Time to Give Back: The Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC)

Last month, I talked about my desire to start a new series on the blog where a new charity or organisation would be featured in the hope of raising awareness to certain causes. For now I am calling it Time to Give Back as I am struggling to find a catchier name that really expresses the goal of my project. Now for July, I struggled to choose one organisation because there are so many worthy ones, but I ended up choosing the Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC).

The main reason behind my decision is that I was very inspired after watching a documentary on Netflix called Blackfish. I will not go in too many details about the film (I might do a review later), but it talks about killers whales being held in captivity and the deep impact captivity has on these beautiful animals. I know there are other charities that solely focus on orcas but other mammals like dolphins are also held in captivity and the current state of our oceans also deserve to be mentioned.

This is why I chose WDC, an international organization that fights for the protection of whales, dolphins and their environment. Over the years, the WDC has help bring their vision to life by advising on policies, campaigning, rescuing and creating conservation project all to protect these beautiful animals. You can read more about what the organisation stands for and their achievements here. 

I believe that protecting whales and dolphins is incredibly important, not only are they extremely intelligent, protecting them and their environment also means we are protecting our oceans. Letting nature be is primordial and when environments are protected, then fish and sea mammals can live freely and underwater ecosystems can start to thrive again.

You can make a donation to the WDC on their website and you can also support the organisation by adopting a whale. I highly suggest you have a look at their website to learn more about the issues at stake here. Also, every donation counts, even small contributions can make a different when you put them all together. This article merely suggests a cause I am passionate about, but finding ways to help the world is always a very gratifying thing to do. 

Picture credits: WDC website

Batiste Dry Shampoo

On days when you don’t have time to think about your hair, much less wash and blow dry it, dry shampoo is a lifesaver. I talked about my love for the Colab one here and while it is great for a quick refresh or average days, sometimes you need a little more. It is when that happens that I bring out the big guns and turn to my trusty Batiste Dry Shampoo.

This is probably the quintessential dry shampoo: it works great, comes in tons of different scents and is super affordable. It takes away oil like nothing else and will transform greasy hair into clean one almost instantly. To me this is a real heavy duty product for those random days when your hair looks particularly dirty for some unknown reason. Its cleansing power is amazing, but you should know that this will not give you lots of volume like other popular products on the market however, it does add a bit of texture and grip if you want to do a quick ponytail.

The powder itself is white and you do have to be careful not to spray it too close to the hair or you will end up with a white or grey tint. You can rub/brush it away but it’s best to avoid in case you miss a spot. No point in ageing ourselves prematurely right?

Now for the fun part, Batiste dry shampoos come in a wide variety of scents that refreshes your hair and makes it pleasant to use. In Canada we are quite limited with the scent options so I usually go for the original one, but in England the selection is amazing. I particularly like the cherry one, it is deliciously fruity and does not smell like typical hair products.

Batiste dry shampoos are available in many drugstores, their website lists official retailers just make sure you have the right website for your country. 

RoC Soleil Protection+ Velvet Moisture SPF30

Sunscreen application is something I am religious about all year long, but during the summer months I am especially careful with choosing the right formula. To be honest I have struggled with finding the right facial sunscreen for a long time, they are usual too thick or they clog my pores. That being said, I finally have two products in my routine I can rely on to keep me protect from harmful rays, so let me introduce to you the first one today: the RoC Soleil Protection+ Velvet Moisture SPF30.

This formula is kind of a classic sunscreen texture and scent wise, but it has none of the drawbacks of the old goopy sunscreens from our childhood. This one comes out as kind of a thick cream straight form the tube, but has you rub it in it transforms into a lighter lotion and does not leave any white residues behind.

Now this is targeted towards people with normal skin and I would say that anyone with slightly dry to combination skin would enjoy this. It does offer some moisture and has an emollient texture; however it is not too rich, so you can still use it if you have an oily t-zone. That being said you should note that while it does not have a dewy finish (the name velvet moisture is very appropriate), it does take a little longer to absorb but it still looks great under makeup. It offers an SPF30 protection which is great for daily use and I have not had any sunburn while wearing it. Overall, this is a very solid sunscreen from RoC and one I will gladly repurchase (for the third time) when I finish my tube. With this formula, a little goes a long way and it is also very affordable for such a high-quality product.

