Beauty

Review :: Biologique Recherche Cocktail d’Actifs Régénérants

February 23, 2020 by playworkrepeat Leave a Comment

At its core, this is a skincare review post, but it’s also a reminder that no matter what skincare you use, what is going on inside can have just as much of an effect…if not more…on your skin.

For my 40th birthday, my husband surprised me with the best gift ever — a weekend trip to Charlotte and a trip to Toska’s European Spa. If you don’t follow her on Instagram — please do so. She is gorgeous inside and out, and will make you look stunning in the process! At the end of THE BEST FACIAL I HAVE EVER HAD (worth a post all its own!), Toska’s staff kindly recommended to my husband that he purchase Cocktail d’Actifs Régénérants as a Christmas gift…and what a gift it was!

According to the company’s product description: “Chock-full of vitamins and active ingredients derived from cutting-edge biotechnology, this cocktail provides multi-benefit results, even in the case of the most devitalized Skin Instants. It activates cellular regeneration, protects against the harmful effects of free radicals and boosts the skin’s protective functions while improving epidermal moisture and tone.”

Honestly, I was terrified to use it. Peeling the seal back was absolutely nerve-wracking, especially given the price tag. I did not want to waste a single drop! When I posted about it on Instagram, Toska recommended usage of half a bottle each night on my face, neck, décolletage and the back of my hands. I know better than to doubt Toska…she is a genius…so I followed her directions to the letter.

My routine was the same: Lait VIP 02; Lotion P50 1970; Cocktail d’Actifs Régénérants (sit for a few minutes); Creme Masque Vernix w/ either VIP Fluide 02 or T.E.W.L. depending on level of dryness. I will say the nights I used by BeautyBio GloPro after Lotion P50 1970 and before the Cocktail d’Actifs Régénérants, I did feel like it made more of an impact the next day.

Halfway through — and even with an upper respiratory infection that was otherwise trying to kill me — the impact was significant. My skin was tighter, more luminous, with an even tone (which it pretty much never has). Even for all of the other good my BR products have done for my skin, this took it over the top. When Toska says they are unicorn tears, she is not exaggerating. This formula is essentially the fountain of youth, especially for those of us with terrible aging genes and a childhood’s worth of bad decisions working against us.

Then boom — about 75% of the way through the treatment, my face had an unexpected reaction. Things that didn’t change: my diet, my skincare routine, any household cleaners, hormonal swings. Things that did change: my stress level went through the roof at work as my company headed full-steam into a merger.

Out of nowhere, my face became bright red and broke out. Literally overnight. I stopped using the treatment for a few days and focused on basics — Lait VIP 02, Lotion P50 1970, Serum Iribiol, Creme Placenta. I didn’t want to waste such a wonderful product on skin that was struggling. A few days later I came back to it, and watched my skin come back to life. So much havoc had been wreaked, though…so it was definitely a step back that Cocktail d’Actifs Régénérants was trying to help me recover from.

So while my skin did not look as great using the last dose as it did 50% of the way through, I did notice in the weeks that followed that my skin continued to improve as I began to manage my stress better. Again, not using any “new to me” lotions or potions, but, at least in my mind, a residual effect of the treatment. A few weeks on, I still feel like I have retained much of what I gained from using this.

I would say that this product is a blessing, especially for those of us who don’t live within driving distance of those with expertise in BR facials (especially that Toska Signature Triple Lift – to die for!). The cost for this product is not insignificant, but if you have the money to spend and you want to treat yourself, it is definitely worth the gamble. It peels back time and damage, reminiscent of a younger you. Just try to avoid any major mergers while you’re using it.

VIIcode Overnight O2M Oxygen Eye Masks

September 8, 2018 by playworkrepeat Leave a Comment

I’ve struggled with lines under my eyes since my fifth birthday. Add to that age, a boisterous four year old and a consuming career, and my poor eyes are in rough shape. You can imagine my excitement when VIIcode Skin Care offered to send me a package of their O2M Oxygen Eye Mask for All Night Repair to try out.

In each box, there six treatments to use overnight for six to eight hours, two to three times a week. The product claims to minimize signs of aging, reduce fine lines/wrinkles and moisturize that incredibly delicate area under your eyes.

