I’ve wanted Anese body care for years, and finally, I got the products. I understand the hoopla now. They do work immediately by drying down any skin irritation. The scrubs also made my skin feel so soft. It has become a special, self-love part of my routine and I do plan to repurchase. Both the chest and bottom scrub work at effectively clearing dead skin and preventing breakouts. Also, both masks feel luxuriating and leave the skin feeling extra supple. I recommend both product sets. ❤
🍫MANUKA HONEY & CHOCO BODY SOAP – This is a body soap formulated to reduce and clear up body acne. It is made of coco and honey. The smell is not strong or overly sweet. I have not had any new breakouts since I’ve begun using this soap, so far so good. The bar is super small though. $9.27
GREEN PEARLSATION TEA TREE CARE BODYSPRAY – I bought one tea tree body spray and I got the other one free! I’m using this to reduce breakouts on my chest and back. I get breakouts from sweat and tea tree oil can help combat this problem. I’ve noticed less irritation on my upper body since I’ve begun using this. $14.49
DEEP CLEAN PORE GLACIAL CLAY – I needed a clay mask and decided to try this out. It helps minimize pores and treat skin congestion. It’s a solid mask and does the job. I probably won’t repurchase though. I prefer Kiehl’s turmeric and cranberry seed mask. $20
RUB-A-DUB REFINING PEEL GEL – This is a mask you rub into your skin for about one minute to remove dead skin cells. It works because after using it my face products sank into my skin more effectively. $28
TRIPLE C LIGHTNING LIQUID – One of my go-to products to lighten up any pigmentation marks. I’ve already reviewed this before and I always recommend it. $27
TIME STOP COLLAGEN AMPOULE – I use this during the day as a serum under my makeup. I like it so far and I’ve noticed my makeup looks less flaky. I think it helps make your face look dewy and hydrated. $29 ❤
Have you tried this popular clay mask? I finally tried the Aztec Secret clay mask that was favored on Youtube years ago. It is an inexpensive mask made up of equal parts of clay powder and apple cider vinegar. I have liked using it on my face and body to clear up or prevent breakouts this past month. I love this mask because its both affordable and effective at drying down early breakouts. This mask also functions as a shampoo alternative. I’ve used it in my hair and it felt super soft and not stripped or dry afterwards. I plan on purchasing the Korean Exfoliating Bath Mitt Scrub Washcloth for dead skin cells on my body. I think a combination of using the exfoliating mitt and this mask will help make the skin appear softer and clearer. I purchased the Aztec Secret clay and silicon mask brushes from Amazon, and the Apple Cider Vinegar from my local supermarket. ❤
Sephora Collection Holy Sheet! – There are 14 different sheet masks for the face, eyes, hands, feet, and hair. The package also includes two face wipes sets: one cleansing and the other exfoliating, a lip balm, and two sleeping masks. I haven’t tried every mask, but I have used some like one of the foot masks, the hair mask, and a nose mask. I really loved the hair mask, it made a massive difference in my dry chemically treated hair. The foot mask is lovely as well, very hydrating. I did not like the nose mask, though, because I did not see any difference. I love the lip scrub tube. I’ve purchased it separately in almond before, and I think it’s great to use before bed. The exfoliating wipes are fantastic, perfect to use before facial tweezing to remove build up. This set makes a great gift. The cost is $48 (currently out of stock)
Love this Dior Capture Youth Plump Filler age-delay plumping serum. As soon as I started using this product, I was complimented that my skin looked youthful! This product’s scent smells like perfume in a way that’s akin to fragranced high-end hair products. I personally like the scent. I think it smells elegant and feminine. I’m really happy I’ve already begun to see results! https://www.sephora.com/product/capture-youth-plump-filler-age-delay-plumping-serum-P427732?keyword=dior%20filler
This SOL DE JANEIRO Brazilian Bum Bum lotion is formulated to minimize stretch marks, body acne, and cellulite. I thought the reviews seemed too positive, but I have to agree with the overwhelming positivity. It really does smooth out the skin and prevent acne. I’ve noticed a major difference in my skin. It now feels super soft and I no longer get breakouts. Sometimes I use some Vitamin C too (from Amazon) to lighten up existing blemishes along with this lotion. I really like using it at night before bed because it feels so special and luxurious. I’ll for sure repurchase this product! https://www.sephora.com/product/brazilian-bum-bum-cream-P406080
I got these Facial Radiance Pads because they were recommended by one of my favorite YouTubers named Elle Florence. She suggested using them anywhere on your body to prevent ingrown hairs or to get existing ingrown hairs to come out. It really does work for ingrown hairs. I like using it on my face too to brighten up and wake up my skin. I was surprised the pads are somewhat small. https://www.sephora.com/product/facial-radiance-pads-P278317
The grapefruit scent of the soap is subtle but present enough to make the shower experience aromatic. I love how big and weighted the bar is. Also, the packaging is charming with the metal tie around a small stone. The soap provides ample lather and is foamy. I think it makes a really nice gift. I plan on making a little spa basket with Fresh soap and more as a present for an expecting mother. ❤ https://www.sephora.com/product/hesperides-grapefruit-oval-soap-P178410
I received these Drunk Elephant samples as a birthday gift from Sephora (I picked them out with my points). The Jelly Cleanser is nice, but I really love the Protini Polypeptide Cream the most. This face cream has a jelly quality to it. It’s nourishing and leaves your face looking dewy. I think it is perfect for hot weather because it is not too thick.