I got mine in a local drugstore, but I could not find it anywhere online or on the RoC website. The European site does list different sunscreens but not this particular one. So if you are interested in the RoC Soleil Protection+ Velvet Moisture SPF30 I suggest you go have a look in your local drugstore or RoC retailers. It is certainly worth hunting down. 

Tea Tuesday: Kusmi Green St. Petersburg

I reviewed the Kusmi St. Petersburg tea a few months back and I really liked it. It also made me very curious to try the Green St. Petersburg to see how it would compare and which one I would like best. So for today’s Tea Tuesday I am bringing you my review of Green St. Petersburg by Kusmi.

This green tea version of the blend contains the same notes as the original: bergamot, caramel, red fruits and vanilla. The main difference between the two for me is the taste of the base tea. The green tea is quite strong and the main thing I taste, whereas the original blend with black tea allows for the different notes to be more present. Here the caramel and red fruits are more present but the green tea can be a bit overpowering.

It is still a very pleasant tea to have and the added antioxidants are a great bonus, but I have to say the original St. Petersburg is more flavourful and complex. That being said, I found that a touch of honey really helps tone down the bitterness of the green tea and it nicely brings out the sweetness of the vanilla and red fruits notes.

All in all, I think green tea lovers will probably enjoy this quite a bit and it is a nice way to incorporate more green tea into your diet if you prefer something a bit sweeter. You can find the Kusmi Green St. Petersburg in many health food/tea stores and the Kusmi website ships internationally. 

Innisfree Olive Real Oil Mist

Hot and humid weather calls for a few things: light clothes, air conditioning and a facial mist. Nothing cools down an overheated face better than a fine mist of water. I personally love rose water for this purpose, but sometimes I also like to opt for something that boast even more beatifying properties and this is when the Innisfree Olive Real Oil Mist comes in.

The main selling point of this mist is that it contains organic olive oil. In the pictures above, you can see the oil floating above the rest of the liquid and how it all mixes together once you shake it up (don’t forget to do this). This mist boasts rich moisturizing properties to really hydrate your skin on the go.

First of all, this has to be the finest mist I have ever used, you can barely feel the spray and it does not make your face wet so you can use this during the day without worrying about your makeup. However, do keep in mind that you need to spray closer to your face because of this. I was actually surprised by how hydrating it actually is and I feel like it also helps lock in moisture instead of only giving a temporary effect.

One thing I noticed though is that you can kind of feel it on your skin after you apply it. I think this is because of the olive oil, but don’t worry it does sink, it simply takes a little longer than usual. Because of all the great ingredients the mist contains I prefer to use it on bare skin and it is a perfect travel companion. I used it on a 10h flight from London and my skin was in much better condition than usual. It was not very dehydrated and it did not freak out as much as it usually does despite this being a very long flight. I really enjoy using a mist when I am flying because it feels refreshing and I like how something like the Innisfree olive one can actually improve the condition of your skin when you are not in an ideal environment. 

This is now a travel essential for me and on a daily basis, I find it useful to keep on my desk for a quick midday pick-me-up. The Innisfree Olive Real Oil Mist is available on their website along with their entire olive range and other mists.

How to Look Expensive by Andrea Pomerantz Lustig

You know that feeling when you have just found something you think would make the perfect gift, like a book you know others would greatly enjoy? Well I have just that kind of thing for you today. I received Andrea Pomerantz Lustig’s book: How to Look Expensive for Christmas 2 years ago and I still think it is a perfect gift for any beauty and style lover.

First of all, it looks gorgeous! It contains beautiful illustrations by Dallas Shaw that elevate the book to something you want to own simply for its beauty. It looks expensive and definitely not like a kid’s book. However just because it is beautiful does not mean it does not have substance. Each chapter focuses on way to look more expensive, which really means how to achieve a chic and sophisticated appearance from head to toe. You will find tons of tips and tricks on makeup, skincare, hair and fashion that will benefit both knowledgeable beauty experts and those first entering the beauty realm.