The pads themselves are thick and comfortable, and the gel-like material adheres well to the eye area (just be sure to not use any other eye serum after cleansing your face/before application). Upon application, you’ll feel a cooling sensation, which I always love because – at a minimum – it feels like it’s working.

Ingredients (from the company website):

Sodium Hyaluronate: Boosts skin’s moisture content, reduce inflammation, and help prevent moisture loss.
Sodium PCA: Helps to retain moisture, prevents our skin cells from losing water and drying out, reduces inflammation, and prevents skin from aging.
Vitamin E: An antioxidant that neutralizes the oxidant effect of free radicals, which damage collagen and cause skin dryness, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Allantoin: Helps to soften and protect, while actively soothing skin. It also stimulates cell regeneration, promoting healthy skin.
Aloe barbadensis, Algin: Helps to hydrate your skin.

I used the product as instructed and found it to be, overall, beneficial to my under eye area. These masks are very hydrating, and my skin was almost plumper when I woke up in the morning. The only real problem I had with these masks overnight is that I’m a fairly violent sleeper, and would wake up at various points in the night to put them back on. If you are a normal person with more restful sleeping habits (unlike myself), you’ll be fine and these will work great. If you’re a crazy person like me, you can wear them during the daytime as well for two to four hours (as in you don’t NEED to be sleeping).

A cautionary tale: I did have one experience where I used my GloPRO and then applied the mask — and woke up in the morning looking like I had been crying all night. You know the look. It’s not pretty. So be smarter than me and don’t do that, as both are powerful anti-aging tools and probably shouldn’t be used together. Live and learn!

Overall, I really liked the product and think that with consistent use it would be a nice complement to a skincare routine. Huge thanks to Elle and VIIcode Skin Care for giving me the opportunity to try them!

Please note: While the brand kindly gifted one box of eye masks for me to try, this post is not sponsored and all views are my own.

Sephora Beauty Insider Appreciation Sale || Hits & Wish List

August 24, 2018 by playworkrepeat 1 Comment

I love a good beauty sale! Sephora’s Beauty Insider Appreciation event is here, which means you can stock up on your staples and feel better about trying out some of those splurge items at a discount!

For those looking for some great new skincare items, here are some products I LOVE and would buy again and again!

1) Indie Lee Discovery Kit || 2) Tatcha Bestsellers Set || 3) Tatcha The Essence || 4) Drunk Elephant B-Hydra || 5) Drunk Elephant Protini || 6) Youth to the People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser || 7) Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt || 8) Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

And here are some new-to-me products I’m eyeing for myself.

1) Saturday Skin No Bad Days Set || 2) Origins Dr. Andrew Weil For Origins™ Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Soothing Treatment Lotion || 3) Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance™ Shampoo || 4) Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance™ Conditioner || 5) Herbivore Prism Exfoliating Glow Potion || 6) Tarte Quench Lip Rescue Balm – Rainforest of the Sea™ Collection in Berry || 7) Omorovicza Acid Fix AHA BHA Treatment

Happy shopping!!

Beauty Review: Boxes, Samples & Empties {July 2018 Edition}

July 31, 2018 by playworkrepeat Leave a Comment

Some amazing beauty finds this month, so let’s jump right in!

July 2018 Sephora Play Box

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Paaarty :: I’m a big fan of Tarte’s products, and this blush is no exception. The color is so pretty and it goes on flawlessly. I have a full-size version in the shade Exposed that I like to wear in the Fall, but Paaarty is perfect in achieving that Summer flush.

Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Salt Lyfe :: I love how moisturizing the Rainforest of the Sea line is, and this lipstick follows suit. The color is very pretty, although possibly more of an early Fall color for me. Wouldn’t mind picking up another one in a more pink-hued shade, possibly Sunkissed.

Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer :: Up in the air on this one. I’ve heard so much about the benefits of squalane that my expectations may have been unrealistically high. The moisturizer was well-suited for my combo-oily skin, but I didn’t get the wow factor I was (likely unrealistically) expecting.

Korres Wild Rose Vitamin C Active Brightening Oil :: Ugh, I did not want to admit this to myself, but…it appears my skin has some sensitivity to this product. I wish I could give this a good review — or any review — but it broke my skin out on every occasion in which I used it. I was so bummed – it has some great reviews out there.

