Mother Made All Green Tea-rouble-away Toner Review

Mother Made  All Green Tea-rouble-away Toner is described as an ultra-soothing, rich daily treatment to hydrate, nourish, and restore skin balance. 

The key ingredient is 83% of green tea water sourced from Jeju Island. There’s also a mild botanical AHA & PHA complex to gently exfoliate. And a blend of six sprouts extract (wheat germ, broccoli, cabbage leaf, alfalfa, radish, and rapeseed) to nourish skin with vitamins and minerals. 

The tea colored liquid is more viscous than water and there’s a barely-there herbal scent. 

I’ve been using it day and night on cleansed skin with cotton pads. And also using my hand to pat on more layers. It feel light, smooth, and gives an instant boost in hydration and radiance. Absorbs pretty quickly and leaves a dewy finish. Not stickiness, irritation, or tingling m. Leaves my skin feeling and looking hydrated, more plump, glowier, and more even-toned. I really enjoyed using this toner and would repurchase. 

I received this product from 08Liter.com as part of a campaign which offers free and low cost products for honest review.

Meditime Pore Tightening Corset Pack Review

 

Meditime Pore Tightening Corset Pack is a face mask that is designed to deep clean, tighten, and minimize pores. 

Some key ingredients are red bean powder, Amazon clay, and lotus extract. Also contains beta-glucan, sodium hyaluronate, and loads of plant/fruit extracts.

It has a very creamy smooth texture, light peachy color, and the scent is light, earthy, and herbal (reminds me of other clay masks I’ve used), not fragrant. I don’t notice the scent much when I’m wearing it. 

I’ve been using is a couple times as week on clean dry skin. It feels quite smooth and gentle. It does tighten but didn’t feel irritating. Plus I used a generous amount so it wouldn’t completely dry all over. I rinse with lukewarm water (the box suggests cold) after about 15 minutes. My skin looks and feels clean without feeling stripped. Also smoother, brighter, and pores slightly minimized. My overall experience was positive. 

I received this product from 08liter.com as part of a campaign which offers free and low cost products for honest review.

Beautree Blemish Calming Treatment Pads Review

 Beautree (@beautree.official) Blemish Calming Treatment Pads are exfoliating/toning pads that offer triple low irritation exfoliation with AHA, BHA, and PHA. They’re supposed to gently remove dead skin and waste, help with sebum and pore care, moisturize the skin. 

Some key ingredients are glycolic Acid, lactic acid, and extracts from five superfoods (broccoli, tomato, moringa, eggplant, and blueberry). There’s also centella asiatica, niacinamide, and allantoin amongst several other nourishing ingredients. 

The pads are dual-textured with one smooth side and the other embossed. Though they are very soft. And they’re highly saturated with more that enough solution for face, neck, and chest. The scent is mild, floral, a little powdery, and does not linger. 

I’ve been using the pads once or twice a day on cleansed skin. They feel very smooth and gentle. As I mentioned earlier, there’s a lot of product in the pad so it leaves skin rather wet. I pat and press to absorb. There’s some slight tackiness (which I have no issue with) and zero stinging or other irritation. Afterwards my skin feels lightly moisturized and hydrated. And over time I’ve noticed a slight improvement in appearance of pores and tone. Also a little brightening. Overall, I enjoyed using these pads and would recommend to anyone interested in gentle exfoliation.

I received this product from 08liter.com as part of a campaign which offers free and low cost products for honest review.

Celgen Pearl Moisture Solution Review

 I’ve been testing out the Celgen Pearl Moisture Solution. It’s a toner/face mist that claims to deeply moisturize and brighten the skin. It can be used before and/or after make up. 

Some key ingredients are energy water, gamma-oryzanol extract from the embryo bud of rice and hyaluronic acid. It also contains niacinamide, adenosine, pearl particles, among other ingredients. 

The pearlescent mist is very light and fine. And the scent is very mild, neutral, and does not linger. 

To use, I spray a couple layers on clean skin and pat. It absorbs pretty quickly and leaves a glossy/dewy finish. There’s no stickiness or tackiness. My skin looks brighter and feels quite moisturized and hydrated. In fact, I can use this without layering other skincare (besides sunscreen). Especially since the weather is now warm. It’s a perfect one-step moisture product for the summer months. And great for layering during any season. Overall, I really enjoy this mist and pleasantly surprised by how well it moisturizes.  

