Beauty Empties For August 2017

Beauty Empties For August 2017

Vitamin C Cosmetopia Digest   Tuesday, August 29, 2017

I only managed to use up a handful of products in August 2017. It has been a distracting month all around. I hope September is more stable.
Among my empties for August 2017 is one of the best facial oils ever, and the best rosehip oil I've tried (out of three different brands). Not much by way of makeup in here, save for the one mini-sized item. You'll see it all below.

Scroll down for the beauty products I used up in August 2017, and my mini-reviews in each.

affiliate

Beauty Empties: July 2017

Beauty Empties: July 2017

Toner Cosmetopia Digest   Tuesday, August 01, 2017

July has been a stressy month for me, with too much to do in my schedule. I'm hoping that August will be a lot more relaxed. It's also my Dad's birthday month; I got him a lovely set of gifts, only to misplace the lot, and I've turned my place upside down and cannot find the slightest peep of the package. Nor can I remember where I put it. So I've just bought a backup gift. The first box will turn up now, of course.
Be that as it may, it's time to show you the empties of the month.

Scroll down for a look at the beauty products I used up in July 2017, and for my mini reviews.

affiliate

Beauty Products Emptied in May 2017

Beauty Products Emptied in May 2017

Toner Cosmetopia Digest   Wednesday, May 31, 2017

I'm due for Microneedling/Infini RF on Thursday and am understandably nervous after reading all about grid marks and months and months of downtime. A sudden onset of three new pimples has not helped. On the other hand, I read horror stories about subcision, and that wasn't a painful procedure, so I'm hoping this one will go as smoothly as well. Stay tuned for updates.
I've been "building up" my skin to withstand the aggressive procedure, with plenty of TLC. Here's what I used up.

Scroll down for a closer look at the beauty products I emptied in May 2017.

affiliate

Allies Of Skin 24/7 Skincare Kit Preview

Allies Of Skin 24/7 Skincare Kit Preview

Treatment Cosmetopia Digest   Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Last year, one of my favourite beauty retailers, Cult Beauty, came out with a Fall Goody Bag, containing full- and sample-sized products. Among them was a set of four sachets from a brand I had never heard of before - Allies of Skin, who are based in Singapore and manufacture in the United States.
There were two sachets of an Overnight Mask, and two of the All-Day Mask. Not being a huge fan of foil sachets, I put them away in my travel bag.
And then, one weekend away at my Gramps's, I saw the sachets and opened the Overnight Mask, applied it, and went off to sleep. What I saw the following morning made me head over to Cult Beauty and buy the full sized tube immediately, and leave a review, which I now feel was understated.

Scroll down for more on the Allies Of Skin 24/7 Skincare Kit.

pr sample

Skincare With Benton Snail Bee High Content Skin, Essence, Lotion and Steam Cream

Skincare With Benton Snail Bee High Content Skin, Essence, Lotion and Steam Cream

Toner Cosmetopia Digest   Friday, January 06, 2017

After all the Holiday excesses and sleepless nights, it is time to heal and rejuvenate the skin. I have been using Benton's Snail Bee High Content range - firstly, it contains neither dead snails, mucus/bogey, urine nor crushed bees. The "snail mucin" in question is the lubricant that the gastropods secret from their legs as they glide around. I have a scary story about snails further below.
My other favourite Korean brands, Mizon and CosRx, have provided documentation saying they do not harm the snails while collecting the lubricant. Benton say they have been certified cruelty-free.
Although I had heard a lot about Benton, I was put off by some mentions of the smell - it was supposed to smell like something I won't mention here - because you are going to puke and then call me names afterwards. To add to my apprehensions, I had heard horror stories about product contamination about two years ago. But I received a couple of samples and opened them - there was no smell! Neither pleasant, nor unpleasant. I bought the lot pronto in November, and here are my thoughts.

Scroll down for my post-Holiday skincare routine with Benton Snail Bee High Content Skin, Essence, Lotion and Steam Cream.

