23 October 2019




(Click here if you came from the Instagram post.)

On Wednesdays we wear 𝖈𝖔𝖓𝖋𝖎𝖉𝖊𝖓𝖈𝖊.

Since posting the last picture, quite a few people have asked me how I’m so confident. To be honest, this is a question I’m often asked and, to be honest again, the answer is

𝑰'𝒎 𝒏𝒐𝒕.

It just looks like it.

If you were in a room with me and a few other people, I would 10/10 be the least confident person in the room. In reality that’s not the case, but to me it feels that way. (And to everyone else who might have the slightest bit of low confidence.)

“So how do you do it?”

Before answering, let me tell you that I had zero confidence in my looks when I was reviewing these pictures almost a month after they were taken — actually, even right after they were taken.

And here’s why: I can’t help but look at the stretch marks on my arms, how fat they are, the way my chin looks and lack of a defined jaw. And don’t get me started on my nose — and cheekbones. I’ve had makeup artists and friends tell me that I have high cheekbones, but I don’t see it (them?). I hate that you can see the texture from my KP on my arms. I dislike that I don’t have a trim waist (you can see the fat roll in the previous post). I hate how my eyes have different shapes so one looks more rounded and smaller than the other. Makeup already sucks with hooded eyes, let’s add to it by changing the shape just a smidge so it’s THAT much harder to do a winged liner.



This is why I’m behind the camera instead of in front of it. I find the finest details that no one would see because, instead, they see your smile or the way you’re looking at the camera; the way your hair is falling effortlessly when it took a team of people to get it that way; or the way you look in whatever you’re wearing.

But here I am posting these pictures because I know I felt good when I took them. I know that I like my smile, and, damn, my brows look decent for once. I like the lighting — yeah, yeah, I know it has nothing to do with me but the picture overall. I like the way the bralette looks on me. I’m learning to accept my stretch marks and my bat wing arms. I like that my shoulders aren’t sloping as much anymore. And, dare I say it, that little acne scar on my chest is kind of…seductive? 😛 It’s like a beauty mark that leads the eye.

Oh, I’m going to hear from my mother about that one.

My confidence in these pictures came from the fact that I found something cute to wear and wanted to show it off. Other times it comes from dancing around to a catchy song. Most of the time it’s an “F it” mentality or “crap, it HAS to be done” plus an adrenaline rush. In terms of myself, I usually find something I like about myself and run with it. 


The thing is, I’m going to be like everyone else and say that it comes from within, HOWEVER, it can come from external sources like that awesome song (my go to has been Normani’s “Motivation”) that I dance to or my trusted group of girlfriends (thank you, ladies, I love you guys so much!) Confidence, especially self confidence in your own looks, can come from the fact that no one else sees the same imperfections you do. In fact, it’s entirely possible that they don’t see them…or maybe they love them? 😉

Haha! I’m going to leave it at this. I have nothing else to add to what has been said about this topic except that I’m learning to love the imperfections only I see. It’s a process, and one that has been a long time coming.

Oh, one thing to add: Maybe I'll do this again whenever I get new bralettes from Aerie? 😂


Outfit (or lack thereof 😅)
Bralette | Aerie Romantic Lace Padded Bralette
Necklace | Dogeared Pearls of Love



Indianapolis, IN, USA
05 September 2019

Hello, lovely!

It's time for my once in a moon blog post, and this time I'm shaking things up a bit: It's not a sponsored post.


via GIPHY


Shocker, right?

I don't always do sponsored posts despite the evidence. I promise I have a ton of post ideas, but I often find myself over editing before I even attempt writing them. Hopefully I can change that? I feel the same way about my videos, too. It seems the theme for 2019 is being open and vulnerable with your audience, and I sort of want to jump on that wagon since there are more Asian American stories being produced. All of us (Asians) have similar yet different stories that are worth sharing because you never know who you can identify with or vice versa.

ANYWAY, let's get on to the post. (That topic is one for another time!)

