Dear Dahlia Favorites

October 29, 2020

DEAR DAHLIA FAVORITES: LIP PARADISE INTENSE SATIN LIPSTICKS | MESMERIZING MOMENT COLLECTION PALETTE ANGELIC NUDE | PARADISE MOISTURE VEIL LIP GLAZE | ETERNAL SHINE ILLUMINATING PALETTE

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY DEAR DAHLIA BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN

Though makeup has the power to change how a person looks to the point of being unrecognizable, I’m a firm believer in makeup enhancing your natural features instead of hiding them. In today’s post, I’m sharing a newly discovered Korean makeup brand that I’m completely in love with! All of their high-performance products are infused with Dahlia Variabilis Flower Extract, which is perfect for the name of the brand – Dear Dahlia. This extract has been proven antioxidant properties, help protect the skin from damage and provide anti-aging benefits for healthier looking skin. Their packaging has a modern classic design aesthetic, that has a unique charm with sophistication and elegance, the quality of the products are what stand out. Continue reading to learn more about these products along with where you can find them!

Lip Paradise Sheer Dew Tinted Lipstick Blooming Edition

LIP PARADISE INTENSE SATIN LIPSTICKS

Lip Paradise Intense Satin lipsticks combines plant based natural ingredients with skin conditioning properties of Dahlia Variabilis Flower extract to naturally nourish lips. Rich and creamy high-pigmented formula gently and continuously wrap your lips without dryness or flakiness. Very moisturizing.

Mesmerizing Moment Collection Dear Dahlia

MESMERIZING MOMENT COLLECTION PALETTE ANGELIC NUDE

DEARDAHLIA Mesmerizing Moment Collection Palette Angelic Nude is an exquisite assortment of complexion complementary eyeshadows. Capturing the grace in timeless beauty, This palette features 8 quintessential shades including velvety mattes, silky shimmers, and high sparkle glitters. The buttery smooth texture adorns the eyes while building and blending seamlessly to offer a rich range of wearable combinations. Infused with Dahlia Variabilis Flower Extract with proven skin conditioning properties to help protect the skin and provide long lasting benefits for healthy looking skin.

PARADISE MOISTURE VEIL LIP GLAZE

This air light formula will delightfully hug your lips and protect them from wear and tear, so that a nice color stays on throughout the day. Kind of tinted lip gloss, but without the stickiness. The glaze finish will have your lips look fuller and voluptuous at any angle. And thanks to the anti-oxidizing effects of the patented Dahlia flower extracts that really make the products. Highly recommended these lip glazes for everyday lippies.

ETERNAL SHINE ILLUMINATING PALETTE

The Eternal Shine Illuminating Palette features highlighters with 4 essential luminous finishes, ranging from a natural, healthy glow to intense radiance. The ultra-fine textures concentrated with multi-dimensional shimmery pigments can be worn alone or blended together to create customized looks. A really beautiful, quality palette.

LOVE & XX’S,

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April Skin Carrot Line

September 25, 2020

APRIL SKIN CARROT LINE: CARROT ACNE FOAM CLEANSER | CARROT BLEMISH CREAM | CARROT BLEMISH SERUM | CARROTENE BLEMISH CLEAR VITA PAD

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY APRIL SKIN BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Is carrot the new K-Beauty go-to ingredient? Forget about apples, a carrot a day keeps the dermatologist away! Fight breakouts and acne by regulating excess oil, and strengthening the skin barrier with organic carrots packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. A Korean skincare brand called, April Skin, has a carrot anti-breakout line that is perfect for the change of season! I tend to breakout when the weather transitions, so always come Fall, I have a few pop ups. In today’s post, I’m reviewing these products. Continue reading to learn more about these products along with where you can find them!

CARROT ACNE FOAM CLEANSER

The carrot acne foam cleanser has two hero ingredients: carrot seed oil and salicylic acid. Not to be confused with carrot carrrier oil, carrot seed oil is cold pressed from organic carrot seeds, and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It helps calm inflammation and keeps the skin tone bright and even. The cleanser has a cream-like texture and foams up a lot. I’d recommend using a small pea-size amount when applying. Definitely gentle for both morning and night, with a deep-cleansing feeling that doesn’t dry up the skin. My face felt supple and hydrated after washing and have noticed after about ten days that my sebum oil build-up is much less. Retails at $20 for 120ml. Very affordable for its quality.

CARROT BLEMISH CREAM

The Carrot Blemish Cream is charged with natural carrot seed oil to supply rich antioxidants that protect the skin from photo damage and free radicals. While M-peptide speeds up the skin cell renewal cycle and strengthens the skin barrier to prevent future breakouts. The fragrance is not carrot-like at all, but more like medical cream, though the scent is subtle and not that bothersome. Like the cleanser, a dollop goes a long way. Definitely a great cream for those who tend to break out often.

