Clinique Acne Solutions clearing moisturizer (oil-free)

Purchase: $21.50 @ Sephora

So, I would love to tell you all about this product but I tried it twice and I had a terrible allergic reaction to it! The first time I put it on I felt like I had a few bumps on my chin (irritation), so, I decided to try it again but at night time so that I could tell in the morning. Bad idea! When I woke up in the morning my face was all red and puffy! Especially the side that had the most air; it had a scratchy red rash all over it and was a lot more puffed up then the other side. I was so disappointed as I was really hoping this stuff would work for me. So be warned! Make sure you try a sample of something before you purchase it!

Also, I wanted to say sorry to everyone for not posting more often. I am currently completing my 5 week practicum and have three weeks left then should have some more time! <3

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Mat

Purchase: $25 @ London Drugs  Take an Extra 20% off until March 2nd!

Mattifying Effect: 8 out of 10

Moisturizing: 8 out of 10

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Mat Fortifying and soothing 24Hr hydrating anti-shine effect (what a mouth full) is a great anti-matifying moisturizer. This product comes in a 50mL bottle (as apposed to Vichy's Normaderm Mat Hydrant 30mL for $30) so you get a little more bang for your buck. I wore this without any makeup on for a day and even went to hula hooping class (that's right, I teach hula hooping classes!) and only had slickness around my nose area. Usually my skin gets pretty oily pretty fast, mind you, it is winter so it is a bit dryer. This product does not have any SPF in it though and so I would suggest this for winter use and the Normaderm mat for summer use. It also gives your skin that little extra moisturizer for the cold winter months so my suggestion is to buy BOTH of these great moisturizers to keep oil-free all year long. This moisturizer is very versatile so I would definitely say that it would benefit all skin types. As always, I would suggest getting a sample from your nearest LD before purchasing to make sure your skin likes it as much as mine.
This is also a Gel moisturizer which works wonders for Oily skin. It can effectively hydrate skin without using any thick cream or oil. Moreover, Gel can also provide the most effective matte effect for those who want smoother skin tone without dullness or dryness. Gel also absorbs in to your skin faster than a creme.

La Roche Effaclar M

Moisturizing effect: 9 out of 10
Mattifying effect: 7 out of 10
Purchase: $30 @ London Drugs

I do not love love this product but I did purchase it one more time because it was such a good deal at half price!! This stuff is a GREAT moisturizer but I found that my T-Zone was  a bit sleek after a few hours wear (even though it was very matt for the first few hours). So, if you don't have oily skin then this moisturizer is fantastic! I would suggest it for combination to dry skin for sure.

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Thanks for reading everyone!

Avene.... not so awesome products for the price

A little while back I dabbled in the Eau Thermale Avene product line and was not very satisfied with the results.


Cleanance K 40mL

Purchase: $28 at London Drugs
Claims: Skin care to help eliminate spots blackheads and blemishes
Active Ingredients: AHA + BHA
Moisturizing Effect: 7 out of 10
Skin Clearing Effect: 5 out of 10

I honestly didn't notice much of a difference in my skin when using this product. I also found the product went on very slick and I felt like I had sunscreen on my face. I also didn't love the smell of the product. This product is also pretty expensive so I do not think the results are worth the money at all.

Avene Clenance Emulsion 40mL
Oil-Free

Purchase: London Drugs
Claims: Anti-shine regulating lotion for oily, blemish-prone sensitive skin
Moisturizing effect: 7 out of 10
Mattifying effect: 4 out of 10

This product sounded like the perfect thing for my skin! However, I was sadly dissapointed. It did not leave my skin looking mattified at all and went on very thick as if it were a heavy creme. I also believe the product was around $30 and does not, even slightly, compare to Vichy's matifying moisturizer. I would not buy this product again.