REVIEW || L'Oreal Hydra-Total 5 Ultra-Even Routine || #5Works #BeyondHydration

Hi guys! Here we are once again with another review thanks to Influenster! I'm sure you all know this by now, but it's kinda required that I remind you that although I was sent this stuff for free to review, all of my opinions are completely my own and completely honest.

This time, I was sent a set of skincare items from L'Oreal, specifically the Ultra-Even formula of their new Hydra-Total 5 line. There were three different routines sent out to different people, including ultra-even, ultra-soothing, and ultra-fresh. The Ultra-Even line, which I received is targeted towards normal skin types, and is meant (as the name clearly suggests) to help even out skin tone. Here's what I received in my L'Oréal Hydra Total-5 VoxBox:

As you can see, the line I received contains four products: an exfoliating face wash, a toner, a daytime lotion with SPF, and a nighttime moisturizer. The idea of the whole line of products seems to be that each product has 5 benefits; this seems like a gimmicky marketing tactic to me, but I suppose if everything meets the claims, that's alright. The common promises of each of the products in the Ultra-Even line are:

1. Evens skintone
2. Illuminates
3. Smoothes

While the other benefits are more specific to each product. Now, let's get into each poduct, shall we?

L'Oreal Hydra-Total 5 Ultra-Even Routine Scrub

So, the two special things this claims to do, aside from the three they all share, is cleansing and exfoliating, and these aren't exactly hard claims to live up to. This is basically a gel cleanser with scrubbing particles that, from the ingredients, I'm guessing are "armenica seed powder" ... or ground up apricot pits. This is a pretty harsh scrub, and may not be great for all skin types. I also feel like I hear people disliking the St. Ives apricot scrub because the apricot pit particles make tiny cuts in your skin, which isn't great. Definitely not for sensitive skin, at any rate. At least this scrub knows it's a bit harsh, and recommends only using it once a day, either in the morning or at night.

As for what I thought of the scrub, first of all, it smells really great! Fruity in a natural way, not a really candy-scneted way, which is lovely. Basically like peaches or apricots... which makes sense for the scrubbing particles. Overall, this cleanser made my freshly cleaned skin feeling quite tight and dry, but not really irritated. I'm not sure it's the right formula for my dry-patch prone winter skin, as after using it a couple times, I started to notice fresh dry patches popping up on my face that meant I had to take a break from this system for a while. I've stopped using it now, but will try it again when I start getting oilier in the summer months.

L'Oreal Hydra-Total 5 Ultra-Even Routine Toner

The toner claims to tone and remove impurities, which is pretty much what I figure all toners do? It's an astringent toner with two types of alcohols high up the top of the ingredient list, along with salicylic acid, sulfonic acid (which sounds scary), and other big chemical words, with nothing soothing like witch hazel, aloe, or cucumber to tone it down a little. It is very medicinal smelling, although it seems like they tried to make it smell like the cleanser/scrub.

This was my least favourite part of the routine that I was sent. It smells strong, and especially after the scrub, it causes my skin to burn! I thought maybe that was my fault because I didn't notice the first time I used it you're instructed to dab it on, not swipe like usual. But after trying both ways, this toner seems to be way too harsh for me. If I continue to use it, it will probably be with a gentler face wash and a heavy moisturizer.

L'Oreal Hydra-Total 5 Ultra-Even Lotion

This "lotion" is basically the day time moisturizer with SPF for this routine, and claims to moisturize and protect skin. I would hope a moisturizer with spf would moisturize and protect... >_>

Anyways, this lotion is oil-free, and is actually not the worse facial spf I've worn. It has a more classic L'Oreal skincare + SPF scent, and the perfume might not be great for anyone with sensitive skin or a sensitive nose. The active sunscreens in this product are Octisalate, Octocrylene, and Avobenzone. It also contains salicylic acid, which seems unnecessary.

