IMAGE Skincare Review
Tuesday, November 24, 2015 • IMAGE Skincare, WDDT?
Let me start this review with the same disclaimer my esthetician gave me when she recommended these products: the serum is HORRIBLY named and she's repeatedly suggested they change it, but no such luck. Like a lot of Asian "whitening" products, the "bleaching" serum is meant to lighten hyperpigmentation, whether from age spots, sun spots, or healing acne scars (which is why I'm trying it). She did not recommend using it all over my face but only in the specific places where I've broken out and I'm working to lighten any brown spots. Ok? I'm sorry it sounds so terrible but... here we are.
Phew.
Now that we're over that hurdle, let's get down to business.
For months I've been working to find a new SPF, knowing that I needed to
wear one everyday, but my oily, medium complexion, skin makes this a
hard thing to find. If a product doesn't a have a white cast or break me
out, it ends up leaving me oily as hell and in the middle of a humid DC
summer I just can't have that. I wasn't able to try this on my face
before I bought it, but I swatched it on my arm and liked the way it
quickly absorbed into the skin without anything sticky or shiny on the
surface. And at ~$35 for 3.2oz it's significantly less expensive than
the La Prairie moisturizer I used last year so I thought I'd give it a
shot.
Final thoughts? Generally feeling quite positive about this! It does the same thing on my face that it did on my arm, absoring quickly with no white cast. I also feel like it's doing something to control my oily skin because my foundation and blush are staying on my face better, especially on my chin where I always have the most issues. Unfortunately it has a really strong bubble gum smell, which I can detect even after I've rubbed it in, though thankfully not after I've applied foundation.
Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars
The bleach serum is a bit harder to judge. It has a good percentage (2%) of hydroquinone, along with a mix of glycolic acid and azelic acid, all working to exfoliate the top layer of skin and reduce inflammation. Good stuff right? I haven't been using it long enough to say definitively, but I do think it's helping and since I'm not experiencing any new breakouts I'm happy enough to keep using it. Especially because again, at the $35 price point, as a spot treatment this little bottle is guaranteed to last me a loooooong time.
Final Thoughts? Also positive! It's got a nice texture, goes on clear and doesn't seem to be reacting badly to anything else in my routine. Sadly this does have the same strong bubblegum scent but I use so little (& I only apply this at night) that it doesn't bother me much.
Score: 4 out of 5 stars.
Phew.
Left: IMAGE Skincare Prevention+ Daily Matte Moisturizer SPF 32+ ($25-$35) , Right: Iluma by IMAGE Skincare Intense Bleaching Serum (~$35)
Final thoughts? Generally feeling quite positive about this! It does the same thing on my face that it did on my arm, absoring quickly with no white cast. I also feel like it's doing something to control my oily skin because my foundation and blush are staying on my face better, especially on my chin where I always have the most issues. Unfortunately it has a really strong bubble gum smell, which I can detect even after I've rubbed it in, though thankfully not after I've applied foundation.
Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars
The bleach serum is a bit harder to judge. It has a good percentage (2%) of hydroquinone, along with a mix of glycolic acid and azelic acid, all working to exfoliate the top layer of skin and reduce inflammation. Good stuff right? I haven't been using it long enough to say definitively, but I do think it's helping and since I'm not experiencing any new breakouts I'm happy enough to keep using it. Especially because again, at the $35 price point, as a spot treatment this little bottle is guaranteed to last me a loooooong time.
Final Thoughts? Also positive! It's got a nice texture, goes on clear and doesn't seem to be reacting badly to anything else in my routine. Sadly this does have the same strong bubblegum scent but I use so little (& I only apply this at night) that it doesn't bother me much.
Score: 4 out of 5 stars.
(Serum on top, unblended moisturizer on the bottom)
Have any of you tried the IMAGE Skincare line? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
and finally, a sweater
Friday, November 13, 2015 • Anthropologie, etsy, HandM, Kate Spade, Kate Spade Saturday, OOTD, Stuart Weitzman, We Love Colors
DC has been doing its damnedest to resist cooler temperatures, but finally they have come and with them all the sweater-y things I've been dying to wear.
This is one of those great pieces that looks like you put a lot of effort into your outfit but really, you just wanted to wear a sweatshirt. Win!
This is one of those great pieces that looks like you put a lot of effort into your outfit but really, you just wanted to wear a sweatshirt. Win!
