Best in Beauty | Anua K Beauty Skincare Review #yesstyle

I know I'm late to the K beauty bus, but as they say, better late than never!

I've been testing out the K-beauty brand, Anua Skincare, courtesy of YesStyle.

I chose to try their Azelaic Serum Set for calming and soothing, and I'm super impressed. I saw a huge difference after one use! After a rough night, it was really showing on my face the next morning. I started using Anua skincare that morning, and it transformed my skin right away! 

These products not only soothe and hydrate, but also tackle redness and dark spots. I've been using these products for a week now, and I can't rave about them enough! My skin looks more awake, much clearer, brighter - redness is gone, my skintone is more even. The products are so hydrating and unbelievably soothing to my dehydrated and aging skin.  Keep on reading to learn more about this simple but effective routine that repaired my skin barrier.

I'm loving this simple but thorough skincare routine. I start with a gentle cleanse, then follow up with the AM and PM routine as outlined below.

Product used:

✨️ Step 1- Azelaic 10 + Hyaluron redness soothing pad

✨️ Step 2- Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum

✨️ Step 3/PM- PDRN Hyaluron Acid 100 Moisturizer Cream 

✨️ Step 3/AM - Zero Cast Moisturizing Finish Sunscreen SPF 50+ 

✨️ Weekly treatment- Heartleaf 70 + Hyaluron Soothing Collagen Mask

✨️ Step 1- Azelaic 10 + Hyaluron redness soothing pads

Active Ingredients: azelaic acid for spot care and redness soothing, plus hyaluronic acid for hydration.

These soothing pads come with a small pair of tweezers to select a pad, making it convenient and hygienic. The pads are very thin and saturated with skincare goodness! They are incredibly soothing to my dehydrated skin! Seriously, each step in this routine just adds another layer of hydration and feels like a lot of TLC (tender loving care) for my skin.  These pads can be used AM and PM, and/or mixed with your other skincare.

✨️ Step 2- Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum

Active ingredients: 10% Azelaic Acid, 3 Types of Hyaluronic Acid, ANUA Genlte Calming Complex.

This serum is like a drink of water for my skin. It instantly soothes my skin and helps with skin texture. 

✨️ Step 3- AM - Zero Cast Moisturizing Finish Sunscreen SPF 50+ 

Active Ingredients: sunscreen offers SPF 50 broad-spectrum protection with 80-minute water resistance, shielding the skin from UVA/UVB rays. Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin.

The sun is the biggest cause of aging to our skin. I always wear sunscreen now. I wish my younger self were aware of the damaging rays of the sun so I could have prevented a lot of aging to my skin. I definitely feel protected from further aging of my skin by wearing this SPF 50 every single day!

✨️ Step 3- PM- PDRN Hyaluron Acid 100 Moisturizer Cream 

Active Ingredients: Formulated with PDRN derived from salmon DNA, this daily moisturizing cream helps maintain long-lasting hydration while enhancing a healthy, natural glow.

I use this moisturizer at night after the serum. It was surprisingly hydrating for such a lightweight moisturizer. It's not greasy but imparts lasting hydration. 

✨️ Weekly treatment- Heartleaf 70 + Hyaluron Soothing Collagen Mask

Active Ingredients: Anua’s exclusive HEARTLEAF+ complex, Hyaluron, and collagen synergy help soothe and calm the skin, deeply nourish it. 

These masks are such a treat for my skin, just like this entire line of products. I have gifted these masks to friends and family, and they have all come back to rave about them!

So far, my skin and I are thrilled! My aging skin looks more youthful and brighter in such a short time. I can't wait to see the long-term benefits.  The products work so well together. It's a simple routine that's extremely effective and SO affordable! These products work better than some very high-end brands, and the prices can't be beat! I am completely sold and highly recommend them!

Use my code to save 💰  " HBG1234 " or use the link below:

https://www.yesstyle.com/en/friend-rewards.html?rco=HBG1234&utm_term=HBG1234&utm_medium=Influencer&utm_source=dynamic&mcg=influencer

Thank you, Anua Skincare and YesStyle, for sending me these fabulous products to try out 💚💙🩵 

This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for the support if you choose to use them.

#anuaazelaicacidserum #azelaicacid #redness rosacea perioraldermatitis acnemarks skincareforrosacea koreanskincare AnuaGlow25

Biotherm Anti-Drying Body Milk Review

With the warmer weather here, we'll most likely be showing a little more skin, so it's the perfect time to combat any dry, flaky skin.  Biotherm's Anti-Drying Body Milk combats dry and flaky skin on contact and provides long-lasting hydration. This moisturizer is completely new to me, and it has quickly become an all-time favourite! 

