Pixi By Petra Correction Concentrate–Use Color Theory to Neutralize Under-Eye Darkness

Posted on September 30, 2020 by Lauren

Under-eye darkness is something that many of us struggle with. That darkness is caused by dark tissues and blood vessels showing through the skin. It’s made worse by insufficient sleep, but some are prone to darkness in the under-eye area no matter how much sleep they get. There are many eye creams that claim to reduce darkness, but so far I have not found any that are effective.

Thanks to the wide world of makeup, there are various ways to neutralize under-eye darkness. For people that have very minimal darkness, foundation and/or concealer may be sufficient. My under-eye darkness is fairly minimal, but I often notice it still showing through after I’ve applied my foundation. The most common solution is to apply concealer in that area after foundation. That works very well for a lot of people.

Color-correcting under-eye darkness

Another solution for under-eye darkness is to use a color-corrector. Color-correctors can be used alone or under foundation and/or concealer. Instead of simply covering up under-eye darkness, color-correctors use color theory to counteract the darkness. Under-eye darkness looks different depending on skin tone. For lighter skin tones, darkness under the eyes usually appears blue. For deeper skin tones, under-eye darkness is a dark brown/blue color. The color of the darkness to be “corrected” or “camouflaged,” as well as skin tone, should be taken into consideration when determining the correct shade of the color-corrector.

Color-correctors for under-eye darkness usually come in shades of peach or orange. For fair to light skin tones, a pinky-peach (salmon) shade works because shades of orange cancel out the blue, while a bit of pink brightens. For medium to deep skin tones, a warm peach or apricot shade works best. It’s important to use warm shades specifically for under-eye darkness on deeper skin tones, because cool tones will appear ashy.

How does color-correction work? The basic idea is that you find the color you want to camouflage on the color wheel and use the color directly opposite to “correct” it. You will find that orange is directly opposite blue on the color wheel, so that is why it is so effective at camouflaging that color.

Since I have fair skin with blue under-eye darkness, that pinky-peach color I mentioned before works best for me. The one I use is Pixi By Petra Correction Concentrate in the shade Brightening Peach. Read on for more details. 😉

Product claims directly from PixiBeauty.com

Highly pigmented, this correction concealer instantly erases darkness, softens and blurs lines. Skin immediately looks fresh, rested, bright and youthful. This ultimate ‘good night’s sleep in a jar’ camouflage cream is correction perfection in a pot.

Disclosure: IntegriBeauty includes affiliate links within product review posts. I receive commissions for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. IntegriBeauty is independently owned and all products discussed within IntegriBeauty product review posts are thoroughly tested and given honest reviews.

Other product details

Price: $12.00
Net weight: 0.1 oz.
Cruelty-free
2 shades available:
- Brightening Peach (pinky-peach shade for fair to light skin tones)
- Awakening Apricot (deeper tan/orange shade for medium to deep skin tones)–only available at PixiBeauty.com
Paraben-free
Special ingredients
- Rosehip Extract improves skin elasticity
- Vitamin A provides an anti-aging effect
- Vitamin C brightens & revitalizes
- Vitamin E moisturizes
Where to buy: PixiBeauty.com
Overall rating: 9.4/10
- Inclusivity: 8/10
- Ease of application: 10/10
- Pigmentation: 10/10
- Team player: 9/10
- Price: 10/10

Please note that I am not a makeup artist. The opinions expressed in this review are my own, as a regular person that loves makeup.

Inclusivity

When I bought this color-corrector in the Brightening Peach shade, I didn’t know there was a second shade option. I was so happy to see Awakening Apricot on PixiBeauty.com! Unfortunately, it looks like that is the only place it can be purchased right now. BUT, it is great that Pixi chose to offer both lighter and darker shade options.

I took two points from this category because I think Pixi should add at least a couple more shade options. The two shades they have now will probably work for most people, but they definitely won’t work for everyone. I am primarily thinking about people with very deep skin tones. Awakening Apricot would be too light for them. This is a common problem with color-correctors across other brands as well, but that isn’t a good excuse!

Ease of application

This color-corrector is packaged in a glass jar. I don’t usually like that type of packaging for most products, but for this one it is perfect! That’s because I think this corrector is applied best with a fingertip and it’s easy to reach in and get the right amount.

The warmth of your hands helps the product to sink into the skin. A brush can also be used to apply this product, but it looks more natural applied with a fingertip. If you want a very targeted application, you could use a brush to apply, and a finger to blend it out. I love how easy this product is to use!

Pigmentation

This color-corrector is very thick and highly pigmented. It is aptly named as a “correction concentrate.” High pigmentation in this type of product is a great thing because that means you only need a tiny amount to fully neutralize all under-eye darkness. You want to use as little as possible, especially if you plan to layer foundation and/or concealer on top.

I am so pleased with the results I get from this product. The shade and level of pigmentation make it very effective at camouflaging my under-eye darkness. I did a side-by-side comparison photo to illustrate. I was still pretty tired when I took this photo as you can tell! I can see a big difference between the eye with this corrector applied and the one without any product applied. My under-eye darkness isn’t nearly as intense as what a lot of people have, but I hope you can see the difference!

Team player

This product is designed to work in conjunction with foundation and concealer. It works very well with other coverage products as long as it is used sparingly. It is very important to use no more than the amount you need to cancel out any darkness.

When I apply a bit too much, it is visible underneath my foundation and sometimes looks cakey. That makes me feel bad about the whole makeup look. For best results, I focus application on the corner of my eye where I have the most darkness and tap lightly to blend outward from there. When I apply the product that way, foundation applies very well on top. I don’t need to apply both color-corrector and concealer, so I can’t say how well foundation AND concealer would apply layered over this product. I imagine it would look good as long as you’re careful not to use too much product in that area.

Price

When I first purchased this color-corrector, I wasn’t very happy to pay $12.00 for such a tiny jar of product…especially because Pixi is a “drugstore-ish” brand. That was before I tried it! I can’t remember when I first bought this, but it has lasted me over a year because I need so little product. I’m very pleased to say that the formula hasn’t changed during that time either!

I’ve tried a couple of other color-correctors out of curiosity and neither of them could compete with this one. They didn’t have the level of pigmentation this one has, first off. One of them was greasy and completely ineffective. The other was too dry and made my under-eye area look very aged.

This product is well worth the price! 🙂

I think Pixi By Petra Correction Concentrate is an exceptional product! Petra, the owner of Pixi by Petra, should give herself a big pat on the back for this color-corrector. Now if she would add a couple more shades, more people could enjoy it.

This product does a great job of neutralizing under-eye darkness, but it can be used on any part of the face that has darkness. I have a small dark spot on my cheekbone and this product works just as well there as it does on my under-eye area!

I’d highly recommend this color-corrector to anyone experiencing under-eye darkness (or any other kind of unwanted darkness). I believe it would work well on any skin type. It’s emollient enough for dry skin, without looking greasy on combination or oily skin types!

Have you tried this or any other type of color-corrector? There are several types of color-correcting products out there and I’d love to hear about some of your experiences.

Lauren

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Pacifica Sugared Crystal Supercharged Body Scrub–Luxurious Exfoliation to Get Soft Smooth Skin

Posted on September 25, 2020 by Lauren

If your shower routine has gotten stale and boring, it might be time to change things up. Showers (or baths) should be relaxing and enjoyable; a time to unwind, let your mind wander, or even have your own personal karaoke session.

No good shower is complete without some self-care products that are fun to use! One of my favorite products to use in the shower is body scrub. I moisturize my body, but my skin still sometimes feels dry and itchy. Exfoliating with a body scrub always helps me get soft smooth skin and greatly reduces that dry itchy feeling. Honestly, scrubs are so satisfying and fun to use!

I’ve been using Pacifica Sugared Crystal Supercharged Body Scrub for about a year now and I love it! I’ll get into the reasons why in the review below. 🙂

Product claims from PacificaBeauty.com

Foaming, exfoliating & energizing. Supercharge your bathing ritual and leave your skin feeling soft, smooth and more energized.