Algenist GENIUS Liquid Collagen :: I was so excited this was included in this month’s Play!, and it did not disappoint. My skin felt like it had more bounce after each use. Beautiful product…and it smells divine!

Briogeo Rosarco™ Blow Dry Perfection Heat Protectant Crème :: I’m starting to think there is just no help for this hair. It’s hard to tell if this made my hair more frizzy, or if my hair is just beyond repair with this humidity. Either way, wasn’t enough for me to repurchase or recommend.

July 2018 Birchbox

Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser :: Nice cleanser, although I did find it to be a little rough on my skin if I used it the day after using a GloPro microneedling tool.

COOLA® Classic Moisturizer SPF 30 – Cucumber :: Loved this! Smells great, the sun protection was solid and it didn’t break me out. Great summer alternative to my usual moisturizer.

ARROW REVIVE Cooling Cheek Tint :: I had a really hard time applying this, but I’ve honestly never been much of a cheek tint/stain person. I’ll be passing this one along.

Lise Watier HydraForce BB Cream :: Nice subtle coverage, but it made my skin a little greasy throughout the day. Might be better suited for the cooler months for skin on the oily side.

amika Velveteen Dream Smoothing Balm :: This left my hair incredibly greasy. Hard pass for me.

Samples & Empties

Putting these two together this month, because there wasn’t a whole lot that I was able to empty out. Just one..very…important…item — Drunk Elephant’s Protini. I have to say, I’ve noticed a difference since this beauty has left my skincare regime. I will be purchasing this again.

Other samples I tried out this month include:

It Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream™ Transforming Moisturizing Super Cream :: I’m not sure if it’s transformative, but it was certainly a nice cream. Better for night for combo-oily skin such as mine.

Sunday Riley C.E.O. Serum :: Sunday Riley is one of my favorite brands. In fact, I religiously used Good Genes for years and would go back to it in a heartbeat! There are so many fantastic Vitamin C serums out there right now — like Drunk Elephant’s C-Firma and Maelove’s The Glow Maker — that I can’t say I’ll give C.E.O. a second look.

La Mer Moisturizing Soft Creme :: Same as the Confidence in a Cream for me, but it truly is so hard to get a feel for a product after just a couple of uses. It was certainly lovely and would work well as part of my night routine. Suppose I was just expecting fireworks with the name La Mer attached.

Fresh Black Tea Corset Cream Firming Moisturizer :: Firming, indeed…I LOVED this! Noticed a difference immediately. I’ll be picking up a full-sized version at the Sephora sale this Fall.

Lancome Rénergie Lift Multi-Action Eye :: I liked how moisturizing this eye cream was, though I’m not sure I saw enough of a benefit to spring for the full-size with plenty of other effective and budget-friendly alternatives on the market.

Farmacy Honey Potion Renewing Antioxidant Hydration Mask with Echinacea GreenEnvy :: Saved this one for last because it was so incredibly different. There is a very warm sensation when you apply this mask, and one of the few I can say really feels like it is hydrating as advertised. Once I removed the mask, my skin was positively glowing. Also going on the next Sephora sale wish list. I would definitely recommend it.

Beauty Review: Boxes, Samples & Empties {June 2018}

July 3, 2018 by playworkrepeat Leave a Comment

A quick look at the beauty subscription boxes, samples and empties from last month.

June 2018 Sephora Play Box

Milk Makeup Kush Mascara in Boom Black :: This is a lovely light mascara, great for those not looking for volume. My lashes almost felt moisturized — a definite bonus!

Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover :: Loved this. My eyes are very sensitive, and removing eye makeup can be challenging. This was effective and painless.

Too Faced Melted Matte Liquified Long Wear Matte Lipstick in Queen B :: It’s no joke — this is MATTE, but it glides on nicely and the color is beautiful. Definitely something I’ll save for Fall.

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb :: I’ve been using this at night recently since I ran out of my usual nighttime moisturizer. Actually loving this for Summer PM. It’s hydrating without leaving my skin greasy. A must have in your beauty routine, especially in the cooler months ahead.

Alterna Haircare CAVIAR Anti-Aging Miracle Multiplying Volume Mist :: I have naturally curly hair, and since getting this product, we’ve had some very humid days. Does this work? I’m not sure yet. I’d like to give it another go under more ideal weather conditions.