I received this product from 08liter.com as part of a campaign which offers free and low cost products for honest review.

Varuza I’m Real Natural Cotton Pads 300 count Review

I’ve been testing out the Varuza (@thevaruza) I’m Real Natural Cotton Pads 300 count. They’re premium eco-friendly cotton squares, made of 100% unbleached cotton, that has not been treated with chemicals like fertilizer/pesticides. So they have a natural beige color and tiny specs of cottonseed. The 3-ply square can be used alone or the layers can be separated to use as sheet mask (and other applications). They’re also lint-free. 

I’ve used the pads for several weeks and have enjoyed them. They’re soft but also strong and don’t fall apart. Very absorbent with zero lint so no fuzz is left on my face. I generally use them to tone and apply first essence, but I’ve also cleansed, and made diy sheet masks. I have not been wearing much makeup or nail polish these days, so I can’t speak on those. Though I feel like these pads can handle those easily. I’ve had an overall positive experience. 

I received this product from 08liter.com as part of a campaign which offers free and low cost products for honest review.

CELGEN MILD SUN SPF50 + PA +++ Review

CELGEN MILD SUN SPF50 + PA +++ is a sunblock that claims to block UVA and UVB rays without feeling sticky or leaving white residue. And can withstand sweat and water.

The texture is soft, creamy, and it’s pretty lightweight. There is a perfume-like scent but it doesn’t linger. 

To use, I apply an appropriate amount to my skin. It goes on smooth and feels light despite being quite moisturizing. Absorbs quickly leaving a somewhat dewy finish. Doesn’t feel sticky, tacky, greasy, or oily. There’s zero white cast and i didn’t experience any breakouts or irritation. An overall positive experience. 

I received this product from 08liter.com as part of a campaign which offers free and low cost products for honest review.

Beautree PLA Bubble Exfoliating Cleansing Pads Review

Beautree PLA Bubble Exfoliating Cleansing Pads are 5-in-1  deep cleanser that claims to cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize, soothe and brighten. 

The key ingredient is PLA (poly lactic acid) which is corn based. Also contains superfood ingredients from blueberries, oatmeal, and moringa. 

The pads are dry (activated with water) and feel a little papery. They have a pocket to place fingers. And are dual-textured with an embossed side for exfoliating and a smooth side for massaging. The scent is mild and perfume-like. I should also note that the pads are 100% compostable. 

To use, I add a bit of water to the pad and create a light foam, then massage on damp skin. Work up nice amount of lather then rinse. The exfoliation feels soft and gentle though the pads are a little stiff and papery. Afterwards, my skin looks and feels clean, smooth, and a little brighter. No drying or tight feeling. An overall positive experience. 

I received this product from @0.8L_USA as part of a campaign which offers free and low cost products for honest review.

Life Update: 08Liter, Etsy, and more!

Hey all! I know it’s been quite some time since I’ve updated here. I’m always going back and forth on whether I should keep this blog live, and then something brings me back. In this case, it’s products I’m hoping to receive and review soon. 

I have already started posting reviews that I’ve used via a platform called 08liter.com. It’s free to join and you get the chance to try and review products for low cost and sometimes free. And you don’t need to have a large following to get product-just 100 followers on social network (I think it’s just Instagram and Facebook) where you plan to review the products. I post those reviews on an Instagram page I made especially for this blog. It’s kinda my finsta where I only post product reviews, hauls, wishlist items, and food and drink products. I keep it very fluffy over there and I post fairly regularly. Unlike my personal Instagram where I barely post at all anymore. Anyway, I’m going to be posting more of those reviews here soon. 

As for my personal life, I’ve had another child (surprise), and this is the first place I’ve mentioned it. She was born May 24th of this year. And I honestly have had no energy or even desire to post this news or photos on social media. I think it has to do with the social climate-the pandemic and injustices of the world. Plus, I have a rambunctious toddler, so 

add a newborn and household duties, and you’ve got a drained mama. On top of all that, we’re planning to move. So we’re a little frazzled over here. Living life and adjusting to several new normals. And the months are just rolling by. I mean, it’s been two months already, and I haven’t shared my baby with the world lol. Oh well, perhaps soon. When I feel the time is right. 

