What Order Should You Apply Your Skincare?
RECOMMENDED SKINCARE ROUTINE FOR DAY (in order of application)
1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
1.9% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Replumping Ampoules (use when skin is feeling stressed out)
10% Pure Vitamin C Concentrate
Revitalift Eye Cream
Day Lotion with SPF 30
RECOMMENDED SKINCARE ROUTINE FOR NIGHT (in order of application)
Night Serum with Pure Retinol (once or twice a week)
10% Pure Glycolic Acid (when not using Retinol)
1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
1.9% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Replumping Ampoules (use when skin is feeling stressed out)
Revitalift Eye Cream
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM
Image via Pinterest
Photographed by Nathalie Martin
Disclaimer: Products in this post are PR samples. All opinions are my own.
This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to buy something, I will get a small commission from the sale. This doesn’t impact the price you pay. Affiliate links are just another way to monetize my blog.
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Awesome Mother's Day Gift Ideas
Mother’s Day is just around the corner and while it’s always the right time to spoil mom, I think it’s even more fun when it’s an entire day dedicated to her.
In this post, I’ve gathered up some incredibly fun gifts you can spoil her with - from skincare to fancy pj’s, art, furniture, and everyone’s favorite - fragrance.
It’s all about pampering mom and I say go all out if you can!
Full disclosure, I gave my mom her present an entire week early to lift her spirits and it totally worked. In case you’re wondering - she got a limited edition Diptyque candle and skincare.
Happy Mother’s Day!
1// KIP SLEEPWEAR
This Canadian line of luxury sleepwear looks so chic that she’ll be tempted to wear them all day. In addition to looking great, they’re also extremely soft and comfortable thanks to the Turkish cotton which helps keep her cool at night. (Perfect for those who run hot at night, such as myself.) KIP is currently 25% off on sleepinkip.com and comes packaged in a beautiful box that’s perfect for gift giving.
2// SLIP SILK SLEEP MASK
Since we’re on the topic of sleep, consider getting mom a silk eye mask from Slip so she can get a good night’s rest. Honestly, I can’t sleep without mine anymore and I’ve noticed it makes a big difference in how quickly I get to sleep but also in my quality of sleep meaning I don’t wake up in the middle of the night. According to sleepfoundation.org, “Too much light, right before bedtime may prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep.”
3// DIPTYQUE LIMITED EDITION CANDLE
If mom is into home scents then you can’t go wrong with one of these limited-edition candles from Diptyque. The special colourful jars come in five scents Freesia (pink), Mimosa (yellow), Geranium, (red), Iris (purple, shown here), and Choisya (green). They’re exclusive to Holt Renfrew so pick them up while you can.
4// JONATHAN ADLER EYES VALET TRAY
If mom likes to keep a pretty vanity or desk situation, then have a look no further than Jonathan Alder. This valet tray almost feels like a work of art so she might want to keep it empty. In case you’re wondering what purpose it serves, I use my trays to hold jewelry, glasses, and lipsticks - basically any small trinkets.
5// BERNARD CHAIR FROM HAY
If mom is more into unique pieces for the home - check out Denmark company Hay. The Bernard chair was created by designer Shane Schneck and consists of leather and solid wood. The soft lines of this contemporary piece would look beautiful as a pair or as a statement piece on its own. While you’re visiting hay.com - check out their collection of home accessories, lighting, and dishes for yourself.
6// NIGHT RUNNER BY SOPHIA AHAMED
This stunning artwork of the night sky blurs reality and imagination with its vibrant colors and sense of calm. Available in 11”x13” and up to 50”x60” prints, framed or unframed, artstar.com is an online platform that curates contemporary works from international artists - perfect for Mother’s Day if art is her thing.
7// BYREDO BIBLIOTHÉQUE
This floral woodsy scent contains top notes of peach and plum, with middle notes of peony and violet, and base notes of patchouli, vanilla, and musk. Sounds like an odd pairing? Well, it is, and yet it works so well! Slightly sweet but intriguing, this fragrance is for those who are looking for something elegant, contemporary, and memorable.