The thing I liked the most about the book though were the recommendations from Lustig. From cleansers to curling irons and perfumes, she covers a wide array of products to help you look more put together easily. I have not been disappointed by any of the products I bought following her advice. The cover says this is “a beauty editor’s secrets to getting gorgeous without breaking the bank” and I think it could not be more true. I find it rare for beauty books to be super insightful, but Lustig managed to do just that while still making it feel like you are reading a fun beauty column that will get you the results you hope for. 

This is a truly lovely book that many would enjoy and its chic design makes it perfect to also use as decoration. You can get Andrea Pomerantz Lustig’s How to Look Expensive from many bookstores, Amazon and you can find more details about it on Lustig’s website. 

Kérastase Cristalliste Lait Cristal

From past posts on this blog, I think it is quick easy to see that I am a fan of affordable drugstore hair products. I go through conditioner like crazy, something that comes with the territory when you have very long hair, but every once in a while I like to treat myself to a nice luxury conditioner. If you are ever considering investing in a high-end conditioner, the Kérastase Cristalliste Lait Cristal should be at the top of your list.

I had always been intrigued by Kérastase products, everything from the chic packaging to the incredible claims and reviews made me want to try something out. However the higher price and my skepticism over how great a more expensive conditioner could be prevented me from doing so. Well the Cristaliste Lait Cristale has proven me wrong and I don’t think I can ever be without it again.

Now let’s talk about this miraculous formula. If I am not mistaken, this does not contain silicone, instead it relies on aloe vera and eco-friendly polymers to soften and smooth the hair, increasing shine at the same time. Another interesting thing is that while this conditioner is very moisturizing, it does not weight your hair down at all and detangles it easily. Unlike other conditioners, this one has a very runny texture, almost like a lotion, and while it might feel a bit weird at first and like you need to use tons, you only need a little bit (about half of what you normally use) because it melts into your hair and coats it easily. Because it is so thin, the best way to apply it is to make sure you squeeze as much water as possible out of your hair before applying it so it does not run down the hair instead of coating it.

I still cannot believe how amazing my hair looks every time I use it. I am talking silky smooth hair with lots of shine and a lovely fragrance. It is definitely a product worth investing in. You can find the Kérastase Cristalliste Lait Cristal on the Kérastase website, feelunique and hair salons that carry the brand. 

A Bath Haul From The Body Shop

So I went to The Body Shop today and let’s just say I let myself be tempted by a few products. Honestly I blame it all on Lush, I was just going to get a bath bomb but they were closed due to a computer problem. So off to The Body Shop I went and their amazing sale was too hard to resist.

The first thing I got is the Wild Argan Oil Bubbling Bath (here), it smells wonderful (slightly floral and warm) and I am hoping it will turn my bath into a luxurious moisturizing soak. I have high hopes for this and from the look of it, it could be a winner. I will let you know how I get on with it soon.

Next was the Honeymania Bubble Bath Melt (here), as you can see I am on a bubble bath kick here. This luscious looking product smells incredible, I love its sweet and floral honey scent. I have been looking at this for a while now and I am super excited to see what kind of bubbles it is going to create.

As I mentioned, the store is currently having a buy 2 get 1 free or buy 3 get 3 free products, so I also picked up the Honeymania Shower Gel (here). I really enjoy The Body Shop shower gels, they lather nicely and leave my skin feeling soft. The Honeymania is definitely a collection to look into, it smells amazing and is also unique in term of scent. 

Lastly, I picked up one of their Paddle Hairbrush (here) with a bamboo handle for my mom, she gave me one a while ago and I love it. It does not tug on my hair and you can get a good hold of the handle. I do not really know why, but this hairbrush performs better than others I have used in the past and I think it will be quite long lasting. This one was not part of the promotion because it is already on sale and you can get it for only 6$.

You can get all the products from any Body Shop stores and on their website. Also, have a look at the sale there are tons of great products at great prices. 