Other product details

Price: $16.00
Net weight: 6 oz.
Made in the USA
Cruelty-free
Vegan
Shelf life: 24 months
Tube made with 50% recycled plastic
Formulated without petroleum, parabens, sulfates or phthalates
Where to buy: PacificaBeauty.com or Ulta.com
Overall rating: 8.6/10
- Ease of application: 10/10
- Exfoliation: 10/10
- Hydration: 7/10
- Ingredients: 8/10
- Price: 8/10

Ease of application

This body scrub is packaged in a tube, making it easy to get just the right amount. This is great because most body scrubs are packaged in jars that can lead to spills and wasted product. You won’t have that problem with this product!

I think this body scrub is also easier to use compared to other scrubs because it’s a denser formula. It feels like a chunkier version of damp sand. I’m doing a terrible job of explaining it, but my point is that it sticks together in such a way that it doesn’t drip off of your hands or body before you’re done scrubbing. Another thing that helps with that is the slight foaming property which seems to help “keep it together.”

I squeeze some of the scrub out into my palm and rub my hands together until it starts to get foamy. Then, I massage it into my skin until I feel like I’ve exfoliated enough. At that point it’s very easy to rinse off, leaving behind fresh smooth skin.

Exfoliation

Some body scrubs, especially salt scrubs, can be quite abrasive and actually cause micro-tears in the skin. This Pacifica body scrub’s main exfoliating ingredient is sugar which is more gentle than salt due to the granules being more rounded. Sugar is also a great exfoliator because it is a natural source of glycolic acid (an AHA) which helps to break down layers of dead skin. It is gentle, yet very effective at exfoliating.

In addition to removing dead skin, exfoliating with a scrub is also very beneficial because it helps to draw impurities out of the skin, free ingrown hairs, and smooth razor bumps. It can even prevent razor bumps if used before shaving.

I am always pleased with the level of exfoliation that I get from this body scrub. It leaves my skin feeling smoothed without over-exfoliating or causing any damage.

Hydration

My skin feels soft and lightly hydrated after I use this body scrub. I primarily use body scrubs for the exfoliation, not extra hydration since I usually use a separate product for that. However, it is a nice perk when body scrubs have that added moisture built in. I don’t think this body scrub is as hydrating as some others I have used, but that isn’t a deal-breaker for me.

I think it would be a good idea for Pacifica to reformulate slightly to add some moisturizing oils. That might make this product more desirable to some.

Ingredients

Body scrubs don’t usually have a lot of active ingredients since their primary purpose is to break down and remove dead skin cells. I wouldn’t say this body scrub has a lot of ingredients that benefit the skin (outside of exfoliation), but there are a few of note:

Oat kernel extract
- Soothing antioxidant
- Great for dry or itchy skin
Watermelon fruit extract
- Rich in vitamins and antioxidants
Cotton extract
- Contains vitamin E
- Skin-protectant
- Anti-inflammatory

The two exfoliating agents in this body scrub are sucrose (sugar) and quartz powder. Sugar has water-binding properties that help to keep skin hydrated. It is also a source of glycolic acid, as previously mentioned. Glycolic acid is what’s known as a “chemical exfoliant” which just means that it breaks down dead skin cell buildup. Quartz powder is another gentle exfoliant that has skin-calming properties.

Like most Pacifica products I’ve reviewed, the only ingredient that might be problematic for some, is the parfum (fragrance). It’s specified to be natural, but there is no way of knowing what goes into that fragrance. Many ingredients used to add fragrance can be irritating to the skin, so this product should probably be avoided by people with very sensitive skin.

I have never had any sort of reaction to this product and actually really enjoy the fragrance. It has a fun fruity watermelon scent! It’s also not overpowering (parfum is the lowest-concentration ingredient), so I think the level of fragrance would be perfect for most people.

Price

The price of this body scrub is $16.00 for six ounces ($2.67/ounce). That is definitely a bit high for a drugstore brand. For reference, Tree Hut makes many popular body scrubs that are $8.99 for 18 ounces of product ($0.50/ounce). Since body scrub isn’t something that I use every day, and a little goes a long way with the Pacifica scrub, the price of this product doesn’t bother me too much.

I always enjoy my showers more when I use Pacifica Sugared Crystal Supercharged Body Scrub. It smells wonderful and my skin always feels so nice after I’ve used it! Also, could this packaging be any more cute?

I think this body scrub would be a great choice for anyone looking for a quality exfoliating product. It would also be perfect for anyone that simply wants something to add a little fun or luxury to their shower experience.

Have you tried any of Pacifica’s body scrubs? This is the only one I’ve tried so far but I’m sure I will try more in the future. This one is delightful!

Lauren

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Colourpop Pretty Fresh Hyaluronic Acid Tinted Moisturizer–Lightweight Coverage with a Natural Finish

Posted on September 23, 2020 by Lauren

High-coverage foundation is beautiful and perfecting, but it is also high-maintenance. First off, you have to make sure you get a nearly perfect shade match because full-coverage foundation is very opaque. It can also feel heavy and drying on the skin. My biggest pet peeve about full-coverage foundations is that it’s very obvious if any gets scratched or rubbed off the skin. You have to be very careful not to touch your face so it stays looking perfect! Some people prefer high-coverage foundations and wear them daily, but for many of us, high-coverage is reserved for special occasions.

Light- to medium-coverage products are much more manageable for daily wear. If you want to even your skin tone and reduce redness, but don’t need a whole lot of coverage, tinted moisturizer might be a good option for you. You can pair tinted moisturizer with concealer to get more coverage where you need it.

I have only tried one tinted moisturizer so far, and it provides just enough coverage for me most days. I use the Colourpop Pretty Fresh Hyaluronic Acid Tinted Moisturizer. If you’ve been interested in makeup for a while, you’ve probably heard of this product. It is extremely popular!

I think lighter coverage products like this one have gained popularity this year since most of us are wearing masks in public and lighter-coverage products are more comfortable. Plus, if some of it gets rubbed off on your mask, it won’t be nearly as obvious as if you were to wear a fuller-coverage product.

Product claims directly from Colourpop.com

A hydrating, oil-free tinted moisturizer with lightweight coverage that evens skin tone and leaves your skin looking fresh and healthy. Formulated with hyaluronic acid (aka HA) and coconut water to support skin hydration without adding oil, this tinted moisturizer works for all skin types and makeup styles.

Other product details

Price: $14.00
Net weight: 1.45 oz.
Made in the USA
Cruelty-free
Vegan
24 shades ranging from very fair to very deep (only 21 shades available at Ulta)
Natural finish
Special ingredients:
- Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that attracts 1,000x its weight in water
- Coconut water moisturizes and nourishes the skin
Where to buy: Colourpop.com and Ulta.com
Overall rating: 9/10
- Inclusivity: 10/10
- Ease of application: 10/10
- Hydration: 8/10
- Staying power: 7/10
- Price: 10/10

Inclusivity

24 shades don’t sound like very many for a coverage product, I know. Since this tinted moisturizer provides light-coverage, however, each shade is flexible enough to be worn by a more than one skin tone. For example, I have this tinted moisturizer in the shade Fair 4N (fair neutral), but I think it would also work for “very fair” or “very light” skin tones.

I think Colourpop did an excellent job at making sure there would be a shade for every skin tone and undertone in this tinted moisturizer. There are four shades for each of the six skin tone categories:

Fair
Light
Medium
Medium dark
Dark
Deep dark

Ease of application

I really like the way Colourpop packaged this tinted moisturizer. It comes in a squeeze tube that has a pump. The pump makes it very easy to get just the right amount of product needed. I usually use one and a half to two pumps to get the amount of coverage that I like.

The texture of this product is very lightweight and smooth, so it is easy to blend into the skin. It can be applied with a brush, sponge, or fingers. I prefer to use a brush with most of my coverage products. For testing purposes, I used a brush for application on the right side of my face (left side in the photo) and a sponge to apply the product to the left side of my face (right side in the photo). There isn’t a big difference since this is a light-coverage product, but I did get slightly more coverage with the brush than the sponge. That was the expected result since makeup sponges absorb more product than a brush.

