Oxton Yan: skincare

Showing posts with label skincare. Show all posts

The fact that the month of October went by so quickly reminds me that no one owns time, we can only manage it.

I find that this type of post not only closes a drastic changing weather month, but it also is a good introduction to a new one that i foresee exciting .

Without further ado, i will share a few things that i had the pleasure meeting.

Blog-wise
I am getting more and more comfortable managing my time and choosing posts i publish. I also had on my french blog great feedback and here, i feel like slowly but surely some of you are getting into it and coming back for more.
So, WELCOME to my family and I really do appreciate you guys! Not only because it is a sign that my English isn't completely awful but also that you find what I write interesting (i hope!).

Skincare and hygiene-wiseYves Rocher has unthinkable treasures and this body lotion is one of them. It is the Repair Lotion for Extra Dry Skin from their Expert Repair range. This travel size was a gift from a purchase. I was planning to use this in winter when my legs will start to be dry and uncomfortable. But, the enchanting smell got me to use it earlier and i did found a better use for it: I use it after exfoliating or shaving.
Even if I don't have dry skin, in those times, my skin need an extra "humpf" and that is exactly what this lotion brings. My skin is hydrated and sooth.
I liked this so much that i finished the beast.

150 mL cost 9€50

From the same brand, their Blackberries Hand Cream was such a nice discovery that I had to write an entire article praising it.

creme mains fruits noirs collection noel 2014 yves rocher

75 mL cost 2€50

When winter comes, it is rather a challenge to live in a big city. To twirl around town without collecting all people's germs, this item is a must-have: a hand sanitizer. Mine is thepurifying gel Mava Clear from the Switzerland brand Mavala.
It didn't leave my bag. Not only was it gentle, but it was also hard with the germs.
I don't think this specific gel is sold anymore, but i am sure you can find an alternative in any drugstore or pharmacy.

50 mL cost 7€

If you are a nail polish lover as I am, you know that a good care is needed to guarantee a perfect manicure. For some reason, my hands and nails needed an extra care.

This cuticles scrub from Biguine with its pink micro-beads helped sooth my cuticles by scrubbing them. Its applicator is similar to a lip lacquer's (if, of course, pachyderms wore lipsticks because it isn't smooth).

13€ in drugstores

Beauty-wise
Even if i own a few, foundations, aren't "my thing". The Matt Touch Foundation from Yves Saint Laurent fought its way to my stash. Even if it is oil-free and has a spf 10, I wasn't very happy with the result.
After applying it many different ways (brush, hand), I did find the perfect way to apply it: I use a Beauty Blender sponge and now I get why this foundation is pricey and why people had so many good things to say about it. It is comfortable, light, mattifying and long-lasting.
I don't think this you can find this in stores anymore but i am sure you can still find it on the internet even if YSL discontinued them.
My shade is 12.

30 mL cost between 35 and 45€

The Flawless bronzing brush from the Terracotta line by Guerlain is a light tinted cream that i use rarely as a bronzer but mainly as a foundation to unify my complexion.
I have the universal shade 00 Natural Bronze.

This bronzer was discontinued and a similar and better alternative is the Terracotta Joli Teint sold almost everywhere for roughly 44€ the 30 mL.

I played a little bit with Rimmel's ScandalEyes eye shadow in shade Bad Girl Bronze. It is greasy and smooth, has a wonderful pigmentation, is long-lasting and very affordable.
For a quick and light makeup, it is ideal. It also can be used as a base for a more intense and festive look.

This is sold between 6 and 8€ in drugstores.

I played around with Lancôme's Hypnôse Drama Eyes Dazzling eye shadow in shade Eternal Emerald.
This color was from their 2013 holiday collection. They brought out some two nice new shades this spring.
These eye shadows come with a mini flat brush (very useful) that can be used to apply the product as a eyeliner or an eye shadow. I feel like it opens my eyes...in a good way!

It cost around 30€ les 5,5g (which is expensive!) but you have for your money.

Bad gal Plum from Benefit and The Rocket Volum'Express from Maybelline were my go-to mascaras for an intense and colorful look.

mascara maybelline rocket volume express

Benefit mascara 23€ les 8,5g
Maybelline mascara around 8€

The nail polish that I wore most of the time and which was perfect for the grey weather is Rimmel's 60 seconds #605 Grey Matter.

It costs around 5€ the 8mL

I played around with some lipsticks from Rimmel's new line Hydra Renew. I will review these soon.
#470 Glam Plum Fulham and #380 Dark Night Waterl-Oops! were the ones I wore the most with Rimmel's Apocalips lip lacquer in shade #304 Eclipse which has an amazing pigmentation, is comfortable for a small price, and finally YSL's Rouge Pur Couture The Mats in shade #205 Prune which has an amazing quality.
All those colors are perfect for fall/winter or all year long if you are more adventurous like me.
From left to right #380, #470, #304.

