Review: Philosophy's Hope is not Enough Facial Firming Serum

Serums are an integral part of a skincare routine, whether it's used for hydration, anti-aging or a bit of everything. I was lucky enough to get a deluxe sample of Philosophy's When Hope is Not Enough a few months ago during one of my shopping rounds. I was able to use the sample for about 1 month in the evenings.

Since using it, I've noticed a subtle difference in my skin, both in elasticity and texture. The serum claims to revitalize a dull complexion, reduce reduce wrinkles and lines, and hydrates and brightens skin. Since the serum is so antioxidant rich, it also works to treat damage caused by environmental stressors like UV damage, chapped skin, etc. 

Of course I love the packaging. The dropper makes me feel scientific and brainy. I dispensed about a nickel sized amount each time and pat it on my face before applying anything else.

The texture is watery, and absorbs very quickly into skin. Too quickly, in fact, that my skin felt dry just minutes after. There is no filmy feeling, no sticky feeling. It feels essentially just like water. 

Before/After (one month)

Before/After (1 month)

With sunscreen, concealer and a bit of powder

These are the results after 1 month of continuous use. What I like about this serum is that there are a lot of extracts and skin loving ingredients. I like how it lightened some of my spots and soothed my skin significantly. 

What I disliked about the product was the smell. It had a very bitter medicinal lab smell. Not even an earthy herbal smell which I would have liked but the bitter was quite potent. I didn't enjoy that part.

While it's not a miracle product (nothing is!), it's a nice serum. My skin looks firmer, more even and softer. This is a product I would repurchase because Philosophy products have always exceeded my expectations. I noticed changes within weeks and I'm happy to say that this product delivers good results! 

It retails for $40 for a 1 oz bottle. 

I've always loved Philosophy skin care. Their inspirational sayings on each of their products are always uplifting and human. I'm currently using their Hope in a Jar moisturizer. I'll def review that when the time comes. 

Are you a Philosophy fan? What's your favorite product? 

Sally Hansen Nails and Cuticle Hand Creme + Giveaway winner!

I love collecting hand creams, especially small, travel sized ones. Some of my favorites are the L'occitane ones, Crabtree & Evelyn, Lollia. I have to say that I collect them out of pure fondness for the packaging.

I recently tried a new hand cream I got from the Influencer's June summer Vox Box. While the packaging is not charming, the formulation of the hand cream is really nice.

This cream has a very smooth, almost a primer-like feel to it. Incidentally, that is because one of the first ingredients present is dimethicone - a type of silicone oil made to feel slippery and smooth. 

I like that the hand cream is nearly invisible once you wear it because it seems like it sinks into the skin right away. They claim that moisture is locked in for 24 hrs, using shea butter to soften the cuticles and nails. 

I found that it works beautifully before and after a manicure. It instantly made my hands feel moisturized without the greasy feel or any heaviness.

The cream smells like a orange creamsicle! Quite literally. Tropical and delightful and none too strong a smell. 

The packaging, however, is okay. Not too ideal because loose caps are not cool to lose. 

Overall, this cream has a lasting impression on my hands and has made them feel very nurtured before and after a manicure. I wore it to sleep the last couple of days and my hands felt extra smooth in the morning. I do like this cream but it wasn't a stand out for me. I don't think I'll repurchase because I have a personal interest in collecting creams with prettier packaging. 

Revlon nail lacquer in Midnight Affair

Readers, what are your preferences for hand creams? Any favorites? ^_________^

And the winner for the DLE lip glosses is...........

Rocker Chic !

Congrats!

Light up your life with DLE Lightup Natural Lipgloss! + Giveaway!

A $1.00 Bargain for a Versatile Ring from H&M

I was perusing my local H&M store a few weekends ago and found this ring for on sale for $1.00. I just started to get into cocktail rings and statement jewelry so I am certain this will be the start of something hoarder style magical.

I like the button shape and the contrast of the silver and black. It goes with everything I have and isn't too "statement-y" or over the top.

The rounded shape is casual and I like that it has a bit of weight on it.

Definitely feels and looks more than its $1.00 price tag!

Are you a bargain costume jewelry finder or do you find pleasure in seeking out treasures with a steeper price tag? Do tell!

Review: Shiseido Bio Performance Night Cream

Now that we are in the midst of summer, I strategically finished my Shiseido night cream. I may have tried to drag it out because it was so darn expensive!

Shiseido is a brand that I have always thought of to be advanced skincare because I grew up seeing sophisticated women using the products. It's also no secret that the science behind Shiseido is quite compelling, with research being its utmost priority in their line of skincare.

What it is:  A concentrated cream that hydrates the skin,  combats environmental factors, reduces lines, and wrinkles.

Claims: Reduces wrinkles, hydrates skin, combats environment aggressors, softens skin

Packaging: Round twist cap jar

Texture: The cream is very rich, and is also very thick. It feels tacky on the face as soon as it is applied on. 

Scent: Heavily perfumed. It smells very strong, a heavy type of floral infused something. 

Strengths: The cream works so beautifully and results can be seen the very next day. It hydrates really well overnight and feels supple on the skin. While it's rich and thick, I never once felt that it was too greasy. It sat and absorbed very nicely into skin. 

Weaknesses: The scent of the cream was too strong and I'm not keen on the packaging either. The lid was very small and the jar was kind of short pair- shaped and  had grooves inside which was odd. 

Availability/Price: $98.00 for 50ml (1.7-1.8 oz) - sold at department stores, Sephora ($75.00 for 1.7oz, $95 for 2.6 oz), online. I have seen the same cream at TJ Maxx for $59.99 but that's a rare occurrence. I have also seen them sold at Costco recently for $69.99.

Ingredients:  Water, Glycerin, Cyclomethicone, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Cetyl Octanoate, Squalane, Dimethicone Copolyol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Hydrogenated C6-14 Olefin Polymers, PEG-150, Mortierella Oil, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Arginine HCI, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Glutamate, Disodium Adenosine Triphosphate, Saccharomyces Lysate Extract, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Rosa Roxburghii Extract, Octyl Methoxycinnamate, Agar, Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Trisodium EDTA, Tocopherol, BHT, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Methylparaben, Fragrance, Iron Oxides.

Overall: I really like this night cream and it's somewhat of an investment but I think it was worth trying. I do like that it was a rich and concentrated formula for the price and its huge price differences between various retail stores, something isn't right. I don't think that I would repurchase it at the moment because while it delivered really nice results, it wasn't something that I was very wowed over. I have seen and felt similar results with other creams. 

Have you tried this night cream or any of their skincare in the Shiseido line(s)? :)

Disclaimer: The night cream was purchased by me!