Hydration

Based on the name of this product, it should be very hydrating! It includes hyaluronic acid and coconut water which are both great at keeping the skin hydrated. I do think this tinted moisturizer is hydrating, and that is noticeable during application. Once it sets, however, I don’t notice the added hydration on my skin. I will say that it never looks dry or cakey, and that is a big plus!

Staying power

For this section, please keep in mind that I have a combination skin type. This is not the product to reach for on days that you need your makeup to look perfect all day, if you have skin similar to mine. If you have a dry or normal skin type, this tinted moisturizer might wear well on you all day!

Setting powder is a must for me when I wear this tinted moisturizer. That definitely extends the wear time. I also usually use setting spray as an extra step to lock everything in.

I did a wear test to illustrate the wear-down of the coverage from this product. I didn’t use any primer, but I did use setting powder and setting spray.

It started out strong and looked really good for a few hours, but by the 4-hour mark, it started to break down on my chin. Some of it had also worn off of my nose because I have allergies and it’s not really an option for me to go all day without touching my nose! The area under my nose got worse over the next four hours and the product was also breaking up around my smile lines. The coverage on the rest of my face still looked good. There was very little change during the remainder of the time that I had this makeup on. Overall, not too shabby for someone with a combination skin type wearing a tinted moisturizer!

It is important to keep in mind that this is a tinted moisturizer, not a foundation. The expectation for staying power should be lower for tinted moisturizer compared to a foundation.

Price

This Colourpop tinted moisturizer is $14.00. That is on the higher end for “drugstore” pricing, but still within that affordable range. I appreciate that this product is 1.45 ounces instead of the 1 ounce size of most foundations because I use more of this product than I would of any foundation. That adds to the value, in my eyes.

I think $14.00 is a very fair price for this product. It is comfortable, easy to work with, quick to apply, and adds some extra hydration. All of these things make for a great coverage product and I think the price is very reasonable.

Other products in the Colourpop Pretty Fresh Collection

If hydrating complexion products are of interest to you, you may also want to try some of the other products in the Colourpop Pretty Fresh Collection:

Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Primer
Foundation
Hyaluronic Creamy Concealer
Hyaluronic Acid Setting Mist

Colourpop Pretty Fresh Hyaluronic Acid Tinted Moisturizer is a terrific product, and after doing this wear test I think I will be wearing it more often from now on!

I think this tinted moisturizer is a great choice for a lot of people, especially anyone with a dry or normal skin type. It’s hydrating, comfortable, and the ease of use makes it perfect for every day wear!

Have you ever tried a tinted moisturizer? If not, you might find that they’re a little different from any other type of coverage product you’ve used before…in a good way. 🙂

Lauren

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Beauty by Earth SPF 15 Lip Balm–Natural Organic Lip Balm that Nourishes and Protects

Posted on September 21, 2020 by Lauren

For many of us, our lips are kind of an afterthought as far as self-care is concerned. There are so many factors, environmental and otherwise, that can dry them out quickly. Think about drying lipsticks, sun exposure, wind, dry air, excessive licking of the lips, and even certain medications. All of these things can cause your lips to get dry or chapped!

To combat this dryness that all of us have encountered at some point, it’s important to keep lips hydrated. My favorite product to keep my lips healthy and properly hydrated, is lip balm. It’s important to note, however, that not all lip balms are created equally. During the day, it is best to wear lip balm that contains SPF. The best lip balm nourishes and protects! Don’t forget to use a lip scrub a couple of times a week as well–the combination of hydration and exfoliation in your routine will keep your lips in tip top shape. 😉

In addition to SPF, I also look for natural ingredients that will condition and soften my lips. I care more about natural ingredients in my lip products than I do in other types of products because I reapply lip balm throughout the day and it’s inevitable that I’ll consume some of it as I eat and drink. According to Dr. Oz, the average woman consumes over 6 pounds of lip product every ten years! Gross, I know…but definitely something to keep in mind when selecting lip products that you plan to wear regularly.

Disclosure: IntegriBeauty includes affiliate links within product review posts. I receive commissions for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Additionally, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. IntegriBeauty is independently owned and all products discussed within IntegriBeauty product review posts are thoroughly tested and given honest reviews.

My top lip balm pick is Beauty by Earth SPF 15 Lip Balm in the Piña Colada flavor. This lip balm checks both of my boxes for the perfect lip balm: it provides sun protection and the ingredients are natural and organic so I don’t have to worry about ingesting anything that could be dangerous to my health.

Product claims directly from BeautybyEarth.com

Tired of rough, chapped, sunburned lips? Give them a vacation! Our Piña Colada SPF lip balm soothes tired lips while preventing sun damage. Use it as needed for SPF 15 protection, amazing natural ingredients, and delicious piña colada flavor.

Not a fan of oxybenzone? Neither are we. That’s why our Piña Colada Lip Balm uses non-nano zinc oxide as its active ingredient. Zinc oxide protects you from the sun without entering your skin. This means it’s safer for you.

Other product details

Price: $11.99 (2-pack)
Net weight: 0.15 oz.
Made in the USA
Cruelty-free
100% Mineral broad spectrum sun protection
- Active ingredient: Non-nano uncoated zinc oxide 10.5%
Reef safe
Water resistant
Reapply at least every 80 minutes when you’re exposed to UV rays
No artificial flavors
Flavor options: piña colada and key lime (there are additional flavors that do not include SPF)
Where to buy: BeautybyEarth.com or Amazon.com (currently only $8.99 on Amazon!)
Overall rating: 9.4/10
- Ease of application: 10/10
- Hydration: 10/10
- Sun protection: 8/10
- Ingredients: 9/10
- Price: 10/10

Ease of application

This lip balm comes packaged in a traditional twist-up tube. This is my preferred packaging for a lip balm. I think it is so much easier to use in this format, versus a squeeze tube or a jar.

As far as the lip balm itself, it has a very smooth texture that easily glides over the lips. There is no tugging or rough texture. No fuss, very easy application all around. 🙂

Hydration

This lip balm feels very hydrating immediately upon application. Most lip balms do feel nice and moisturizing at first, but most don’t hang on for very long. This one is thick enough to keep my lips feeling comfortable and moisturized for hours without feeling heavy or sticky. I’ll discuss the ingredients that make this lip balm so hydrating later on in the review.

Sun protection

These Beauty by Earth SPF lip balms have an SPF of 15 which means 93% of UVB rays are blocked. I normally look for an SPF of 30 or higher (SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays), so that is why I took two points away from this category. Unfortunately, most SPF lip balms only provide SPF 15 or 20, so it is not surprising that this one is only SPF 15. I do appreciate that this lip balm provides broad spectrum protection, which means that it protects from both UVB and UVA rays.

While this lip balm doesn’t give quite the level of sun protection I would like, I think 93% of UVB rays blocked is still pretty good! If you’re going to wear this lip balm in direct sun, I definitely recommend reapplying at least every 80 minutes to make sure you’re always protected.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: Non-nano uncoated zinc oxide 10.5%

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Beeswax*, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Natural Flavor, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter*, Tocopherol (Sunflower Derived Vit E), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Calophyllum Inophyllum (Tamanu) Seed Oil.*

*Certified Organic Ingredient

I won’t beat around the bush; the ingredients in this lip balm are awesome! There are only 13 ingredients and nine of those (including the zinc oxide) are beneficial to the skin. If you’ve read my previous posts, you know the drill… 🙂 I’m going to give you details on the impressive ingredients found in this lip balm:

Sunflower seed oil
- Improves damaged or irritated skin barrier
- Loaded with fatty acids that moisturize
Coconut oil
- Moisturizes and seals in moisture
Shea butter
- Emollient moisturizer
- Skin-soothing
- Antioxidant-rich
Raspberry seed oil
- Antioxidant
Cocoa butter
- Rich emollient that’s highly moisturizing and nourishing
- Contains fatty acids, vitamin E, and polyphenols
Tocopherol (vitamin E)
- Antioxidant
- Strengthens skin barrier
- Additional UVB protection
Jojoba seed oil
- Wax ester that stays on the skin surface to moisturize and make skin soft
Tamanu Seed Oil
- Nourishing and moisturizing
- Loaded with fatty acids
- Has healing and regenerative properties
- Boosts SPF and antioxidants

The only questionable ingredient in this product is the “natural flavor.” There is no way of knowing what this is. It is likely that this isn’t anything to be concerned about, but I did take away one point from this category due to this unknown. I can tell you that the flavor of this product is very subtle so I don’t think it’s coming from essential oils (which are often irritating or sensitizing).