ABOUT:

• This body milk's anti-drying properties rejuvenate the skin, while its blend of regenerating Biotech Plankton, anti-oxidizing Vitamin E and nourishing lipids smooth and delicately scent the skin.
• "Repairs the skin barrier after the first use, providing 48 hour lasting hydration, reducing dryness by in 10 minutes. "

The first thing I noticed is that the light citrus scent is unbelievably delicious and oh, so relaxing! I'm instantly relaxed as soon as I get a whiff of it. And, in terms of moisturizing, it's seriously the best.  I've never used a moisturizer that was so lightweight yet so hydrating. I used to think I had to use the thickest creams to get the most hydration, but this Body Milk has proved me wrong. My dry and flaky skin is soft, hydrated immediately after application, and lasts all day. And, because it's lightweight and absorbs so well, I'm not left with any greasy residue.

I was also very pleasantly surprised when I noticed that after using this Body Milk for a short while, the little bumps on the backs of my upper arms disappeared!

The sleek, slimline bottle takes up little space, and the packaging has a fresh, appealing look that looks nice in my bathroom. The handy pump dispenser makes it very convenient and easy to use, and it can be locked in the closed position, making it great for travel or throwing in your gym bag.

Key ingredients:

Combining nourishing oils with hydrating Glycerin, Biotherm Body Milk lotion provides your skin with optimal hydration and elasticity. Antioxidant Vitamin E and regenerating Life Plankton™ are infused in this rich body moisturizer to deeply repair and smooth your skin.

Now in new and improved packaging with a bottle made of 100% recycled plastic, and is recyclable*.

This product is so luxurious that I feel like I'm practicing a little self-care every time I use it. From the heavenly scent to its superior moisturizing abilities, I'm recommending this moisturizer to everyone I know. And, thanks to the lightweight texture, this bottle should last for quite some time!

It's no wonder that it's Canada's number 1 premium body moisturizer. I'm seriously hooked!

Purchase Biotherm's Anti-Drying Body Milk on Amazon.com. *

This product was gifted for review consideration. All opinions are mine. *Post contains affiliate links. Thank you if you choose to use them. #summerbody

Best Anti-Aging Eye Product | L'Oréal Youth Code Ferment Eye Esssence

Being of a certain age, I'm always on the lookout for the best eye products that I can find for my aging and puffy eyes. On top of lines and wrinkles, I suffer from hereditary under eye bags that no products ever seem to help with, until now.

I started using Loreal's Youth Code Ferment Eye Essence a few weeks ago and it not only reduces the look of my lines and wrinkles, but it is actually making a difference in reducing my under eye puffiness. And, the longer I use it, the better my results are becoming. I'm not saying that my under eye bags have disappeared, that would most likely take surgery in my case, but the results so far are the best I have achieved with an eye product. 

This Essence contains the probiotic "Bifida Ferment Lysateis," as well as caffeine, and sodium hyaluronate, among other wonderful, skin-loving ingredients. It is worth noting that I have used other products that contain caffeine as well as sodium hyaluronate and I didn't experience the results that I'm having with this essence.

FYI:

Bifida Ferment Lysateis a natural extract obtained from friendly bifidobacteria that is used in skincare products like anti-ageing creams. This ingredient can help protect the skin from damage cause particularly by UV thanks to its antioxidant properties. It also contributes to reducing skin sensitivity by strengthening the natural skin barrier.

 

The Essence comes in a simple glass bottle and contains an applicator with 3 small stainless steel balls.

The innovative applicator may look gimmicky, but it is definitely not. The 3 metal balls not only apply the product, but they also help to disperse the product quickly and easily, while gently massaging the eye area which helps with lymphatic drainage. It feels nice and cooling and is extremely gentle and doesn't tug at my skin at all. 

The Essence is clear and very much like a serum. The hydration from this product is unreal! Usually, when I find an eye product that is very hydrating it ends up making my under eyes puffier. Fortunately, there is some kind of magic in L'Oréal's Eye Essence as it is hands-down the most hydrating eye product I've ever used, which is great for reducing the appearance of wrinkles, but somehow, it also helps with my under eye puffiness. I'm still using this product and my results keep getting better over time.

