Review: Estee Lauder/Clinique Travel Set

As much promised from last time, my review of these two products. Clinique's 7 Day Scrub Cream and Estee Lauder's Soft Clean Moisture Rich Foaming Cleanser. As I've mentioned several times, I was away in Beijing for two weeks on a school immersion trip. This meant that I was packing limited items for a weather and environment that was internationally known as one of the most polluted in the world. So what was I worried about? My skin.

Granted, my mom and I picked up these two travel sized formulas at a Mannings (super easy drug/convenient store) and my expectations we a little low. Could I really expect two products I'd never used before to battle clogged pores like I'd never experienced for two weeks? Turns out, I could. I am giving them all the credit for keeping my skin almost completely clear for the entire two weeks.

This is a close up of Clinique's Scrub. It has very fine particles and applies really well to skin. The amount I used was a dollop on three fingers, then applied all over the face, not just the t-zone. I wouldn't call it abrasive in so many words, just slightly stronger than "mild." After washing it off and applying the cream, my face felt (at least to me) significantly softer. There is, however, a kind of antiseptic-like smell to it though it isn't strong. I am extremely sensitive to things with flavor and smell and had no bad reaction. Even after the trip, I am adding this to my permanent shower collection, I am that confident and happy with the results it brought after using it everyday for two weeks.

After applying the scrub, I would apply Estee Lauder's cream. I should call it more of a lotion though because it's thickness surpasses that of a normal cream. Again I used a dollop of this on three fingers and then applied to my t-zone area. This is definitely an intense product. To my amazement, the cream's extremely harsh and the first time I applied it all over my face, I felt some minor stinging. After this I restricted the use to every other day and only on the t-zone. Yet it feels quite luxurious in its use. The thickness and slight berry sent together create a feeling that - though harsh - leaves skin with a milky and silky feel. It is a little too harsh for everyday use, but I will definitely bring it back out when travelling again.

Therefore if you are looking for a dynamic duo that brings fast good results, I highly recommend these two. After consistently using them together for the span of two weeks I can confidently say they were my skin's life savers!

Hope you enjoyed!
xx Em

Benefit Facial Polish Review

This Easter break I made my way to the Benefit counter to try and get my hands on a new mascara (sorry Maybelline, but I wanted something new) and ended up coming away with something definitely not expected: The Refined Finish Facial Polish. Basically, their nice face exfoliator.

Pretty packaging...

Personally, I have always turned towards more dermatologic brands such as Murad rather than cosmetic focused such as MAC, but there was something about this one, its pretty packaging (and perhaps the persistant sales lady) that had me sold.  

It's new spot in my shower...

White creamy consistency...

Initial Thoughts: When I first used the product it felt exactly how it looked above, creamy and rather foamy, however after blending it into my face the exfoliating factor was immediately evident. The beads are microscopic but definitely abrasive. At first I thought that perhaps the product was too harsh my skin.

After consulting the package, I realized my mistake. It's meant for use once or twice a week. However,   I currently have been using the product every day, though with just application on my nose and chin where I have active break-outs.

I then follow this up with Murad's Pomegranate Face Wash, and the results, personally, I found almost immediate. My skin was evidently softer and slightly more "luscious" especially around the cheek and forehead area. I use this everyday, after the exfoliator and so far they seem to be working in coorilation well. 

Murad's Pomegranate Face Wash ~ been in love with this forever!

Hope this is helpful! 

xx Em

Neutrogena's "Acne Stress Control Toner" Review

As mentioned in my other posts, I've been trying hard recently to amp up my skincare routine. I'm still rotating cleansers and trying to see which are my favourites, but I think I have found the right toner. :)

My sister recommended it to me around Christmastime. I have combination skin, which sometimes can be pretty dry and sometimes pretty oily. So, I wanted something that would help me get rid of oil and dirt, without drying my skin too much. This one has given me the best of both worlds.

I started using it just once a day at night, and after a few weeks, when I felt my skin was used to it, I increased to using it morning and night. I apply it using cotton pads, and swipe it over my face. Then, I leave it to dry for about a minute before applying my moisturizer.

In the last few months that I've been using it, I've noticed that my face has been softer, more evenly-toned and I've also had a reduction in breakouts. The breakouts I have had have been pretty mild and the toner has helped keep it under control. Judging from the bottle, I think what makes this one special is that it has skin-clearing ingredients, like Salicylic Acid, but it's also got skin soothing ingredients like green tea. Because of this, I would expect that it would be suitable for a variety of skin types.

If you're in the market for a new toner, I think this is definitely one to try! :)

-H xx