Holiday 2016 Gift Idea: Beauty Expert Radiance Collection

Holiday 2016 Gift Idea: Beauty Expert Radiance Collection

Zelens Cosmetopia Digest   Monday, October 17, 2016

A few days ago, I posted about the Beauty Expert Rose Edition collection here - a set of six full-sized products for an incredibly low price of £50, with products worth £134 - with a saving of £84.
Now, they have a new Radiance Collection worth more than £210, at the same low price of £50. That is insane! This one is meant for anyone who wants radiant, glowing skin, and glossy, healthy hair, and contains high-end brands such as Zelens, Alpha-H, and Gatineau.
For those who haven't heard of Beauty Expert, they are owned by the Hut Group - yes, the same group who owns my favourite LookFantastic. Speaking of which, have you ordered your Advent Calendar from here? Not many days left, and, believe me, you don't want to miss out! Or, get the Molton Brown one here or the Decleor one here, for some general pampering!

Scroll down for the contents of the Beauty Expert Radiance Collection for Holiday 2016.

 affiliate

Antonia Burrell Forest Dew Skin Conditioner Review, How To Use

Antonia Burrell Forest Dew Skin Conditioner Review, How To Use

Toner Cosmetopia Digest   Thursday, October 06, 2016

Antonia Burrell Forest Dew Skin Conditioner is versatile. It is a one-step product. It is a layer-able product. It is a moisturiser. It is a toner. It is a serum. It is an essence. It is a conditioner for the skin. What it really IS, is incredibly lush, nourishing, pampering, and gentle. Not to mention sustainably made, and cruelty-free.
Antonia Burrell, a UK-based faciallist with more than 20 years' experience, is Associate Lecturer at the London College of Fashion. Her Holistic Skincare collection is a range of multi-tasking products that are a natural blend of potent, predominantly organic, pure, bio-active plant extracts. The Forest Dew Skin Conditioner is my favourite in the range, and a part of my daily skincare routine.

Scroll down for more on the Antonia Burrell Forest Dew Skin Conditioner.

affiliate

Pixi Glow Tonic Q&A: Everything You Wanted To Know

Pixi Glow Tonic Q&A: Everything You Wanted To Know

Toner Cosmetopia Digest   Friday, July 01, 2016

When you get through your second 250ml bottle of a product and have four more bottles in stock, I think it goes without saying that said product works beautifully. Pixi Glow Tonic is one of those products I will be repurchasing for a long while.
If my skin was Asterix, Glow Tonic is the magic potion made by the Druid Pix(i). Huge high-five to fellow Asterix-fans out there.
I am not going to be reviewing it. Enough rave posts out there already. This is a Q&A post. Everything you wanted to know about Pixi Glow Tonic.

Scroll down for the lowdown about Pixi Glow Tonic - why you need it and what it does.

Affiliate Link

Six Caudalie Must-Haves For Your Daily Routine

Six Caudalie Must-Haves For Your Daily Routine

Treatment Cosmetopia Digest   Thursday, June 09, 2016

French beauty brand Caudalie was founded by Mathilde Thomas in 1995 - in a vineyard, no less.
Gentle, clean and free from parabens, phenoxyethanol, sulphates, phthalates, mineral oil, artificial colouring and animal-derived raw materials, Caudalie's main ingredient is grape extract - from Bordeaux, Champage and Burgundy in France. Wine country. Think lots of resveratrol.
Caudalie donates a percentage of annual sales to non-profit organisations that work for the environment. The company also works with the WWF to save the rainforests.
Despite being a clean brand with plenty of antioxidant goodies for your skin, Caudalie has quite a few budget options. The difficulty in doing this post was picking out which products to choose.

