The Daily Dew

Night Masks! 

I love a good overnight mask. Actually, I love a good overnight anything. Anything that says it will allow me to wake up with better skin, hair, etc. I’m there. So, this post talks about two of my favorite overnight masks. I keep these babies next to my bed as I will usually apply them RIGHT before I go to bed. First up, is the Pacifica Wake Up Beautiful Super Hydration Sleepover Mask, I have had this product awhile as only a little is needed to fully saturate your face. If I remember correctly I also got this mask on sale at Ulta for much less than it is actually worth, so score! However, this mask is totally worth the full price. As I said earlier, a little goes a long way. Also, it is for more dry to combination skin types, so it is good for a wider range of skin types. For the record, it has never irritated my sensitive skin. Another awesome feature is that it smells AMAZING. It has a beautiful, natural scent reminiscent of the scents of various essential oils. It’s very nostalgic and relaxing to me, so I think there is definitely some lavender scent/oil in there. However, it lives up to its “aromatherapy” claim for sure. 

In terms of its effect on your skin this product leaves your skin super duper soft. I will say the product is pretty thick hence only a little is needed for your face. Its thickness is appropriate for night, but it would definitely be too thick for daytime as you will see some leftover product on your face after a full night of sleeping in it. You can use this mask as a supplement to your regular skincare routine i.e. something to put on last, right before bed. You can also use this product alone as a night moisturizer. I has the similar consistency of a night cream, and is hydrating enough to moisturize on its own. It’s really up to you, but I stan a product that allows for multiple uses!

The other night mask I use is the Origins Drink-Up Intensive Overnight Mask. Let me just preface this by saying, I love Origins as a skincare line. I will review other Origins products on this blog as I have several. I originally got this mask as part of a set that was on sale at Sephora (another sale item!) The set included this mask, the Clear Improvement Mask, and some natural exfoliating scrub that I’m not sure Origins sells anymore (currently I can’t find it on Sephora.com). Obviously this overnight mask was the stand-out of the set because I bought a larger sample size when I was finished with the set sample. 

I will confess this product is basically the Pacifica mask’s sexier sister. It’s similar in consistency, smell, and effect. However, it is prestige-brand, and I feel it is better at hydrating the skin. In fact, I typically save this mask for when my skin is irritated because of dryness. It’s essentially like an emergency shot for severely dehydrated skin. It clears up rough or scaly patches overnight. It also soothes current irritation. Because of its super hydrating abilities, this mask is even thicker than the Pacifica mask. It also does not really absorb into the skin as well, and I suggest you only use it right before bed. The thickness of this formula also means you will wake up with some of the mask still on your face, so wash it away with your morning cleanser. 

It can be used the same way as the Pacifica mask. Either as supplement to your nighttime routine, or as a deeply, hydrating, stand-alone night cream. In addition, the super hydrating nature of this mask allows for use on other dry, rough spots (ex. knees, elbows, heels, hand etc.)  I’ve tried a few overnight masks but these two are my regular babies. I like the cream consistency for a night mask, and I love the multi-uses these masks provide. They really are key for keeping my skin comfortable and hydrated. The Origins mask in particular is part of my emergency stash of items I gravitate to when my skin is crying out for help. 

Here are links for both of the masks:

Origins Mask: https://www.sephora.com/product/drink-up-intensive-overnight-mask-P389343

Pacifica Mask: https://www.pacificabeauty.com/products/wake-up-beautiful-mask

So, I made my first official Fresh skincare purchase recently A few years ago, Sephora had the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser and the Rose Face Mask as one of their birthday gifts. I chose this set, and I loved the Rose Face Mask which made my skin look like a goddess’s. The Soy Face Cleanser was also wonderful, and throughly cleansed my skin with no irritation. It was similar to the Philosophy Purity Cleanser but better. Therefore, when it came time to get a new, rich face cream for night I had Fresh in my mind’s eye. 

I ended up settling on the Vitamin Nectar Moisture Glow Face Cream. To be honest, I was in the market for a new night cream, and this cream wasn’t on the original list of potential purchases. Mainly because it is not specifically marketed as a night cream. In fact, the descriptor on the packaging makes it seem like more of a day cream. Also, it contains Vitamin C, and the basis for the vitamin content is citrus oils, so there are a lot of claims that it “awakens” the skin....not really what I was looking for in a night cream, but whatever. haha  However, the directions say it can be used in am or pm, and it does not contain any sunscreen. 

What most intrigued me about this product was the claims of “THE GLOW” it would give you, for christ sakes it’s even in the name. The product claims to use its citrus properties to awaken and revive dull, tired skin, and give you vibrant, glowing skin - which I am ALL about. Also, in reading the description further, and in testing the product I realized the cream is lighter than your average face cream, and it does not leave a thick, greasy residue that many thick night creams do. However, this cream does not skimp on the hydration. It provides serious moisture throughout the night, and I wake up with baby soft skin. I was a bit concerned about the citrus oils in the product irritating my skin, but I have yet to have a bad reaction in using this product. In addition, with its $42.00 price tag it is very reasonable for a Fresh product. 