The remaining three ingredients are “neutral” as far as skin benefits go in my eyes. The beeswax is a thickener. Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an ingredient I hadn’t seen before; this one makes the skin feel smooth. Lastly, Polyhydroxystearic Acid is a dispersing agent used with mineral sunscreens that may reduce white cast. I’m glad that one is included in this formula because I cannot stand the white cast that is common with mineral sunscreens. This lip balm does not give off any sort of white cast!

Price

This lip balm is a little bit more expensive than the average lip balm at $5.50/tube ($10.99 for the 2-pack). However, most lip balms do not include any sun protection. I think this is so important; lips burn just like any other skin! They need that protection when exposed to UV rays.

Additionally, most lip balms do not have an impressive ingredient list like this one does! Organic ingredients always cost a bit more than non-organic, for good reason. There is no risk of potentially dangerous chemicals getting into the product.

I think this product is definitely worth the price!

I was on the fence about writing this product review because I wasn’t sure if anyone would want to read about lip balm. This isn’t just any old lip balm, though. I love that I can feel confident wearing this every day because it’s made with natural, organic, safe ingredients. I of course love the sun protection as well!

Every other lip balm I’ve tried that has SPF, has either left an unattractive whitish cast or has a distinct sunscreen smell. This one doesn’t leave any kind of white cast (it is completely clear) and the scent/flavor is very mild and pleasant. No chemical sunscreen smell here since the SPF comes from zinc oxide (mineral). 🙂

I would recommend this Beauty by Earth SPF 15 Lip Balm to anyone! I think it’s great that it’s sold in 2-packs because it’s nice to have a tube at home and one in your purse for on-the-go application.

What is your experience with lip balms that contain sunscreen? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

Lauren

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Beauty by Earth Lip Scrub–Reset Button for Dry or Chapped Lips

Posted on September 18, 2020 by Lauren

Our lips are at higher risk for dryness than other skin on the body because lips do not have oil glands. My lips will start feeling dry or chapped any time of year, especially if I haven’t been making an effort to keep them hydrated with a good lip balm. For some people, it’s only an issue during colder months when the air is more dry. Since the colder months do lend themselves to dryer skin and lips, I take the current season into consideration when choosing which products to use in my self-care routine.

As we transition from summer into fall, one product that I plan to start using more often is lip scrub. I’ve always thought of lip scrubs as a reset button for dry or chapped lips! Even if I keep my lips properly hydrated, I feel like my lips are much softer and smoother after using a lip scrub…so it’s never a bad time for a lip scrub. 😉

A wonderful natural lip scrub that I recently discovered is the Beauty by Earth Lip Scrub in the mint flavor. This lip scrub is so natural, in fact, that it’s safe to eat. That’s good news for me because I often get a little bit in my mouth when using it…and it actually tastes really good!

Product claims directly from BeautybyEarth.com

Chapstick is great, but sometimes it’s not enough. Give your lips the full treatment by gently exfoliating away dead skin cells. As our sugar scrub clears away the junk, it also adds nourishment that your lips need. When you’re done, you’ll have lips that look (and feel) incredible.

Other product details

Price: $14.99
Net weight: 0.7 oz.
Made in the USA
Cruelty-free
Ingredients are natural and USDA organic
Fair Trade Certified ingredients
Flavors: mint, vanilla, and berry
Where to buy: BeautybyEarth.com or Amazon.com (note that the price is $12.99 on Amazon)
Overall rating: 8.6/10
- Ease of application: 7/10
- Exfoliation: 10/10
- Hydration: 10/10
- Ingredients: 8/10
- Price: 8/10

Ease of application

We’re going to get the lowest-rated category out of the way first! Please keep reading after this one because there is a lot more to take into consideration than the ease of application with this product.

This lip scrub is not the easiest to use. I generally prefer lip scrubs that come in a tube like lipstick, just because their firmer texture makes them easier to apply. This one comes in a small jar that you dip into with a fingertip. The instructions say to apply a pea-sized amount to the lips, gently use a circular motion to rub scrub into your lips, let that sit for 1-2 minutes, and then rinse off.

This lip scrub can be quite messy! It’s important to apply it over the sink or in the shower, because it’s very crumbly. It’s also difficult to “stay inside the lines,” since the texture is oily and very gritty. Those qualities make this lip scrub more effective, but I’ll explain that in the next two sections.

Exfoliation

For a lip scrub to be effective at exfoliating away dead skin, it needs to be gritty. This one has just the right amount of grit to be perfectly exfoliating, while also being gentle. Some lip scrubs are so rough they lead to redness, swelling, and sensitivity, but I have never had that problem with this one. My lips always feel perfectly exfoliated after I’ve used this lip scrub.

Hydration

I like lip scrubs that not only exfoliate well, but also leave my lips feeling hydrated and soft. This one does a great job at leaving my lips feeling hydrated and healthy after I’ve rinsed off the sugar. The hydrating property of this lip scrub is thanks to some of the oils on the ingredients list. I’ll go into more detail on that in the next section!

Ingredients

Fair Trade Certified (TM)*Sugar, *Mentha Spicata (Spearmint) Essential Oil, *Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Essential Oil, *Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, *Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, *Cera Alba (Beeswax), *Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Tocopherols (Vitamin E), *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, *Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flower Extract, *Eupatorium Rebaudianum Bertoni (Stevia) Leaf Extract. *Certified Organic Ingredients

As usual, ingredients are my favorite thing to review! I was amazed to see that there are only eleven ingredients in this Beauty by Earth lip scrub. Might not sound like a big deal, but every other product I’ve reviewed has had 20+ ingredients!

The majority of the ingredients in this lip scrub are excellent, making it very effective at exfoliating, hydrating, and soothing the lips:

Sugar is the exfoliator in this product, doing the actual “scrubbing”
Jojoba, olive, and coconut oils are all very moisturizing
Vitamin E
- Antioxidant
- Strengthens skin barrier
Rosemary leaf extract
- Contains rosmarinic acid, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
Calendula Flower Extract
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant

To make this lip scrub smell and taste good, spearmint and peppermint oils are added. This product smells amazing which definitely adds to the experience. The downside to these oils, is that they can be irritating to the skin. I have never had any problems with sensitivity from this product, but those with sensitive skin might, so that is something to keep in mind.

Price

This lip scrub is very effective and pleasant to use. I also appreciate that most of the ingredients are skin-loving, naturally-derived, and organic! These qualities usually do not come cheaply in any type of product. This product is $11.99, and while I think that is a little high for the amount of product provided, I also understand why they charge that price. These ingredients are pricey, but worth the extra money.

Despite my complaints about this lip scrub being a bit tricky to use, I think it is a fantastic product. Every time I use it, I wonder why I don’t use it more often! It’s recommended to be used twice a week, and that’s how I’d like to start using it.

Beauty by Earth Lip Scrub will keep your lips feeling healthy, hydrated, and comfortable year-round. I think now is the perfect time to give it a try, before the dry air moves in with the cold weather. This lip scrub would also make a great stocking stuffer gift! If you want to get more than one (for yourself or as gifts) I’d recommend buying the Lip Care Deluxe Bundle which includes all three flavors of the Beauty by Earth lips scrubs as well as a peppermint lip balm. That bundle is more cost-effective than buying each item individually.

Have you tried any products from Beauty by Earth? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!

Lauren

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Organic Natural Skincare ft. Beauty by Earth

Posted on September 16, 2020 by Lauren

Clean beauty is not a new concept, but it has grown and evolved in recent years. The clean beauty movement came about because of consumers’ fear of toxic chemicals being used in traditional skincare products. There is much fear of toxins entering the bloodstream and causing allergic reactions, interfering with hormones, or even causing cancer.

What is clean beauty?

What it boils down to, is that a product is “clean” if you can use it without risking your health. All ingredients must be safe and non-toxic.