I don't really like or dislike this particular product... I'm pretty indifferent. I'll probably use it some more since it does have a bit of SPF, especially as we go into summer months and I'm outside more. However, it isn't great. I don't personally think it sets and absorbs well enough for use under makeup, unless you use it sparingly (which defeats the purpose of an spf) and blot your face well before makeup. I think it might work better for drier skin types.

L'Oreal Hydra-Total 5 Ultra-Even Moisturizer

This second moisturizer is more of a night cream, and promises to moisturize and reduce dark spots. Unfortunately, I don't really have dark spots to test this stuff on, so that claim will go unchallenged. This cream is very thick and opaquely white, and does have a very faint scent, though it is surprisingly faint compared to the SPF lotion. However, unlike the other products in this line, the moisturizer does contain parabens, so if you try to stay away from that, this isn't the product for you.

While it looks really heavy, it does absorb into the skin pretty well, and without leaving your skin looking white and pale. It also doesn't leave the same greasy look I found with the day lotion, which might make this a better day-time lotion too for under makeup. I don't love this product, but I do like it and will continue to use it up. I just won't likely run out and uy another when it's gone. I have used better products, whether I want something light that absorbs quickly, or something heavy and super hydrating, but this is still possibly the best part of the box that I was sent.

***

All-in-all, I wasn't super impressed with anything in this box. Some of it was wrong for my skin type, and some were just alright. However, the more I've tried from L'Oreal's skincare ranges, the more I'm convinced that it isn't their strong suit! I've had great products from L'Oreal's hair and makeup ranges, but their skincare always leaves me unimpressed. Sorry, L'Oreal, but that's my honest opinion!

That said, if you've had good luck with L'Oreal skincare in the past, this may still be a good line for you! Everyone's skin is different, even within skin types. I'd recommend this mostly to someone who, like the package suggests, has normal skin; if you aren't sensitive, prone to oiliness, dry patches, or bothered by scents in your products, this might be for you if you're looking for a line to help you acheive a more even overall skintone. Just be sure to be gentle with the scrub and toner, and I think you could get along fine.

Sensitive, oily, and dry skin types? Keep looking!

Did you get one of the Hydra-t Total VoxBoxes? Let me know which one, or if you've tried any of these products, or just generally tell me about your experiences with L'Oreal skincare!

Thanks for reading!

Influenster Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-on Manicure VoxBox Review

Hello again! Just a quick post today to show you the VoxBox I got in the mail today from Influenster! Just before I start, I should mention that while this box was sent to me for free, any and all opinions are my own and 100% honest, as always.
Here’s a picture of the box:

As you can see, it was just a really small box this time, but this is totally free, so I’m in no way complaining. If you’ve been reading a while, you may also know that I’ve already received a set of these nails from Influenster before, as well as a long pair in a giveaway before that. So I’m not inexperienced with this product.
I decided to put on the crackly ones first, since I don’t love them as much, and wanted to save the pretty pink ones. Here’s a look at them on my nails:

These aren’t super long like the black ones I used the first time I tried these, but they also aren’t super short. Though I did have to trim a couple nails so that they wouldn’t hang out from under these ones. I love the shape and length of them, though.
I have a particularly hard time growing my nails out equally and keeping them in similar shapes (some nails love to be square while others want to look like circles!). As such, I love how these look on my hands. Even these, which are sort of a messy pattern, make my hands look more cared for and… sophisticated? I don’t think that’s the right word, but it’s close.
Anyways, for those who have never used or heard of these, the imPress Manicures are press on nails from Broadway Nails, but they are pre-glued, so there’s no messing around with liquid glue or adhesive stickers, like with other nails. So the most work you’re going to do is sorting through the nails to find the ones that fit your fingers best. Each pack comes with 24 nails—in 12 sizes—and I have no trouble finding matches for my nails, even though I have super tiny nails. They also have some that are about 2 sizes larger than the ones I chose for my thumbs, so there shouldn’t be any trouble fitting larger hands either.
I personally have some very oddly shaped nails, with curves in weird places, or some that are really flat, and so other fake nails I’ve tried have been uncomfortable, or downright painful, as they tried to pinch or flatten my natural nails to their shape, but these nails do no such thing. They are perfectly comfortable as long as you don’t put the edge of the nail over your cuticles (which can pinch a little, though not too badly).
These also come with a tiny file and alcohol pad to make sure that you nails are clean and that the glue will stick well. Once you’ve found your nail sizes and cleaned off your nails with the alcohol pad, you just peel the plastic backing off the nails and apply them to your own. And that’s all. No waiting for drying or setting, and they last for ages. My first ones lasted me at least a week, and I only pulled off my second pair early because the pattern bugged me. (For more pictures of what comes in each package, check out my original review of this product)
So yeah! That’s about all I have to say for that. Do let me know if you have any questions, if you’ve ever used this brand of press-on nails, or if you received this box as well! I’d love to hear from you, or see which ones you got in your own box.
Thanks for reading, and have an awesome rest of the week!

