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Beauty

Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Range – June 2022

Introducing a hydrating duo from Laneige; this is by far my fave holy grail moisturising cream and the serum is also quickly becoming a go-to as well. A little bit of history; I have loved Laneige for three years now and started off my Laneige discovery journey with their famous Multi Deep-Clean Cleanser, which I really thoroughly enjoy. Of course it was only natural to want to check out their further released products, including their Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic range, the cream moisturiser and serum. I first tried the original moisture cream and absolutely loved it, I have now used it for the last two years. Fast forward to now, Laneige have reformulated their water bank line and it was a must that I checked this new one out, and this time I’m checking out the serum too. Throughout this blog we’re going to go through the moisture cream and take a closer look at their new water bank blue hyaluronic serum, let’s jump into it..

Products, Textures & Formulas
– Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturiser 50ml; the blue hyaluronic moisturising cream from Laneige is formulated with squalane for hydration, low-molecular blue hyaluronic acid, which is fermented with clean deep sea algae, beta glucan to help soothe skin and lactobacillus ferment lysate to repair the skin barrier & enhance the elasticity. The texture of the moisturising cream is a soft, fluffy, silky smooth white cream that absorbs extremely well into skin. There is a slight mild fragrance which is really pleasant and kind of fades away a while after application. It comes housed in a solid plastic, smooth, light pastel blue tub with a net weight 50ml of product. It also comes with a solid thick apricot colour spatula for distributing it out of the tub onto your fingers/hand for application. The lid (which you can see below) is a high depth screw with inner layer for tight concealment, it is very sturdy and works well to seal the product tightly for storage. It is to be used in both the AM and the PM after cleansing and toning. Take a closer look below, and check out the cream’s texture..

– Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Serum 50ml; the blue hyaluronic serum is formulated with low-molecular blue hyaluronic acid fermented with clean deep sea algae, peptide to maintain the natural moisture barrier, beta glucan to soothe skin, lactobacillus ferment lysate to repair the skin barrier and improve elasticity, and squalane to lock in hydration. It has a silky smooth viscous texture and absorbs extremely well into skin, almost like it melts into skin. The serum comes housed in a solid plastic, tall & slim 50ml net weight, pump action bottle, and it has a light pastel blue colour with a apricot coloured pump-press action dispenser on top. It twists shut with the pump press coming down to seal it, and there is a light on the other side which goes red when the bottle is empty & you need a replacement. Take a much closer look at the serum & it’s texture below..

Worldwide Prices & Availability
– Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Moisturiser Cream 50ml & Serum 50ml;
Australia: $58 – $63 AUD
Available: online & in-store at Sephora AUS and online at Adore Beauty.

USA: $40 – $45 USD
Available: online at Laneige USA and Sephora USA.

UK: £32.50 – £35 GBP
Available: online & in-store at Selfridges, online at Cult Beauty and Look Fantastic.

My Thoughts & Impressions
– Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Moisturiser Cream 50ml; a little background info, I first tried the water bank moisturising cream around two years ago and absolutely loved it, I have used it since and when I recently saw that Laneige were relaunching it with a revised formula, I knew I HAD to try it out. So as soon as it released, I put my order in at Sephora and picked up the moisturiser cream and the serum (the serum is new-to-me). And, let’s just say I am a very happy customer who has now has even more hydrated skin! I’ve been using it for five weeks now and I love it! Let’s go through my fave things about this moisturising cream: I love how long the hydration lasts after even just one application, it really does lock-in the hydration like it says it does. I also love that a little goes a long way and the tub lasts so long. The cream absorbs into the skin so well and without any sticky feeling afterwards, it also smooths the skin instantly. My dry skin loves this cream and I see myself using it forever. Repurchase? 100% yes! I will continue restocking this and using it every season, if you have dry skin (particularly in Winter, like me) then I highly recommend this gorgeous moisturising cream.

– Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Serum 50ml; the water bank serum is a new-to-me serum, it is one I just started trying five weeks ago and I am so impressed with how smooth it makes my skin instantly after application. It makes my skin feel supple, soft and look a little clearer as well. My number one fave things about it, is how hydrated my skin feels with each use and how supple it makes it feel. It has a silky smooth viscous texture, which feels so nice between the tips of your fingers, I always use circular motions to apply both the cream & serum, and it works so well. If you have normal to dry skin that needs extra hydration in winter or during any season, this is a perfect choice. I am extremely impressed with both of these products, I already want to try the exfoliating toner from the same line, so expect that to be included in my next post about this range – which has fast become my go-to in skincare. Repurchase? another big YES! I really love the silky feel of it and how it instantly smooths my skin. I will most definitely be restocking this one as well.

