I buy, receive and try a lot of different things in the course of a month. Probably more than most people you know and definitely more than is necessary. However, it is my job to know what’s going on in the world of wellness, beauty and fashion and I’m here for it!
We decided it was time to do a monthly review series, where I round up the things I have been gifted, purchased and tried within that month and let you know what’s worth trying and purchasing and what you should pass on. We would love your feedback on products and items you have been wanting reviewed. Please leave your suggestions in the comment section down below and we will be sure to test them out for you!
Playa Everyday Shampoo
I have tried a few things from Playa haircare and have always been satisfied. I purchased this during the Sephora sale, because it was time for a new shampoo, and I figured I would give this one a go. OMG, it’s incredible, it really leaves your hair feeling so soft and clean, unlike other shampoos where I feel I need to condition immediately. My hair air drys and blow drys really nicely too after using this, I even went and ordered a second bottle. Only downside is, the actual product is a little difficult to get out of the bottle, but the minimal struggle is worth the product.
RATING: 4.5/5
Blume Organic Tampons
I am always on the hunt for a comfortable organic tampon. It’s a little harder to find in Canada, many of the brands sold here aren’t comfortable. When I saw these on Sephora I knew I had to try them out so I ordered a box and tried them out. They are great, absorbent, comfortable, easy to insert and 100% organic (which is important, if you are unaware of why please read my article on organic tampons here). The applicator is made from bioplastic which is eco-friendly while being user friendly. I already repurchased and stocked up!
RATING: 5/5
Youth to the People Super Hydrate and Glow Dream Oil
I was sent a lot of YTTP products in early November and have been trying them out. This oil interested me immediately because I love YTTP’s dream mask. I have been using this product before a sweaty workout (I use oils before working out rather than creams). I also use it every other night as my final step in my night routine and I do really like it. This oil is hydrating and not just at the surface of the skin, it really does penetrate and leave your skin glowy and luminous. It’s not a product that I am blown away by but it does what it says it will do and the price point is great. A little goes a long way and this oil is reasonable!
RATING: 4/5
Dr Sturm Face Mask
So I am a semi fan of Dr Sturm products. The price points are INSANE and I do find certain products to be totally overrated but she also has some products that really are incredible. I had tried the Face Mask before as I had received samples of it and I remembered it being good so I decided to order it during the Sephora sale. The mask itself is not nearly as expensive as her other items but still very pricey. It works, and it works well (as it should), it’s hydrating and leaves skin really soft and noticeably more even the next day. The actual formula I feel could be improved, it feels like you need to put a lot on to get the effects, my skin absorbs it quickly so I feel I have to use a lot of product and you don’t get much as it is. I would definitely say it’s worth a try if you need help with moisture and texture but there are other great masks out there for much less.
RATING: 3/5
Sunday Riley Charcoal Smoothie Body Scrub
I was sent this product in a PR package and really enjoyed using it. I use body scrubs to remove my spray tan and this one worked like a charm, it removed all the residue and left my skin really soft. You do not need to use much; the product really goes a long way. This is especially great for those with uneven skin, keratosis pilaris, it contains charcoal which acts like a sponge to unwanted dirt and impurities, salicylic acid which is a chemical exfoliant that breaks down oils and build up and zinc. Overall, it does what it is meant to do, and I liked it, I also love the packaging.
RATING: 5/5
The Inkey List Oat Balm Cleanser
I had never heard of this brand before but when it popped up on Sephora at incredibly low prices and minimalistic branding, I felt like I should try something out. I am a major fan of balm cleansers, so I gave this one a try. It works great, nice and thick, the texture that I like in a balm cleanser. I like that it comes in a tube, so less bacteria and you get a lot of product for a very affordable price point. It didn’t feel like the luxurious experience I get from the pricier balm cleansers I use but it did the job and left my skin clean and not stripped. Would recommend it for anyone looking for an affordable, effective cleanser.
RATING: 4/5
Charlotte Tilbury Jewel Gloss
I just love everything Charlotte Tilbury makes and I wanted to add this one to my reviews because it’s excellent. I love Pillow Talk (my go to lipstick and color) and Charlotte made this gloss in pillow talk shade so I had to have it. This gloss is moisturizing, glossy, not sticky and the colors they have are beautiful. The gloss also stays on well and the packaging is gorgeous. This would make a great holiday gift or stocking stuffer!
RATING: 5/5
Youth to the People Dream Eye Cream
This was sent to me in the PR package I received from YTTP so I began using it immediately. Off the bat, I am not a fan of eye creams that come in a pot, I feel they should be in a pump because I end up using way too much and it feels unsanitary. I actually enjoy the product, it is really hydrating and seeps nicely into the skin but it does take a little “work” for it to absorb. Meaning you need to massage the product in a little, which is fine but I’d like to do as little rubbing around my eye area as possible. I would recommend it for those looking for something gentle and moisturizing!
RATING: 3.5/5
Playa Monoi Milk Leave in Conditioner
I love a leave-in conditioner because I grew up with curly, unruly hair and brushing my hair out after a shower was always a nightmare without some product. This product is really good, really moisturizing, leaves hair shiny and removes frizz. It does exactly what a leave-in conditioner should do and it smells amazing! I also like that it doesn’t leave my hair greasy or heavy like many leave ins do! Monoi oil is an excellent ingredient for moisture and shine so I knew I would like this!
RATING: 5/5