Category: Skincare (Page 3 of 9)

WHAMISA ORGANIC FRUITS & TOMATO FERMENTED HYDROGEL FACIAL MASK REVIEW

February 23, 2015 / The Beauty Wolf

I’m convinced Whamisa can do no wrong. I sat down to try yet another of their superb mask offerings and once again I was thrilled. The Glow Recipe website does the best job of giving this mask a proper run down so I’m going to paste their description for you here and then give you my thoughts on it.

“The Gist:
An organic hydra-gel mask that has been soaked in skin-plumping botanical serum. Drench your face in ultra hydration and nutrition for instantly glowing, clear skin. It works hard and fast to improve skin’s elasticity and firmness. For all skin types.

How it works:
Formulated with 95% organic ingredients, including Tomato, Apple, Licorice and Banana, which are naturally fermented to preserve maximum efficacy. This one of a kind mask relies on a blend of fermented seeds and rice to help rehydrate and calm dry, depleted skin. BDIH Standard Certified.

Free of:
Parabens, Silicones, Mineral Oils, Synthetic dyes & fragrances
See Glow Recipe’s standards for product curation here.
Our Insight:
Long before sheet masks became a staple in Korean skincare regimes, geishas would boil water underneath flowers and herbs, then capture the steam on a piece of kimono silk, which they would then apply to the face. Today’s sheet mask is a little more high-techs. The best sheet masks now transcend fabric masks – the new trend is innovative gel-mask forms.

This gel mask is Glow Recipe team favorite. We recommend applying the liquid serum inside the mask packaging before placing the mask onto the skin. The best part is the sensorial experience as the mask reacts to skin’s temperature to adhere seamlessly to the facial contours and maximize the benefits.”

First of all, the hydra-gel is so neat! It’s like a solid paper thin sheet of jelly. It’s super wiggly-wobbly and a lot of fun to put on your face. Take care when removing it from it’s peel back packaging, it’s slippery and easy to drop if you’re not paying attention. This mask is absolutely brimming with essence and that essence is brimming with stellar skin care ingredients. My skin loves ferments so I’m always happy to have them in all the products I use. The effects of this mask are immediate in that your skin comes away plumper, fuller looking, and fabulously hydrated. Like I said about it’s sister, the Whamisa sea kelp mask, the effects are like that of getting an expensive facial. I see no difference between how my skin looks and feels after this mask followed by my other Whamisa products and how it looks and feels after a facial. It’s a better investment in my opinion!

I stuck this guy in the fridge and the cooling effect was amazing! It was as refreshing as a cold shower after a hot yoga session. In fact I’m just going to refer to this as my after yoga shower in a package from now on because this thing is bliss! I cannot wait to use these masks this summer. I’m just so impressed with them. As a matter of fact, the day after I used this, I had an insanely hectic day, and I wasn’t able to do my usual daytime skincare routine. When the day was finally over and I got a chance to start my nighttime skin regime, I was pleased to discover that my skin was in the same condition it would have been had I not skipped everything! This mask from the day before was enough to carry me though 24 hours of neglect and helped me retain plump moisturized skin! I promptly ordered 6 more of these, because damn, what more could I ask for in a mask.

Glow Recipe has curated yet another absolute must try from Whamisa. At $9 it’s steeper than a regular cotton and glycerin mask, but again, you’re getting what you pay for here, top notch ingredients and no potentially acne triggering or irritating fillers. This mask is easily gets 5 out of 5 turtles plus one for being exceptional. Order yourself a few and stick them in the fridge next to your veggies and other good for you stuff!
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Where to Buy:

Available at Glow Recipe here:
http://www.glowrecipe.com/products/whamisa-organic-fruits-tomato-fermented-hydrogel-facial-mask
Good news, Glow Recipe has offered to give you 15% off your order if you order through my link! Get in on this great stuff with this great deal and check out Whamisa’s other products!
http://i.refs.cc/Mxk05ta7

A CHOCOLATE PRODUCT ROUNDUP JUST FOR YOU

February 14, 2015 / The Beauty Wolf

Happy Valentines Day! I have compiled a list of little treats for you that are perfect for any day, not just Valentines. These delights are beyond compare and must haves for all chocolate lovers. They also won’t throw a wrench into those healthy New Years resolutions we all made (we’re all still sticking to those, right?) Here are some ways to seriously indulge without feeling any guilt, bloating, or lactose intolerance aftermath.