8// CONSONANT SKINCARE HYDREXTREME CHARCOAL SHEET MASK
If mom is into natural and clean skincare or just skincare in general, this could be the perfect gift for her. These sheet masks by Canadian brand Consonant provide superior hydration and leave skin soft and smooth. It targets dull, dry, and uneven skin and is suitable for all skin types. The award-winning HydrExtreme® formula is clinically-proven to outperform hyaluronic acid, even after 24 hours; hydrates and plumps the skin.
9// ‘MY BAG SAVES WHALES’ BY GALLANT
This organic cotton tote supports ocean conservation and is perfect for running errands. It’s made without the use of toxic chemicals or GMOs and uses 88% less water and 62% less energy compared to conventional cotton.
10// DYSON SUPERSONIC HAIR DRYER
The motor on is on average six times faster, a third of the weight, and half the size of other hair dryer motors. It’s comfortable to hold and dries hair in a fraction of the time compared to other hair dryers. In case you’re wondering, yes it’s totally worth the money. I gave one of these to my mother one year and it has been life-changing in her hair care routine!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to buy something, I will get a small commission from the sale. This doesn’t impact the price you pay. Affiliate links are just another way to monetize my blog.
Artwork and photos by Nathalie Martin.
Stock photography from ShopStyle.com.
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Top 10 Best Products To Buy During The Sephora Insider Sale
The Sephora Beauty Insider Sale is here and if you’re anything like me, you’ve been making and revising your list for the past week.
I thought long and hard about my own self-care routine and before putting together this list of 10 Best Products to buy. These are my holy grail items and things I plan on repurchasing once they’re done.
Head over to Sephora and use code SPRINGSAVE to get your discount.
Rouge members save 20% off from April 17 - May 1
VIB members save 15% off from April 21 - April 29
Insider members save 10% off from April 23 - April 27
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1// ESTÉE LAUDER Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II
This incredible serum leaves my skin visibly hydrated and plump the next morning. I use it on my face and neck at night whenever my skin is feeling dull and dry.
2// ESTÉE LAUDER Advanced Night Repair Intense Reset Concentrate
I layer this at night as a second step following the aforementioned Night Repair Complex. The two products work beautifully together so if you already love the serum, I highly recommend you check out the Reset Concentrate. It’s an overnight treatment that soothes the look of irritation and immerses the skin in 24-hour hydration.
3// SULWHASOO First Care Activating Serum Mist
I’m one of those people that keeps a facial mist and their desk, and considering how much time we’re all spending indoors now, I’m reaching for that bottle every couple of hours. This unique oil-water spray is infused with hydrating jojoba seed oil and Sulwhasoo’s signature JAUM Balancing Complex™, a potent cocktail of five Korean herbs.
4// TATA HARPER Resurfacing Mask
Tata Harper is high on everyone’s holy grail list for a reason. Her products are 100% natural and vegan and while pricey, totally worth the splurge. This Resurfacing Mask transforms a dull complexion into glowing, healthy-looking skin with beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) from white willow bark and pomegranate enzymes.
5// KIEHL’S Ultra Facial Cream
If you prefer creams over lotions and prefer a thicker moisturizer that doesn’t feel heavy or greasy on the skin, you’ll love this one! Ultra Facial Cream is a lightweight moisturizer that provides 24-hour hydration. It’s suitable for normal, dry, combination, and oily skin.
6// LA MER The Eye Concentrate
Fans of La Mer and luxury skincare have good reason to fall in love with The Eye Concentrate. It’s a lightweight, hydrating cream that feels luxurious and silky on the eyes. The cooling massage applicator also helps support microcirculation.
- Clarity Ferment: Helps brighten and reduce the look of dark circles, lines, and wrinkles for a healthy look of vitality and wellness.
- Concentrated Miracle Broth: Delivers essential energy and hydration to the eye area.
- Lime Tea Concentrate: Helps defend against damage from environmental aggressors and pollution.
7// JO MALONE LONDON Candles
It’s the perfect time to invest in elegant scents considering how much time we’re all spending at home right now. Jo Malone has a beautiful selection of home scents to set a different mood for every room of your house (yes, this is a thing now) - from English Pear & Freesia (lively, fruit & floral, and my fave), to Lime Basil & Mandarin (fresh and relaxing), to Pomegranate Noir (warm, floral & mysterious). Grab the collection of travel-sized candles if you’re new to the brand or can’t make up your mind.
