Is the Ordinary Really Worth The Hype?

Honestly, I wish a company like this was popular when I was in high school. Most Ordinary products have great effective ingredients for a great price. When I was in high school skincare was not really a focus for me. St. Ives scrub and Cetaphil daily cleanser was what I unfortunately used on my dry sensitive skin. The products I have tried from the Ordinary have been a dream. I will admit I was skeptical at first because, how can something be this good for this cheap and on Sephora? Below I go into more detail on the products, I have tried from the Ordinary and my thoughts on them!

The Ordinary

Hyaluronic Acid

This product has made me feel more excited about applying my skin care routine. I have dry patches on my face and would notice them the most when I put makeup on. I have noticed a difference in the moisture of my skin, since using this product. Highly recommend. My blogs are usually about product recommendations and what I love about this blog in particular, is that the Ordinary does not cost a lot and it’s a great place to start when exploring skincare.

The Ordinary

Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

This moisturizer is thick. If you have more dry skin, you would prefer a moisturizer like this. It drys to a clear consistency. What I love about about this moisturizer is that it does make my skin feel hydrated. This moisturizer is great under makeup. I would buy this again. I must say though, that you really have to work this product into your skin it does appear white on the skin even after a while of blending it in.

The Ordinary

Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants

I love this product. This is the first product I have ever purchased from the Ordinary. It does not leave a white cast and has not broken me out. My skin is super sensitive and usually sweat & SPF is not a good combination for my skin. I have not experienced any breakouts with this product since using it. Like the moisturizer this also needs to be blended well into the skin. When I first put it on I did notice that it blended white. However, once you do work it in, it does not dry sticky and I don’t notice a white cast on my skin.

Four Skincare Products I Cannot Live Without

As some of you may know I have been on a skincare journey. I have dry sensitive skin and is always in need for hydration. Let’s take a deep dive into these products I consider my hydration station, when my skin needs an extra boost! I do not like to use fragrance in my skincare so all of these products below are some of my staples that have worked for me!

The Ordinary

Hyaluronic Acid

When I first started using this product it did not work the best for me. I have dry sensitive skin so I thought HA would work best for my skin. I was not wrong, it works amazing but I was just applying it wrong. Make sure to not pat dry before using this product. My skin looked like it was about to flake off. On damp skin I apply this product and my skin has never felt more plump. If you have dry skin, buy this product. Not to mention the price does not hurt the bank account. This product is worth all the TIK TOK hype!

Cerave

Hydrating Cleanser

I am sure you will see this product in my blogs for eternity that is how much I love this cleanser. If you have dry skin or just want a cleanser that is super hydrating, use this! It has made my skin feel a lot softer. 100% recommend this product! I have noticed a difference in my skin ever since!

Dr. Jart

Cicapar Tiger Grass Serum

This has saved my skin. If you have acne, redness or texture this product is for you. This product has not dried out my skin and it has repaired my skin. This bottle is pricy but WORTH IT! I have been through at least 7 bottles by now. If you read up on this product supposedly Tiger Grass serum comes from the Cica plant otherwise known as tiger grass. Tigers supposedly roll in this plant to heal their wounds and boy, is it healing!

La Roche-Posay

Cicaplast Baume B5 – Soothing Repair Balm

I bought this balm over a year ago now in a quick pinch. I used it mainly on my chest because I can be super dry but honestly it never occurred to me that I can use it on my face and it would work equally as good. I saw this cream around the internet and started to use it on my face. It is super moisturizing and if you have dry skin I highly suggest it! This balm repairs any dry patches.

Why Skincare Is The New Makeup

I know what it feels like to feel ashamed of your skin. I would have the hardest time going somewhere without face makeup on. Everyday is still a struggle with my keratosis pilaris on my face. Taking the time to really get to know my skin has help improved the look of my makeup on my skin. Since being consistent with my skincare routine it has helped my skin tremendously. Now, I can’t tell you to feel confident in your skin because I know that can be a struggle and it takes time. However, I can tell you how you can start your journey of feeling confident in your skin without makeup.

1. Research Research Research

Know your skin. Do you have dry skin? Oily Skin? Combination? Normal? Sensitive? Once you have figured out what your skin type is you must buy the right products for your skin type. The ingredients that all skin types should stay away from are: alcohol, any type of fragrance included in the product, essential oils and the list goes on and on! Be educated on your skin

2. Be Consistent

The number one thing I was doing wrong was, that I was not being consistent. I relied on just makeup wipes some nights, which is a whole other topic and a BIG no no. I have a blog on why I stopped using makeup wipes. You can read it here. Many products have active ingredients that need to be used consistently in order to work.