Here are the six Caudalie must-have products you need in your routine, from cleansing till moisturising.

affiliate links

Best Acid Treatment Pads For Acne Prone Skin

Best Acid Treatment Pads For Acne Prone Skin

Treatment Cosmetopia Digest   Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Since the end of last year, I have incorporated acids in my skincare routine, following my dermatologist's advice for a skin infection. I now use Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA) pads in the morning and Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA) or combination pads in the evening. Together, they help fade pigmentation, prevent acne, exfoliate, provide a bunch of nutrients to the face and facilitate quicker and deeper absorption of other products. Here are my favourite treatment pads and WHY I love them.

Scroll down to read more about the best acid treatment pads for acne-prone skin. 

When to use acid treatment pads

After cleansing. Before a hydrating mist or moisturising toner such as Thayer's Rose Water (and the rest of your skincare routine). Some of these need to be followed by a splash of water to the face to neutralise. I cut most of my acid pads in half, so they last much longer (with a sterile pair of scissors I keep aside for this).

AHA or Combination Pads:

1. Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Original Formula

HG. If I had to pick just one, it would be this.
What: Two-phase treatment. There is an alpha surface refiner and a beta treatment pad. You get it in individually-packed boxes as well, so you can take 'em travelling without risk of spillage.
How many: 30 pairs.
How much: £59.25. Code LF15 for 15% off. 
How to use: Apply the alpha refiner pad first. Wait for two minutes; apply the beta pad. I use this two nights a week.
Versions: Two Alpha-Beta Peel versions - original formula and extra strength. They also have other pads but we're talking about AB Peels now.
Repurchase: I've bought the Extra Strength version recently; let's see what they are like.
Buy it here.

2. Cane + Austin Retexturing Treatment Pads

As effective as DDG - also formulated by a dermatologist. I adore the packaging.
What: 10% glycolic acid. Also has Vits A, C and E, COQ10 and antioxidants. 
How many: 60 pads.
How much: £34

How to use: Dab away. Cut 'em in half so they last longer. Use sterile scissors. I use this four or so nights a week. Or whenever my skin feels congested.
Versions: An anti-acne version with 5% AHA and 2% BHA; and a 20% glycolic version called Miracle Pads.
Repurchase: Yes! These and Dr Dennis Gross are my favourite glycolic/combo pads. I might buy the Miracle Pads next.  
Buy it here.

3. Skyn Iceland Nordic Skin Peel

What: Lactic acid, white willow bark and glycolic. Seriously soft pads.
How many: 60
How much: £38
Use as the other single-pad formulae listed here.
Repurchase: When there's a GWP or offer across the site.  Incidentally, the Skyn Iceland Discovery kit contains a full-sized jar of 60 of these pads and costs as much as the pads do by themselves. So you get a sample face wash, moisturising lotion, two eye gel pads, and a full-sized eye treatment pen FREE for the price of the pads.
Buy it here.

4. Peter Thomas Roth Unwrinkle Pads

What: A 20% complex of alpha, beta and gamma acids and amino acids, Vits A, C, D, E and F, chamomile and green tea extracts. 
How many: 60
How much: £29
Versions: There's also a Max Complexion Corrector version which has peach bellini fragrance, but it also contains alcohol (denat.) high up on the list. 
Repurchase: Yes, when there's a GWP or offer.
Buy it here.

5. Pixi Glow Pads

What: 20% glycolic, rose water and some SA and lactic. STRONG stuff for me. Slightly smaller circumference for the pads, so I didn't cut these in half.
How many: 60
How much: £24. Code LF15 for 15% off.
Versions: I wish they had a milder version; this was a tad too strong for my skin. 
Repurchase: If I need something this strong.
Buy it here.