Pixi Products Update:
I love Pixi Vitamin C toner! I think anything Vitamin C is a win to keep your skin blemish mark free. It beautifully clears up marks and balances the skin’s PH to prepare it for serum and lotion. The toner is yellow and has a slight citrus scent that is not too strong. The Pixi Glow tonic is also excellent. I use it on blemishes, and within one to two days it clears it up or, at least the blemishes begin to flatten down. ❤
Hey all, hope you had a lovely Fourth of July! ❤ This post details the makeup, skincare, and dress I wore and used for the holiday.
The dress is from Réalisation Par, The Teale in Wild Cherry. I wanted this dress for months, and I was happy to wear it on the perfect holiday for red and blue clothes. I paired it with black van sneakers.
After pictures with makeup and final image without makeup before – This is the skincare I used:
After washing my face, I applied Glow Vitamin C and Rose Water from the brand Mamonde. My skin was super bright and alive-looking afterward. Also, my make up did not look greasy like it did in the past by the end of the night. I really love the rose water toner, I have a sample size and want to get the full-sized product. Under my eyes, I used my Kiehl’s avocado eye cream, and the face lotion I used was Kiehl’s Rosa Arctica. I also used a few drops of Dior Youth Filler plumping face serum (a more detailed review in upcoming Sephora and Glow post next). I added some Supergoop sunscreen to my neck too.
Makeup used:
I did not put on primer, because for some reason I feel like it always makes my face look oily.
I put on Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Cushion Compact with SPF 35 only on my T-zone. I followed it with Black Up bronzer below my cheekbones, on my forehead, and chin.
I used Supergoop sunscreen eyeshadow all over my lid. I added dimension on my eyes by adding shimmery brown in the crease of the eyelid and a little shimmery white with pink on the bottom half of my lid too from Pat McGrath. Then I lined my eye with Marc Jacobs gel eyeliner in the color Ice. On my cheeks and nose, I used Fenty Killawatt Girl Next Door and Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Rose Gold.
For my brows, I used Benefit Ultra-Fine Brow Defining Pencil in the color 5 and Benefit 24-HR Brow Setter Gel. I finished my eyelashes with Lancome Gandoise 40RB mascara. ❤
I’ve used this Black Sugar Mask since my undergraduate studies. Back then I purchased it because it’s inexpensive and it has enough product to last about 2.5 to 3 months of one semester (which typically lasts about 15-16 weeks). It’s a sugar face scrub that deeply cleanses the skin. I stopped using it for a while because I did not want to damage the skin on my face with abrasive scrubs that can cause tears or small cuts. However, after repurchasing, I can see the scrub is not too rough or damaging. I rinse it off slowly in circular motions with wet hands before thoroughly washing face with water. I recommend this product if you’re in the market for an inexpensive weekly exfoliant scrub.
This product isn’t a favorite, I just decided to test it out because it’s highly reviewed. I put the box of sheet masks in the fridge and use it chilled. I like using it, but I do not plan on repurchasing because I see no difference in my skin.$11 Egg White Pore Foam Face Wash
I’ve also used this product for years. It’s the best, and the fact that it’s sold out at the moment speaks volumes. A little product goes a long way. It thoroughly cleans make-up and grime in a way that’s similar to the Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash, but for half the price.
$27 Neogen Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Lemon
Another favorite that I’ve used for more than three years ~ these lemon pads are both physical and chemical exfoliants. I love using it weekly or as needed to clear up any problems on my skin. It always works like a charm (notably in unison with Neutrogena – On-the-Spot Acne Treatment)
$10 Rice Mask Wash Off
This mask leaves your face feeling clean but not stripped. It helps clear up and brighten the skin. This is a milder exfoliant alternative to the black sugar mask and equally effective.