8// SULWHASOO First Care Activating Sheet Mask
This five pack of masks are nourishing and hydrating with antioxidant-rich green tea, soothing honey, and JAUM Balancing Complex™. But it’s also an experience.
The light herbal scent sets the most beautiful and relaxing atmosphere for sheet masking like nothing you’ve ever felt before. Lie back, throw on some meditative music, close your eyes, and let the mask nourish your skin.
9// LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask
Named Allure’s Best of Beauty Award Winner in 2019, this leave-on lip mask soothes and moisturizes for smoother, more supple lips overnight. Enriched with vitamin C and antioxidants, the exclusive Moisture Wrap™ technology boasts hyaluronic acid and minerals lock in moisture and active ingredients.
10// KERASTASE Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum
This leave-in, overnight serum that nurtures and detangles hair while you sleep and is suitable for straight, wavy, and curly hair types. The unique leave-in treatment leaves hair feeling soft, protected, and easy to style.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to buy something, I will get a small commission from the sale. This doesn’t impact the price you pay. Affiliate links are just another way to monetize my blog.
Artwork and photos by Nathalie Martin.
Stock photography from ShopStyle.com.
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You'll Want to Follow @objects.de.luxe on Instagram!
Creating a new Instagram page has been on my mind for months now, so I’m finally biting the bullet and making it happen. I mean, I have to keep busy somehow seeing as we’re all stuck at home because of the virus.
@objects.de.luxe, my new IG, is a new home dedicated to my love of photography, fashion, beauty, and luxury all wrapped up in a minimalist style.
I’ll be posting often, so make sure you follow me there for ongoing inspiration.
Oh - and I haven’t done so yet, but I’ll be making the page shoppable moving forward so you know where to buy the featured items.
I hope you’re doing well and keeping safe!
xx, Nathalie
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Spoil Yourself with These Luxe Items
19 Likes, 3 Comments - object de luxe | nathalie (@object.de.luxe) on Instagram: "mixed metals"
I’m wearing a David Yurman silver chain necklace, gold necklaces gifted to me by my mother, a gold evil eye charm and circle charm from Anine Bing.
26 Likes, 0 Comments - object de luxe | nathalie (@object.de.luxe) on Instagram
My friend Michael made me realize how important it is to invest in good jewelry. I used to rely on my husband and parents to gift me the good stuff, but these days I’ll treat myself.
These Balenciaga BB Cosy slippers are ridiculously chic and comfortable. In case you’re wondering, they’re true to size.
object de luxe | nathalie posted on Instagram * See 11 photos and videos on their profile.
I love stacking rings and mixing metals.
object de luxe | nathalie posted on Instagram: "living in sweatpants" * See 11 photos and videos on their profile.
Living in quarantine means wearing sweatpants 75% of the time.
19 Likes, 0 Comments - object de luxe | nathalie (@object.de.luxe) on Instagram: "lime basil & mandarin"
Jo Malone makes some of my favourite candles. The Lime Basil & Mandrin scent is the latest my collection.
28 Likes, 0 Comments - object de luxe | nathalie (@object.de.luxe) on Instagram
I’m a sucker for patent leather. Go figure everything in my small Chanel collection is black and shiny.
19 Likes, 10 Comments - object de luxe | nathalie (@object.de.luxe) on Instagram: "treat yourself"
I bought my lipsticks on hermes.com and they soon arrived to my doorstep. Packaged in a discrete white box, I opened it up to find a cute illustration on the inside flap and a white elastic holding my lipsticks in place.
15 Likes, 0 Comments - object de luxe | nathalie (@object.de.luxe) on Instagram: "orange boîte"
Lifting my spirits from COVID-19 with a little online shopping. Yes, I’m still on a low buy year in case you’re wondering. ;)
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to buy something, I will get a small commission from the sale. This doesn’t impact the price you pay. Affiliate links are just another way to monetize my blog.
Artwork and photos by Nathalie Martin.