 

In my experience, this essence keeps the eye area very moist throughout the day, which is great at keeping the eye area looking hydrated and youthful, but can be tricky if you like to apply powdered eye makeup right after your skincare. Perhaps I am using too much product on each eye and need to use less during the daytime. For those that do like to use a lot of powdered eye makeup, I would consider just using this product at bedtime or try using less product (use one dip into the product and distribute between both eyes). For the most part, I have been wearing liquid concealer below my eyes, cream shadow, and mascara without any issues. 

Product Details:

​WHAT DOES 10% PROBIOTIC FERMENTS + CAFFEINE EYE SERUM DO?

This non greasy, quickly absorbing formula provides rested-looking eyes in just 1 week. Probiotic ferment fractions help balance skin to promote healthy bacteria and strengthen skin around eyes. Caffeine helps to energize skin and reduces the look of puffiness.

VISIBLE RESULTS

After just one application, eye area is +17.5% more elastic and +16.5% firmer. In 1 use, eye area looks brighter, more hydrated and visibly smoother. Over time, fine lines look reduced. Eyes look younger and well rested.

TRIPLE ROLLER APPLICATOR

With 3 cooling, stainless-steel balls, optimally bends to provide a full eye contour massage to help noticeably depuff under eyes.

This product really lives up to its claims and I'm so happy with my results. It definitely makes the entire eye area appear more youthful, awake, and less tired- something I've struggled with for a long time.

Lorea'l is really knocking it out of the park with their newest skincare formulations. I'm also very impressed by their new Midnight Cream. I find that this Eye Essence as well as their Midnight Cream rival high end products and are just as good, if not better!

I'm excited to continue using this fabulous Eye Essence and would repurchase it in a heartbeat. It's a good value at $36.95 for 20ml. I've paid far more for products that don't deliver the results that this product does. Plus, a little goes a long way, so this bottle should last for quite some time.

This product is Dye-Free, fragrance free, and Paraben-Free.

                                                            

Sample provided for review. #trywithtopbox #freeproduct #topbox #loreal

This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for the support. 

Weekly Favourite | Cala Eye Need It Essential Makeup Brush Kit Review

I spotted this gorgeous, budget-friendly Cala Eye Need It Essential Eye kit at my local Marshall's store. They had it available in black, pink, silver/multi-metal, and this rose gold set that I purchased. I knew right away that I had to have it as it is perfect for travel and to throw in my makeup bag that I keep in my purse. Little did I know that I would end up using it for my everyday eye makeup!

Since I have been keeping my makeup routine very simple these days, I now keep my everyday makeup in my bathroom, and this brush set takes up very little space and fits perfectly into my everyday makeup setup.

About:

The super soft bristles are the perfect way to blend your colors. These five essential brushes with sleek tube will help create the perfect eye look for any occasion.

Set Includes: Eye Shadow Brush, Tapered blending brush, blending brush, angled brow brush, smudge brush.

There are other variations available as well.

Packaged into this beautiful, sleek but small tube are 5 quality makeup brushes that are all you need to create any eye makeup look.

What I love about this set vs. others that I've seen, is that it has round/blending brushes for using in the crease of your eye. Having hooded eyes, this is a must for me.

The brushes are of great quality. They are nice and soft and blend my makeup well. They wash up nicely too and don't shed. 

I use every single brush in this set, so nothing is going to waste. It truly has everything you need- from liner brushes to crease and lid brushes.

As you can see from the pictures, the tube is nice and sleek and takes up very little space.

Whether you need something for travel or for your makeup bag, this set is a perfect choice. Or, maybe you are a minimalist or just want to downsize, it's also perfect to keep with your everyday makeup as it takes up such a small amount of space, yet it contains all the essential eye makeup brushes that you need. 

The only choice to make is which colour to get or maybe you want them all! 😀

Cala beauty is Cruelty-free 🐰 

 

Purchase Cala Eye Need It kit in the USA  🇺🇸 

Purchase Cala Eye Need It kit in Canada 🇨🇦 

*Check for other colours as prices vary online.

                                                    

#lovemarshalls 

This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for your support if you choose to use them.

Nars Dupe | Covergirl Trublend So Flushed Blush in Love Me Review + Swatches

Featured product:

Covergirl Trublend So Flushed Blush in the shade #320 Love Me

Size: 9.5 grams

Price: $7.99

Where to buy:

Shoppers drug mart, Rexall (in Canada)

Ulta, CVS (USA)

Amazon (Canada, USA etc)

I had always been a Blush fiend, then I had gotten away from wearing Blush for a while and just did my usual -load on the bronzer- but without the Blush. 