Honorable mention – MISSHA sunscreen is the best (besides Supergoop), in my opinion. It’s hydrating and dries on clear rather than grey-ish like most sunscreens. ❤
Quick unrelated announcements: I’m currently also prepping to apply to law school this fall. I signed up for Kaplan tutoring. I plan on sharing my LSAT tips after I take my exam and get my results. Also, I want to revamp my blog and blog more regularly soon. I really need to get into a more productive blogging groove. 🤓Long skincare post below, feel free to skim through:
I bought a few new Kiehl’s skincare products and got a bag with sample sized goodies at the store for free with my purchase! Good luck, right?
I picked up another bottle of Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser (USD 23). I had a few pimples pop up on my forehead, and after using this cleanser, they quickly diminished. I’ve used this product before, and I recommend it because it does what it advertises — gentle daily exfoliation. It’s great for summer when my skin is more sweaty.
I purchased another Midnight Recovery Oil in the medium size ($75). I think this oil mainly helps with skin texture, and it’s amazing as always. The lavender smell is very relaxing.
A product new to me that I got is the Super Multi-Corrective Cream with Beech Tree Extract, Jasmonic and Hyaluronic Acids (around $66 USD). I love how it melts into the skin, its so velvety and smooth. I sought out this product because it has Hyaluronic acids and my esthetician at the Shelbourne suggested I look for products with this to add plumpness back into my skin and fade expression lines.
The sample goodie bag is so cute with a black and white vintage Kiehl’s print interior! Included:
-Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Massque (so excited to use this on my upcoming 11 hour flight back home)
-Ginger Leaf & Hibiscus Firming Mask (love the light smell and buttery texture, skin appeared hydrated in the morning after use)
-Midnight recovery oil face wash (Its just like the face oil – I “somewhat” enjoy using oil face washes to remove make up (gentle wash) but I probably would not buy this because I prefer washes with lather or scrub)
-Rosa Arctica (I used a few times and love it, it leaves the skin very glowy! It shrank the pores on my cheeks. The reviews are stellar online as well)
-Ultra Facial Toner (Leaves my skin feeling clean without feeling stripped, but natural may be best like witch hazel as toner – I always use witch hazel after facial threading or waxing to prevent bumbs)
I purchased Dermaceutic C25 face cream a month ago from Elmes Skincare Clinic after an extraction facial. This face cream is very silky and light, perfect for summer. The best part is that it has 25% Vitamin C! I think using either this regularly, or Amazon bought Vitamin C serums on days I don’t wear it, have cleared up the small marks on my forehead. The combination of this day cream and La Creme Beaute Venom at night has left my skin more consistently clear than it’s ever been. (Plus, I’ve been more attentive to my skin in general lately.)
My esthetician at Elmes told me the key to maintaining clear skin (skincare wise) is Vitamin C and regular use of acids (like glycolic, salicylic, etc.) to exfoliate and dry down pimples. He advised that I avoid popping whitehead pimples because the white fluid I see is actually white blood cells and popping them can lead to acne scarring, or spread bacteria and create more pimples. Instead, he recommended that I use an acid daily and start out with a lower percentage. I’ve been researching products, and I’ll purchase Pixi Glow Tonic toner because it has 5% Glycolic Acid. In the future, I’d like to blog on a Pixi skincare haul. There are several Pixi products, specifically the Vitamin C line, that I have my eye on. ❤
One of my favorite hygiene practices is using peppermint oil on my underarms followed by deodorant after showering. It works wonders for underarm odor and seems the lengthen the longevity of deodorant effectiveness. I’d recommend testing the oil to make sure you don’t have an adverse reaction before applying it or even diluting it with water. I typically use one to two drops on both underarms while they’re still semi-wet from the shower.
Secondly, African Shea Butter is a must have body care product to lighten pigmentation/pimple marks. I use it on my shoulders, chest, elbows, and knees at night and I’ve seen results. I’m super happy I made this decision because I used to struggle with body acne and worried if I’d ever get rid of the marks on my shoulder blades. But the shea butter does the trick. I also use this on my underarms after epilating. I recommend purchasing it from Amazon or your local beauty supply store.
The La Crème Beautè Venom face lotion helps smooth out the texture of my skin. So far, it has made my skin appear plumper. The lotion feels smooth and very luxuriating. I will repurchase in the future. But I do not think this is an end- all-be-all product, its best used with a comprehensive skincare routine. Given that it’s so rich, it’s essential that the skin is exfoliated and properly cleansed before application.
The Glow face treatment is hydrating, it’s an oil. The packaging states you can either leave it on for 30 minutes, use it to remove makeup, or keep it on as an intensive hydration treatment. I usually just use it under night cream because I dislike the idea of wearing oily products during the day. I think oil under the sun creates breakouts. I actually like the Venom Beauty Boost more than Glow. In the future, once I finish Glow, I may purchase the beauty boost instead. ❤
