reviews


L’Oreal Paris Pure-Clay Mask review

loreal pure clay masks

Pictured: c/o L’Oreal Paris Pure Clay Mask from left: Purify & Mattify, Exfoliate & Refine, and Detox & Brighten.

I’m so excited to share these fabulous new clay masks from L’Oreal Paris with you!  The new L’Oreal Paris Clay Mask comes in three different formulas; Purify & Mattify, Exfoliate & Refine, and Detox & Brighten. Each one has an active ingredient which makes it unique, and perfect for different skin problems.

All three masks use three pure clays as their base:

  1. Kaolinite: This is a soft mineral present in kaolin clay and it is the ideal ingredient for skincare masks because it is really absorbent. It helps to rid skin of built up; unwanted impurities without stripping away any natural oils. This clay absorbs skin impurities and helps to remove excess shine. Love that! -I can get shiny!
  2. Montmorillonite: This clay is derived from igneous rocks of the smectite family. It is creamy and swells up with it comes into contact with water. It is known for its purifying and re-balancing properties.
  3. Ghassoul: This is a clay of volcanic origin which has been extracted in Morocco’s Middle Atlas Mountains. Women in that region use it in face masks and in poultices for their bodies.

Let’s start with my favorite; the Purify & Mattify mask. This is the light grey-green mask pictured above on the left. The secret ingredient is Eucalyptus! My skin creates blackheads, and can get quite shiny. This mask helps to draw out dirt and excess oil; I have a lot of that! After two uses, my pores were clean! It takes a small miracle to remove my blackheads, so I am in deep love with this mask!

I also had a fabulous time testing out the Exfoliate & Refine mask. This red clay mask contains Red Algae as it’s key ingredient. This mask also unclogs pores. It also exfoliates rough texture, which unmasks smooth, unclogged skin. My skin is fairly smooth already, so the difference I noticed after using this mask the first time, were clearer pores. The second time I used it I did feel smoother skin on my face, but the big difference were the cleaner pores, which also seemed minimized.

The Detox & Brighten mask contains charcoal as it’s key ingredient. This mask removes dirt, and impurities. It also removes dead skin cells. The result is healthier, even looking skin. This was the last mask I tested out, so my skin was very clean by the time I tried it. I used it once and my skin felt great! I feel like this is a great mask to keep on hand to use once or twice per month.

Overall, I loved all three masks. The Purify & Mattify clay mask is my favorite mask, and I plan to use it one day a week. I will keep the other two masks on hand to use as needed. The incredible thing about the L’Oreal Pure-Clay mask collection is the fact that they are priced under $13! Whaaaaaaaaat???? Yes, your eyes are working, that is not a typo, they are priced at under $13 each!

You can find the L’Oreal Pure-Clay Mask collection online here, or at your favorite mass food, and drug retailer nationwide starting in July 2016. I would love to hear your results!


Hermes eau de Mandarine Ambree review

hermes eau de mandarin ambree

Pictured: Hermes Eau de Mandarine Ambree eau de cologne

In the summertime, I love wearing fragrances which are fresh, and light. Hermes Eau de Mandarine Ambree eau de cologne is exactly that; a light and refreshing scent perfect for hot summer days. Love!

The combination of mandarin, and amber, is so fresh; it seems as if this fragrance was concocted right in front of you. The scent is that fresh. I’ve decided Hermes used magic to bottle this scent! How else can it be so fresh? It’s amazing!

I have only worn one of the perfumes by Hermes in the past; 24 Faubourg. This scent is heavy, and complex. So I was pleasantly surprised to find Hermes Eau de Mandarine Ambree eau de cologne to be simple and clean. While a complex fragrance is fabulous in cold weather, when you need the cycles throughout the day, a simple and clean cologne is best suited for the days of summer.

Fragrance notes: Mandarin, Passion Fruit, Amber

Normally Amber, as a main note in a fragrance, is associated with cooler weather fragrances, and heavier scents. It is incredible that when mixed with Mandarin and Passion Fruit, it smooths out the fruity notes, instead of adding warmth. This is definitely the perfect combination for a citrus fragrance. Love!

With all of the above average temperatures we are experiencing this summer, Hermes Eau de Mandarine Ambree eau de cologne is perfect to wear right now, and through the summer months. Everyday has been above ninety degrees, and this fragrance has been refreshing, clean, and downright perfect. I am looking forward to wearing Eau de Mandarin Ambree by Hermes for the remainder of the summer.

I rate this fragrance five out of five stars!

You can find Hermes Eau de Mandarine Ambree eau de cologne online here and here.

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Korress Velvet Orris Violet White Pepper edt review

Kores Velvet Orris Violet White Pepper EDT

Pictured: c/o Korress Velvet Orris Violet White Pepper EDT

Korress Velvet Orris Violet White Pepper EDT is the new fruity floral fragrance from Korress. This warm, and velvety sweet scent offers a fresh, fruity top which cycles into a warm, floral heart and base. Love it!

Top Notes: Blackcurrent, Cranberry, White Peppercorn

Middle Notes: Bergamot, Orange Blossom, Caviar

Base Notes: Orris Wood, Dry Amber, Musk, Patchouli, Cashmere Wood

It is rare to find a complex fragrance which is formulated correctly. Korress Velvet Orris Violet White Peppers edt is both complex, and beautiful. It offers a fruity top which is laced in a slight, powdery scent. As the day progresses, Korress Velvet Orris Violet White Powder edt cycles through fruity, floral, and woody scents. At the end of the day, the warm, woody base creates a blanket of warmth which is soothing, smooth, and rich.

Although the eau de toilette is beautiful on it’s own, Korress also offers a shower gel, and a creamy body milk to both complement, and layer the Velvet Orris Violet White Pepper scent.

The overall fragrance experience from Korress Velvet Orris Violet White Pepper edt is medium strength. This scent can easily be worn to the office, the theater, dinner, and casual, weekend activities. It is an easy to wear, everyday fragrance.

The ingredients are natural too! I love knowing that when I spray on a Korres edt, the liquid being absorbed into my skin is made from natural ingredients. After all, who wants their skin absorbing chemicals? Not me!

I am looking forward to wearing this fragrance throughout the year. The combination of fruits, florals, and a woody base, makes Koress Velvet Orris Violet White Pepper edt transcend season. Love that!

You can find the eau de toilette online here. The shower gel is online here, and the body milk can be found here.