Recently, I got the urge to try something new. I gave Nars Orgasm a try but I didn't like the glitter in it. Then, I heard this Covergirl Blush in "Love Me" was similar, so I had to give it a try, and I confess, I'm in love! 😍

About:

Trublend So Flushed High Pigment Blush

TruBlend So Flushed High Pigment Blush delivers vivid, high-impact color in one swipe. This cream-feel, buildable powder is fall-out resistant and feels comfortable all day long.​

Available in 4 shades.

Finger swatch (no filters in any photos)

Wrist swatch (please ignore cat scratches 😂)

Back of wrist swatch 

On my cheeks swatch 😁

My thoughts :

This is a gorgeous pink Blush with a gold sheen to it. Unfortunately, the camera doesn't quite pick up on the gorgeous gold sheen. I find it is similar to Nars' infamous Orgasm blush but I like the Covergirl one better as it has a sheen without the glitter. It is buildable, and should suit a wide range of skintones. Lasting time is very good and lasts throughout most of the day.

Covergirl Love Me Blush also makes a great blush for the newer draping technique. I use this blush higher up on my cheeks than I do with other blushes and place over top of my bronzer- kind of where you'd use a highlighter,  and blend up a bit towards my temples. And, I can skip the highlighter thanks to the gorgeous luminous glow from this blush! It definitely helps give  the skin a healthy youthful appearance , in my opinion. I also like to wear this blush up into the crease of my eye as a wash of eyeshadow.  It looks gorgeous and gives that monochromatic look when worn on the cheeks and the eyes. 

It's a very generous sized blush and should last for a long time. I really think this is a score and the price is amazing as is the quality! I really hope they never stop making it, just in case I run out! 

There are only 4 shades in Covergirl's Trublend So Flushed line, one of which is more like a bronzer. But, even with so few shades, I feel that there will be something for everyone. I certainly wouldn't mind trying them all! 

Covergirl is certified Cruelty-free! 🐰 

What are you waiting for!? Go and treat yourself! You know you deserve it! 🥰

Purchase online here.

Contains affiliate links. Thank you for your support if you choose to use them.

Catrice HD Liquid Coverage Foundation & Camouflage Concealer Review + Swatches Shade 010

I'm ecstatic that Catrice Cosmetics has finally arrived in Canada! They have some amazing products at super affordable prices AND they are Cruelty-free! I was so happy to receive their HD Liquid Coverage Foundation and Camouflage Concealer for testing and review consideration.

I had a look at their shade chart (see below) and decided that shade 010 in both the foundation and concealer would probably be the best match for my light-medium skin with neutral undertones.

Catrice HD Liquid Coverage Foundation Shade 010

Catrice HD Liquid Coverage Foundation 30ml/ $13.99 CAD

From Catrice:

• Ultra-light, high coverage foundation for a natural-looking finish
• Covers imperfections and mattifies the skin creating a smooth and even complexion for up to 24 hours
• Features a unique dropper applicator
• Scroll down to our shade finder to find your perfect match
• Vegan

The foundation comes in a glass bottle with a dropper style dispenser. 

The shade 010 was a good match for my skin tone when I don't have a tan. It oxidizes very slightly but not in an orange way, it just gets very slightly darker, so keep this in mind when selecting a shade. I could actually use a slightly darker shade because I prefer my foundation to be just a bit darker on me as I like to add some colour to my face. However, I can also add the extra colour to my face with some bronzer etc. 

This foundation has great coverage and gives you the option of lighter or heavier coverage depending on how much you apply and your application method. Most days, I prefer a lighter coverage, so I use a damp beauty sponge for this type of coverage. I can achieve more coverage by using a brush instead. Note that very little product is needed and I would always start off with less and build from there. 

I didn't find this foundation to be cakey at all and it did not settle into my lines either. It's actually very suitable for my aging skin. I cannot speak for 24 hour staying power as I wash it off before bed, but hey, there are always those times you might want 24-hour staying power (hello, my younger days!) The staying power is great though and I did not become oily throughout the day which is pretty much unheard of for me!

Catrice Camouflage Concealer in Shade 010

Catrice Liquid Camoflouge High Coverage Conclear 5 ml/ $7.99

From Catrice:

• Long lasting, liquid concealer for weightless coverage
• Highly pigmented and waterproof formula instantly hides dark circles, imperfections and redness
• Flock tip applicator for precise application

The Camouflage concealer was also a good match for me in the shade 010. It's lighter than the foundation but has a more pink undertone to it which is great for brightening the under eyes.

The concealer worked well for both my under eyes, redness, and blemishes. I have been wearing this concealer often for lighter makeup days. I just apply some of this concealer where needed and then apply some powder, bronzer, lipgloss and I'm good to go. If I want more coverage for conference calls etc, I add in the foundation so I can look more polished.