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Luxury Beauty During Quarantine. Should You Feel Guilty?
Most of us are stuck at home right now no thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, however, I think we still need to maintain some sense of semblance in our daily lives. It may be tempting to wear pajamas day in and day out and lose sight of how we would normally care for ourselves, but we shouldn't go down that path because it impacts our self-esteem more than we may realize.
Here’s a story that I’ve never shared with you before.
I freelanced for about three years and in that time I spent most of my days working from home alone. I developed some harmful habits in that first year. I’d start my day by jumping out of bed, head straight to my desk, and stay there until I had to use the washroom or get a snack, and would work late into the evening.
I was stressed to my core, I wasn’t eating healthy, I wasn’t exercising, and I looked a mess. Above all else, I felt completely out of touch with reality and depression soon started to creep in.
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Of course, my depression wasn’t as simple as wearing pajamas seven days a week and there was more happening in the background. Being overworked and not checking in with myself was a recipe for disaster in terms of my mental health.
If there's anything you can take away from my experience, it is to make time for yourself and do things that bring you joy. Maintain a balanced routine to keep your mental and emotional health strong.
Also, practice gratitude and think about the things you do have rather than the things you don't. Get into the habit of listing five things you're grateful for first thing in the morning or before going to bed at night. You'll likely sleep better or start your day off on a better note allowing you to be more productive.
Finally, try waking up at the same time every day, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy diet, drink lots of water, meditate, get plenty of sleep, and know when to turn off the news.
I encourage you all to do some self-care this week because we all need some TLC right now.
So with that, here are 10 of my favorite beauty items that I'm recommending to help lift your spirits while in quarantine. Stay home and stay safe.
Spoil Yourself with These Luxe Items
I've tried my fair share of luxury lip balms but this one tops them all! Clé De Peau's Lip Glorifier (in Pink) is insanely moisturizing and conditioning, and has a subtle yet pleasant rose scent. It feels slightly tingly and enhances the lips natural color leaving them looking dewy and plump. Highly recommend it on its own or under your favorite lipstick as a primer.
I’m a self-proclaimed lipstick addict so it's surprising that I waited this long to get my hands on the new Hermés lipsticks. Not only are the colors richly pigmented and feel hydrating on the lips, but the packaging is also absolutely to die for with its heavyweight enamel case that comes housed in the classic orange box from the luxury fashion house.
Springtime In The Park, a male and female fragrance, is the latest addition to the Maison Margiela 'REPLICA' collection. While I typically favor warm and spicy scents over floral ones, I will switch over to a floral if the mood strike - but it needs to have depth. The key notes in Springtime In The Park are Pear Accord, Lily of the Valley Accord, and Musks that smell so good, you'll want to bathe in it.
Glowy skin is something we all strive for but even more so now that we're in quarantine and staying indoors. I've been using the IT Cosmetics Confidence In A Cream Rosy Tone Moisturizer to help liven my complexion during the day. It also has subtle light-reflecting particles that's lovely on its own or under makeup.
One of the things I like to do to elevate my mood is to light a bougie candle. At first, The scent of Diptyque's popular Baies candle radiates the compelling freshness of a bouquet of roses, sweetened by Blackcurrant Leaves.
NARS award-winning Radiant Creamy Concealer provides medium, buildable coverage that's long-wearing looks natural on the skin. It's the only concealer that I consistently repurchase and always have in my makeup bag.
NARS Orgasm blush is probably one of the most iconic makeup items in modern-day history and it’s said that one is sold every minute. This universally flattering peachy-pink shade has golden shimmers which gives cheeks that natural glow-from-within look.
I go through more bottles of serum than I do moisturizer. This Smart Moisture Serum from the Giorgi Armani skincare line contains hyaluronic acid and crimson seaweed, to give skin luminous moisture.
Anyone experiencing dull skin will want to get their hands on Neostrata’s Glycolic Microdermabrasion Polish asap. It's a gentle, but effective polish containing 10% AHA and professional-grade crystals to revitalize skin instantly.
