Tag Archives: hyaluronic acid

Oct16

Dirty Works Vitamin C Miracle Moisturizer Review

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Dirty Works Vitamin C Miracle Moisturizer Review

Yoohoo! I absolutely love trying out new skin care products and have been obsessed with the new to me moisturizer I have been using. I finally got around to testing the Vitamin C Miracle Moisturizer by Dirty Works and the name is so fitting. This moisturizer is a little miracle in a bottle! This is the first Dirty Works product that I have used that genuinely impressed me and I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed to find it again at TJMaxx. If you try it, you are going to be all about it too so let’s discuss:

When it comes to skin care, I really don’t care if it’s scented or not. All I want is for it to be effective. However, it’s always nice when a product smells nice and the Miracle Works Moisturizer is a delight. It smells like summer and sunscreen and is a lovely little pick me up when I apply it in the morning. Especially because it finally feels like breezy and brisk fall in good ol’ Akron, Ohio. I use a little more than a dime sized dollop for full face and neck coverage and it feels like I’m getting ready for a day at the beach with each use.

While the sunny scent is a welcome addition, the best part about this moisturizer is the way it feels once it’s on. I have never used one quite like this! After its application, this moisturizer makes my skin feel like pure velvet. It offers a matte finish that just feels so soft to the touch and I cannot recall ever using a moisturizer that has provided that crushed velvet sensation. It is heavenly! This moisturizer absorbs super quickly and gives my skin a radiant glow with the Vitamin C and a hydrating snap compliments of the hyaluronic acid. I can’t get enough of it and I know it’s bad but I also can’t stop touching my face as soon as it’s on morning and night. Yeah, it’s that good!

If you are on the market for a new moisturizer, I truly cannot recommend this one enough. You are going to love it!

What is your favorite Dirty Works product? What is the best moisturizer you have ever used? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May15

ValJean Labs Radiant Glow Face Scrub Review

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ValJean Labs Radiant Glow Face Scrub Review

Howdy!! I love shopping skin care at TJMaxx because it is such a fun and inexpensive way to try new brands and revisit old favorites. While I do have a few tried and true products that I get whenever they’re available, I will just wing it for the rest and go for whatever sounds good and is cruelty free. A new brand I discovered was ValJean Labs and I have been obsessed with their foaming cleanser. It’s easily one of the best face washes I have used in recent memory! I was so excited to have found a Vitamin C + Hyaluronic Acid Scrub of the same brand at TJs and have been using it daily for the past several weeks. Like the cleanser, this scrub is one of the best I have used in a while:

I don’t use scrubs very often but when I do, I need something that’s extremely gentle. While I enjoy a gritty scrub, my skin type is very normal and the harsher exfoliants can be too much. This ValJean Labs scrub is exactly what I need! It is so rich and creamy in texture and the grit factor is minimal but it still feels like I am getting a deep clean. It is gentle enough to use every day and I follow up by washing my face with the foaming cleanser afterwards. It’s the perfect combination and my skin feels smooth and looks soft and fresh.

Not only is this scrub gentle and effective to the T, but it smells great too! It has the lightest citrus scent which is one of my favorites and always perks me up during my morning shower. A little of this scrub also goes a long way, making it an awesome value because a nickle sized dollop will do just fine. I will say that this scrub is a bit of a pain in the butt to wash off fully. I wouldn’t call it “sticky” but it does cling to the skin and takes longer than you would expect for it to gone completely. I learned this after the first few uses when my micellar water cloth was coming back with the remnants! This is no harm no foul, though, just something to be aware of if you try it too. 🙂

The ValJean Labs Vitamin C + Hyaluronic Acid Scrub is a must if you are on the hunt for a new one. It is an excellent year round product and I will definitely be buying it again if it graces TJMaxx’s skin care department!

Do you use facial scrubs? Which one is your favorite? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar31

March 2025 Finishes

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March 2025 Finishes

Oh hey! It’s the last day of March and, I’ve got to say, it has been a pretty good month for your favorite lil blogger. And the fact that spring is… springing makes everything that much better! Before we dive head first into April showers to bring May flowers, it’s time to discuss my beauty finishes for the month. I’ve also got to say, they were pretty good too! Check it out:

Would I Use Again?

