I know you must be thinking why just one skincare product in this ‘holiday find and recommend post’, that is just because I feel this single product needs one dedicated post to show my appreciation on how my skin is liking and acting to it. Moreover, this is not a new product but it is new to me as is the brand. And what can be the better time to try this in the beautiful holiday packaging, it does come in regular all clear bottle. I am talking about the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence.
If you have never heard of SK-II, it is one of the most trusted and bestselling skincare brands in Asia and is quickly becoming a must-have among beauty experts in North America. And if you are not aware and never used an essence before, Essences are clear liquids rich in active ingredients and light in consistency. They are used after the lotion and before the serum in Asian routines but in our western routines, it can be used after cleansing and before the serum or moisturizer. In any case, it is going to benefit if applied before the other rich products in your routine and after cleansing. The key ingredient, PITERA™ is a bio-ingredient derived from yeast fermentation that resembles your skin’s natural moisturizing factors; contains over 50 micro-nutrients like vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and organic acids to condition skin’s natural functions.
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence is SK-II’s signature product which is essentially unchanged for over 35 years. Facial Treatment Essence is SK-II’s signature and most awarded bestseller. This essence is described to transform all five dimensions of the skin to crystal clear—spots are less visible, the appearance of wrinkles is reduced, skin texture is more refined, firmness is improved, and radiance is beautifully elevated. With over 90 percent Pitera, SK-II’s bio-ingredient helps renew skin, boost moisture and radiance, and combat signs of aging. The lightweight formula allows for faster absorption and higher penetration of the product into the skin as compared to serums or creams.
The bottle as you see in the pictures is from the KARAN Limited Edition Collection which SK-II created in collaboration with artist Karan Singh. The limited edition bottle has a pop-art design illustrating the power of PITERA™ and looks so gorgeous, like a work of art which will look great on the vanity even after the product is finished.
For my combination skin which is prone to breakouts, I was not sure what this clear liquid like product will do to it. I am so glad I tried this, though I have read some nice things about this in the past, from my trusted fellow bloggers as well as my friend. I have been using this as the first step after cleansing, preferably with a cotton round as I feel I have more control on the application on all parts of my face excluding the eye area. It absorbs quickly, it did calm my problem areas instantly. I did have few breakouts the time I started using this and it did not irritate but instead calmed the area. For other parts of the face, it just sank into the skin. With the consistent use, I am feeling my face is more radiant, bright, the texture is even, my skin feels balanced. I do use other products in my routine but I do feel this makes a difference. My skin is soft and the products I use after using this essence work even better having this on the skin first. And one more thing, I do feel the difference in how my skin looks and feels if I stop using this essence for a few days. I am very happy and look forward to having this in my skincare routine forever 🙂 No doubt why this essence has won so many beauty and critic awards.
I highly recommend you to check SK-II Facial Treatment Essence if you are looking for something that helps with brightening the skin, preventing the formation of dark spots caused by sun damage, fine lines, smooth and supple skin. It is suitable for all skin types. And a great time to try or to get a backup of this 230ml version of SK-II Facial Treatment Essence KARAN Limited Edition. It is available at SK-II.com, Sephora, and Sephora Canada.
*Press samples
Looking at all the cute packaging of the Drunk Elephant products, I was so intrigued to try and see how the products work for my combination skin. And I was more interested into it since I read about the skin concerns that the founder of the brand had, they all seemed to like my skin concerns – combination skin, oily t-zone, occasionally break out prone, out-of-balance, pigmentation, and visible pores. Drunk Elephant products have isolated both great synthetic and natural ingredients that are only there to directly benefit the health of the skin. The product formulas have high percentage’s of actives at the ideal pH levels and were made sure all the ingredients were easily absorbable and recognized by the skin. The result of using these products is a new category of skincare: clean-clinical and It really works – as per the brand and as per my experience by using them for over a month.
I have arranged the products as per my routine using them, as you see in the pictures, there is my morning skincare routine, once a weeknight routine, and night skincare routine. There is the cleanser, face oil, and moisturizer that I can use day and night. Then there is s day serum and night serum which are specific to the day and night. Then there is my once a week ritual, I usually do that on the weekend.
Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser is described as a jelly cleanser with a blend of mild surfactants and makeup dissolving emollients, this gentle formula rinses away without an ounce of residue, leaving skin clean and soft. Beste No. 9 is formulated at an ideal, non-stripping pH level of 5.5. I have been using this as my morning cleanser and second cleanser for the evening. This works great to keep my skin calm, clean, and never strips it. I feel it very refreshing too. It is gentle, never stings or irritates my eyes.
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial is described as a pro-quality AHA/BHA “facial” that resurfaces to reveal greater clarity, improved skin texture and tone, and a more youthful radiance. Think of it as an extra nudge for stubborn, dull skin (in other words, it’ll knock your cells off). It contains 25% AHA and 2% BHA blend including Glycolic plus Tartaric, Lactic, Citric and Salicylic acids to gently but efficiently resurface as it exfoliates the pore lining, getting rid of built-up dead skin cells by breaking down the substance that holds them to the surface. Along with nourishing, moisturizing, brightening, balancing ingredients, it also has Niacinamide, a “cell-communicating” ingredient, effectively revives a healthy look and feel to the skin as it brightens and tones. This mask is suitable for all skin types and has an ideal pH level of 3.5 – 3.6 with a blend of acids that work together synergistically to ensure higher efficacy without the redness and sensitization.
Once a week routine
I have used it once a week for over four times and do feel this does a good job of giving some extra care to revive the skin. This helps to deeply cleanse and resurface. My skin feels and looks soft, clear, smooth, radiant, even, and helps with my breakouts too. This has become one of my most reached out mask these days. The texture of the mask is smooth and a little grainy, just right consistency that is easy to apply, not runny or thick.
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum is a 12% AHA/BHA night serum that helps refine and resurface skin to reveal a smoother and more radiant looking complexion. T.L.C. Framboos™ enhances the performance of other products by clearing the way for maximum absorption. It is formulated with an ideal pH level of 3.8-4.0 which makes it effective and non-sensitizing. The AHA/BHA blend including Glycolic, Lactic, Tartaric, Citric and Salicylic acids and blended with raspberry extract, T.L.C. Framboos sinks in easily and delivers effective and precise chemical exfoliation without the harsh side effects like dryness or sensitization. There are more ingredients which help in soothing skin, discoloration, and pores.
This gel serum resurfaces dull skin, gently lifting dead skin cells away by dissolving the glue that holds them to the surface, giving greater clarity and a smoother, more even looking complexion. I use it after cleansing my face and my skin looks and feels smooth, refined, bright, and even toned in the morning. I have experienced results the next morning and the more regular I am, I do notice the difference it makes. It is not harsh and does not irritate or break out my skin. I do follow with few drops of Virgin Marula Oil after using this serum.
Night time routine
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum is described as a super-potent vitamin C day serum packed with a powerful antioxidant complex of 15% l-ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% vitamin E, essential nutrients, and fruit enzymes, all working together to firm and brighten the appearance of skin while improving the signs of photoaging. C-Firma has a pH level of 3.3 – 3.5, which is believed to be non-irritating, effective formulation.
I use it after cleansing during the day and is one of my favorite brightening serum with Vitamin C. I notice the results immediately with this and on the long run, my spots and pigmentations seem to be fading. My skin looks brighter, smooth, and radiant.
Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil is described as high in critical antioxidants tocopherol (vitamin E), tocotrienol, phenolic compounds and flavonoids, and rich in omegas 6 and 9, helps to moisturize, rejuvenate and nourish skin while restoring a youthful glow. Straight from the “pip” of the marula fruit, our Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil is untouched by any chemical or fragrance, natural or synthetic and remains in its purest form.
I have been using a few drops of it before my moisturizer or just on its own after the serum or facial mask. Being nourishing, it did not break me out. It is gentle, did not irritate my combination problem skin. It does impart a nice glow to my skin, my skin feels nourished and soft.