If you're like me with combo/oily skin, you know how frustrating it is to rely on powder to set your makeup because you hate the matte finish you're left with. I was devoted to my MAC Fix+ Setting Spray before getting my hands on ABH's Dewy Set Spray. It leaves my skin with a natural dewy finish and locks everything into place.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to buy something, I will get a small commission from the sale. This doesn’t impact the price you pay. Affiliate links are just another way to monetize my blog.
Artwork and photos by Nathalie Martin.
Stock photography from ShopStyle.com.
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ACNE WOES. How Giving Your Skin Some TLC Will Get Rid Of Pimples Fast.
I’ve had some pretty traumatic experiences with acne-fighting medication so up until this point, I’ve been either reluctant to use anything other than my trusty zit zapper, aka, the Foreo Espada Blue Light Acne Treatment. Allow me to elaborate.
A few of years ago I broke out in random acne all over my jawline. This was before having the Foreo came into my life, during a time when I was exclusively using natural skincare. I went to The Body Shop picked up a small bottle of tea tree oil, took it back home, and slathered it all over the area in hopes of being proactive (pun intended) against future breakouts.
For those not familiar with tea tree oil as an acne-fighting treatment, let me catch you up to speed. Tea tree oil is an essential oil that is widely recognized and used for its bacterial killing abilities. It’s a natural way of getting rid of pesky pimples and has other uses, such as getting rid of toenail fungus and athletes foot. It’s also highly potent when not diluted and can cause skin irritation and burning.
Truth be told I hadn’t done my homework on how to use tea tree oil responsibly and what happened next was crazy.
My skin was red and irritated and I was left with a raw bumpy patch where I had applied the oil. After a few days, the redness went down, but from there, it slowly turned into what resembled a burn mark. It stayed that way for a couple of months before my skin eventually healed. That was the last time I touched tea tree oil or any acne treatments.
While I had terrible acne in my teens, my skin has calmed down considerably in my 30’s. It’s combination-oily and I’ll get the occasional spots here and there, but even more so when the seasons change. That’s when my skin usually breaks out.
Just recently I was experiencing a massive breakout episode on my forehead of all places, when I happened to attend an Estée Lauder event who happened to be launching their new Advanced Night Repair Intense Reset Concentrate. I learned that the serum resets troubled skin when used at night.
Okay, it sounded promising.
I took it home and used it after the OG Advanced Night Repair serum and before moisturizing. Then I zapped my spots with my Foreo ESPADA and treated them further with Kiehl’s pimple cream, which I just so happened to receive in PR. It’s like the universe was lending me a helping hand in the journey for clear skin.
I kid you not, as I started this routine, the swelling and redness of my spots had gone down drastically and in a couple more days, everything was pretty much back to normal.
This time I hadn't aggressively combatted my acne and instead gave my skin the TLC that it needed to repair itself. I also strongly believe that using the two Estée Lauder serums helped in preventing dryness that my skin might have otherwise experienced from the Kiehl’s spot cream. (Because you know, acne medications can dry out the skin and leave us with crusty dry flakes. Gross.)
Of course, every product reacts differently on each individual, but I want your biggest takeaway from my experience to be that you should give your skin the care it needs when it’s stressed out.
I fought severe acne in my teenage years and none of the medicated soaps and creams I used back then did me any good. (Mind you, hormonal acne is a different beast.) It’s only now, as I near the end of my 30’s that I realize that giving my skin proper care is at the root of keeping away pimples.
So, the next time those pimples rear their ugly heads, I’ll be ready with my arsenal of serums, zit zappers, and pimple creams.
Keep reading for my full step-by-step guide on getting rid of acne.
HOW TO GET RID OF PIMPLES FAST
ONE & TWO //
I start by giving the skin some TLC. After washing with a gentle cleanser, take a clean towel and pat dry. At night, Follow with the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II. This powerful serum targets dryness, dullness, and uneven texture in addition to fine lines and wrinkles.
Afterward, apply the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Intense Reset Concentrate. This overnight treatment soothes the look of irritation and immerses the skin in 24-hour hydration. It targets pores, dullness, uneven texture, and redness.
Don’t worry, both serums are dermatologist-tested and non-acnegenic, meaning they won’t clog pores. They’re meant to be used together to soothe the skin when it needs TLC most - when we travel, when the seasons change, and when we get random acne flare-ups.
