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

Efficient Skincare

I've been trying to make more of an effort recently in taking care of my skin. Although I wouldn't say that it's extremely distressed, I do have my share of oily days and breakouts. These are usually a result of exercise, stress or sometimes hormonal. It just depends on what's going on, really. To try to combat my skin's unpredictable nature, I've been sticking  to a face wash/tone/moisturize routine. On top of this, once a week, I've been applying a face mask.

Now, here comes my problem. Although I have the good intentions of using a face mask, sometimes I feel like I just don't have the time to do it. So, in the last couple of weeks I've made it a part of my routine, and helped use it to increase my homework productivity on the day that I do it.

I know what you're thinking, the two don't seem to go together. But they do!


Here's my tip:

Once a week, on whichever day you choose, apply a face mask in the evening. Generally, they take around 20-30 minutes to dry. Use this allotted time period to focus only on work. It will help motivate you to work hard and efficiently for a shorter amount of time knowing that you can take a break when the mask dries to wash it off. :)

And that's it! I feel like this is a great strategy to use because it helps me to do something good for my skin without having to worry about taking time away from my other tasks. :)

P.S. Lately, I've been using Boscia's "Luminizing Black Mask: A Peel-Off Mask For All Skin Types." It's really easy to use and helps to pull out dirt or blackheads that might be clogging your pores when you peel it off. It doesn't leave residue and leaves my skin feeling super clean!

Happy Cleansing!

- H