Review – Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Ultimate Hydro Gel

I have been receiving a lot of moisturizers through my beauty subscriptions.  I like skin care and I especially like moisturizers because I am pretty obsessed with not aging.   A few months ago, I received the Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Ultimate Hydro Gel.

For those who are unfamiliar with the brand, Dr. Jart+, it was one of the first Korean beauty brands to have mainstream name recognition.   They have a wide variety of products, the brand was developed by dermatologists in Korea,  and it is one of the few brands of SPF that doesn’t make my skin revolt.

You Lovelies are probably curious about this particular products though.  Okay, on to what I think of Water Fuse.

What this is: it’s a super light, super absorbent moisturizing gel.  It spreads on the skin really easily and sinks in quickly.   It doesn’t sit on top of the skin.  It doesn’t make skin oily   My skin does tend to be on the dry side.  For daytime use, especially if you have dry skin.  I don’t think this would be enough for overnight use unless I lived in Florida and decided to go camping.  Because humid weather makes us dry girls not dry 🙂

*as you can see I have used almost all of my sample size 🙂

Texture: light in color, very wet to apply.  It does feel like gel, as the name implies.

Scent:  minimal

Cost: average, for 1.7 fl oz of product, you will pay $39.00 USD at Sephora. At that price it’s a bit more than you would pay for a quality drug store brand.   But it’s also not so expensive that you would think twice about buying it.  This is your face, after all, no?

Availability: I think that Sephora may be the only store/website to carry the line in the States.  I looked on the Dr. Jart+ website and for purchases, it directed me to the Sephora website.

Would I buy this?  Yes. It’s a great product with an okay price point.

Few more notes:  This didn’t replace any moisturizers in my collection, but I do use it when I want something lighter on my face, but want to avoid feeling dry.

Have you tried any Dr. Jart products?  Did you like them?

Thanks for reading!

xoxo Anna

Review – Hey Honey Walk the Walk Propolis Foot Cream

I was very excited to see this in my December Bitchbox.  I suffer from dry skin and especially dry feet.  I’m constantly trying to moisturize them and add some softness.  So Hey Honey Walk the Walk was a nice surprise.

This retails for $23.00 USD for 5 Oz.  The sample which was under an ounce, lasted me for over a month.  I used this almost every night before bed.

What the manufacturer says:

WHAT IS IT:
A highly effective foot balm that softens, protects, and refresh your feet while repairing your dry, cracked heels.

WHY USE IT:
Propolis extract purifies and nourishes while naturally antiseptic sage and basil essential oils eliminate bacteria. Vitamin E promotes a supple, renewed texture as chamomile and Aloe Vera extracts soothe inflammation and discomfort. Take care of the feet that carry you around so you are ready for whatever the day brings! Bonus: It’s an excuse for a great foot massage!

WHO IS IT FOR:
Anyone with feet in need of TLC.

HOW TO USE:
Apply balm to clean feet and massage until absorbed.

What Fairy Godmother says:

The first thing I noticed about this was the scent.  It smells like herbal. Sort of minty, sort of menthol.  It smells natural, I liked it

When you apply it, it feels cool on your skin.  This feels so nice before going to bed, it cools down your tired feet and relaxes you.

It’s not greasy and quickly absorbs into the skin.

In the morning, you wake up with noticeably softer feet.

Any downside?  No, this does what it says.

Would I purchase?

Yes.  This is a nice foot treatment to keep around when your feet need a little extra attention.

Review – Air Repair Complexion-Boosting Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid

Birchbox introduced me to many amazing products this year, and the Air Repair Complexion-Boosting Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid is one of them.  I actually wished this sample was bigger, that’s how much I enjoyed this moisturizer.

$21.00 USD for 2 Fl Oz of product

From Birchbox:

We’ll admit it: Our case of wanderlust shows no signs of abating. We could, however, do without the dulling effects travel (and stress and dry weather and…) has on our complexions. That’s why we never go anywhere without this intensely rejuvenating face cream. It’s packed with antioxidants and humectants to hydrate and revitalize skin, so that even at our most jet-lagged we’re still rocking a radiant complexion.