6. First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads

A pad-based form of Pixi Glow Tonic.
What: Mildest mix of glycolic, lactic and hyaluronic. Start here if new to acid or if you've never used acid-based toners. Good to use every day.
How many: 60
How much: £22. Code LF15 for 15% off. Buy now and get an FAB hydrating serum free with two FAB products.
Repurchase: Have progressed to stronger formulae.
Buy it here

BHA pads:

7. Stridex Maximum Strength Pads

Everyday morning treatment
What: 2% salicylic. Feels strong, so maybe build up after using Paula's Choice 2% BHA or a similar milder formulation. 
How many: 90
How much: $6. Yes, 'swhatisaid.
Versions: A regular strength and an aloe version for sensitive skin. I prefer the Max Strength version, though.
Repurchase: Yes. 90 pads is always a good deal.
Buy it here.

8. CosRx One Step Pimple Clear Pads

What: Salicylic, hyaluron, tea tree oil, orange peel. Nice, large-sized pads. Gentler than Stridex but has equally good flattening and preventive effects on acne. 
How many: 70
How much: $26. Code 2758605 for $5 off.
Repurchase: When there's a sale.
Buy it here.

Favourite AHA/Combo Pads: 

Tie between Cane+Austin and Dr Dennis Gross. I suppose being formulated by an MD makes a huge difference!
If you are a beginner, start with FAB, but after your first jar, upgrade to Cane+Austin or Dr Dennis Gross.

Favourite BHA: 

Tough; both perform beautifully. I would say CosRx, but 90 pads makes Stridex much better value for money.

Shop this post:

Disable your ad blocking software to view this content.

Affiliate Links

Best Skincare Discovery And Starter Sets

Best Skincare Discovery And Starter Sets

Treatment Cosmetopia Digest   Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Ever invested in expensive skincare, only to find that the product does not work for you, or worse, breaks you out? I bought two bottles of Lancome Visionnaire as soon as it came out, after all the hype about the international waiting list. Wham - my face was an explosion in a fireworks factory. Luckily for me, I was able to palm them off on my Mum who was not affected adversely by the product.
Most brands do not give out samples these days unless you buy something from their counters first, which means you try-when-you-buy instead of try-before-you-buy.
Fortunately, several brands now offer discovery kits with trial sizes of their key products, so you can actually go through a whole routine for a couple of days, before deciding to invest further. Plus, these are ideal for travel.
Here are a few sampler kits that I have tried over the last few months - individual reviews to follow later. These would also make nifty gifts for Mothers' Day, birthdays or special occasions. Everything shown here ships worldwide.

Scroll down to know more about nine of the best skincare discovery and starter sets available. 

Beauty Products Emptied in March 2016

Beauty Products Emptied in March 2016

Treatment Cosmetopia Digest   Monday, April 04, 2016

T.S. Eliot's opinion notwithstanding, my favourite month has begun. Too bad there are only 30 days.
In March, I got back to a somewhat decent facial care routine. Gentle cleansing, acid and hydration toning, serum, facial oil, moisturiser and spot treatment daily; clay masks every week. There is still pigmentation after the infection, though it is fading. Just two breakouts. Baby steps.

Scroll down to check out the beauty products I emptied in March 2016 and my quick thoughts on each.

Beauty Products Emptied in February 2016

Beauty Products Emptied in February 2016

Toner Cosmetopia Digest   Wednesday, March 02, 2016

Last month, I used only three facial products, of which two were toners and one was a sheet mask. Everything else is either bath and body or hair care. No makeup either. I indulged in several bubble baths. Hair mask treatments. Something has to give when you have to lay off your face. 

Scroll down to check out the beauty products I emptied in February 2016 and my thoughts on each. 

Beauty Products Emptied in January 2016

Beauty Products Emptied in January 2016

Tony Moly Cosmetopia Digest   Wednesday, February 03, 2016

For once, there is a makeup product among my empties. There is, as usual, much more skincare, but a lot of it was used in December rather than January. I am taking things slowly because of the staph outbreak and only use prescription products now but have been purging the harsher products from my cabinets and - hurrah - buying new skincare after careful examination of INCI lists and consultation with my derm. Will show you my haul posts once everything gets here.

Scroll down to check out the beauty products I emptied in January 2016 and my thoughts on each.