Tag: serum
A big part of this blog revolves around how I approach life. I think balance in most everything is key, and I think it’s important to be good to yourself (and, sure, for me sometimes that means eating ice cream or a doughnut, but it also means going for a run with a girlfriend so we have time to work out and catch up). A refreshing routine in which you put yourself first and treat yourself well; now I don’t always succeed at this, in fact, I typically feel like I”m running on empty, but then I make sure I keep it in check by then pausing to get that balance back into my life by, for example, skipping that party because a night in is really what my mind and body needs.
My beauty regimen is another way I look to treat myself. Yes, I do get many products to test out, but not for a second do I take it for granted. The girly girls and beauty junkies reading this should related to how you’ll always have the tiniest squeal of joy when you pull that luxe lipstick out of your handbag and touch up your lips, or how good it feels when you catch a whiff of your own favourite perfume.
Most recently, it’s been a skincare line, Refresh Botanicals, that’s been rewarding me daily. The natural line is based out of Toronto and is 88% organic, so it feels good to know it’s local and free of harsh chemicals. What struck me most about the line when I first tried it (and indeed one of the things I love most about the line) is the clean, fresh scent it has; cucumber is the scent I sense first and foremost and instantly makes me feel as though I’ve escaped to a spa. Because I’m often running late and rushing out the door, I typically slap on my skincare as fast as I can, but since I’ve started using Refresh Botanicals, at night I take the time to apply it with care and try to imagine I’m getting a soothing facial as I massage the product into my skin. I know it probably sounds really corny, but those two extra deep cleansing breaths as I do this helps me calm my mind, which is often just set to go, go, go!
So far, my three favourite products include the following (and I’m soon testing out the toner and makeup remover, too).
Refresh Botanicals Daily Facial Moisturizer, 100 mL, $18.99. This product is free of artificial fragrances, oils and alcohols, and is 99.7% natural or naturally derived. I have combination skin, but with the cooler temps now, I thought this might not be hydrating enough for the dry skin I can get, but it’s worked well for me. While it has a light texture that absorbs quickly, it’s still rich enough to keep my skin hydrated.
Refresh Botanicals Intensive Serum, 50 mL, $23.99. This contains fig fruit extract and grape seed oil to help diminish fine lines, and also a proprietary Aquacell complex that includes watermelon, apple and lentil extract, that reduces fine lines within two hours and boosts intracellular water by 85% within two weeks. I doubt it’s apparent to others, but I think I see a subtle difference in my skin’s suppleness (and even if only I can detect it, well, that’s worth it in itself because it makes me feel good from the inside, right?).
Refresh Botanicals Night Restore Complex, 50 mL, $23.99. Like all of the line’s products, this is free of parabens, gluten, petroleum and animal by-products. It feels deliciously cooling going on, and it also boasts the same Aquacell complex as the Intensive Serum. My skin, which often feels parched and tired (because it is…) has definitely had a little boost since I started using this at night.
Oh, and last two things: I like the simple white and green packaging and love that these three products are 100 mL or 50 mL as I can easily travel with them.
I’ll be incorporating a few more of the Refresh Botanicals line into my routine soon. I’m particularly keen on trying the Eye & Face Makeup Remover.
(sponsored)
October 30, 2015
Is there a new disposable razor on the market worthy of being your shaver? A few weeks ago, 10 lucky Health & Swellness readers got to test out the new Schick Hydro Silk Disposable (this is what I thought of it) and asked for their honest feedback. Seems like there were a few nicks, lots of smooth shaves and one serum-leakage issue. Read on for more detailed highlights of what they thought:
“This is one of the best razors that I’ve used! I’m not really prone to hyperbole but after trying a lot of more expensive ones, this blade has the best and closest shave. I tried it after a week-long vacation camping so it really got tested!…My only complaint would be that it’s such a close shave that there is a bit of razor burn that occurs, but with a good moisturizer, this is easily overcome.” –K.P.
“I have the regular Hydro Silk and I can say that it did just as good a job. It had a very nice close shave and I also enjoyed the material of the handle, it felt good to hold in your hand. I give this product a 10 out of 10!” –S.D.
“My first impressions were that the Hydro Silk was lightweight and easy to hold in even the soapiest of showers & that alone gave it a leg up on my old razor. I’d become accustomed to the onslaught of nicks and cuts that plagued me every time I used a brand new razor head, particularly around my knees and the front of my shins. I was pleasantly surprised to make it out of the shower with only 2 small nicks just below my kneecap. I find this area to be particularly troublesome as a result of 6 knee surgeries that have left me without any feeling around the incision scars & the lack of sensation has tripped me up time and time again when I shave. The curve sensing blade of the Hydro Silk glided effortlessly over those areas and for the first time in years there wasn’t any sign of missed hairs & stubble – that alone would sway me to trade out my old razor. Normally, I use a body cream to moisturize my legs post shave, but the Hydro Silk boasted increased hydration for up to 2 hours after shaving so I forewent this step and let the hydration strip do its thing. While my legs didn’t feel quite as moisturized as they normally do post lotion, there was a noticeable hydrating and smoothing result with the Hydro Silk. I’ve used the razor several times in the last two weeks and I’ve decided it’s worth switching to.” –M.B.
