Ole Henriksen On The Go Cleanser

I think that it is about time I share my thoughts about this *amazing* cleanser.  After about two years of constant use, it is safe to say that this product is more than a favourite: it is a necessity.  

July 2014 Empties!

Even though I participated heavily in Kalyn Lord's Sample Killah this month, I still managed to knock off a fair number of full sized products owing mostly to the fact that they were 90% done so I buckled down and finished the last 10%.

This month really lacked for any duds.  Sure, some products I liked more than others, but nothing that was so awful that I would never try again.  For the most part this is because I carefully research and sample a product before purchase.  However as previously mentioned these products were 90% done already.  I think I was just holding on to the last 10% because I didn't want to give up the product.

This month I finished 13 full sized items.  Anyways, on to the mini-reviews!

All in the garbage now!  Except the hair mask container.  Keeping it for travel!

On My Face:

Swisspers Organic Cotton Rounds - Maybe Re-Puchase

Nothing special about these cotton rounds.  The next pack I buy will be which ever is on sale or comes with a points promo at Shoppers.  They got the job done, but I mean considering what they are tasked with, is it really that difficult?  These were perfectly fine, but nothing to write home about.

Sephora Honey Mask - Maybe Re-Purchase

I will have a more in depth review coming up shortly.  I loved this mask.  I think it did what it said it would, and was enjoyable to use.  However I also have a Face Shop Honey mask to try which cost $2 compared to Sephora's $8.  Before I commit to a honey mask I want to make sure I am getting the most bang for my buck!

The Face Shop Nose Strip (Aloe) - No Re-Purchase

At $1 this was a great deal.  I didn't notice results nearly as dramatic as my boyfriend who used the charcoal version.  Now, I'm not sure if its because he had more blackheads to remove(okay, he did) or because his nose strip was a better ingredient, but I am going to error on side of caution and stick to the charcoal masks.

The Face Shop Nose Strip (Charcoal) - Re-Purchase

Also $1, I found the results of this nose pore mask to be more dramatic than its aloe cousin.  For this reason I will just be buying the charcoal versions from now on, which is fine.  I bought one of each to see which was better.

Ole Henriksen Walnut Complexion Scrub - Re-Purchased

Simply put, this is my Holy Grail face scrub.  It smells like delicious sweet almonds, and is rough enough that my skin feels like it is being cleaned yet gentle enough to use nearly every day.  I love this scrub and would recommend it to friends in a heartbeat.  When I had only two uses left I stopped a Sephora on my way home from work to make sure I didn't run out.

Ole Henriksen Pure Truth Youth Activating Oil - Re-Purchased

Another product which is essential to my daly skincare routine.  Every night after I take off my makeup I take one pump of this product and smooth it all over my face. When I wake up in the morning the oil has observed into my face and my skin is soft, smooth, and radiant.  I love this product and can't see a reason to leave it.

In My Hair

Marc Anthony Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Perfect Blow Dry Smoothing Cream - Re-Purchased

I'm not one of those girls who has the time to blow dry my hair every day.  However, I love using this product in my hair after I shower.  I find it smoothes my hair and tames fizz better than most other products I have tried.  When I do blow dry my hair I find it does a good job at protecting my hair and keeping it shiny.  I re-purchased this on a Shoppers point promo last week.

Battiste Dry Shampoo in Wild - Hold

Battiste is my favourite dry shampoo brand.  I can usually get it for a decent price at Winners.  I loved how Wild smelled, however had trouble finding it in store last week when I went to buy it.  I ended up buying Blush instead which has a gentle floral smell.  Once Blush is gone I have an Aveeno and a Herbal Essences Mini dry shampoo to finish.  Then I will go looking for Wild again.  

Living Proof Primer Style Extender - No Re-Purchase

I like this product, but I don't love it.  For the price they charge I better love it.  I prefer the Marc Anthony product previously discussed if I am being totally honest.  I have a deluxe mini of this product to use up before I am rid of my stock of this product.  I prefer their spray primer from this line to the original.  While there is nothing wrong with this product, I find the results are not spectacular.  I also have quite a  bit of similar products to finish before I can justify buying another one.

Living Proof Restore Mask Treatment - Hold

I have reviewed this product as a part of The Great Mask Off.  I had a great experience with this deep conditioner, however I have two more to review before I pick my favourite or decide to keep looking.  Over all I was impressed by this product, and am willing to purchase it again.

The Awkward "Other" Category

Softsoap Citrus Splash Moisturizing Body Wash - Hold

I won't be buying any body wash for a while.  My collection has gotten a bit out of hand, to put it gently.  I picked this up in a 3 pack from Costco before moving way for the summer.  It lasted two people about two and a half months.  It has a generic fruity blue body wash scent and is neither too drying, or moisturizing.  Not my favourite, but not my least favourite.  And it is nearly impossible to beat on price.  Once I run low (in 10585858 years) on body wash I will ask my dad to pick up another 3 pack.  I still have the yellow and red body washes to go!