Evoluderm Vitamin C Micellar Water: NO

Envy Hyaluronic Acid & Ceramides Cleanser: NO

Bath & Body Works Winter Candy Apple Lotion: YES

Vital Beauty Cooling Eye Gel: YES

Clinical Works Hyaluronic Acid Face Cream: YES!!

Why/Why Not?

Evoluderm Micellar Water: During a TJMaxx skin care haul, I purchased a full bottle and travel size pack of the Evoluderm Vitamin C micellar water. I used up the travel size one last month, didn’t care for it, and completing the full size bottle solidified my “whomp whomp” sentiments. I noticed no positive changes in my skin with the different formula and makeup removal was more difficult. I have tried countless variations of traditional micellar water and always find myself wanting to return to my old standby. I am glad I can get back to the classic Evoluderm micellar water now that this dud is done!

Envy Cleanser: I have been using the Hyaluronic Acid & Ceramides cleanser by Envy every day for the past three months and change. I am SO happy to be done with it because I was less than impressed. Despite the fact that is lathered well and there was a lot of bang for the buck since a little went a long way, the results just weren’t there. It also had more of a cream texture which, in my opinion, is far less refreshing than my go to foaming cleansers. This is definitely a product that can be skipped on.

Clinical Works Moisturizer: Now, this Hyaluronic Acid moisturizer by Clinical Works was a winner and I so wish I had more! It took me five weeks of twice daily use to finish the big jar and I could absolutely see a difference in my skin. It looked bright, dewy, and was simply glowing. My skin felt soft and smooth and it looked it, too. This pleasing somewhere in between a gel and cream texture would be perfect for late spring and summer use and I am keeping my fingers, toes, and eyes crossed that I can find more at TJMaxx. Highly recommend!

Even though there were a few losers in the mix, this batch of empties was a GREAT SUCCESS because I truly couldn’t wait to be done with some of these long term products. I hope I have better luck with their replacements!

Which products did you finish up this month? What are your thoughts on any of the above products if you have used them before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar3

Clinical Works Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer Review

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Clinical Works Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer Review

Howdy! I absolutely love to shop for skin care at TJMaxx and am always eager to try new brands and products. Whether they are a hit or miss, it’s just nice to try something new and review them. Typically, I have a lot of luck with my selections and am fine with the periodic “good but not great” product. However, I have been really striking out with moisturizers as of late. The ones that I have completed recently literally did nothing for me, which is a bummer because I revel in a good moisturizer! I was expecting a repeat of the “meh” sentiment when I started this Hyaluronic Acid moisturizer by Clinical Works. It turns out that my luck has turned because it is the BEST! Let’s discuss:

Before talking about the product itself, let’s talk price. This is a highly important factor in what I pick out and I simply refuse to spend more than seven dollars on skin care at TJs. I couldn’t believe that this HUGE jar of moisturizer was only five dolla holla and I am not even close to halfway done after a month of twice daily use. Talk about a bang for your buck and my deepest regret is that I didn’t buy the lot that they had available during that haul. Hindsight, as always, is 20/20.

When it comes to moisturizers, my preference is something nice and light with a gel texture. The Hyaluronic Acid moisturizer by Clinical Works lies somewhere between a true cream and a gel moisturizer and it feels as light as air when applied. It absorbs rapidly and it’s easy to forget that I even put it on in the first place. My skin feels so soft with each use and I love the way it looks too. It is dewy, radiant, and glowing. All of this from barely a quarter sized dollop for full coverage on my face and neck. I cannot recommend it enough!

I am going to be SO sad when I finish my jar of Clinical Works moisturizer and will be keeping my eyes peeled for more. Fingers crossed!