Innisfree Color Glow Lipstick in Romantic Autumn Rose

I have been in a bit of a makeup rut lately, I don’t know why but I feel like I wear the same things every day and none of my lip products seem appealing. So to mix things up, I have ditched my usual bright berry/red lip in favor of something more peachy and summery. My savior in this situation has been the Innisfree Color Glow Lipstick in Romantic Autumn Rose.

Now I tried an Innisfree lipstick years ago and was not super impressed because it was very waxy and dry. But they have since reformulated and come out with great new lipsticks that seriously deliver. So if you were put off in the past definitely give the new ones a go.

The Color Glow lipsticks are wonderfully creamy and moisturizing, while packing a punch in the color department. They are super pigmented in one swipe. I also like that they look luminous, but don’t have a glossy finish. They feel like a true lipstick texture-wise and I love how the satin-creamy finish makes your lips look fuller.

Romantic Autumn Rose is a gorgeous peachy pink color that brightens your face, but still manages to look natural. It’s a great everyday color. From looking at different swatches online, I was afraid it might be too pink or orange, so I was really pleased that it turned out to be quite well balanced and unique. I don’t own anything like it and it is one of the rare pinks I feel looks good with my skin tone. The quality of these is great and I can see myself buying more shades in the future (hello gorgeous cherry red one).

You can buy the Innisfree Color Glow Lipstick in Romantic Autumn Rose from their website. 

Innisfree Canola Honey Capsule Mask

The last few weeks have been quite busy and stressful, (which explains the lack of posts) and inevitably my skin did not enjoy it. So in order to get it back under control I turned to one of my favorite new masks because there’s nothing like a little TLC when things don’t go your way. So without further ado let’s talk about the Innisfree Canola Honey Capsule Mask.  

I love this mask, it contains canola honey to moisturize and nourish the skin. I was really surprised that it actually looks and feels like real honey. The mask has a thick and goopy gel texture in the pot (just like honey), but it spreads easily on the skin and it is thankfully not sticky or hard to rinse off at all. It has quite a strong scent but I really enjoy it, it’s a floral honey scent that reminds me of a strong honey iced green tea.

As for the results, they blow me away every time. It is incredibly nourishing and it does offer a bit of surface moisture, but the best thing about it is how soothing it is. It instantly calms down any inflammation and redness so I find it great to use when my skin feels a little out of control. Honey is also a great antibacterial and I find that it helps improve the appearance of any blemishes (tones down redness) and they seem to heal faster when I use it. I seriously cannot speak highly enough of this product. Well done Innisfree!

Now the version I have is the Capsule Recipe Pack which basically comes in a smaller pot (10ml) so you can sample the mask. On their website, Innisfree says you can get 2 to 3 usage out of one capsule, but I had enough for 6 usages. It’s a steal for the price, but if you are anything like you will like it so much that you will need to get the full size (80ml) which is also very affordable because the texture makes it so you really don’t use a lot at a time. This has now become a must-have in my beauty arsenal and I always look forward to using it. 

You can get the Innisfree Canola Honey Capsule Mask on their website and the full size is available here. 

Tanya Burr Lip Glosses: Aurora and Berry Picking

Hello everyone today I bring you a review on one of my favorite affordable lip glosses. I just love finding a high quality product at a great price which is exactly what the Tanya Burr Lip Glosses are. I currently own two: Aurora and Berry Picking, but you can be sure my collection will increase in the future.

These lip glosses come in a nice looking tube, nothing fancy but it looks classic and not cheap at all. The two shades I own have a lovely creamy formula that glides on the lips offering moisture and lots of shine. The pigmentation level is great, they are not opaque but the color still packs a punch. You can also build up the intensity by layering it and worry not, it never feels sticky. The texture is actually very smooth on the lips, which is quite pleasant. They wear for a few hours easily and the shine and color fade evenly so you don’t end up with patchy looking lips. Another thing I love is their sweet fruity scent, it is delicious!