Shea Butter & Malawi Sugar 2 n 1 Body Scrub Dark Chocolate

I’ve sung the praises of this stuff before over on XoJane.
It really is incredible how chocolately and intense this product is. I love it’s fine granules and rich shea butter brownie batter consistency. It also leaves your body’s skin insanely soft. This is a must buy for chocolate lovers, must be tried to be believed!http://www.sheaterraorganics.com/Shea-Butter-Malawi-Sugar-2-n-1-Body-Scrub-DARK-CHOCOLATE_p_203.html

Elisha Coy Milk Cacao Black Sugar Scrub

Ok, this is the version of the Shea Terra Dark Chocolate Scrub that’s suitable to use on your face. I’ve reviewed this before and I still love it now as much as I did then!Available on ebay from this trusted seller
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Elishacoy-Milk-Cacao-Black-Sugar-Scrub-70g-BELLOGIRL-/300548156905?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item45fa10ede9

and on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Elishacoy-Noblesse-Naturalism-Cacao-Black/dp/B006P95W6C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1423857371&sr=8-1&keywords=%5BElishacoy%5D+Milk+Cacao+Black+Sugar+Scrub

and here also

http://www.amazon.com/COSMETICS-ELISHACOY-management-keratin-moisturizer/dp/B00AY6LJKK/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1423857371&sr=8-4&keywords=%5BElishacoy%5D+Milk+Cacao+Black+Sugar+ScrubIt’s Skin Macaron Lip Balm 9g #5 Love Choco

This sweet little lip balm has a very delicate chocolate aroma and is a delicious smelling way to battle dryness on your lips. If we have to wear lip balm, why not make it chocolate? Plus, it’s cute as hell! I think this would be a perfect small gift for someone, I’d present it with a box of real macrons!

Available from trusted sellers here on ebay
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Its-Skin-Macaron-Lip-Balm-9g-5-Love-choco-Sweet-Moist-Lip-Balm-/271645171916?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f3f5060cc

here
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Its-SKIN-Macaron-Lip-Balm-/331411264259?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item4d29a69303

and on amazon here
http://www.amazon.com/Its-Skin-MACARON-Balm-Chocolate/dp/B00MB4IGTU/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1423857855&sr=8-6&keywords=its+skin+macaron+lip+balm

Missha Creamy Latte Cleansing Foam #01 Choco Latte

For those of you who like the chocolate + coffee power combo, Missha has the cleansing foam for you. This scented creamy face wash really does smell like a chocolate latte! Coming in at under $5 on ebay, and under $10 on amazon, it’s the most economical, healthy way to have a delicious treat every morning 😉

Ebay trusted seller
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/MISSHA-Creamy-Latte-Cleansing-Foam-01-Choco-Latte-RUBYRUBY-/400862072458?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d553dce8a

and Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/MISSHA-Creamy-Latte-Cleansing-Chocolate/dp/B00EBZBV6W/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1423858708&sr=8-2-fkmr0&keywords=Missha+Creamy+Latte+Cleansing+Foam+%2301+Choco+Latte

Klairs Be Clean Manuka Honey and Chocolate Body Soap

In that same article I raved about the Shea Terra chocolate scrub, I also talked about this wonderful Klairs soap. I love the hearty chocolate cereal smell. I can also attest to it’s lasting power. After several months of using this soap, the bar has hardly shrank. This is a high quality milled soap, it’s lasted much longer than my Lush soaps, and leaves my skin clean without feeling stripped. I love this soap! You can’t beat it when combined with the Shea Terra and Elishacoy scrubs for a full chocolate bathing experience.Available at Wishtrend
http://www.wishtrend.com/skin-care/1077-be-clean-natural-soap-5types-klairs.html?a_aid=thebeautywolf and you can get $5 off your first order by signing up via my link https://www.wishtrend.com:48598/?s=022463306 and entering code 022463306 upon sign up!I also see it here on ebay but I’ve never heard of this seller so proceed with caution
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/KLAIRS-Be-Clean-Natural-Handmade-Soap-5Types-Hair-Face-Body-Hand-Foot-Soap-/121426486488?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item1c459524d8
Remember, you only live once, treat yourself!

