Sephora Tester Reviews, 1 of 15: Algenist Advanced Anti-Aging Repairing Oil

Algenist is a skincare company that uses algae in their formulas (hence the name) for it's restorative properties. They are not the only line to do this, I've seen quite a few brands that use algae in their prducts (biotherm comes to mind), but this is for sure one of the higher price points in what I've seen of the algae skincare lines, with a 1oz bottle of this oil selling for $79 USD.

My only complaint is that the tester package was very small and I got maybe 2 uses out of it(after cutting it open and scraping out all the product). Other than that, this oil is really lovely! My skin, which is very dry at the moment, felt plumped, moisturized and fresh. The oil absorbed into my skin very quickly, and although I did not feel greasy, it left me with a really nice healthy looking glow. 

Here's the deal, it's a great product, but you have to shell out some cash for it, and it's not something to replace your night/day cream or even serum, this would be an addition to you regimen. I would suggest putting it on before your serum, since oil often acts as a carrier for active ingredients it will boost the effects of your serum ( if you don't use a serum you can also just use it before your cream, it will do the same with that). As far as anti-aging,the algae will aid in natural cell regeneration as well as helping to restore skins firmness and elasticity. This oil is also full of ceramides which retain and balance the skins moisture levels, as well as increasing skins water retention capacity and minimizing moisture loss. Cerimides give skin that healthy, plump, youthful and glowing look. If you have dry or menopausal/post-menopausal skin you need to look for a product with ceramides!!! 

So to wrap it up, I really like this product, but your also paying for the luxury of it (and it is luxurious!), I wish the tester was a bit bigger so I could use it a few more times. It would be a great addition to any anti-aging regimen, but it's not the most practical for someone who is low maintenance and doesn't like using more than one or two products. 

3 and a half stars out of 5. 

-Charlotte

Rave: KATE SUMMERVILLE Exfolikate Intense Exfoliator

Kate Summerville has been a major name in Skincare for some 18 years now. Her skincare line has a different approach than most; coming more from a medical stand point than esthetics, so medicine meets skincare. I've seen raves and great reviews about her products before so I picked up her number one seller: the Exfolikate Intense Exfoliator... IT WAS AMAZING. Seriously. My skin has never felt so smooth, even, clean and glowing! The exfoliator is a dark green paste that smells like spices and fresh fruit; it's gritty and tingles when applied to the skin but isn't irritating. It will make you flush a little bit for a few minutes after, but that just means the fruit enzymes are doing their job! However, if you have very sensitive skin I would steer clear or use the gentle version, I could imagine someone with very fussy skin getting a less than positive reaction from this product. Other than that, it's suited for any type of skin, it's not drying, kills bacteria, removes dead skin cells and gets the circulation in your face going.
When it comes to price, this product is no bargain, lets be clear, its pretty costly, but if you're looking for a quality product or  want one staple in your skincare regimen to keep everything looking great, this is it.

Review: LUSH Gorgeous Facial Moisturizer

Rating: Ultra thumbs up!!! 👍

The first time I tried LUSH was a few years ago, and doing what many of us do, I ignored the sales staff, didn't want their help, bought what I figured was good for my skin and left. I was unhappy with the products and figured it was the company's fault. WRONG. Some time later I went back, let the staff help me and guide me to products that were better suited to my skin... Now I'm completely in love.
At LUSH, the sales staff are super friendly and genuinely want to help you instead of just sell you stuff, keep in mind that they are not commission based there either, so there really isn't any reason for them to shove useless products down your throat. They're suggesting things to you based on what you tell them because they think it will help satisfy your needs and because they actually believe in the product!
That being said, I'm not going to lie, this moisturizer is the most expensive item in LUSH's skincare range. It's a 45g pot that costs $85.95CAD BUT it's 45g of pure magic!!! Not to mention since it has no fillers a little bit goes a long way, I've seen people stretch one pot out for a full year! So it's not that expensive when put into perspective. The Gorgeous Moisturizer was made for pretty much everyone, it has renewing ingredients for people who are starting to think about their skin aging, it's not greasy incase you're oily, and it's certainly not drying. It absorbs very quickly into the skin so you don't have that slimy, filmy residue so many moisturizers leave behind. It's really good at calming skin irritations and brightens me right up!!! I've noticed dark spots fading, distressed patches disappearing and over-all evening of my skin! It also feels healthier and more toned than before. I don't suffer from them but friends have told me it does serious wonders for scars from cystic acne as well! So if you're willing to make the investment, you won't be disappointed! Plus it smells like fruit loops!
Also, of you're not sure about spending that much on a moisturizer you've never tried before, ask for a sample! LUSH staff will be more than happy to give you one!
-CW