In other news, I have pretty much stopped making jewelry and selling on Etsy. Or anywhere for that matter. In fact, I haven’t made or sold anything since early last year. I found it incredibly difficult to keep up with an extremely busy toddler, household, jewelrymaking, and the Etsy shop. My mental capacity was at tilt then. So now that there’s two children (and every thing else that’s going on), I don’t see jewelry happening any time soon. Besides, Etsy had been making some changes I didn’t care for, so I decided to put the shop on hiatus. And I’m almost certain I won’t be returning. I even gave away a lot of my supplies to friends (who also make jewelry). So if jewelrymaking is in my near future, I’ll have to pivot to something less labor-intensive and expensive than what I was doing. We shall see. Stay tuned!

p.s. I still have a small amount of inventory I’d love to sell here https://bit.ly/3g4NHhH

Vely Vely Artemisia Balance Essence Review

I had the opportunity to try Vely Vely Artemisia Balance Essence which claims to firm, hydrate, offer rich nutrition, improve skin barrier, even tone, and balance the skin. 

This essence is comprised of one ingredient, 100% Artemisia (aka Mugwort), which is known for its calming, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties.  The consistency is like water-no viscosity. It’s golden brown in color and has an herbal scent that reminds me of chamomile tea. 

To use, I apply the essence (usually a couple layers) to clean skin with cotton pad and/or hands and pat. It’s absorbs quickly to a relatively matte finish. There’s no stickiness, tackiness, stinging, or irritation. Skin feels lightly hydrated and prepped for the rest of my routine. In the brief period that I’ve used this product, I’ve noticed smoother texture, minimized pores, and brighter skin. Overall, I’ve enjoyed using this essence and pleased with the results so far. 

I received this @velyvely_official @velyvely_global product from 08liter.com as part of a campaign which offers free and low cost products for honest review.

By Wishtrend Pure Vitamin C 15% with Ferulic Acid Review

I had the opportunity to try By Wishtrend Pure Vitamin C 15% with Ferulic Acid which claims help with brightening skin, preventing acne, boost collagen, recover skin from UV rays and antioxidant care.  

The key ingredients are 43% Hippophae Rhamnoides (sea buckthorn) Water,  15% L-Ascorbic Acid, 1% Ethyl Ascorbyl Ether, and 0.5% Ferulic Acid. 

The clear liquid has the consistency of water. And there’s a chemical-like scent that dissipates almost immediately upon application. 

To use, I apply about five drops to clean and toned skin and smooth/pat.  I want to mention that despite being water-like, it feels somewhat emollient on my skin. It absorbs quickly and leaves a dewy finish. Doesn’t feel sticky or tacky. I experienced slight tingling here and there, but nothing out of the ordinary (considering I’ve used other actives which sometimes tingle). So far I’ve noticed brighter, clearer, and glowy and more plump skin. The only issue I’ve had is with the bottle. No matter how tight I screw it, it’s slightly undone when go to use it again. Other than that, my experience has been positive, and I’m enjoying the results. 

I received this product from 08liter.com as part of a campaign which offers free and low cost products for honest review.

By Wishtrend Polyphenol in Propolis 15% Ampoule Review

I had the opportunity to try By Wishtrend Polyphenol in Propolis 15% Ampoule thanks to the 0.8liter try now campaign.

This ampoule contains propolis extract from the Auvergene volcanic region in France. There’s two polyphenols, catechin, and quercetin, which are antioxidants. Also contain cordata extract and zinc PCA to help soothe the skin and has antibacterial properties. Plus, there’s sodium hyaluronate, panthenol, and betaine to provide moisture.

The aim of this ampoule is to aid acne-prone skin, blemishes, sensitive skin, soothe, increase moisture and improve pigmentation.