WHAMISA ORGANIC SEA KELP FACIAL SHEET MASK REVIEW

January 21, 2015 / The Beauty Wolf

Whoa, daaaamn! I never thought something as benign as sea kelp would illicit that kind of enthusiasm from me but then again I’d never tried Whamisa Organic Sea Kelp Facial Sheet Mask before.

Where do I start with this awesome mask? The ingredients:

Laminaria Japonica, *Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, *Lactobacillus/Aloe Barbadensis Ferment Filtrate, Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract, Angelica Polymorpha Sinensis Root Extract, ☆(-)-alpha-bisabolol, Trigonella Foenum-Graecum Seed Extract, Natto Gum, Leonurus Sibiricus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Dioscorea Opposita (Wild Yam) Root Extract, *Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, *Centella Asiatica Extract, *Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Anemarrhena Asphodeloides Root Extract, *Bambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem Extract, Chlorella Ferment, *Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, *Corylus Avellana (Hazel) Seed Oil, Angelica Keiskei Leaf/Stem Extract, Citrus Junos Fruit Extract, Royal Jelly 0.05, **Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Xanthan Gum, **Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Plantago Asiatica Extract, **Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, ☆Adenosine, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Aniba Rosaeodora (Rosewood) Wood Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil
*Certified Organically Grown **Natural Preservative ☆Ecocert

LOOK AT THAT, LOOK! THIS HEAVENLY INGREDIENT LIST No fillers, no crap, nothing but goodness. It’s like a buffet of emollients, antioxidants, and anti-imflammitory goodness with absolutely NO acne or irritation triggers. I’m talking zero. It’s also organic if that stuff is important to you. I notice that this shares some wonderful ingredients with my new favourite Whamisa cream. Yaaaas, slay Whamisa. Perfection.

Another thing that separates this from the typical water and glycerin cotton sheet mask is that this sheet is made entirely of laminaria japonica, otherwise known as sea kelp. Sea kelp itself can help aid in moisturizing the skin, so what a perfect, genius delivery system for all of those top notch skin nourishing ingredients.

Because the mask is made of kelp, it’s got that very distinct seaweed smell. If you’re familiar with Korean or Japanese food, you know the aroma I’m referring to. As soon as I put this mask on I felt like the fanciest human kimbap (my husband actually remarked the same thing “smells like kimbap!” and promptly went out to procure himself one after this mask triggered the craving lol). The kelp is thick and laden with serum, it’s very slippery so take care getting it out of it’s package, I wasn’t being careful and I almost dropped it. The fact that it’s so slippery is good, that means it’s heavily concentrated. I also really like that this mask comes in two parts, it makes fitting it onto your face easier. Once applied the mask was very soothing and cooling, it felt extra nice on my winter wind irritated skin. This would also be amazing in the summer, I imagine putting one on after a hot day outside would be out of this world. In fact, I’m going to stock up on these to use after my hot yoga classes!

After removing the mask my skin was noticeably bouncier, and unbelievably hydrated and soothed. I mean really, seriously, bouncy. And really, seriously, hydrated. Like, really. Seriously. This is the part of writing this blog I love the most, because I’m discovering new holy grail products that I wouldn’t otherwise have. If not for this blog I would probably be lulled into a comfort zone. This product certainly takes it’s place on my holy grail roster.

At $14 the price is a bit steep for a sheet mask but it really is totally worth it. Put it this way, I’d rather have one of these masks than a facial at a spa, so $14 is better than the $100 at the minimum I’d spend at a spa. Buy a couple of these and save them for date nights or special occasions, or if you’re ballin’ use these suckers every damn day and feel my seething jealousy.Whamisa Organic Sea Kelp Facial Mask
five out of five turtles + one turtle for excellence and making me look like I’m cosplaying a Ninja Turtle while I’m wearing it.

+Whamisa has grown to be my favourite company right now, taking the crown from Benton and even Sum:37. Not that Sum:37 isn’t awesome, I still use their serum and cleansing stick every day. But this mask demonstrates why Whamisa reigns supreme for me, top quality ingredients and absolutely stellar results.

Available at Glow Recipe here
http://www.glowrecipe.com/products/organic-sea-kelp-facial-sheet-mask
Good news, Glow Recipe has offered to give you 15% off your order if you order through my link! Get in on this great stuff with this great deal and check out Whamisa’s other products!
http://i.refs.cc/Mxk05ta7

Also available in a five pack via eBay here

SUM37 WHITE AWARD BUBBLE-DE MASK REVIEW

December 12, 2014 / The Beauty Wolf

Sum37 is quickly becoming my favourite all-around brand. I love their fermented products and their serum and cleansing stick (sadly discontinued) are on my holy grail list. When I read The Wanderlust Project’s review for Sum37’s Bubble De Mask I knew I had to give it a try.

