EyEnvy Eyelash & Eyebrow Conditioner Review Part Two

Back in December, I posted about EyEnvy, an eyelash and eyebrow conditioner that I had started using. I promised to do a follow-up post about the results when I had finished the tube. And here it is! Here's part one of my review of EyEnvy so be sure to take a look if you haven't already. 

I'm almost, but not quite, finished the tube of EyEnvy but I did start to see a difference in my lashes and brows after using it for two months. The difference was subtle at first. With my eyelashes it was noticeable particularly when I was applying mascara. My eyebrows seemed denser too.

Here are some photos showing my lashes and brows before I started using EyEnvy, and photos from today, about five months later.

December 2014

May 2015

My brows are more groomed in the second photo, but I don't have anything on my face apart from moisturizer in either, so my lashes and brows haven't been embellished apart from being curled. 

You can see there's a difference in the length of my eyelashes. I notice that sometimes my lashes graze my glasses when I'm wearing mascara. That didn't really happen before and it happens all the time now. I didn't notice much difference in the fullness of my lashes, and the colour didn't change either. 

While I can't claim that my lashes certainly don't look appearance-transformatively different, there is a noticeable difference. My lashes were pretty long before, but I can imagine on someone without a lot of length, EyEnvy could make a dramatic difference. 

With my eyebrows, there was less of a dramatic difference. I did notice that the sparse areas were less sparse, and overall, better fullness. Again, not appearance-transformative, but noticeable and very welcome.

The application process was quick and easy - every morning before noon, a swipe along my lashline and painted on the areas of my brows that needed help. I experienced no side effects. There was no pain, no discomfort. There's no odour to EyEnvy either.

EyEnvy is $90 a tube, though I paid $60 at IMATS. I'm impressed that it works, but I won't be buying another tube. I don't need to use it that badly and it's pricey. 

But it works, and if you want longer lashes, or fuller brows and $90 is worth it for you, I can definitely vouch for EyEnvy. It works!

Grade: A

C.

Beauty Squared Beauty Lessons: Serums

A reader has asked us to do a post about serums. It struck me as funny since I've been using serums for years, and doesn't everyone use one? Or at least doesn't everyone know what they are and choose to use them or not, like everything else? Serums are a part of my beauty routine, but clearly, not everyone's. So let's dive in and learn all about serums.

What is a serum?

A serum is a gel or cream containing high concentrations of active ingredients. They come in a variety of different formulas, depending on specific skin problems - fine lines and wrinkles, age spots, acne, large pores, dull skin, etc. Think of them like a vitamin or a superfood for your skin. Unlike moisturizers, which stay mainly on the surface of the skin to moisturize the outer layer, serums are readily absorbed into the skin's epidermis

How do I use a serum?

Choose a serum based on your skin type (oily, dry, sensitive, combination).

Serums are best applied to the skin while it's still a bit damp, to ensure the best absorption. They tend to be a gel-like liquid consistency and absorb easily. Simply smooth into freshly cleaned and dried skin. Depending on the steps in your skin care regime, serums typically should be applied after all cleansing steps (post-cleanser, post-toner) and before moisturizer. 

Each serum will have application instructions included. 

Why should I use a serum?

Serums can be used for a variety of reasons but they're designed to target a specific skin problem - fine lines, large pores, acne, irritation, dullness, etc. Choose one that will target your main beef with your skin.

How much should I pay for a serum?

Serums come in a range, just like moisturizers and cleanser, from drugstore brands to high-end brands to specialty brands to organic brands. Serums tend to be pricier than cleansers and moisturizers but you probably can find one that will suit your budget. Drugstore brands Olay and L'Oreal have serums in their product lines for about $30 and you can go up to $100 for a serum from Kiehl's or B. Kamin. Then there are the $200+ serums from brands like La Mer and Prevage.

If you find a serum too pricey for twice-a-day use, use it just in the morning to boost your skin's radiance, or in your nighttime routine for extra impact.

My skin is sensitive - can I use a serum?

If you have rosacea or eczema, you probably want to stay away from serums. They can be too intense for sensitive skin due to their potency and how easily they're absorbed by the skin. 

Also, be wary if you regularly get chemical peels or any products that make your skin sensitive. A serum could be irritating and worse, react to the products you're using.

Conclusion:

A serum can be an excellent addition to your skin care regime. While you may need to do some hunting to find one that works for your skin, and they can be expensive, they can also make a big difference in your skin. Most skincare brands offer samples so take advantage and test out a few different brands before buying. 

Be cautious if you're prone to skin sensitivity, and use only a serum that suits your skin type.


Do you use a serum? Share your favourites in the comments below!

C.