Influenster Mystery Brand Revealed!–Garnier Fructis Damage Eraser

So the mystery brand has been revealed, and it turns out those products they sent us were from Garnier Fructis’s Damage Eraser line. And, as promised, this week they sent out the full-sized products to reveal who was behind the—frankly fantastic—products they sent out in the unlabeled bottles. (If you didn’t seem my Mystery Brand VoxBox post, click here to check out my first thought on this line.)

If you remember from my last post, those first three bottles were all that they sent out for trial, and the tub at the end is a “strength reconstructive butter,” or basically a deep-conditioning treatment which it suggests you use once a week. I can’t wait to get a chance to try it out, but I fully expect that it will be just as good as the rest of the line, which I am still really pleased with! My hair had been absolutely loving this set of products for the last week!

Unfortunately, Influenster didn’t include prices on the included information card:

However, I’m fairly certain that this product, like other Garnier Fructis products can be found at pretty much any drugstore/grocery store, and I image it will be in the 4-6 dollars per bottle, and maybe a but more for the split-end serum and conditioning mask.

Also, this is only slightly related, but honestly,am I the only one who finds it odd, wrong, and even slightly disturbing that—not only does L’Oreal own Garnier Fructis in addition to their L’Oreal Paris hair care line—but they also own a massive portion of the whole beauty market? 25 brans is a huge number, and it spans a shocking number of low- to high-end brands, including, according to my research Maybelline and Urban Decay. So weird. So wrong.

But anyways, aside from that slightly disturbing fact,l I do really like this product line, and though I wasn’t too surprised to find that the brand was Garnier, I am happy that I get to continue using these products for free!

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Thanks for reading! If you have anything to say or ask about this line, Influenster, or L’Oreal, make sure to let me know in the comments!

Influenster’s L’Oreal Canada Mystery VoxBox

Hello again! In case you don’t follow me on Instagram and Twitter (and you should: links in the “Follow Me” tab above), I was recently chosen by Influenster to be included in their Mystery VoxBox program. This is an interesting box because we were sent a set of hair products from one of L’Oreal’s many brands in minimally labelled sample bottles to try out for a week. The idea is that we are meant to use the products and try to figure out what brand this new set of products is from. In the next week, they’ll send out the full-size products to unveil what we’ve been using. A little cheesy, but still definitely fun.

Here’s a quick look at the contents of my mystery box:

According to the included card, this new formula is supposed to “reconstruct hair’s strength by 90% from root to tip . . . repair hair & prevent further damage” which it claims to do thanks to “damage-fighting Phyto-Keratin Complex and Cupaucu Butter” which all sounds very impressive.

I’m actually pretty impressed with this set of products, also. . . Not only does it smell fantastic, but after my first washing, it left my hair feeling super soft, shiny, and bouncy! And the fact that they sent me this stuff for free is in no way colouring my appreciation for this product’s quality—where’s the fun if I’m not being honest—I legitimately think it’s fantastic!

I wish the above picture could show you just how nice my hair was after using this product, but you’ll mostly just have to believe me. I’m really looking forward to getting my full-size bottles!