The consistency is like a medium-weight serum but more watery. I didn’t notice much of a scent. I applied it (about half of the dropper) after toner, as directed. I smoothed and patted it on my skin and it seemed to absorb quickly. Also felt a little oily-then tacky. And left a sheen on my face which looked oilier later. So I decided to use less and less each time I used it. And even with using a pea-sized amount, my skin looked a little oilier than I prefer for my combo skin. Despite that, I did notice some slight improvement. Skin looked plumper, more glow-y, and my overall tone looks clearer.

All things considered, I think this is a nice hydrating product. I’ll keep using-I’m interested to see more results with continued use. Though, probably just at night to avoid an oily daytime look. I’d recommend this for dry skin; those with combo to oily skin can use sparingly and/or at night.

This item retails for $32 on wishtrend.com. I received this product from 08liter.com as part the try for 3.99 campaign which offers low cost products for honest review.

Benton Cosmetic PHA Peeling gel Review

Benton Cosmetic PHA Peeling gel is 

is a 2-step exfoliating product formulated with natural cellulose for physical exfoliation and with PHA (Lactobionic Acid) for chemical. It claims to improve skin tone by cleaning away dead skin cells/impurities.  And to smooth, soothe, and moisturize skin.

The key ingredients are natural cellulose, PHA,

chrysanthemum morifolium flower extract, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides. It’s white and creamy with a mild fresh scent. 

I massaged the treatment (a couple fingertips full) on clean, dry skin as directed.  It felt very creamy, smooth and moist. The exfoliation was gentle and mild. Though it took a little time for the product to clump and ball up. I massaged for about a minute and the product was moist the entire time-didn’t start to dry at all. After rinsing, my skin felt clean, smooth, and looked a little brighter. I’d recommend for all skin types. 

I received this product from @0.8L_USA as part the try for 3.99 campaign which offers low cost products for honest review.

Mothermade Exfoliating Aqua Peel Gel with Green Tea Review

Mothermade Exfoliating Aqua Peel Gel with Green Tea is an exfoliating treatment that is formulated with natural extracts, vitamins, and both physical and chemical ingredients. It claims gently exfoliate, to hydrate, brighten, calm, and smooth the skin. 

The key ingredients are natural cellulose, vitamin C, willow bark extract, papaya extract, and green tea extract. 

It’s white and has a creamy gel-like texture.  And has a pleasant, herbal, lavender scent.

I massaged the treatment (a couple fingertips full) on clean, damp skin, as directed. I could feel the exfoliation, but it was very mild-not  gritty. And the product starts to ball up almost immediately after little massaging. After rinsing, my skin felt clean and smooth. There was no stinging, irritation, or redness. Overall, I’ve had a positive experience with this product. It’s a nice and gentle alternative to the harsh and gritty scrubs. I’d recommend for all skin types. 

I received this product from 08Liter.com as part the try for 3.99 campaign which offers low cost products for honest review.

Dear, Klairs Fundamental Watery Oil Drop Review

Dear, Klairs Fundamental Watery Oil Drop is a water-based moisture serum that claims to provide hydration, anti-aging, anti-oxidant care, and help prevent moisture loss, like an oil, but without a sticky feeling. 

The key ingredients are Jeju green tea water, ferment extracts, ceramide, peptides, sodium hyaluronate, and rice and algae extracts. 

It’s clear, lightweight, slightly viscous, and feels just like the name, watery oil. I didn’t not detect any scent. 

I use 2-3 drops on my face, after cleanser and toner, day and night. It’s smooths over my skin easily and absorbs quickly. It leaves my skin feeling hydrated and looking plump and glowy but not oily. Also, I’ve found this to be a great lightweight moisturizer, for my combo skin, when the weather is very warm. I’d recommend for all skin types. 

This item retails for $31 USD on wishtrend.com.

I received this product from 08l.com as part the try for 3.99 campaign which offers low cost products for honest review.

Klairs Midnight Blue Youth activating drop reviews

 Dear, Klairs Midnight Blue Youth activating   drop 

is a highly concentrated, blue tinted serum designed to fight signs of aging and improve overall skin texture/health. It claims to add radiance and luminosity, stimulate the skin to encourage collagen production, improves the texture and elasticity, reduces pigmentation like age spots, and decrease appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Also encourage reparative cellular activity to replenish, nourish and renew the skin.

