Category Archives: Reviews

Skincare Saturday: Introduction to Dr. Roebuck’s

Dr. Roebuck's

For the uninitiated (and I’m right there with you because I’d never tried this brand before!), Dr. Roebuck’s is an Australian brand that focuses on 100% natural and effective skincare. Their products are intended for sensitive skin, promise to contain “no nasties, no fillers” and are organic. They use essential oils to scent their products instead of using perfumes, and are completely cruelty-free.

The company dates back to 1978 when Dr. Roebuck created his original PURE formula to treat the Ezcema of his newborn identical twin daughters, Zoe and Kim. Those two daughters are now at the head of the company that their father created. Dr. Roebuck’s products can be found on the shelves of Priceline (an Australian health and beauty retailer very similar to Canada’s Shoppers Drug Mart), Shoppers Drug Mart and Murale.

I got to try out a whole whack of their products, so let’s get started!

Dr. Roebuck's - FACE and POLISH
Dr. Roebuck’s – FACE and POLISH

Dr. Roebuck’s FACE

  • They say: FACE is a unique active formula including active ingredients (Vitamin E, Macadamia Oil and Rosehip Oil) that rehydrates the skin and reduces wrinkles. Dr Roebuck’s prescribes FACE as an everyday facial skincare remedy and can be used under makeup to protect the skin from drying out.
  • I say: This moisturizer is really, really watery in the container, so be careful when you’re opening the lid because you’re likely to slosh it everywhere! I found this moisturizer to be extremely hydrating… but to the point where it’s too much for daily use since your skin is left feeling quite tacky afterwards. I’ve opted to use this at night as a moisturizing overnight mask and I really like it for that. My skin feels plump and hydrated after us and I’m really looking forward to using this in the winter as my skin dries out.

Dr. Roebuck’s POLISH

  • They say: A unique two in one formula that offers a mask and exfoliant in one. This deep cleansing and purifying, non-abrasive facial scrub and mask gently removes dead skin cells leaving the skin revitalised and beautifully radiant.
  • I say: This is a gentle mask/scrub since the granules used for exfoliation are quite large. It feels kind of like a massage for your face, actually. The scent is slightly pepperminty, but I felt no cooling effect on the skin (which is good is you’re super sensitive to that!). I really enjoyed this scrub as it left my skin feeling exceptionally clean and smooth.
Dr. Roebuck's Natural Cleansing Wipes
Dr. Roebuck’s Natural Cleansing Wipes

Dr. Roebuck’s Natural Cleansing Wipes

  • They say: Hydrating antioxidant wipes that come infused with active ingredients to purify the skin and removes all traces of makeup, impurities and excess oil.
  • I say: 100% no to all of the above. I can’t even tell if it does purify my skin because it DOES NOT TAKE MY MAKEUP OFF. And because of that claim, that it “removes all traces of makeup”, I am so, so disappointed. I could not get my eye makeup off with this. So much so that I was left scrubbing my eyes with PAPER TOWEL in my office trying to get my makeup off before going to the gym. The wipes aren’t saturated with enough product and they felt kind of rough. I was left with dark rings around my eyes from all of the scrubbing and in the end had to resort to a Wet One wipe from a coworker to get the rest of my makeup off. Hard pass on this one.
Dr. Roebuck's Ultimate Hydrating Serum and Reverse Aging Serum
Dr. Roebuck’s Ultimate Hydrating Serum and Reverse Aging Serum

First up, all of their serums are “infused with a powerful base: [their] exclusive “CNYouthMolecule”. A blend of Carnosine, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E to restore and boost your skin. [Their] exclusive base increases skin collagen production, improves the appearance of sun damage, reduces the density of deep wrinkles, and increases skin hydration.” With all of that upfront, here are the two serums I tried out:

Dr. Roebuck’s Ultimate Hydrating Serum

  • They say: The Ultimate Hydrating Serum also includes creatine (stimulates collagen and cell regeneration), ubiquinone (reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, prevents or reduces damage to tissues and stimulates collagen production), Vitamin B3 (firms and reduces signs of aging, reduces hyperpigmentation and prevents moisture loss) and, finally, aloe vera (moisturizing, soothing and anti-aging properties while protecting the skin).
  • I say: This one was a winner in my book! I was amazed at how often I found myself reaching for this one – almost nightly, actually. This was hydrating enough that I often felt I didn’t need an additional moisturizer. I also really liked to apply this right after I’d taken my makeup off because it really helped to rehydrate my skin after foundation felt like it had dried it out (anyone else feel like that after they take their foundation off?).