June 2018 Birchbox

ModelCo More Brows :: Maybe I’m more of a powder person when it comes to my brows, but I did not love this. It just felt heavy and clumpy. I know a lot of people love Glossier’s Boy Brow and the like, but it has never quite made its way into my beauty arsenal.

Davines SU Hair & Body Wash :: I absolutely love this. The scent is amazing, and I’ve used it as both a shampoo and body wash. Would totally repurchase.

Philosophy Purity Made Simple Moisturizer :: Really enjoying this moisturizer. Nice alternative to my usual beauty regime, especially during the Summer months.

Marcelle City Anti-Pollution Micellar Foaming Cleanser :: I’ve been using this almost every morning in the shower to gently wash off all of my nighttime skin routine products. Refreshing, but not stripping. A perfect reset for all my AM skincare goodies.

June 2018 Beauty Samples

Beauty Samples

Tatcha The Silk Cream, Radiant Deep Brightening Serum and Violet-C Radiance Mask :: During the recent Tatcha Summer sale, I snagged a few samples to try some of the (VERY MANY) products I have my eye on. Of course, each sample went on like a dream and I loved them all. Two out of the three (mask and cream) are cruising their way up the “Need vs Want” list!

Tarte Deep Dive Cleansing Gel and Mermaid Skin Hyaluronic H2O Serum :: These were both nice and smelled amazing. I can see extended use during the Summer being very hydrating.

Amore Pacific Time Response Eye Reserve Creme :: I know I spoke of it before, but this is just the most amazing eye creme. It’s like an instant eye lift. I’ve never seen an eye cream that works so well. Downside, it’s VERY expensive, so I’ll just continue snagging these samples where I can and gushing over how wonderful it is.

June 2018 Beauty Product Empties

Empties

Drunk Elephant Beste Jelly Cleanser :: This cleanser is gold. The bottle you see here is my second completed, and I’m sure I’ll be back again. For right now, I want to try out some new products, but if you’re looking for a go-to gentle cleanser, this is an excellent option.

Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Moisturizer :: Love this moisturizer — it’s my third empty! — but it is definitely a cooler month option for me. Wanted to finish it out before the hotter temps came out swinging.

Tatcha Camellia Cleansing Oil :: I miss using this, and would definitely repurchase.

The Crème Shop Calm Down, Skin! Sheet Mask :: Used this after a long, sunny (and wonderful!) day on the boat. It was an Easter basket present, and the graphics made wee man laugh hysterically. Couldn’t ask for more.

Boxes, Samples & Empties {May 2018 Edition}

June 1, 2018 by playworkrepeat Leave a Comment

Here’s a look at the boxes, the samples and all the things I’ve emptied out this May.

May 2018 Sephora Play Box

BB Thickening Spray :: Nothing is helping this hair.

Sephora Mud Mask Purifying & Mattifying :: Personally, I’m partial to the Boscia Charcoal Pore Pudding Intensive Wash-Off Treatment.

Benefit The POREfessional Face Primer :: I’m not a primer professional — seems to do the job, but can’t really speak to how it holds up against other brands.

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector® Pressed Highlighter in Champagne Pop :: Love this color. Great little highlighter. Not sure if I’ll purchase the full sized version — feels like this super sample will last me a lifetime!

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner :: Game. Freaking. Changer. I’ve been a devout fan of Loreal’s liquid eyeliner for maybe a decade. Nothing else compared…until this. I can’t imagine I’ll go back to Loreal after trying this little wonder.

May 2018 Birchbox

Matrix Mega Sleek Shampoo & Conditioner :: I tried this for a solid week in a variety of climates (thanks to a long weekend away), and this didn’t do much to tame my curly hair. I’m in the market for a new shampoo and conditioner — really wanted this to work.

Hanalei Lip Treatment :: This was a nice balm, keeping my lips moisturized. So partial to my Farmacy Honey Butter Beeswax Lip Balm (which is half the price of Hanalei) for day, and my Laniege Lip Sleeping Mask (which is the same price) for night, that I probably wouldn’t make a switch at this point.