As for the actual colors, Aurora is a cute medium pink color, on me it looks a bit brighter and darker than in the tube. Honestly it does not suit my complexion the best but the formula is so great I like wearing it anyway. Berry Picking is my favorite of the two, it’s a real berry color with gold shimmer that’s a bit sheerer than Aurora, but it adds gorgeous dimension to your lips. It’s not too dark or too red so you can easily wear on its own during the daytime and it is also lovely over a stain. I was just blown away by these glosses, the quality is truly incredible for the price.

There are quite a few colors I plan on picking up next (I’m looking at you I Found Nemo). You can get the Tanya Burr Lip Glosses in select Superdrug and they are also available on their website and on Feelunique (ships internationally).

  

Ren Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask

Radiant, glowy skin that does not need makeup is something I would love to attain. Right now I can get away with a nice primer and a touch of concealer. To achieve that and more, I rely on great skincare and products that can renew the skin, making marks and imperfections disappear quickly. A staple in my weekly routine is the incredible Ren Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask.

This gel mask contains a mix of glycolic and lactic acids along with other fruit acids that come from the numerous fruit extracts it contains, including pineapple and papaya (ingredients list here). Now using acids on your face can seem scary, we’ve all seen Samantha’s experience in Sex and the City, but this gem from Ren has eased my concerns. After I applied it, I never experienced any uncomfortable tingling/burning sensation and my skin was not red or irritated after use. The mask does have a weird scent, but the results are so lovely that I can look pass it.

Now speaking of results, using the mask every week, I am left with smoother and brighter looking skin. I also found it really helps fade any red marks left by spots, giving you a more even skin tone. I don’t have a big problem with dullness, but I do think this product gives me a little boost in the glow department. It’s easy to use, you don’t need to leave it on for long and it delivers real results, something that can be hard to find in the mask world. It is expensive, however the size is quite generous and you don’t need to use a lot every week so the bottle should last you quite a while. 

You can get the Ren Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask from the Ren website and they currently offer a limited edition bottle that comes with an extra 25ml for only 4$ more. You can get it at Sephora and they also offer the full size as part of a kit that contains minis of their other radiance products. Lastly is it available on Feelunique.

Tea Tuesday: Kusmi Anastasia

Once again, it has been a while since my last Tea Tuesday. Honestly, the main reason is that I have been drinking the same fruity herbal tea for weeks. I really want to complete all of my Kusmi tea reviews soon, so today I am bringing you my thoughts on one Kusmi’s most emblematic and oldest blends: Anastasia.

I have always been fascinated with Anastasia’ story, so when I first heard of this tea I had to try it. When I first smelled this, I really did not like it. It smells very strongly of Ceylon and I really don’t like that kind of tea, so let’s just say my expectations were quite low as to how it would taste. Well, this turned out to be quite a nice surprise and while it is not my favorite, it is quite good. The Anastasia tea contains a blend of black China tea, Ceylon, bergamot, lemon and orange blossom.

Like I said, the Ceylon scent is very strong, but the taste is far more delicate with the black tea being the main flavor. The bergamot and orange blossom add a very light floralness to the blend and you can taste just a hint of citrus fruits. In the end, you will get a light and floral black tea perfect for mornings or afternoons when you want a simple cup of something relaxing. The more I drink it, the more I enjoy it, it is a very classic and while that may seem odd, classic is the perfect word to describe one of Kusmi’s most iconic blends.

You can buy the Kusmi Anastasia tea from their website and in many tea/health food stores. Also, like most teas from Kusmi it comes in different sizes and packaging and it is also part of the Kusmi Russian Blends Assortment. 

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Ever since I fell in love with the Dior Crème de Rose Lip Balm, I have been trying to find other products that can compare. So far, nothing has even come close to the perfection of Dior, but a new product recently caught my eye. Laneige has been known for years for its incredible Water Sleeping Mask and they have now released a Lip Sleeping Mask. I love a good lip treatment so as soon as it was released I knew I had to put it to the test.

This mask contains a berry complex to deliver a strong dose of antioxidants to your lips and it is also formulated with Laneige’s powerful Moisture WrapTM. It is designed to be applied at night before you go to bed and will leave you with soft and hydrated lips come morning. It has a lovely strawberry scent and has a pretty light pink color. The pot also comes with a cute pink spatula to allow you to scoop out and apply the mask while being hygienic.