This mask is different than any other mask currently in my repertoire. In fact, I haven’t used a mask like this since my school days studying to be an esthetician. We used to use these kinds of masks, called “bul masks” in class and I absolutely loved them. Back then they were extremely hard to come by outside of salons and I had largely forgotten about them over the years. I was thrilled to find that Sum37 offered a version! Any doubts that this was somehow different were erased the minute I put this on and felt that familiar invigorating tingle.

Straight out of the pump this has a consistency something like a creamy soap, upon massaging onto your face it foams up and bubbles, as demonstrated on the back of my hand here:
The sensation is somewhere between sticking your face into the bubble of a glass of champagne and having a full on alka seltzer tab foaming away on your face. I roped my husband into testing this out with me and he said “It’s like Pop Rocks on my face!”. I wouldn’t go that far, it’s not an unpleasant feeling, like I said, it’s actually quite invigorating, and I really love it.

Once it’s sat on your face for 20 minutes or so you the bubbles start to dissipate and it’s time to rinse it off. I can’t believe I’m actually putting this photo online but here I am, hair in a pony tail, baby hair flying everywhere, no makeup on, glasses on, bedraggled as all hell playing video games in my bubble de mask. I guess we’ve reached that “let it all hang out” comfort stage in our relationship, dear Beauty Pups 😉
As you can see below the bubbles have started to disappear and it’s time for a rinse.

Once splashed off you continue with the rest of your skincare regime as normal. Now, the effects of this mask aren’t always immediate, but don’t think it hasn’t worked. You may notice nothing different visually at first, but maybe in the morning you’ll notice a bit more glow. Certainly with continued usage the effects become more visible, but it does work. It leaves your skin more clear and radiant, trust me.

If you’ve never tried a mask like this, you really need to, and this is the perfect selection to do it with. Sum37 Bubble De Mask is available at W2Beauty where as always you can get $5 off your first order by registering for an account via my link http://w2beauty.com/?s=071087605 and entering code 071087605
This mask is on the pricey side, but it’s the perfect treat for yourself or a loved one, and certainly different than anything else they (or you) already have!

You can also pick up a bottle on Amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/2015-New-SUM37-White-Bubble-/dp/B00TV1FZDG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1430698555&sr=8-1&keywords=Sum37+Bubble+De+Mask

And Ebay here: http://www.ebay.ca/itm/LG-SU-M-37-White-Award-Bubble-De-Mask-100ml-Cleanser-Korea-Cosmetics-Brightening-/321675492178?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4ae55a7b52

Five little fizzy turtles!

WHAMISA ORGANIC FLOWERS NATTO GUM WATER CREAM REVIEW

December 9, 2014 / The Beauty Wolf

This is a continuation of my review of the absolutely stellar products I was recently sent by Glow Recipe, an online store showcasing small Korean brands with a focus on natural ingredients. Like I said in my previous review of this cream’s sister product, I haven’t been this excited for a brand since Benton. Keep reading to see why!

I’m very picky about face creams. I’ve got a mindset that someone dating a model might have, “I’ve got something hotter at home, what in the hell could you possibly do for me?”. Between my Benton Steam Cream and my Sulwhasoo Ginseng Cream, it would take a lot to get me to stray. Fortunately for Whamisa, they’ve got a lot to offer.

Let’s go to the Glow Recipe website for a description:
“The Gist:
An organic hydrating yet lightweight cream with Natto Gum extract (fermented soy beans) that leaves skin soft and moisturized. For all skin types.

How it works:
Formulated with 95% organic ingredients, which are naturally fermented to preserve maximum efficacy. This unique cream is water-free – instead it relies on a blend of moisturizing and antioxidants, including Natto Gum, Organic Rice Extract, Organic Aloe Vera Extract and Organic Olive Oil to help rehydrate and calm dry, depleted skin. BDIH Standard Certified.

Free of:
Parabens, Mineral Oils, Synthetic dyes & fragrances

Our Insight:
Warm a pea size amount between fingertips before applying to skin in a gentle patting motion for best results. During dry winter months, we love to add a drop of our favorite facial oil to this cream for boosted hydration.”