“I don’t usually use disposables because I have found them to irritate my skin and I cut myself more often with them. As soon as I opened the Schick Hydro Silk, I knew it was different than the disposables I’ve used in the past. The contoured, cushioned handle is comfortable to hold and makes the razor easy to control. With five blades, shaving is a quick task and I am left with soft, smooth skin—not a single sign of irritation! I am so glad to have found a disposable razor I can use when I travel!” – J.H.
“It is the best disposable razor I have ever used! It was nice and lightweight, but didn’t feel like cheap plastic like other disposables. It performed just as well as the refillable Hydro Silk that I have used in the past and even better my old favourite disposables.I was able to get a very close shave without using a shaving gel or cream. No nicks, cuts, or irritation at all.” – B.P.
“It provides a very close, very smooth shave, without having to press hard or shave the same area twice. The head moves easily around curves (and esp. under my knees), and it didn’t irritate my skin at all. It was also easy to clean. Storage of the razor: the conditioning serum in the razor is located in the small oval marks that are visible on the head of the razor. I left the razor in the hanging cabby, where the shower water hits it. When I picked up the razor the next day the serum had leaked out of some of the spots and there is a difference in the shave the razor now provides. It almost felt like the razor was getting stuck on dry skin. So it is important to store the
razor in a dry place/shelf.” –K.L.
“I actually prefer disposable razors for some reason, and I wasn’t disappointed with this one. The Schick Hydro Silk Disposable gave me a nice close shave, including those harder areas like my knees and my underarms. What normally happens for me, is that by the next day after shaving, my legs are stubbly again but I am happy to say that I shaved yesterday and today my legs are just as smooth as they were right after shaving. This is one of the best disposables I have ever used.” – A.A.
“The very first thing I noticed was that it is not your typical disposable razor. It was very well made and look like a regular razor you just switched the blades on.The razor was very comfortable to hold, fit right in my hand. It also had great grips on it. It was a very smooth shave and left my skin very soft and smooth.” –A.M.
“The first thing I noticed about this razor was the rubber grips on the handle. It made for a great non-slip surface while using it in the shower. I liked the moisturizing beads on the razor that were released as I shaved. It eliminated the need for shaving gel but I do wonder how many shaves I can get with the moisturizing beads before they dry up. The razor glided smoothly up and down my legs and caught all of the hair leaving me with silky, smooth legs. I was really impressed by the job of this razor! I did feel the need to moisturize my legs after shaving as they felt a little dry. Overall, this is a great disposable razor and much better than the disposable razors I have tried with only one or two blades. The five blades of this razor allowed for a close, comfortable shave.” –A.M.
And now for the winner of the $100 Visa giftcard!
One of the lucky reviewers won a $100 Visa giftcard for taking part in the review! I did the draw this morning—congrats to Jonnie H.! Check your inbox for an email from me; the Schick folks will send you your prize.
Thanks to everyone who participated in the review!
(Psst. Love gardening? I’ve got gardening toolkit giveaway going on right now in case you missed it!)
Oh, and while you’re here, maybe help me out in a challenge I’m in? Vote for me with just a click! Thanks!
August 2, 2013
I get to test out a ton of health and beauty products.
The temezcal at Ceiba del Mar resort
And I’m generally down for whatever — obviously, there’s fun gigs (trying out luxe serums from La Mer, for example, well, if I’d dare to anyhow) but there’s also the stranger, less appealing tasks. I’ve worn butt-enhancing underwear to see how well it supersized my derriere, and I even took part in a temazcal ritual (think rustic Mayan steam room/sauna) in Mexico. Now, I only lasted three seconds in the temezcal before the heat and pitch black darkness scared the crap out of me and I asked the shaman to let me out…but I did give it a shot in the name of ‘getting the story’.
One thing I have long resisted, though, is testing out oils on my face and beauty companies sure love launching facial oils and serums. My T-zone is oily enough on its own, thank you very much.
But the folks from Kiehl’s were so enthusiastic about their latest product, Midnight Recovery Concentrate, that I decided to give it a try. They’d also caught me at a vulnerable time — my skin’s been a dry, flaky mess for months.
All you need is a couple of drops. Thankfully, i was pleasantly surprised: the Concentrate’s texture is way less oily than I’d anticipated, plus it didn’t leave a big ol’ grease spot on my pillowcase, either.
The formula consists of oils such as squalane, evening primrose, rose hip seed oil, and lavender and it’s said to work on rejuvenating your skin when your skin is naturally programmed to absorb active ingredients. And while I did notice my skin was less parched after using the product, I think it’s the essential oils that have convinced me to add Midnight Recovery Concentrate to my nightly beauty ritual. The aromatherapy benefits of the blend of lavender, rosemary, geranium have me hooked. Just a whiff of it now helps me decompress, leading me straight into bed for some zzz’s. (Hmm, come to think of it, it’s a little Pavlov’s doggish).
Ready to become a Sleeping Beauty yourself? Midnight Recovery Concentrate, $48, is now on counters in Kiehl’s stores in Montreal, Toronto, Edmonton and Vancouver and at select Holt Renfrew locations.
March 4, 2010
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