I'm OBSESSED with oils! I love using them for my face, hair, body and so much more. The best thing about them is that they are 100% natural and full of skin-loving & healing ingredients. Here are my TOP 4 OILS FOR MY FACE: 

1. ARGAN OIL: 

 Who hasn't heard of this baby by now? It's my absolute favourite multipurpose oil  that I primarily as a moisturizer for my face. It is a very dry oil and unlike other oils it doesn't leave a greasy residue behind. Massage onto your face and skin quickly absorbs it in! I love to use this on make-up free days and on nights when I'm not applying other serums. Its my go-to product when my skin needs a break.

When I wake up in the morning after using this, my skin feels so soft, supple and refreshed. If you have dry skin, you could definitely use this as a moisturizer under your makeup as well. But since my skin is on the oily side, I do not. I use the Josie Maran 100 percent Pure Argan Oil (which is mega pricey), but I feel that you can use ANY 100% PURE, COLD PRESSED Argan Oil. Once I finish the Josie Maran one, I'll be purchasing it from any other affordable brand.
Properties: Rich in essential fatty acids, Vitamin E, Linoleic acid

2. ROSEHIP OIL:  

Second Runner up! This used-to-be my ultimate favourite facial oil for moisturizing until I discovered argan oil. It is also a "dry oil" but argan is slightly more dry. I was totally sold when I woke up the following morning after applying this for the first time. My skin was GLOWING! I looked so refreshed and awake. I've used this almost every night for around a year until I converted to Argan oil. This oil is said to have anti-aging properties as well as help to reduce acne scarring. Personally, I have not seen any DRAMATIC improvements on either that I can comment on, but I have heard that it has worked for others. 

Why did I make the switch to Argan Oil? Well,  only about 2 months ago I discovered that this oil may be a culprit in exacerbating my breakouts (note: NOT causing). After some research online, I found that some others reported the same and that rosehip oil may indeed have a connection with the worsening of breakouts. I immediately stopped using it daily and now my breakouts are much more under control. Regardless, rosehip oil still makes my favorites list! This is because I still do enjoy this oil whenever my skin is clear and behaving itself as I love the glow it gives my skin. But I am sure to steer away when I have pimples or feel any breakouts emerging.

Note: Pure rosehip oil is is a rich AMBER colour. Yet, there are brands that sell this as a completely clear oil such as the one by NOW Solutions (?!?!).  So, definitely ensure that you use 100% pure, cold pressed oil and that  it is amber coloured. I use the Cocoon Apothecary Organic Rosehip Oil Moisturizing Serum.

Properties: Rich in fatty acids, Linoleic acid, Provitamin A

Left: Cocoon Apothecary Rosehip Oil (amber coloured) | Right: Now Solutions Rosehip oil (clear)

 

3. TEA TREE OIL: 

Only THE BEST NATURAL PIMPLE FIGHTER ever! This is my go-to product to use whenever I feel even the slightest breakout emerging. I hit it with some tea tree oil to stop it in its tracks and BAM by the morning it is nearly GONE. For me, this has been most effective in "Stage 1" of a breakout, when it is just starting to form. After stage 1, tea tree oil is not as powerful at killing an already formed pimple (at least for me especially on those big, ugly zits).  It is said to be almost as effective as Benzoyl Peroxide, but a more natural alternative.

I use tea tree oil in its 100% form and do not dilute it with water to effectively treat pimples. But, FIRST TIME USERS, be warned this is a very potent essential oil especially when used in 100% form. I strongly recommend diluting with water for the FIRST few times you use it until you feel you need a higher concentration. Also, do not go crazy with this oil, only use it where and when you need it! I use the Desert Essence 100% Australian Tea Tree Oil

Properties: Antiseptic, Antifungal

4. VITAMIN E OIL:

 A secret Saviour! I have used this on my facial skin for different purposes...BUT it is the absolute best for your LIPS. Lips are on your face... so yes I count that as a face oil (Right?!--lets pretend it is lol). This stuff is AMAZING to get chapped-free, super soft and smooth lips! I apply this every night on my lips and it has worked wonders. My lips have never looked smoother. I've done a full review on Vitamin E Oil for Lips Here.

Now, I haven't seen much difference using Vitamin E oil on my face and actually really dislike the very thick & heavy feeling of this oil against my skin. I've used it as a DIY under-eye cream and also to reduce scarring but saw no real results. And so its a perfect match made for your lips!I use the Jamieson Brand 100% Pure Vitamin E Oil.

Properties: Rich in Antioxidants

 I love me some oils! Do you use oils in your skincare? What are your absolute favourites? Any recommendations?! 

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5 Beauty Products Not Worth The Hype

I may BREAK ALOT OF HEARTS with this... SO before I get into this: SO SORRY if these are YOUR HOLY GRAIL products!!! Please don't hurt me (LOL). I know these products are LOVED by many, but sadly they just didn't work out for me for different reasons--- I'm not saying they are absolute horrendous product rather that they didn't live up to the HYPE for me.

