L’Oréal Visible Lift Blur Foundation in Light Ivory 201

I have always been a bit reticent when it comes to buying drugstore foundations, not because the formulas don’t look nice, but because finding a shade that is light enough for me is near impossible. However, like any beauty lover, I enjoy trying new products so when I saw that the L’Oréal Visible Lift Blur Foundation was on sale, I let myself be tempted.

This is targeted towards more mature skin as it claims to blur the look of lines and wrinkles with the help of Visible Lift (I took this as meaning it contains the Visible Lift serum but I am not 100% sure). Honestly the main reason I think it is marketed for more mature skin is due to the fact the foundation contains hyaluronic acid which will plump the skin and minimize any dehydration line, plus it also has a very fresh finish.

Now I am still too young to need a wrinkle correcting foundation but I was very intrigued by the texture of this product. In a way it reminds me of the now (sadly) discontinued Magic Smooth Soufflé foundation from L’Oréal as it has a mousse like quality but it is still a liquid foundation and a bit runny. Due to its unique texture, a little goes a very long way and I found the best to apply it is with fingers to really blend it in. This is important because I think it could cling to very dry patches or look patchy if you are not careful, however it does blend quickly granted that you take the time to do it.

Finish wise, it first settles into a slightly matte satin finish that looks lovely and very much like skin. It also has a blurring effect on the skin, making it look quite flawless. Now, remember how I said this looks very fresh? Well, after a few minutes and as the day goes on, it will get dewier and if you if have combination/oily skin, a little shiny. I would advise people with oily skin to skip the Visible Lift Blur Foundation because I doubt it would last through the day. If you have combination skin you can get away with it if you use some powder to set your T-zone and those with normal to dry skin will probably enjoy it.

It comes in 12 shades, which is reasonable, but if you have very fair skin the lightest shade will be too dark. I can get away with it in the summer with the help of some bronzer and if I am using self-tanner, but it looks very orange in the tube. On the skin however, the pigments really sheer out, offering a light medium coverage that evens out the skin and offers a nice sun kissed look.

To be honest with you I have mixed feelings about this one. I do like the finish, but it is not made for combination skin so it can a bit shiny for my liking. I also wished it came in a lighter shade because it will be too dark for me in the winter which would be the best season for this foundation. All in all it is a nice foundation and if you have normal/slightly dry skin and can find a color match I would give it a try. The Visible Blur line also offers blushes that look really cute and I think they might work on a wider range of skin types and colors.

The L’Oréal Visible Lift Blur Foundation can be found in most drugstores and it is also available on their website. 

Summer Sun Care: L'Oréal Paris Sublime Sun Range

I have always been super diligent with wearing sunscreen on my face every day, rain or shine. However, now that summer is finally here I needed to up my sun protection for the rest of my body. Like most I don’t enjoy slathering on thick sunscreen in sweltering heat, but this summer, the L’Oréal Paris Sublime Sun range has me covered.

To keep my skin protected I purchased a few sunscreens and since my lovely drugstore had a promotion going, I managed to get the after sun lotion for free. I haven’t used these products for long, but I thought I could give you a quick first impressions on them. I also really want to encourage you to go pick up some new sun care products, because after a year they are not really effective anymore. So using last summer’s SPF will not offer you the protection you need to keep sunburns and sun damage at bay.

First I got the Sublime Sun Silky Sheer SPF50 Lotion (here), this was the one thing I originally wanted because lotion and creams offer a much more even coverage than sprays do. I mean, a fine mist usually gets caught in the wind and can leave some spots unprotected. To me this is more of a cream than a lotion but it is not greasy and absorbs really quickly. I love that after a few seconds you can’t feel it on your skin and it doesn’t have a strong fragrance. The tube is small, but personally I never go through bigger bottles and always feel guilty about wasting it. At least with this I don’t think that will happen and if I run out, it is very affordable so I can easily get a new one without breaking the bank.

Next is the Invisible Protect SPF30 Dry Oil Spray (here), now let me say that using an oil in the sun just seems counter intuitive to me. I can still remember everyone at the pool covering themselves in oil before laying out in the sun to cook like turkeys. Now this has a high SPF but I wouldn’t feel comfortable using this as my sole protection all summer long. The reason I did buy it however, is that I think it will be great to use before going for a swim. I’m assuming it will not come off as quickly as a cream and so far I can say that it feels lovely on. It doesn’t leave you feeling oily, dries quickly and it makes your skin look great with a slight sheen.

Lastly I was lucky enough to get the Sublime Sun After Sun (here), this is a light gel cream that you can use to moisturize and sooth your skin after being in the sun all day. The light texture and scent are refreshing, making it great to use to cool down after spending a day outside or by the pool. It leaves no residue behind and offers a nice dose of hydration without feeling heavy. This turned out to be quite lovely and while it is not a must-have for me, I will enjoy using it for sure.

Sun rays are one of the primary causes of signs of age so taking the time to protect your skin against it is an easy way to ensure your skin will stay looking young as the years go by. As far as sun care goes, I think the L’Oréal Sublime Sun range is great and its price makes it accessible to many. Be sun-smart this summer and don’t forget your SPF. You can find all the products mentioned above and more (including mousses and sprays) from most drugstores and L’Oréal retailers. 

L'Oréal Paris Arginine Resist X3 Shampoo and Conditioner

In an effort to save the last drops of my beloved Kérastase shampoo, I went shopping for a new affordable shampoo and conditioner set. I really enjoy L’Oréal Paris haircare products as they always deliver good results and smell great. This time, I decided to go for something a bit different from the usual moisturizing/shine inducing products and purchased the Arginine Resist X3 Shampoo and Conditioner.

Both products come in large bottles and have a creamy formula that is easy to apply and rinse out. Scent-wise the fragrance is very classic L’Oréal, it just smells clean like a salon product which I really enjoy because it feels like you are pampering yourself when you use it.

Now for the actual results: this line is designed to reinforce your hair to help prevent hair loss and strengthen them so you are left with nourished and stronger hair. From my experience all the claims are true, my hair did feel more nourished and strangely it felt stronger too. It is very hard to explain but when I hold it feels like there is more to it than normal. When I brushed my hair, I did noticed less hair were left behind on the brush, but I cannot say for sure yet if this is solely due to the use of these products.

The L’Oréal Paris Arginine Resist X3 Shampoo and Conditioner have proved to be lovely drugstore products that I can recommend to everyone. You can find them in most drugstores and L’Oréal retailers for a very affordable price.