Follow with your favorite moisturizer for night.
THREE //
Now that your skin is cleansed, nourished, and hydrated, It’s time to zap those zits.
The Foreo ESPADA Blue Light Acne Treatment essentially shoots out a bacteria-killing laser beam that will get rid of your spots in a matter of days. According to Sephora’s product description, “It uses the dual power of laser-focused blue LED light and T-Sonic pulsations to address acne-causing bacteria, painlessly, in as little as 30 seconds.”
In case you’ve been intrigued by this little gadget and you’re not sure if it’s worth the hype, I can tell you that it 100% is. It cuts down the life span of my pimples by almost half and it never leaves me with scaring or burning.
FOUR //
The final step in getting rid of pimples fast is to treat them with the Kiehl’s Breakout Control Targeted Acne Spot Treatment. It contains salicylic acid to refine skin texture and possesses anti-bacterial properties to suppress acne-causing bacteria.
I’ve tried others from Mario Badescu to natural remedies such as tea tree oil, but the one from Kiehl’s truly works wonders. Also, because you’ve taken the time to nourish and hydrate your skin first, chances are you’ll experience minimal dryness using this product.
My pimples were gone in a couple of days once I started this routine and before that, they had been thriving on my face for weeks. It seems like I finally got a good acne-fighting routine that works!
Vanity Photos by Nathalie Martin.
Girl in bed photo sourced by Pinterest.
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VIDEO: CHANEL Beauty Haul, FW19, New CC Cream, La Mousse, Le Lait + Coco Mademoiselle
If you follow my blog and Youtube channel, then you know it’s no secret that I’m a big fan of CHANEL beauty. In this video, I’ll be going through my latest haul from the brand which just so happens to include a little bit of everything - makeup from the fall/winter 2019 collection, skincare, and fragrance. Press play above to watch and make sure to give the video a thumbs up and subscribe! Thanks for watching!
CHANEL BEAUTY FEATURED IN THIS VIDEO
COCO MADEMOISELLE Eau De Parfum Intense Spray, 200 ml (available here)
COCO MADEMOISELLE Velvet Body Oil, 200 ml (available here)
LE VERNIS NAIL COLOUR - 521 ROSE CACHÉ (available here)
LE VERNIS NAIL COLOUR - 622 VIOLET PIQUANT (available here)
LE VERNIS NAIL COLOUR - 713 PURE BLACK * (available here)
LE VERNIS NAIL COLOUR - 711 PURE WHITE * (available here)
ROUGE ALLURE VELVET EXTRÊME INTENSE MATTE LIP COLOUR - 130 ROUGE OBSCUR * (available here)
ROUGE ALLURE VELVET EXTRÊME INTENSE MATTE LIP COLOUR - 128 ROSE NOCTURNE * (available here)
CC CREAM COMPLETE CORRECTION SPF 50 - 20 BEIGE (available here)
LA MOUSSE ANTI-POLLUTION CLEANSING CREAM-TO-FOAM, 150 ml (available here)
LE LAIT ANTI-POLLUTION CLEANSING MILK-TO-OIL, 150 ml (available here)
*Fall/Winter 2019 Collection, Limited Edition
Video and photos by Nathalie Martin.
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How To Choose The Right Moisturizer For Your Skin Type (feat. Olay)
There used to be a time when I would change my moisturizer according to the season but that was a long time ago. For the last two years, I’ve been dedicated to my Olay. It’s the only one my grandmother ever used and she had phenomenal skin her whole life.
Since my skin is combination-oily, it used to be tricky for me to find something that would help my makeup stay on all day while hydrating my skin. My previous moisturizers were either too rich or would break me out leave my face looking extremely oily at the end of the day. Or not the opposite end of the spectrum, they weren’t hydrating enough and my skin would feel itchy and tight.
It’s been a battle for sure but go figure, that in my partnership with Olay, I found some moisturizer that keeps my skin hydrated and balanced and go figure, it’s from the drug store. No wonder it was the only one my grandma ever used!
Keep reading for my tips on determining which Olay red jar is right for you.