Vichy Lift Activ Serum 10 Youth Enhancing Serum Review and Photos

Apologies for the weird-looking, bad photo.
The box is highly reflective, so it was very difficult to photograph using a flash.

According to Vichy: 

"Liftactiv Serum 10 is the only serum that has it all: efficacy + tolerance + pleasure. It contains 10% Rhamnose, which is so concentrated that you will feel the first results almost immediately.  In just 10 min, your skin becomes velvety smooth and lifted. In 1 month, the full power of Rhamnose blossoms in your skin and transforms the skin. It impacts wrinkles, firmness, pores and even boosts overall skin radiance."

Apparently it took the Vichy labs 2 years and 180 formulation trials to achieve this anti-aging power concentrated in such an incredible texture while maintaining 100% tolerance; so even the most sensitive of skins can use this product.

The LiftActive Serum 10 is sold in a 30 mL size and retails for $55 CDN. It is available in most drugstores across the country.

This product was sent by PR to Beauty Squared for consideration of review.

Jill

Upon application of this serum I immediately noticed a tightening effect on my skin. After application my skin felt better hydrated, smooth and firmer. I likes how light weight this serum felt - even when worn under a rich moisturizer, my combination skin did not feel oily or suffocated.

Admittedly I don't have a lot of experience with anti aging/firming serums, but I will say that the extent of the firming and lifting sensation I experienced with Liftactiv 10 was surprising to me. I am in my 30's, and so I am developing some fine lines and slackness in my skin. This serum did help improve those symptoms while I was wearing it - but because my symptoms are not more pronounced, and I'm not using it long term, I can't definitively say this serum is capable of correcting those skin conditions.

One small drawback of this product for me is the packaging. I personally dislike any medicine dropper systems because I find them messy and wasteful. First, there's always the chance that you will drop the dropper on the floor thus contaminating it. Second, I always find that I end up dropping spare drops of serum on the counter, the floor or my clothes...but Catherine likes this system, so maybe I'm just a germophobic klutz? Anyways, while I found the packaging annoying it didn't really detract from the product itself.

Grade: A

Catherine

I loved Vichy's LiftActiv Serum 10 Youth Enhancing Serum on my first application. Like other serums it goes on smoothly and feels velvety but what made this one stand out was how my skin felt after applying it. Not only was it smooth and velvety to the touch but it felt plumper and healthier from the inside as well. 

Packaging-wise I really liked the medicine dropper applicator which gives you the the perfect amount of serum for one application with the push of a button. It was also helpful to get to the last little bit out of the bottle. The glass bottle was impressive as well, helping to keep the serum on the cool side for an added soothing effect on the skin. It also made the product feel expensive.

How did it work, compared to my usual serum? Well, I can't say that my skin looked very different, but there was a slightly silkier feel with the Vichy serum and my skin did look more radiant. My skin felt richer, plumper, tighter, and healthier overall, but only moderately so. I don't know if it's worth paying $15 more for the Vichy serum. 

If you're looking for a serum, this definitely is one I'd recommend. I used every last drop of the bottle I was sent. Well done, Vichy!

Grade: A

 

La Roche Posay Mela-D Pigment Control Review

New to La Roche Posay's skincare line is Mela-D Pigment Control serum which is intended to correct dark spots, hyper-pigmentation, dullness and unevenness.  Hydroquinone free and formulated with kojic and glycolic acid, after 8 weeks of use this product claims to reduce the look of dark spots by 28% , unevenness  by 24% and increase radiance by 36%.

I was sent a sample by PR for review. I have now been using the serum for 4 weeks, once a day before bed. The serum has a slightly thick gel consistency and spreads evenly and smoothly over the skin.

With my medium (NC 30/35) skin tone, freckles and occasional post acne dark spots, I was interested to see if this product would actually reduce my hyper pigmentation. What I found in my month of use is this product does help to brighten my complexion through gentle exfoliation. My skin has was smoother and better exfoliated during my use. I also like that this product has a light texture and that it was weightless underneath my moisturizer.

Of course the million dollar question is does this product really lighten dark spots? In the time I have used it, I cannot say I have seen a noticeable reduction in the darkness of my hyper pigmented spots. Hyper pigmentation is something that can only be corrected over longer periods of time and to be fair I haven't used the product for 8 weeks yet. So for me, the jury is out on whether this product will significantly lighten dark spots. What it will do is give you a brighter, smoother complexion which might help lessen the conspicuousness of dark spots. Either way your skin will have a better texture and appearance using this product.

