PTR Rose Stem Cell Bio Repair Gel Mask: First Impressions

In my review on the PTR Therapeutic Sulfur Mask, I waxed poetic about how great this mask was and my intentions on trying more PTR products. I have had my sights set on a few more masks. So, instead of blowing the bank just to try them and not like the results, I set my sights on the budget-friendly Meet Your Mask Sampler Kit, with retails for $25 for Sephora. According to the website, the kit contains six of PTR’s bestselling masks that “detoxify, soothe, hydrate, and polish skin.” While this was a great way to see which masks work well enough for the full-sized investment, I was so stoked to try the Rose Stem Cell Bio Repair Gel Mask the most.

As the name states, the smell is slightly rosy, but not overwhelming. The texture is also gel like, as the name states. These qualities are important, because I hold a brand accountable when they advertise or name their products a certain way. It glides on cool, and it feels light. The packaging recommends a generous layer of gel onto clean skin, so I tried a toner or witch hazel instead of washing my face with a cleanser. I wanted to test it to see if that was all I needed to do to prep my face for the mask, and I was right: it did the trick!

Throughout the treatment, which was ten minutes, my face had a cool and calming feeling. No irritation nor burning. After I washed the mask off with cool water, my skin still had that cooling feeling…which was so pleasant! I like to know that a product is still working after application. My skin felt fresh and smooth, so I will be definitely adding this mask, which retails for $52, to my skincare arsenal. I’m also curious to try it with the Rose Stem Cell Bio Repair Cream, which retails for $75. I tried a sample of this cream before, and it was amazing. Just another PTR product to add to my wish list 🙂

 

Ipsy Glambag Product Review: Trust Fund Beauty Nail Color in Game Changer

I finally finished testing all products in my June Ipsy Glambag. Sometimes it takes longer  for me to decide whether a product is good or not. But here is a quick rundown on each item: Sample size Chia Curl by Trissola’s 5-in-1 Defining Curl Cream, full-sized NYX Professional Makeup Whipped Lip and Cheek Souffle in Cocoa Bean, full-sized Beauty For Real I-Line 24-7 Eyeliner in 24 Karat, full-sized City Color Cosmetics Shimmer Shadow in Beach Cottage, and full-sized Trust Fund Beauty’s Nail Color in Game Changer, which I will be reviewing here.

 

I love bright nail colors for the summer, and I am not afraid to go bold. So, I was excited when I saw Game Changer in the bag, and such a suitable name! It is a bright neon coral color in a sizable glass bottle, that is beautiful on a variety of skin tones, so they get kudos for that alone. I like when a brand is all-inclusive, and are considerate of the variety of skin tones that exist in this world.

Another “game changer” for me is the consistency of the nail color. It is thick and creamy, so you know it is a great formula, which brings me to the third reason why I love this color. I polished my toes with it almost two weeks ago and the coats still look really great, with no chipping! So it is long-lasting, which is important especially during the summer. It also helps that I used my Ciate London Gelology Topcoat that I swear by! I also liked how easy it was to apply, so for those who are DIY manis and pedis, this is a great nail polish to try.

Also, the bottle came in pretty packaging, good quality carton with pretty splotches of paint strategically on the box. No wonder the brand is called Trust Fund; I definitely get a luxurious vibe from packaging to product. I tried a lippie from them before, which was also in one of my Glambags months ago, but I lost it! I was devastated, but getting this nail polish makes up for it. This retails for but $15 is definitely worth the price, and I am curious to try other Trust Fund Beauty Products.

Peter Thomas Roth: Therapeutic Sulfur Masque Review

I fell in love with the Peter Thomas Roth (aka “PTR”) brand after receiving a shocking news from a Sephora beauty associate who told me I had cystic acne, and that I should try the PTR Therapeutic Sulfur Masque.  Not only did it clear up my acne and prevented future breakouts, but it also prevented any future blemishes. Two samples later, I broke down and bought the full-sized jar, which I still have a sizable amount about 2 years since. A little goes a long way, and since it actually works I rarely use it! I’ve even applied it to my seborrheic dermatitis breakouts and it has dried up the inflammation! So for me, this mask has a dual purpose and was definitely worth the $47.00. Since then, I have been secretly obsessed with PTR.

I am a firm believer that if something works, then I must get over the price of it and see it as a worthy investment towards clear, healthier skin. Also, because it is clinically formulated, it is tough on my occasional breakouts or outbreaks but still gentle on my skin. It leaves the treatment areas nice and smooth (sometimes I use as an on-the-spot treatment or all-over facial mask). Another thing I have learned growing up, is just because something is good to you, it does not mean it is good for you. What I am referring to are some of those skin masks, creams and such that smell so great, but do nothing to solve the problem I bought them for. Which leads me to my next point: sulfur smells horrific. BUT, I enjoy the results this product brings than to give it up for a smell-good, but do-nothing product.

Ipsy Glambag Product Review: Meg Twin Nail Polish in Lovey Dovey (Limited Edition)

I enjoy experimenting with various nail colors. While I equally love just about every color on the spectrum, oftentimes I find myself gravitating towards nude colors. I like their versatility and simplicity. While I have a preference for brands like OPI, Orly and Essie, I am still open to trying other brands. Meg’s Twin Nail in Lovey Dovey came in my Ipsy Glambag this month which I was excited about. I Love the packaging, and how each tiny color snapped easily into one top.

The clear, twist off caps underneath are travel-friendly spill proof. Also, getting two colors (nude & grey) is a treat!  The brushes allowed easy application, so for those who aren’t really skilled at polishing his or her own nails, this is for you! The nude color suited my skin tone perfectly. Two coats of polish are sufficient and gave full coverage on my nails. The color dried quickly to a slightly glossy finish.

The nude color looks even more beautiful with a shiny top coat. I used Ciate London Gelology top coat which was in my February Glambag! I am sure any top coat would do. However,  the grey color wasn’t my favorite, just a bit harsh on my skin tone. But at $10 for two nail colors,  I’d definitely try the others. Worn alone or mixing and matching the colors is also fun because the colors are complementary. This is a limited edition, so hurry while they last!

Ipsy Glambag Product Review: SKIN&CO Roma Truffle Therapy Face Toner

I am pretty much open to trying out new products, but new facial products make me a tad nervous. I have sensitive skin that can get easily irritated and break out at a moment’s notice. However, I was curious about SKIN&CO Roma’s Truffle Therapy face toner, because its’ something I have struggled with adding to my skincare regimen. I have read many other beauty blogs and articles stating its importance, but I still cannot get myself to be consistent with any particular toner.

Immediately I was excited at the mention of “truffles”.  I love truffle chocolates, truffle butter, and I associate anything truffle-related with luxury and good quality. So I knew this toner was going to do wonders to my skin. The packaging is good quality, something expected of a high end product. The top is gold, along with the lettering on bottle. The bottle is made of a hard plastic, which resembles glass at first glance. It is so important that luxury brands put time and effort into creating quality packaging.

The smell is quite pleasant, reminiscent of roses and citrus, but not overbearing. I applied the toner onto a cotton ball after using a variety of cleansers, from Murad’s Clarifying Cleanser to Pur-lisse’s 4-in1 Cleansing Milk. So it works well with a variety of other brands on the market. It made my skin feel clean and soft, carefully removing any residue and dead skin left behind after cleansing my face. After a week’s use, I felt my skin was noticeably soft, even, and clear. SKIN&CO Roma’s Truffle Therapy face toner retails for about $27 (Ulta & Nordstrom carry the brand), but I think it is worth the price. I am curious as to how effective the toner is when used with the entire SKIN&CO line and would be buying this once I run out.