“Clean” is interpreted in different ways by different people. For many, the best way to ensure that a product is clean, is to verify that all ingredients are natural (not synthetic) and organic.

There is definitely comfort in reading an ingredients list and recognizing every ingredient as something found in nature! Organic natural skincare has grown in popularity, because if all ingredients are grown organically, there is no risk of chemical residues getting into the individual products.

What’s the catch?

There are cons associated with some “clean” or natural skincare products. They have a reputation for being less effective than traditional skincare. This is true in some cases. However, it comes down to which ingredients are used. Like all skincare ingredients, some natural ones will perform better than others.

Natural skincare also is not always “safe.” For example, many essential oils can be irritating to the skin. Just like with the efficacy argument, consumers must pay attention to which ingredients are being used. If you know your skin is sensitive, avoid products with ingredients that will irritate your skin.

Where I stand on natural ingredients

Personally, I think there are both good and bad natural ingredients, just like there are good and bad synthetic ones. I have a combination of traditional and natural products in my collection. As previously stated, I look for what works without causing any adverse effects. I think most of the skincare products I own would be considered “clean” in the most basic terms, but they are not all natural.

I am interested in trying more natural beauty, especially skincare. A brand dedicated to creating quality natural products that I’ve been introduced to somewhat recently, is Beauty by Earth.

Beauty by Earth’s history

Beauty by Earth opened in 2014 in Dallas, TX with a single product launched on Amazon: organic argan oil. In 2015, Beauty by Earth had a team of only four people, but they worked hard to create more innovative, natural, and organic products. In September of that year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) awarded Beauty by Earth products their top rating. Beauty by Earth expanded to sell its products in Canada in 2016. In 2017 the company’s catalogue expanded to include 40 products! Beauty by Earth won TWO awards in 2018: Official Best Skincare in Texas and Indie Beauty Awards (Best in show Eye Treatment). 2019 was another huge year for Beauty by Earth! The team expanded to 16 people, their collection expanded to include 70 products, and the company was ranked among America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies by Inc. 5000.

What makes Beauty by Earth so special?

Beauty by Earth makes its products with 100% natural organic ingredients. All products are USDA certified organic! To get that certification, a company must use at least 95% organic ingredients in its products. Most of their products are vegan, too! The only products that aren’t vegan (like their lip balm) contain beeswax that is harvested responsibly.

They are also cruelty-free and Leaping Bunny certified. 🙂 Products are gluten-free, and only non-GMO ingredients are used. All formulations are manufactured in the USA in a FDA certified facility.

Most products labeled as “clean,” “natural,” or “organic” are very expensive! Beauty by Earth is committed to keeping prices low so their products will be accessible to all. Their goal is to encourage more people to join the clean beauty movement by making it more approachable and affordable.

You might be waiting for an explanation about the EWG rating I mentioned in the last section. The EWG rates products based on the level of health hazard from ingredients. “1” is a very low health hazard while “10” is a very high health hazard. I looked through the Beauty by Earth products on the EWG website and there are eight products with a rating of “3,” 23 products with a rating of “2,” and the other 46 have the coveted rating of “1!” This doesn’t sound all that impressive until you look at some other brands. You will be astounded by the difference! You can search for any product’s rating here.

Beauty by Earth collections

Beauty by Earth has really come a long way since 2014 and now has over 70 products available on BeautybyEarth.com. They started out only selling argan oil, but now they have a variety of products in the following categories:

Skincare
Body care
Hair care
Lip care
Sun care
Tools for face and body

Boss Beauties Elite rewards program

Beauty by Earth has a rewards program very similar to those of other beauty brands I’ve discussed here. Points (or “Beauty Bucks”) are easily earned in several ways:

Sign up for the program
Birthdays
Follow on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook
Place orders on BeautybyEarth.com
Refer a friend
Leave a review

There are three statuses in this program. This seems familiar…noticing a trend? 😉

Everyone starts out at the “Admirer” status in this program
- 1 Beauty Buck earned per dollar spent
- Birthday reward 100 Beauty Bucks
Once you reach $250 spent, you’ll upgrade to “BFF” status
- 1.5 Beauty Bucks earned per dollar spent
- Birthday reward 150 Beauty Bucks
- Two free shipping vouchers
- Early access to new products
- Exclusive promotions
- Welcome gift (valued at $10)
“Soulmate” status once you’ve spent $500
- 2 Beauty Bucks earned per dollar spent
- Birthday reward 200 Beauty Bucks
- Early access to new products
- Exclusive promotions
- Free shipping on ALL orders
- Welcome gift (valued at $25)

Every 100 Beauty Bucks can be redeemed for $10 off! You can let them accumulate for a larger discount, or use them right away.

This rewards program is extremely similar to others I’ve seen lately, but I still think it’s worth mentioning. It’s great getting some extra perks when you shop!

I have only used two products from Beauty by Earth so far, but I’m very impressed by both and look forward to trying more very soon!

My mom is the one that really got me interested in Beauty by Earth and I’m so glad she did! The last time I was at her house, I saw her Beauty by Earth moisturizer and checked the ingredients label (I’m always curious about ingredients). I was blown away! I recognized nearly every ingredient and they are good ingredients.

I look forward to bringing you some Beauty by Earth product reviews soon! 🙂 In the meantime, if you’d like to check out Beauty by Earth, please use my referral link to get $10 off a $50+ purchase! I will also receive $10 in Beauty Bucks if you use my link.

Have you ever tried natural beauty products? What did you think of them? Please share your thoughts with me in the comments below!

Lauren

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Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo–Get a Healthier Scalp Instantly

Posted on September 14, 2020 by Lauren

I’ve always thought it’s so annoying that my hair gets oily within a day, but otherwise I wouldn’t give my scalp any thought. As I’ve gotten older, though, I’ve noticed my scalp getting flaky. Regular shampoo wasn’t doing anything to help, so I realized I needed to find something to exfoliate that dead skin away.

I was also using dry shampoo every other day to keep my excess oils at bay. Since I was using so much dry shampoo, it was building up on my hair and my shampoo wouldn’t get my hair completely clean. To get a healthier scalp and hair, I had to find the right product.

I knew I needed to find a product that would be both exfoliating and detoxifying to get both my scalp and hair completely clean. I’d never seen a product like that and felt pretty discouraged for a while. Then YouTube came to the rescue and introduced me to Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo.

I was so excited to try a Briogeo product because I knew they used quality, mostly natural ingredients. In fact, all of their products are made with 90-100% natural ingredients! This shampoo is 98% natural. 🙂

Product claims directly from BriogeoHair.com

This unique shampoo infuses Binchotan charcoal to draw impurities from the scalp and hair follicle to provide the foundation for optimal scalp health. Vegetable-derived micro-exfoliators remove dead skin cells and product build-up from the scalp to support a clean, balanced, and healthy scalp. A cooling blend of peppermint and spearmint oils reduces scalp itchiness and tea tree oil has antiseptic and healing properties that reduce scalp irritation and inflammation. Coconut Oil provides superior moisturization to the scalp to combat and prevent dryness and flakiness. Super-vitamin, panthenol, provides essential nutrients to strengthen the hair roots and shaft.

Other product details

Price: $42.00
Net weight: 8 oz.
Made in the USA
Allure Best of Beauty Award Winner 2018
Cruelty-free
Vegan
“6-free” hair care
- NO sulfates
- NO silicones
- NO phthalates
- NO parabens
- NO DEA
- NO artificial dyes
Shelf life: 18 months
Where to buy: Amazon.com or BiogeoHair.com
Overall rating: 8.0/10
- Cleansing: 10/10
- Ingredients: 8/10
- Fragrance: 8/10
- Packaging: 6/10
- Price: 8/10

Cleansing

This shampoo provides the perfect combination of gentle exfoliation and detoxification to remove all excess oil, dead skin, and product buildup. I’m always impressed by the exfoliation because the texture of this product is very smooth and creamy. There isn’t any chunkiness that I would usually associate with a physical exfoliator. This product relies on microcrystalline cellulose, which is a plant-derived powder, for the exfoliating property.

My scalp and hair always feel squeaky-clean after I’ve used this shampoo!

