Sunday, May 27, 2012

Kiehl's Skincare Review


Today I will be featuring the few items I have tried from Kiehl's! I've been using these products for a while now so I have a good idea of how well it works on my skin. I have combination sensitive skin and a history of hormonal/stress acne that comes and goes. Kiehl's is one of those stores that I have the urge to walk in even if I'm not planning on purchasing anything. The stores and packaging are uniquely designed to give that urban apothecary feel (potions in glass bottles come to mind when I hear the word "apothecary"). Aside from the store design and packaging, most importantly is how well do these products work? Continue on...


1. Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Lotion, 125 mL, $32 CAD - This is one of the first skincare items I bought from Kiehl's. I've used this since December 2011 and I'd say it will last me a good 8 months from what I have left. They have a normal Ultra Facial version that isn't oil-free which I've tried a sample of and loved how moisturizing it was; however, I have combination skin and it made me quite shiny. I picked up this oil-free version thinking its "oil-free, lightweight, moisturizing, reduce excess oil, shine-free" claims would be perfect for me. This was definitely lightweight; however, it was just not moisturizing enough. I would actually go with the normal Ultra Facial after trying this because the oil-free version still made me oily throughout the day. I would say this is a very good size for it's price and you can use this night and day but it is definitely a MISS for me. (I just realized I took a picture of the french side, sorry!) 


2. Kiehl's Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50, 50 mL, $36 CAD - I'm one of those people that really hate putting on sunscreen. I hate the smell and the way it leaves my skin feeling at the end of the day. I don't tan or burn easily, but over the years I've noticed some small freckles on my face due to exposure from the sun. Kiehl's UV Defense does not solve all my sunscreen woes; however, it's the best facial sunscreen I've tried. It is a milky texture that dries matte. I still get shiny; however, not greasy. The best part is that I don't actually feel like I have sunscreen on! I know they have powders and foundations out there that have SPF, but I truly think that the best protection is from a good ol' straight up sunscreen! You're probably thinking $36 for 50 mL is sort of ridiculous, but it's true what other reviewers have claimed. You only need a small amount for your face, use the normal drugstore stuff for the rest of your body! Would I repurchase? Yes. 


3. Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate, 30 mL, $48 CAD - I'm just going to dive into this one - I LOVE THIS STUFF! You only need to use 2-3 drops at night patted/massaged into your skin and the next morning your skin is smooth and glowy :) This stuff will last you close to 8 months too from my judgement so it's well worth the magical-ness! The magic comes from pure essential oils - Primose Oil, Lavender Oil, and Squalene. Sort of reminds me of an old granny but I actually like the scent! You can use this alone (which is what I do now in the spring/summer) or under your normal moisturizer at night.


4. Kiehl's Mango Lip Balm, 15 mL, $11 CAD - This isn't really skincare and I've already shared my love for this lip balm in a previous blogpost but I decided to include it for completeness. This is my second tube and I just love the way it feels, smells, and how glossy it looks on the lips. It's definitely a must-have for lip balm fanatics like myself ;) 


Other items I have next on my Kiehl's wishlist: Creamy Avocado Eye Treatment, Ultra Facial Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15, and Calendula Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free Toner. I just want to point out that Kiehl's is not an 100% natural brand but they do use many naturally-derived ingredients. I do have sensitive skin and I have not had any type of reaction from using these products. I would highly recommend the Midnight Recovery Concentrate, UV Defense, and the Mango Lip Balm :)

Hope this was helpful! 
Jenny xoxo

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Drugstore Haul + EkiLove :)


Happy Sunday! Hope all you Canadians are soaking up the sun this Victoria Day long weekend :) Toronto has been having some amazing weather - Winter no more! Unfortunately I've been sick this past week with a virus and have been listening to my body and getting lots of rest. All this time I've spent at home resting and coughing my brains out has probably been driving me a bit crazy. So I went for a late night shopping trip to Walmart and Real Canadian Superstore yesterday and decided I needed a little pick-me-up --> beauty haul :D! There are so many amazing beauty products you can find at the drugstore these days!


1. Alba - Honeydew Nourishing Hair Wash
My hair has been feeling pretty dry and the Joico Moisture Recovery line I'm currently using has not helped one bit. I've just been determined to finish it up because it was so pricey! I fell in love with the Alba Coconut Milk Conditioner not only because it smells amazing but because it's natural and helped my hair replenish its moisture. I hope to fall in love with this shampoo as well :)

2. Revlon Nail polish - Cherries in the Snow
This color totally popped out of the display for me, I picked it up and remembered the name from Elise's recommendations from one of her videos :D

3. Revlon Photoready Cream Blushes - Coral Reef, Pinched, and Flushed
I am oddly attracted to bright coloured blushes, I originally just wanted to pick up hot pink Flushed but couldn't resist Coral Reef and Pinched and ended up picking up all three!

4. Maybelline Lasting Drama - Gel Eyeliner in Brown
Even though I'm pretty much convinced there is no eyeliner out there will stay-put on my oily lids I have not given up! *Fingers crossed for this gel eyeliner*

5. Maybelline - Dream Matte Powder
Aside from my oily lids I also suffer from an oily T-zone. I'm more of a blot-away-the-oil-instead-of-covering-it-up sort of girl but I've heard such great things about this! Not to mention hot weather = even oilier T-zone :(

6. Maybelline - Baby Lips in Pink Punch
I saw this on Jen (frmheadtotoe) and loved it on her! 

7. Larabar - Apple
I've always wanted to try this and I always keep a snack handy in my purse. My blood sugar level can drop dramatically and my fast metabolism doesn't help either. I always have to eat mini snacks throughout the day to keep my blood sugar stable.

I saw a tweet from Holly (hollyannaeree) the other day showing some goodies she received from EkiLove and had to get my hands on this bracelet! I love the arm candy trend but I normally wear pretty simple jewelry on a daily basis so this would be perfect as a stand alone item to wear. I love how she made petite sizes - this 6.5" length is perfect for my small wrists.
Love love love!


Feels like it's been forever since I've posted a haul! Hope you enjoyed it!
Jenny xoxo

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Red Toms


New Found Love - Red Canvas Classic TOMS

Just dropping by to say hello :) 

- Jenny xoxo