Origins Make A Difference Plus+ Rejuvenating Moisturizer | Review

A couple of months ago I finally took the plunge into committing a bit more of my money into some higher end skincare. I usually purchase drugstore skincare (& I still do for most things) but I thought it might be time to test out a moisturizer with a few extra benefits. I also found that my makeup wasn't sitting very well on top of my current choice.

I spent a good few hours researching different moisturizer options available at Sephora. There are some very pricey products, some less pricey choices & a lot of different ingredients to wade through.  It also vastly depends on what your personal skincare needs are and your age.  I'm in my mid-twenties, I have combination skin & I don't have any particularly demanding skincare needs - just that whatever I use sits well under foundation.

I settled on the Origins Make A Difference Plus+ Rejuvenating Moisturizer ($51.00 CAD).  Now, $51 is a TON more than I've ever spent on a moisturizer - but it's not more than I've ever spent on a makeup product.  This moisturizer is touted as an AM-PM dual use moisturizer, but I prefer to use something a little bit thicker at night.

 I use this every morning after my toner but before my primer/foundation. I leave it to sit for 5-10 minutes before applying makeup (I use this time to make my lunch for work). It smells of fruit-loops & it feels light but effective on my skin. I do see significant shine on my skin, even after it has had time to soak in, which is generally resolved by my makeup.  If, per chance, I were to not wear makeup, I tend to not use this because I don't appreciate the shine factor.

Do I regret my decision to purchase an expensive moisturizer for my not-so-picky skin? Nope. I would recommend this as a good starter product for anyone delving into the world of higher-end skincare, especially if you are on the younger side.

Have you tried this or any Origins products?

Cheers,
Kait

Makeup, Hair, Skin Collective Haul | February 2015

I went shopping! Multiples times! Here is what I bought -

Here are some makeup, skincare & hair products that I have been dying to try!

The Balm - Frat Boy is a beautiful peachy pink blush. Mary-Lou-Manizer is a lovely champagne highlight with lots of shimmer & Ima Goodkisser is a pretty rosy-pink lipstick that is super creamy & lovely to apply.

Origins - This Make A Difference Plus + Moisturizer is suitable for AM & PM use. It is light, but super moisturizing and, as a bonus, it smells like fruit loops!

First Aid Beauty - 5 in 1 eye cream is for people who don't have any major eye issues. It is suitable for both night & daytime use. It wears well under makeup with no creasing or greasiness.

Bumble & Bumble - This city swept finish spray is meant to give a piece-y, lived-in look. It works kind of like a spray pomade. It has a lovely smell & makes hair look a little less than well-kept, which is kind of nice!

Bamboo (by Alterna) - This is a beach hair spray. It smells like citrus & it has a slightly sticky feel to it. Can be used on damp or dry hair to get a tousled look.


So basically my face is going to be bright & spring-ready, my skin is going to be well-moisturized and my hair is going to be rocking the unkempt look for a while.

What have you bought lately?

Cheers,
Kait

Valentine's Day Ideas for ALL the Single Ladies

All alone this Valentine's Day? Think the day is a drag, a scam or a money-grab? I have been there, my friend. But I have some fun at-home ways to get the most out of a day that bombards you with love and romance & might remind you of past relationships or of the fact that you are forever alone.

1. Treat yo' self 

Does this not look super decadent and wonderful? It's also meant for one, so how can you go wrong! Indulge your sweet tooth without having to leave the house. Check out the recipe at Completely Delicious.

2. Mix up a Drink

I am a fan of having a drink on the weekend & since Valentine's Day falls on a Saturday this year, a drink (or three) is fair game!  Here we have a simple, yummy drink dubbed an Anti-Valentine's drink - Valentine's Day on the Rocks.

1.5 oz. Cherry Vodka

4 oz. Ginger Ale

Splash of Grenadine

Cherry to top (optional) 

If vodka isn't your style, there's always wine. My personal favourite white is Casasole, an Italian Orvieto ($14.99 CAD). 

3. Have a soak 

Grab yourself a fun bath item or two and jump right in! I personally LOVE Lush bath products and they have some great Valentine's offerings like the Lonely Heart (pictured above). If Lush isn't an option, every drugstore has a great selection of bath bombs, bubble baths & essential oils - for whatever your taste may be!  

4. A Gift? Why Not!

Gifts are not always for others, they can be given to yourself!  Some fun ideas might be a new face mask, if you're into beauty things, a new outfit for a fashionista or a new read for a book lover! & if you're feeling especially like treating yourself, why not all three? A book or a mask will go well with a cozy night in with yourself, and so will an outfit if it's a new Pj set!



No matter whether you choose some of my ideas or if you have ideas of your own, it's fun to spend a night alone once in a while and really learn how to enjoy your own company. If being alone really isn't going to fly this year, round up some girl friends and go check out the new 50 Shades of Gray movie...that's sure to be entertaining, or awkward.

What will you be doing this Valentine's Day? Let me know!

Cheers,
Kait