I would advise not using this shampoo more than twice a week as it could be drying if used too often. Recently I’ve only been using this product if I’ve gone an extra day without washing my hair or if I use dry shampoo (I don’t use it nearly as often now that I’m spending more time at home) and need to remove the buildup. I use it once a week at most, but have used it twice a week in the past and didn’t have any problems with it.

Ingredients

Water/Aqua/Eau, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Glyceryl Stearate*, Glycerin*, Microcrystalline Cellulose*, Cocamidopropyl Betaine*, Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate*, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate*, Hydrogenated Castor Oil*, Lithium Magnesium Sodium Silicate, Panthenol, Xylitylglucoside*, Charcoal Powder*, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil*, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil*, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Oil*, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil*, Anhydroxylitol*, Bisabolol, Menthyl Lactate*, Xylitol*, Polyquaternium-7, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Fragrance (Parfum), Citric Acid*, Sodium Hydroxide

* Coconut, vegetable, or plant derived

I had very high expectations for this shampoo’s ingredients since Briogeo has a reputation for using only the best ingredients in their hair care products. I found that, while most of the ingredients are naturally-derived, they aren’t all good. There is a mix of good and bad ingredients. I’ll start with the good!

Coconut oil
- Moisturizes and seals in moisture
- Penetrates hair very well
Microcrystalline Cellulose
- Gentle exfoliating powder
Panthenol (provitamin B5)
- Moisturizer and humectant
Charcoal powder
- Absorbs excess oil
Tea tree oil
- Anti-inflammatory
Bisabolol
- Skin-soother

Almost half of the ingredients are pretty standard shampoo ingredients like cleansing agents, texture-enhancers, and preservatives. There is nothing wrong with these and they definitely help this product to get its job done.

Unfortunately, I found that there are five “bad” ingredients. These are all added to give the product a pleasant fragrance:

Peppermint oil (Briogeo claims that peppermint oil is soothing to the scalp, but it is actually a known skin-irritant)
Ginger root oil
Spearmint leaf oil
Menthyl Lactate
Fragrance (Parfum)

Fragrance

This shampoo smells minty and wonderfully invigorating. It’s especially nice in the morning when you need something to help you feel refreshed and ready for the day.

However, that minty goodness comes from five ingredients that could be very irritating or sensitizing for some people. I do like that all of the added fragrance comes from natural sources except for “parfum” which is very far down the ingredients list.

I don’t think most people will have an issue with the added fragrance in this product, especially since shampoo does not stay in contact with the skin for very long. However, people with sensitive skin should avoid this product to prevent possible irritation.

Packaging

This shampoo is packaged in a plastic jar. The shampoo itself is a very thick creamy, almost whipped texture, so I assume that is why they packaged it in a jar instead of a bottle. The jar is fine, but I do think they should make it easier to open with wet hands by adding ridges to the lid. The lid is smooth plastic so it is difficult to grip when your hands are wet.

One of the first times I used this shampoo, I was struggling to get the lid off and ended up dropping the jar and losing a lot of product. I was not happy! To avoid that problem now, I keep the lid screwed on loosely so it’s always easy to open.

Price

This product is quite pricey at $42.00 for only 8 ounces ($5.25/ounce). Also, if you have thick hair and want to use this shampoo often, it probably won’t last very long. I have to use a lot of product to wash all of my hair, which is long and thick. To stretch a jar of this shampoo further, I usually only use it on the top of my head and use my regular shampoo for the rest of my hair.

While I don’t enjoy paying $42.00 for this shampoo, I do think it’s worth the price. It’s a unique product that is very effective!

I’m currently on my second jar of Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo. It cleans my hair like nothing else I’ve found. No matter how much oil or dry shampoo I have built up on my scalp, this shampoo washes it completely clean!

I’d recommend this shampoo to anyone (without sensitive skin) struggling to find a shampoo that cleans and purifies sufficiently. You will not regret giving it a try! 🙂

Have you tried this exfoliating shampoo or found anything similar? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

Lauren

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Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Invisible Finish Moisture Gel–Lightweight Moisturizer for Oily Skin

Posted on September 11, 2020 by Lauren

DISCLAIMER: At the time this blog post was written, Paula’s Choice was owned by TA Associates, a private equity firm. Unilever, which is not cruelty-free, announced on June 14, 2021, that it would be acquiring Paula’s Choice. Since I do not support cruelty-free companies owned by parent companies that are not cruelty-free, I will no longer purchase or review Paula’s Choice products. I am not removing this review since I know many of my readers will still want to support Paula’s Choice.

For those of us with combination or oily skin types, it can sometimes be tempting to skip moisturizer altogether to keep from getting too oily. It doesn’t help that there is a common misconception that oily skin does not require a moisturizer. That is a myth! If oily skin does not get sufficient hydration, it will overcompensate by producing even more oil.

The best type of moisturizer for oilier skin types, especially during the day, is a lightweight moisturizer that absorbs into the skin without making it feel greasy. I have a combination skin type and during the day I don’t want anything that is too heavy or will make me look greasy. This is especially important on days that I’m planning to wear makeup. This may be true for a lot of people with a normal skin type as well.

My current daytime moisturizer is Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Invisible Finish Moisture Gel, which is formulated specifically for combination and oily skin types. I have always enjoyed gel moisturizers, but this is one of the best I’ve ever tried!

Product claims directly from PaulasChoice.com

A moisturizer that provides essential hydration, helps minimize the appearance of pores, and provides antioxidants to help defend against environmental assault.

Skin Balancing Invisible Finish Moisture Gel delivers visibly smoother, softer, and younger-looking skin with a weightless skin-refreshing feel. It’s the ideal ultra-light moisturizer for oily skin that needs hydration and protection from environmental assault. It is a stunningly advanced formula with a brilliant array of antioxidants and skin-restoring ingredients.

Other product details

Price: $29.00
Net weight: 2 oz.
Made in the USA
Cruelty-free
Fragrance-free
Non-irritating
Shelf life: 12 months
Where to buy: PaulasChoice.com and Amazon.com
Overall rating: 8.6/10
- Ease of application: 10/10
- Hydration: 10/10
- “Team player”: 10/10
- Ingredients: 7/10
- Price: 6/10

Please note that I am not a skincare professional. I am simply an individual that enjoys learning about and using skincare products. Speak to your dermatologist or esthetician if you have any concerns.

Ease of application

This moisturizer is packaged in a squeeze tube which makes it very easy to get just the right amount of product. Other gel moisturizers I’ve used have been packaged in jars and it’s easy to get too much product when you have to dip your finger directly into the product. A squeeze tube is also more sanitary and protects the active ingredients in the product.

The texture of this moisturizer is a lightweight gel. It is so easy to blend into the skin. I prefer this texture to creams, which sometimes require more effort to work into the skin completely. These two things together make this a very easy-to-apply product!

Hydration

To look at this gel moisturizer, you would not expect it to be very hydrating. On the contrary, it actually provides the perfect amount of hydration for combination or oily skin!

For a gel, it is a bit on the thicker side and you can really feel the hydration sinking into your skin as the product is blended in. After applying this moisturizer, my skin always feels very hydrated, soft, and smooth, without looking greasy.

“Team player”

I normally use three or four other leave-on skincare products each morning before I apply my moisturizer, so I need a moisturizer that layers well. Additionally, as I mentioned in my previous product review about Paula’s Choice Resist Weightless Advanced Repairing Toner, I do not like to wait very long between steps in my skincare routine. Since I am so stubborn about this, I always look for a daytime moisturizer that will be lightweight enough to smooth easily over my other skincare products without pilling.

I also want my moisturizer to leave a non-greasy finish so my sunscreen and makeup will apply easily on top. Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Invisible Finish Moisture Gel delivers perfectly! This product is a great skincare “team player” in my routine.

