Review: CARE by Stella McCartney Calming & Soothing Elixir

"Infused with chamomile, arnica, and licorice, this elixir gently soothes stressed-out skin. Use daily before your 5 Benefits moisturizer—or anytime your skin cries out for calm." is the description on the back of the package.

After testing out the Stella McCartney line for awhile now ( a little over a month), I've found a new favourite. Sure, the packaging is pretty, it comes in a hygienic pump tube, it's certified organic, with 100% organic active ingredients and no petrochemicals or silicones, and not tested on animals-being true to Stella's values...but does the stuff inside work?

The Calming and Soothing Elixir certainly works for me! I've used this alone, with the CARE 5 benefits moisturizing fluid (as suggested in the instructions), and with moisturizers from other brands (which happened to be the very economical Avon Botanisource-LOVE!) and my skin has definitely improved which I attribute to this elixir. I have mild rosacea, redness on my cheeks usually, and even though it's not completely gone, it is certainly fading. Another confound or reason for the improvement in my skin may be due to the Vitamin B I've been taking...but that should only control for the stress bumps I get on my forehead.

Of course, to be critical there are two things I wish I could change about this product.
1) Change the container to be clear so that I can see how much product is left
2) Price! Unfortunately, this costs $64 USD (with the whole line's range being from $35-80)

All in all, I would probably repurchase this...just not so often.




Source: Sephora

On Thursday, Nov.6 receive 25% off any H20 Purchase

Got this in the mail since I'm an H20 plus member...so you're supposed to bring i the card to get the discount....however, you can also redeem this offer online by entering the promo code 080367.

My pick (what I want to try out) would be the new Sugar Plum purifying shower cream...cos I definitely need the moisturizing benefits for the dry skin in the winter. Heck, it's even snowing already here in Toronto....It's October, for goodness sakes!

Enjoy!

source: H2o+

I Got 'em Boots

So I ended up choosing fashion>function.

I swear I'm usually a comfort>fashion gal (except for Uggs, Crocs, and grey sweatpants for going out). I wore these out once...and goodness gracious, my left foot was scraped beyond relief! It was embarrasing how I tried to not limp (which probably made me look more ridiculous). I dind't know you had to break boots in! The right shoe was a display...so my right foot was fine. I was in pain all day and it took me twice as long to get from one destination to another. Someone tell me how these can retail for $495 CAD (found out online that they go for $395 in the U.S. Scam!) cos they're the most painful flat boots I own to date. I'm still cursing the leather sole too...I'm not a believer in them.

However, at the end of the treacherous day, the S.A. at Lululemon complimented my boots :D:D:D I guess "No Pain, No Gain" really worked in this case. So, I love these boots again and decided to stop cursing them. Yup, all it took was one comment to take the pain away...I still have a bandaid stuck on my foot as I'm writing this :(

Summer clearance buys that also work for fall

Over the knee stockings in deep violet by Miss Sixty. Not really my style, but I like it on other people so I'm giving it a try. They're actually not sheer when put on, but sheer enough to wear during S/S yet like tights, you can wear 'em under dresses or with shorts as shown above. It actually has the Miss Sixty studded on the leg of one sock (like the pic) which I don't prefer.... However, I haven't had much luck finding a pair that's not sheer. That, or it's more expensive (American Apparel). Now why would I pay more for socks made in L.A. when I can get cheaper ones made in Italy? The cheapo in me will stick to logowhoring for the sake of saving a few bucks thank you very much.

Burgundy embellished tank with ruching and silk empire waist by Development. I love this brand, especially when it was designed by Philip Lim early on... This is one of my favourite colours to wear and looked so flattering! Though sleeveless, the rich berry colour is perfect for autumn! The straps are embellished with tiny pieces of metallic red foil which looks really cool but is quite annoying because they fall off or hook onto other things.

Bright pink knit tank w/ circle pattern by Milly. I love the colour and the subtle circle print knit! I can try to winter-ize it by layering it over thin black turtlenecks and tees (I know...how creative! lol) Unfortunately, knit stretches out so the straps are getting looser with each wear :S

Lady in Red

"Rida"-Red patent leather pumps with 3.25 inch heel by Donald J. Pliner

Why is it that I can never stick to my wishlist?

I try to...I really do. I was on the lookout for basic BLACK heels for work and play, and I come across these. The patent isn't too shiny, and the red isn't too bright which may tend to look a bit hookerish. Still, I call these my hooker shoes :P. DJP is known for his comfortable shoes so I'm excited to finally be able to own a pair. The soles are both leather and rubber which means no slipping and sliding! These will look great w/ LBDs and LWDs for weekends. These will make my somber/neutral work attire more interesting. Even though they came without a box or dustbag, I got them for 70% off at Winners (which are getting some pretty good shoes in by the way). HA, take that!

Sigh.

I think I just answered my own question.

Kors vs. Palmroth = Fashion vs. Function

Kors Michael Kors boots....they look better irl.
The pointed toe and leather sole means fashion>function since I won't be able to tread through the snow with these. I'd wear these during fall and early winter...to work or out for dinner on the weekends. I'd tuck jeans into them or wear them with skirts and dresses.

OR

Pertti Palmroth boots with rubber soles and lined with fleece on the inside and without the chain detail on back ( I couldn't find the exact pic..but these are similar). Learn about this Finnish brand here.
Same uses as the Kors pair. I'd wear these out on a weekend...and maybe to school too since the rubber sole can handle that.

Would it be really redundant to get both pairs...since they're both black and flat?

I have boots that look similar to the second pair already....but the fleece lining and sole is amazing! The construction of the Palmroth boots is wonderful and fit for a Canadian winter since they're made in Finland...but it's not like I'm planning to wear these to shovel snow or walk for miles over slush.

However, I like the looks of the KORS boots more. They're not as warm or comfy but the zipper detail and belt loops at the top make it look visually more interesting. Damn you leather sole!

OMG...I actually considered another pair of Kors boots w/ 3.5 inch heels...but I'm too practical so I'm not even gonna post those.

Biotherm Flash Recharge Concentrate

A few months ago, I was invited to a Biotherm event where were were introduced to new products and got to try some samples!

I waited out a few months before writing this because of the obvious reason/excuse of being busy...(hence the MIA) and because it's hard to determine if you really like something right away.

I will be honest...I haven't been using this consistently...so I don't know if it improved my skin or not. It certainly did not worsen it because the consistency is super light and oil free. It claims to give your skin an energetic glow. I don't know if my skin looked it, but it CERTAINLY felt recharged! I love the way it feels!

$49 CAD may seem a bit pricy as the bottle is small (30ml)...but if you get it during a GWP (which is usually $30) then I think this is worth it. It makes me feel really good...just use some luminzing powder on top to get that extra glow :)