Hydra renew around 9€ the 4g in drugstores
Rimmel's Apocalips around 9€ the 5,5 mL in durgstores
YSL around 30€ the 3,8 g

I also discovered Bourjois's 24H liner in Ultra Black and Rimmel's Exaggerate eyeliner in #001 100% Black which both are really good.
For the ratio quality/price I prefer Rimmel's and for how comfortable it is to use, i choose Bourjois's.

Bourjois's cost around 8€ and Rimmel's 6€ in drugstore

Sometimes I wear blush and the past month was a "blushy month"(what? you didn't know that people with dark skin blush? Just kidding!!!).
I brought out my Elizabeth Arden's ceramide cream blush in shade #4 Plum.
It is longlasting and you just need a sweep. The color is buildable and the finish is rather soft and natural.

The 2,67g cost around 30€.

Miam-miam-wise
I like to cook and bake but to this day, I haven't learned how to make/grow my own cereals. While I wait for that time to come, I bought these cereals from Kelloggs.
The reason I talk about these is mainly because they are now in a different packaging which preserves the flavor but it also minimal (they got rid of the box).

I hope they will make these in other sizes because 500g is too small.It is 4€ a box.

Culture-wise
I like music (it is an understatement!) and I wanted to close this monthly favorites in music because only music can make you relax, cry, dance, but, also reflect.

I never was into the craziness around Taylor Swift's music. Even if her ballads that I enjoy were scarce, i couldn't stop moving my toes when Shake it off came on radio or TV!
She definitely is no lyricist but, the hook is catchy and It is a real "go f*** off" to the haters.

I couldn't stop listening to the musical "brews" of the talented Kina Grannis. She is on tour now so if you want her live maybe she is jamming somewhere nearby.

This next stop isn't a discovery but I wanted to share it anyway because this band has great potential, great energy on stage and they make good music. Mr Crock is a small Parisian indie pop folk band with some rock accents.

I took great pleasure discovering and really listening to Benjamin Clementine. His talent, his message, his voice, and allure took me to places and also made me think about my brother (long story!!! but bro' if you stop by, you know what i mean!).

Two TV shows with great potential were my clear favorites: How To Get Away With Murder because of the performance of Viola Davis and the intrigue and, Bad Judge for the humor, the unconventional script and Kate Walsh's legs ;).

I encountered a singing show called Rising Star. I don't know if it's the format that is weak or if i just don't get it. Anyway, it wasn't for me!

I hope your month was as eventful as mine was.

Take care.
yO

french version

Getting rid of my acne scars is a goal of mine as I already spoken about it when I reviewed products like the Even Better Clinical Dark Spots Corrector from Clinique, or the Dark Spots minimizing Serum from Sephora on my French blog.

Even if i want to regulate my production of sebum, I am not safe from getting some pimples here and there.
Guess what? That happened again and this time when things went sour, i decided to give the Serum Magnifica from Sanoflore (a brand specialized in organic beauty products from L'Oreal Paris) a try.
It is a high precision rescue corrector which has an action on shine, pores and imperfections.

Usually, i try to adapt my routine: I eat more healthy and change my skincare routine to suit my needs.But this time it was an emergency.

So is It good, bad, or ugly?

Packaging and texture

The product comes in a tiny textured, and opaque plastic tube. The tip reminds me of eyes products. Even if the tip is tiny and rigid, that doesn't affect the distribution at all. I even like it because I can easily control what amount comes out.

The gel-like texture makes it really easy to use. However, you must not be lazy and take your time applying it because when it dries, it leaves a film on the skin which makes it a little harder to work with.

Ingredients

Aqua/Water•Mentha Piperita Leaf Water/Peppermint Leaf Water*•Alcohol Denat**•Glycerin•Zea Mays Starch/Corn Starch•Perlite•Dehydroxanthan Gum•Arginine•Salicylic Acid•Cymbopogon Flexuosus Oil*•Citral•Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil/Rosemary Leaf Oil*•Menthol•Geraniol•Limonene•Satureia Montana Oil*•Eugenol•Cymbopogon Nardus Oil/Citronella Oil*•Eugenia Caryophyllus Flower Oil/Clove Flower Oil*•Nepeta Cataria Oil*•Origanum Heracleoticum Flower Oil*•Thymus Vulgaris Oil*•Thyme Flower/ Leaf Oil*•Mentha Piperita Oil/Peppermint Oil*•Linallol•Citronellol•Melissa Officinalis Leaf Oil*•Isoeugenol•Citric Acid

*ingredient from organic farming

**ingredient transformed from an ingredient issue from organic farming

Sanoflore is an organic brand so it's not a shock to see that some of his ingredients are from organic farming.
The norms in Europe are far more strict than the ones in the US so this makes this product even better.

