I've been raving about Naturopathica for a few years now as they never disappoint. The brand is amazing at reinforcing our well being, and all the while living up to their word and commitment. During this winter, I've began using the Calendula Essential Hydrating Cream, a miracle worker for very dry and sensitive skin. It's "a nourishing, deeply moisturizing cream that contains anti-inflammatory Calendula Extract to soothe dry, sensitive skin and conditioning Borage Seed Oil to help soften the skin." My skin responded so well to Calendula, the main ingredient in this moisturizer, which happens to be a wound healing herb which contains properties to reduce inflammation and soothe irritation.

Being all natural, with almost perfect consistency and texture, this cream feels just right. And while it may seem pricy for some, a very small amount goes a long way! It's truly amazing how great my skin feels the morning after. I can honestly say this is one of the best hydrating creams I've ever tried.

How to use: Gently smooth a pea size amount over face and neck using upward and outward movements. Apply morning and night over serum or after treatment for best results.

PROS:

• Beautifully designed
• Anti-inflammatory and soothing
• Natural scent with hints of lavender
• Soft, creamy texture
• Natural and Organic Cosmetic certified by ECOCERT Greenlife
• Contains high quality, natural ingredients
• Long lasting hydration
• Perfect for dry and sensitive skin

CONS: None!

Value: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 5/5
Packaging: 5/5
Price: $$$$

Overall: 5/5 

Would I use it again? YES! And you have to try it too.

Our skin goes through dramatic changes as we age. These changes, like thinning skin and reduced production of collagen, alter our skin's surface appearance and create fine lines which eventually develop into deep wrinkles and folds. Sounds scary - and it can be - which is why now is a good time to correct such damaging changes.

Vichy's new Liftactiv Advanced Concentrate is a daily wrinkle corrector designed to visibly fill and smooth-out all wrinkles, even deep and vertical ones like frown and smile lines. The unique formula contains 0.2% pure Retinol, LR2412 (jasmonic molecule), hyaluronic acid, and other ingredients which give it anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties. For the first time, Vichy created their highest concentration pure Retinol in most tolerant formula - you can use it daily on most skin types, including dry and sensitive.

After using Liftactiv for two weeks, I can definitely see a slight improvement in my skin's texture and can feel the anti-wrinkle power of the product as my skin becomes smoother. It's quite pleasant to use due to its lightweight texture, and unlike most Retinol based products, it's gentle on the skin.


HOW TO USE: Can be used daily in 3 ways, on clean face and neck:
1. Alone as daily moisturizer
2. Layered on top of your daily serum or under your daily moisturizer
3. As a localized treatment

PROS:

• Non comedogenic, Hypoallergenic & Paraben free formula
• Contains Vichy Thermal Spa Water which gives a soothing effect
• Gentle on the skin
• Product penetrates quickly
• Lightweight texture with lasting hydration
• Non greasy, non sticky, making it an excellent base for makeup
• Features look less tired
• Smoother skin
• With Anti-inflammatory Properties: Adenosine 0.1% 
• With 24h Hydration: - Hyaluronic Acid 0.2% - Glycerine 8%

CONS:
Can be pricy at $50-$55 in Drugstores across Canada.

Value: 4/5
Quality: 4.5/5
Effectiveness: 4/5
Packaging: 4/5
Price: $$$$
Overall: 4/5  Give it a try! 

After years of using the perfect multi-functional NARS Yachiyo Brush I've finally decided to review it. Sadly, it looks like the infamous, highly rated brush is now out of stock at NARS.com and Sephora, although, I did find it available online by the Canadian retailer, The Bay, where I have originally purchased it for $73+!

So what's so good about it? The NARS Yachiyo brush's modern concept and function unites traditional Japanese culture, creating unique and versatile design. Featuring super black goat hair, known for its softness and strength, this Kabuki Artisan brush is designed for a variety of uses including color application, blending, contouring and highlighting. Super black goat hair is ideal for blending pigments.

PROS: 

• Easy to use
• Gorgeous packaging and design
• Well-made and well-crafted
• Multi-functional and versatile - it's great for contouring and highlighting
• Bendy and spring-like feel and diffusing pointy end designed for a perfect application
• Made for use with very pigmented powder blushes such as NARS Exhibit A
• Perfect for cheeks and face blush/bronzer application
• Made with very soft Pen Super Goat hairs, which are ideal for blending pigments
• The hand-spun black wisteria handle preserves its unique traditional character
• Rated 4.6 out of 5 by MakeupAlley.com members

CONS: 

• Very expensive
• Hard to find
• Slight hair fall out

Despite the price tag, I highly recommend investing in this brush. It lasted me many years, and it can do much more than a typical blush brush. Think of it as a 5-in-1 tool!

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

Overall: 4/5  You gotta have it.

Would I use it again? Yes.