WHY IS MOISTURIZER SO IMPORTANT?
Did you know that facial cleansers and exfoliators can strip away even good oils from the skin leaving it dry? FACT: Dry skin is less elastic and can lead to fine lines and wrinkles. That’s why it’s important to follow up with moisturizer right after cleansing so you can lock in moisture and prevent skin from drying.
FINDING THE RIGHT MOISTURIZER FOR YOU
When picking the right moisturizer, lifestyle and season matter. For example, if you live in an urban setting, you might want to go with something like Olay Regenerist WHIP because makeup lasts long while wearing it.
If you work indoors in an air-conditioned setting, you might want to opt for Olay’s Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream to keep your skin plump and hydrated throughout the day.
OLAY Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
SKIN TYPE:
This rich, nourishing moisturizer works best for dry to normal skin, although I have combination skin and I love this stuff. I use it all over my face, neck, and chest as part of my night time routine.
LIFESTYLE/ ENVIRONMENT:
This is ideal for those working long hours indoors in air-conditioned settings.
WHAT IT IS:
A luxurious moisturizer that provides immediate, long-lasting hydration. It softens the looks of fine, lines and wrinkles and leaves skin feeling and looking hydrated and plump.
MY THOUGHTS:
This moisturizer has a solid reputation behind it and some of my favourite beauty editors swear by it. While I’ve been devoted to my Regenerist Whip for the last couple of years, I will occasionally try something new as it is my job as a beauty blogger.
I was delighted to see how well my skin took to this cream after one use. I woke up the next day with visibly plumper and well rested looking skin. Since I liked the results so much, I’ve now taken it on as my night cream, though this can is perfectly good to use both morning and night.
OLAY REGENERIST WHIP
SKIN TYPE:
Normal and combination to oily skin.
LIFESTYLE/ ENVIRONMENT:
Ideal for those in urban settings who are always on the go. Moisturizer needs to absorb quickly and makeup needs to last all day.
WHAT IT IS:
Regenerist Whip is a lightweight, breathable moisturizer that leaves skin with a matte finish. It absorbs quickly, holding and releasing over 1000x its weight in hydration thanks to the Active Rush Technology.
MY THOUGHTS:
This has been my ride-or-die moisturizer for about two years now. I love how quickly it absorbs into the skin meaning I don’t have to wait around until to apply my makeup. And, thanks to the matte finish, it acts like a primer, meaning it’s one less step in my routine. Best of all, it keeps my oily T-zone under control all day so I don’t have to turn to powder.
Even my husband, who has started using moisturizer daily is a big fan of Whip. He has oily skin and has noticed that his skin isn’t as oily at the end of the day compared to some other moisturizers he’s tried.
(My grandmother and I when we lived in Nicaragua.)
I hope this helps you guys determine which moisturizer is right for you. If you’re like me and have combination skin, I would suggest thinking about what season you're in (summer vs. winter) and the lifestyle you lead to help you determine which is the Olay red jar for you. Since I’m indoors most of the time, I’ve been liking my Micro-Sculpting Cream, but if I have events and meetings in the city, I’ll opt for my Regenerist Whip.
I also want to say a special thank you to Olay for this partnership. Not only am I a fan of their products and use them daily, but my grandmother was such a big fan of their skincare, it was the only moisturizer she used. Even though she’s no longer here, working with Olay has made me feel closer to her in some ways and I can’t even imagine how proud and excited she would be if she was here.
Head out to your local retailer to pick up your red jar!
Disclaimer: this post is sponsored by Olay. All photos and opinions are my own.
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I Tried REVOLVE Beauty. This Is What I Thought.
The other day I uploaded a Stories to my IG unboxing some of the latest beauty items that were sent to me in PR from Revolve. My bestie Michael DM’ed me almost immediately, “WOWOWOWOW. I didn’t know they did beauty!”
Yes REVOLVE, the same folks who throw the Revolve Festival every year and partner with all of the top fashion influencers like Aimee Song, Camilla Coelho, and Marianna Hewitt, have stepped it up and gotten into the beauty industry and how can you blame them?
REVOLVE PR PACKAGE.