Dr. Roebuck’s Reverse Aging Serum

  • They say: The Reverse Aging Serum also includes creatine (stimulates collagen and cell regeneration), gratuline in-tense (soothes deep wrinkles and helps with facial contouring), Vitamin B3 (firms and reduces signs of aging, reduces hyperpigmentation and prevents moisture loss), evening primrose oil (reduces fine lines and lightens dark circles around the eyes), borage seed oil (helps restore skin moisture and promotes elasticity) and, lastly, aloe vera (moisturizing, soothing and anti-aging properties while protecting the skin).
  • I say: I liked it, but I didn’t see much change in the effects of my skin after three weeks of use. I found myself reaching for the Ultimate Hydrating Serum more often than this one, but that may be because I’m 33 and not 53 years old, so your mileage may vary if you’re older than me.

A quick note on these dropper-style bottles: I found that the dropper didn’t do its job very well.  The product was a bit on the thick and goopy side and didn’t seem to get sucked up into the dropper with any kind of regularity. It didn’t feel thick once it was applied to my face (and in fact, it soaked in quite quickly), but you’re probably going to end up tipping the bottle over to get product out and/or wiping the dropper on your hand instead of actually using it the way you’re supposed to. It didn’t matter to me, but I thought it was worth noting.

All of the above products are brand new by Dr. Roebuck’s and will be launching on September 15, 2016. Let me know if there’s anything piqued your interest, or, if you’ve tried this brand before, let me know what did and did not work for you!

The products featured in this post were sent to me for consideration.

Skincare Saturday: MyChelle Refining Sugar Cleanser

MyChelle Refining Sugar Cleanser
MyChelle Refining Sugar Cleanser

Without a doubt, the first thing that grabbed me about this brand is that fact that they’re called “MyChelle“. So obviously, since my nickname is Chelle, this MUST be for me right?

(Sidenote, as someone with the name Rachelle and nickname Chelle, I NEVER see my name anywhere. It’s not on souvenir key chains, glasses, paraphernalia… NOTHING. So this is very exciting to me!)

Getting into the grit of the product, MyChelle‘s Refining Sugar Cleanser is for all skin types. It gently exfoliates (it’s definitely not a sugar rough/coarse texture), clarifies and hydrates. It’s also boosted with “anti-aging Matrixyl® Synthe’6™ Peptide, bioactive Plant Extracts, and Hyaluronic Acid to help keep skin hydrated.”

MyChelle Refining Sugar Cleanser
MyChelle Refining Sugar Cleanser

I’ve been using the MyChelle Refining Sugar Cleanser for the last few weeks and I have to say… it is 100% love at first sight. The consistency of this cleanser is unlike anything I’ve ever felt. It has sugar particles suspended within a thick, pillowy consistency of a cleanser. When you add water to it and massage it into your face, it turns into this creamy marshmallow-like texture. Honestly, it’s a lot of fun to play with while washing your face. There’s also a sweet sugary marshmallow scent to the product so it’s all around an extremely pleasant face washing experience!

MyChelle is a brand that is available via Murale in Canada and will be popping into stores this September. They’ve got a HECK of a lot of products, and after trying out this Refining Sugar Cleanser, I am definitely keen to find out more about this brand. This particular sugar cleanser retails for $32 CAD, if you’re in the USA, you can purchase it online at ulta.com for $25 USD.

The products featured in this review was sent to me for consideration.

Skincare Saturday: StriVectin Silver Peel-Off Purifier

StriVectin Silver Peel-Off Purifier

Some of you may have seen the silver peel off masks that have been floating around on the skincare market for a little while, and StriVectin now has their own!

StriVectin Silver Peel-Off Purifier (the actual bottl)
StriVectin Silver Peel-Off Purifier (the actual bottle)

I was sent two lab samples of this product (first time that’s ever happened to me!), so I can’t speak to what the actual bottle looks and feels like, but I was provided with the shot above which is pretty darn sleek looking.

StriVectin Silver Peel-Off Purifier
StriVectin Silver Peel-Off Purifier

The StriVectin Silver Peel-Off Purifier is an “innovative mask, formulated with the power of colloidal silver, [it] helps purge skin of built up debris and pollutants. Complexion is left soft, smooth, and radiant, perfectly primed for the application of serum, moisturizer, and makeup.” It’s intended to be used before you continue your skincare routine, kind of as a prep step. It was formulated to physically draw out dirt and environmental impurities that builds in our pores on a daily basis.

