizing enough for summertime skin.

Why I didn’t like it

It’s very very heavily scented.  It smells like perfume lotion.  Each time I applied it, I thought of the scented skin creams you get with a perfume set around Christmas time.  Think Elizabeth Taylor’s White Diamonds.  You may like this though, I found it overwhelming.

Luckily, the scent doesn’t linger. Which, again…I sort of like when it lingers when I like the scent.

Don’t let that discourage you from trying it, you may totally dig the fragrance.

My skin is very dry normally, goes to a slightly dry in the summer.  This worked for summer, but I don’t think this will work one the temps start to drop.

Also, because I’m not wild about the scent, I don’t reach to reapply.

Will I repurchase?  Not this version.  I may try another formula from the brand before winter starts.  Otherwise, I’m going back to Suave which I LOVE!!!!

Have you tried OGX Hydrating Body Lotion Moroccan Argan Oil?  Do you like it?

~Anna

June Empties!!!! What I Used Up!

How is it July already?   This year is flying by faster then Kim Kardashian changing husbands.  Oh snap!

I went through a lot of products in June.  Check this!

Hair stuff

Matrix Total Results Color Care Conditioner.  This is my current fave.  I’ve been using it for a few months.  I love it….but I’m getting bored.  I’ve been getting interested in TIGI again.  I love how that smells too.

Nexxus Color Assure Shampoo and Conditioner.  This was a Birchbox sample.  Honestly, the samples were so small there wasn’t enough of either product for my hair.  Based on how much I was able to work into my hair, not impressed.   This may be due to how tiny the samples were.  Whatevers…I won’t be buying it.  If companies really want us to fall in love with a product, you need to give us an amount we can actually use.

Fleur de Temps conditioner.  This was another Birchbox item.  Strangely, this came with shampoo of which there was a lot more than the conditioner.  Why?

This claims to be volumizing and it was. It frizzed me out so my hair was huge.

Aveda Rosemary Mint Shampoo and Conditioner.  I got this during a recent hotel stay.   I’m not the biggest fan of Aveda, I don’t complain when my room is filled with it.  I like the way this works on my hair.  It’s a fun change.

Beauty Protector Protect and Detangle Leave In.  I loved the way this smells.  It did a good job on detangling.

Big Sexy Hair Spray.  Love it!

Face

ELF Make up Set and Mist – repurchase

Glytone Toner – repurchase

Beauty Junkees make up sponge.  I like it, but I want to try the Real Techniques one.

Benefit They’re Real Mascara – a fave

Body

Vaseline Intensive Care – repurchase

Caress Daily Silk – meh

Private Bloom Hamptons Perfume sample.  Pretty, but I wouldn’t buy it.

What did you use up in June?

~Anna

Ipsy May Glam Bag!

Here is what I received in my Ipsy Glam Bag.  It has been a good month for Beauty Boxes for me 🙂

Revlon Colorburst Balm in Elusive

Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub (So psyched for this.  Can’t wait to compare the two scrubs from last month and this month.)

Eva NYC Hair Mask

Pacifica eye shadow (this may be a color combo that is Ipsy exclusive)

Hang 10 Sunscreen

What did you get???

~Anna

New Purchase! Sabon Body Scrub!!

Last week during a mall trip, I was talked into an expensive body scrub from Sabon.

Because, why not?  $33.00 USD is totally reasonable for oil and salt, no? Want it?  Click here.

Ok, I will admit, I am also a sucker for jasmine and this smells oh so divine.

Here is a list of ingredients:

Their claim?  After you use this scrub, your skin is so moisturized that you don’t need to lotion.

And you know what?  Yeah, that’s kinda true.

This was my first experience with this store and brand.  They also have a line of skin care and soaps.  I am curious about their face masks!

Have you tried a Sabon product?

~Anna

What I’m into – Suave Moroccan Infusion Lotion

I saw tweets about  Suave Moroccan Infusion Lotion and was intrigued.  The blogger who tried it, fell in love.  As a result, I needed it.

My Review – This smells AMAZING.  I can’t put my finger on the scent, but it smells what I imagine an Arabian Princess from a fairy tale smells like.

It moisturizes very well and makes you skin very soft.

The consistency is a bit more runny/watery than the Vaseline lotion I recently gushed over.  However, this doesn’t impact it’s skin loving effects.

Repurchase?  HECK YES.

My skin loves this.

~Anna

Beauty Box Subscription – Update to what we get

Once upon a time I wanted to cancel my Julep monthly subscription and get another beauty box.

This week my wish came true, and now are are both subscribers to Birchbox!  To update, I will now be receiving Ipsy and Birchbox.  These are both $10.00 per month, which means I am still saving money from what I paid for Julep. Julep was $20.00 month.

I may add yet another subscription to my month since I’m used to spending $30.00 and now I’m *only* spending $20.00 HAHA.

~A

How I’m saving my dry skin on a drugstore budget!

Hello Lovelies!

Winter is always super tough on my skin and my legs usually look alligator scales

But not nearly as cute.

This year, I think I may have a routine that keeps my skin super soft.

Nivea Touch of Sparkle is as moisturizing as it claims. My skin never feels tight or uncomfortable after the shower.

Sidenote – it does not make me sparkle like diamonds. HAHA

The Skintimate shave gel is incredible.  We blogged about it before.  Smoother shave and smoother skin?  Yes please.

After the shower, I’m using the Vaseline Total Moisture Cocoa Radiant.  This doesn’t smell super coconutty and the scent fades quickly.  If you are hoping for a more tropical scent, this may not be your thing.  If you are looking for smooth skin, then this is it.

In addition to these gems, I am making sure to drink a lot more water.  I suck at drinking water, I can easily not have any unless I make myself drink it.  Solution?  There is an app for that, at least for Droid.  You can set your daily water goals.  If you are OCD and like lists like me, this will be good for you.

~Anna