During the same Sephora trip I bought this product on, I also snagged a sample of the matching Vitamin Nectar Vibrancy-Boosting Face Mask. 

I was a little bit more concerned about using the mask than the cream. This is because the mask is marketed as exfoliating, and as having a “chemical peel effect”. In addition, the mask contains a lot of citrus oils and acids, and it even includes real crushed citrus fruits. Citric acid has irritated and burned my skin in past, and I was honestly worried this mask with all the citrus in it would have a similar effect. Fresh markets this mask with the matching cream as pair that when used together will create the “ultimate glow ritual”. As someone who loves glow and rituals - I was all there, no matter how risky crushed up citrus on my face was. I was as nervous as poor Kenneth in putting this mask on my face: 

In all honesty, this mask was amazing, and I am considering buying the full size. It did not irritate my skin at all. Which to be honest, completely shocked me. You are to leave the mask on for ten minutes, and not once from the time I put it on till the time I took it off did it burn or irritate my skin. When I washed it off my skin was honestly fucking GLOWING, and soothed! Sometimes if the product does not irritate my skin when it’s on, it might be too harsh on my skin and leave it sensitive to the next steps in my skincare routine. This product did not do that either! I was able to go through my entire skincare routine using different products with different ingredients and my skin was not sensitive or irritated at all. I would love to add this product not only to my mask repertoire but also as a natural exfoliant. 

Here are the links for both the Face Cream and Mask: 

https://www.sephora.com/product/vitamin-nectar-moisture-glow-face-cream-P420158?icid2=products%20grid:p420158:product

https://www.sephora.com/product/vitamin-nectar-vibrancy-boosting-face-mask-P410401?icid2=products%20grid:p410401:product&skuId=1822725

As always, Ask Me Anything if you have specific questions about any of these products!

In finishing my regular, day moisturizer/sunscreen I was in the hunt for a new one. I had heard very good reviews regarding Clinique’s Pep-Start line, and with the very reasonable price point ($29.50 for a prestige-brand day moisturizer/sunscreen is INSANE) I decided to invest in the Hydro Rush Moisturizer. I have to say I truly love this moisturizer. With my excema and sensitive skin one of my biggest issues in the past is sunscreen. This is particularly unfortunate because sunscreen is necessary to prevent skin cancer, and aging. In the past, sunscreen has irritated my skin, led to breakouts, and burned my eyes. Therefore, I am very picky and selective when it comes to products with sunscreen in them. 

In fact, prior to purchasing this product I was using the Cetaphil Facial Moisturizer with Sunscreen, and though I love it, 

(and this is an epic review from Buzzfeed that led me to purchase this product, and I can confirm it is very accurate in describing how the product performs: https://www.buzzfeed.com/rachelellison/this-drugstore-moisturizer-is-better-than-highlighter?utm_term=.aj7xeXRAQ5#.lpO6rK0k8V) 

the Cetaphil Moisturizer still slightly burned my skin and my eyes when I first applied it. 

When it comes to the Clinique Pep-Start Hydro Rush Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF +20, I have had NO, NONE, ZERO, NANDA reactions to the sunscreen in the product. Which honestly, I have rarely experienced in a product with sunscreen. It is such a relief that I found a product that has necessary sun protection in it, and it does not irritate my skin. Another feature of this product that I love is that it is a great primer for makeup. It is not a terribly oily moisturizer so it provides a great, hydrated canvas for makeup, and allows your makeup to blend easily. Alone, it really provides a great glow which is comparable to the Cetaphil moisturizer. In fact, I would say it’s less oily than the Cetaphil moisturizer. The glowiness of the product looks great alone or under makeup, and provides that nice, dewey, radiant look. It will make your mug look like this glazed donut: 

All in all this is my new favorite day moisturizer with sunscreen. I’d highly recommend, and I’d like to try additional products from Clinique’s Pep-Start line! 

Here’s the product link: https://www.sephora.com/product/pep-start-hydro-rush-moisturizer-broad-spectrum-spf-20-P415710

Mmmmmorning. 

Per a Buzzfeed reader suggestion for women in their late 20s. I have been starting my mornings off with this Simple Water Boost Micellar Water. I used a micellar water from Garnier a bit back, and I enjoyed how it took my makeup off easily and was nowhere near as drying as a makeup wipe. With my dry, sensitive skin I gravitate towards cleansers that strip my skin as little as possible, and I have found that quality in micellar water. I bought this Simple micellar water to replace my finished Garnier bottle, and I throughly enjoy it. I particularly like Simple products and have used them in the past. I find they are a great, affordable, drugstore option for those with sensitive skin. I was interested in trying their Water Boost line as dryness is an issue I struggle with, and this product is a great piece from this line. It is super soft on my skin, and it gives my face a nice, fresh, clean feeling. I typically use it with a cotton pad, in the morning to clean my face of dirt and oils I accumulated during sleep. It preps my skin for toner and serum, and saves my LAZY ass the effort of washing my face in the sink. 