As for what who I think this product might be by, I don’t really have much to go on. However, I do have one guess: I think it might be L’Oreal themselves because of the smell, which is fairly similar to the classic L’Oreal shampoo.

Anyways, I guess we’ll see in the next week sometime, so I’ll be sure to update you when I find out!

Let me know in the comments if you also got one of the Mystery VoxBoxes, and if you did, who you think these products might be from. Thanks for reading!

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Maple Vox Box

So, after over two years on the site, Influenster has finally decided to include their Canadian users in the fun, with the Maple Vox Box!

If you don’t know about Influenster, what it is, is you basically answer questions and fulfill tasks in areas that you are interested in, or that apply to you, and influenster tries to figure out how important you are. The more influential, the more likely you are to get more boxes. The boxes are free, and usually full of full sized samples, though I think sometimes they are small samples. If you don’t know anything about them, you should check them out. Send me a message on Twitter or in the comments below if you’d like an invite link.

Let’s move onto the box:

Just like Glymm box used to, this box comes with a product card with discriptions and prices:

Skinny Cow Milk Chocolate Flavour Heavenly Crisp:

Retail Price: $1.29/bar, or $4.29/4-pack

This bar was really tasty; it’s light and sweet, and didn’t taste cheap or particularly healthy. Which makes sense, since the only reason this is really “skinny” is because it’s a small portion. I personally don’t think I’d pay $1.29 for this, when you can usually get a bigger, richer chocolate bar for the same or less, but it may be a good option for someone trying to cut calories who has a sweet tooth that needs satisfying. That said, 6 grams of this 19 gram bar were fats, and 3.5 grams of that 6 were saturated fats.

While I enjoyed this product, I don’t think I would ever repurchase.

Skinny Cow Milk Chocolate Dreamy Clusters:

Retail Price: $1.29/bag, or $4.29/4-pack

These are basically little clusters of rice crispies, caramel, and chocolate, and they’re actually really good. Unfortunately I lost the packaging for this one, but I can only imagine the fat content in these is even a bit higher than in the bar mentioned above. You get 4 pieces in a bag, and they’re delicious, but 4 is a very unsatisfying number. I know it would defeat the purpose, but a few more pieces would make this seem a lot more worth the price.

As it is, I don’t think I would repurchase this product either.

Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-On Manicure:

Retail Price: $8.99-10.99

Although I haven’t yet tried out this package, you may remember that I tried out another version of this product a while back. If you want to read that review, just click here. This set is a lot shorter than those, and the pattern is much more exciting. However, the different coloured nails make it a little more difficult to pick the right nail for each finger. For example, I think it would look a bit odd if you had three yellow nails in a row and one purple and one orange nail. I will, however, post another short review when I get around to trying these out.

I have considered purchasing these in the past, and may again in the future, though they always seem so expensive.

Ice Breakers DUO:

Retail Price: $1.99

These are a very weird concept to me. I mean, I like raspberries, and I like mint… but I’m usually not a big fan of fruit+mint flavours. That said these aren’t bad. The mint isn’t too strong and overpowering, so these don’t end up tasting like a cough drop, and the raspberry is pleasantly sweet despite the fact that these are sugar-free. One weird thing to note, that really has no bearing on my opinion of these, is that I think my package was put together wrong; as you see in the picture, there is a “One” side and a “many” side, but my package has a huge opening for the “one” flap, and a tiny hole for the “many” one. Weird. I will point out that these are full of fake sweeteners, so if you have any dislike for or react badly to products like Sorbitol, Aspartame, Maltodextrine, or Malitol, you should know that those are some of the main ingredients.

I’ll probably finish the package, but I don’t think these would be the first mints I’d repurchase, as I’d much rather have a straight mint.

Montagne Jeunesse Red Earth Clay Spa:

Retail Price: $2.49

This is a one-use face mask, and they always come in these foil pouches. I’ve never tried one, but I have seen this brand plenty of times in-store. I haven’t tried this one yet, but it is a sheet mask infused with clay and other fairly natural ingredients. I really look forward to trying this out, and I may do a quick review when I get around to using it.