This formula is paraben-, SLS-, silicone-,mineral oil-free.
The plants from which the ingredients are from, are grown without pesticide which seems pretty straightforward for organic ingredients but isn't very easy to achieve because as you may know, pesticides are volatile, so nothing can really guarantee that the plants aren't corrupt unless all the farm nearby are also organic farms. That's why Sanoflore grew their plants in a region in South East of France (Vercors) with very little pollution.

This serum contains patented essence of organic lamiaceae and mentha piperita in high concentration, as well as salicylic acid.

They act upon bacterial proliferation, sebum oxidation, shine and the inflammatory state.

My experience

The first thing that I like with this product, before even getting into the grit of its purpose, is the versatility. It can be used in the morning, at night, or whenever you want over the course of the day.

It is a icy gel that gives a nice refreshing and calming feeling. It is very clever for those of us with sensitive skin.
It has the great smell of essential oil which is relaxing and wears off rapidly.
Even if it doesn't dry the skin, it doesn't hydrate either. So you have to make sure that your skin stays hydrated.
I applied it day and night and i saw tremendous changes in a week. My T-zone was about 60% less shiny that it was and my comedos dried very fast.
However, even if this serum is supposed to tighten pores, i didn't see much a difference on my pores.

I bought this serum because i wanted a quick fix and that is exactly what it did do.
Don't be fooled by its tiny waist; a little goes a long way.

If I compare this gel to La Roche-Posay's Effaclar K, I find that Sanoflore's corrector works faster. However, I wonder if that effect lasts.

With my sensitive skin it is almost always a double ended sword situation because I can have products that work but are too harsh for my skin or are suitable to my skin but are not that good. I am very content with this gel from Sanoflore because not only it is very gentle with my skin, but it is also very good.

The 15mL cost around 15 and 19€.

Overall, I am very satisfied with this high precision corrector. Sanoflore's Magnifica line is very complete and i am eager to test out more products.

I also wanted to thank my readers. You guys are awesome!
I didn't expect to have that many people taking the time to stop by. Your support gave me more confidence and made me want to go even further. You will definitely read more from me.

Cheers
yO

version française

After using very drying clay masks for a while, I decided to go around the block and see if the grass was greener elsewhere.

In my second home a.k.a the pharmacy, after wondering around for a few hours, i finally stumbled upon the Matidiane oxygen facial mask for adults with oily skin from Noreva lab'. Here is the monster:

Noreva-LED lab' present us this product as a dermatological and galenic (more efficiency with less amount of product) world patented (i hear coins!) innovation (another one!), which deeply detoxifies, ensures an intense double flux oxygenation (oxygen within the outside air heat itself when it comes in contact with the skin and allows the skin to be oxygenated) of the skin, hydrates and brings glow.

It is also made with Chrono Regul HD complex which helps rebalance the sebum flux, and enriched with:

exfoliating enzyme for micro-peeling
kaolin doped with oligo-elements and minerals to absorb the excess of sebum and with trapped oxygen molecules which when in contact with the skin diffuse to ensure a glowy and deeply oxygenated skin.

Its high tolerant formula is non-comedogenic and non-acneigenic. In the downside, it contains a few alcohol derivatives. Even if it has no paraben, it contains other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol.

Composition :

Water •Kaolin • Glycerin • Tridecyl Salicylate • Cetearyl Alcohol • Pentaerythrityl Distearate • Octyldodecanol •Butylene Glycol • C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate • C20-22 Alcohols • Sorbitol • Magnesium Aluminium Silicate • Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract • Glycosphingolipids • Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Extract •Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract • PEG-75 Shea Butter Glycerides • Perfluorodecalin • Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil • Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil • Fragrance • Propylene Glycol • Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate •Lactic Acid • Xantham Gum • Sodium Hydroxide • Disodium EDTA • Phenoxyethanol • Dehydroacetic Acid •Benzoic Acid • Ethylhexylglycerin • Polyaminopropyl Biguanide

Packaging:

I like the fact that the bottle has a pump with a piston. With this system, when we push the pump, the product comes out but at the same time, the inner plastic reservoir is also pushed up (without ever going back down) to avoid the air to ease its way into the bottle.
Since this system is air-proofed, the product has less chances to rapidly deteriorate.

Not only this system is more hygienic, it also makes sure that no drop of product is lost in distribution.

