Top 5: Eye Creams

A longtime in the making, I finally bring you my Top 5 favorite eye creams that I've discovered over the last few years. These are my holy grail, for lack of a better phrase, eye creams that I like to use to brighten, depuff, add moisture, and apply under makeup. 

Even though eye creams can be a bit of a controversial topic, I hope you enjoy the video and be sure to let me know blow in the comments what your favorite eye creams are! 

And of course, there are definitely more than 5 eye creams mentioned in the video :)

Be sure to like and subscribe to see more!

Love, 

Claire

Best of 2015: Makeup

Another year has passed and even though I haven't really been active on either my YouTube channel or this blog, I have of course accumulated another pile of makeup that I think is worth the mention. After much speculative review and testing, these are the products that have made it into my Best of 2015: Makeup video. I hope you guys enjoy and be sure to be on the lookout for the Hair & Body edition as well as my personal favorite, skincare. 

Also, be sure to subscribe to both the blog and YouTube channel if you enjoy these videos! 

Love, 

Claire

R&D: Kiehl's BB Cream

Another foundation review and demo! Spoiler Alert! I have already totally finished and loved this product! Truth is, I filmed this video at the end of the summer/beginning of fall and finally got around to editing the footage. However, I continued to use the Kiehl's BB Cream for the rest of fall and into the harsher winter months. Even though I live in a relatively temperate environment (San Francisco), my skin does change dramatically with the seasons.

Check out the video to see the demo of the BB Cream and the rest of my thoughts on this new favorite of mine. 

Overall, two thumbs up - especially with the skincare benefits I saw with consistent use of the Kiehl's BB Cream. Biggest complaint is the shade selection! 

I hope you guys enjoyed the video. Please let me know if you have tried the Kiehl's BB Cream and what your thoughts are :)

Love,
Claire

Evening Skincare Routine

As a natural follow up to my morning skincare routine, I bring you my evening skincare routine. The video explains and shows you how I remove my makeup after a long day of work, cleanse, and nourish my skin. My skincare routine is very important to maintaining the health of my skin. Since my skin is so sensitive and acne-prone, if I skip even one night.morning of my routine, my skin will show it, via a break out or increased discoloration. Make sure to leave a comment telling me your favorite skincare products below! I hope you enjoy the video!

Products Mentioned:

Bobbi Brown Cleansing Oil

Elemis Tri Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash

Mario Basdescu Glycolic Grapefruit Lotion 

Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, & Rosewater

The Balm Pomegranate Restorative Facial Serum

Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturizer

Pai Rosehip Bioregenerate

Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado

Nuxe Reve de Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm

Thanks for watching!

Claire

2013 Favorites: Hair, Body, & Tools

Finally, the last installment of my overdue 2013 Favorites featuring haircare, body care, and tools (including brushes). There were a surprisingly large amount of items in this category, and many extremes (i.e. mentions of Bath & Body Works items while also Oribe). I've found myself over the last year really getting into makeup brushes and starting to appreciate the art of a well manufactured brush and that affects it can have on your makeup application. I've even already made a few more brush investments in 2014 that I'm excited to share and review! Let me know what you think of the video in the comments below and I hope you enjoy!

Products Mentioned

Korres Body Butter Guava

Origins Ginger Souffle Whipped Body Cream

Origins Ginger Burst Savory Body Wash

Bath & Body Works Cashmere Glow Shower Gel

Bath & Body Works True Blue Spa Malibu Smooth Body Scrub

Kiehl's Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Body Polish

L'Occitane Almond Delicious Hand Cream

Beauty Blender

Real Techniques Buffing Brush

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

Real Techniques Contour Brush

Real Techniques Multi Task Brush

Real Techniques Stippling Brush

Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush

Sephora Classic Mineral Powder Brush #45

Sephora Pro Flawless Airbrush #56

Sigma F80 Flat Kabuki

Sonia Kashuk Domed Blusher Brush No. 29

Sonia Kashuk Blusher Brush No. 2

MAC 150 Large Powder Brush

MAC 109 Small Contour Brush

Kevyn Aucoin Concealer Brush

Bobbi Brown Ultrafine Eye Liner Brush

MAC 217 Blending Brush

MAC 219 Pencil Brush

MAC 286 Duo Fibre Blending Brush

MAC 239 Eye Shading Brush

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

Living Proof Flex Shaping Hairspray

Love,
Claire

2013 Favorites: Skincare

2013 Favorites or not the following products below that I talk about in the video linked are all time favorites. These are the products that really stood out to me over 2013. In truth, I would have very much like to have uploaded this video when it was filmed in January, but due to life, moving, surgeries, and an inability to handle my sh*t, I bring you the second installment of my 2013 favorites today! I definitely felt as this was still relevant and quality content and I certainly hope you guys enjoy!

