Review: Laneige HydroGel and Hydro Essence*

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During the hotter months, I like to change up my skincare by going for lighter-weight products that are gel-like in consistency and cooling. Introducing the Water Bank Hydro Essence ($51 cad /70mL) that you use in conjunction with the hydro gel (below). This is targeted for those with dryness, dullness, oiliness and uneven texture. It is a very lightweight serum that quickly absorbs into the skin and helps boost hydration and prevent water loss. It contains their Green Mineral Water which is extracted from kale, watercress and beet which brings a refreshing texture and instantly absorbs into the skin. It also does not contain parabens and phthalates. 

  Next, we have the Water Bank Hydro Gel ($50 cad /50mL cad) a cooling, non-oily gel moisturizer that is packed with antioxidants and hyaluronic acid that helps to hydrate the skin and bring moisture back to it without leaving a heavy layer or feeling on the skin after. This is good for people with oily, combo or normal skin and helps to combat dullness and unevenness. It is also created without parabens and phthalates and contains the amazing Green Mineral Water as in the essence above.

A very important thing to note is that it is essential to keep the skin hydrated even when your skin is oily and sweating in the summer months. Do not make the same mistake as I did in my younger years by thinking that because my skin is so oily that I could refrain from applying moisturizer as it would regulate my oil control. That is a big no-no. In fact it does the opposite, stripping and depriving your skin of its required hydration and moisture would actually cause the skin to create even more oils to help regulate moisture and create that protection which is the opposite of what anyone really wants. 

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I have been a user of Laneige skincare items for years and continue to include them in my skincare routine! These are must-trys :) 

Until next time, XO - M.

*products were sent for my consideration, all opinions are my own.

Review & Swatch: Zoya - Dreamin' Collection (Summer 2021)*

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Zoya's Summer 2021 collection, Dreamin' includes 6 polishes in a variety of formulations including cream, metallic and a neon matte. 

Desi - vibrant geranium coral (cream)
Polly - fruit-punch pink (cream)
Darla - Gerber Diasy pink (cream)
Skipper - milky purple neon (dries matte but apply a top coat to make it glossy)
Mateo - cool-toned pacific blue (cream)
Summer - blue mermaid shimmer with green/gold reflect

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Of the shades that are sent, the ones I am gravitating to are Desi, Skipper, Mateo and Summer - what about you? I'd love to hear from you!

Until next time, XO - M.

*products were sent to me for consideration, all opinions are my own.


Review & Swatch: Zoya - EasyNeon Collection*

https://www.zoya.com/content/category/Zoya-EasyNeon-Collection-2021-Nail-Polish.html

I was recently sent the Zoya EasyNeon Collection and its fun and vibrant colors make it perfect for summer! It comes with six shades total and the below swatches are one with two coats. The brush for this polish is their z-wide brush which makes application even more effortless! My go-to colors here are Janie, Zelda and Oakley, what are some of your favorites?

https://www.zoya.com/content/category/Zoya-EasyNeon-Collection-2021-Nail-Polish.html

Until next time, XO - M.

*products were sent for my consideration, all opinions are my own

Review: My acne skincare routine*

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It will come as no surprise that this past year and a half has been unchartered territory - with that came alot of stress that really took a toll on my skin. For those who know me, know that I was fortunate enough to not have much issues with acne in the past. I would get a few hormonal pimples here and there, but never to the degree that I got it the past year. I had flare-ups all the time, some angry and cystic, and some that left some scarring on my face. It took me a long time to find a skincare routine that worked for keeping my pimples at bay and I thought that it's about time I shared it with you after I have been using these products above for the past few months+. 

To summarize, I have oily combination skin and products I have been trying out varies in price ranges. So if you're interested in reading more about it, then click on the link below.

Review & Swatch: Zoya - Darling (Spring 2021)*

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I was sent the Spring 2021 Darling Collection for review and I have them all swatched for you below. This collection features 6 polishes all in a cream finish in a combination spring pastel tones with one vibrant pop of hot pink.

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Swatch shade descriptions:
Mara - nude 
Val - pastel grey blue
Kayleigh - pastel light grey
Ella - coral
Tweedy - true bold pink
Joyce - bright pink

Of the shades, my favourite would be Mara, Kayleigh and Joyce - what about you? 

Until next time, XO - M.

*products were sent to me for consideration, all opinions are my own

Review & Swatch: OPI - Hollywood (Spring 2021)*

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The Spring 2021 OPI Collection has launched which features 12 shades in total - I was sent 6 of them and I thought that I would swatch them for you so you can get a taste of how this collection is! The theme is centered around Hollywood and all their names as usual coordinate with them.

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From left to right top down we have:
Bee-hind the Scenes - pastel yellow (cream)
Movie Buff - pale pink (cream)
Suzi Calls the Paparazzi - rose-toned pink (cream)
I'm an Extra - pale terracotta (cream)
Hollywood & Vibe - vibrant pastel pink (cream)
Destined to be a Legend - pastel grey blue (cream)

The other 6 in the collection include:
I'm Really an Actress - Red with Red and Gold Glitter (Metallic)
Oh You Sing, Dance, Act and Produce? - cornflower blue (cream)
Rated Pea-G? - rich emerald green (cream)
15 Minutes of Flame - fuchsia (metallic)
Award for Best Nail goes to .... - rich navy blue (cream)
Emmy, have you seen Oscar? - bright red (cream)

The other 6 are much brighter and rich shades to balance out the pastel spring hues of the ones I was sent. There truly is something for everything, and I am sure you will find something that suits you! The formula is solid, I would not expect anything less from OPI - all swatches are done with two coats of polish.

Until next time, XO - M.

*products were sent for consideration, all opinions are my own.

Review & Swatch: Guerlain - KISSKISS Tender Matte Lipsticks*

 

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Guerlain has recently launched their brand new matte lipsticks that feel luscious and comfortable - KISSKISS TENDER MATTE, available in 15 shades and retails for $48 each (price subject to vary from vendor to vendor). The lipsticks are housed in a chic and sleek glossy black component that has a beautiful weight to it. Everything from the formulation to the packaging screams luxury and I LOVEEEE it!! 

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Below are the three shades that I have received and have swatched both on the arm and on my lips for you to see how they are. 

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Of the three shades sent, my favorite would have to be 775 a true red followed by 940, the cherry red which is a shade darker. These lipsticks truly glide on effortlessly and they are all comfortable on the lip, non-drying, and is pigmented - one swipe is all it took!

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What are your thoughts on these lippies? I already checked the Sephora site and some shades are already sold out, so really go and buy yourself at least one .. or MORE to try out!

Until next time, XO - M.

*products were sent to me for consideration, all opinions are my own.