Now, I am a TOTAL SUCKER for hyped up beauty products. I tend to get into this little crazed frenzy until I am able to get my hands on them! That was exactly the case for these 5 products, I searched high and low to get them. I bought them simply based on the hype and sensation they had in the beauty community.
I've had all 5 of these products for a 1 year + and have A LOT of each product left, which speaks for itself. It is safe to say that I took my time to use them in different ways, but just couldn't come around to loving them. I barely EVER reach for any of these products anymore. They are literally in the bottom of makeup bag collecting dust. Trust me, I REALLY, REALLY wish I could have loved them. But they simply did not live up to their hype and my expectations. 

1. EVEPEARL SALMON CONCEALER (TAN): 

 I cannot even believe literally how mental I went just to get my hands on this concealer (as its only sold online) cause of its "salmon or peach" colour. It was raved about its ability to miraculously conceal the darkest under-eye circles. I really don't get whats so special about this concealer. Yes, the peach/salmon undertones are great for counteracting dark-circles but there are TONS of other concealers similar and CHEAPER than this. This is a whopping $36 (US) for only 6.3 grams.

I kind of HATE this concealer, because of its texture. Its so... creamy and doesn't set. It creases almost instantly under my eyes. For those reasons, I'd say its NOT for OILY SKINNED GIRLS! Also, when set with a powder, it looks really cakey and turns into a odd orangey colour. The lasting power is  very poor as it wears off within a couple of hours. The packaging is quite cheaply made. The mirror of my container actually fell out once! Note that I barely ever even used this nor did i ever drop it, so the mirror randomly falling off is a clear indication of cheap material.So seriously, whats to love with this?!

2. REVLON COLOR BURST LIP BUTTER (PINK TRUFFLE):

 A lipstick + lip balm in  1 = Awesome, right?! NO! Okay, so I do agree that the concept behind this product was good but the product itself just went wrong. Firstly, this is way over-priced for a drug store "lip butter". I mean I could easily get a MAC lipstick for a couple more dollars. It is so SHEER and comes with such a small amount of product (compared to other lipsticks). It also easily melts in the packaging itself (nothing too extreme). I mean I barely even used this product and you can see in the picture below that there is only a little bit left.

I only own 1 shade of this lip butter which is "Pink Truffle". It was raved about being a neutral every-day colour, but its actually a lot BRIGHTER than it looks in the tube. All the colours in this lipstick range are on the bright, funky and fun side (for my taste).

1 swatch - its quite sheer

3. MAYBELLINE EYE STUDIO COLOUR TATOO EYESHADOW (BAD TO THE BRONZE):

  I am ONLY speaking about "Bad to the Bronze" Colour Tatoo as it is the only one I have tried--- this does not refer to ALL of the Colour Tatoos. Alright, so I do agree that this is super easy to use,  VERY long-lasting, highly pigmented and a multifunctional eye-shadow. So why don't I like it? The COLOUR!  It looks absolutely gorgeous in pictures/online but when tried on, it certainly is not. I thought it would a beautiful rich bronzey colour. But its more of just a super shiny, frosty & shimmering GLITTER BOMB with brownish-silver undertones. It has cooler undertones to it, I prefer warmer undertones  on my skin-tone. It doesn't compliment me really well even though bronze eye-shadows generally do suit my skin tone.  I would have absolutely loved this colour if it more so like the popular MAC Bronze eye-shadow for example.

I'm not labelling the colour tatoos as a bad product but simply that this colour is over-rated and doesn't suit my olive-medium skin tone.The colour is not a true bronze as the name implies.

Without Flash

With Flash

1 Swatch: doesn't it so frosty almost silvery

4. MAYBELLINE INSTANT AGE REWIND DARK CIRCLE TREATMENT CONCEALER (NEUTRALIZER):  

Firstly, if you are around my skin tone (Olive, NC 42) or any deeper than STEER AWAY!! Not only from the colour "Neutralizer" but from the entire concealer line, cause it is difficult to find a match for you (darkest shade is Honey).  It only comes in 6 shades which are all light to medium shades which are not at all suited for warmer complexions. (THANKS MAYBELLINE!!)

 I bought the shade Neutralizer as I had heard it is yellow based concealer ideal for highlighting. It is actually WAY TO LIGHT! It looks like a NC15-NC20 almost. On me it looks awful and whitish even as a highlight. What a waste, cause this stuff isn't cheap either, it is very over-priced for a drug store concealer (around $14-15 CAD). Again, just a few more dollars more and you would be able to get a higher-end concealer.

See how light and whitish Age Rewind Concealer in Neutralizer is in comparison to Studio Finish NW30 on the right.

