My Top 5 Favourite Mascaras

Welcome back lovely people!
Today's post is a little different than my usual content but I decided to upload it anyway because what the heck, why not?!  I am going to take you all through my top 5 ultimate favourite mascaras!  These are the best of the best in my opinion; some of which are great on their own, others look fantastic paired together.  Keep in mind, these products are what works best for me and my own lashes.  Everyone has different preferences when it comes to mascara, as well, everyone has different lashes.  I am very appreciative of the lashes that I have naturally.  Aside from genetics, I must give credit to the DIY Lash Growth Serum that I put on my lashes every night.  I did a whole separate blog post about that so if you want to check it out (why wouldn't you!?), click here!  Now that that is all said and done, onto the mascaras.... (in no particular order)

  1. Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara in Very Black
I mean let's be honest here, if you or someone you know has not owned this mascara at some point in time, then you're doing it all wrong.  This is my go-to base mascara meaning, I love to start off my mascara routine with this baby.  It won't give you crazy length or crazy volume, but it is absolutely fantastic at separating the lashes in between coats.  Decent-sized brush that has little rubber spikes coming out of it so if rubber brushes aren't your thing, then you may want to pass on this one.  The spikes on this wand don't hurt your eyes like other spiked-wands.  The spikes taper down ever so slightly towards the end of the brush and the tip is completely flat.  This baby is great once you first open it and eventually (once it starts to dry out a bit) you will be able to tell once it's time to get a new one.  Wear it alone for a more natural look OR use it as a base to other more dramatic mascaras like I do!  The mascara comes in four shades (black, black brown, brown, and very black) and runs anywhere from 5-8 bucks depending on where you shop (can be found at most if not all drugstores)!







2. L'Oréal Telescopic Carbon Black Mascara in Carbon Black
Another oldie but a goodie.  I'm sure you've all tried or at least seen the original gold-tube of this mascara... Well, the black tube is even better!  This is going to be your go-to lengthening mascara, and when I say lengthening, I mean it will give you length hunny!  I prefer the one if the black tube as it is more intense than the original (but that is obviously a personal preference).  This is definitely a more wet-formula so if you're more of a dry mascara kinda person, then you may wanna skip out on this one.  Similar to the Covergirl mascara mentioned above, this mascara comes with a rubber wand with teeny-tiny spikes that again do not hurt or irritate the eye.  The tip comes to a nice point which can coat the inner lashes very nicely and because the wand is so small, you can get right up close to that lash line and almost give a tight-lined effect to your lashes.  Definitely a great follow-up to the Covergirl mascara since this one won't really add much volume but will give you some serious length.  Price ranges anywhere from 9-12 bucks depending on which stores you shop at and the deals that they have that week!






3. Essence I Love Extreme Crazy Volume Mascara in Black
The cheapest of the bunch but really packs a real punch!  You've probably passed by this section of the drugstore a couple times and thought nothing of it but this mascara is a must try for anyone looking for a bold, dramatic look that is volumized & lengthened!  This mascara will run you anywhere from 3-5 bucks at most drugstores and is sort of a hybrid of the Covergirl and L'Oreal mascaras listed above.  This is a thicker formula and actually needs some scraping off during the first couple uses, however, it gives such a crazy amount of volume that I can look past it.  Comes with a very large brush with rubberized spikes (can we see a trend here with my mascara preferences?) and the tip of the wand is sort of like a ball with spikes, similar to the Benefit They're Real mascara.  Forewarning though with this mascara: after 2 coats it does start to clump up but in no way do you need more than 2 coats (1 is sometimes more than enough for me).  Again, pair it up with the two other mascaras listed above and you've got some dramatic af lashes to hit up the town!






4. Estee Lauder Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara in Black
Okay before you kill me for including this crazy expensive mascara in this list, hear me out.  I've never been one to spend crazy amounts of money on mascara especially because if you're using them everyday, you'll eventually have to re-purchase another tube after 3-ish months.  However, this mascara is definitely worth the $27-30 price tag!  I would say this mascara is the Covergirl, L'Oreal, and Essence mascaras combined into one.  The medium sized wand has a bristle-brush applicator (a change from all the rubber) and tapers similar to that of a tree shape.  This mascara adds a ton of volume as well as length and is super black (also comes in a brown shade if that is more up your alley).  I love pairing this mascara with the L'Oreal one for some bombshell looking lashes for nighttime or using it alone for a dramatically natural looking lash (if that makes sense lol).  Personally my lashes are able to hold a curl very well, but I find this mascara definitely keeps that curl in place all day with no flaking!! That is one thing I forgot to mention, none of these mascaras flake on my eyes.  Granted I don't have the most sensitive or watery eyes (I don't wear contacts either), but it's still something worth mentioning.  Get out to an Estee Lauder counter and ask for a sample and see for yourself how great this mascara is!





