Review: Montagne Jeunesse - Chocolate masque

My thoughts and experience:  
They had me at chocolate... seriously! I like the idea of the single packs because they're less messy, travel friendly, and a great way to try out the product without having to purchase a whole thing. Once opened, it contained a thick whipped-cream-like mixture. It was super easy to spread on my face and smelled like semi-sweet chocolate. There was left over in the pack, almost enough to share the mask with someone else.

 [yummy]

I left it on for about 30 minutes to let the mask completely dry. It got a little messy while I was washing off the chocolate masque. Afterwards, my face felt really soft and hydrated. I definitely will be purchasing more of these in the future. I've seen that they have a bunch of different ones at Walmart.

Ingredients:

Retail Price: Starting at $1.39

Where to buy: www.montagnejeunesse.com; Walmart, most drugstore chains.

Have you tried any of their masks before?

Disclaimer: This product was purchased by me. I am not affiliated with the company, nor was I paid to do this review.  All reviews on SiSi Sparkles are my honest opinion, whether it was purchased or provided. See full disclaimer here.

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Review: Lily Fresh Skin Care combination/normal trial gift pack

My thoughts and experience:  
Trial/gift packs are always a great way to try out something new. I recently discovered the brand when I was looking for an organic line of skin care products. The Lily Fresh Skin Care combination/normal skin pack includes the

• Seaweed Balancing facial cleanser
• Balancing facial toner
• Oil-free skin conditioning serum
• Rejuvenating Enzyme mask
• Balancing facial lotion.

It's amazing that their products are handmade in their own organic farm in the United States, 100% pure and vegetarian, and contains no synthetic chemicals. The clear bag it comes in is perfect for traveling.

The facial cleanser is a very gentle and mild one. It didn't lather well, nor did you need alot of it. It has a herbal scent to it, which definitely woke me up in the mornings. This was a great morning cleanser for me personally; I needed something more for my end of day cleansing. My face felt really moisturized after using this cleanser.

I love the balancing facial toner. It was easy to use and worked very well. Another toner that helps balance my skin after cleansing. It was gentle and didn't sting at all.

The oil free skin conditioning serum is different than most serums I've tried. I used it mostly at night. It was not oily at all, and yet, my face felt extremely soft the next day. I was tempted to lather this stuff on, but honestly, a little goes a long way.

The rejuvenating enzyme mask is great! It smells like brown sugar and maple syrup; I was so tempted to eat it. It feels like a sugar scrub that you leave on. I left mine on for over 30 minutes, and used a warm towel to wipe it off. My face felt really smooth afterwards, and my pores looked smaller.  

The balancing facial lotion is super light and effective. I was definitely not expecting this to be moisturizing enough because of the texture of the lotion. It's lightweight and milky-like. It leaves a strong after smell, hubby made a comment when I use this stuff. 

Overall, I think this is a great travel size kit and also a good way to test out their products. The price may be a little bit, but it's organic, pure, and made in the U.S. I am definitely interested in purchasing some of the full size products. 

Retail Price: $25.99

Where to buy:  www.lilyorganics.com

Disclaimer: This editorial sample was sent to me for review considerations from the company or a PR firm. I am not affiliated with the company, nor was I paid to do this review.  All reviews on SiSi Sparkles are my honest opinion, whether it was purchased or provided. See full disclaimer here.

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Review: Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes

What is it?
"Our Cleansing Facial Wipes refresh and nourish your skin plus remove waterproof mascara. Our wipes contain a perfect blend of our purest possible skin loving ingredients with an added vitamin."

 Retail Price: Starting at $4.99 for 25 wipes.

Where to buy:  Most drugstores and mass market retailers.

My thoughts and experience:
These Simple cleansing facial wipes come in a package of 25 wipes. They are stored in a resealable bag with an adhesive flap to help maintain moisture of the wipes. I've been using them a couple of times, and I am quite pleased with them. They do an excellent job removing all kinds of make up with one wipe.
Some of my favorite things about these wipes:

• Adhesive flap stays closed to help keep wipes fresh.
• Alcohol free, no perfume, no dyes.
• Gentle on sensitive and dry skin.
• Face feels clean and refreshed, I don't feel the need to wash my face.
• Safe on eyes (even contact lens users like myself).
• Removes foundation, eyeshadow, mascara, blush, lipstick with one wipe.