Another love of mine for fresh faced mornings is Milk Makeup’s skincare sticks. Let me just say.......I AM FUCKING OBSESSED with the stick packaging - ESPECIALLY FOR SKINCARE. Maybe it’s because I am self-proclaimed lazy human (Taurus forever!) and I think the stick packaging is such an easy, and convenient way to use the product. However, it is also incredibly useful for bringing your skincare on the go as well! 

The following products in the photo are (L-->R)

Matcha Toner https://www.sephora.com/product/matcha-toner-P419520

Watermelon Brightening Toner https://www.sephora.com/product/watermelon-brightening-serum-P430903

Hydrating Oil Stick https://www.sephora.com/product/hydrating-oil-P404794

Cooling Water https://www.sephora.com/product/cooling-water-P404795

(I have also included product links to Sephora.com for those who want more detailed info about the products and ingredients.) 

The Matcha Toner might be my favorite product of the skincare sticks, tbh. If you’re looking for a typical toner then this might not be the product for you because it doesn’t provide the typical second-level, liquid cleansing that most toners provide. It is a solid toner, and you will rub the stick all over your face, and then rub the product on your face into your skin. However, it provides such a fresh, clean feeling, and does not irritate my skin ONE BIT. Which tbh is always an issue I struggle with when it comes to toners. I also love that the product has kombucha in it. I am a big fan of skincare that has probiotics in it because I was told by a facialist that probiotics are very good to have in your skincare because they replenish the natural flora and fauna of your skin. I highly recommend if you invest in this product that you get the full size. Currently, I have the mini-size. I think the larger size is just more conducive for applying the product as it needs to go all over your face, but that is just my personal opinion. 

I bought the Watermelon Brightening Serum as a birthday gift to myself back in April, and to be honest I wasn’t sure I was going to like it. I am bit leery of any fruit oils/extracts because they tend to irritate my skin and be too acidic. Also, brightening is not something my skin particularly needs, but I just loved the idea of a BRIGHT PINK stick serum. However, I have been pleasantly surprised. It does not irritate my skin at all, and once it’s applied to your face it is easily absorbed into the skin. Again, the no-mess packaging claim is true. Be warned: IT DOES NOT SMELL LIKE WATERMELON. It honestly has little to no smell, and I can totally appreciate the decision to forgo the artificial smell to create a cleaner, less irritating product. I love that I can just swipe on this serum, rub it in, and I’m ready for moisturizer. 

The Hydrating Oil Stick was product I really wanted to try from the time I was aware of Milk. Again, I am SO here for the idea of an oil in stick-form, but also I was looking forward to using it as a natural highlighter. In all honesty this oil stick has so many uses it’s truly unbelievable, and it being in stick-form makes it super easy to just throw it in your bag and go. I use mine as a face oil, lip balm, hair oil, highlighter (face and body).....honestly the uses are pretty endless. It is a light face oil that provides good hydration. I say good because I find it is not as rich as my liquid oils, but honestly, I think that’s what you’re giving up for the convenience of the stick-form. However, if you need hydration in a pinch this stick totally gets the job done. Also, it is quite nice as a natural highlight, it provides a nice, subtle, natural-looking sheen if you apply it to the high points of you face i.e. where’d you normally apply highlighter.(browbones, cheekbones, bridge of nose, and cupid’s bow). However, if you are doing a full-face or heavier eye makeup I’d suggest you’d not use this product for your highlight. It is indeed made of oils, so while it gives a nice sheen, it also makes that makeup slide...slide...slide....right off your face. 

So, I must confess, I have several Cooling Water sticks in my life. They’re all mini, and some were a self-purchase, and others were gifts to reward my loyalty to Milk hahaha. However, I am glad I have multiple because this is really an amazing product that I use multiple times throughout the day because of its ability to awaken and refresh my skin. My favorite place to use it is under and around my eyes. It has caffeine in it which opens and awakens my eyes in the morning, that are still puffy and tired from sleep. Also, the mini-size is PERFECT for the small contours of your eyes - this is one product I would not get in the full-size version specifically for this reason. However, it provides a nice, soothing, cooling sensation which is a godsend for anyone with easily irritated skin. Because of this cooling sensation I also put Cooling Water on my temples, back and sides of my neck to provide my senses and skin a nice cooling refresher. I specifically keep a mini in work for my 2 p.m. pick-me-up.