Products I've Used Up | Empties #10

It's that time again! Here are some of the products that I've used recently, and the ones that actually made their way into my "finished products" bag, since not all of them do. Between travel and spending time at Joseph's place, then sharing items with my mom and sisters, here's what I've saved to chat about.

The Power of Aqua Réotier | L'OCCITANE Skincare Review

Hailing from south eastern France, L'OCCITANE's newest hydrating skincare collection has a beautiful story of origin. Each of the five products in the line are enriched with the water of Réotier, a supercharged mineral water that is free-flowing through the alps, escaping via a small natural waterfall. This fresh mountain water is very unique with its rich mineral makeup that includes 10 times more calcium than any other spring water in France. When the L'OCCITANE research team started to analyse this water three years ago, they couldn't help but ask #WhatsInTheWaterHere?!

The Best Drugstore Suncreen | Ombrelle, Aveeno, Bioderma, Hawaiin Tropic

Though it is mid-September, the sun hasn't gone away yet. This weekend in Toronto will be in the mid-twenties, so I'll be showing some skin and soaking up the final rays of Summer 2018. That being said, I always try to wear sunscreen when I'm outside for more than 20-30 minutes to avoid sun damage. I don't work as a lifeguard anymore, so I go through sunscreen really slowly. I think the options at the drugstore have greatly improved over the past couple of years, so here are my very top picks.

My Favourite Dermalogica Products | Brand Review

Dermalogica is a famous skincare brand, known around the world for their minimalistic packaging, clear motives and no-fuss formulations. Their products are expensive, and I find that to be a bit intimidating sometimes so I don't always buy from their collection on a whim. What you should know is that all of the products I have tried are really good- they use great ingredients, boast enticing names and I find that the products themselves are quite long-lasting. As I have sensitive skin, I'm drawn to brands like Dermalogica who don't use artificial colours and fragrances in their skincare. They also have this great website called skinsensitivityrisk.com where you can check in on your skin's status - understanding what factors may trigger breakouts and redness.

#FOTD | Almay Best Blend Forever SPF 40 Foundation & e.l.f. Eye Products

Almay as a brand always transports me back to high school. They've been a reliable brand for affordable makeup options at the drugstore for as long as I can remember. With products subtle enough for a school uniform, and gentle enough for my sensitive skin, I'm always interested to see what they have coming out next. The new Almay Best Blend Forever Foundation is an incredible daily base available at the drugstore right now, for a multitude of reasons. The packaging is sleek, the foundation is easy to use, and it offers a finger-free application via the sponge top, perfect for on-the-go makeup.

Paula's Choice | Pore Clarifying Charcoal Gel Mask & Rehydrating Moisture Mask

As a long-time Paula's Choice fan, I'm always game for trying something new from the brand. I've been very loyal to Clinique for my masks in recent years, so it's hard for other brands to stack up. These two Paula's Choice masks aim to clear pores and rehydrate skin, both of which I need on a weekly basis. I'm going to try and mask every time I workout, which is 2-3 times per week, so I'll update you on if that happens and how it's going in the upcoming months. Now, on to the PC review!

What to Buy at Sephora's VIB Sale | High-End Products Worth the Splurge

My relationship with Sephora is really starting to mimic that with Starbucks. I don't like paying a premium for things I can find at a lower price-point, so I generally hold off shopping there. I'm also lucky enough to be able to work on my blog in my spare time, which grants me access to occasional press samples (and some ad revenue, which I look at as an opportunity to re-invest in my blogging gadgets!) 

So I haven't been VIB at Sephora for a while now, and I'm honestly very proud. I don't like watching my expensive makeup expire, so I try to maintain a reasonable stash while also indulging in a few fancy goodies here and there to aid in my reviews online. With this surprise Sephora sale (on now!) you can receive major discounts on all of your favorite products - and when you partner the 10-20% off with an Ebates discount, you're scoring even bigger. 

Here's a quick rundown on Sephora's membership program: If you spend $350 in a year, you're a VIB (Very Important Beauty Insider), and if you spend over $1,000 in a year, you become a Rouge member. During this sale, Rouge members will receive 20% off all products in store and online with the code YESROUGE, starting August 29. All VIB and Beauty Insider members can start shopping the sale on August 30. (VIB members will receive a 15% discount with code YESVIB, and if you're an insider, you'll get 10% off with code YESINSIDER.) This sale runs until Sept. 3, so I wanted to share a few of my favourite products at Sephora to help fill your basket.

Dr.Belmeur - dry-sensitive & acne-prone skin | THE FACE SHOP

Dr.Belmeur is a skincare line by THE FACE SHOP formulated with no ridiculous chemical additives or artificial fragrance. Dermatologically tested, this line provides gentle skincare and barrier-enhancing solutions to treat common skin problems such as dry, sensitive, and acne-prone skin. Dr.Belmeur’s custom-made formulas offer simple solutions to incorporate into your daily routine. Thanks to ChickAdvisor I was able to try the Advanced Cica Recovery Serum, Recovery Cream and Panthenol Soothing Gel Cream - and loved all of them.