I present to you an eye look that I managed to pull together prior to missing a mini fashion show at Macy's this past weekend! *cue gasp GIF again*

I don't know but I was blessed on Saturday, June 29 when my eyes weren't insanely teary so that I could put some shadows on my eyes and keep them for the whole day. Thank you, Lord! I looked good, but I missed the show! I did make the events after it, though! Which included free ice cream from Sub Zero, a mini makeover by Estee Lauder with samples, and a stylist challenge. Those were fun -- especially the ice cream. 😋

       

So Saturday's look was possibly inspired by the sun because it was sweltering hot due to that magnificent star shining bright on a Saturday morning. (And maybe my craving for mangoes?) Thankfully, my makeup didn't melt off until the very end of the day around 10PM when I took it off. I'm seriously surprised it stayed on that long -- especially the eye makeup! Usually it's the first to go along with my T-zone.

Alrighty, let's begin with the bases. I started off with Urban Decay's famous primer potion on the lids followed by Colourpop's concealer in Medium 28. To be honest, this shade is too light for me to use as a normal, every day concealer (OK, some would disagree), so I thought it would be the perfect base to make these colours POP! I set the concealer on my lids with Weekender from UD's Born to Run palette. Using a brush I got in an Ipsy bag, I applied Riff to the outer corner of my eye and blended that shade out so that it would function as my transition shade. I also brought it over the top part of my eye lid and over to the area above the inner corner of my eye.

And now the fun begins.

Taking Baja on the same brush, I placed it on the outer corner and blended it, bringing it in towards the center of the lid. I made sure that my corners were well saturated with this shade. Once I was happy with how orange my eyes were, I started going in with Hell Ride -- still keeping it on the outer corner, however, not blending it out completely to keep the pigment. I kept it closer to the inner part of the outer corner of my lids -- if that makes sense. 😅 Afterwards, I dotted a bit of the Colourpop concealer onto the center of my lids and covered the center but not the top part where I blended Riff. This is where I heavily applied Colourpop's Mischief from the Yes, Please! palette. I made sure to cover the inner corner of my eye with it as well.

For my waterline, I sprayed the smaller end of a double ended Urban Decay brush (usually comes with one of the Naked palettes) with Flower Beauty's setting mist. I dipped it into Baja and brought that from the outer corner of my eye and halfway in towards the inner corner. Wiping the brush off, I used Blaze from Born to Run as my inner corner highlight. I finished off the look by winging my eyes with Nyx's matte liquid liner, added Ardell's demi wispies, and topped off the lashes with Maybelline's Lash Sensational.

And that's all she wrote!

Okay, I did do the rest of my face. Haha! I primed it with Maybelline's Baby Skin primer, concealed my panda eyes with the Colourpop concealer, and went in with Sephora Collection's 10 Hour foundation. (Shoutout to Nina at Sephora at The Fashion Mall for helping me get the right shade for my skin!) I used a Colourpop highlighter in shade Drive Me Crazy as a blush followed by Ofra's Rodeo Drive on the high points of my cheeks. (Yeah, yeah -- I used two highlighters. It didn't occur to me that I bought a highlighter from Colourpop when I got it. I honestly thought it was a cute blush based on the picture. I didn't really read the title.)

For the lips, I primed them with Burt's Beeswax and followed up with Mamonde's lip creamy tint in Baby Rose. I didn't like how it turned out, so I blotted it away in the hopes of erasing it. Running out of time, I made do with the tint that was left on my lips and topped it off with Elf's lip plumping gloss in Mocha Twist.

I set my face with Laura Mercier's translucent setting powder and sprayed a copious amount of Flower Beauty's setting mist especially on the lids.

And that's all she wrote.

P.S. my brows were already done prior to everything. I used my trusty Anastasia Beverly Hills pomade!

P.S.S I might do a video for this look, so keep an eye on the channel!