As a final note, I would like to point out an aspect of this product I find frustrating. Specifically, I dislike the bottle and applicator, which is eye dropper style. I find using the eye dropper wasteful and messy. In the journey the dropper takes from the bottle to your hand/face, inevitably serum drops out onto the counter/floor and is wasted. As well, if you were to ever drop the applicator or bottle by accident you could potentially contaminate/spill your serum. I wish this product came in a pump bottle!

Come back tomorrow for a giveaway of this product!

Grade: B+

J

May Glymm Box

My May Glymm Box has arrived! And it's different. Check it out. They've done away with the pink shiny box that came inside the shipping box in an attempt to go green. Let's dig in.

Glymm has gone green. Bravo Glymm! They've provided a card with some information on recycling in the box as an introduction to their new packaging.

The information card is larger, and has larger images of the products that are inside. What I especially like is that now they give you the usage of the samples, rather than just information about the full sizes.

Inside my May Glymm Box is: 

• CK Shock for Her and for Him
• Coola Mineral Matte Cucumber Face Sunscreen
• NuMe HydroPunch Hydrating Conditioner
• Cargo High Pigment Pencil
• Caudalie Gentle Buffing Cream
• Caudalie Vinosource SOS Thirst Quenching Serum
• Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet

Digging in! Underneath the product information and other cards is a tissue paper wrapped bundle. Normally this would be inside the pink Glymm box.

Unwrapped, there's a shiny pink Glymm pouch!

And here are all the goodies!

NuMe Hydro Punch Hydrating Conditioner. Full Size $24.99, 250 mL

Turn dull and damaged hair into vibrant, healthy strands that you can't help but twirl all day long. A punch never sounded so appealing. This conditioner is packed with Argan oil, fatty acids, Vitamin E and powerful antioxidants. 

Sample size is impressive (up to 15 uses). Photographed in my hand for comparison.

Caudalie Gentle Buffing Cream. Full Size $35.00, 60 mL

This luxurious face exfoliator will eliminate your imperfections and make you feel brand new. Gets rid of dead cells and excess sebum by stimulating cellular renewal. The complexion's radiance is greatly awakened, leaving the skin soft and clean. This treatment is ideal for all skin types, even the most sensitive.

Coola Mineral Matte Cucumber Face Sunscreen. Full Size $36.00, 50 mL

Protect your face from UV rays with this hydrating, refreshing sunblock. Coola donates a portion of sales to cancer research. It's infused with certified organic ingredients like vitamins, antioxidants, Shea Butter and Borage Seed Oil.

Caudalie Vinosource SOS Thirst Quenching Serum. Full Size $48.00, 30 mL Give your skin a surge of hydration and restore moisture balance for softer, more supple skin. This high potency serum captures and continually diffuses water deep within the skin to impart intense hydration.

Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet. Full Size $38.00, 40 mL

Save your skin with this moisturizer. Your face will feel refreshed, hydrated and comfortably soft. The gel-cream has immediate and long-lasting calming properties. It awakens the skin's hydration mechanisms and replenishes its water reserves.

Cargo High Pigment Pencil. Full Size $16.00

Rich, deep colour combined with a smudge resistant formula is all you need in an eye pencil. See results with one smooth application. 

CK Shock for Her. Full Size $45.00, 50 mL

"edgy, sexy, impulsive." Shock yourself and everyone around you with this fierce bouquet of passionflower. Top notes: passionflower, pink peony, poppy flower. Mid notes: liquid chocolate accord, blackberry, narcisse, jasmine. Base notes: vanillin, patchouli, ambers, skin musk.

CK Shock for Him. Full Size $45.00, 50 mL

"turn down the lights. amplify the sound. act on impulse." Get addicted to this juicy scent. It's fresh and leaves a lasting impression. Top notes: clementine, purple lavender, cucumber. Mid notes: osmanthus, black pepper, cardamom, black basil. Base notes: chocolate tobacco, ambreine, cashmeran musk, patchouli.

Live Clean Fresh Face Skincare Review and Photos

Beauty Squared was sent the brand new Live Clean Fresh Face skincare line recently. You may be familiar with Live Clean hair and body skincare products already - they are readily available in drugstores across Canada. Now they have a facial skincare available, formulated with the same botanicals and high performance Live Clean is known for.

Here's what the website has to say:

Live Clean Fresh Face™ is a luxurious and prestige collection of eco-friendly skin care promising exceptional performance with natural plant based ingredients and pure essential oils.

Unique active system of Botanical Orchid-C Complex™ featuring Orchid – the eternal youth flower, Vitamin C and Certified Organic Botanicals.

The Fresh Face skincare line is comprised of daily cleanser, a toner, a daily moisturizer, a facial scrub, a clay mask, a night cream, a serum and an eye treatment.