Disclaimer; the two products from Laneige in this post were bought by myself and this post is a non-paid for, non-sponsored post. And as always, all thoughts and opinions are honest and my own. All photos in this post were taken by myself and are copyrighted, they require permission from myself for any reuse or republishing.

Makeup

Ulta3: Ace Your Base Second Skin Range – July 2020

Ulta3: Ace Your Base Second Skin Range – July 2020

INTRODUCING; the brand new complexion range to come from Ulta 3! The Second Skin range features: the Second Skin Foundation Radiant Finish, Second Skin Concealer, Second Skin Pressed Powders, Base Boost Hydrating Drops and the Base Boost Brightening Drops. A new base range that is designed & formulated to be light-weight, hydrating and feel like your own skin. As if you’re not wearing any foundation at all.


Products, Textures & Formula
– Second Skin Foundation Radiant Finish; the second skin foundation radiant finish is a liquid foundation that infused with jojoba oil, argan oil and vitamin B5. Packaged in a tall round glass bottle of size 35ml, it has a soft doe-foot applicator attached to the inside of the lid. Designed to achieve a radiant finish with a medium coverage. I found one layer creates exactly that, a nice medium coverage with a slightly dewy finish. Two layers definitely achieved a more medium-to-full coverage and was a tad bit dewier.
– Second Skin Concealer; the concealer is formulated with jojoba oil and vitamin E. It comes housed in a round plastic thin tube of size 6ml. It is very creamy, not too thick, easily blends out and covers my under-eye area very nicely. It has a pleasant coconut scent and it’s not strong, just perfect.
– Second Skin Pressed Powders; the powders are very finely milled. They feel ultra soft, are micro-finishing and has a pleasant coconut scent to them that is very subtle. They give off a light matte effect, smooth & set foundation for a flawless finish. They’re a vegan formula that is paraben free, cruelty free and sulfate free. They’re both 18g in size.
– Base Boost Hydrating Drops; the base boost hydrating drops are to provide a skin-boosted look, the formula is infused with hyaluronate acid and witch hazel extract, and they’re designed to be used on their own or mixed with foundation for a customised dewy finish. It is also a vegan formula that is cruelty free and comes in a 15ml size.
– Base Boost Brightening Drops; the base boost brightening drops is formulated with vitamin E, vitamin B3 and super fine reflective particles. They’re created to brighten complexion, either on their own or mixed with a foundation to achieve a naturally luminous & radiant glow. They provide a gorgeous luminous glow for any created look. The brightening drops come in a 15ml size.

Worldwide Prices & Availability
– Second Skin Foundation Radiant Finish 35ml;
Australia; $11.95 AUD
Available; online at Ulta3 and in-store at select pharmacies.

USA; $9.25 USD
Available; online at Ulta3.

UK; £6.71
Available; online at Ulta3.

– Second Skin Concealer 6ml;
Australia; $7.95 AUD
Available; online at Ulta3 and in-store at select pharmacies.

USA; $6.15 USD
Available; online at Ulta3.

UK; £4.46 GBP
Available; online at Ulta3.

– Second Skin Pressed Powders 18g;
Australia; $10.95 AUD, and Translucent Powder; $7.95 AUD
Available; online at Ulta3 and in-store at select pharmacies.

USA; $8.47 USD, and Translucent Powder; $6.15 USD
Available; online at Ulta3.

UK; £6.15 GBP, and Translucent Powder; £4.46 GBP
Available; online at Ulta3.

– Base Boost Hydrating Drops 15ml;
Australia; $7.95 AUD
Available; online at Ulta3 and in-store at select pharmacies.

USA; $6.15 USD
Available; online at Ulta3.

UK; £4.46 GBP
Available; online at Ulta3.

– Base Boost Brightening Drops 15ml;
Australia; $7.95 AUD
Available; online at Ulta3 and in-store at select pharmacies.

USA; $6.15 USD
Available; online at Ulta3.

UK; £4.46 GBP
Available; online at Ulta3.

My Thoughts & First Impressions
– Second Skin Foundation Radiant Finish 35ml; this is a lovely formulated foundation that features jojoba oil, argan oil and vitamin B5. It is very nice on the skin and doesn’t feel heavy. It comes in a nice 35ml slim round glass bottle which has a doe-foot applicator attached to its lid for easy application. The dot-foot is fluffy and large for perfect drops on the skin, the lid of the bottle acts as the handle. I would say the foundation easily achieves a radiant finish and has a medium coverage, one that can be built up. One layer of the foundation creates a dewy light-to-medium coverage, another layer made the finish very radiant and dewy, it felt hydrating and provided a medium coverage.