HOW TO USE

Gently massage onto face and neck after cleansing. Use as often as needed. For a more intensive treatment, apply liberally and let absorb into skin for 10–15 minutes. Remove excess with warm, moist washcloth.

My Thoughts:

I never had to use it as a mask, my skin has been pretty okay so far.

However, I loved this as a moisturizer.  This was my daytime moisturizer.  It absorbed beautifully and created a nice canvas for additional product application. Whenever my skin started to feel drier, I reached for this and my skin was back to normal or better.

I used to most often after camping and other outdoor activity.  It worked so well.

I’m really impressed with hyaluronic acid!  I think this ingredient works amazingly to hydrate skin.

Will I purchase?

Possibly, or I will look for another hyaluronic acid product.  However, I don’t think this is too expensive to buy and use when your skin really needs it.

Have you tried Air Repair or another hyaluronic acid moisturizer?

Thanks for reading!

~Anna

Review – Soap & Glory Hand Food

Every time I look at this package, I think it says Hand FOOT.

Alas, it is a hand cream, not a foot cream.  And what a wonderful hand cream it is!

Here is what Soap and Glory says:

NON-GREASY HYDRATING HAND CREAM

Contains shea butter, macadamia oil and marshmallow . Scented with our Original Pink™ fragrance. The most astonishing hand cream ever? You decide!

My thoughts

It smells so nice.

It’s very hydrating.  I usually reach for this when my hands are dry and shriveled.  Within seconds of layering this one, my hands feel smooth and hydrated.  Best of all, the hydration lasts through a few hand washings.

Coincidentally, this does work really nice on the feet too 🙂

Will I repurchase?

Yes!  It’s super affordable and available at my local Walgreens.

Have you tried Soap and Glory?  Do you like it?

Thanks for stopping by!

~Anna

Review – Hustle Butter Luxe

Cost $25.00 for 30ML Hustle Butter Luxe

I wasn’t very excited about this cream and I’m usually wary of products that are marketed as “multipurpose”.    I’ve let it languish on my shelf for a couple weeks, routinely bi.-passing it in favor of other moisturizers.   Until I decided to give it a try.

First up, here is what Birchbox says:

BIRCHBOX BREAKDOWN

Don’t go without this newly revamped face and body balm, packed with super-nourishing hyaluronic acid and algae. Originally developed to heal tattoos, this multipurpose cream primes, moisturizes, and heals any skin. What’s more, the rich formula works equally well as facial moisturizer, makeup remover, hand cream, and even as a sunburn healer when you (oops!) forget to slather on the SPF. This is one powerful balm that never stops hustling.

HOW TO USE

Dab it on whenever and wherever you need moisture and protection.

My thoughts:

Initial reaction was surprise and tiny alarm because this stuff is THICK.  Like coconut oil in solid form thick.  Like you sort of have to work to dig this out of the pot, thick.

But, okay, I dug it out.  Examined it.  And decided that it would be okay as a night time under eye cream.

And…

BOY WAS I RIGHT!

This stuff is amazing!  AMAZING!!!!

Pros:

It leaves my skin so hydrated.

It hasn’t clogged any more.

It’s got a great price point at $25.00 especially since a little does go a long way.

You can put it on elbows and hands and cuticles.

Cons:

NONE

Have you tried Hustle Butter Luxe?  Do you like it?

Thanks for reading!

~Anna

New Purchases – Soap and Glory and Simple Micellar Water

A local Walgreens drugstore (thanks Park Ridge, Illinois!!!) has an entire display of Soap and Glory brand.  I was super excited to see this.  Of course, I wanted to buy everything.  However, reason prevailed and I bought one item.

It cost me around $5.00.  With winter coming, I am happy to have this in my beauty collection.

My second purchase was from the brand Simple.

I’ve been wanting to try micellar cleansing water for while, and then this appeared right in front of me.  So of course, I had to buy it.  I heard good things about this brand from other beauty bloggers, so I’m confident I will like this.  It’s marketed as a natural brand, and I like that.  I think I paid less than $10.00 for this bottle.

I can’t wait to do full reviews on these two!

Thanks for reading!