Indianapolis, IN, USA
03 January 2019



Hello, lovelies!

How have you been? It's been a hot minute since my last post. Actually, now that I think about it, it hasn't been that long when you consider I post every blue moon.

Sad, but that's the truth.

In any case, I hope you're doing well! And if you're not, I hope you'll be well soon. <3

Let's get straight to the point since you came here for a review on dear Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence SPF 50 PA ++++.

BACK STORY

I spent a good part of this year searching for a POC (person of colour) friendly sunscreen without much success. Believe me, I combed through blog articles of multiple sunscreens that claimed that x sunscreen was THE HOLY GRAIL for POC only to be left disappointed.

The proof is in the collection of drugstore to high end sunscreens on my teeny bathroom counter.

Sighs.

It's not easy looking for sunscreen when you're a POC. On top of looking for one that agrees with your skin, you have to find one that doesn't make you look like ash was dumped on you.

Deeply sighs.

So when I opened the email from Wishtrend a few months ago and filled out the survey for a product that promised it wouldn't leave white cast, I was skeptical.

It didn't help that it's from an Asian skincare brand either. If I couldn't find a sunscreen from American skincare brands, then how on earth do you expect me to find one from Asian skincare brands? Especially since a lot of them are for whitening the complexion or are for lighter complexions?

Multiple deep sighs.

But I took a leap of faith with Wishtrend. They haven't sent me a product that my skin didn't like, so it's unlikely it would start now!

The Product

Packaging

The shipping was fast, although there were a few hiccups since my apartment complex no longer informs the residents when there's a package waiting for them -- but aside from that, I got it within the week of filling out the survey. It came tightly wrapped in bubble wrap so no damage was done to it!

Unboxing it was a dream, since Klairs' packaging is so simple and beautiful. It comes in the standard glossy white box with a holographic image of the product on the front. On the rest of the box, you have Korean and English translations of what the product does and how to use it.

What I love about this product packaging wise, is that the tube comes to a tip and that fits into a raised circular surface in the cap. This allows for the product to stay fresh


Description

Description taken from Wishtrend.com.

The Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence SPF 50 PA++++ is an everyday sun protector for sensitive skin. As is it water-based, it holds a gel-type texture to give a soft weightless and light finish. Also with its high SPF and PA level, it completely guards the skin against UVA, UVB without leaving any greasiness or white cast.
Volume: 80mlAll skin types
Containing ingredients that helps to brighten, hydrate, and protect:
  • Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil (aka Sea Buckthorn Oil), in Korean cosmetic, the ingredient is listed as 'Vitamin Tree Oil' and it helps to supply the skin with moisture.
  • Tocopherol is an antioxidant that fights against free radicals found in the skin.
  • Panthenol, beta-glucan, and allantoin soothes, relieves skin irritations.
  • Niacinamide is a skin brightening agent and helps to brighten the overall skin tone.

Let's revisit Sea Buckthorn Oil. I learned a little bit more about this powerful and potent ingredient from articles on Into the Gloss and the US National Library of Medicine. According to them, this little berry's oil is full of carotenoids; vitamins A, C, and E; and omega 3, 6, 7, and 9 oils. All of these ingredients help with aging, moisture retention, collagen production, and healing skin damage and scarring.

Ingredients

Water (Aqua), Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Butylene Glycol, Dibutyl Adipate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Silica, Cetearyl Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Olivate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Sorbitan Stearate, Panthenol, Beta-Glucan, Disodium EDTA, Citrus Junos Fruit Extract, Adenosine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Allantoin, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil


Here's a link to the CosDNA page with a full rundown of the ingredients that I uploaded: http://www.cosdna.com/eng/cosmetic_3076402350.html.

Note that there are essential oils, but they're non-irritating. Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil gives the sunscreen an orange-citrus scent while Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil and Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil help retain skin moisture.