CARROT BLEMISH SERUM

Powered by 100% natural carrot seed oil harvested from organic carrots, the Carrot Blemish Serum is a clinically tested non-comedogenic serum that harnesses the power of nature to banish blemishes and whiteheads from the face of…your face! This serum stops the acne cycle in its tracks and speeds up the skin cell renewal cycle instead, helping to heal your current agitated skin while also preventing future breakouts.

CARROTENE BLEMISH CLEAR VITA PAD

Infused with Vita 12 complex, these pads are infused with 12 types of vitamins - vitamin A, E, F, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12, C - that help to keep your skin healthy and skin barrier strong. I found the carrotene blemish clear vita pads great as toning pads - very useful for gentle exfoliating and for quick and easy toning. They’re also incredibly soothing for redness and irritation. Unfortunately they are sold out online, but I’m sure a restock will be up in no time!

LOVE & XX’S,

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August Beauty Favorites

August 31, 2020

BEAUTY FAVORITES: BEAUTY COUNTER BEYOND GLOSS | ATELIER COLOGNE CLEMENTINE CALIFORNIA | GLOW RECIPE WATERMELON GLOW TONER | ELEMIS SUPERFOOD GLOW PRIMING MOISTURIZER | ELEMIS SUPERFOOD AHA GLOW CLEANSING BUTTER | GOOD MOLECULES DISCOLORATION CORRECTING SERUM | FIRST AID BEAUTY EYE DUTY NIACINAMIDE BRIGHTENING CREAM

Summer is coming to an end and I’m back with my monthly beauty favorites! In today’s post, I’m sharing the latest skincare and makeup products that I discovered to be my favorites from the month of August. This includes a lip gloss with a responsibly source vanilla, a pore-minimizing toner that smells of juicy watermelon, a multi-purpose moisturizer that also works as a primer and a highlighter, a summer fragrance that is unisex and also can be continually used through the fall season! And more! Continue reading to learn more about these products along with where you can find them!

BEAUTY COUNTER BEYOND GLOSS

This gloss delivers high-impact shine and conditioning lip benefits, while taking transparency to the next level with ingredients that care for your lips—and the greater good. Formulated with a blend of waxes to lock in moisture (with no stickiness), this gloss delivers cushiony color and a sophisticated scent thanks to responsibly sourced vanilla. ECOCERT-certified organic vanilla from Madascascar, Beauty Counter’s supplier is committed not only to sourcing the highest quality of vanilla, but also to improving the quality of life for their community of farmers. This is definitely something I am on board with!

ATELIER COLOGNE CLEMENTINE CALIFORNIA

This scent contains notes of clementine from Italy, juniper berries from Turkey, and vetiver from Haiti. The fresh and fruity perfumes from across the world combine in this citrus cologne for men and women to create a summer scent that evokes sunshine, blue skies, and endless miles of sparkling beachfront. Perfect for those who love a citrus-based fragrance as well as those who love a fragrance that smells sweet but not too sweet and really fresh.

GLOW RECIPE WATERMELON GLOW PHA + BHA PORE-TIGHT TONER

Suitable for all skin types, this bouncy, alcohol-free toner is made with PHA and willow bark, a natural form of BHA, to help unclog pores while hydrating skin. Combined with watermelon, hyaluronic acid, and cactus water, it smooths without stripping skin of its moisture, for poreless, glowing skin. Due to cactus water and cucumber in the formula, scent is herbal with a fruity finish. I definitely noticed a significant reduction in my pore size after only using it for a couple of weeks.

ELEMIS SUPERFOOD GLOW-PRIMING MOISTURIZER

Turn up the brightness while hydrating skin with Elemis’ glow-getting Superfood Glow Priming Moisturizer. A radiance enhancing blend of kombucha and fermented ginger extracts helps to even out skin tone, while green tea seed oil and an active prebiotic help leave the complexion feeling soft, balanced and nourished. Enhanced with universally flattering light-reflecting minerals, the featherlight formula can be used as a radiance-enhancing moisturizer, a hydrating makeup primer and an illuminating highlighter.

ELEMIS SUPERFOOD AHA GLOW CLEANSING BUTTER

Packed with brightening AHAs and skin softening Mango Butter, this nourishing facial cleanser removes makeup, daily pollutants and daily grime to reveal a healthy-looking radiance. The buttery formula can be used as a daily cleanser, a deep cleansing mask or a hydrating makeup remover around the eyes and face for smooth and glowing skin.