Still with me? Wonderful! Now, let's have some more fun with the more interesting and exciting part. Let's get cracking guys!

Personal experience:

This mask has a gel-cream like texture, easy to apply.

Went the mask is on my face, it feels like a cold wind just blew in my face. It is a very nice sensation since the mask tickles. That tickling sensation is due to the fact that the mask goes deeply under the skin to track impurities, the more you have impurities, the more this will be uncomfortable for you at first. If you have sensitive skin like me, it will be intense but nothing too dramatic that can keep you from using this mask.

I leave the mask on up to 10 minutes, that is 5 minutes more than the max indicated by the brand, just to enjoy the pleasant experience.Then, i remove the excess of the product before rinsing thoroughly with cold water. I end my routine by cleaning my face with a toner and spraying Bioderma water. That's it, I'm done!

My face feels amazingly deeply cleaned and freed afterwards. My skin breathes, is softer, smoother, and hydrated.

After applying a mask (this goes more for clay masks), it is imperative to really hydrate the skin. However, with this one, no need to go overboard.

I really like this mask and i enjoyed using it. It is easy to use, doesn't dry the skin, has a nice fresh and delicate scent.

The only thing that I can see being a problem is the price (the price of innovation maybe?!); it is between 15,5 and 21€ the 30mL. It worked so well on me that i don't regret buying it.

Insert:

This mask is exactly what I need for the winter. I used it twice a week and it lasted me 6 weeks. It gave a good boost to my skin.

I am still looking for happiness mask-wise so i won't be sticking to this one even if it is a really nice mask.

Be smart, act stupid!

version française

Nature has provided us generously with everything we need to remain in good health

This motto has been the root of Sebastian Kneipp's philosophy. This german priest founded the label Kneipp in 1891.

I came across Kneipp (which sounds more like knife with a p) in Germany more than five years ago. It is a well-known brand in Germany which has contributed to build that german approach to life, health and well-being. Its good reputation comes from not only the quality of their products, but also the fact that they are eco-friendly and are protecting environmental resources.

From haircare to skincare, I tried almost everything. This lemongrass and olive body lotion is one of the products that I'd tested.

On paper, I almost feel like I won the jackpot with this one. Am I mistaken?

Packaging and texture
This lotion lives in an soft semi-opaque plastic tube. The tube is certified skincare products friendly.

Since Kneipp's philosophy is to preserve natural resources, it is not a shocker that they use recyclable packaging.

I like the texture. Not only, it goes really smoothly on the skin, it doesn't feel greasy at all. It is both very refreshing but not too refreshing, and a pleasure to apply. However, keep in mind that it takes a lil'bit of time to soak in. I just put a small drop in my hand and massage a few seconds into my skin.

Ingrédients
Aqua (Water)♥Glycerin♥Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)♥Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil♥Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil♥Cetearyl Alcohol♥Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Glycerides♥Glyceryl Stearate♥Microcrystalline Cellulose♥Potassium Palmitoyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein♥Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil♥Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil♥Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil♥Cedrus Atlantica (Cedarwood) Bark Oil♥Canarium Luzonicum Gum Non-volatiles♥Limonene♥Citral♥Linalool♥Geraniol♥Citronellol♥Parfum (Fragrance)♥Glyceryl Caprylate♥Dehydroxanthan Gum♥Calcium Alginate♥Tocopherol

Lemongrass essential oil is known to re-energize and refresh. It also stimulates mind and body to benefit concentration and motivation.

Olive oil hydrates and protects from dehydratation. Shea butter and sweet almond oil hydrate and soften the skin.
This body lotion, like other products from the brand, has no preservatives, mineral oils, paraffines, silicones, harsh ingredients, and is not tested on animals.

My experience
Like I said, this body lotion is refreshing. The feeling is similar to other energizing body lotions or shower gels with ginseng, guarana or ginger, but softer.
I usually take time in the evening to enjoy its natural and delicate lemongrass scent. I literally have to restrain myself from layering and layering,...and layering.
It leaves my skin hydrated, smooth, and nicely scented. I find this to be perfect for summer and fall, but not so much for winter simply beacause in winter my normal skin needs a little more hydratation.
Since its composition is uber-clean, the products are due only 3 months after the first use.
I really like this body lotion! But, like all natural cosmetics, they have a certain price. This body lotion costs between 8 and 14€ the 200 mL.

This brand not only is eco-friendly, but it also does tremendous efforts to inform without confusing their customers on the ingredients they use. They've even gone further and manage to add some products specifically dedicated for those who, like me, have sensitive skin. Recently, they did add some young blood to the family, they have a new anti-aging range and foaming bodywashes that i am longing to try.

Be smart, act stupid!

version française

I am Oxton, call me Yan

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