Review

Going off of the last section, I didn't notice a scent when I first applied this product, however I read that other reviewers have. I swear, that's the only thing I was looking for in other people's reviews! I didn't notice any scent, so I wanted to know if anyone else did or if it was just me. I guess it all depends on the wearer's nose.

Aside from that, I am madly in love with this sunscreen! Like I said earlier, I've gone through a few sunscreens since this spring/summer, and this is the only one that works for me. It doesn't leave me with white cast, doesn't leave me greasy, and is nourishing and hydrating for my skin.

Okay, let me clarify the greasy part. I have combination skin, so it can't be helped that my T-zone will get oily after wearing this or any non-mattifying sunscreen. It doesn't bother me, but it does bother my mum who prefers the matte look. To get rid of the shine (or dewy look, depending on who's looking), I always keep a pack of blotting sheets in my bag. Sometimes I'll use my setting powder if I pack it -- which isn't often. Usually that's when I'm travelling and have my makeup bag on me.

The texture is amazing and sinks into my skin without any problems. With other sunscreens, I notice that I'm sticky for quite some time after application, but with this sunscreen, I don't notice any stickiness after a couple of minutes!

And as for white cast? I love that there isn't any! Oh my gosh, YAS THERE IS NO WHITE CAST! None when you apply it, none when it sets in. Absolutely no white cast.

And on top of all of this, I haven't broken out since I started using it back in September.

Yes, I've been testing it out for that long.

(Again, I'm sorry, Team Wishtrend!)

Not once did I break out because of this product. Usually it's because of poor diet, lack of sleep, hormones, or some combination of all or two of those. (I may have forgotten to wash my face in the evening more than a couple of times -- okay frequently. You caught me.) Anyway, I can say for sure, without a shadow of a doubt, that this product did not break me out.

All in all, because this is the only sunscreen that has won my seal of approval this past year, it definitely deserves a solid rating of

5/5

because it has little to no scent, the wealth of nourishing ingredients, amazing texture, zero white cast, and no breakouts!

YouTube

And, hey, definitely check out my video down below! I swatch the product on my face and include a few other points that aren't included in this post.



I hope you guys enjoyed reading and/or watching! I'd love to know if any of you have tried this, and if you have, what are your thoughts? OR are you going to try it? I'd love to know either way!

I hope you guys have a great one! If it's not a great one, make it a great one, and I'll talk to you in the next one!

Love,
SamiJoie



Links





Indianapolis, IN, USA
02 November 2018


So what do you do when you're given a $25 Sephora Gift Card? I've seen the memes where people wonder why there are even $25 Sephora gift cards because one item tends to be about that much. There's also this one that makes me chuckle:




via me.me


But it's true: when you're a makeup/skincare junkie such as myself, it's hard to stay within a $25 budget when you shop at Sephora. Fortunately there are options -- some of which I compiled into this list since your girl got a $25 gift card for graduation! (Thanks, Sarah and Whitney! 💕)


NOTE, I didn't stick within that $25 budget when I created the list and you'll see that. A majority of the items can be covered with a $25 gift card but you'll have to come up with the difference. At least 13 of the items fit on a $25 gift card and, possibly, toe the line a little bit. (I'm looking at those $24 items!)

Let's dive in, shall we? Starting with makeup!


Makeup
Lips
1. Sephora Rouge Lipstick in Reckless 69 ($7)
Of all the lip options, this is the only one that I chose a shade for. I don't know why that is, but it is what it is. This shade looks like it could be a MLBB (my lips but better) shade that's a bit darker and vampier than my lip colour. It is fall, so 'tis the season for dark and vampy looks!

2. Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Liquified Lip ($24)
I've tried a mini sample of their lipstick thanks to the June birthday gift as well as their lip masks and love them! So, naturally, I have to try the liquid lip especially since I'm still on the hunt for a good formula for my dry lips. According to the reviews on Sephora's website, this product sounds promising since moisturizing monoi butter and coconut oil are included in the ingredients list.