What is your favorite moisturizer? Where do you shop for your skin care? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb7

VALJEAN LABS Foaming Cleanser Review

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VALJEAN LABS Foaming Cleanser Review

Howdy!! Last month, I was genuinely sad to have finished one of the cleansers that I was using long term. For almost half a year, it was part of my morning routine until it wasn’t lol. Of course, I am always excited to try a new product and introduced a Hyaluronic Acid and Micellar Water Foaming Cleanser by VALJEAN LABS into my skin care arsenal. This cleanser has been sitting in my stock pile for over a year now and it has finally had its day in the sun. A bright, sunshiny day because I freaking LOVE it!

WAY back in my retail days, I used to work at The Body Shop. It really was the job to have because being surrounded by makeup, skin and bath and body care all day was like a dream come true! The products from The Body Shop were beloved staples in my childhood and working there as a teenager turned me into one of their most faithful customers. Unfortunately, all of TBS’s United States locations closed and I genuinely couldn’t tell you the last time I used their signature body butters or my go to Vitamin C serum. I think about these items fondly and I would so love to have them again. Which is exactly why I am obsessed with this foaming cleanser by VALJEAN LABS!

The Body Shop used to have an Aloe skin care line that was absolutely perfect as a starter kit for teenagers or people with a normal skin type. I dabbled in products from several different collections but a tried and true standard was always the Aloe Foaming Cleanser. It smelled so crisp and clean, lathered gloriously, and left my skin feeling fresh and soft. The first time I used my new cleanser, it unlocked this product memory because the resemblance is simply uncanny. From the cucumber scent to the foaming bubbles and fresh faced glow after each use, it was like being reunited with an old favorite. I would happily buy a few bottles of this cleanser again!!

I cannot recommend the Foaming Cleanser by VALJEAN LABS enough. If you have used and liked the Aloe line from The Body Shop, you are going to fall head over heels for this fantastic replacement!

Did you used to shop at The Body Shop? What was your favorite product? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov30

November 2024 Finishes

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November 2024 Finishes

Hello everyone!!! November is wrapping up and, goodness me, did it go by quick!! Another month is officially in the books, which means that it’s time to discuss my beauty finishes. Were there many? Not really. Are they worth blogging about? Absolutely! There has been a game changer to one of my least favorite Bath & Body Works products and I am SO there for it!! Take a look and let’s get to it:

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Would I Use Again?

Evoluderm Micellar Water: YES

Bath & Body Works Poppy Body Cream: YES

Provence Beauty Hyaluronic Acid Serum: NO

Bath & Body Works Hand Creams: YES!

Why/Why Not?

Provence Beauty Serum: The Hyaluronic Acid Serum by Provence Beauty was nothing to write home about. In fact, I like it even less now after falling in love with another hyaluronic acid serum (Which you read about in yesterday’s post). After twice daily use of the Provence Beauty serum for a month any improvements were unnoticeable. This is in stark comparison to the results I saw in one use of the CEO Of H20 serum! The Provence Beauty one is definitely a product you can skip on.

B&BW Hand Cream: I often get coupons for a free hand cream from Bath & Body Works and, although they aren’t my favorite, free is free! I wouldn’t say the hand creams by B&BW are bad, but they’re just not as good as the traditional lotion or body cream. However, after using my most recent freebies of Platinum and Vanilla Romance, I feel much differently. B&BW must have changed the formula because the hand cream was WAY better than it was before. It was rich, creamy, thicker in texture and my hands/upper body were smooth as silk after each use. I finished both tubes within a week and even if they don’t last very long, I will be happy when I get another freebie coupon in the mail. This was a stellar improvement and they would make great stocking stuffers!

Was this the best month for Beauty Empties? Nope! But Bath & Body Works made my freebie treats even better and that is a GREAT SUCCESS!