– Second Skin Concealer 6ml; I love how creamy this concealer is, it comes housed in a thin slimline round clear plastic 6ml tube and has a coconut scent, which is very pleasant. It is infused with jojoba oil and vitamin E, it covers the under-eye very nicely and isn’t too thick.

– Second Skin Pressed Powders 18g; the pressed powders are both very finely milled, they each feel very soft and fluffy light. They both feel very silky smooth in texture and sit lightly on the skin, they both create such a lovely velvety soft matte finish and also have that same pleasant coconut scent. I even love using the powder in ‘Light’ on it’s own, and the translucent one over the top of any foundation.

– Base Boost Hydrating Drops 15ml; the base boost hydrating drops are formulated with hyaluronic acid and Witch Hazel extract, the drops can be used by themselves or mixed in with foundations or primers to achieve a nice dewy finish. It is cruelty free and is vegan. It always achieves a dewy and radiant finished look. If you feel like your skin is dull and dry, this is the perfect boost. It reminds me of a serum, and it has Niacinamide in it as well.

– Base Boost Brightening Drops 15ml; the base boost brightening drops are formulated with vitamin E, vitamin B3 and super fine reflective particles. They’re designed to be used either on their own or mixed in with a primer or foundation to give a radiant, brightened look. I love the glisten glow these drops provide and I love using them to highlight with after my makeup look. They’re also great to use on a no makeup day, to give a boost in glow to the skin and create the no-makeup/makeup look.

This wraps up the post, I hope you have enjoyed learning and reading more about this range from one of my faves, Ulta3! I am constantly impressed by their releases and so happy they’re such an affordable brand and I honestly feel like they’re super underrated, if you haven’t checked out their line before but have been curious, definitely check them out next time you’re at the pharmacy or feel like doing a spot of new makeup shopping. You’ll be glad you did!

Disclaimer; the above products were sent in for my consideration without obligation to post. All thoughts are honest and opinions are genuinely my own, this post is not paid for.

Beauty

Clinique Pep-Start Skincare Range – Full Review & Swatches

Clinique Pep-Start Skincare Range – Full Review & Swatches

I have always been a huge fan of Clinique, I simply love their approach to skincare. Having been an avid user of their Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion for years (which is seriously terrific stuff!), you could imagine how excited and happy I was to receive a parcel in the mail of their new Pep-Start collection releases! Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve been trying out a number of their Pep-Start products. Ahh! It was a glorious day for me when the postman had this parcel waiting for me, I can assure you! You couldn’t wipe the smile off my face! And I’m still smiling.. because this gorgeous collection of new Pep-Start releases are AMAZING! Let’s get introduced to the products via a bag-spill and a run-down on each item…

Clinique Pep-Start Skincare Range

Intro
The Clinique Pep-Start Skincare Collection features products in various treatments. All of them have been designed to enhance the quality of skin, let’s list them all; for the eyes, there is the Pep-Start Eye Cream – 15ml 0.05 Fl Oz, of course for skin moisturising (a big factor), there is the Pep-Start Hydroblur Moisturiser – 50ml 1.7 Oz, which doesn’t just moisturise but also blurs imperfections. In terms of exfoliation, there is the Pep-Start 2-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser – 125ml 4.2 Fl Oz, aiming to provide a daily glow and flawlessly smooth finish to the skin. On the topic of purifying the body’s skin, Clinique offer the very popular Pep-Start Double Bubble Purifying Mask – 50ml 1.7 Fl Oz, to enhance skin’s radiance, unclog the pores and purify the cells. Moving onto our pouts.. you can’t go wrong with the Pep-Start Pout Perfecting Balm – 3.6g 0.12 Oz, they’re nourishing to the lips skin and so long-lasting for hydration, they also come in a variety of subtle tints of colour; Cherry, Guava, Tangerine and Clear. Of course, the collection wouldn’t be complete without a lip mask, Clinique have included the very highly-rated Pep-Start Pout Restoring Night Mask 10ml 0.34 Fl Oz, designed to intensely hydrate, plumpen and soothe the lips. Click through the gallery below to see swatches and take a closer look at each product in this famous Pep-Start collection..
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The Products and Formulas
The entire range is designed to hydrate your skin, smooth it out and enhance the elasticity. All products in this group have moisturising capabilities and Clinique have thought of every targeted area with these products. I have loved the way the Double Bubble Purifying Mask makes me skin feel after leaving it on for a little while and rinsing it off, it clears my skin and makes it feel so clean. I love to apply it on in the morning to set a nice base for my makeup later on and it really allows for a mattified look! Another favourite of mine from this range would have to be the Hydroblur Moisturiser, it isn’t your typical creamy moisturiser, instead it’s a lot thicker and absorbs quite well into the skin by being rubbed in circular motions over the targeted area. There is no strong scent to it either, which I know a lot of people enjoy skincare products not having. Let’s move onto the formulas of each product..