3. Be Patient with results

Kind of like working out. It does take about a month to see results from a good regimented skincare routine. Let the products work with your skin. Do not touch your face. Let the skincare routine be fun. Once you start to see results for the better, you will be addicted to applying your routine every night.

I hope these tips can help you! Happy self care Loves!

How Double Cleansing Has Saved My Skin

As soon as I became an adult. My skin completely changed. I took a deep dive into research about skincare and the first thing I learned was, that I was not cleaning my skin correctly. Makeup wipe and the occasional cleanse and thats how I took care of my skin. THAT IS NOT CORRECT. On a makeup day especially you should be double cleansing. Now, what does double cleansing mean? It means to clean your skin twice before applying any creams or moisturizer. Just swiping with a makeup wipe before bed you’re not actually cleaning your skin. I do not use makeup wipes any longer. I have a blog on why I stopped using makeup wipes. You can read why here. I will go into further detail below on the products I use to double cleanse with.

Cetaphil

Gentle Cleansing Bar

Now they say to not use soap bars on dry skin because it can strip the skin. Not this one. I use this bar to remove my makeup and to use as my first cleanse. My skin feels smooth and not tight. I use this in the shower typically so it is easy and accessible before my second cleanse. I know a lot of people use oil based cleansers for makeup remover, I have not found one yet that I love. If you have a great recommendation let me know in the comments down below.

Cerave

Hydrating Cleanser

This is an amazing cleanser. I kept seeing this cleanser everywhere online. I had to try it. If you have dry skin or just want a cleanser that is super hydrating, use this cleanser. I love using this at night. My skin feels so clean. I like to apply it when the skin is damp. It has made my skin feel a lot softer. 100% recommend this product!

What I have Tried From Drunk Elephant Skincare

Drunk Elephant

JuJu Exfoliating Bar

I do not exfoliate often because I do have dry red, sensitive skin. I typically use this bar about once a week. I bought this bar originally because of its gentle exfoliating properties. This was the first item I had boughten from DE and honestly it will be a re-purchase. It is a gentle exfoliant that my skin needs from time to time. 100% recommend.

 

Drunk Elephant

Protini Polypeptide Cream

Been using this moisturizer for over a year now. I love it. At the beginning I was using it day & night. It has that light consistency that is perfect under makeup. The polypeptide I believe has helped with my texture. Honestly the only down side to this product is the price. But I also feel on the flip side that is you want to splurge on yourself, skincare is where to splurge.

Drunk Elephant

B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum

I haven’t used this product as long as I have been using the moisturizer but WOW. If you want to try something out from DE and you don’t know which product to spend your money on and you have dry skin… buy this! This is magical. I use this product by its self and I also mix it into my moisturizer. My skin is plump and feels so smooth, since using this. I originally bought this to combine with my moisturizer for application for my makeup, I have dry patches and I was getting tired of seeing my makeup look patchy with foundation. This works and it has become my favourite part of my skin care routine.

Drunk Elephant

C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream

I know peoples stances on eye cream. Some say it works others say otherwise. Honestly, I am not 100% sure if eye cream has made a tremendous difference for me but I buy them because they tend to be highly concentrated with ingredients. I prefer Vitamin C in my eye creams. Most people are naturally a little darker under the eyes, so of course Vitamin C does help this. This was the first eye cream I have boughten that I noticed and felt a difference. Under the eye feels firm after a few minutes of having it applied. The under eyes have felt softer and look better than before. I know there are mixed reviews on this certain product but I have been loving the results so far.

Drunk Elephant

Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense

Okay I know this sounds harsh but if you have dry skin, do not buy this product. The texture feels weird. The tinte practically disappears. I am trying my hardest to get through this product. It is almost expired and still full. I like to apply SPF every morning before I apply my makeup. When I tell you that my foundation was peeling off it really was. I will not buy this again.

 

Top Powdered Blushes

All these blushes are long wearing and worth purchasing and trying. The formula in each blush is long wearing and sit beautifully on the skin.

Nars

In Shade Gaiety

This blush is way more hot pink in person than in this photo. It looks scary bright in the pan but I promise you, it is beautiful on the skin. It looks a cross between peachy/pink on the skin. The blush will last on the cheeks for a while. The consistency is milled so fine and it does not stick or bubble up over texture on the skin.