Ingredients

Water (Aqua), Cyclopentasiloxane (hydration), Butylene Glycol (hydration), Glycerin (hydration/skin replenishing), Bis-Phenylpropyl Dimethicone (hydration), Niacinamide (vitamin B3/skin-restoring), Laminaria Saccharina (Algae) Extract (hydration), Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract (hydration/skin-soothing), Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract (antioxidant), Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract (antioxidant), Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil (non-fragrant oil/emollient/antioxidant), Tocopheryl Acetate (vitamin E/antioxidant), Phenyl Trimethicone (hydration), Dimethicone (hydration), Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (skin-soothing), Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (vitamin c/antioxidant), Sodium Hyaluronate (hydration/skin replenishing), Superoxide Dismutase (antioxidant), Isohexadecane (texture-enhancing), Panthenol (skin replenishing), Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer (texture-enhancing, Sodium Carbomer (texture-enhancing), Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer (texture-enhancing), Polysorbate 80 (texture-enhancing), Hydroxyethylcellulose (texture-enhancing), Ethylhexylglycerin (preservative), Phenoxyethanol (preservative), Potassium Sorbate

I have mixed feelings about the ingredients list for this moisturizer. I’ll start with the good stuff.

This moisturizer contains several ingredients that provide a variety of benefits to the skin. There are 13 ingredients that I would classify as “good” or “skin-loving” actives. I’ll provide some details on the ones that stand out most:

Niacinamide is one of my favorite skincare ingredients and is especially beneficial for combination or oily skin types
- Improves appearance of enlarged pores
- Regulates oil production
- Evens skin tone
- Softens fine lines
Oat kernel extract
- Soothing antioxidant
- Great for dry or itchy skin
Green tea leaf extract
- Antioxidant
- UV protectant
- Anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial
Grape seed extract
- Potent antioxidant
- UV protection
- Anti-carcinogenic
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
- Soothing
- Anti-inflammatory
- Regulates oil production
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
- Stable form of Vitamin C
- Antioxidant
- Evens out skin tone

These are all great ingredients and I’m happy to see them included in this moisturizer’s formula. One thing that’s holding me back from being completely pleased is the fact that 15 of the 28 ingredients are what I would call “neutral,” like texture-enhancers and preservatives that don’t actually do anything special for the skin. Fortunately, the other 13 ingredients are all good actives! There is not a single bad ingredient in this formula.

Strike two against this ingredients list is that there is only one “good” ingredient in the top five and that is glycerin. While glycerin is definitely a good ingredient, I expect to see more than one good ingredient in the top five. This is important to note because ingredients are listed by concentration; the ingredients with the highest concentration are listed first. To be fair, the next five ingredients on the list are all good. It would be nice to see a couple of those closer to the top of the list.

I also want to point out that there are FIVE silicone ingredients in this product. Many people avoid silicones in their skincare products. I am not sure why there are so many silicones in this moisturizer, but they do not bother me. There is a myth that silicones clog pores, but that has been debunked by Paula’s Choice. You can read an interesting article about silicones in skincare here.

Price

I enjoy this moisturizer, but I think it is a little overpriced at $29.00. If I am going to pay that much for a skincare product, I expect it to have more active ingredients at the top of the list. I also feel that I will use up this moisturizer relatively quickly because I use a little bit more of this gel type moisturizer than I would with a thicker formula. I am not bothered by needing to use a little extra, but I think they should’ve provided more product, given the price.

I enjoy using Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Invisible Finish Moisture Gel in my everyday morning skincare routine. I think it is a great choice for combination or oily skin types!

On the other hand, I am not certain that I will repurchase this product in the future since I think it is slightly overpriced.

Have you tried this Paula’s Choice moisturizer? If so, do you agree with my thoughts on the ingredients and price? I’d love to hear some other opinions! 🙂

Lauren

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Paula’s Choice Resist Weightless Advanced Repairing Toner–A Splash of Hydration to Replenish Skin

Posted on September 9, 2020 by Lauren

DISCLAIMER: At the time this blog post was written, Paula’s Choice was owned by TA Associates, a private equity firm. Unilever, which is not cruelty-free, announced on June 14, 2021, that it would be acquiring Paula’s Choice. Since I do not support cruelty-free companies owned by parent companies that are not cruelty-free, I will no longer purchase or review Paula’s Choice products. I am not removing this review since I know many of my readers will still want to support Paula’s Choice.

In years past, toners had a bad reputation. Most of them were quite astringent and drying to the skin. Those old toners might’ve been good for acne-prone skin, but would be too harsh for most people. Thankfully, toners have come a long way. We now have gentler toners for acne-sufferers and there are other formulas available for other skin concerns. Any skin type can now find a beneficial toner.

I like to look at toner as a primer for my skincare routine. It provides a splash of hydration to replenish my skin after cleansing, as well as providing a base layer of other beneficial ingredients. My first good experience with toner was with Paula’s Choice Resist Weightless Advanced Repairing Toner.

Product claims directly from PaulasChoice.com

An age-defying facial toner that rehydrates and lightly moisturizes skin while also defending against environmental damage.

Replenishes and refines aging skin
Niacinamide and peptide complex renews skin
Lightweight but potent liquid formula
Use twice daily after cleansing skin

Other product details

Price: $24.00
Net weight: 4 oz.
Made in the USA
Cruelty-free
Fragrance-free
Non-irritating
Shelf life: 12 months
Where to buy: PaulasChoice.com and Amazon.com
Overall rating: 8.8/10
- Ease of application: 7/10
- Hydration: 10/10
- “Team player”: 10/10
- Ingredients: 10/10
- Price: 7/10

Ease of application

This product can be used a couple of different ways. You can apply it with a disposable or reusable cotton pad, or you can pat it on your skin directly with your hands.

Most people would apply this product using a cotton pad. This is the easier method, because this toner is literally the same consistency as water. Once it’s on the cotton pad, the toner can then easily be swiped over the skin. The one downside to using a cotton pad, is that the pad absorbs a lot of the product. That means less product for your skin, and a lot of product wasted!

I don’t like to use any more product than absolutely necessary, so I apply this toner the hard way. I pour a little bit into my palm, carefully rub my hands together, and pat the toner all over my face. It works, but it is a bit of a challenge to pull off without spilling any of the toner off of my hands.

Hydration

The tagline for this post’s title isn’t just to get attention; this product is definitely hydrating! My skin feels like it’s taking a big gulp of water when I apply this toner. It sinks in quickly leaving my skin feeling soft and well-hydrated without leaving any tacky residue behind.

For optimal hydration from this toner, it’s best to apply as quickly as possible after cleansing and patting off excess water. Molecules penetrate the skin more effectively when it is damp. Therefore, the toner will absorb best immediately after cleansing and this will lead to the best possible results.

“Team player”

Not all skincare products mesh well with others, or are what I would call “team players.” Fortunately, this Paula’s Choice toner is an excellent team player. It absorbs within seconds and when other products are applied on top, it feels like they’re going on bare clean skin.

This is so important to me, because some products are very difficult to use if they don’t work well with other products I’m using, and that turns my skincare routine into an unpleasant experience. For example, I’ve used a few products that cause other skincare to pill or flake when applied on top. It can help to wait five minutes or more before additional steps, but I’m not patient enough for that! I expect all of my skincare products to blend together seamlessly without any fuss.

Ingredients

Since this toner is made by Paula’s Choice, I knew I was going to be impressed by the ingredients list. I was not disappointed! This product is packed full of some amazing ingredients, and zero bad or “approach with caution” type ingredients.

I love that Paula’s Choice has a short descriptor with each ingredient listed for each product. I still looked at each individual ingredient anyway, because I think skincare ingredients are so interesting. I’d like to share some of the real stand outs!

Niacinamide is one of my favorite skincare ingredients and is beneficial for a variety of skin concerns
- Improves appearance of enlarged pores
- Regulates oil production
- Evens skin tone
- Softens fine lines
Acetyl Glucosamine
- Precursor for biosynthesis of hyaluronic acid
- Wrinkle-fighter
- Fades dark spots
Willow bark extract
- Skin-soother
Resveratrol
- Grape-derived antioxidant
- Skin-protectant
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
- “Famous” peptide (part of Matrixyl 3000)
- Stimulates collagen production
Epigallocatechin Gallate (a.k.a. EGCG)
- “Magic” green tea ingredient
- Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic
Genistein
- Potent antioxidant found in soybeans
Licorice Root Extract
- Anti-inflammatory
- Skin-lightener

Price

If it’s not already abundantly clear from my previous product reviews, I don’t like spending more than necessary on my skincare, makeup, etc. As someone that is just recently self-employed for the first time, I try to watch my budget carefully. So, I have to be honest that I did not like spending $24.00 for this toner. On the other hand, it is a very high quality product. Looking at the ingredients list, I must say that this toner is worth the price!