Products Mentioned:

Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water

Lancome "Eau Fraiche Douceur" Micellar Cleansing Water

Clarins Instant Eye Makeup Remover

Bobbi Brown Soothing Cleansing Oil

Shiseido Facial Cotton

Clarins One Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser

Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Face Polish

Origins Modern Friction

Alpha-H Liquid Gold

Kiehl's Over-Night Biological Peel

Mario Badescu Glycolic Grapefruit Cleansing Lotion

Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs & Rosewater

Kiehl's Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free Toner

Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Serum

Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skin Tone Illuminator

Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster

NUDE Radiant Day Moisturizer

PCA Skin Clearskin

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate

Pai Rosehip Bioregenerate

Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Eye Cream

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye

Clarins UV Plus HP Multi-Protection Day Screen SPF 40
Shiseido Sun Protection Eye Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 34
Kiehl's Acne Blemish Control Skin-Clearing Treatment
Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask
Mario Basdescu Healing & Soothing Mask
GLAMGLOW SUPER-MUD Clearing Treatment
Skin 79 Rose Moisture Mask
KORRES Lip Butter Guava
BY TERRY Baume de Rose

Love,
Claire

Favorites: January to Mid-March 2014

After months of no posts, I am back with the hopes of consistent blogging and video making. After having surgery and moving house, life got the best of me and took me away from one of my favorite hobbies. Today I bring you the products I've been enjoying as of late. Old favorites and a few new loves grace the screen in the video linked below. I hope you enjoy!

Products Mentioned
Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum
Aesop Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Facial Toner
Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye
Liole Triple The Solution BB Cream
Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Color Soft Iris
MAC 168 Large Angled Contour Brush
OPI My Very First Knockwurst

Love,
Claire

Review: Kiehl's Over-Night Biological Peel

Peels and chemical exfoliators have become my new favorite obsession. During the winter months, as an answer to dry and flakey patches that are caused by the overuse of heaters and the bitter cold, exfoliators brighten my skin and eliminate those dull and dry patches. In addition to addressing the dullness, chemical exfoliation also helps tame breakouts and lesson blackheads (a problem I have around my chin). 

Kiehl's Over-Night Biological Peel is a gentle chemical peel that on my skin, doesn't tingle at all. So if you have always been weary of trying a chemical peel, I strongly suggest this one. The yellow, light-weight cream is applied in the evening after cleansing, and replacing all your other skincare steps. Containing Urea, a naturally existing enzyme on the surface of the skin, dissolves and loosens the outer layer of the skin. In the morning you simply cleanse normally, ensuring that any leftover peel has been washed away. After the first use you will see immediate results, and after consistent use (1-2 times a week) you'll see a noticeable difference in the texture and quality of your skin. If you've ever been interested in trying a peel, or are like me and peels are one of your favorites skincare pastimes, check out the Kiehl's Over-Night Biological Peel.

Empties: December 2013

Surprisingly enough, even with a broken wrist, my obsession with beauty products doesn't falter. Products I'm sad to see go are my MAC Cremesheen Glass in Just Superb and my sample of the Jo Malone Blackberry and Bay Body Creme. I did also include the candles I burned through this month. Hope you enjoy and be sure to watch the video below!

Products Mentioned:

A! Absolute! Makeup Cleansing Tissues Green Tea*

Shiseido Facial Cotton*

Julep Acetone Free Conditioning Nail Polish Remover

Bath & Body Works Gentle Foaming Hand Soap Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin*

Kiehl's Simply Mahvelous Legs Shave Cream

L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelette

Soap & Glory The Scrub of Your Life*

100% Pure Organic Flax Seed Cleansing Oil

MAC Mineralize Charged Water Cleanser

Boots Expert Sensitive Hydrating Eye Cream

LUSH Brazened Honey Fresh Face Mask*
Joico K-Pak Deep Penetrating Reconstructor*
Beauty Addicts Show Off Mascara
MAC Cremesheen Glass Just Superb*

Travel/Sample Sizes:

L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream (x4)*

Soap & Glory Righteous Butter*

Love + Toast Clementine Crush Body Lotion

Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay Body Creme*

L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil*

Babor Cleansing HY-OL

Babor Phytoactive Base

Murad Time Release Acne Cleanser*

Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash*

Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water*

Murad Resurgence Age Balancing Night Cream

Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 40

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair*

Nuxe Creme Fraiche Masque*
Bumble & Bumble Thickening Conditioner
Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo*
Sachajuan Color Save Conditioner
Tresemme Tres Two Hair Spray*
Sebastian Shaper Fierce Hair Spray
John Frieda Frizz Ease Take Charge Curl Boosting Mousse
Redken Outshine 01 Anti-Frizz Polishing Milk*
Tom Ford Violet Blonde Eau de Parfum*
Paco Rabanne Lady Million Eau de Parfum*
Thierry Mugler Alien Eau de Parfum*
Escada Cherry In The Air Eau de Parfum*
Kiehl's Nashi Blossom & Pink Grapefruit Aromatic Blend*
Marc Jacobs Genius Gel Super-Charged Foundation
Marc Jacobs Remedy Concealer Pen*
Benefit The POREfessional*
Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Foundation Primer
bareMinerals Stroke of Light Eye Brightener*
Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint*
Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer
Lancome Hypnose Star Mascara*

Candles:

White Barn Flannel (discontinued/seasonal)*

Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin*

* = I would repurchase

Love,
Claire

Empties: October 2013

Even though it's almost December I still thought I would share my October Empties. Ones I will miss are the Kiehl's Magic Elixer and the NUDE Day Moisturizer. These are definite repurchases down the line. As a product junkie, I've always got plenty of backups and more fun products to try. But every once in a while I come back to my tried and true products. I hope you enjoy the video linked below!

Products Mentioned:

the Balm En Root Moisturize My Hair Conditioner

Kiehl's Magic Elixer Hair Restructuring Concentrate with Rosemary Leaf & Avocado Oils*

LUSH Whoosh Shower Jelly*

Shiseido Facial Cotton*
Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S. Thirst Quenching Serum*
Origins Clean Energy*
Butter London Acetone Free Lacquer Remover Pumpkin Warrior (discontinued)
Butter London Acetone Free Lacquer Remover Branwen's Berries (discontinued)
Boots No 7 Protect & Perfect Hand Cream SPF 15

Marc Jacobs Lola Eau de Parfum Purse Spray*
Origins Plantscription Anti-aging Concealer Light*

Travel Sizes/Deluxe Samples:

Alterna Bamboo Style Cleanse Extend Translucent Dry Shampoo

BVLGARI Eau Parfumee White Tea Shampoo & Shower Gel

Clarins Body Lift Cellulite Control

Shea Terra Organics Whipped Shea Butter Ultimate Moisturizing Body Creme Bourbon Vanilla*

Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water*
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Toner*
Ole Henrikson Truth Serum Vitamin C Collagen Booster*
Murad Clarifying Cleanser
NUDE Perfect Cleansing Oil Face & Eyes
NUDE Radiant Day Moisturizer*
Algenist Overnight Restorative Cream*

Samples:

NARS Makeup Removing Water
Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Serum*
Chanel Le Blanc Brightening Moisturizing Cream

NEST Midnight Fleur Eau de Parfum*
bareMinerals Prime Time Eyelid Primer*
Urban Decay Big Fatty Mascara*
Dior Hydra Life BB Eye Creme*
Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch*

Hope you enjoyed!

Claire

Empties: September 2013

As usual, my empties video is over 20 minutes long! Over the past month I came to the completion of more makeup items than ever before! Make sure to watch the video linked below to see mini reviews of all the products I finished up over the month of September. Many favorites went into the recycle bin, but of course there were many that I will never purchase again.

Products Mentioned:

Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap Malibu Citrus (discontinued)*

Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap Pacific Blue (discontinued)*

Butter London Acetone Free Lacquer Remover Sergeant Peppermint (discontinued)*

Pureology Hydrate Shampoo & Conditioner*
Kiehl's Extra Strength Conditioning Rinse for Dry or Damaged Hair*
LUSH Jasmine & Henna Fluff Eaze Hair Treatment*
Origins Ginger Souffle Whipped Body Cream*
Lush Sympathy for the Skin Hand & Body Lotion*
Thymes Garden Alchemy Rosemary Sage Shower Gel
REN Guerande Salt Exfoliating Body Balm*
Origins Ginger Float Cream Bubble Bath*
Bioderma Crealine H2O Micelle Solution*
Lumene Sensitive Touch Gentle Cleansing Wipes
Chanel Lift Lumiere Firming & Smoothing Fluid Makeup SPF 15*
MAC Studio Careblend Pressed Powder Light*
Boscia Skin Perfecting Primer (discontinued)
Stila Lip Glaze Fantasy (discontinued)*
Maybeline Eye Studio Master Precise Ink Pen Eyeliner Black
MAC False Lashes Extreme Black*
Buxom Lash
CoverGirl LashBlast Fusion Mascara

Travel/Sample Sizes:

L'Occitane Aromachologie Soothing Shampoo*
Tresemme Moisture Rich, Vitamin E Conditioner for Dry or Damaged Hair
Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Heat Protect Spray
Oscar Blandi Pronto Texture & Volume Spray
Orofluido Elixer*
Shikai Borage Therapy Advanced Formula Fragrance Free
Grecian Oil Body Lotion (x4)
Kiehl's Nashi Blossom & Pink Grapefruit Hand & Body Lotion*
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Usage Dry Oil*
Peter Thomas Roth Mega-Rich Body Lotion
Origins Blade Runner Energizing Shave Cream*
Kiehl's Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Body Polish*
Evian Mineral Water Spray To Go*
Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Vitamin C Collagen Booster*
Perricone MD Blue Plasma*
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser (x2)*
Dior Instant Gentle Cleansing Oil
bareMinerals Active Cell Renewal Night Serum*
Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Cottonseed*
Bliss Triple Oxygen + C Energizing Cream*
Alpha-H Daily Essential Moisturiser SPF 50+*

Lancome Bienfait Multi-Vital SPF 30 High-Potency Vitamin Enriched Daily Moisturizing Cream*

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye*

Lancome La Base Pro Perfecting Makeup Primer

Too Faced Shadow Insurance*

Paco Rabanne Lady Million Eau de Parfum Spray*

* = I would repurchase

Hope you enjoy!

Favorites: September 2013

Today I bring you an incredibly late September Favorites. Regardless of the of the upload date, these products are all worth the attention. In the last year I've found myself being more interested and experimental with hair styling products. I continue to gravitate towards a minimalist routine and look, but I like to find that perfect combination of hairsprays, oils, and volumizers to give my hair that sexy, tousled, and effortless hair. Two high end products are worth discussion, one by Living Proof and the other, Bumble & Bumble.

In addition to some hair care finds, there are a few new additions to my skincare routine that are worth the mention. As my last review suggests, I am still loving the Mario Badescu Keratoplast Cleansing Lotion along with the accompanying face wash. Both amazing products for delicate, dry, and reddened skin (whether by couperose or rosacea). Definitely make sure to watch the video to get lengthier descriptions of all the products I was loving over the month of September!

Products Mentioned

Living Proof Flex Shaping Spray

Bumble & bumble Prep

Marc Jacobs Lola Eau de Parfum

Mario Badescu Keratoplast Cleansing Lotion

Mario Badescu Keratoplast Cream Soap

NUDE Skincare Radiant Day Moisturiser

Kiehl's Acne Blemish Control Skin-Clearing Treatment

MAC Lip Conditioner

Pixi Line Relax Serum

Pixi Tint & Conceal

Jouer Mineral Powder Blush Rose

Hope you enjoyed!

Love,
Claire

Review: Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate

It's time I talk about one of my favorite nighttime serums, Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate. I only have good things to say about this magical little potion! Over extended use (about 3 months) I have seen drastic improvements in the texture of my skin, the fading of my scars, and the minimization of breakouts. My overall skin health has changed for the better with the consistent use of this lightweight essential oil blend. 

Because of the higher price tag of this item, I was sure to get plenty of samples from Kiehl's before diving in and making the plunge (Kiehl's is the best at giving free samples). With the improvement of my skin's texture, my makeup application is not only smoother, but also lasts longer. 

Every night, after cleansing and toning, I like to create a concoction of different serums before my moisturizer. My serum choices are based on my skin's condition and the issues I want to address that particular evening. Regardless of the combination I chose, Kiehl's midnight recovery concentrate is always included. Not only does it blend beautifully with all sorts of other serums, but it's a product that has quickly become a holy grail item.

Definitely run to your local Kiehl's and get a sample of this amazing elixir. 

Also note, this magic-in-a-bottle is paraben free!

Hope you enjoyed,
Claire

Review: Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque

As you can tell, I'm obsessed with face masks. I'm constantly trying them out and I love to discover new favorites. However, today I want to talk about one that I've been in love with for over a year now and I've only mentioned it in a favorites video a while back. The Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Mask is my go-to "my-skin-is-clogged" treatment. 

In my review for the Lush, The Sacred Truth Fresh Face Mask, I mentioned a similar mask that I felt was superior; well this is the one. Simply put this is a great clay-based mask that is perfect for drawing out the impurities and dirt from your pores. It's great to use once a week to keep breakouts at bay and then every other night when the skin is in a panic-mode. 

I definitely recommend this mask for all akin types, even sensitive and irritable skin, this is the perfect cleansing mask that will not over-dry the skin but will skin combat those pesky zits. Do note that the packaging above is an older, special edition one that came out for Earth Day last year. Let me know if you guys have ever tried this mask and what you think!

Hope you enjoyed!

Love, 

Claire