7th Heaven Purifying Masks

Hi beauties!

Even though it’s September, it’s still balmy in Vancouver. Since I’m wearing a mask outdoors, the heat (and the mask) are causing skin breakouts or maskne.

Maskne is the term people are using to describe pimples caused by wearing a cloth mask. Masks are the culprit with this new skin condition because they cause friction that leads to inflammation and irritation of the skin.

One way to treat any type of acne is with a deep cleansing facial mask. Here are a couple of purifying masks from 7th Heaven (under $10) that may do the trick.

7th Heaven Charcoal Detox Bubble Mask

This fun sheet mask bubbles up into an infusion of star anise and purifying oxygen. When exposed to the air, it digs deep into pores removing dirt and excess oil.

This charcoal mask also brightens skin and is a gentler solution than abrasive exfoliaters.

7th Heaven Charcoal Tonic Mask

This sheet mask, which contains a blend of activated charcoal and purifying green tea, draws out dirt, grime, and oil (yes!). It’s great as a quick pick me up for skin if you want it to look a bit fresher.

7th Heaven Men’s Unclog Pores Mask

This fast-acting hardening mask draws out dirt and excess oil, but doesn’t over dry skin. It contains nutrient rich Dead Sea mud and natural Clay, and can be used weekly.

Have a fun fall, everyone!

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara and Lash Serum

Happy August, everyone!

I’m trying to enjoy the summer as much as possible, despite everything going on. Of course, this means I’m trying new makeup products, mostly eye makeup.

Since I’m always looking for lash products, I decided to check out the Maybelline Lash Sensational line.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara

I picked up Lash Sensational Mascara, a curling mascara, because my lashes aren’t curling very well these days (humidity or hormones?). The key features of this mascara are the formula and the brush, which help to create and hold a curl.

The liquid formula is designed to capture lashes from root to tip to create a full-fan effect. Multiple coats help to increase the lift and keep lashes separated, however; I find this sometimes resulted in a bit of smudging.

The brush comes with ten layers of bristles for a full-fan effect. The inner curve lifts the lashes while the outer curve helps to separate lashes. The trick with the wand is to get in close to the lashes, then pull through to the end to create full lashes.

What I like most is the deep black shade of this mascara. A deeper black, though, means that it takes more effort to remove the mascara.

Overall, I like the curl I get with this mascara so it’s a keeper.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Boosting Eyelash Serum

I decided to try this drugstore lash serum to condition my lashes and prevent fallout. It contains a lash conditioning formula with arginine and pro-vitamin B5 designed to help protect from lash fallout during makeup removal and leave lashes looking healthy.

The formula is easy to apply and dries quickly. You can apply the serum, before mascara, in the morning and at night.

When using it before mascara as a primer, I did notice that it sometimes created crunchy lashes and ultimately smudged the mascara under my eyes.

After several weeks, I haven’t noticed that my lashes are thicker and fuller. However, I still like putting it on as a clear mascara when I’m home to fortify my lashes.

I’m still on the hunt for a good lash conditioning formula so if you use one that’s effective, please share!

 

 

Canada Day Beauty: Elizabeth Grant Retinologist Refining Serum

Hi everyone!

Happy Canada Day to my fellow Canadian bloggers (and Happy
July 4th to my neighbours to the south).

Even though there won’t be any outdoor Canada Day activities this year, I’ll still be celebrating by doing a bit of self care with one of my favorite Canadian skincare brands: Elizabeth Grant.

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As one of the most effective skincare ingredients, retinol is known for boosting collagen, cutting down fine lines and wrinkles, and improving skin tone.

If you get a prescription from a dermatologist, it can be rough on your skin. In smaller does in a skincare product, it can easily be incorporated into any skincare regime.

The Wonder Effect Retinologist Refining Serum from Elizabeth Grant suits all skin types, but is ideal if you have combination, oily, or mature skin. With its Retinol complex, the serum helps eliminate rough skin by speeding up the skin’s natural renewal process and targeting large pores, discolouration, and fine lines and wrinkles.

To allow skin to tolerate retinol, it’s best to apply it at night before bed. I apply just a small amount of the Reinologist Refining Serum to my face and neck area every night before using a moisturizer.

In the Wonder Effect Retinologist line, I’m also using the day cream, night cream, and eye cream. I’m hoping it will help with any dark spots that may come up over the summer (if it ever arrives in Vancouver).

Have a great holiday. ☀️