GOOD MOLECULES DISCOLORATION CORRECTING SERUM

Formulated with an advanced form of tranexamic acid (cetyl tranexamate mesylate) and 4% niacinamide, this lightweight serum improves the appearance of age spots, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage. It’s a great lightener but please note it takes a few weeks to start noticing results.

FIRST AID BEAUTY EYE DUTY NIACINAMIDE BRIGHTENING CREAM

This cream is formulated with peach micro-pearls to help the eye area appear dewy and revitalized, while sodium hyaluronate helps smooth and visibly plump. It is also formulated with niacinamide, pumpkin seed extract, and caffeine to help diminish the look of dark circles over time by targeting two key causes: skin pigmentation (brown circles) and puffiness (blue circles). I can literally see a difference as soon as I apply the brightening cream around my eye area, really amazing stuff!

LOVE & XX’S,

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Typology Paris Skincare

July 16, 2020

TYPOLOGY PARIS SKINCARE: 7 INGREDIENT MICELLAR WATER | PEPPERMENT OIL | HAZELNUT OIL | PERIODIC SERUMS | NETTLE PURIFYING CLEANSER SOAP BAR

Typology is a French, online-only skin care brand founded by Ning Li, and is making waves in the skincare business. The brand is super clean and uses 80% natural ingredients without losing its chic brand aesthetic. The packaging is minimalistic in its approach but with an apothecary-style edge which I find so pleasing to the eyes and on my vanity. Their products aim for a clear, concise guidance to simplicity, nothing too scientific or overly technical - less is more. Their range is already quite extensive, with skincare products as well as body, hair care and perfume. Besides the formulas being of very high quality and with a hint of luxury, Typology is also rather affordable. And they are hot on sustainability with favoring recyclable materials and eco- friendly transport solutions - which is something that isn't heavily concentrated in the industry. So in today's post, I'm sharing some of my favorite products from Typology Paris. Continue reading to learn more about these products along with where you can find them!

7 INGREDIENT MICELLAR WATER

96% of this unfragranced product's ingredients are all-natural, it has been tested under dermatological control, and it was created specifically for sensitive skin. This micellar water doesn't strip the skin and somehow makes my skin look more glowing after use. Also vegan-friendly.

RAW - 3012 & RAW - 1017

PEPPERMINT OIL: Peppermint hydrolate is suitable for combination, oily, and acne-prone skin. It's also used on sensitive skin that's prone to scarring, hyperpigmentation, or other visible effects. It's also helpful for various skin problems like acne, psoriasis, sunburns, and hives. If your legs feel heavy, you can apply peppermint hydrolate which can help to reactivate your blood circulation. Thanks to its refreshing properties, you can use peppermint hydrolate in case of hot flashes, sweating, and a feeling of tightness on the skin. Lastly, its menthol fragrance are great additions to DIY mouthwashes and homemade toothpaste recipes.

HAZELNUT OIL: Astringent and non-greasy, hazelnut botanical oil is known to regulate excess sebum production and repair the skin's protective hydrolipidic film barrier. Hazelnut botanical oil has softening, protective, and healing properties that enhances the protection of the skin. It's also known for its nourishing benefits to the hair and scalp.

PERIODIC SERUMS

Choose the periodic serum that corresponds to your weekly cycle: serum 1 starts on the 1st day of your period. Each periodic serum is to be used for a span of 7 days. Here are a few of my favorites. Don’t forget afterwards, follow up with your usual skincare regimen.

HYDRATING & SOOTHING SERUM: During this week, your hormone levels are low which makes it hard for your outer skin layer to stay hydrated. Your skin can also get irritated and red during this week. The solution? Typology’s Hydrating and soothing serum with hyaluronic acid, bisabobol and soothing cornflower water.

GLOW & BOUNCE SERUM: Normally, in the second week of your cycle your skin is at its best. It feels more supple, looks more glowing and redness is not as apparent. The Glow and bounce serum is designed specifically to boost the skin even more, using a vitamin C extract and fruit enzymes.

MATTIFYING & ANTI-BLEMISH SERUM: If you’ve suffered from hormonal breakouts before, you know the week before your period is mostly when they decide to pop up. Typology’s Mattifying and anti-blemish serum helps fight this using seaweed extract and antibacterial zinc.

NETTLE PURIFYING CLEANSER SOAP BAR

With 100% naturally-derived ingredients, this cold saponified soap for the face and body with 8% super fats contains eucalyptus globulus essential oil, spearmint essential oil, nettle powder. The fragrance is so intoxicating it’s almost good enough to eat! By far my favorite soap in a long time!

Organic eucalyptus globulus essential oil: reduces the size of the sebaceous glands and regulates sebum production.