Tunic: Anthropologie (I sized up for a little bit of extra length) ~ Tights: We Love Colors ~ Shoes: Stuart Weitzman (also worn here) ~ Sunglasses: Kate Spade ~ Watch: Ebay (similar) ~ Bracelets: Etsy & Kate Spade Saturday ~ Purse: H&M (old)
Geek of the Week #30
Friday, November 6, 2015 • Geek of the Week
// Ok, StudioDIY got me. These are two are SO CUTE and talented.
//I made these muffins for a recent work event and they were a big hit. Possibly the best ones I've made to date!
// I've followed Gary Pepper for probably a couple years now. I don't think I've ever truly seen her as aspirational because her posts are so artistic. She has an incredible eye and the privilege to visit some of the most beautiful places in the world. I've never gotten the feeling form her blog that she takes any of that for granted, so it was interesting to read about some of the flack she's gotten from readers over the years.
// Why did no one tell me about these things?! They're definitely going on the to-buy list for Asia.
//I can't lay claim to finding this one, but MAKE YOUR OWN RAMN machine!
Fun Posts & Random Finds: Bored Now. //Jeremy Renner should probably just be quiet unless he can take a page from Daniel Craig's book. // To be honest my lashes are fine as they are but I *still* want to try these! // Gabi Gregg's Halloween costume was the OPPOSITE of a total Monet. // Sam is one of my favorite xoVain contributors these days, and while I wait for her to post her next article I like to check in on her blog too! // I read the first two books in this series and I'm excited to get my hands on the third!
Clothing & Jewelry: ModCloth sold out of this dress in my size and I'm a little bit devastated. // Kendi wore these boots in brown and I love them. I have no need for them mind you, but I love them anyway. // Next year's July 4th outfit? Very, very possible.
//I made these muffins for a recent work event and they were a big hit. Possibly the best ones I've made to date!
// I've followed Gary Pepper for probably a couple years now. I don't think I've ever truly seen her as aspirational because her posts are so artistic. She has an incredible eye and the privilege to visit some of the most beautiful places in the world. I've never gotten the feeling form her blog that she takes any of that for granted, so it was interesting to read about some of the flack she's gotten from readers over the years.
// Why did no one tell me about these things?! They're definitely going on the to-buy list for Asia.
//I can't lay claim to finding this one, but MAKE YOUR OWN RAMN machine!
// I actually haven't bothered to watch all those "100 years of ____" videos, but this in order cut and style of men's grooming choices is actually really cool! (And I admit the model's pretty damn cute too.)
Fun Posts & Random Finds: Bored Now. //Jeremy Renner should probably just be quiet unless he can take a page from Daniel Craig's book. // To be honest my lashes are fine as they are but I *still* want to try these! // Gabi Gregg's Halloween costume was the OPPOSITE of a total Monet. // Sam is one of my favorite xoVain contributors these days, and while I wait for her to post her next article I like to check in on her blog too! // I read the first two books in this series and I'm excited to get my hands on the third!
Clothing & Jewelry: ModCloth sold out of this dress in my size and I'm a little bit devastated. // Kendi wore these boots in brown and I love them. I have no need for them mind you, but I love them anyway. // Next year's July 4th outfit? Very, very possible.
perfect together
Wednesday, November 4, 2015 • Aldo, Anthropologie, DSW, Kate Spade, Lucky Brand, OOTD, Target
Despite DC's determination to take this jacket from me (damn you 79 degrees - really?!) it's one of my favorite Fall purchases. The knit arms and slim cut make it perfect to layer up for cooler temperatures, but it also goes great on top of just a plain t-shirt.
Also, just in case you're like me, these are my favorite plaid shirts this season - pretty much anywhere. I've looked in all my usual places (J.Crew, Madewell, Nordstrom, H&M) and just haven't been able to find anything that's both the right texture and not boxy as hell. I bought two of these shirts and they're soft enough to wear to bed (you know, if you were so inclined) with a fun back detail. Plus, if you keep your eye out, you can score them on sale (I bought mine at 40% off).
Also, just in case you're like me, these are my favorite plaid shirts this season - pretty much anywhere. I've looked in all my usual places (J.Crew, Madewell, Nordstrom, H&M) and just haven't been able to find anything that's both the right texture and not boxy as hell. I bought two of these shirts and they're soft enough to wear to bed (you know, if you were so inclined) with a fun back detail. Plus, if you keep your eye out, you can score them on sale (I bought mine at 40% off).
Jacket: Anthropologie ~ Top: Lucky Brand ~ Jeans: Target ~ Shoes: DSW ~ Purse: Aldo (old) ~ Sunglasses & Necklace: Kate Spade
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)