5. Mac Extended Play Gigablack Lash in Intense Black

This last mascara is definitely different from the other four because it is my go-to lower lash mascara (the other four can be worn on the lower lashes too, I just prefer this one for that job)!  This mascara is comparable in size to the L'Oreal mascara, the only difference is the brush.  Here we are dealing with a long, skinny wand with a bristle-brush applicator much like traditional mascara wands except a lot skinnier (as opposed to the big rubber applicators).  This mascara has a really wet-formula and is super black in colour and claims to be a waterproof formula that can last up to 16 hours.  I for one have not tested that type of longevity before (because who the heck wants mascara on for that long anyway!?), but it does last your average 8 hour day.  Because the wand/brush is so skinny and small, it is perfect for those smaller lower lashes as well as the tight-line of your upper lashes if that's what you are using it for.  This baby will cost you 20 bucks in the Mac stores or at the Mac counters and doesn't dry out as fast as other mascaras.  Has a slight funky smell, but don't all mascaras have a weirdly unique smell to them? I will warn you though, the applicator is a little more stiff (nothing crazy) than the rest of the mascaras so go nice and easy on the eye area.            

Stay tuned for my next blog post and take care,

Glynn  

"Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle."

Napoleon Hill

Banish Acne Scars: Vitamin C Beauty Elixir

Welcome back lovely people!

I hope you're all enjoying the final days of Autumn and looking forward to the cold Winter months which are right around the corner!  Similar to the pumpkin scents that were being released a couple months ago, we now see tons of peppermint scents being released.  One product in particular, which isn't marketed as a "Christmas" scent but reminds me of Christmas because of it's peppermint scent, is the Vitamin C Beauty Elixir from Banish Acne Scars' website!  According to the Banish Acne Scars website, the Vitamin C Beauty Elixir "calms and reduces redness, reduces acne breakouts, prevents dark spots from forming and helps scar healing."  So in other words, this seems to be a "miracle in a bottle" type of product.  Is it really a miracle in a bottle?  Keep reading to find out..

 After using the product for about a month, I would say that it's probably my favourite "toner-type" product.  It is obviously not marketed as a toner (because it's called an Elixir), however, I think it does the same thing as a toner but better!  It doesn't over-dry my skin like most toners but it is able to balance the pH in my skin without stripping too much moisture away.  It definitely tightens up my pores and calms the redness in my skin but in terms of helping to fade my acne scars it's hard to say.  Since I am using so many other Banish Acne Scars skincare products, it's hard to say which product is helping the most in fading my acne scars.  I will continue to use the elixir, as well as the Pumpkin Enzyme Masque, and of course my loved M roller + serum.  If you've tried other mists/toners and haven't been super impressed, I would definitely recommend giving this one a go!  There is a link at the bottom of this post that takes you to the website if you were interested in buying this product!  ALSO, if you do try it out, I would love to hear your thoughts on it in the comments below!

Ingredients:  Distilled Water, Aloe barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Leaf Juice, (Vaccinium Myrtillus (Organic Bilberry) Extract, Saccharum officinarum (Organic Sugar Cane) Extract, Acer Saccharinum (Organic Sugar Maple) Extract, Citrus auranium dulcis (Organic Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus medica limonum (Organic Lemon) Extract, Vaccinium macrocarpon (Organic Cranberry) Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Salix alba (Willow Bark) Extract, Polysorbate, Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Essential Oil, Tetrasodium EDTA, (May contain sodium bicarbonate and/or citric acid as pH adjusters).

So I'll just go over a quick Pros & Cons list:
Pros

• Refreshes the skin without over drying it
• Helps calm acne and visible redness
• Tightens up pores
• The spray of the actual product is very wide and even (not like other spray bottles which spray out in chunks -.-)

Cons

• $15 for a 1 oz bottle (I always put the prices of products in the "cons" list because it varies from person to person; some people may find this to be expensive whereas others may not).

Click here to purchase the Vitamin C Beauty Elixir from Banish Acne Scars!