Organic spearmint essential oil: repairs and promotes the healing of damaged skin.

Organic nettle powder: rich in mineral salts, rebalances oily skin.

LOVE & XX’S,

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July Beauty Favorites

July 9, 2020

BEAUTY FAVORITES: VERSED JUST BREATHE CLARIFYING SERUM | KEVYN AUCOIN FOUNDATION BALM MEDIUM EF 5.5 | GLOW RECIPE AVOCADO MELT RETINOL EYE SLEEPING MASK | AMOREPACIFIC MOISTURE PLUMPING NECTAR CREAM | DRUNK ELEPHANT T.L.C. HAPPI SCALP™ SCRUB | PAYOT PÂTE GRISE JOUR DAY CARE MATTIFYING & SPOT TREATMENT

Haven’t done a monthly beauty favorite roundup in a year! Decided to bring it back since a lot of you missed this section on the beauty side of my blog. I’ve been sharing collections of items from particular brands as well, which has also been well-received, so I’m going to continue doing both. Would love to hear which one you prefer, feedback is always welcome! In today’s post, I’m sharing the latest skincare and makeup products that I deem to be my favorites from this month. This includes a new foundation but in balm form, an amazing eye sleeping mask that’s really done wonders, and a scalp scrub that has saved me from dry, itchy days! This is definitely for those who love dairy but suffer the consequence from having too much of it in your diet (what can I say your girl loves butter, milk and then some!) Continue reading to learn more about these products along with where you can find them!

VERSED JUST BREATHE CLARIFYING SERUM

A serum designed to clear acne and manage excess pore-clogging sebum. The dynamic trio of willow bark extract, niacinamide, and a zinc blend work together to calm inflammation (the root of skin’s problems), decongest pores, and soothe redness. I always use this serum when I tend to be breaking out, it definitely helps clear any blemishes that want to appear.

KEVYN AUCOIN FOUNDATION BALM MEDIUM EF 5.5

A full-coverage foundation with an innovative silky balm texture, fortified with hyaluronic acid for a flawless finish in an extended shade range. The innovative Beauty Foundation Balm comes with a specially-designed brush for effortless application. This foundation matches the Etherealist Foundation shades, and includes four additional shades to find the perfect color. This formula also contains bonus antioxidants, such as vitamin E and hyaluronic acid, to protect the skin.

GLOW RECIPE AVOCADO MELT RETINOL EYE SLEEPING MASK

An eye sleeping mask formulated with avocado, encapsulated retinol, and coffeeberry to help brighten, depuff and treat the appearance of dark circles. Potent, encapsulated ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide time release throughout all hours of the night, while avocado hydrates and nourishes, and coffeeberry helps to brighten and depuff the delicate under-eye area. The result is brighter, smoother, more awake-looking eyes by morning. Definitely doesn’t happen overnight, so don’t expect to see real results until after using it a few weeks consistently. This product has been ophthalmologist tested and dermatologist tested.

AMOREPACIFIC MOISTURE PLUMPING NECTAR CREAM

A nourishing, silky, plumping moisturizer that delivers radiance and hydration for a dewy, well-moisturized complexion. The star of this technologically advanced formula is the rare bamboo nectar, which is naturally rich in amino acids and emollients to help skin appear visibly plump and moisturized without feeling heavy. This cream includes green tea seed oil and lotus flower extract to drench skin with long-lasting moisture. It’s my favorite moisturizer this summer! Lightweight and pleasantly fragranced.

DRUNK ELEPHANT T.L.C. HAPPI SCALP™ SCRUB

A supercharged AHA/BHA acid blend that breaks down and dissolves dead skin cells and styling-product buildup, while biodegradable, gentle exfoliating beads sweep them away. Using antioxidant and fatty-acid-rich plant oils and a quick-absorbing multi-amino-acid blend, T.L.C. Happi Scalp™ Scrub keeps the scalp nourished, flake-free, and balanced. T.L.C. Happi Scalp™ Scrub has a pH level of 3.7. Perfect for those who tend to have a dry scalp. I do include dairy into my diet which is a definite culprit to scalp issues, but this scrub is Heaven sent!

PAYOT PÂTE GRISE JOUR DAY CARE MATTIFYING & SPOT TREATMENT

Discover Pâte Grise Jour, the new day care that fights spots. Its mattifying gel texture leaves a velvety finish on the skin. Pâte Grise Jour moisturizes and helps eliminate blemishes while protecting the skin against pollution. You will love its texture: a light and velvety purifying gel-cream. Active ingredients include Cannabis Sativa Seed Extract (no CBD, no THC), Chilean mint extract, zinc, and bamboo powder. Perfect to getting rid of dark spots.