The key ingredients are peptides EGF and bFGF. Also guaiazulen (anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent derived from chamomile oil and is naturally violet) and adenosine (anti-aging agent). 

The consistency is very watery, so it runs down when I apply directly to my face. I’ve found that applying one drop at a time works best for me. It absorbs quickly and leaves skin a little matte. As for scent, I didn’t notice any. 

I’ve been using this for a little over two weeks, so haven’t noticed any long term result. Though, my skin is temporarily softer and smooth right after application. Also, the serum helped with some irritation (slight redness and small pimples) caused by another product. I’ll keep using to see results after finishing the bottle. 

This item retails from 24.50 to 30+ USD various websites . I received this product from 08l.com as part the try for 3.99 campaign which offers low cost products for honest review.

Not Quite Back! But.....

Hi, if anyone is reading. My last post was in August 2017. Since then, I’ve been quite busy with my daughter, who is now two. I’ve put my jewelry and Etsy shop stuff on hiatus and I’m not sure if and/or when I’ll bring it back. And of course, still trying lots of products. Lately, I’ve been able to try some fun and interesting skincare (mostly kbeauty) via 0.8liter.com. They offer low cost and free products for honest reviews. And you then need to post those reviews on social media. I’m currently posting those reviews on the Instagram account (@favethingsetc)  that I started for this blog. I figured, I could just post them here too. So that’s pretty much what my new posts will be here. I might also include my current subscription boxes which are vegancuts beauty box (I’m not vegan, I just like the box) and my sipsby tea box. We’ll see!

My First Deciem - The Ordinary Order!

I got my first Deciem order some days ago and I'm really excited to try everything. They have several different lines but I got items from the super popular The Ordinary line. This line offers  a range of items from facial oils, acids like AHAs, BHAs and retinols, vitamin serums, foundations, and more. All at extremely budget friendly prices. I'm talking $5-$7 bucks for many of the products.

I heard about this line pretty much when it launched and I was definitely intrigued. However I didn't purchase right away despite the affordability. I just kinda made a mental note to try it someday. Well that mental note wasn't needed because I've been seeing and hearing about the line ever since. It was (and is) on all the blogs, YouTube, social media, magazines, and online beauty publications, and more. With many rave reviews to boot. 

So naturally I became more and more interested in trying some of these products. And one day, I decided to place an order. Well, just so happens that the items I wanted were out of stock. Not for just a day or two, but for weeks and weeks. Meanwhile, these same products were available on amazon and eBay for double and triple the price. Shout out to the resellers! 
So I signed up, on The Ordinary's website,  to be notified when the items were in stock.  After a few weeks I got emails stating that the items I wanted were available. HOORAY! I ordered right away. I got four items:  Glycolic Acid 7% Solution , Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2%, Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA 2% Spheres, Alpha Lipoic Acid 5%.  The total cost for my order was $27.80; that's a fraction of the cost for many skincare products that contain these active ingredients. Plus shipping is free if your order two or more items. 

My main skincare goal right now is re-texturizing. And all of these products pretty much address this issue. Of course, I can't use them all at once-using acids together and/or with vitamin C is not recommended. This can cause major irritation. Also, when using a bunch of new products at once, it's harder to tell what's making a difference. For better or for worse.  So I started (for no particular reason) with the Glycolic Acid 7% Solution during my nighttime routine. And so far, so good. I've been using it for about three weeks and I'm seeing some results with smoother and brighter (less dull) skin. I'll be switching these products out soon and taking note on how each of them work for me. And perhaps I'll come back with reviews. Stay tuned!

Have you tried this line before? If so, how are/were your results. 

Update with reviews- Influenster Breezy #VoxBox Unboxing

I received the Breezy VoxBox, courtesy of Influenster, about a week ago. And it was so heavy, I couldn't wait to open it. I made quick video opening the box and showing everything inside. Check it out! And I'm planning to update this post with some reviews. Click HERE to join Influenster. 

Origins A PERFECT WORLD™

SPF 40 AGE-DEFENSE MOISTURIZER WITH WHITE TEA

I thought this moisturizer was ok. First of all I love the scent. It has that wonderful Origins spa-like smell. It's a little on the thick side but it applies and spreads easily. It does has spf but I was able to rub it in with no white cast (I have medium-deep skin tone). Left my skin a little oilier than I like though. 