I would recommend these to people with sensitive skin or normal to oily skin types.  I have very dry cheeks, and have noticed some dry spots after using the wipes.

[after wiping off make up]

Have you tried any of the Simple Skincare products? Do you use facial wipes to remove your make up at the end of the day?


Disclaimer: I was given a free product or sample because I'm a Klout influencer. I am under no obligation to receive the sample or talk about this company. I get no additional benefits for talking about the product or company. All reviews on SiSi Sparkles are my honest opinion, whether it was purchased or provided. See full disclaimer here.
 

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Review: Reviva Labs Make Up Primer

What is it?
Reviva Labs Makeup Primer fills in lines, conceals pores and controls excess oil. Reviva Labs Makeup Primer helps skin instantly look and feel smoothe and silky. Reviva Labs Makeup Primer helps makeup foundation last longer. Reviva Labs Makeup Primer contains CoQ10 which adds protective antioxidant action.

Retail Price:$19.50 for 1 oz.

Where to buy:  www.revivalabs.com

My thoughts and experience:
This has a very simple package, it's a glass bottle with an easy to use pump. I have really dry cheeks and an oily t-zone and this product worked amazingly on my skin. You can use this on clean skin, or over your moisturizer.

I only use very little for my whole face. Simply pump a pea size amount and dab it to your cheeks, forehead and your jawbone line. Then, smooth it out all over. It's like a little mask that covers your pores, fine lines, and just feels velvety smooth! I let it dry for a minute, and then apply my foundation.

I noticed several things while using this primer:

• It hides those make up lines (those I get from smiling too much).
• Foundation looked so much smoother.
• I rarely have to blot, and when I do, the make up stays put.
• It doesn't clog my pores.
• At the end of the night, my foundation still looks amazing (a nice dewy look).

Overall, I don't have any bad things to say about this. It's a great price for the amount that you get, since you only need so little. This has definitely become a daily beauty routine for me!

Do you guys use make up primers?

Disclaimer: This editorial sample was sent to me for review considerations from the company or a PR firm. I am not affiliated with the company, nor was I paid to do this review.  All reviews on SiSi Sparkles are my honest opinion, whether it was purchased or provided. See full disclaimer here.

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Review: Philosophy Hope Springs Eternal Hydrating Mist

What is it?
"Hope Springs Eternal Deep Sea Hydrating Mist by Philospphy is an ultra-fine, hydrating mist that helps replenish skin's moisture level to revitalize and restore skin, while enhancing your sense of well-being with a fresh, invigorating scent. Formulated with the rejuvenating properties of the deep sea, hope springs eternal contains over 250 minerals that topically feed your skin healthy nutrients for an astonishingly healthy glow. This instant skin pick-me-up is infused with hyaluronic acid to bathe the skin in hydration and beta glucan, a yeast extract that promotes overall skin health by helping to strengthen skin's natural rejuvenation potential. Philosophy suggests that you use this several times a day to maintain a gorgeous, timeless complexion."

Retail Price: $20 for 5 fl.oz.

Where to buy: www.philosphy.com  dermstore.com, most beauty stores.

My thoughts and experience:  
The packaging is just a very simple plastic bottle with a spray mist and a cover. I fell in love with mists a while back and have been trying new ones every time I am finished with one. I love that the sprayer is easy to work, and that it actually "mists". Some of them spray too much out, but not this one, it's perfect!

This hydrating mist sets fairly quickly, about 15 seconds or less, and it absorbs right into the skin. It's not greasy at all, nor does it burn or tingle. It has a very light scent which kinda reminds me of tropical ocean scent. I use it after washing my face and after I apply foundation. It's been SO helpful during the cold months because my skin is always drier this time of the year. It helps get rid of dry patches, gives extra moisture where needed, acts as a pick me up when my skin feels dull, AND also a powder foundation setting spray. Another cool thing is there are 250 minerals in this spray, that's awesome!

I've been using this for several weeks now, and I'm extremely happy with it. It is definitely something I will repurchase! It's such a huge bottle for $20. I would recommend it for people who have dull or dry skin.

Have you guys used this before? Do you have a favorite hydrating mist?