Mac Cosmetics

In Shade – Cubic

I have repurchased mac blushes over and over again. There is just nothing like them, really. The colour selection, the way they glide and blend with the foundation, there is a reason why the pan looks like the way it does.

Tarte

Amazonian Clay Blush In Shade – Paaarty

These blushes do really last a long time. They claim to have 12 hour wear. I have not tried as many shades in the Amazonian clay blushes but from what I have tried it is worth the hype. The consistency of this blush does feel more powdery than the rest but they do last a long time. It does blend seamlessly.

Why I Started to Incorporate Clean Beauty in My Every Day Products

I know that there is this a huge Clean Beauty phase, everyone is on right now. Some people are against it, some people are all for it and others are on the fence about it. I know there are some products & brands that claim to be Clean and have some great ingredients in them, but still have some not so great ingredients incorporated. At the end of the day all of us just want products that will not harm our skin. So the Clean Beauty train is something I am totally for. It is great for more companies to start thinking of formulas to sell to their consumers with less harmful ingredients. If we are trying to eat healthy and workout we should be putting as much thought into the actual products we put on our skin. I will have a few knock out Clean beauty products below that I can’t live without them. Let me know your take on this is, in the comments below! Are you all for Clean Beauty?

Drunk Elephant

B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum

This is a newer product for me. This product is magic when applied with other moisturizers and by itself. The hydration factors in this product is just incredible. If you have dry skin and notice when you have makeup on that it tends to cling to your dry patches… use this product! I have other Drunk Elephant products that I love but if someone asked me to choose one to use forever it would be this product. I have even started noticing a difference in my skin’s texture when using this.

Bite Beauty

Nighttime lip Therapy

I use this every night before bed and my lips the next morning are so moisturized. I found when using this product every night that I actually use less chapstick throughout the day. This is a must purchase.

RMS Beauty

Living Luminizer

If you need a daily pick me up, buy this product. You have seen this product in many of my other blogs and this is for a good reason. It looks beautiful on the skin. It will give you that daily glow that is needed.

What I Use In My Everyday Makeup Routine

The order I am writing my routine in, is the order I put my makeup on. Hope you enjoy! Please share your routine in the comments below!

RMS Beauty

Buriti Bronzer

You are probably thinking… woah why is she using bronzer as her first step?! Well I do not actually use this as bronzer. I use it as an all over eye lid shadow. These work the best when applied with your finger. This will last all day and the colour is beautiful as a day time smoky eye. There are specs of sparkle in it but it’s just enough to have a perfect glow to the lid.

It Cosmetics

CC Cream

I have boughten tube after tube of this product. I have redness and texture and I swear there is nothing on the market like the consistency of this CC cream. It has medium to full coverage and makes the skin look beautiful. Love the SPF factor in this product. I am sure this will not be the last time I mention this product.

Nars

Radiant Concealer

This isn’t the first time I have boughten this product. I haven’t used this product since the main hype about it years ago. The first time I used it I loved it but now after using this product again, after I have re-purchased others I don’t think I would spend my money on this again. The consistency is great the coverage is medium and buildable but I guess I have fallen out of love with this product. Upcoming I will have my favourite concealers blog.

Rimmel

Bronzer

This is not healthy but I have had this product since high school and oh my goodness you need to go out and buy this product. This is the shade sunlight. It is one of the best products you can pickup at the drugstore. The bronzer lasts on your face and is a matte consistency. It blends beautifully and is a must have in your collection.

Mac Cosmetics

Powdered Blush in Cubic

I am not sure Mac carries this colour any longer. As you can see by the pan I clearly LOVE IT. This blush is my go-to! The colour makes you look healthy and looks like the colour is so natural. It looks mauve/pink in the pan but it looks like a cross between a peach and pink colour on the face. Mac blushes are the best in the game.

RMS Beauty

Living Luminizer

I have talked about this before in my, What I Have Tried From RMS Beauty blog. Wow just wow. This product is just beautiful on the skin. I am not the biggest fan of blinding highlight but if you are, you can really build this highlight up. This just has beautiful reflection. I love placing this on the high points of the cheek and on the tip of the nose. It does not look like much in the pot but it is worth every penny. It applies best with your finger.

Anastasia Beverly Hills

Soft Brown Powder duo

This powder is so lightly milled. For my brows I prefer more cool toned colours. As you can see I have been using more of the shade on the left rather than the right. To be honest this duo did not really blow me away. I am not very particular about brow powder. I would say if you are willing to spend the money, try it but honestly I do not see myself purchasing this after I finish it.