Key ingredients:

  • Proprietary NIA-114: scientifically proven to reinvigorate skin surface for optimal performance, strengthen and nourish the moisture barrier, inhibit the impact of environmental aggressors, and intensify the efficacy of other ingredients.
  •  Refining Enzyme Complex: comprised of five potent enzymes found naturally in the body, the non-abrasive compound promotes skin surface renewal to reveal radiant, smooth skin and diminishes the appearance of wrinkles.
  • Encapsulated Moisture Delivery System: a controlled release of hydration to the skin ensures long-lasting moisture throughout the night leaving skin soft and cushioned.
StriVectin Silver Peel-Off Purifier - left shot is just applied, the right shot is after 25 minutes
StriVectin Silver Peel-Off Purifier – left shot is just applied, the right shot is after 25 minutes

I applied a generous layer to my face, but be aware that if you apply too much in some areas, it will pool up and take a heck of a lot longer to dry. They say you can wait 15-20 minutes before removing, but I found I had to wait a teensy bit longer because I applied a bit too much in some areas.

While the mask was on, I had a slight tingling sensation on my skin as the mask worked into my skin. As I’ve mentioned in the past, I really, REALLY like when I can feel my skincare at work on my skin, so I was really pleased about that. (If I can’t feel SOMETHING happening, I often feel like NOTHING in happening!) Once the mask has fully dried it’ll be transfer-proof (test it with your fingers!) and you’ll have the absolute delight of pulling off a full face mask in on fell swoop. LOVE!

My skin felt really nice afterwards – not tight like some masks can make it feel, but smooth and supple. Amazingly, I also felt like I didn’t need to apply moisturizer, which is not something I expected to feel with a purifying mask!

The StriVectin Silver Peel-Off Purifier mask retails for $72 CAD. It can be purchased at Shoppers Drug Mart and Murale locations, as well as online at beautyboutique.ca.

The product featured in this post was sent to me for review.

Skincare Saturday: Caprina Fresh Goat’s Milk

Caprina Goat's Milk

Caprina‘s Fresh Goat’s Milk line is one of those brands that I’ve always seen and acknowledged, but, for whatever reason, never purchased. Perhaps because it’s always there, readily available, that makes me think “oh I’ll try it next time I run out of something” (which is, honestly, NEVER). I see it whenever I grocery shop or go to the drugstore, but sadly, I’ve always passed it by. Till now!

Caprina Fresh Goat's Milk Bpdy Wash with Orchid Oil
Caprina Fresh Goat’s Milk Body Wash with Orchid Oil

The Fresh Goat’s Milk Body Wash with Orchid Oil is one of those steadfast body washes that you can rely on. It foams up nicely and has a really comforting soft soap scent. It’s not overly intrusive, so you won’t find your perfume or body moisturizer competing with the scent of this product. Although I had never used this body wash before, there was something really comforting about it – it smelled like hundreds of soaps I had used in the past when I lived with parents. 🙂

Caprina Fresh Goat's Milk Body Lotion
Caprina Fresh Goat’s Milk Body Lotion

I don’t know about you, but even though it’s summer right now, I still get really dry skin on my shins (to the point where it’s actually ITCHY! UGH!). What a weird location to get a dry patch! I need to moisturize that area pretty consistently, but I tend to opt for lightweight moisturizers in the summer for it… however, they’re usually TOO lightweight and don’t actually do anything to cure the super dry patches. I started using the Fresh Goat’s Milk Body Lotion on this area and the dry patches are gone and no longer itchy! It’s not a super heavy duty moisturizer either – like it doesn’t FEEL super thick or goopy, but it’s definitely getting the job done!

Caprina Fresh Goat's Milk Original Soap
Caprina Fresh Goat’s Milk Original Soap

And lastly, the Fresh Goat’s Milk Original Soap and potential staple for everyone. The scent is soft and soothing and I’ve been using it in the shower lately whenever I wasn’t using the body wash. (Yes, there are still people out there that suds up with a bar of soap instead of body wash!) This is right in line with the body wash – I find it just as comforting on my skin because the scent is really soothing.

So in short, the Caprina Goat’s Milk products a really good serviceable line of products that has long been overlooked by me, but have now found a place in my regular bodycare routine. Let me know if you’ve tried any of their products!

Caprina products can be purchased for really reasonable prices (they all seem to be $7 CAD or less!) on well.ca.

The products featured in this review were sent to me for consideration.