3. YSL Vinyl Cream Lip Stain ($37)
Like Bite Beauty, I've also tried a product from YSL (albeit a full sized and not sample). Because of this exposure, I definitely want to try some of their other lines!

4. Giorgio Armani Beauty Lip Maestro ($38)
I don't know what to say about this since I haven't encountered it in store, but I would love to try it out!

5. Giorgio Armani Beauty Ecstasy Lacquer ($38)

The description says it's non-sticky and non-drying -- I'm in! Also, is anyone else over super drying matte lippies? 


Eyes
6. Kat von D Tattoo Liner ($20)

The ever popular eyeliner is on this list because, lo and behold, I have not added it to my eyeliner arsenal. Yet. I've played with it in store and like it, but I haven't bought it -- yet!

7. Kaja Beauty Bento Bouncy Shimmer Eyeshadow Trio ($21)

CAN WE TALK ABOUT HOW CUTE THIS IS?! And compact? I love how the shadows are stacked so it's easy to grab and go. I'd like to try all of them, but if I were to pick one bento I'd go with either Orange Blossom or Toasted Caramel. (The one pictured is Rose Water.)


8. Stila All That Shimmers & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow Set ($25)
Another popular product I've heard about.I haven't gotten into glitter, but I can see myself using these as highlighters! What can I say? I love a good highlighter. 

9. Huda Beauty Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette ($27)
I always see these in store and tell myself I'm going to get one. The colours are vibrant and eye catching, and the palette itself is the perfect size for travel! The Mauve palette looks right up my alley with the berry/wine shades that I gravitate towards.

10. Urban Decay Naked Palette ($27) NO LONGER BEING SOLD as of 02 November 2018
RIP -- even though it's still being sold? I get it. It's no longer apart of the all-star lineup but it will be in our hearts! I need to replace my beat up palette with a new one...and get it for nostalgia.



Skincare
11. Boscia Tsubaki Jelly Ball Cleanser ($20)
DOES. THIS. NOT. LOOK. LIKE. THE COOLEST. CLEANSER. EVER?! There's also a charcoal version of this soap for anyone who wants to tackle oily skin.

12. Too Cool For School Pumpkin Sleeping Pack ($20)
I love sleeping packs! They always leave my skin bouncy, hydrated, and glowy -- the picture of perfect health even though I might have some skin concerns like hyperpigmentation. This would be the perfect mask for fall since it is pumpkin season! 

13. Belif The True Cream Moisturising Bomb Deco ($22)

I'm a lover of Belif products! They always leave my skin moisturised -- especially the skin under my eye whenever I use their eye bomb! I definitely recommend checking out this K-beauty line.

14. Drunk Elephant Rise & Glow Duo ($23)
I love vitamin C products because I've noticed they help brighten my hyperpigmentation, so I'm sure this will be a hit with me! I'm curious about the B-Hydra™ Intensive Hydration Serum since it claims to quench and illuminate the skin. I like that you can use both together, too.

15. First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Banish Acne Kit ($24)
I've been curious about First Aid Beauty for a while. The name makes me think that the products provide quick results, so I wonder if this acne kit would be the holy grail for my skin? (Side note, I'm wary of acne products nowadays...)

16. Tatcha Pore-Perfecting Moisturizer Cleanser Duo ($25)
Yes, yes, and yes! I love Tatcha. I've only used samples, but that rice enzyme wash is no joke with how gentle and purifying it is, so I'm sure the Deep Cleanse gel cleanser will be the same! I have yet to try their moisturizers, but I have no doubt that it will do what it promises.

17.  Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Gold Eye Masks ($25)
Have you SEEN my eye bags? They're so heavy that I have to check them in every time I fly (which isn't often). My dark circles are so dark that I'm passable for a panda. Honestly. I wish I was joking. So what better way to get rid of that heavy baggage than with a gold foil eye mask? Sounds so luxe and the perfect way to unwind at the end of the week or before an event -- or just to feel yourself?

