How exciting! I have recently received even more amazing Naturopathica products since my last purchase. If you haven't heard of this company, Naturopathica designed certified Natural and Organic products for very sensitive skin. In the next few days, plus during the month of December, I will be testing out the following products:

Pear Fig Polishing Enzyme Peel: A nourishing mask that helps smooth and rejuvenate dry, devitalized skin. Formulated with hydrating Fig, smoothing Jojoba Beads and exfoliating Pear Puree for glowing, polished skin.

Pumpkin Purifying Enzyme Peel: Formulated for dull or congested skin, this clarifying mask exfoliates with Pumpkin Enzymes to promote a clear and radiant complexion.

Sweet Cherry Enzyme Brightening Peel: An exfoliating mask that helps brighten and smooth sun-damaged skin. Sweet Cherry Puree is a vitamin-rich anti-inflammatory while Resveratrol helps brighten and even skin tone.

Vitamin C15 Wrinkle Repair Serum: A potent daily serum formulated to firm, brighten and protect the skin while helping reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A powerful blend of 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin E and Oat Beta Glucan helps correct skin tone and stimulate collagen production. Hyaluronic Acid adds essential moisture and helps calm irritation.

Stay tuned for individual reviews of each product! Meanwhile, check out Naturopathica.com, and learn why it's a great brand: 

- Formulas use the best proven innovations in science and nature, including Peptides, Retinols, L-Ascorbic Acid, Matrixyl® synthe’6®, Glycolic Acids and Plant Stem Cells. 

- Naturopathica never use toxic or irritating ingredients such as sulfate detergents, PEGs, DEA, TEA, parabens, glycols or urea in any of their products.

- Certified Natural and Organic, the products are audited and certified by ECOCERT.

- Adding the ECOCERT seal to a Naturopathica product ensures that it has gone through a rigorous review process from ingredient sourcing and formulation, all the way through to manufacturing and packaging.

- All products are allergy tested to ensure that they are free of any ingredients that could harm sensitive skin.

- Every formula is developed to be as enjoyable as it is effective.

- Custom glass bottles are reusable and recyclable. 

- Tubes are made from 70% post-consumer recycled plastic. 

- Naturopathica partners with fair trade organizations and community farmers to source our ingredients.

- The products are never tested on animals. Naturopathica is a member of the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics and all products are Leaping Bunny-certified as cruelty-free.

- The brand is committed to supporting small, local farms in the USA—All Naturopathica products are made in the USA.

While I only had a chance to test out 5-7ml sized samples of Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Age-Renewal Cremes, it was just enough to last for a few months to notice any improvement. Being such a generous amount, these exclusive samples alone are worth $80. Yes, I know...it's pricy! The Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv collection is ultra-luxurious, claims to renew the skin for a smoother, younger looking complexion, and with a price tag of $125+ per product - so I was definitely hoping it would work. 

Re-Nutriv claims to use multi-benefit technology that helps dramatically reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Supposedly so potent, this creme improves cell survival and delivers exceptional anti-oxidant power. So pampering, it soothes and calms skin to protect its natural youthfulness. The formula, indeed, is outstanding for dry skin. The special molecules are designed to repair, recharge, and restore skin's already damaged appearance. 

Sadly, the majority of users reported online their disappointment in the creme, stating it certainly isn't worth the price, a rather shocking price at that! 

PROS:

• Great for dry skin
• Contains nutrients, extraordinary algae, and precious extracts
• Skin feels smoother
• Gives a glowing look

CONS:

• Very expensive 
• Poorly designed jar container - the constant dipping adds bacteria and deteriorates precious ingredients

Overall, after a few months of use my skin felt more supple and firm, however, both of the Re-Nutriv cremes are very expensive and in turn difficult to justify.  I believe there are many other products that can do a better job for a much lower price. Plus, there are better options even among Estee Lauder products.

Re-Nutriv Intensive Age-Renewal Creme Super Creme. Super Potent. $220 CAD

Re-Nutriv Intensive Age-Renewal Eye Creme $125 CAD

Value: 3/5
Quality: 4/5
Effectiveness: 3.5/5
Packaging: 2/5
Price: $$$$$

Overall: 3/5  Works very well for most skin types, but very expensive! $$$

Would I use it again? Probably not.