Stay tuned for my next blog post and take care,

Glynn  

"Go big or go home. Because it's true. What do you have to lose?"

Eliza Dushku

Banish Acne Scars: Pumpkin Enzyme Masque

Welcome back beautiful people!

It's that time of year again when many stores start selling pumpkin flavoured products such as Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte, Tim Horton's Pumpkin Spice Muffin, Yankee Candle's Pumpkin Spiced Candle, and the list goes on and on and on.  One pumpkin flavoured product that is actually sold all year around is the Pumpkin Enzyme Masque from Banish Acne Scars!  The mask is a great anti-acne mask which contains lots of vitamins and enzymes to help smooth out the skin's texture while keeping the skin healthy!  Pumpkin contains natural ingredients that are great for getting rid of acne, and getting rid of scarring so if you're looking to get rid of any of the two, look no further!

This chart was taken directly from the Banish Acne Scars website and shows exactly what the Pumpkin Enzyme Masque contains and the benefits.

Vitamin A Great for healing skin!	Dries out acne Heals blemishes Promotes exfoliation of skin to prevent new acne from forming Essential Vitamin for healthy skin, hair and eyes Treats oily skin
Vitamin C & Beta-Carotene Antioxidant to protect skin so it can heal!	Reverses skin damage Binds with free radicals so they won't harm your fresh new skin cells Defends against cancer and damage from the sun Reduces fine lines and wrinkles Builds more collagen
Alpha Hydroxy Acids The natural exfoliator.	Slough off dead skin cells Lightens blemishes from hyper pigmentation or scarring Exfoliate skin to show off your healthy glowing skin underneath Keeps skin moisturized and heals any skin flaking
Zinc The immune system booster.	Anti-inflammatory Prevents scarring Helps heal damaged skin

Ingredients: Pumpkin Fruit, Organic Bilberry Fruit Extract, Organic Sugar Cane Extract, Organic Orange Peel Extract, Organic Lemon Peel Extract, Glycerin, Tetrasodium ETDA, Vitamin E, Phenoxyethanol, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Xanthan Gum, Vitamin C, Glycolic Acid, Neem Seed Oil, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Cinnamon Bark Powder, Ginger Root Powder, Nutmeg Powder.

Application Process:

1. Start with a clean face. 

• As with any face mask, you want to make sure you start off with a clean face.  If you plan on using this first thing in the morning, I'd suggest just wetting your face with water.  However, if you plan on doing this before bed, take off all your makeup or anything you have on your face with a gentle cleanser, wash off, and pat dry.
2. Apply.
• Application is super easy with this product!  You can use your clean fingers to take a toonie-sized amount and apply it all over your face.  You can also use a foundation brush to apply which is my preferred method because it is less messy that way.  I use my Real Techniques pointed foundation brush to apply a thin layer of the mask all over my face making sure to avoid the eye/eyebrow area.
3. The waiting game.
   
   • Now is the fun part.  Put on some Netflix, watch some YouTube videos, listen to music, read a book, etc., etc., etc.  Now's the time to do whatever you want while you wait for your mask to almost completely dry.  I usually leave mine on for 10 minutes.  You'll know when your mask is ready to be taken off when you notice it starting to flake off when you make certain facial expressions.  The colour and texture of the mask also changes which indicates that it's time to wash it off!
4. Wash off the mask to reveal cleansed and soothed skin.
• The best way to wash off this face mask is to apply lukewarm water to the skin and gently massage off.  You'll notice the first few massages won't get everything entirely off, this is normal.  Just keep applying water to your skin and eventually it will all rub off.  Once it's all off, simply pat dry with a clean towel.  Apply your favourite moisturizer if needed and you're good to go.

So I'll just go over a quick Pros & Cons list:

Pros

• All natural & organic.
• A little goes a long way.
• Lightens blemishes from hyper pigmentation or scarring.
• Dries out active acne which helps to heal blemishes.
• Gives a nice cooling sensation (if kept in the fridge) to the skin

Cons

• Heavily fragrant, so if the smell of pumpkin pie bothers you than this may not be the product for you.  I put this in the "cons" list because for some it may be considered a negative, whereas I personally don't mind the smell.
• Price point. Again, for some this may be an issue.  The product is $29.00 USD for 2 oz, although a little does go a long way, it is all based on personal budgets.

 

Click here to purchase the Pumpkin Enzyme Masque from Banish Acne Scars!

Stay tuned for my next blog post and take care,

 Glynn  

"I always tried to go a step past wherever people expected me to end up."