Considering the price, it seems likely that I would repurchase this product, assuming it gets along with my skin.

NYC New York Color Big Bold Plumping Lip Gloss:

Retail Price: $4.99

Before I talk about the product, I just want to remind you that I am not a fan of any lip glosses; I hate the slick, often sticky feeling of them on my lips, and I don’t like the super shiny look of them either. I did, however, try to give this one a fair, unbiased shot. It isn’t the worst lipgloss I have used. So I guess there’s that. It isn’t a super-sticky formula, and almost feels like it might be moisturizing. Also, the plumping effects of this gloss aren’t too over-the-top painful. It isn’t a nice minty tingle like, say, the Revlon Balm Stains, but more of a stinging feeling, but it isn’t really painful and it fade quickly enough. It is highly glossy, which is again something that I don’t like, but I’m sure lots of people would really like that aspect of it. I’m not sure how long it lasts, as I wiped it off after maybe 20 minutes, but the card claims it will last up to 4 hours.

The one thing I absolutely hated about this product, however, was the smell! It smelled to me sickly sweet, and a little like Turkish Delight, which is one of the least delightful foods on the planet. I think it is trying to smell like vanilla, but I just find it repulsive, whereas vanilla should be creamy and delicious. And this isn’t one of those scents that fades when you apply it. So gross.

All things considered, I would never repurchase this product, but I’m sure most lipgloss lovers would like it, unless you have an aversion to plumping products or Turkish Delight.

NYC New York Color Big Bold Curl Mascara:

Retail Price: $4.99

Try to ignore my awkward hand position in the second picture. The first thing I noticed about this mascara was the big, gorgeous brush. I have a history of loving mascaras with massive brushes. This mascara applies really nicely, and does seem to hold a curl as well as doing some nice volumizing. However, this mascara is not waterproof. At all; some products say that, but are passable, this one is really not waterproof. Like, don’t cry, don’t sweat, and don’t get caught in the rain. As such, I had a hard time liking this product completely.

I wouldn’t repurchase this exact product, but may consider it if they have a waterproof version of this formula.

Also, Influenster included two $1.00 off of two NYC product coupons in this VoxBox, which is nice. I may look into getting some nail polishes or lipsticks or something, and maybe give one of the coupons to my sister or something.

And that’s everything I received in this box. It was really cool getting to try out some new products, even if most of them aren’t something I would buy myself. I’ve been interested in the Skinny Cow brand for a while now, but I’ve never bought it before because I wasn’t sure it would be worth it. In my opinion, it isn’t, but I can see the appeal.

I’m definitely most excited about the mask and the press-on nails. =)

I can’t wait for another box. I hope Influenster has more opportunities for Canadians soon!

Thanks for reading! Let me know if you got this box as well, and what you think of any of the products mentioned above!

***

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

The New Influenster

Just a quick—and possibly uninteresting—post for today!

If you’ve been following beauty blogs or vlogs for a while, you may already have heard of Influenster and their VoxBoxes, which they send out free to people who qualify for their themed boxes.

They’ve recently redone the site, and it’s a little more straightforward than it used to be. However, even now it’s very hard to tell what boxes you might qualify for. For upcoming boxes you might qualify for, there are tasks given to you on your profile page, however, ultimately it’s very hard to tell how they will decide who they send the boxes to.

For example, I did everything that was asked of me for the Beauty Blogger boxes they recently sent out, but they decided that I didn’t qualify for that one. You might be able to tell I’m a little bitter. I’ll stop ranting now.

Anyways, you basically choose things you’re interested in and do tasks connected to them to earn badges, which should earn you opportunities to receive cool free product boxes. Great in theory, but it will be way cooler (and I’ll be happier to recommend them) if I ever receive a box!

Still, free stuff is always cool, so I’d still encourage you to sign up! =)

I’ll try to post something with more content and pictures soon! As always, thanks for reading! <3