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream is described as a protein moisturizer combines an unprecedented array and concentration of signal peptides, growth factors, supportive amino acids and pygmy waterlily for visible and immediate improvement in the appearance of skin’s tone, texture, and firmness. Like adding a shot of protein to the smoothie, this moisturizer is abundant with proteins and nutrients, it replenishes and restores your skin back to a strong, healthy state. Protini is formulated at the ideal pH level of 4.0.
I have been really enjoying this moisturizer, not light and not rich, just the right consistency that glides as well as absorbs into the skin instantly. My skin feels healthy, comfortable, plump, radiant, and is moisturized. It did not irritate or break out my skin.
Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30 is described as a sheer physical sunscreen that delivers powerful broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and helps aid in the prevention of free radical and oxidative damage as well as photoaging for a more youthful-looking complexion. This is a physical sunscreen that is formulated without any chemical sunscreens, which can be sensitizing and not as beneficial to the skin as the naturally-derived alternative, zinc oxide.
Day time routine
Sunscreen is something I am never without any day around the year, yes I do Live in Canada where almost half of the year we are inside most of the time due to harsh cold weather and yet, Sunscreen is a must. This is a nice addition to my sunscreens, it is gentle, non-irritating, no-fragrance, no pilling, glides nicely on the skin, absorbs nicely, and sits great under my makeup. It is not greasy and leaves a nice dewy glow to the skin. The little white cast dissolves once rubbed in.
I am so glad to be using these products from Drunk Elephant. The brand is totally worth all the hype. I am so looking forward to keeping these products on rotation, they have become my trusted go-to’s when my skin needs help. Check out more of my skincare routines with Drunk Elephant on my Instagram Handle here. Drunk Elephant is available at Sephora Canada and Sephora.
*Press samples
This is the time of the year I am very excited, about all the holiday launches, the uniqueness, creativity that is fascinating and mesmerizing, no matter what age you are. I am sharing Givenchy Holiday 2018 Collection – Mystic Glow which is all sort of giving me all the holiday vibes with the products, packaging, and the shades.
Mystic Glow is a halo of light, that radiates your personality. The Mystic Glow collection is dedicated to a radiant and seductive woman who is self-assured and protective. There are six exclusive and limited edition creations for glowing Christmas: the Mystic Glow must-have powder, the bestselling shades of Le Rouge and Prisme Libre in their luxurious sheath, and a dual liner in two long-lasting shades. I am sharing the Mystic Glow powder, the two best selling shades of Le Rouge, and a dual liner in this editorial.
Givenchy Mystic Glow Powder in No. 1 Mystic Pink is a Wet & Dry Face and Eyes Highlighter and is a must-have from this collection. The face and eyes highlighting powder capture pure pigments and light to leave a veil of mother-of-pearl with multi-glitter reflections on the skin.
It does not have any textured effect, its “wet & dry” formula is soft, silky, imperceptible and buildable at will. The complexion and the eyes are enhanced and sculpted by playing on the points of light. The black lacquered case with pink gold touches contains a star-spangled texture providing a unique glow.
It can be used as an eyeshadow as wet and on the top of cheekbones as dry. The finish is beautiful, it is intense pearly giving a luminous, smooth-looking skin.
Givenchy Le Rouge – Limited Edition shades in this collection are two best-selling shades, No 306 Carmin Escarpin and No 307 Grenat Initie in a captivating and sensual semi-matte texture encased in a luxurious pink gold sheath for the festive period. The formula is nice, hydrates, and defines the lips.
Rich in dense pigments, the lightweight, smooth formula glides on easily to shape and contour, bringing long-lasting definition and radiance. The finish is radiant yet mat with a beautiful velvety texture and feel. I have reviewed this formula many times and each shade is so unique and beautiful.
Givenchy Dual Liner is a half-eyeliner half-eyeshadow duo with a creamy and comfortable texture that embellishes the eyes in just one stroke. Its texture suits all complexions and promises a highly graphic effect for a simple and intuitive application that glides over the eyelids.
