Caudalie Founder Favorites Set
 |
| image via pinterest |
I was at Sephora asking about a serum that results in a more even skin tone. The rep went straight for the Caudalie
Vinoperfect Radiance Serum. It is known for combatting the appearance of dark spots, which is exactly what I needed for my sunspots and freckles. So how excited was I to see that Caudalie had this Founder Favorites Set that included the full size bottle of the Vinoperfect serum! The ENTIRE set costs as much as the serum AND it includes three other products as a bonus! Yup, $79 for the serum alone. Or $79 for 4 products. C'mon. A no-brainer.
I haven't had the set for long, but I wanted to share this with you asap because it already keeps selling out online. I think you should still be able to pick one up at a Sephora store.
My thoughts so far (I'm also linking reviews from Sephora):
Vinoperfect Radiance Serum- I love the clean smell and how quickly it absorbs into the skin. I'm talking fast! I try to use my
Foreo Luna to get my serums and lotions deep into my skin, but my skin has already sucked up this stuff by the time I've taken the Foreo out of my drawer. Reviews mention how quickly people see differences in the lightening of hyperpigmentation (especially for people with darker complexions). My skin tone is totally evening out, and I feel like parts of my sunspot are lightening. I know that it is pricey, but I highly recommend this!
Premier Cru the Eye Cream- I've actually used a sample of this before. It has a nice, rich texture that doesn't leave a greasy residue behind. I hear it's great for undereye circles. I didn't notice a huge difference for myself, but I will keep testing it out.
Beauty Elixir- If you have money to blow, then you should get this for its refreshing effects. I will admit that it perks me up when I spray it on my face. But then again, any minty concoction sprayed in your face would probably wake you up. Definitely smell this before buying...it has a very strong scent. And you may hate it. This product is also supposed to tighten pores, smooth the skin, and stimulate microcirculation. The only thing I noticed was a tingling of the skin, especially the lips. Maybe something is going on under the surface that I can't see? I personally don't feel like it is worth the $18-49 (depending on size) price tag.
Instant Detox Mask- I have only used this once so far. Unlike other masks where you feel like you have to cake it on, this product goes on like a thin layer of lotion. Light spa-like lavender scent. All I can say is that it didn't dry out my face. I will have to report back on this.
As of now, the champion of this set is the Vinoperfect Radiance Serum. I would be open to trying other Caudalie products.
The brand offers some all-natural products and is known for containing no parabens, phenoxyethanol, sodium laureth sulfate, mineral oils, synthetic colors, or ingredients of animal origins. To read more about Caudalie's "green actions", click here.
***
 |
| image via target.com |
I picked up this mascara in Blackest Black at CVS for about $9. It comes in a waterproof version of the same color and non-waterproof Black. The metallic packaging is fun and futuristic. The main attraction is the double-winged applicator.
When you actually insert the wand into the mascara, the applicator kind of looks like a mess. And the formula is a little clumpy. The tiny bristles do an ok job at separating my eyelashes- you can actually feel the gentle tug as it combs through them.
You can see some of the clumps here.
For the price, I think this mascara has potential. Most days, I think the applicator does a good job of separation. But as you can see on the pics above, sometimes I get clumps. I don't have a lot of lashes, but the Voluminous Butterfly Intenza mascara gave them length and fattened them up a bit. I experienced no smudging. People online complained of flakiness. Maybe my clumps are actually flakes? This mascara is an "upgrade" from the original
L'Oreal Voluminous Butterfly mascara with an applicator that has only one winged side.
***
Burt's Bees Soap Bark & Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream
 |
| image by feelunique.com |
I bought this facial cleanser for about $8 at a local drug store. The ratings for this product were relatively high, and I was stoked about the "100% Natural" description.
I'm going to preface this review with the note that I tend to prefer foaming face washes for a clean feeling (it's psychological). This cleanser has a lotion-like texture with no suds. I tried to rub the cream in my hands first and then apply to my face. Little globs fell into the sink. Then I tried to directly apply the stuff to my face. I still had some of it slide off of my face and down the drain.
The menthol and citrus ingredients made me feel like I was rubbing Ricola cough drops all over my face. The sting from the menthol was quite overpowering. My face got used to it, but your eyes may never forgive you. I suppose the tingling sensation can be refreshing on a hot day. I didn't love this cleanser, but a lot of people do!
