I thought it would be fun to start a new series of “What I am using;” admittedly it’s because I have a backlog of products and it’s impossible for me to do an individual post on each one, while still doing my full time job thing, and making my cosplay on the side. I’m focusing on hair products and skincare because truthfully, it’s hard to come up with 500 words to talk about them and hard to describe them in pictures. Moisturizers look like bird poop 9/10 times, amirite?!
And yes, that is a Dobby in there because a) who doesn’t love a Dobby and b) I just got sorted into House Thunderbird on Pottermore and c) Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Part 1 is out in 30 days!
John Frieda Luxurious Volume Forever Full All-Day Hold Hairspray (~$10 CAD): John Frieda redesigned their packaging; I’ve used products from their Luxurious Volume line in the past and it did make my hair extra poofy. I’ve been using this hairpsray on my roots and side bang for an extra boost. The hairspray smells pretty good and doesn’t make my hair feel oily, even when I don’t wash it.
Rene Furterer Lumicia Illuminating Shine Shampoo: This is my first time using this brand; I received this in my gift bag during a Klorane/Avene press event! The shampoo contains two key ingredients I haven’t heard of: fioravanti alcoholate; an alcohol blend that is created by macerating 11 plants. It tightens the hair cuticle and prevents particles from building up along the hair fibre, and Acerola vinegar; a cherry that originates from Chile. Acerola is rich in vitamin C and fruit acids. The vinegar’s pH smoothes the hair cuticle and also “neutralize limescale along the hair fiber for maximum shine.” My hair tends to look smooth and shiny if I blowdry it after shampoo/conditioner, so I can’t tell if the shampoo is doing its job, but it does remove the greasy feeling in my hair. The packaging is TERRIBLE by the way, the plastic cap is very hard to lift off and I broke a nail in the process.
Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo: I’ve only tried the dry shampoo and the Bombshell Blowout Spray and my hair LOVES it. This is my second mini dry shampoo; I got one in a previous Birchbox and got another one when I purchased a dry shampoo sampler from Sephora. I can’t find this on Sephora online and no idea where to buy it in stores! Even the mini bottle lasts me for a couple of months. The dry shampoo contains Sea Buckthorn Berry and it does have a juicy berry scent when spritzed into the hair. I don’t get a white cast and makes my two day old hair look clean.
Avene High Protection Emulsion SPF 50 ($25 CAD): One of the sunscreens for the face I will bring with me while travelling (especially San Diego!) This sunscreen is water resistant, very light, has no greasy finish, and leaves skin matte looking. This is suited for hypoallergenic skin and does not clog pores. The best part is probably the pump feature so you will never get too much or too little sunscreen. Since this is 50mL, it’s airplane friendly too! 🙂 One minor inconvenience; sometimes the sunscreen curdles when I use it (normally right after my moisturizer) so I have to pat it in gently and not rub it too much.
Clinique Pep-Start Eye Cream ($31 CAD): I use this one before applying concealer; I don’t notice much difference in reliving my puffy eyes but I could swear my eye circles look slightly less dull and the skin feels hydrated. Plus it makes my concealer look better and apply more evenly. It contains seven peptides and helps stimulate collagen production. The packaging is great too; comes in an orange tube with a ball tip. To use; pull the ball tip up and squeeze the tube gently and then slowly massage it into the under eye.
A-Derma Dermalibour + Repairing Cream ($18 CAD): Do not mistaken this cream for a face/body moisturizer. It’s thick and goopy but if you have elbows or dry patches that are flakier than bread, this is the bomb! The cream is one of the heaviest lotions I’ve tried and you got to rub/pat it out for a while to to get maximum absorption. But after you can practically hear your skin singing songs of praise. Once in a while my neck gets super itchy and I scratch it until I see some broken blood vessels and I’m like nooo, got to resist the itch! I started using this cream from A-Derma,wich contains copper-zinc, is a lifesaver for your dry and sensitive skin situations. Even babies can use this stuff.
I’m also using a few accessories that I’ve stowed away for a while, as in “I forgot I had this but I will use it now!” My mom found my House of Harlow 1960 Sunburst Necklace in a hand bag I lent her so I’ve been wearing it along with my navy or olive green outfits. And prepare to see some new outfit posts with my Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mab Tote! If you notice that I have been doing more fashion posts lately, it is because I do have some exciting collaborations with lifestyle and fashion brands lately- please let me know if you like or don’t like!
Happy Canada Day!
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