Paula’s Choice Resist Weightless Advanced Repairing Toner is suggested for normal, oily, or combination skin types. It’s also part of the Resist collection which is meant for anti-aging.

Despite those things, I think this product would be beneficial for any age or skin type. It would provide a hydrated base for dry skin types, and anti-aging is never a bad idea for any age group! The ingredients in this toner are designed more to preserve youthfulness than to address advanced signs of aging.

Have you tried this toner from Paula’s Choice? Does your skin love that extra dose of hydration like mine does? Please comment below!

Lauren

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Cruelty-Free Skincare Backed by Science and Thoughtfully Formulated ft. Paula’s Choice

Posted on September 7, 2020 by Lauren

DISCLAIMER: At the time this blog post was written, Paula’s Choice was owned by TA Associates, a private equity firm. Unilever, which is not cruelty-free, announced on June 14, 2021, that it would be acquiring Paula’s Choice. Since I do not support cruelty-free companies owned by parent companies that are not cruelty-free, I will no longer purchase or review Paula’s Choice products. I am not removing this review since I know many of my readers will still want to support Paula’s Choice.

Microsoft, Canon, BMW, Disney, and Rolex all have something in common. They are all trusted companies that have a high level of brand-recognition around the world. When I think of skincare, the most trusted and well-known brand that comes to mind is Paula’s Choice. While Paula’s Choice is certainly not as commonly recognized as the other brands I mentioned, it has grown over the past 25 years to be very well-known and trusted and is now available in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and many European and Asian countries.

Paula’s Choice History

The story of Paula’s Choice began in 1975 when the founder, Paula Begoun, was fired from her job working at a cosmetic counter because she was telling clients the truth about what products could and could not do for skin. Paula suffered from acne and eczema and struggled to find products that delivered on their claims. That is what inspired her to pursue a career in the research and development of effective skincare.

Paula Begoun launched Paula’s Choice in 1995 as one of the first online direct-to-consumer brands in the world. Paula’s Choice released its innovative 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant in the year 2000. That product remains one of the company’s top-sellers today, 20 years later.

Paula is no longer involved in the daily operations of Paula’s Choice, but the company continues her legacy of creating effective, innovative, and safe products for consumers.

Paula’s Choice Philosophy

I have a high level of trust in Paula’s Choice that I do not have for many companies. The principles of Paula’s Choice are unwavering and transparent.

The following are the principles of the Paula’s Choice Formulary Philosophy from PaulasChoice.com:

Science & Truth
- Paula’s Choice doesn’t follow the trends; formulas are supported and verified by extensive research
Highly Effective
- Products are formulated with active ingredients in proper concentrations, with stable pH levels, to deliver results
Formulary Excellence
- To guarantee effectiveness, products are developed using hundreds of independent studies, safety data, and extensive consumer testing
Non-irritating & Fragrance-free
- Formulas are created with only the ingredients needed to be effective; no Paula’s Choice products contain fragrance or other irritants
- All products are tested on people by an independent laboratory for irritancy and safety
Multi-faceted Formulas
- Every Paula’s Choice product is formulated with antioxidants, skin-replenishing ingredients, and skin-restoring ingredients
Cruelty-free Always
- Paula’s Choice is Leaping Bunny certified and owned by a private equity firm
Packaged for Potency
- Paula’s Choice doesn’t use jars or transparent packaging since vital ingredients become less effective when exposed to air and light
Environmentally Conscious
- Paula’s Choice is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and actively seeks sustainable ingredients and recyclable packaging

There are a lot of fleeting trends and misinformation in the beauty industry. Paula’s Choice challenges ideas, beliefs, and myths to provide consumers with products that are both smart and safe for healthy skin.

Paula’s Choice Collections

Paula’s Choice has several skincarecollections with products to address every skin type, skin concern, age, and preference. The following are all of the Paula’s Choice collections:

Resist for anti-aging
Exfoliate for revealing fresh glowing skin with leave-on products
Clear for acne treatment
Boosters enhance results with concentrated ingredients
Clinical for advanced signs of aging
Defense preserves youthfulness through environmental protection
Omega+ Complex nourishes and strengthens all skin types
Skin Recovery locks in hydration for dry or very dry skin types
Skin Balancing reduces shine and enlarged pores for combination or oily skin types
Calm reduces redness
Earth Sourced protects and preserves skin with 95% natural ingredients
PC4Men features skincare products designed for men (note that all other Paula’s Choice products are gender-neutral)

In addition to skincare, Paula’s Choice also offers some body care and hair care products.

The variety of products on PaulasChoice.com can be overwhelming, but it’s easy to find products that meet your needs. You can search by product type, skin concern, collection, or skin type. If you still feel confused after searching on your own, Paula’s Choice offers resources to educate and guide you to the best products for your unique skin. Look under the “Discover” tab on the main navigation bar of PaulasChoice.com to find these tools.

Routine Finder

The first “Discover” resource is the Routine Finder which is designed to curate personalized routine for your skin. The results of the Routine Finder are based on your age group, skin type, and skin concerns (you can select one primary and one secondary skin concern).

You will be provided with two routine options. The first is called “Essential” and only includes three steps. The second is called “Advanced” and that routine includes five steps to provide optimal results. Once you’ve selected the routine you are most interested in, you can save it to your account, have the results emailed to you, or talk to a Paula’s Choice skincare expert if you have questions about your routine.

Decode My Skin

If you are unsure of your skin type, you can use the Decode My Skin tool. This is another quiz similar to the Routine Finder, but this one starts with a question to determine your skin type, then moves on to ask about your main skin concern that you’d like to address.

The results provide you with your skin type and the most suitable collection for you. You will have the option to choose a curated kit with specific products chosen to meet your needs, the option to shop from the entire collection suggested, or you can choose to select some of the products chosen from the curated kit.

Expert Advice – Skincare Advice

There are many educational articles in the Skincare Advice section if you are interested in learning more. These articles provide information on skincare basics, skin types, skin concerns, skincare myths, sun care, and more. While Paula’s Choice is a skincare company, there are also articles here for makeup tips! These articles are very interesting and informative. I highly encourage you to check them out if you are interested in learning more about skincare (or makeup!).

Expert Advice – Ingredient Dictionary

I love “geeking out” and researching the ingredients in my skincare products. The Paula’s Choice Ingredient Dictionary is one of the main resources I use to find out more about my skincare ingredients. You can search for an ingredient alphabetically or by category. Once you find the ingredient you’re looking for, you’ll be able to see the rating (poor, average, good, or best), categories, and description.

This tool is great to have handy while shopping for skincare products from Paula’s Choice or anywhere else. If you see an ingredient that looks suspicious, you can look it up to see its function and also find out if it’s a good ingredient or not.

Availability and Special Offers

Paula’s Choice products are available on PaulasChoice.com, as well as from several other online retailers including Amazon. The only in-store retailers that carry Paula’s Choice are Pharmaca and Nordstrom.

I recommend only buying directly from PaulasChoice.com because they almost always have some sort of sale going, or offer a free full-size gift with purchase. Keeping in mind that most of their products are $20+, it’s always a great deal getting a free item from Paula’s Choice! You can see information on all current sales and free gifts under Offers.

I think Paula’s Choice is such a special company because they do not compromise on quality, safety, or research. I appreciate that they continue to create products with only the best ingredients and don’t waste time following trends that aren’t based on science.

When you buy a Paula’s Choice product, you can feel confident knowing that product contains some of the best skincare ingredients available. Paula’s Choice stands by all its products and offers a 100% Money Back Guarantee.

I have tried quite a few Paula’s Choice products now and have been pleased with all except for their Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50. Even though that product didn’t work so well for me, I still think it is a good product for many people.

I enjoy the Paula’s Choice products that I currently have in my collection and I look forward to trying more from them in the future. Have you tried any products from Paula’s Choice? Let me know what you think of them below!

Lauren

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