Disclaimer: This product was purchased by me. I am not affiliated with the company, nor was I paid to do this review.  All reviews on SiSi Sparkles are my honest opinion, whether it was purchased or provided. See full disclaimer here.  

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Review: REN Tonic Moisture Mist

What is it? A cooling and hydrating facial spray that revives and tones the complexion.


Retail Price:  $28.00

Where to buy: www.renskincare.com

My thoughts and experience:  

I've been a fan of REN products since I've tried 6 of their best last year. Something about the goodies in their products, or lack thereof, I should say - no parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrance or colors, etc... I figured, since winter was coming up, I wanted to use a brand I was familiar with to help with my super dry skin.

This toner mist comes in a nice glass bottle. I find that the misting part sprays just a tad bit too much, based on other toners I've used before. I use it atleast 3 times a day - before make up, after make up, and after washing my face at night. I've gone through more than half of the bottle already! Spraying my face before make up helps to prepare the surface for make up. Spraying my face after using powdered foundation helps to set it, and keep it looking fresh and radiant throughout the day. Lastly, I use it after washing my face at night to help give it moisture through the night.

I find this product to be very hydrating for my skin, a mist will get rid of any dry spots. It's also very refreshing. It has a light rosy scent, which took some getting used to (I'm not a fan of rose scented things).

Overall, I think this refreshing moisture mist is a great product to use, especially during these dry months.

Do you have a favorite toner?

Disclaimer: This product was purchased by me. I am not affiliated with the company, nor was I paid to do this review.  All reviews on SiSi Sparkles are my honest opinion, whether it was purchased or provided. See full disclaimer here.  

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Review: MAC Studio Moisture Tint SPF 15 - Medium Dark

What is it?
"A light, tinted moisturizer with SPF 15 and other skin-nourishing ingredients. An easy one one-step finish specially suited for the season, this sheer tint provides just enough coverage to even out the skintone while creating a flawless protected, softly moisturized finish. Suitable for all skintones."

Retail Price: $30 for 40ml

Where to buy: Mac Cosmetics, www.maccosmetics.com

My thoughts and experience:
I've been using this product since the weather has started getting warmer (way back in May) and I love it!
The product comes in a tall squeeze tube. The texture is soft, creamy, and blends right into the skin upon contact. I can use my clean fingers to blend or a face brush, either way, it melts right into my skin. It offers light to a buildable medium coverage. It helps even my skintone and cover a few blemishes. It gives it an overall healthy look to my skin without looking too heavy. It is also moisturizing enough for my dry skin. I don't need alot to cover up, just a small double pea size for the entire face.

The medium-dark color has a slight pink-ish undertone, but is does not look too pinkish on me. I have an yellow/olive undertone and it works fine. As with any tinted moisturizers, you can re-apply when needed, however I never really had to with this product. It has a semi-matte finish, giving my skin a healthy glow.

before and after pic with no concealer

I would definitely recommend it to someone who is looking for a natural coverage tinted moisturizer that is light and buildable. 

Have you tried this product?

Disclaimer: This product was purchased by me. I am not affiliated with the company, nor was I paid to do this review.  All reviews on SiSi Sparkles are my honest opinion, whether it was purchased or provided. See full disclaimer here.

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Review: Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser

What is it? 
"Our award-winning daily facial skin cleanser is formulated to gently cleanse, tone and melt away all face and eye makeup in one simple step, while lightly hydrating the skin."

Retail Price:
$10 for 3 fl oz
$20 for 8 fl oz
$32 for 16 fl oz
$40 for 24 fl oz
$47.50 for 32 fl oz

Where to buy: www.philosophy.com

My thoughts and experience:
I received a 1 fl oz size of this in my July Birchbox and was really excited to try it out! It's a first for me to try anything from Philosophy. I find it was really easy to do a one step thing and move on at the end of a long day.
The product lathers easily, has a very light gingery scent. It cleanses and tones gently, as well as hydrates afterwards. It leaves my face feeling soft and smooth after using it. I can actually see this healthy glow around my cheeks! It also does a good job removing eye make up without stinging my eyes (I'm a contact lens user).