– Pep-Start 2-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser; an orange clear gel with tiny clear granules.
– Pep-Start Hydroblur Moisturiser; a fluffy & silky light pink whipped cream.
– Pep-Start Double Bubble Purifying Mask; a pinky clear gel cream that bubbles lightly.
– Pep-Start Eye Cream; a white cooling, silky & smooth cream.
– Pep-Start Pout Perfecting Balm; a hydrating & creamy bullet lip balm with tinted colour.
– Pep-Start Pout Restoring Night Mask; a clear gel that is silky smooth.

Swatches
Clinique Pep-Start Skincare Range swatches, Top Row, L - R: Pep-Start Pout Restoring Night Mask & Pep-Start Pout Perfecting Lip Balm, Bottom Row, L - R: Pep-Start 2-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser, Pep-Start Double Bubble Purifying Mask, Pep-Start Hydroblur Moisturiser & the Pep-Start Eye Cream.


Top Row, L – R: Pep-Start Pout Restoring Night Mask & Pep-Start Pout Perfecting Lip Balm in ‘Cherry’.
Bottom Row, L – R: Pep-Start 2-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser, Pep-Start Double Bubble Purifying Mask, Pep-Start Hydroblur Moisturiser & the Pep-Start Eye Cream.

I have found this range of skincare products to be very pleasant and easy to apply. Each product is also suitable for all skin types and won’t dry you out after a few uses. I love that about Clinique products!

Pricing
Pep-Start 2-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser 125ml 4.2 Fl Oz. – $29 AUD | $19.50 USD | £16.50 GBP
Pep-Start Hydroblur Moisturiser 50ml 1.7 Oz. – $42 AUD | $29.50 USD | £24.50 GBP
Pep-Start Double Bubble Purifying Mask 50ml 1.7 Fl Oz. – $52 AUD | $24.50 USD | £24 GBP
Pep-Start Eye Cream 15ml 0.05 Fl Oz. – $42 AUD | $26.50 USD | £22 GBP
Pep-Start Pout Perfecting Balm 3.6g 0.12 Oz. – $36 AUD | $17.50 USD | £16 GBP
Pep-Start Pout Restoring Night Mask 10ml 0.34 Fl Oz. – $36 AUD | $17.50 USD | £16 GBP

Where To Buy
The Pep-Start products from this Clinique collection are available at many places worldwide. As Clinique is a global brand, the products are stocked almost everywhere, yay!

In Australia, you can find all of the products from the Pep-Start collection online & in-store; at Clinique Australia, at Myer, at Sephora Australia, at David Jones, and of course at Mecca Maxima as well.

For the USA; it can be found online & in-store; at Clinique, at Sephora, at Nordstrom, at Macys, at JC Penney and at Bloomingdales.

For all shoppers in the UK; you can find these products in-store & online; at Clinique UK, Harvey Nichols, at Harrods, at Debenhams & Boots, at House of Fraser and John Lewis.

Availability
All of the products mentioned in this post (from the Pep-Start collection) are available at all of the stores mentioned directly above in ‘Where To Buy’, both in-store and online. Obviously at times in certain stores or online, there may be a low stock level but this will always be replenished as it’s an on-going permanent collection of products. How AMAZING is that?!?

The Clinique Pep-Start Pout Perfecting Balm range.

Restock?
Yes, yes, yes! I definitely will! Having been a fan of Clinique for over many years, I will continue to use their products for as long as I can. If you asked me what my favourite product was, I’m not sure I could pick one. But if you asked which is my fave product from this particular collection… I would say; there’s three! The first one being the incredible Pep-Start Double Bubble Purifying Mask, the second one is the Pep-Start Hydroblur Moisturiser and he third one is the Pep-Start Eye Cream. I love the feeling of the Double Bubble Purifying mask as it develops into a thin layer of bubbles on the face.

Where to next?