• 98% Plant Derived
• With Certified Organic Botanicals
• Hypoallergenic
• Dermatologist Tested
• SLS/Sulfate free
• Petroleum Free
• Silicone Free
• Mineral Oil Free
• Paraben Free
• Phthalate Free
• Pure Vegan
• Dye Free
• With Essential Oils
• DEA Free
• Phosphate Free

All products come boxed in attractive white cardboard with pretty floral imagery. Detail has been paid to the packaging which is a nice touch. There's plenty of information on the boxes, with little wasted space. 

Inside the boxes

Fresh Face Foaming Daily Cleanser (175 mL) $14.99 CDN

A mild, safe and gentle cleanser that cleans away impurities and makeup without stripping skin's natural oils. 

Review:

I really like this cleanser. It leaves my skin feeling very clean and smooth but not dry. I use about 2-3 pumps and while the foam is on the thin side, it doesn't thin much more when I'm washing my face. 2-3 pumps is plenty to remove the dirt and makeup on my skin at the end of the day and even my eye makeup. Depending on how much eye makeup I'm wearing, I may need to use a bit more product.

The cleanser has a light, fresh scent and unlike so many drugstore brands, it's not overpowering.

Fresh Face Refreshing Facial Toner (175 mL) $14.99 CDN

A silky, non-drying toner that refines pores, gently exfoliates and leaves skin smooth, bright and radiant.

Review:

This is a very gentle toner that does more for your skin than it might feel. It is very refreshing and helps to clear away any makeup residue left behind after cleansing, without making your skin feel dry. It has a light, clean scent. One thing I dislike is the size of the bottle opening. It's easy to splash out too much product and I think a smaller bottle neck or a spray top would be better.

Smoothing Facial Scrub (140 g) $14.99 CDN

A gentle exfoliator that uses non-abrasive micro fine granules of cornmeal to soften and smooth skin.

Review:

This scrub is gentle and effective, leaving my skin soft and very smooth. The scent is light and clean and the texture is thick and creamy, similar to a mask. It's mild enough to use a few times a week on oily skin.

Fresh Face Soothing Daily Moisturizer (150 mL) $19.99

Light-weight daytime moisturizer containing antioxidants and soy proteins, orchid extract and vitamin C.

Review:

This is a light, hydrating moisturizer perfect for wearing under makeup. It goes on very smoothly and absorbs readily, leaving the skin feeling smooth and soft. The scent is light and clean. The only drawback is that I wish it had an SPF element to it since it's designed for day use. It's great to have a moisturizer to soothe and heal your skin but with no sun protection it's really not very useful.

Fresh Face Deep Cleansing Clay Masque (120 g) $19.99

A deep cleansing kaolin clay mask to draw out toxins in the skin while soothing and refining and providing natural antioxidant protection.

Review:

I love clay masks. I love how smooth, clean and refreshed this one leaves my skin. It's left on for 15 minutes and has that familiar tightening effect as it dries. It rinses off well and doesn't overly dry out my skin. Afterwards, my skin looks and feels smoother and tighter and any shine from oil is gone. The fragrance is light and clean.

Fresh Face Glowing Daily Serum (50 mL) $22.99

A soothing, calming, firming and restorative serum for skin ranging from damaged to normal. Contains anti-aging antioxidants and soy protein.

Review: 

This is different from other serums I've tried, primarily in its texture. It's white and creamy rather than opaque and gel-like. Otherwise it's got a very similar effect to other serums. My skin is smooth and soft and hydrated after application and the serum creates a good base for moisturizer and makeup. I notice an increase in my skin's radiance and a reduction in redness and dryness. The fragrance is light and clean.

De-puffing Roller Eye Treatment (15 mL) $19.99 

A roller eye treatment that cools, brightens, soothes and refreshes tired eyes while reducing the appearance of redness and puffiness.

Review:

I love how cold the metal ball of this is! It's a bit startling on my warm skin after a shower. The product is  There isn't much product that comes out when using the roller pen though, so any reduction in puffiness is likely due to the temperature.  

Fresh Face Nourishing Night Cream (50 mL) $19.99

Luxurious antioxidant-rich moisturizer containing Vitamin C and orchid extract to hydrate and firm the skin overnight.

Review:

The texture of this night cream is velvety and rich, so it feels like it works when you apply it. Despite the richness, it absorbs well but unlike day moisturizers, I don't want my night creams to absorb into my skin completely. In the morning, my skin feels smooth and hydrated and not greasy. I really like this moisturizer, it just rich enough for overnight wear. The fragrance of this is a bit stronger with vitamin C than the other products in this line. 

Summary:

This is a very good skincare line at reasonable prices. The products in this line would work for most skin types. While I have not used them long enough to estimate any true anti-aging effects, I like the way these products work on my skin.

C.