Review : Darphin Jasmine Aromatic Care

This is a holy grail serum/moisturiser for me. The description says it's for mature woman who have dry skin and it promises to diminish wrinkles. I bet mature woman, though I have no idea what age is considered to be mature, deeply enjoy this, nonetheless, as a young woman having spot prone and combination skin, I don't enjoy this blend any less.

my preciousss

I use it after (if I happen to use) serum either on its own or under a moisturiser. For me, one drop is more than enough for my entire face. 

It comes with a high price tag but I think it's very worth the investment in terms of performance. It's organic too, if that's your thing.

Review : Kiehl's Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate

In general, I really like this brand though I never constrain myself from ranting about their price point sometimes.

I have tried their new hydration serum for a good few weeks, the consistency is very water like and absorbed within seconds. It's so thin and gentle, I also took it around the eyes. I didn't find it hydrating enough though, so I applied a second layer without any problems, again easily absorbed. 

This is a very over all, hydration boosting serum that is incredibly gentle on the skin. I doubt sensitive skin people will have any reactions with it. However, over all, I didn't find anything particularly wow'ing about this at 50Euros per 50ml bottle. I had higher expectations. Then again, everybody is different.

How was your experience with this serum?

Review : L'Oreal Pure Red Lipstick Laetitia

Hello, normally I only review skincare but I have received so many compliments on this lipstick, I feel like other also should benefit from impromptu compliments.

It's the new L'Oreal's Collection Exclusive Pure Red Lipsticks, Laetitia's Pure Red that I am talking about. This collection comes in 8 different shades but unfortunately, they're not all available in the Netherlands yet. I picked up this particular colour because, for me, it was the most interesting berry dark colour. 

day light, no filter; one layer smoothed out with fingers

applying second layer

day light, no filter, two layers.

In terms of texture, it's very pigmented. I never use a lip pencil nor a brush, I like to distribute with my fingers. It has a more or less satiny finish. Definitely not shiny at all. And when it dries, it has a very powdery finish, meaning, it is there to last. I advice to moisturise well before applying this, if you have dryness, it will accentuate, I promise.

After taking these photos, I went to a dinner party, after a few glasses of various beverages (see what I did there?), greasy cheese cubes, cucumbers (don't judge), a brownie and another piece of desert that I couldn't identify, the stain was still there. A total win. 

30 Day Philosophy Miracle Worker Anti-Aging Retinoid Pads Challenge

The challenge is on.

For 30 days every night I will use the pads and I will stop using serum or exfoliating toners to see honest results.

Review : Zelens Transformer Instant Renewal Mask

taken from zelens' website

This mask was a gift and oh god, I was more than thrilled to test it as Zelens is one of the most 'scientific' brands out there.

First let's see what this mask acclaims to achieve;

• • Instantly renews skin and visibly restores its vitality
• • Intensely moisturises the skin and enhances its youthful elasticity
• • Helps to achieve a healthy, glowing and younger-looking complexion

Overall, I find these claims to be more or less fair, it does exfoliate gently and also moisturises. However with 120 Euros to 160 Euros price tag, I don't think this mask is doing anything extraordinary. Doesn't help with impurities or blackheads on and around the nose. I think I would prefer Filorga's Meso Mask over this one.

Having said this, I can't wait to try Zelens' exfoliating pads, they are supposed to be AHmazing.

Am I really the only one who isn't fully satisfied with this mask?

Review: Decleor Aromessence Mandarine Smoothing Night Balm

This balm is probably my favourite from Decleor, I mean who doesn't like the smell of tangerine (answer is no one). Those who are sensitive to essential oils must be careful since this balm contains orange, mandarine and bergamot essential oils. I didn't notice any irritations or any clogged pores even though it contains shea butter which is quite infamous for causing pores on combination skin.

from decleor's website

Those with dehydrated skin (especially combination and dry skins) will wake up with plumped up and glowing skin, seriously. And those annoying dry parts of your cheeks will thank you for it. This jar comes with a very high price just like Darphin, considering how little you need and how much your skin will profit, you will have to take a deep breath before giving your credit card information.

What is your favourite balm?

Review : Bergman Microdermabrasion Serum

I have been testing Bergman's Microdermabrasion Serum for the last month, I can happily say I was ver pleased with the results. Let's see the description of the product;

Microdermabrasion Serum helps remove old dead skin cells and impurities enhancing the skins radiation. The powerful ingredient Sorbaine, a blend of enzymes of papaya and lemon extracts, helps eliminate dead skin cells in a gentle way without damaging the skin. Papaya has a high proportion of papain, its keratolytic property (encourages removal of dead skin cells from the horny layer) acts on a gentle level as apposed to plain fruit acids. The serum works preventive against ageing but also helps reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

from bergman's website

I have used this serum twice a day, didn't notice any irritation or stinging sensation, after a week I started to notice slight changes, in my opinion you have to use it consistently at least 6 weeks in order to see some results. 

The biggest outcome of this serum was keeping spots away and the over all, my face looked brighter and more even-toned. I didn't see any differences in my fine lines though. 

There is one thing to be warned about Bergman creams and serums; you really need to apply very (very mean very) little otherwise when you layer your cream or spf on top it will flake off. So hold your horses if you are heavy handed like me, it will save you some frustration and/or ocd-like rubbing your make up off.

pros;

.it works

.relatively cheaper compared to other serums doing the same thing out there

.little will go a long way (remember? it flakes)

.older women will benefit more (i bought 3 of these to my mum's friend)

cons;

.if you will put too much it will flake.

.might not really help with fine lines.