18. Herbivore True Blue Skin Clarifying Duo ($29)
I LOVE THE BLUE TANSY FACE MASK, so I'm glad that there's a budget friendly size of it that comes with another product that complements it! I would love to try the oil since it's getting cooler out and using oils help keep prevent my face from drying out.

19. Glow Recipe Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser ($34)
I don't think I've watched a K-skincare guru who hasn't raved about this product or brand. I love that it has one of my favourite ingredients, AHA, in it!

20. Herbivore Blue Tansy ($48)
I wasn't joking when I said I love this mask. Unfortunately I am out of it at the moment, so I can't wait to get my hands on another one! It's a wonderful mask that clears up my skin and makes it smoother.



Fragrance
21. Commodity Style Guide Fragrance Discovery Kit ($24)
If you're hunting for a new fragrance, I definitely recommend picking up one of these discovery kits. It doesn't necessarily have to be form Commodity (I listed it since I enjoy this line!!) 

22. Commodity Rollerball in Gold ($26)
"Stay gold, Ponyboy." With this scent you will stay gold! It's a sweet and heavy scent that's layerable. The more you put on, the more of a dominating presence you'll have in any room you walk in -- in a good way. It's the scent that draws people to you and you're beautiful personality.


23. Elizabeth & James Rollerball in Bourbon ($28)
THIS, THIS scent is my absolute favourite scent since I discovered it a few years ago when choosing a fall/winter scent at Sephora. It's a smoky, buttery vanilla that instantly makes you feel warm and cozy. I'm not great at describing fragrances so just know that this is the one I always grab when it's fall/winter!

UPDATE: GUYS, ONLY THE PERFUME IS BEING SOLD. It's $85. BRB I'm gonna go cry in a corner. (You could probably buy the rollerball elsewhere though!)


Hair
24. Living Proof Dry Shampoo ($23)
I'm on the hunt for a high end dry shampoo! I tested this out in store when my hair was uncontrollably oily (haha, yes, I walked into a Sephora with lard hair), and walked out with normal, defatted hair! It was a beautiful and sweet-smelling transformation that lasted me well into the morning of the next day. (I went in the evening.)


Tools
25. Shiseido Eyelash Curler ($20)
I have notoriously straight hair -- even my eyelashes are straight! I have been through a few eyelash curlers that don't seem to grab onto my lashes right or crimp my lashes into a 90 degree angle, so I'm on the hunt for a good one. After reading reviews, maybe this one will be THE ONE? Especially since it's by Shiseido, so it should be for Asian eyes.


Honourable Mention
26. Kaja Beauty ($14 - 24)
This is a Korean beauty brand that was launched by Sephora. It has adorable, on the go packaging that's reminiscent of cutesy packaging Korean beauty products usually have while having a minimalistic feel. Aside from the eyeshadow trio, I'd definitely love to try out the blush!


So, what do you guys think? I know a few of the items will require you pay out of pocket, but there are others on here that won't require you to do so along with many more options that I did not include in this list! 

That being said, what would you buy if you got got a $25 Sephora gift card? I know what I'm getting! Actually, I already bought it, so keep your eyes peeled for my next post!


Love ya much!
SJ




Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. All images were taken from Sephora except for the Elizabeth and James Bourbon photo. I found that on LiveRove.com, to which I am not affiliated.


Indianapolis, IN, USA
19 September 2018


So guess who got her first Colourpop package? And guess who ended up talking about the Wish app?

That's right: I did.

I know how awesome of a brand Colourpop is, but I'm the type of person who likes to try out makeup in person before purchasing. But, after I got an email from the founder with a coupon code, I decided to suck it up and purchase some items! I specifically wanted to try out the No Filter Concealer to see if it'll work great for me since Cori raves about it.

Unfortunately I got the wrong shade for whenever I want to do a natural concealer look -- as in no highlight and all about hiding the fact I haven't slept in ages and probably have been crying myself to sleep the past couple of nights.

Or have I?