Anna

Review – Derma E Glycolic Cleanser

I am always attracted to products with glycolic acids because I have this idea they are super luxe and medical grade quality exfoliators.  Here is a not so quick read on what glycolic acids are, in case you are not familiar with the ingredient.

Ages ago, in my local Target or Meijer (can’t recall), I came across the Derma E Glycolic Cleanser.  It retails for around $8.00.   I think I got it for about $4.00

I normally really like Derma E as a line.  It’s natural and their scrubs are really effective.  I won’t lie if I say they are some of my favorites.   So, this was on sale, I’m cheap and it’s a huge bottle.

Here is a description of the product:

Thoroughly cleanse and rejuvenate skin with this healthy, fragrance-free face wash. pH balanced, it won’t strip skin of its natural oils or leave any noticeable residue. Glycolic Acid helps slough away dull, lifeless surface cells and unclog pores, leaving skin clean, soft and youthful looking. Marine Plant Extracts, Chamomile and Aloe Vera help purify, detoxify and harmonize skin with every use. 100% vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, mineral oil-free, lanolin-free, gluten free, GMO-free.

What did I think?

I couldn’t get past the texture of this cleanser!  It’s sort of slimy. Which is weird since it’s a wet texture, but it’s slimy.  And the weird part of it is that it’s cooler than the rest of my products.

So much so, that I actually hate putting it on my skin. I figured out quickly that I needed to warm this up in my hands first, before I apply to my face. Sort of stupid, no?

Is it effective?

I don’t notice any difference if I use this for a month or something else.  So, I would say it’s not unclogging pores or leaving my skin youthful looking.  I don’t think this product exfoliates at all.

Would I repurchase?

No.  Not that I won’t try other cleansers from Derma E, but I won’t be reaching for this one again.

~Anna

Review – Josie Maran 100 percent Pure Argan Oil Light and Regular Strength

Argan Oil continues to be a very popular beauty ingredient.  We are seeing it used in hair care and skin care products.

For those of you that aren’t familiar with it, it is an oil made from the nuts of a Argan tree.  The Argan tree is only found in Morocco, which is the reason for its high price.  This is also why most Argan oil products aren’t cheap.

(Argan Tree)

I used Argan oil years ago, and it gave me an allergic reaction.  I’m allergic to some tree nuts (hazelnuts, but you taste soooo goooooood), and Argan oil dried out my skin.  It was bad enough that I spent over $40.00 on a bottle and used it as a hair oil treatment.

However, I never stop in the name of science and beauty.

A friend of mine gave me two sample of the Josie Maran Argan Oil.  One of those packets is a Light version, the other is a regular version of the oil.  Both of these vary in price from $16 to $96 USD depending on size.

If you are new to Argan, this stuff lasts a while.  I used to get a 3 oz bottle and it lasted me a year.  Don’t be afraid to buy the smaller size for $16.  You will get a good amount of uses out of this.

Back to the review –

The Light formula is supposed to absorb quicker and be less oily.

Here is what Sephora says about the Regular version:

What it is:
A lightweight oil that can be used as a daily moisturizer or treatment for skin, hair, and nails.

What it does:
This 100% Pure Argan Oil is a legendary oil that’s rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, and grown organically in Morocco. With its multitasking benefits, Argan Oil can be used for many areas including hydrating and nourishing skin, as a daily moisturizer, skin treatment, treating spilt ends, and softening cuticles. It’s gentle enough to use on all skin types and is believed to help with skin conditions including acne. Argan Oil easily absorbs into skin to give you a youthful, dewy glow, and has astonishing healing, conditioning, and antiaging properties to keep your skin and hair nourished and revitalized and to keep you looking beautiful from head to toe.

And here is the Light version:

What it is:
An ultralightweight, quick-absorbing version of Josie’s cult-favorite 100% Pure Argan Oil.

What it is formulated to do:
A featherweight version of the world champion of oils, 100% Pure Argan Oil Light moisturizes deeply and absorbs quickly, leaving a semi-matte finish. Produced by Moroccan women’s co-ops, this top-grade Argan Oil is extracted from the nut of the argan tree, then first-cold-pressed to protect its healthy, hydrating properties. Wear it under makeup or instead of makeup, and fear not if your skin is oily. This must-have oil actually reduces sebum production, so it is ideal for all skin types, especially breakout-prone and sensitive.