Beverly Sills

Rodan & Fields PROACTIV+ Review

Proactiv+ ... the good, the bad, AND the ugly.

Everything you want to know about Proactiv+ is going to be right here.  Unedited, 100% transparency, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Before I start, I want to preface by saying, Proactiv+ was not my idea, it was my mothers'.  The reason my mom suggested using Proactiv was because my older brother had used it in high school and it cleared up his skin right away. 

I also want to say that I am very aware of the damage that Benzol Peroxide has on the skin.  It is seen as a "quick fix" ingredient but causes a bunch of damage in the long run etc. etc. etc.  However, the actual Proactiv brand has been around for such a long time and with so many new products being created, they must be doing something right, right? 

I decided to buy the Proactiv+ 3-Step Set: the core Proactiv+ 3-Step Set features more medicine; a smarter way to target acne blemishes; plus an extraordinary range of added skincare benefits. (Taken from the Proactiv website).  This set includes 3 steps (obviously) which are the Skin Smoothing Exfoliator, the Pore Targeting Solution, and the Complexion Perfecting Hydrator.  The price of the system is $29.95 CAD and can be bought online or in kiosks that sell the brand.  There is also an option for a 30-day supply size or a 90-day supply size.  I bought the 30-day supply because I was simply testing out the products.  You also get to choose a free gift with your purchase and the gift I chose was the Skin Purifying Mask.

Step 1: Skin Smoothing Exfoliator

Directions

Prior to use, wash hands with non-medicated soap.  Apply twice daily or as directed by a doctor.  For best results, use twice daily, morning and night.  Treat the whole face.  Apply a small amount to dampened skin and gently massage with fingertips for 1 to 2 minutes.  Rinse thoroughly with warm water.  Follow with Step 2, Pore Targeting Solution and Step 3, Complexion Perfecting Hydrator.  If going outside, use broad spectrum SPF 15 or higher.  Fair-skinned individuals should begin with one application. For more severe cases, and/or if substantial improvement is not apparent within 3-4 weeks, consult a doctor.  

Claims

Mild cleanser thoroughly washes away pore-clogging impurities. Benzoyl peroxide (2.5%) kills the bacteria that cause acne. Gentle exfoliating beads plus glycolic acid renew skin’s surface, leave it feeling soft and supple. Handy flip-cap tube is ideal for sink or shower.

Ingredients

Active: Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5%. Inactive: Water, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Glycerin, Polyethylene, Lauryl/Myristyl Benzoate, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance.

Step 2: Pore Targeting Solution 

Directions

Prior to use, wash hands with non-medicated soap.  Apply twice daily or as directed by a doctor.  Cleanse skin thoroughly with Step 1, Skin Smoothing Exfoliator before applying the product.  Use 1-2 pumps and apply to entire face.  Do not rinse off.  When fully absorbed, follow with Step 3, Complexion Perfecting Hydrator.  Fair-skinned individuals should begin with one application. For more severe cases, and/or if substantial improvement is not apparent within 3-4 weeks, consult a doctor.  

Claims

This new, smarter way to fight acne features our exclusive encapsulated benzoyl peroxide with patented Smart Target™ technology designed to protect the skin’s surface as it delivers the medicine precisely into pores to kill acne-causing bacteria.

Ingredients

Active: Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5%. Inactive Ingredients: Water, Ethoxydiglycol, Glycerin, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Polysorbate 80, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Stearate, Carbomer, Potassium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance.

Step 3: Complexion Perfecting Hydrator

Directions

Apply to freshly cleansed skin morning and night.  Apply after Step 2, Pore Targeting Solution.  Using fingertips, apply generously to entire face.  Do not rinse off.

Claims

This luxurious, nutrient-rich finishing touch is designed to leave your skin smooth, supple, even-toned, bright and radiant. It delivers solutions to the most common problems of an acne-prone complexion. Salicylic acid (0.5%) acne medicine helps keep pores clear and looking smaller.

Ingredients

Active: Salicylic Acid 0.5%. Inactive: Water, Butylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Sodium Polyacrylate, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Sophora Angustifolia (Licorice) Root Extract, Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Extract, Kojic Acid, Zinc Gluconate, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Bisobolol, Allantoin, Squalane, Safflower Oil/Palm Oil Aminopropanediol Esters, C 12-15 Alkyl Lactate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycerin, Ethyhexyl Palmitate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, PPG-5-Laureth-5, Polyquaternium-11, Ceteareth-20, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Polysorbate 60, Hexylene Glycol, PPG-2 Myristyl Ether Propionate, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance.