Personally, I still get excited about shopping for new beauty products and I’m in the industry! I receive a lot of amazing products in the mail to try out and review and still when I hear about the latest mask or lip product, I have to try it.
So, what makes Revolves selection of beauty any more special than Sephora or Ulta? Well, let’s dig into my PR box to find out!
THIS IS WHAT YOU CAN BUY ON REVOLVE BEAUTY
SKINCARE
HONEY BANANA MASK (5 pack) by TWOTSP- This K-beauty sheet mask contains 1 tsp of banana and 1 tsp of Manuka honey per mask. It’s said the banana extract brightens and nourishes skin while the Manuka honey offers anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial benefits. Like most face masks, this one feels really nice and refreshing on the skin and is suitable for all skin types.
WAKE MIST ESSENTIAL OIL BLEND by Vitruvi - I love a good face mist more than anything! Seriously! This one has beautiful essential oils from juniper, bergamot, rosemary and Indian black pepper resulting in an invigorating mist that has the most amazing woodsy, clean scent. It’s Free of parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, and synthetic dyes and comes in a travel-friendly frosted glass bottle that holds 30mL of product.
HAIRCARE & BODY
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR SCALP SCRUB W/ PINK HIMALAYAN SEA SALT by dpHUE - Scalp scrubs have quickly become my new favourite thing as they help keep my scalp healthy and happy. I wash my hair every 4 days so I find this extra step (before washing) to be great for getting rid of product build and dead skin cells. Tip: Use it in the shower with wet hair so you don’t get salt bits all over your bathroom floor.
ELLIS BROOKLYN HYDRAPARFUM in the MYTH scent - This alcohol-free fragrance features 100% pure fragrance oil droplets that suspend in a moisturizing hyaluronic acid water-based gel, making it longer lasting than alcohol-based fragrances. It can be applied directly to the skin or my personal fave to wear it is by applying a couple of spritzes to my hair.
Notes: Top - Bergamot, Ambrette Seeds, Cassis; Mid - Tiger Orchid, Pink Lotus, Jasmine Petals; Dry - Patchouli, Liquid Musks, White Cedarwood.
TAN-LUXE ILLUMINATING SELF-TAN DROPS - Just apply a few drops of this self-tanner to your regular moisturizer to get a subtle custom tan. Perfect now that bare leg weather is here.
MAKEUP
OLIO E OSSO BALM in NO.7 - I was most excited to try this handcrafted balm that I’ve heard so many good things about. It contains organic olive oil, shea oil, natural beeswax, and grapefruit oil. This multiple purpose balm can be used on the lips and cheeks and leaves just the slightest hint of colour.
My Revolve package also came with Benefit’s Hoola, an iconic matte bronzer and my personal fave, and Benefit’s Roller Lash. Both seem to be sold out on the Revolve site as of writing this article.
ACCESSORIES & BRUSHES
ARTIS OVAL 7 BRUSH - This multi-purpose tool can be used to apply foundation, bronzer, blush, highlight, and setting powders. It’s also compatible with liquid, powder, and cream products. It blends makeup in beautifully and to be honest, I was addicted to mine for a solid year before I just got lazy and started blending makeup with my fingers again.
ARTIS BRUSH CLEANSING WIPES - These wipes make cleaning your brushes a breeze and keeps them relatively clean in between washes. It shouldn’t replace actually washing your makeup brushes though. Use these at night to give the bristles a chance to dry. (Sorry, this one is no longer on the Revolve site, however, they do have the Artis Brush Cleansing Foam.)
My overall opinion - Revolve Beauty has some super cool brands and products that I might have not discovered otherwise. However, when the cost of shipping to Canada and customs are taken into account, it can get a little steep and really drive up the overall price.
On the other hand, I’m not sure where I would purchase some of these items otherwise unless I was traveling to the US, so really, placing an order on Revolve is cheaper than airfare.
My favourite products would have to be the scalp scrub (a must for everyone, in my opinion), the Wake Mist, and the MYTH Hydraparfum - which btw, doesn’t agree with my body chemistry but I love, love, love it in my hair.
Special thanks so much to Revolve for giving me a chance to sample some of their beauty products!