My thoughts:

It didn’t dry me out!

In fact, after one use my dry patches disappeared.  This made me very happy.

I don’t see a huge difference in the two formulas.  This may be due to my skin being very dry in the winter, so everything just sort of sucks right in.  If you are more oily, you may want to get the Light formula just to be safe.

The oil has a pleasant scent.

It quickly absorbs into the skin.

It feels good under CC and BB cream.

It feels good under the eyes.

It didn’t break my out

It moisturized my dry skin, but it wasn’t heavy on my oily forehead.

Would I purchase full size?

Yes, but the smallest size.  I know my skin well, and won’t need this in the summer months.

Have you tried Josie Maran 100 percent Pure Argan oil?  Do you like it?  Do you have another favorite brand?

~A

Review – AmorePacific FUTURE RESPONSE Age Defense Creme – High End Product

I am lucky enough to have a friend who works at Sephora who regularly supplies me with awesome samples.

At this time of year, I really like trying moisturizers. Okay, and treatments.  However, this review is for a moisturizer.  Specifically, it is for the deliciously scented, AmorePacific FUTURE RESPONSE Age Defense Creme.

I want to add, I felt like a freaking celebrity using this because this gem retails for….drumroll…$195 USD!!!

Sorry for the cutoff picture, but I totally spaced on getting a pic before I tore it open.  Wah.

What is it?

From Sephora: ” A soothing cream that protects the skin against environmental aggressors and guards against the appearance of aging. “

According to the company, it will protect your skin from pesky environmental invaders.

What did I think?

I thought it smelled so pretty!  Very perfumy, so if this is not your thing, stay away from this  product.  I love scents, so this was perfect for me.  Also, the scent fades very quickly.

Because it is so heavily scented, I was surprised how moisturizing it was.  It made my skin feel really good.

Another important point,  AmorePacific FUTURE RESPONSE Age Defense Creme is super light weight.  It melts into your skin.

Would I buy?

Yes, if this were in my budget.  At this time it is not, but as soon as I have more play money…OH IT IS ON,  AmorePacific FUTURE RESPONSE Age Defense Creme!

Have you tried  AmorePacific FUTURE RESPONSE Age Defense Creme?  Or another high end moisturizer?

Do you like it?  Are they worth the hype?  Tell us!

~Anna

Review – Vasanti Detox Nutrient Rich Purifying Facial Cleanser

We don’t review cleansers super often on Your Fairy Godmother.  After all, they are just cleansers, right?  Sometimes, one or two come long that are sort of wonderful and worthy of a post.

The Vasanti Detox Nutrient Rich Purifying Facial Cleanser is one of those products.

Birchbox Breakdown

After a full day exposed to chemical and environmental pollution, our face is more than ready for relief. This fresh foaming soap fits our needs to a tee, washing away toxins and pore-clogging impurities—without stripping skin of its natural moisture. All this cleansing goodness is boosted with antiaging ingredients, producing a bright, healthy complexion that will last for years to come.

How it Works

Sulfate-free, pthalate-free and paraben-free, this cleanser will leave your face free of irritating pollutants, without stripping the natural oils that keep it healthy and balanced. Active ingredients such as omega 3 and 6 ensure that your skin stays bright and wrinkle-free.

What did I think?

Honestly, at first I was really turned off by this.  The scent was soooo strong and smelled so much like perfume.  I opened it, and I swear I thought this was a body wash.

I soldiered on, for beauty!  I washed my face and fell in love.  This stuff took off every inch of my makeup.  Even eye makeup.

No additional remover needed.  Not even Liz Earle, can accomplish this as well as Vasanti Detox Nutrient Rich Purifying Facial Cleanser.

I have very combination skin, my forehead is ridiculously oily and the rest is dry.  This worked very well on all areas of my complicated face 🙂

No break outs, no dry patches.

Would I buy this?

I think I would  buy this over Liz Earle, which was my favorite until now.  Will I repurchase Liz at this point?  Probably not as along as Vasanti is available.

Have you tried Vasanti Detox Nutrient Rich Purifying Facial Cleanser?  What did you think?

~Anna