In one simple gesture, its long-lasting formula subtly highlights the eyes, day and night, without any transfer of texture. It is available in two bright red and gold shades: Mystic Red and Mystic Gold. I have swatched the shade Mystic Gold. This dual-purpose tool is easy to use, and staying power is nice. The Mystic Gold shade is a taupe lined with gold.
I also reviewed the Givenchy Fall Collection here which is on rotation in my makeup routine. As always expected from the house, Nicolas Degennes has done an excellent work on this collection. Givenchy Holiday 2018 Christmas Collection – Mystic Glow is available at Sephora Canada and Holt Renfrew.
*Press samples
By Terry Holiday 2018 – Gem Glow Collection is a limited edition collection inspired by the gemstones and their properties of reflecting colors, the glow, the light, and the illumination. I am so excited to share this collection with you which includes few products which I have tried before and few which were on my wishlist. The collection has most of the products which are either bestsellers for makeup or skincare, so worth checking out whether you are new to the brand or already a fan.
By Terry Gem Glow Brightening CC Serum Set – Color Correcting Primer is a collector’s edition of three best selling Brightening CC serum for a brighter, dewy complexion. They are enriched in White Rose Stem Cells, Lumi-reflecting prisms and microspheres to create a soft focus effect, this serum brightens and illuminates the skin, smoothing fine lines and offering universal color correction for an even skin tone.
Brightening CC serum N°2 – Rose Elixir – The perfect partner for rosy skin tones, it restores flush to dull complexions and youthfulness to lined faces.
Brightening CC serum N°3 – Apricot Glow – Adds plump, juicy, vitamin-rich radiance to lackluster skin tones.
Brightening CC serum N°4 – Sunny Flash – This milky amber caramel shade delivers the first flush of summer or balances out dark skin tones with a gorgeous glow.
I apply it to the contours of the face with the tips of your fingers and blend in a circular motion to create a seamless effect. The formula is liquid like and blends in nicely into the skin, looks natural and radiant. Apart from applying on the contours of the face, a drop or two in my moisturizer or foundation gives me a beautiful overall radiance on the skin.
By Terry Gem Glow Beauty Favorites Set is a limited edition collector set gathers all the beauty essentials to design a professional, quick and easy makeup look. I have all the products in this set in full size and so happy to have these in travel-friendly sizes to keep it in my bag.there is not one product that I do not like from this set, they are in my top 5 of each category.
Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder: Set make-up & mattify your complexion with this colorless, micro-fine hyaluronic acid powder by pressing it onto the face with the included puff.
Ombre Blackstar N4: Bronze Moon “Color-Fix Cream” Eyeshadow Enriched with Tahitian Black Pearl extracts, this cream eyeshadow delivers luminous, light-reflecting, long-lasting and smudge-proof color.
Mascara Terrybly N1 (Black Parti-Pris Growth Booster Mascara): This serum mascara, with its volume and length booster Lumicoat Care technology, activates growth and takes care of lashes one by one from the matrix to the tip.
Baume de Rose Lip Care: Nourishes – Smoothes – Regenerates. Immensely nourishing, the Baume de Rose travel size version leaves your lips sublime, plumped, smoothed and protected.
By Terry Gem Glow Trio Compact is a limited edition compact powder inspired by the gemstones’ reflection illuminates eyes, face, and lips. Enriched with light-reflecting mineral pigments and perfecting prisms, the silky texture illuminates your features for a naturally radiant result and a healthy glow effect. It features multidimensional pink and apricot pigments, this illuminating powder brings warmth and radiance to the complexion.
It is suitable for all skin tones, gives a beautiful radiance to the skin for an overall healthy and luminous complexion. It is metallic yet very smooth and pigmented, blends in beautifully into the skin.
By Terry Gem Glow Ombre Blackstar Set has three best-selling shades to give your eyes a glamorous all-day look in one stroke. It is enriched with Tahitian Black Pearl extracts, this ultra-smooth cream eyeshadow embellishes your gaze with unrivaled shimmering colors. The three shades are:
Ombre Blackstar N3 Blond Opal – silvery white with a metallic finish
Ombre Blackstar N4 Bronze Moon – warm bronze with a metallic finish
Ombre Blackstar N5 Misty Rock – rich mauve with a metallic finish
This has become my favorite eyeshadows for their long lasting without smudging or smearing formula. They have a very creamy texture and blends in very easily. I use my fingers to apply all over the lid as a wash, Line the lash line for an eyeliner effect, Smudge over the lid with fingertips for a quick and easy smokey eye effect.