Maybelline Great Lash

Clear Eyebrow Gel

I absolutely love using clear eyebrow gels. My brows are so unruly and if I do not have something in them they will move around all day long. This consistency is quite wet but it does not stick very well. I prefer the sticky consistency in a formula just because I feel like my brows are laid down for a while. With this product I have to re apply twice. My ultimate favourite clear brow gel is the Anastasia Beverly Hills clear brow gel. It has the best wand and consistency. I decided to try this one out because of the cost. For using brow gel everyday I would much rather spend $8.00 vs $30.00 on a product in my everyday routine. All that said I will not buy this again when the tube is finished, it is just not my favourite.

Loreal

Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara

This mascara is well known for a reason. It brings your lashes to life. The carbon black is so dark that it just coats your lashes so that they stand out. I always love switching to other mascaras to try out new ones on the market but I always come back to this one. Nothing really compares.

Lilah b.

Aglow Face Mist

I have to admit I did not like this at first. It certainly grew on me. The scent was not my favourite but it does make your makeup come together at the end of application. I have dry patches and this does help with smoothing and hydrating the skin.

Face Cleansers I Have Tried

Spectro

Blemish-prone skin

Funny story on how I first started using this cleanser. I went to my first Dermatologist ever and it was a pretty terrible experience. FYI I am not saying all Dermatologists are like this but when I first went in the room she barely looked at my skin and just said, okay you need medication for your acne… I said, I need to know more information because what I think I have on my face is not just acne, she said if you don’t want to take something use this and she handed me this product and left the room. Turns out I do not have traditional acne, I have something called keratosis pilaris on my cheeks. Don’t get me wrong I do have hormonal acne from time to time and when I do use this cleanser it is great. It really does do the job. The texture is a little thick. I am not a fan of the smell. It doesn’t have an over powering smell but the fragrance from this product does smell like medication. If you have acne with sensitive skin this would work great for you!

Cetaphil

Gentle Skin Cleanser

I have been using Cetaphil since high school. Cetaphil has been one of my holy grail products. It is a great cleanser. I do prefer the bar, I spoke about this on the Top Products I Cannot Live Without blog. The texture of this cleanser is thinner than the Spectro gel. This cleanser is hydrating. If you have acne this is not the cleanser to use it does not help acne. They do also have an oily skin cleanser that I have not used. There is no scent to this product. If you need a go-to cleanser Cetaphil is reliable for a great price.

Cera Ve

Hydrating Cleanser

This cleanser has been raved about all over social media. I had to try it out myself. Wow, I am impressed. Super hydrating and smooth. My skin has never looked better after using this. The texture of this product is thin and smooth. It has a similar texture to the Cetaphil cleanser. My skin feels plump and soaks this in. I have dry skin and I am a huge fan of this, so far.

Aveeno

Ultra Calming Foaming Cleanser

I have stopped using foam cleansers. I just feel as though they were not doing much for my skin. I have dry sensitive skin and foaming cleansers do feel drying to me. This does say ultra-calming but I think it is ultra calming because it does not do much for the skin. I was not the biggest fan of the scent of this product. I am hyper sensitive to smells but this did have a bit of a perfume smell to it. With skincare I do not want any scent in my products. Let me know in the comments down below if certain foaming cleansers work for you!

The Best Hair Masks

Macadamia

Deep Repair Masque

I have used this hair mask for almost 5 years now. I first learned about this repair mask from YouTuber Casey Holmes. I used to lifeguard and I would be in the pool for hours training and my hair was DEAD. Chlorine is the worst! This has repaired my hair over the years. It is no joke and worth the hefty price tag. The consistency is quite thick but very smooth. The smell is amazing! I use this for the ends of my hair, I let it sit and soak before washing it out. My hair is fine and gets super tangly, this helps with the tangles. This is a lifesaver in the winter time. I use this at least 2 times a week. This tub will last you a long time. I cannot say enough good things about this product.

Shea Moisture

Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Protein Power Treatment

This has been a newer favourite for me. The consistency of this product is not as thick as the macadamia and has more of a paste consistency. What attracted me to this product is that there are no sulfates & no parabens. I love Manuka honey. I literally spread pure Manuka honey all over my face as a face mask sometimes. This hair mask did not disappoint and I loved it. This product is less expensive than the macadamia and I will certainly purchase this again.