Additional Product: Skin Purifying Mask 

Directions

Cleanse skin thoroughly before applying product.  Apply product to affected areas for ten minutes one to three times weekly or as directed by a doctor.  Rinse off with warm water.

Claims

This medicated clay mask is like a Step-4 boost to the Proactiv+ 3-Step System. It contains maximum-strength (6%) sulfur acne medicine to clear pores, heal blemishes and help prevent breakouts. A 10-minute facial reduces excess oil, deep-cleans pores and calms irritation. Great for spot-treating pimples, too.

Ingredients

Active: Sulfur 6%. Inactive Ingredients: Water, Kaolin, Glycereth-26, Linoleic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate Synthetic Wax, Zinc Oxide, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Ceteareth-20, Linolenic Acid, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Butylene Glycol, Hydrated Silica, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Methylisothiazolinone, Fragrance, Chromium Hydroxide Green, Titanium Dioxide.

 Now, onto the nitty gritty and the question that I'm sure you all want to know.  Does the damn thing work, yes or no?!  

I present to you... "Proactiv+ ... the good, the bad, AND the ugly."

The good:

• There are only 3 steps to worry about for both day and night.  No crazy 7 step routine with different morning and night products. Three products. That's it. 
• A positive difference is seen in my skin.  It is a lot smoother now, very few active acne blemishes (the only ones I get now are the lovely PMS breakouts), I do not produce as much oil as I did before, face is a lot more evened out.
• Depending on your specific price points, this system isn't as expensive as Sephora or Department Store brands, which is a plus in my eyes. 
• A little goes a long way.

The bad:

• This stuff is powerful.  And when I say powerful, I don't mean that in a good way necessarily.  The main ingredient in the 3-Step system is Benzol Peroxide (2.5%) as well as Sulfer (6%) in the Skin Purifying Mask.  There is also Salicylic Acid in the Complexion Perfecting Hydrator (0.5%).  
• The smell is very chemically, so if you are sensitive to that, stay clear.
• This stuff will completely dry out your skin, so I would not recommend these products to dry folks out there.
• The products inside actually bleach your face so avoid getting it on your hair, eyebrows, and coloured towels (I use specific towels when using Proactiv+)

The ugly:

• This stuff is so harsh that if not used gently you will wreck your skin.  I repeat, use this product as gently as you can.  Pretend like you're washing a baby's face, that's how gentle you have to be.  That is a warning I wish these products came with.  When I first used the products, I wasn't particularly gentle because I had been so used to using my old products that are not harsh.  The next morning, I woke up with a beat red face with tiny little bumps all over my skin.  Skin was flaking off, it was so dry, it literally looked like alligator skin (no lie). And my neck and eyelid area.... this will lead me to my next point.
• Do not, I repeat, do not use these products on your neck and/or eyelid area.  These areas are waaaay too sensitive and thin for such harsh products.  I know from experience, my neck and eyelids were bloodshot red and burn basically.  My neck had terrible hives, etc. etc., you get the idea.

Now, with all of that being said, I am about to sound like a complete hypocrite but.... the products actually work believe it or not.  I must say though, you NEED to take your time when using the products and be very, very, VERY gentle.  If you find yourself waking up super late and need to rush out the door, skip on these products for that morning because trust me, I've been there and it is not cute.  Again, I hate to say it but they do work.  My skin is so soft now and virtually no pimples on my face minus the ones I get from eating too much garbage or if I sleep in my make-up).  My oil production is next to nothing with these products which has made me switch up my moisturizers and foundations because my skin is more dry but that doesn't bother me.

 I will say though that no matter what you're putting on your face, there are so many other factors that go into having and maintaining clear skin.  Such factors include: your sleeping pattern, eating habits, water intake, daily physical activity, etc.  All of these things go hand-in-hand with the products that you are using on your face.  

Again, these are just my thoughts and my honest review on the Proactiv+ 3-Step Set.  I'd love to know if any of you have tried any of the Proactiv+ products and how they're working out for you.  As always, it's just acne.  Try not to let it get the better of you and try your best to just keep a smile on your face.    

Click here to look at and/or purchase Proactiv+ Products!

 

Stay tuned for my next blog post and take care,
Glynn   

"When something is important enough, you do it even if the odds are not in your favor."

Elon Musk