By Terry Gem Glow Baume de Rose is the cult favorite, considered the ‘Rolls-Royce’ of lip balms. With its delicate, rose-scented fragrance and decadent texture, the balm leaves a subtle, non-sticky shine. In an instant, lips are transformed with long-lasting smoothness and a plumped-up appearance. I reviewed it in detail here, it is my all time favorite lip balm. This packaging is so cute and perfect to keep with me on the go and a perfect stocking stuffer.
‘For generous coverage, apply directly to lips with your fingertips. To strengthen nails and repair dry cuticles, apply generously and massage the nails and nail edges. Then, push back cuticles for a more defined look and to stimulate nail growth. For a more intense treatment, apply a thick layer onto nails and leave to sink in overnight.’
By Terry Holiday 2018 – Gem Glow Collection is available at byterry.com, Nordstrom, Barney NY, Beautylish, Spacenk, Cult Beauty, NetaPorter.
*Press samples
I am still obsessing over how amazing the curation of products in the ‘12 Miracles of Beauty Advent Calendar‘ has which I shared here. There is this box I am sharing in this post, which is another value box to check out this festive season, for you or to gift your loved one. The Beauty Boxes and Advent Calendars are a great way to try some best selling products and to get an introduction on what a particular brand has to offer, to experience their products and see if their chemistry if that co-ordinates with yours. And then you start exploring more from the brand. And when brands like Jurlique, which is an amazing brand from Australia with products having natural, paraben free ingredients, have some best selling products of theirs curated in a single box by SkinStore and offered at an amazing value (USD $159 worth and retails in USD $55), it is for sure must-try. SkinStore X Jurlique Limited Edition Beauty Box contains 6 brand-hero products from Australian botanical skincare brand, Jurlique, including 3 full-size products.
The Jurlique Limited Edition Beauty Box is designed keeping in mind all skin types and to improve the complexion by deeply hydrating and nourishing. It also includes body care products, perfect for unwinding at the end of the day.
The Box Contains:
- Rose Body Oil (100ml – Full Size) – It is a moisturizing body oil to nurture the skin and senses. It would be great for the coming weather when moisture is all your skin needs.
- Activating Water Essence (10ml) – It softens and revitalizes skin. It also prepares skin in order to benefit most from your serum and moisturizer.
- Rose Moisture Plus Lotion (50ml – Full Size) – It is a lightweight, replenishing formula that provides hydration and protection. The lotion absorbs rapidly and leaves skin comfortably hydrated, smooth and balanced
- Rose Hand Cream (15ml) – It is a rich, protective hand cream deeply moisturizes and restores smoothness, leaving hands soft and supple.
- Rosewater Balancing Mist (100ml – Full Size) – Rosewater balancing mist helps to restore and hydrate while leaving the skin balanced and refreshed. It is the bestselling products from the brand.
- Nutri Define Superior Retexturising Facial Serum (6g) – It is a unique blend of natural ingredients put together to replenish the complexion. The Biosome5 technology boasts five lavish ingredients to soften and tighten the skin, with rosemary leaf, glycogen, peppermint leaf, and horseradish forming together to improve elasticity, finished with licorice, ginseng, and mulberry root extracts.
I am so glad to have three of the best selling products from the brand as full sizes and the rest are something I am so excited to try, especially the hand cream and the retexturizing serum. As you see in the pictures, the curation and packaging of the products are on the point, it would make a perfect gift for yourself and for the dear ones. The products are suitable for most of the skin types. I am so obsessed with the pink packaging which looks kind of pretty and cute.
As this box is LIMITED EDITION, you need to be quick. SkinStore X Jurlique Limited Edition Beauty Box is available at SkinStore here.
*Press samples