Smashbox Love Me Love Paint Pen Eyeliner in Jet Black - Can't Repurchase

This limited edition product was my introduction to the world of eyeliner pens.  Before this I had always gone for straight up gel liners.  This pen is a bit thick for my liking, now that I know better, but at the time of purchase I was thrilled.  I have since moved on to the thinner Stila pen. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't re-purchase this item because it is gone forever.

Julep Oxygen Nail Treatment - Re-Purchased

Some people complain that this treatment makes their nails peel.  I don't find that to be an issue.  I like to wear this occasionally between manicures to give my nails a rest and let them heal.  It has the benefit of not only being good for my nails, but it is also pretty.  To the average person it looks like I just have a simple soft translucent pink nail polish on, while it actually provides benefit to my nails. Win-win!  I snagged my replacement bottle on a great sale from Julep.

The Even More Awkward Category

LUSH Rockstar Soap - Re-Purchase
I love love love love this soap.  It smells like pink.  I have no better word to describe it.  It runs a bit expensive so I only pick it up as an occasional treat, but I highly recommend it.  Since the bar of soap is gone I photographed the little bag it came in.

I am pretty surprised that I managed to finish off this many full sized products this month given all the samples I have been mowing down.  I am really going to miss my wild dry shampoo and my LUSH soap.  But I have some new Lush soaps to try that I can't wait to delve into.

What products did you finish this month?  Any duds?  Anything fantastic?

Ole Henriksen - Creator of Flawless Faces

My Favourite Ole (say Oola) Henriksen Products

From Left to Right

Truth Crème Vitamin C Advanced Hydration $56

Pure Truth Vitamin C Youth Activating Oil $56

Walnut Complexion Scrub $30

Blue/Black Berry Enzyme Mask $40

Truth To Go Vitamin C Wipes $19

As previously mentioned my first interaction with Ole Henriksen was at a Sephora event where I got to meet the man behind the brand, and have an amazing mini-facial.  I have traditionally been skeptical of expensive face products after a short, ineffective, stint with Boscia which ended up being returned to Sephora for store credit (which in turn bought the scrub featured in this post...).

I start every morning with cutting one of the wipes in half and clearing my face.  I also go this at night.  I cut the sheets in half because they are expensive, and I hate to see some of the product go to waste.  They have a delicious vanilla-orange scent not online the best creamsicle I could possible imagine.  They leave my face feeling fresh and clean, and are effective at make-up removal.

Then I apply some of the Truth Crème Vitamin C Advanced Hydration.  It also smells of oranges, and summer time, and all things good in the world.  Though not as yummy as the wipes.  I love how light and hydrating it is.  Now that this deluxe sample is almost done I want to try Nurture Me (another of their hydrating creams) because when I tried it at the store it felt like a cushion for my skin.

At night time I apply some of the crème followed by two pumps of the Pure Truth Vitamin C Youth Activating Oil (basically liquid gold but for your face).  It has more of a pungent orange scent which I have pretty much gotten over.  The oil is bright orange in colour and is great for healing acne, rashes, bumps, irritation, and anything else that could possible be wrong.  I swear by this stuff, and oil in beauty products in general.  This stuff is packed with all of the good things.  It took a few weeks to get use to going to bed with an oily face, but after seeing the results I just can't complain!  It makes my skin feel dewy, soft, and generally perfect.

Walnut Complexion Scrub

In the shower I start off with this scrub.  It has a delicious sweet nutty scent and leaves my face feeling clean.  Then I follow up with either of their cleansers.  I have samples of both and am still going back and forth between the orange one and the foaming one.  They btw smell good and leave my skin feeling clean, but I think I am leaning to the orange gel.  Back to the scrub- it exfoliates my skin with out being too rough and leaves me feeling fresh.

Blue/Black Berry Enzyme Mask

When I think of a mask I think of a clay mask, so seeing this clear jelly had me a little confused.  Apply a generous amount and let it sit for about 20 minutes.  It applies cool to the skin and leaves a light tingly sensation.  When removed with warm water (it doesn't exactly dry) it leaves skin looking simply radiant.  It feels like the outer layer of skin is all gone, replaced by something new and fresh.  The product says to apply it two-three times per week, however I find once a week is sufficient for me.  More than that I think would be overkill.  After I am done with the mask I like to apply some of my magic liquid gold skin oil and let it soak in all its glory.

Over all brand impression: I can't stop using the words "fresh" and "clean" to describe how this brand makes me feel.  I have never been so in love with a skin care line.  Honestly it makes me feel like I am feeding my skin all of the things it needs to shine and glow.  After using this skin care routine for two days I saw noticeable improvement and after four days my wind burn was all gone.  I can't ever see myself leaving this brand for my skin.  Three weeks later and I have no regrets.  If its good enough for his long time clients Jessica Alba and Ellen DeGeneres then its good enough for me!  His products smell delicious, and feel luxurious.  But the best part is just how good they are for your skin. 

via www.hdwallpapersinn.com

Amazing skin.

via www.hollywoodreporter.com

Look at that skin!