My only issue with this product is the price, it's a little bit on the pricier side (for me atleast).  However, it is definitely a splurge that is well worth it! They do have alot of different size options available for this product. I look forward to trying other items from Philosophy in the future, and  even repurchasing this (of course when it goes on sale, lol. I can't help it!)

Have you tried this before? What did you think of it?

Disclaimer: This product was purchased by me. I am not affiliated with the company, nor was I paid to do this review.  All reviews on SiSi Sparkles are my honest opinion, whether it was purchased or provided. See full disclaimer here.

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Review: Olay Regenerist micro-derm cleansing cloths

What is it?
Olay Regenerist Micro-Derm Cleansing Cloths exfoliate to improve skin's tone and texture, remove dirt, oil and makeup, even stubborn waterproof mascara, and condition to soothe and hydrate dry skin. These convenient cloths are infused with vitamins and witch hazel to leave your skin feeling healthy and refreshed. Perfect for travel.

Retail Price: $9.99

Where to buy: Most retail grocery and drugstores, www.amazon.com

My thoughts and experience:
These cloths come in a wrapper that sits in the black tub. Once you unwrap the cloths (they are dry), you leave them in the black tub to keep it clean.

To use, first, you must wet the cloth. Then, rub with your palms to make it lather. Third, cleanse your face. The bumpy side is to clean and remove make up. The smooth side is for delicate areas such as the eyes. After using the cloth, rinse your face with water.

It has a fresh, baby powder scent when cleansing. These are excellent for people on the go, and also for travelers. These micro-derm cleansing cloths does an excellent job on removing any make-up. It exfoliates and cleans gently. Afterwards, my face feels really soft and clean. I have dry, combination skin and I do not see any dryness after using this (in the Summer time, atleast). I do feel a little tightening of the skin.

The third picture is what it looks like after I remove my make up with this cloth. 

I would definitely recommend it!


Have you tried these cleansing cloths before?


Disclaimer: This product was purchased by me. I am not affiliated with the company, nor was I paid to do this review.  All reviews on SiSi Sparkles are my honest opinion, whether it was purchased or provided. See full disclaimer here.

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Review: Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Correcting Primer - Pink Highlighter

What is it?
In one simple step, this versatile primer color-corrects imperfections, smoothes skin texture, fills in fine lines and boosts makeup's staying power.
Ultra-convenient twist-pen with attached brush applicator allows for easy blending and effortless application.

Retail Price: $10.95

Where to buy: Most drugstore and grocery retail stores, www.physiciansformula.com

My thoughts and experience:
The packaging of this product is very informative. It has alot of info on the back letting you know the benefits. The correcting primer has a little brush on the end; you twist the top part to get product out. From my experience, you should only twist twice. Any more and it will be too much. I used the brush to dot a couple of areas on my face. Then I used my fingers to even the primer out. I didn't use the brush to even it out because it was kind of streaky looking. It was so much smoother with fingers.

The formula is on the thicker side. Applying primer is like adding a second layer of skin before make up. Because it is thicker, it does feel a little heavier.

Some things that I like about this primer is that it contains SPF 15,  it absorbs quickly, and it does brighten the face. This primer helped smooth out some of the bumpy parts of my face to make it easier to apply make up, too.

Things I do not like about it is that I am finding that it leaves a pink undertone on my face if you wear the product alone. It also can get really messy when you are trying to get product to come out. I find that it boosted make up staying power by an extra 2-3 hours. Because the product comes out of the brush, some left overs are also dried on there.

Here's the before and after applying primer picture -

Overall, I really loved the idea of this product, but I'm not sure this is something I will purchase. I might try the nude or green color in the future to see if they work better for me.

Have you tried any of Physicians Formula's correcting primers? What do you think?

 

Disclaimer: I won this product in a giveaway. I am not affiliated with the company, nor was I paid to do this review.  All reviews on SiSi Sparkles are my honest opinion, whether it was purchased or provided. See full disclaimer here.

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Review: Sigma Cleansing and Polishing Tool

What is it?

Say goodbye to dull and uneven skin! With the new Sigma Beauty Cleansing and Polishing Tool you can polish your skin to be perfectly smooth and flawless before and after your makeup application.