Either way, I have blemishes I want to cover up and not just around the eye area.

If you're my MAC shade, NC37 (I'm a bit on the lighter side that I can pull of NC35), I wouldn't go with Colourpop's No Filter Concealer in Medium 28 for natural looks. It's good for highlighting though!

Watch the video below or on Youtube to see the rest of the products I got! I definitely hit up the clearance section -- especially the products that they were pulling from the site just so I could keep my bank account happy. And if you already watched it, what were your favourite products from the video? What products did you buy from Colourpop recently? I'd like to know!! Just hit me up in the comments below.

And, yes, I am currently sitting on my computer looking for a different shade of the concealer to try out. Wish me luck that I'll find my shade! That's definitely a downside to buying makeup online: you just don't know if you've found the right shade.



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07 July 2018


Neutrogena Acne Proofing Gel Cleanser and Facial Scrub | SamiJoie
Hey, hey!

I'm so happy I got to work with @neutrogena on this post!

Why?

This was my go-to brand when I dealt with painfully embarrassing acne in high school. It was accessible, cheap, and effective -- it's an ACE brand because it lived up to its promises.

And this line that they recently came out with is NO EXCEPTION.

It was honestly, in my opinion, fate that I got to work with Neutrogena to promote and try out this line, because I was having difficulty with my skin since the season charged. The summer humidity hasn't been kind to my skin. My face has gotten oilier, and I've been having little breakouts here and there.

Neutrogena Acne Proofing Gel Cleanser and Facial Scrub | SamiJoie

Fun.

And then the #AcneProofing gel and scrub showed up in the mail!

My inner skincare-holic screamed when she saw this. This could be the answer to her skin prayers!

Why I didn't purchase it in the first place is because I've been playing it safe with my face by using products I already had that I knew would do their thing but with some time. From prior experience, I know that salicylic acid can be super drying, hence I stopped using it for a while after high school. But after using it for the past few weeks, I think it's safe to say that I can use it in the summer with sunscreen, of course!

Ingredients

Acne Proofing Gel Cleanser

Active Ingredient
Salicylic Acid (2%) 

Inactive Ingredients
Water, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Chloride, Glycerin, Sodium Hydrolyzed Potato Starch Dodecenylsuccinate, Fragrance, Sodium Hydroxide, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Panthenol, C12-15 Alkyl Lactate, Disodium EDTA, Cocamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Benzalkonium Chloride

Acne Proofing Daily Scrub

Active Ingredient
Salicyclic Acid (2%)

Inactive Ingredient
Water, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sorbitol, Cellulose, Sodium Hydrolyzed Potato Starch Dodecenylsuccinate, Acrylates Crosspolymer-4, Panthenol, Sodium Hydroxide, Fragrance, Microcrystalline Wax, C12-15 Alkyl Lactate, Benzalkonium Chloride, Disodium EDTA, Cocamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Talc, Yellow 5 Lake, Red 30


Packaging

Neutrogena Acne Proofing Gel Cleanser and Facial Scrub | SamiJoie

The gel cleanser comes in a bottle with a pump (which I love) while the scrub comes in a tube with a flip cap. It's plain and simple, making it easy to use the products!

Thoughts

Let’s start off with the scent: The scent reminds me of anything that’s bamboo scented. It’s just fresh and clean smelling. (Wow, SJ, that’s really descriptive…) I don’t know, really, but I do know that I like the scent because it isn’t overpowering.

As a whole, I found the products to be effective. I tested them out for a good three weeks, borderline four by the time this post goes up, and I can say that it has helped me get my acne under control. As I mentioned earlier, I’ve been shying away from products where the headlining star is salicylic acid because I know how dry it makes my skin. With this product, it’s a different story since the people at Neutrogena made sure that this would have a gentle yet effective formula. They made sure that this wouldn’t further irritate a damaged skin barrier, therefore preventing your skin from having any more problems than it already has and letting it heal while treating it! (For further insight, I suggest checking out Liah Yoo on YouTube. She does a splendid job discussing the problems of having a damaged skin barrier and how to recover.)