I think the first part really touches on why I love this cream so much, it is such a powerhouse for something so lightweight. Both me and my extremely oily skinned husband can comfortably use this cream, and it performs like such a dream! The ingredients gave me some insight on just why:

Whamisa Organic Flowers Natto Gum Water Cream (50ml, $35)

*Oryza sativa (Rice) Extract, *Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, *Lactobacillus/ Rice Ferment Filtrate, *Lactobacillus/Aloe Barbadensis Ferment Filtrate, *Camelia Japonica Seed Oil, *Olea Europea (Olive) Fruit Oil, *Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, ***Cetearyl Olivate, ***Sorbitan Olivate, **Natto Gum, *Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, *Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, *Camelia Sinensis Leaf Extract, *Lactobacillus/Chrysanthemum Sinense Flower Ferment Filtrate, *Lactobacillus/Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Ferment Filtrate, *Lactobacillus/Taraxacum Officinale (Dandelion) Rhizome/Root Ferment Filtrate, ***Scuterllaria Baicalensis Root Extract, ***Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, ***Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Xanthan gum, Aniba Rosaeodora (Rosewood) Wood oil, Geranium Maculatum Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Fragrance (natural)

* Certified Organically Grown, ** Natural Origin, ***Natural Preservative

The first ingredient is Oryza sativa (Rice) Extract. According to some research I’ve found online:
“The extract stimulates the synthesis of filaggrin, a protein involved in the structural integrity of the stratum corneum, therefore reinforcing the barrier function of skin, promoting collagen synthesis and increasing skin suppleness and firmness.

The material is said to increase synthesis of collagen I and collagen III, the major components of the extracellular matrix that support the epidermis. This increase of collagen and synthesis of filaggrin are said to contribute to better skin moisturization”

Whatever the case, oryza sativa extract is also the main ingredient in one of my other favourite products, Hanyul Essential Rice Softner, so to me it’s already proved itself and made me a big fan. You’ll also notice from a glance at the ingredients that there’s a distinct lack of fillers and absolutely no water. Instead they’ve used aloe leaf extract and rice ferment filtrate, another two main ingredients in two more of my favourite products, Missha First Treatment Essence for the rice ferment, and Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence for the aloe leaf juice. Another notable ingredient, natto gum is another great skin care ingredient with some wonderful benefits. Some research has said
“natto gum moisturizes skin by capturing and retaining moisture, by enhancing and extending critical hyaluronic acid functionalities, by increasing the levels of natural moisturizing factors (NMFs), by contributing to maintaining and improving the structural integrity of the skin, by enhancing skin moisture, elasticity and reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and by moderating undesirable immune responses in the skin.”

This cream comes in a nice substantial glass container that’s not exactly travel friendly since it’s breakable, but will certainly look pretty on your counter. It weighs in at 1.7 oz/50ml of product and very thoughtfully is packaged with a plastic spatula so you won’t contaminate your cream by having to dig it out with your fingers. If you are wanting to use this on the go, it could easily be scooped out into a screw top travel container.

The smell is kind of hard to describe. It’s not unpleasant, but it certainly has that natural ferment smell that’s the hallmark of a lot of fermented products out there. Anyone who’s used Hanyul essential Rice softner or emulsion will now what smell I’m talking about. It’s not bad, just, very earthy. The texture is what’s the real star here. It’s so smooth and rich, yet leaves your face absolutely velvety, not greasy. Really, the words “like velvet” has crossed my mind every single time I use this cream. It’s so luxurious feeling and I’m completely addicted to it.

My skin is on the dryer side so I do sometimes end up adding a few drops of oil to this at night, but my oily skinned acne prone husband uses it as is, and he really enjoys it. In fact I’ve got another jar on it’s way to my house since he keeps stealing it! I think this cream can safely be recommended to just about every skin type. Normally when I’m testing a cream I only use it night, I love this stuff so much that I’ve taken to using it during the night and day, so it’s earned a spot on my permanent skincare lineup! That’s really saying something for a beauty blogger!

Five out of five turtles, plus one for impressing the ever loving hell out of me and getting Mr Beauty Wolf on board!
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At a very reasonable $35, you really can’t go wrong with this cream and I highly encourage you to check it out! More good news, Glow Recipe has offered to give you 15% off your order if you order through my link! Get in on this great stuff with this great deal 🙂
http://i.refs.cc/Mxk05ta7