Not too long ago I've been introduced to one of SkinCeuticals best-selling products in the U.S. - Micro-Exfoliating Scrub with Biomedic Microbead technology for combination or oily skin. Having to wear makeup all day, plus, having oily skin is not ideal and certainly leads to clogged up pores. This mild, non-abrasive exfoliating gel designed for congested skin - such as mine - combines Diatomaceous Earth Microbeads (a naturally occurring, soft, chalk-like sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder) with cleansing and hydrating agents to gently, but effectively exfoliate dead skin cells. And as a result, this exfoliating process promotes healthy cell renewal without damaging or drying your skin. Evidently, my skin did not feel dried out nor flaky as it does from most exfoliators. Also, there are other ingredients including Glycerin and Aloe which moisturize and soothe the skin, which in turn helped my skin feel instantly smoother, refreshed and purified. It works!

USE: APPLY A SMALL AMOUNT OF SCRUB TO A DAMP FACE. GENTLY MASSAGE FOR A FULL MINUTE. RINSE THOROUGHLY WITH WATER.

PROS:

• The gentle microbeads thoroughly cleanse pores
• Highly rated 
• Promotes cell renewal 
• Leaves skin soft and polished 
• Optimal for congested and rough skin 
• Reasonably priced at $30-$34 - you only need a little!
• Soothing gel texture 
• Made from fossilized sea algae
• Dermatologist recommended
• Convenient tube packaging

CONS:

• Contains parabens 
• Not ideal for very sensitive skin

Value: 4/5
Quality: 4/5
Effectiveness: 4.5/5
Packaging: 5/5
Price: $$$

Overall: 4.5/5  Works very well for most skin types. I would recommend this to friends with oily/combination skin. 

Would I use it again? YES.

Note: SkinCeuticals is available through selected distribution channels via dispensing doctors, medical-spas and high-end spas across Canada. For store locator visit: www.skinceuticals.com/canada.

And once again, I'm up late at night, working away, sipping espresso, staring tirelessly at the screen of my smart phone, worrying that I won't get enough sleep, and yet fully aware of the fact that I'll look terrifying in the morning. The fatigue is written on my face and the lack of sleep is certainly taking a toll on my skin, but, thankfully there is hope! 

SkinCeuticals developed this deeply hydrating masque, enriched with Vitamin B5 to aid the skin in restoring a healthy appearance - exactly what my skin craved after a long restless day. The masque contains high concentrations of the infamous Hyaluronic Acid at 1% to replenish critical moisture levels depleted in dehydrated and stressed skin. The result is a much more radiant, healthy complexion.

I have used the Hydrating B5 masque for a few weeks now, at night, and twice a week. After cleansing and toning, I have applied a generous amount evenly across my face and neck, and allowed for it to absorb for 10-15 minutes. Because the instructions did not note if I had to wash it off, I have left it on overnight for ultimate results. In the morning, I have thoroughly rinsed off the masque...and Voila! there you have it - a much more energized, hydrated skin. 

PROS: 

• Ideal for all skin types, including eczema prone
• Plumping effect and a quick fix
• Weightless gel texture
• Quickly absorbing
• Softens the appearance of wrinkles
• Convenient tube packaging
• Can also be used on other dry areas such as hands, neck, chest, elbows, knees, and feet
• Non-oily

CONS: 
Can be pricy at $62 CAD or $54 USD

CLAIM:

Inspired by the award-winning Hydrating B5 Gel, this highly concentrated masque infuses dehydrated and stressed skin with optimal amounts of hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 to replenish depleted moisture levels.

• Contains high concentrations of hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5
• Optimizes moisture infusion in targeted areas
• Improves skin's tissue repair function
• Leaves skin supple and smooth
• Ideal for all skin types

Value: 4/5
Quality: 4/5
Effectiveness: 4/5
Packaging: 4/5
Price: $$$

Overall: 4/5  I would definitely recommend this to friends with dry skin. 

Would I use it again? YES.

Note: SkinCeuticals is available through selected distribution channels via dispensing doctors, medical-spas and high-end spas across Canada. For store locator visit: www.skinceuticals.com/canada.