Every time I wake up after using this, my lips feel soft and hydrated. It really improves the appearance of your lips, they look fuller and you cannot see any dehydration lines. This is marketed as something you use at night, but I love using this during the day. It looks very glossy on the lips and it instantly makes your lips look softer and plumper. I also love that, as I wear it through the day, my lips will look better instead of getting dry and dehydrated. I wouldn’t apply a lipstick over it because of its finish, but it looks really pretty over a stain or on its own. 

Now how does it compare to the Dior balm? Well both have a waxy texture in the pot, but they both turn into a super glossy cream once applied to the lips. I would say the Laneige is equally as softening as the Dior one, however the Dior is more nourishing and slightly more hydrating. So far, I can safely say that the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask is the closest product to the Dior Crème de Rose, it gives amazing results and while it is not at the level of the Dior, it is less expensive and you get more product. Both are incredible lip treatments, so choosing one really comes down to availability and your budget, but rest assured, I’m sure you will enjoy both.

You can get the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask from any laneige counter as well as from Asian beauty stores and websites (like YesStyle) that carry the brand. I got mine on Ebay from a reputable seller. 

Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast

We could all use a little bit more magic in our lives and I think that connecting with our child’s spirit is the best way to do that. That connection is all about remembering the excitement we felt about the little things when we were younger. For me the excitement usually comes around Christmas time and whenever I watch animated movies. Now, Christmas is still a few months away, but that also means there is no better time to be watching Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast.

I plan on talking about the whole Disney Fairies/Tinker Bell Movie franchise in a later post because it is one of my favorites, but I thought the latest installment would be a good place to start. It has quite a special story. For the first time Fawn (an animal fairy) is the main character and we follow her as she discovers a strange creature and tries to understand and befriend him. The rest of the fairies are not so sure about the beast, so as they try to capture him, Fawn and her friends come together to save him.

This is a beautiful story about learning the important of not judging others and how we should try to really get to know people before passing judgements. Personally I feel like all the Tinker Bell movies teach such great morals and are truly perfect for kids. That being said, as an adult, I really enjoy them as well because they are beautiful to watch and the stories are always very heartwarming. Also the fairy magic in them always brings me back to when I was younger, I would have loved those movies.

Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast has a great message to teach us all, but that does not stop it from being very funny and cute. The ending is quite abrupt (not that it’s bad), but kids might be surprised to see it end the way it does because you expect to see more. I did shed a few tears, but I would not call it a sad movie, it is just very touching because the relationship between Fawn and the NeverBeast feels very real.

You can get Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast on DVD from Amazon and other major retailers. It is also available on iTunes and Netflix is you prefer a digital format. 

Chloé Roses de Chloé

Today is the day I finally try my hand at doing a perfume review. These seem to be notoriously difficult to do because scents are so personal and hard to describe. Nonetheless, I really did not want to leave out an entire section of the beauty world and there are so many beautiful fragrances I want to share with you all. So to get me started, I picked something quite simple and feminine: Chloé Roses de Chloé.

The name is spot on, it smells wonderful, just like freshly cut roses. There’s nothing perfumy here just a lovely real floral fragrance with a touch of sweetness. It is very light and delicate making it perfect for a daytime fragrance that should not offend or overwhelm others. I find it very appropriate for warmer seasons like spring and summer, but it is not summery so you could still wear it during the colder months. The notes are the following: fresh cut roses, bergamot, rose essence, magnolia accord, white musk and amber. These all blend together into a beautiful, feminine scent that is far from boring.

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed very this, it is like a breath of fresh air. I find it very soothing because every time you smell it, it is like you are actually taking the time to stop and smell the roses. Chloé blew me away with this perfume, you rarely find something that smells so natural and like the real thing. There is something very classic about it, like it becomes a part of you as the years go by. If you enjoy luminous and fresh floral scents, I think you will really enjoy the Cholé Roses de Chloé.

Chloé Roses de Chloé is available at Sephora, Feelunique and department stores that carry the Chloé fragrance range. 