 It is also incredibly unsanitary as it has a germ clinging sponge applicator. BUT, I will give it some points as it does not easily crease under your eyes and sets well because it isn't a cream based product. Basically, if you can find a shade match and consider removing the sponge-applicator then this may be a great product for you.

5. BEN NYE LUXURY BANANA POWDER:  

This one may come as the biggest SHOCKER on this list! I've only ever heard good things about this powder, so maybe it's just me. Ever since, Kim K's makeup artist revealed that this powder is used to highlight & set her under-eye area, the hype around this product literally BLEW UP overnight! I'm obsessed with makeup around my under-eye area due to my dark circles. I'm constantly looking for the BEST under-eye products to correct, conceal and highlight that area. I wanted to LOVE this as much as everyone else but sadly couldn't.

Here why:  The application of this product is always a DISASTER FOR ME. I absolutely hate the packaging of this product! It is almost impossible to use the product without making a wasteful mess with the container it comes in. For that reason, It is NOT good for quick on-the-go use. I have decanted some into a smaller jar-type container which makes it only a little easier to use. The brush you use to apply this powder really matters as well. Whenever I use synthetic densely packed brush, it picks up way too much product and again that can get very messy. The best type of brush to use is a small loosely packed brush such as a blending brush or a sponge-applicator. I've wasted so much product in just the application process of this powder.

The nozzle of the container: Super hard to work with!

The word "finely milled"  is always used to describe this powder...which is true, but it has a VERY powdery & dry look and feel to it. I've seen some girls use this as a all over face powder, but I couldn't imagine doing that cause its so drying. When I initially picked up this product over a year ago it was quite affordable at only around maybe $10 (CAD) or so but now the price has gone up steeply. What I do like about this product is the the yellow "banana" colour is great for highlighting  the under-eye area for warm skin tones like myself or darker. I have seen this powder make a huge difference on other people, but only see a slight difference when I use it. It might not workout for paler girls as it may be too dark. Nonetheless, for the reasons mentioned previously it is but not my favourite to reach for.

So those are my 5 over-hyped beauty products that I would NOT repurchase. But I do believe in second chances and think it is so wasteful to toss unfinished products away.  I will try to use them more often and see if anything changes.

WHAT ARE YOUR OVER-HYPED BEAUTY PRODUCTS THAT AREN'T WORTH IT? 

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Breaking 5 Common Beauty Myths

1. Myth: "I must use a specially formulated Eye-Cream for the delicate area around my eyes".

 Fact: There is no evidence or research that indicates that the under-eye area needs special ingredients (or what these "special ingredients" should be) that are any different from what you use on your face or neck. You can use the exact same well-formulated face cream under your eye area as well. Even if your under-eye skin is different (extra dry) you can still use a face cream for dry skin to treat it. An eye-cream simply allows companies to sell a cream in a significantly smaller container for a significantly higher price. We all know how pricey eye-creams can get!

2. Myth: "My skin needs special care night while it repairs itself so I must use a product labelled Night Cream ". 

Fact: Skin is "repairing" itself and producing skin cells every second: all day and all night. Your skin is deserving of beneficial ingredients (antioxidants, anti-irritants, skin repairing ingredients, etc.) both day and night. The only actual difference there should be between your day time and night time moisturizer is that the daytime moisturizer must have an SPF while the night time moisturizer should not.

3. Myth: "Regularly steaming my face is beneficial for my skin".

Fact: Extreme temperatures in any form (shower, sauna, direct steaming, icing) whether hot or cold irritate the skin and should be avoided as much as possible. It can injure skin cells, dehydrate the skin, and cause capillaries to surface. Only use lukewarm water on your skin.

4. Myth: "I have dry skin, so I will drink lots of water to hydrate it"

Fact: Dry skin is not a simple matter of lack of moisture. Drinking water has very little to do with dry skin as it does nothing to remove surface layers of the skin, where the dry skin occurs. In fact, studies have shown that those with oily or normal skin had relatively similar water content in their skin as those with dry skin. Dry skin can be caused by damaging the skin's outer barrier which can occur through a number of factors such as sun damage, use of irritating ingredients, overly drying cleansers or smoking. Thus, in order to prevent dry skin, the skin's outer barrier must be protected and repaired. BUT... keep in mind that drinking lots of water is BENEFICIAL for your overall health, so keep drinking 8-10 + glasses a day!

5. Myth: "Topical Scrubs are the best way to exfoliate my skin". 

Fact:  Topical scrubs only deal with the the very top, on the surface, superficial layer of skin. Scrubs with a rough, course texture with "beads" cause tiny tears that damages the skin. The best way to penetrate through layers of the skin, remove built-up dead skin cells, and reveal younger-looking skin is with a well-formulated chemical exfoliant (AHA or BHA products). For more information, read this detailed article on AHA/BHA exfoliants.