Post wash, I noticed my face felt a little dry, pretty much normal if I had normal skin and a little taut (I use this loosely because I know what it’s like to have dry skin post face wash). It didn’t bother me since I would go in with the rest of my skincare routine and my face would be back to my normal.

The texture of the gel cleanser is as it says; it’s a gel. The scrub is gentle and not abrasive on the skin. I feel like the beads are larger than other scrubs than I’ve tried, so there isn’t as much but it still allows for gentle exfoliation. Don’t quote me on this, it’s just what I’ve noticed! Let me know if I’m wrong or not, I’d like to know, because I haven’t used a physical exfoliator in a while.

For me, however, I wish there were more beads. I like that it’s easy on the skin, but maybe it could use a little more to make it seem like I’m actually exfoliating my skin. I dunno -- maybe I’m just a sadist when it comes to physical exfoliation? Maybe I can actually hear those dead skin cells screaming when they’re being sloughed off?

(Sami, they’re dead -- what the heck?)

All in all, I’m going to give this duo a 
4.5/5 stars
Because I like the packaging, scent, and found them to be effective. I mean, I’ve been using them for the past almost
month, so I should know by now if they’re worth it or not.

And, honey (snaps fingers in the air), I can tell you that they’re worth it. Sure, I got one or two massive zits during the time I used these, but those were on the days when I didn’t wash with them in the evening or just washed my face in general at the end of the day. 

If you’re interested in trying these out for yourself, you can buy them at any drugstore or supermarket for under $10 a piece! At this point, they’re seriously worth the money. 
If you’ve tried either or both of these out already, what did you think? Lemme know in the comments! Also, mention your skin type so that people in your tribe can read and/or share their experience with these products!

-- s.j.

FTC: I was sent these products by BrandBacker and Neutrogena in exchange for my honest opinions.


10 June 2018


Yep, you read that title correctly: My pup Dex is the one doing the reviewing this time!

Okay, so he can't type, but you can tell when your baby doesn't like something based on their reaction to a product, right? 

Right.

With that established, let's get to today's review of Pet Magasin's Pet Travel Carrier.


What is it?

As the title says, it's a pet traveler for both cats and dogs (not together, of course) that is airline approved. It has soft padding (including the strap), plenty of ventilation and a sturdy bottom with feet. I love the blue and black design of it, and the fact that it's collapsible so you can store it easily when it's not in use. The back part of the carrier has a pocket so you can store anything little like your pet's favorite treats, toy, or wipes if anything happens while you're traveling. And, if anything does happen on the inside or even the outside, the carrier is made of waterproof material making it easy to clean. Finally, there's a short leash inside to prevent your fur baby from escaping.

Dimensions

17.2 x 10 x 11 inches & 2.2 pounds


Pet Magasin Pet Travel Carrier undone

Velcro straps to close and flatten the Pet Magasin carrier

Close-up of the interior of the Pet Magasin Carrier with short leash

Nifty little pocket at the back of the Pet Magasin Carrier!



Thoughts

I love how sturdy this carrier felt! I haven't had a need for a pet carrier for Dex, but if ever I need one, it'll have to live up to this standard. Every bit of this carrier was made with love, from the feet on the bottom to the short leash inside, and the waterproof material! Sadly, the carrier is too small for Dexter. If only it were 2-3 inches longer! I still give it 5/5 bones because it's a quality product, though.





Where to get it

You can purchase this product from Amazon here for $23.97 USD in either the blue that's show or in orange! 


What's your favorite pet carrier for when you're travelling? 


s.j.


FTC: I was sent this product via Brandbacker in exchange for my honest thoughts. I am not gaining any revenue from the product! If there was any revenue generated from any products I feature, though, just know that all of it goes back to creating content for this blog. xoxo SamiJoie