Update: Lancome Gloss in Love

When I first opened my sample of Lancome Gloss in Love 385 Under the Spotlight, I thought, “A! It’s so pink!” The colour looks a very bright fuchsia en masse. However, just like with the orange-looking 144 Glitter Mania, it looks great on and brightens the complexion (probably because of the iridescent glitter). 385 is sweet to taste yet flavourless. All of the other properties that I’ve listen in my initial review of Lancome Gloss in Love are the same here.

The price for the majority of these glosses has gone up by a dollar since the time I first reviewed them. They all used to cost C$28.00, and now only a handful remain priced so.

Lancome Gloss in Love: 0.20oz (5.9ml); 230 Cinema Cinnamon, 302 Rose Oscar, Mocha Queen, and Ginger Star for C$28.00; all others for C$29.00 @ Sephora.ca.

L’Occitane Ultra Rich Body Cream Rich in Shea Butter

I’m always looking for something better. I’ve trusted in products sold at Sephora because I found them to be better than most drugstore brands. However, after the disappointments with Tarte (Pure Maracuja Oil and Maracuja C-Brighter Eye Treatment), I was afraid of purchasing something I had not tried before. Of course, I do my regular research before any blind purchase, but it failed me twice. Consequently, I was weary of purchasing unfamiliar products. I shouldn’t have worried about L’Occitane’s Ultra Rich Body Cream.

Firstly, L’Occitane is a proven brand, producing quality products with healthy ingredients. Ultra Rich Body Cream contains 25% shea butter. Despite my previous experience with shea butter scents, which smelled dirty, the smell of this cream is soft and unobtrusive. It is pleasant: powdery and slightly rosy. Compared to Philosophy Amazing Grace Firming Body Emulsion, Ultra Rich Body Cream requires more work in spreading due to a more viscous consistency. Although I did state that Amazing Grace can be used on the face, it can be irritating if the skin is dry or damaged. L’Occitane’s Ultra Rich Body Cream does not irritate. It absorbs well and can be used on the face for people with dry skin. I did not have shiny or oily skin after its use (given time for absorption). It’s ability to moisturize is greater than Amazing Grace’s, although the latter is already a fantastic hydrator. Fragrances last longer using Amazing Grace, while the tenacity of scents on Ultra Rich Body Cream is average – it does not smother fragrances (like The Body Shop Body Butter) nor does it prolong them.

I highly recommend Ultra Rich Body Cream Rich in Shea Butter for people with dry skin or for cold, dry seasons. It’s non-irritating, pleasant-smelling, and can be used on the face. Because of its viscosity, a container of Ultra Rich will not last as long as the same-sized container of Amazing Grace. For sensitive skin, Ultra rich is a better bet. Amazing Grace will serve well the rest.

L’Occitane Ultra Rich Body Cream Rich in Shea Butter: 7oz (200ml) for $48.00 @ Sephora.ca.

Dr. Brandt Skincare Do Not Age with Dr. Brandt Time Reversing Cream

I’ve been looking at Dr. Brandt’s products for a while, feeling like some of them may be very suitable for my skin. Until now, I have never had the opportunity to test any of them. I’m happy that I got the chance.

Do Not Age is a fantastic cream. It protects from the chill of winter, hydrating while healing and truly making me look more alive and, hence, younger. It smooths out wrinkles and imperfections. Do Not Age makes the skin glow. My skin has colour to it now! It can even be used around the eyes (just don’t get it into the eye as it’ll sting) and provides enough moisture to this delicate area, too.

I highly recommend the Time Reversing Cream for dry or aging skin. Unfortunately, its prohibitive price may keep me from committing.

Dr. Brandt Skincare Do Not Age with Dr. Brandt Time Reversing Cream: 1.7oz (50ml) for C$150.00 @ Sephora.ca.

Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Moisturizing Shampoo

Not all of us have time for a relaxing bubble bath when we need it most. Luckily, aromatherapy comes in a variety of forms, including soaps, shampoos, and lotions. So long as the smell is not overwhelming, scented products are a delightful boost to a grey mood.

Black Vanilla smells charming. Although a far cry from vanilla, the scent is delicate and warm. It does not scream. After use, just like it says, the hair is left soft. However, compared to other shampoos, Black Vanilla is a poor cleaner. After colouring, for example, I only need to wash my hair once for it to be clean, but with this shampoo, that wasn’t enough. I have to thoroughly lather and thoroughly wash out the suds. Even then, I find my hair gets oilier quicker than usual.

Black Vanilla is a gentle shampoo that softens the hair. The lingering scent gets compliments. The shampoo’s set of ingredients, however, makes washing thoroughly a priority and more often a necessity.

Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Moisturizing Shampoo: 8oz (236ml) for $8.45 @ CarolsDaughter.com.

Philosophy Full of Promise Dual-Action Restoring Cream

Philosophy generally makes good products. They may not be on par with Shiseido’s luxurious inventions, but they have high quality bodycare for not as high a price.

Full of Promise Restoring Cream is said to firm. It also says to uplift and volumize, but I’ve never seen these terms used to describe skin benefits. When I read this, I imagined puffy cheeks, like that of a child or, worse, a bee bite. There’s nothing to worry about of that sort with the Restoring Cream – it doesn’t puff up. It firms like it says it does. I am unhappy with its lack of moisturization, however. Despite the cream being relatively thick, my cheeks are feeling dry, although this can be due to one of longest and harshest winters we (Canada) have had in many years. I’ve never had to suffer dry skin for so long as I did this season, nor did it take so long for it to recover.

I am practically certain that Full of Promise Restoring Cream would have performed as a better hydrator in a different season, but it doesn’t claim to be a dry skin drink. Its actual claims are  a little hard to understand, other than it is firming. Aging skin should give this cream a try. May be too thick for younger audiences.

Philosophy Full of Promise Dual-Action Restoring Cream: 60ml for C$82.00 @ Sephora.ca.