I love that this concealer isn't detectable on the skin and that it doesn't settle into fine lines. It states that it's waterproof. I haven't tested out that claim but I have used it on days that I've worked out and it sure stood up to sweat, so I don't doubt that it's waterproof.

A little also goes a long way with this product also, so very little is needed and I start with less and add more as needed. I appreciate that it is not cakey or drying on my combination, dehydrated, and aging skin.

Top: Foundation shade 010

Bottom: Concealer shade 010

I'm so happy with both of these products and think that they stand up to high-end products at such affordable prices!

Catrice has a large selection of shades to choose from, so there should something for everyone. At the time of this post, there are 23 foundation shades to choose from and 17 concealer shades.

I really appreciate that Catrice makes inclusive products that work for all generations including those with aging skin!

These products are cruelty-free, gluten-free, alcohol-free, and oil-free.

Available online at Shoppers Drug Mart.ca

Happy Sunday, everyone!

PR samples kindly provided by Catrice for review consideration. No referral links and this post is not sponsored. All opinions are my own :)

NARS Afterglow Lip Balm in Orgasm Review with Swatches!

Nars Afterglow Lip Balm in Orgasm $28 USD/ 3 Grams

True to other Nars Orgasm products, this lip balm is described as a sheer, peachy pink with golden shimmer. The Afterglow Lip Balm is available in 8 shades.

Described as moisturizing lip balm infused with a blend of antioxidants to condition and protect lips.

Details:

• Sheer coverage
• High shine colour
• Contains Monoï Oil for long-lasting hydration
• Fragrance-free
• Alcohol-free

As I get older, my lips get more and more dehydrated and lined. So I tend to look for hydrating lip products that add a hint of colour and this lippie seemed to tick off all of my boxes. And, with the Nars Orgasm name behind this shade, I was expecting something really special!

I have to admit that the rose gold packaging is stunning! I find the lip balm to be hydrating and it provides a sheer wash of colour to my lips. However, for the price, I was expecting it to have a wow factor. Don't get me wrong, I do really like it and enjoy using it but the wow factor just isn't there for me. I fee that I can get the same look from a lot of tinted lip balms.

It's very sheer, as it claims to be, but adds a decent amount of pink to my lips (this will vary for each person depending on how pigmented your lips are to begin with). It does swatch quite light and I didn't expect it to show up as much as it does on my lips based on that. It's described as a peachy pink with golden shimmer. It shows up as a sheer, shiny pink on my lips, however, I do not see any golden shimmer.

It is quite hydrating, as it should be. I find that the lasting power is average for a balm. Considering the price tag, I was expecting more here as well. After about 30 minutes, the colour, shine, and hydration start to wear off and I feel the need to reapply. However, if I do not reapply, I find that it does leave a very slight pink tint to my lips that does last as does a little bit of hydration.

Below are swatches from various angles during a dreary day, some with overhead lighting and some without.

As you can see, it is quite sheer against my pale skin. Of course, the effect will be different on your lips since they will have more pigmentation.

Here are a few comparisons of Nars Afterglow LipBalm in Orgasm beside ELF's Bare Kiss Lip Balm and Burt's Bees Lip Balm in Pink Blossom.

I read on a very reputable website that ELF's Bare Kiss was a DUPE for Nars Afterglow in Orgasm, so I purchased it right away. As you can see, they are not even close to each other. The formulas are also completely different (ELF is waxy and dry, Nars is sheer and hydrating).

Top: Nars Afterglow in Orgasm, Middle: ELF Bare Kiss, 

Bottom: Burt's Bees Pink Blossom

Below is right after application

30 minutes after application in the car

Overall, I do love this product even though it didn't have that wow factor that I was expecting. But, I also feel that I can get the same effect from many tinted lip balms. I would definitely repurchase this product if the price tag was around $10. But, at over $30 here in Canada, I would say it is very overpriced for what it is. However, I do think it would make a nice gift for someone who likes tinted lip balms as it comes in such beautiful packaging and it is very pretty. It's just not something I can justify repurchasing at its current price.

In hindsight, I would probably purchase the mini Afterglow Lip Balm that comes with the corresponding blush (linked here), and probably will when I finish this balm. 😊

$28 USD (Shop Now)

Once I find a DUPE for this product, I will be sharing with y'all as soon as I find it!

Let me know what your favourite coloured lip product is for aging lips in the comments below!

Not sponsored. Contain referral links. Thank you if you choose to use them!