A PERFECT WORLD™

AGE-DEFENSE EYE CREAM WITH SPF 20

I thought this eye cream was ok. I didn't detect much of a scent. It was a little thick. I have a medium-deep skin tone and I had to work a bit to rub out the whiteness from spf. Seemed to moisturize well though. 

Head & Shoulders Volume Boost Anti Dandruff Shampoo  

I thought this shampoo was ok but not really for me. It smells very nice. Give a good rich lather and rinsed clean but left my hair a little on the dry side. I'd use it in a pinch but wouldn't replace my usual shampoo. 

Head & Shoulders Volume Boost Hair & Scalp Conditioner
This conditioner was ok. Smells nice and left my hair fairly conditioned. My styling products seemed to work quite well afterwards. However, my hair seemed to dry out pretty quickly. I would only use this occasionally.

Nair Hair Remover Wax Ready Strips

I'm not usually a waxer but I tested  these out . Worked quite well on my lil peach fuzz stache. Didn't irritate my skin either. Though I'm not extremely sensitive. And there was a little pain with the rip off, but that's what I expected with waxing.

Profoot Heel Rescue Foot Cream

This product works quite well. It's rich and creamy but not too thick. Absorbs nicely, has a neutral scent, and is not at all greasy. And I noticed a difference in my feet after a few uses. They were definitely softer and smoother.

Sour Punch Ragin' Reds and Pineapple-Mango Chili Straws
Everything you'd expect from this type of candy. Fruity, sour, but not too sour, then sweet. Also chewy and a little sticky

Life Update: I'm A Mama #newmom

Hi all, I thought I'd pop in and tell you about my big life update. And as you can see from the title I am a new mama now. On May 2 , 2017, my husband and I welcomed our baby girl, Malia Camille, into this world. And if you're following me on any other of my social media platforms, then you probably already know. I just wanted to update here because, although the I don't post often, I didn't think it would be right to post about products and such before mentioning this news.

 Also if you're following me on any other social media platforms, you probably noticed that I didn't post anything about being pregnant. And I'm sure that probably seems odd in this age of sharing and over-sharing. However due to a few issues and complications here and there, I just wanted to get my baby here safe and sound before sharing anything. We didn't ever tell our parents until we were four months in. And at this point, I was so sick, making announcements /social media was the last thing on my mind. Anyway, that's a story for another day.

In other news, I finally decided to open Instagram accounts for my Etsy shop (@jazjewelzdesign) and for the blog (@favethingsetc). I'm hoping to be a little more consistent in posting on those than I am here, on twitter, and on my personal accounts. So follow me there if you wish. See ya there!

Influenster Ole Henriksen Balance VoxBox

I received the Ole Henriksen Balance VoxBox, courtesy of Influenster, a couple of weeks ago and I was pretty excited. This box featured Ole Henriksen's new Balance skincare line that is geared toward oily skin but without stripping. I made a little video explaining the box; check it out and check out my mini reviews below.

Find Your Balance Oil Control Cleanser

The cleanser is pearly in appearance and has a gel-like consistency. I removed my makeup with an oil before cleansing. I used a pea-sized amount of the cleanser on damp skin-the lather was sort of milky and creamy. The scent is herbal and slightly medicinal but not overpowering in my opinion. Afterwards, my skin felt clean, cool, refreshed and not stripped. 

Balancing Force Oil Control Toner

The toner has a herbally scent similar to the cleanser

And left my skin quite matte. I also felt a slight cooling sensation but no tingle or irritation. 

Counter Balance Oil Control Hydrator

This product is pretty lightweight and absorbs quickly. It left my skin fairly soft and matte. I used abou two pumps which was just enough. And of the three products, the hydrator seems to have the mildest scent, though still somewhat herbal.

Overall I thought the line worked well. The products were pretty effective while still being gentle and  non-stripping. I didn't experience any breakouts or irritation. My skin is currently combination so I've been trying the line just once a day, otherwise it would be too drying. Once summer hits, and my skin gets oilier, I can use it more. 

These products were sent to me for reviewing purposes-opinions are all my own.