What's in My Beauty Travel Bag

I went on a trip recently for my graduation and I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share with you all what I like to bring in my beauty bag. Skincare is very important to me when travelling because you never know when your skin might freak out and it’s nice to have everything you might to get things back to normal. Full disclosure, I brought quite a few things this time because I wanted to relax in the hotel and have options.

First we have haircare products, I tend to decant mine into smaller bottles and I’m very low maintenance with my hair. The dry shampoo is a must though because my hair can get a bit oily when I travel (not sure why).   

        

- Colab Sheer Invisible Dry Shampoo in London (reviewed here in New York scent, but this one is lovely too, very fresh and sophisticated)

- Clear Total Care Shampoo (here)

- Clear Total Care Conditioner (here)

- Kérastase Ciment Thermique 

For my body I just bring a scrub and a lotion, the hotel’s soap and shower gel are usually fine. I typically like their lotions too, but I wanted to bring something nice with me just in case and this mini tube did not take up a lot of space.

- St-Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub

- Crabtree and Evelyn Rosewater Body Lotion

Lastly, here’s everything I brought for my skincare routine, including extra treats like masks and patches in case a pesky spot decided to show its face. It  might look like a lot but honestly everything fit into my travel bag and most items are quite small. Samples and minis are always super useful so I love stocking up on them.          

- Shu Uemura Anti/Oxi Skin Refining Cleansing Oil

- Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser (here)

- Innisfree Eco Safety Aqua Daily Sun Gel SPF30/PA++

- Indeed Laboratories Hydraluron

- Innisfree White Tone Up Sleeping Pack

- Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner (here)

- Innisfree Green Tea Balancing skin

- Innisfree Green Tea Balancing Lotion

- Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum (here)

- Innisfree Green Tea Balancing Cream

- Laneige Water Bank Eye Gel (here)

- Innisfree Green Tea It's Real Squeeze Mask (here)

- Innisfree Volcanic Pore Clay Mask (here)

- Primera Peeling Facial Intensive

- Ren Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask

- The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil (here)

- Innisfree Bija Anti-Trouble Spot Patch (here)

I hope you enjoyed this little insight into my travel beauty bag and that it will help you when you need to pack for a future trip. Out of everything, the Innisfree samples were the most useful so I highly recommend you try out a few. You can read more about them here. I have linked every product I have reviewed and you can purchase all the products from different retailers since none of them are limited edition. 

Laneige Water Bank Eye Gel

Eye creams are starting to have a moment, I mean a few years ago they were mostly targeted for more mature skin and were incredibly rich. I am still in my early twenties and very thick rich creams usually give me milia (tiny bumps) under my eyes and they take forever to go away. Finding a light cream that makes a difference can be difficult, but thankfully Laneige has come to the rescue with their Water Bank Eye Gel.

This light-weight eye gel hydrates your under eye area without feeling sticky and has lasting effects all day. The gel is cooling to the touch so it refreshes the skin and can help with puffiness. It also has soothing properties making it great for dry and irritated skin (you might want to test it out first if you have severe irritation because it contains fragrance).

I love this eye gel, every time I use it I am left with fresh looking eyes. The gel gives me just enough hydration and it does help reduce minimal puffiness. Unlike other creams I have tried, this does not cause any milia, but it is potent enough to make a visible difference. Also, I noticed this seems to help lighten dark circles, granted mine are not very bad, but when I use it constantly my under eye area looks brighter. If you are looking for something to help minimize wrinkles than I’m not sure this will give you the results you are looking for, but if you are still young or simply looking for a basic eye care product I highly recommend this one.

The Water Bank Eye Gel comes in a huge glass jar that will last you a very long time because you only need to use a little. I love the packaging, it looks gorgeous and very chic, also what can I say, blue is my favorite color and this shade is just lovely. It also comes with a cute little spatula so you don’t have to worry about putting your fingers in the jar, it is all very hygienic.  

I bought my Laneige Water Bank Eye Gel from Amore Pacific (the parent company) on Ebay, but you can also get it from Sasa. It might also be available in your local Amore Pacific/Laneige store or any Asian beauty store or website.