Skincare Saturday: NIP + FAB Glycolic Fix

Nip+ Fab Glycolic Fix

If, like me, you’re new to NIP + FAB‘s skincare range, then you might be curious as to who/what they are. Maria Hatzistefanis is the founder of NIP + FAB as well as the Rodial, another brand you may be familiar with. From my little bit of research, they seem to be a UK brand that is also sold in the US at Ulta and in Canada at Shoppers Drug Mart.

The NIP + FAB range I’ve been testing out over the last month has been their Glycolic Fix range which is intended to exfoliate and brighten.

Nip+ FabGlycolic Fix Overnight Purifying Gel
Nip+ Fab Glycolic Fix Overnight Purifying Gel

The NIP + FAB Gylcolic Fix Overnight Purifying Gel was the first item I dug into. This  gel is a night-time cleansing system for dull and oily skin (I’m somewhat oily during the summer so this works out!). It contains glycolic (4% acid) and salicylic acid to help resurface and purify the skin bey gently lifting dead skin cells away with.

I found that this was definitely comfortable to wear overnight because it sunk in to my skin enough to not feel like a gel mask overnight. Oddly though, I found when I took my shower in the morning, I had to wipe it off my face because it kind of turned my face into a a slippery texture. Was a bit unusual, as I’d never experienced anything like that before, but there were no ill effects as far as I could tell!

Surprisingly for me, I did seem to notice a difference in my skin within a few days. I’ll admit I didn’t actually read the instructions or bottle before I started slapping it on my skin. So when I woke up one morning and was like “my face looks brighter” I was like… where the heck is this coming from? I then took a look at the skincare I’d started using and it’s only then that I realized that this stuff was intended to do that! I almost wonder if blind skincare testing is the way to go. Use it, see what it does, then see if it matches the claims.  So yes, this did make my face brighter! It also has a wonderful grapefruit scent which I highly enjoyed.

The NIP + FAB Glycolic Fix Overnight Purifying Gel can be purchased online at Ulta.com for $14.95 USD.

Nip+ Fab Glycolic Fix Night Pads Extreme
Nip+ Fab Glycolic Fix Night Pads Extreme

If you’re looking for a more intense skin resurfacing, the NIP + FAB Glycolic Fix Night Pads Extreme may be for you. These contains “concentrated acid blend of AHAs and BHAs help to improve the skin’s natural exfoliation process + decongest dull skin with one pre-soaked pad. Pores appear more refined + the complexion brighter to rival results of an acid peel.” (The glycolic acid is 5% in this one.) Of course, sometimes reading the directions is beneficial, as this one told me I should only use it 2-3 times a week (once a week if you’re sensitive). I had used it five days in a row with no ill effects… however I also didn’t notice anything else happening either. It’s entirely possible this was working in conjunction with the Overnight Purifying Gel, but when I cut it down to once a week, I didn’t notice a change.

The NIP + FAB Glycolic Fix Nights Pads Extreme can be purchased online at Ulta.com for $14.95 USD.

Nip+ Fab Glycolic Instant Fix Mask
Nip+ Fab Glycolic Instant Fix Mask

And lastly, we have my favourite out of everything I tried. The NIP + FAB Glycolic Instant Fix Mask is a “high potency, pore tightening gel mask to perfect and mattify the complexion. Glycolic acid combines with EVERMAT technology to gently smooth away the appearance of lines + wrinkles whilst clearing + reducing the look of enlarged pores. Skin is more even-toned + visually smoother.”

This is a 10 minute mask that you’re actually going to FEEL like it’s doing something. And as someone who doesn’t always notice a visual change in the appearance of my skin, I’m really freaking happy to get that sensation that something is actually happening with my skin. Whenever I applied this mask (about once a week) I got a slight burning/tingling sensation on my face throughout the duration of wear. It definitely turned my face red, which was still visible after removing the product, but it slowly dissipated afterwards. I made sure to moisturize my face after each use because I was left feeling like my skin was tighter. Once my face had calmed down, I felt a difference when I touched it with my fingers and it definitely looked minutely smoother than before I used the mask!

The NIP + FAB Glycolic Instant Fix Mask can be purchased on online at Ulta.com for $12.99 USD.

Final Thoughts

Of the three NIP + FAB products I tried, the Glycolic Fix Night Pads Extreme was a pass for me. The other two – the Glycolic Instant Fix Mask and the Gylcolic Fix Overnight Purifying Gel – were a total win. They’re also in a really nice price point and won’t break the bank so I think that’s something to take into consideration as well. Let me know if you’ve tried anything by NIP + FAB before and what your thoughts were!

The products featured in this review were sent to me for consideration.