Pacific Night Serum with Retinol

February 13, 2017

One thing that the experts (and by experts, I mean dermatologists, aestheticians, chemists, etc...) all agree upon is that retinol (aka vitamin A) is an incredibly effective at reversing premature aging. With its ability to smooth out wrinkles, dissolve pore clogging dead skin cells, fade stubborn acne scars and sun spots, retinol is a multitasking, overachieving topshelf heavyweight.

This particular bottle makes a difference after one application. When I don't use it, I can tell. It keeps breakouts at bay, and instrumental in softening my pregnancy induced freckles acquired over the past year. For extra potency, mixing it with a facial oil (I've been using Kahina Giving Beauty's Argan Oil) really increases the absorption and amps up the benefits. I'm nearly out of this bottle and apparently, they've since revamped the formula. Here's hoping it's just as effective.

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I've tried a few clean lash serums and two weeks in, this bottle ($19) has been the best by far. Applied with a lash spoolie, my lashes are softer, fluffier, and less apt to break from curling. While I don't necessarily believe it creates new lash growth, it definitely boosts the lashes you have. I am realizing how brittle and stumpy my lashes were from overenthusiastic curling and dry, crunchy mascaras that hold the curl We condition our hair, why not our lashes?

These days, my self-care has been all practicality. Enter another one of those does-it-all products: cleanser, moisturizer, cheekbone gleamer and body oil.

What all lip balms should look, taste and feel like. This one is courtesy of @livinglibations

It smells like honey, gives pretty, polished lashes, but ultimately flaked on me by the afternoon. I so wanted to love this, but it's sadly not a repeat buy for me.

Signal boosting my favorite clean beauty discovery of the year so far. @josephinecosmetics from makeup artist + entrepreneur Sholayide Otugalu (shown in last photo) makes the BEST liquid eyeliner I've found. Will post on that later. For now, check out her luxe, solidly formulated line. And please, stockists, add @josephinecosmetics to the list of brands to consider carrying.

Made body scrub with the little ones. Expired ground coffee, cardamom, cloves, along with almond oil, and a few drops of vanilla and ylang ylang essential oils. One could add sugar or sea salt as well, but a great way to utilize expired pantry items. Thrifty as it was, this kitchen sink project smelled divine.

Swatches of @kosas liquid eyeshadows. Unique formula dries to a powder, and does a decent job of locking in. The flamboyant colors, however, take some time and skill.

Gucci Westman came out with a mascara and I was thrilled to try a sample. Its a maximum volume kind of mascara, holds a curl better than most, but by afternoon, I have a smattering of flakes beneath my eyes. I so wanted to love it, but at $62 a pop, I'm somewhat relieved I don't.

@hereticparfum continually satisfies my thirst for luxe, unusual scents. This duo doesn't disappoint, and bonus: it's on sale at @credobeauty . i Pretty is a polished, fizzy citrus. Somehow ladylike and unisex simultaneously. And Dirty is just pure sex. Think Thierry Mugler Angel without all the candy notes.