Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock

The one thing I love about going to the dermatologist is getting free samples of anything and everything. There has been many times when I was tempted to purchase a product, cause of great review, only to get a sample and realized it didn't work for me. Yes these are drug store brands and they not expensive but I hate buying something only to never use it again, and in some cases force my boyfriend to finish the product (muahahaha). So imagine my surprise when I got a sample of Neutrogena sunscreen and fell head over heels for it. 

I have always been an avid user of sunscreen and for a while I was using moisturizers with spf. After developing eczema, I became more cautious of the products I used. I started to use a moisturizer and sunscreen separately. I have tried many sunscreens, the most recent being the elemis sunscreen. I have to admit, other than scent and maybe a slight texture difference, I wouldn't be able to tell one brand from another. That is why I liked the Neutrogena sunscreen so much. First it is super light and not greasy. Once you put it on, it dries right away and you can't feel it at all on your skin. The scent is ok, nothing bad nothing good, I just love how it feels on my face, right away I can put on my makeup primer (with the other sunscreen I had to wait for it to dry) and get on with my day. So if you are in the market for sunscreen, I highly recommend you try this out.

Upcoming Sephora VIB Sale

Sephora is having a VIB 15% off sale this weekend starting Thurs.  There are a few items I have been holding out for in anticipation for this sale:

1. Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil

As much as I love the Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil (the pink version for combo skin), I don't like that it's primarily composed of mineral oil.  The Josie Maran cleansing oil looks like it doesn't contain mineral oil, rather it is made up of argan, grape seed, and grapefruit oils.  I have heard some great reviews about this brand, but I haven't had a chance to try any of the products because I am scared to use oils on my skin (other than an oil-cleanser because I do a double cleanse with something that will take off excess oil).  I don't look for products that are oil-free, but the thought of using an oil deliberately on my skin makes me think of the potential break-outs that might happen.  I am looking forward to using this cleanser.

2. REN  Keep Young and Beautiful SH2C Serum

In a magazine article that was published a few months (I feel it might have been Allure, honestly can't remember), the article talked about the different signs of ageing that appear based on a person's ethnicity.  The article indicated that Asian skin doesn't tend to wrinkle, rather it loses elasticity and volume.  Since I am approaching my mid to late twenties soon, I am starting to use more anti-aging skin care products that are targeted towards my preventative needs.  Based on my research, I have been looking for products that stimulate collagen growth.  I've been researching serums that also contain Vitamin C, which helps with brightening the skin and treating dark spots.  This REN serum also contains peptides, which boosts collagen production, so this seems like the perfect serum for me right now. 

This year I plan to test alot of anti-oxidant serums and vitamin C serums, so I will keep posting my thoughts on good finds. 

3. Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils

My number one mascara of all time is the L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara, but lately I feel like it's been smudging under my eyes alot more, and it's given me a reason to try other mascaras out there.  The brush on the YSL Faux Cils is very similar to the L'Oreal Voluminous, which is very dense and seems like it would cover alot of lash surface area.  I've tried the Radical Noir version of the YSL Faux Cils, which is a super super black version, but this one did smudge quite a bit.  Based on some research (mostly reading other reviews), the regular black version of this mascara doesn't have this problem.

4. Dior Addict Lipstick

So many of the beauty blogs have put up reviews for the relaunch of the Dior Lipstick, but I have yet to purchase any, simply because I am overwhelmed by the selection of colors (somewhere around 56 shades).  To make it even more difficult, the colors of the plastic testers are not good indicators of the actual color, so I spent quite some time at Sephora trying to determine which shade was which name, remembering which ones I liked based on the name or number, so I gave up.  But I did find one color that I really like, Paris.  It's a bright cool pink, very pretty for spring.  I'll probably also pick up a nude as well (I would love to hear if anyone has any suggestions!). 

For VIB members, the code for the 15% off, valid April 14 - 21 is "CHICWEEK".  If you attend the opening party (Thurs from 6pm-9pm) the invitation indicates there will be a goody bag!