I know, I know, it says March up there and it’s clearly the middle of April. What the hell Lauren!! Sorry guys, I just couldn’t get my shit together to get this out at a more reasonable time (I’m blaming you season 2 of Daredevil!!!). But honestly, good tv aside, since April began I have been feeling crazy scattered. The focus I wanted to put on my blog went out the window! I’ve got about a dozen half finished posts, pictures that need correcting and piles of footage waiting to be edited… (side note, check out my Youtube channel already!)

BUT NONE THE LESS, I am getting these little reviews out now! I am really excited about a few of these products, and some others…. let’s just say I wish I had wised up sooner, marched them back to where they came from, and put that cash back in my pocket. Without further ado… 

1. Pai Copaiba Deep Cleanse AHA Mask

I actually picked this mask up as a GWP back at the beginning of the year. I was repurchasing the full size of Pai’s Calm Collection and this guy, along with two others came with it. (Just checked, promotion back on, get it here.) This was great for me because Pai is fucking expensive and I’ve wanted to explore more of the range. This mask is unbelievably gentle for something so detoxifying. The mix of clay and AHA’s work together well to draw out impurities, smooth the skin, and leaves skin clean with a bit of a glow. It’s great for decongesting skin, but if you are very very congested, it will bring stuff to surface (expect a blemish or two) but at least the dirt is onwards and upwards to getting off of your face. Full of Copaiba which is high in Omegas, it’s healing, and calming on irritated skin. Vegan, Cruelty free, and awesome. In my top favorite masks.

2. Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream

The description of this product, and how to use it is very confusing (says you can pat it on top of makeup??). I just use it as a good old fashioned moisturizer and that’s been working for me! It’s a weird, light, slightly whipped texture, that melts into the skin. It isn’t the most hydrating of creams, so it’s good to layer on top of a serum. I’ve used it day and night, and I think I like it. I originally planned on doing a full review of it, but can’t make up my mind about it. I’m about half way through the little pot, so when I hit bottom I’ll give an update either via a full post or an Instagram blurb. I like how fast it absorbs, and unlike some people, rather enjoy the scent. It’s slightly brightening, nowhere near what Good Genes, or a regular Acid Toner can do though, but has helped with redness and hyper-pigmentation. It’s got some AHAs in there, as well as Hyaluronic acid and Tamarind extract, along with a list as long as my arm of other interesting beneficial ingredients. If you’ve got oily skin I think this could be a perfect amount of moisture for you, but not enough on its own for those on the dehydrated dry side. Think this could be a summer staple for me (fingers crossed). More thoughts to come!

3. Codage Paris Serum N.03 Radiance & Energy

Ugh, I am glad I didn’t put money down for this guy. I got this deluxe sample size also as a gift with purchase. Codage has some of the most expensive serums out there which always adds an air of mystery and curiosity to any product. I’ve used up the entire bottle now and saw zero results. It’s supposed to boost collagen, hydrate, firm, reduce the appearance of fine lines, detoxify, and protect the skin from free radicals. Maybe it’s trying to do too much? It’s highly fragranced, the smell is actually lovely, but literally seems like I was slapping a bottle of expensive perfume onto my face. If you are looking for a brightening serum check out Sunday Riley Good Genes or Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum, both excellent in my opinion. Read their reviews Here & Here!

4. Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist with Hyaluronic Acid & Black Oat

You got me again Pixi! Second Item I’ve tried from this brand and it’s another winner! I’ve been using this after my acid toner, kinda like the Korean essence step, just before I put on any serum. It really adds a giant boost of moisture and helps everything else I apply afterword to sink in. It creates a nice canvas to layer makeup on, as well as perks up that mid-day-cakey-product face. For a few days I used it right before makeup applications and got several complexion complements when I was out and about. Milky Mist surprising helped with my general redness and helped temper my annoyed broken out skin. It’s got Hyaluronic Acid, Black Oat, Provitamin A and Linoleic Acid, all stellar ingredients to see in something so reasonably priced. Great at plumping the skin, adding hydrating and just all around boosting radiance. Get It.

5. NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint

Oh Skin tint, how I wish things could have been different. I don’t even know where to start with this guy… the good maybe? It does give an absolutely gorgeous finish to the skin (not a tint at all, think closer to medium, buildable coverage) If you want to wear makeup for lets say, 1 to 2 hours, then this is your guy! You will look flawless! But after the two hour mark, get ready to turn back into a pumpkin because this Cinderella story is over. It moved around on my face, caked up around my dry patches, and clung to all my imperfections as well as settled into my fine lines. Fun right? Also be very weary of your skins hydrating level, and the dryness of the weather you are in, it’s a fickle guy and basically only performs well in a vacuum. Also, it smells like alcohol. I purchased this right as it launched, didn’t wait for reviews, and just kept giving it second, third and fourth chances. Past the point of returnng now this dude is reserved for quick auditions that I plan on removing my makeup after anyways. Skip the fuss Gus!

I went on a no-buy for the month of March, but now that we are into April, my hands have been itching to get new products in them! Any favorites you’ve tried over the last few months? I need some newness folks!

-Pence

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