Ipsy October 2013

My Ipsy bag finally arrived.  When I got home on Friday my tracking told me it had arrived.  Sadly, there was no hot pink bubble package waiting on the counter for me.  After dinner the door bell rung, and our new neighbour was standing there with my package.  Some how, after correctly arriving at my house for months it ended up next door.  Odd, and annoying, but very kind of the new neighbour to bring it over.

Just being honest, I wasn't all too excited about the arrival of this bag.  After seeing what I was getting I was...indifferent?  After seeing what I could have got, I was disappointed.

What I received:

Photo Credit: www.ipsy.com

All I can say is... eh?  I have heard good things about the Zoya nail polish, and another dark purple will be nice.  I have handfuls of Ole Henriksen foil samples from Sephora in a drawer in my room, and more than enough hand cream and lip gloss to last a life time.  As for the "Spray Clay", I spend a lot of time and effort trying to achieve shiny hair (Mmmm Moroccan Oil).  I can't quite fathom why I would want to make it any less shiny...Or really why anybody would.

What I COULD have received:
Note: Purple circle = things I wanted.  Red X = Things I did not want.

Photo Credit: www.ipsy.com

Buxom lip gloss... eyeshadow brush...blow dry gel (I don't know what this is, but it sounds better than a hair clay to make your hair matte).  But hey, I didn't get another Starlooks item, a crappy NYC eyeshadow palette, another mineral MICA shadow (I think I have 3 now?) or any more acidic LA Fresh wipes.  Still, pretty disappointed that the 3 items I did want evaded me.  

Now, onto the un-boxing.

The bag!

Although I wasn't terribly excited over the bag its self, after a few days it has started to grow on me.  It probably won't replace any of my top 5 make up bags (after months of being subscribed to these bags I have more than enough to last a life time), but its cute.  I like it a little bit too much to give away, and a little bit not enough to use regularly.  

Inside!  Note: I removed the nail polish from the bag.  It blocked the rest of the view.

Here are all of the items received.

Sexy Hair Spray Clay (50 mL)

Value:  $7.46

According to their website:  

"A non-traditional clay in a spray form. With this new innovative aerosol application it allows for a fine and even product distribution to achieve an allover textured look with a matte finish. This product is great for all hair types needing added texture and movement with a dry, non-waxy hold."

I really don't have much interest in trying this.  But in the interest of science?  Make-up?  Make-up Science?  I will.  It smells less chemical that other hair sprays.  A slight scent of minerals?  Let's go with that.  It definitely achieved the matte result, and creates rougher texture.  But neither of these things appeal to me.  I'll have to see which of my friends has a need, or at least, interest in this. 

Ofra Lipglos Plumper in "Sultry"(10 mL)

Value: $12.95

Although a bit darker than I usually go for this lipgloss actually ended up complementing my skin tone nicely.  It has a nice berry tone, and enough sparkles that while noticeable, don't remind me of my lip gloss wardrobe circa 2007.  Personally, I do not notice the plumping factor.  But hey, its a nice colour.  Its full sized.  And will come in handy keeping my lips from drying out this winter. 

Verdict:  I like it more than I thought I would.

Nourish Organic "Coconut and Argan"Body Lotion (30 mL)

Value: $1.52

Nothing really interesting to say.  This product is a thick hand cream with a pleasant scent.  the tube is smaller than I expected, but a great size to toss in my purse for cold days this winter.

Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster (7 mL)

Value: $11.20

This product is aimed at the "fighting anti-aging" crowd, which thankfully, as a 20 year old I am not quite in yet.  Described as a "daily vitamin for your face" it can't hurt to try it.  After all, those ladies at the Clinique counter at The Bay always say to start using anti-aging products before you show sings of aging to prevent aging (I see what they did there.  Use it even if you don't think you need it so that way when you're older and you do need it you...still need it?  Need it less?).  All that is to say, I put the goopy, critics scented serum on my face...and nothing really happened.  I'll have to give it a few more days.

Zoya Nail Polish (full sized)

Value: $9.75

My GlamRoom showed that I was going to receive the purple jewel tone polish (there was also a green and a pink).  But when I opened my bag it was... pink!  I can't say that I really cared either way.  Regardless this was going to go in a little bag in my closet where I collect things for my mom's Christmas present.  

Total Value: $42.88

What I Paid: $14.95

However I am going to knock off the value of the Spray Clay because I can't think of any use for it.

So...$35.42

Well done Ipsy.  I was able to get over my initial disappointment with the success of the lip gloss and the hand cream.  I still wish I had received a few different items.  But 

In full disclosure I was going to cancel my subscription this month.  But since this bag was reasonably good, I am going to hang on until at least after Christmas.  Here's hoping they put in a little extra something to celebrate the holidays!

On the even brighter side?  Tomorrow I get to pick my Julep box for November!