[ comfort zone ] Remedy Cream to Oil Ultra Gentle Cleanser :: It took a while for the cream to become an oil, and I’m not exactly known for my patience. I had no problem with it — it was a nice first cleanse — but I probably wouldn’t purchase a full size.

Nyakio Kenyan Coffee Face Polish :: I actually LOVED this. My skin felt silky smooth and almost moisturized after using it. I have a few samples and full size face polish-type products to get through before I can commit to a full size version, but I would definitely consider purchasing this in the future.

Samples

Tatcha Bestsellers Set :: During the Sephora VIB sale, I purchased this set to try out some of these products without the hefty price tag. I fell in absolute love with The Water Cream, so much so that I decimated the sample in no time flat. Already went back and made a full size purchase.

Volition Oceanene Youth-Boost Gel :: This would be great for daytime — it’s lightweight, which is perfect for oily skin (like certain spots on my combo skin!).

AmorePacific Time Response Eye Reserve Crème :: First, this was amazing — this is a product that WORKS. For $260, though — wow, it better also take my son to school in the morning. I would love to purchase a full sized version, but can’t justify the cost.

Ole Henriksen Find Your Balance Oil Control Cleanser, Pore-Balance Facial Sauna Scrub and Counter Balance Oil Control Hydrator :: Strong scent, but effective product. Great to use after a weekend at the beach.

Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow :: This produces the most amazing glow with no effort. I’ve been using the sample almost as a foundation, then topping with Becca’s Soft Light Blurring Setting Powder. Amazing combination. Will definitely be buying a full sized version.

Empties

Where have all of my Drunk Elephant products gone?! Nooooooo!!!!

Drunk Elephant B-Hydra :: Can’t live without this. Already had a new bottle ready to go.

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Night Serum :: Love this, but I have so many night serums I want to try. My gut tells me I’ll be back…and soon.

Drunk Elephant Shaba :: This is my second empty for this amazing product. Again, I just have so many different eye treatments I want to explore, but I can’t imagine staying away from this for long.

Charlotte Tilbury Instant Look in a Palette – Seductive Beauty :: I’ve lived in this palette for the last year, scraping the sides of the shadows to get every last drop. These colors are GORGEOUS! I didn’t use the face makeup as much, so I’ll probably repurchase only shadows going forward. I can’t say enough about how flattering and long-lasting these shadows are. Pure perfection.

2018 Spring Sephora Sale!

April 20, 2018 by playworkrepeat 1 Comment

It’s one of the most wonderful times of the year — the Spring Sephora sale!!

Here’s what I snagged.

Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter in Sweet Citrus :: The only body butter that I’ve ever finished. Seriously, ever. Twice.

Too Faced Sweetie Pie Radiant Matte Bronzer – Peaches and Cream Collection :: Bought this as a recommendation from Lindsey Thorne, who I discovered on Instagram a few months ago. Her recommendations are always spot on — and this product has not disappointed.

Becca Soft Light Blurring Setting Powder in Golden Hour :: Also bought this based on Lindsey’s recommendation. Only used it once so far, but I’m loving it.

Tatcha The Essence Plumping Skin Softener :: No joke, I used this last night and this morning and can completely see a difference already. Expensive, but worth it.

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Eye Cream :: I’ve had my eye on this for a while (no pun intended), but had too many eye cream samples from Birchbox and Sephora Play to justify a purchase. It’s thicker than I thought it would be, but my hopes are high!

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum :: I’ve seen this everywhere. Literally, everywhere. How could I not try it?!

Supergoop! x Milly Defense Refresh Setting Mist Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 :: I’m a sucker for SPF products and cute packaging. Hopefully it will work because I am see-through pale.

Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Day Serum :: I’m a Drunk Elephant junkie. They do no wrong in my book. I would have bought more, but I don’t wait until the sale to purchase before I run out, and some of their products have a shelf life. Can’t live without this bottle of orange goodness. Or Protini. Or TLC Framboos and Marula Oil. And can’t forget Beste and Babyfacial! Yup, I’m a Drunk Elephant fangirl.

I also bought some make up brushes, but I’ll spare you the details there. May still pick up a few more things this weekend, including Brow Wiz, but only if I can get to the store itself to play with shades.

What were your best buys from the Spring Sephora sale?