Retail Price: $39.00

Where to buy: www.sigmabeauty.com

My thoughts and experience:
The Sigma Cleansing and Polish Tool comes in a neat little case which holds the device with brush, and two extra brushes for different skin types. The pink head brush, the soft brush, is good for sensitive skin and daily exfoliation. The pink and white brush head, the medium brush, is good for normal skin and daily exfoliation. The white brush head, the firm brush, is good for weekly exfoliation. The tool has two speeds, and requires two AA batteries to work.

Onto my experience with the brush - I've completely changed the way I clean my face everyday with this tool. I use it at the end of every night in the shower (it's water resistant) with my favorite facial cleanser. I wet my face a little bit, squirt a pump of my favorite facial cleanser, and turn it to the low setting and let it do its thing. I could immediately feel the smoothness in my face after the very first try. I was hooked!

In the Summertime, I have normal to dry skin, which can be sensitive at times, so I've only used the pink brush head. I use this device for less than a minute each time as recommend, and I am loving the results so far. I have noticed that my face feels smoother, appears more radiant, and it does not dry out my face at all. I've also noticed smaller pores after using it for only two weeks! I'm so impressed.

I do have one small concern while using this tool. I have a harder time cleaning under the eye area, between the eyes, and nose area. Don't get me wrong, I am still able to do it with the brush heads provided, I just wish there were smaller sizes available (and maybe they will in the future!).

Have you tried this or another brand of face cleansing tool? What are your thoughts? Thanks for reading!



Disclaimer: This product was purchased by me. I am not affiliated with the company, nor was I paid to do this review.  All reviews on SiSi Sparkles are my honest opinion, whether it was purchased or provided. See full disclaimer here.  This post contains referral links.

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Review: Personal MicroDerm System

What is it? 
A hand-held microdermabrasion tool to help smooth away the signs of aging.

What it's used for:
Attain professional microdermabrasion results without having to take a step into a spa or doctor's office. The Personal MicroDerm System is an essential skin care tool for achieving an even, refined and healthy complexion. Using the same aluminum oxide crystals as professional treatments, allows you to produce the same amazing results. 

Retail price: $179.00

Where to buy:  www.dermstore.com

My thoughts and experience:
First two weeks: I tried this device for a ten weeks now, using it once a week. I shared some of my initial thoughts here. I've continually used the blue colored exfoliating pad each time (for sensitive skin) and find that even that is a little bit rough for my skin. I remember my second week, I had an extremely bad experience with it. I have myself to blame for this, because I went over the area a couple of times, thinking that it might help with an area. I ended up with an "open wound" on my face the next morning. It clearly stated in the video not to do that, so PLEASE be careful if you use this. Other things that I've noticed the first two weeks of using this is that afterwards, when I use my toner and moisturizer, my face burned for a couple of seconds.

After two weeks, my skin seem to have developed a tougher layer, because it doesn't burn to apply toner and moisturizer anymore. The device changes sound when it is sucking the skin to remove the dead cells. I could tell that I still had trouble around my nose and forehead because it wasn't making that sound and I didn't see much dead cells around that area.

[dead skin cells during use]

During the process of using the device, I definitely felt pressure and suction. It's like rubbing sandpaper and rubbing it on your face - you definitely feel something, but it's not painful. I can understand why this product is not for every skin type. As I slowly move the device around my face, I see dead skin cells rise to the surface! It was always a very interesting experience each time.

Cleaning the device was super easy. All you have to do is rinse the clear cover, and clean the black circle piece (it keeps the dead skin cells from entering the device), and wipe off excess dead skin cells around the device.


After ten weeks, I notice that most of my blemishes are gone, it has brighten and lighten my skin a little, it has evened out the color around my chin and my upper lip area. My pores did not look any smaller to me.

If you are new to microdermabrasion, I would recommend doing a little reading before deciding to make this purchase to see if it something you would find useful.

[before and after 10 weeks of use]

I hope my experience and review has helped some of you decide. I will continue to use it once a week, because I can see the benefits from using the Personal MicroDerm System.


Thanks for reading!

Disclaimer: This editorial sample was sent to me for review considerations from the company or a PR firm. I am not affiliated with the company, nor was I paid to do this review.  All reviews on SiSi Sparkles are my honest opinion, whether it was purchased or provided. See full disclaimer here.  

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