SUNDAY RILEY GOOD GENES AND LUNA // POWER COUPLE

I purchased the Sunday Riley's Power Couple kit during the Sephora VIB Rouge sale after having my eye(s) on it for the longest time. Well, I couldn't decide whether I wanted to jump in and purchase both products full size or this starter kit - not difficult to figure out as to which I ended up getting!! *wink*

The powerful couple kit consists of the Good Genes (all-in-one lactic acid treatment) and Luna (retinol sleeping night oil). Good Genes, as described, is a high potency, pharmaceutical grade lactic acid, which instantly plumps surface lines and smooths the appearance of deeper wrinkles, while fighting hyperpigmentation for an even, toned complexion. Enhanced with licorice for brightening, and aloe and arnica to soothe irritation, Good Genes helps to clarify, exfoliate, plump lines, and correct uneven skin tone for immediate radiance.
Luna is an advanced retinol ester combined with soothing blue essential oils, for an overnight, transformative facial. The cutting-edge trans-retinol ester reduces the appearance of pores, lines, and sun damage, while blue tansy and German chamomile calm redness and irritation, for flawless, youthful, porcelain skin.

In this kit, Good Genes comes in a 0.5 fl. oz. glass, pump bottle, while Luna is 0.5 fl. oz. in a glass, droplet bottle. The kit retails for $78 at Sephora. The full size products, sold separately, are 1 fl. oz. for $105/each.

For the past few weeks, I can honestly say that I have been using the products religiously, with a couple of occasional skips <forgive me>. Luna is a blue tint oil, but once applied on the skin, becomes sheer. The odor is manageable and not terribly strong; it becomes nonexistent after a few seconds of application.

Directions are to use both products at night. Luna to be applied first on a clean skin, and once let to soak for about 5 min, you are to apply the Good Genes afterwards. You can choose to use Good Genes on its own in the morning as well, after you cleanse your skin.

My skin has become smoother with a slight firmness and the little redness that I had around my cheeks has become less with usage. I know that the word "miracle" gets thrown around the beauty world quite often, but this duo has surely achieved that status to date!! I've kicked myself several times for not taking the initiative of starting them way sooner.

My darlings, have you given these a try? If so, what are your thoughts?

FEBRUARY FAVES

Well, February has come to an end - time to roll up the sleeves and showcase all my favorites for the month. I hope you had a wonderful month and that Valentine's Day was lovely to you (no matter how you spent it). 

Some of these products below have been long time favorites and the rest, recent purchases that made the "love...definitely will keep" list. 

Waxelene - I've been a user of different kinds of lip balms in the past ... from low to high-end brands. I was introduced to this brand by a fellow IG green-beauty doll (@mylucitedreams - check her out) and while out shopping one cold day, I came across this balm and decided to purchase it and give it a try. Sure enough, it didn't disappoint one bit. I feel the difference compared with my previous lip balms. The ingredient list is clean, containing only: organic soy oil, non-gmo vitamin E oil and organic rosemary oil. I would definitely recommend trying this balm ... unless you're a fruity-loopy-sweet-tinted balm doll.

YSL Rouge Volupte Shine - these lippies are to die for!! Never have enough of them. The first swipe on your lips and you'd have thoughts that you might have applied butter on them. Antioxidants help condition and soften the lips, while the hyaluronic acid helps seal in moisture for 8 hours of hydration. Wide color variations that will not disappoint. They are a bit on the hefty price range, but you get what you pay for. Give them a try - you'll thank me later.

Jimmy Choo perfume - it is a sweet and spicy, mildly floral scent. Pear and orchid are the first nuances that you'd pick up, but they fade into a woody and light floral within the hour. I have been wearing this perfume for a few years now and I continue to repurchase. 

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer - I have raved about this concealer several weeks ago and I will continue to stress its perfection in coverage, color-match and consistency. It is not heavy once applied and blended and leaves a fabulous coverage.

Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation - I have been using this oil-free face cream for a little over a year now and I'm very impressed with the results. Once applied, it feels silky and it's fast absorbing. I have noticed my skin to be more radiant and noticeably brighter. Look into this moisturizer and allow your skin to benefit from these sheer transformation results. 

Have you had the pleasure to use any of the above products? What are your thoughts on them? Any holy grails that you'd recommend to me? 

Xo,
Anxhela

TOP 5 WINTER SKINCARE ESSENTIALS

I try to keep a ritual in place with my skincare whether it is summer or winter months. I believe that being consistent with skincare is important - time will show if a product is beneficial to your skin and consistent with what it claims to accomplish. 
But, sometimes, I can't help by detour from it depending on my skin's behavior - nothing remains the same, isn't that the truth?!?
Here are a few of my current daily/weekly skin care products :

1. Obagi AM/PM Foaming Gel - I've been using this product for about 2 years now, and it certainly does what it claims. It leaves my skin completely clean from any makeup residue and non-dry. 

2. Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Mask - definitely love this product when my face feels dry or just a bit blah. It is light, clear and easy to apply. I'll apply it before going to bed and wash it off in the morning. 

3. Caudalie Premier Cru Eye Cream has anti-aging effect and aids in reducing dark circles by leaving behind a more radiant skin and works in hydrating the skin towards a firmer and smoother canvas. Call me biased, but I truly love most of the Caudalie products that I have used in the past and present.

4. Chantecaille Retinol Intense Cream - I have been using this cream for about a year at this point and I can say that my pores are less visible and my skin overall, looks brighter and more even. Overall, I do enjoy it and will continue to use it.

5. Caudalie Divine Oil - D I V I N E indeed!! I looooooove this product. I use it mainly during winter months and not only does it smell "to die for," but also my skin looks quite radiant and soothed in the morning. Definitely give it a try. Did I mention that I looooooove it?!?? *wink*

Have you used any of these products? What are your thoughts? If so, any holy grail products that you would recommend back to me?

xo,
Anxhela