So there you have it, 5 very common beauty myths dispelled. Hopefully, you learned at least 1 or 2 points from here and lucky you if already knew about all of these! Because up until very recently, I was also guilty of believing these myths. Now, I CRINGE when I think about all the times I would steam my face weekly to "open my pores" and follow with a beaded, topical face scrub... thinking I was "pampering" my skin but I was doing just the opposite :(. It's horrible how many of the beauty myths out there we religiously follow and avidly believe in, are actually doing more harm to us than good. Always do your research before falling for anything your hear!!

Ps. Just in case your wondering, I learned these tips after reading Paula Begoun's Beauty books & articles. I've written a longer post on some more surprising skincare tips I've learned if interested.

*Image used is from Google Images*

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Setting Sprays: MAC Fix + VS. Urban Decay All Nighter

 

MAC Fix + and UD All Nighter are both "setting or finishing sprays" for your face but they are really are not comparable to each other as they meant for completely different purposes. I love and use both sprays depending on my needs. One's great for a dewy look and another is great for long-lasting makeup.

MAC Fix + Skin-Refresher or Finishing Mist  

Described by MAC as:

 An aqua-spritz of vitamin and minerals, infused with a calm-the-skin blend of green tea, chamomile, cucumber, topped off with the fresh, natural, energizing scent of Sugi. Adds radiance, finishes makeup. Spray it on. Skin drinks it up!

It is often referred to as "just glorified-water" but I beg to differ as I think its an amazing, must-have product not just for makeup wearers. Fix + is a multipurpose product but it marketed as a Skin-Refresher or Finishing Mist for your face. I use it mainly to refresh and liven my makeup after a couple hours of wear when it's looking a little dull and flat. I also use it after applying my full-face of makeup to reduce that overly-powdered or "cakey" look we all hate. It also blends everything (powder, blush, bronzer, etc.) on my face together nicely. I don't how it does it, but after spritzing this all over on my face, my makeup just looks and feels so much more healthy, refreshed and dewy.

Fix + is a great product to carry in your bag for on-the-go touch-ups. It has a nozzle on it that can be locked and unlocked, so you don't need to worry about it spilling in your bag.  It is also great for traveling when you're stuffed up in airplane to refresh your face whether you are or are not wearing makeup. It comes in 2 sizes, 100 mL for $25 CAD and a sized-to-go one with 30 mL at $12 CAD.

Other uses:

- foil your eyeshadow to get more vibrant, long-lasting colours
- to spritz on your face brush before applying powder foundation to turn it to a more liquid consistency
- to spray on your beauty/blenders or sponge applicators before applying foundation
- to spray on your face BEFORE foundation as a moisturizer as it is made of all skin-loving & moisturizing    ingredients. 

Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray (by SKINDINÄVIA)  

Described by UD as:

A weightless setting spray that keeps makeup looking just-applied for up to 16 hours ... It actually lowers the temperature of your makeup to keep foundation, eyeshadow, blush, and concealer in place—even in hot and humid or cold and windy conditions. The result? Smoother-looking skin and vibrant makeup that lasts all day (or night) without melting, cracking, fading, or settling into fine lines.

It is often refered to as "hair-spray for your face" which I totally agree with. Now, UD is making a pretty big claim that it makes your makeup look just applied even after 16 hours!? I rarely ever wear my makeup for more than 8 hours so its hard to say if this product lives up to the claim. However, I will say that YES it does make your make-up last alot longer  (several hours more) on your face and locks everything in place. I really noticed a significant reduction in smudging of foundation, powder, blush, bronzer, eyeshadow and even eye-liner. It's amazing how this keeps everything in place. But it doesn't work magic, of course there may be some slight smudging here and there if your touch/rub your face. I use UD All Nighter for special occasions and night-outs when I want my foundation to stay on looking flawless for extended hours regardless of whatever it is I am doing.

In respect to "refreshing" your makeup, I would say All-Nighter does do this to some extent as it does spritz liquid over your face but it does not bring the same moisture to your face as Fix + does. I do not use this daily nor recommend it for daily use as the one of the main ingredients in this spray is alcohol which is a known irritant. I know we all want our makeup to look flawless all day long, but we shouldn't sacrifice the health of our skin for it. This also comes in 2 sizes: 30 mL for $15 (CAD) and 118 mL for $36 (CAD).   

VERDICT

The only similarity between UD All-Nighter and MAC Fix + is that they are both sprays/mists for your face. Besides this, they are meant for entirely different purposes. They are both also along the same price-range. The only way to decide which one is best for you, is to know what you are looking for? Are you looking to prolong the longevity of your makeup or to refresh your makeup or both? If both, then perhaps, All-Nighter is the way to go BUT it does contain alcohol so it isn't best for daily use. Otherwise, I'd go for MAC Fix + as it does its job and is full of skin-loving ingredients.

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