Which products did you use up this month? What are your thoughts on any of the above products if you have used them before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov29

Purifect CEO Of H20 Serum Review

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Purifect CEO Of H20 Serum Review

Hello! Nothing pleases me more than a good skin care haul. It just feels like such a treat to browse through the skin care department of TJMaxx and pick out new brands and old favorites. I enjoy my skin care routine every morning and night and it is one of the small ways that I try to incorporate self care into my day. I have been using a lot of new to me products recently and can’t say that any of them have particularly blown me away. However, I started using a serum by Purifect in the past two or so weeks and I cannot get enough of it! Let’s discuss:

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^^^ I just love the picture so much lol

Out of all of the different types of skin care, I probably strike out the most with serums. I have had some tried and true favorites in the past but the ones I have been using in my stockpile have done nothing for me. Upon my first use of the CEO Of H20 serum, I was expecting more of the same lackluster sentiments. To my surprise, I was treated to the best serum I have tried out in recent memory. Even if it wasn’t, it was the best marketing I have seen in recent memory! 😀

When it comes to serums, I am very particular about the consistency. I don’t like when they’re too thin or too thick. They have to be just right! The Purifect serum had a much heavier consistency than my usual preference and it felt more like a gel. In this case, I freaking loved it! I am a huge fan of gel moisturizers and revel in that instant boost of hydration. CEO Of H20 was that exact same feeling but in serum form. It applied like a dream, a dime sized dollop was all I needed, and it still absorbed really fast.

The best part? My skin has been GLOWING. Like seriously glowing. Every time I use it, this permanently tired girl looks like she got twelve hours of beauty sleep. My skin looks so much brighter and supple and I know it’s not good to touch your face but sometimes I can’t help myself. It is WAY softer too!! This is the first serum I can recall that has given me instant effects and I simply can’t recommend it enough.

The CEO Of H20 serum by Purifect is aptly named and you have just got to try it if you are on the hunt for a good serum too. In fact, this is the one product I plan on ordering online in case I don’t find it again at TJMaxx. It is that good!

What is your favorite brand of skin care? What is your go to serum? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun23

Face Mask Festivities: Youth To The People Hydrate & Glow Dream Mask Edition

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Face Mask Festivities: Youth To The People Hydrate & Glow Dream Mask Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new edition of Face Mask Festivities! Today we will be discussing the Superberry Hydrate & Glow Dream Mask from Youth To The People. This mask was compliments of my free birthday gift from Sephora and I was excited to try it out. While I love all kinds of face masks, I am quite partial to sleep masks because you just have to put it on and forget about it. Although it doesn’t give you the full experience of relaxing while your mask sits, it’s always nice to think that you are being pampered even as you catch some Zs! Without further ado, let’s get to this review:

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My first impressions of the Superberry Dream Mix was not really what I expected lol. I was surprised when I opened the package and saw the banana colored product! It also smelled exactly like bananas, which is great if you love the smell of bananas. Unfortunately, I don’t so this wasn’t ideal but thankfully the scent wasn’t too strong. The texture of this mask was really thick, which is also something that I didn’t care much for – especially in the summer heat. The Superberry mask took a considerable amount of time to absorb and it still hadn’t completely sunk in after an hour and a half. At that point, I was falling asleep so I can’t say for certain the full length of time for absorption, but I definitely prefer something more fast acting.

The Superberry Dream Mask features my favorite ingredients for skin care – Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid as well as other antioxidants to hydrate and brighten. After waking up, I did feel like my skin was softer and I also thought it didn’t look as tired considering I was up at three in the morning. Having said that, this mask costs fifty-two dollars for a full size jar and that is something that I can’t justify. Had this mask been an absolute miracle worker, I might reconsider. However, I have had similar results from other cheaper products so this will be the first and only time I use the Youth To The People mask.

It’s hard to gauge a product after just one use, but I am fine with not using it again. I will say that this mask would probably be really nice in the wintertime as opposed to the summer and could be worth a shot if you want to shell out for it!

What is your favorite face mask? What is your nighttime skin care routine? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May21

GlobalBeautyCare Retinol & Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer Review

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GlobalBeautyCare Retinol & Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer Review

Hello!! On June 7th, I am turning the dirty thirty. I definitely don’t feel my age, but I was born in 1994 so you can’t argue with that. I take that back – sometimes I feel my age. I feel like I’m at the point where I injure myself from sleeping weird and have to grunt every time I hoist myself up from the couch! One other thing that I clocked, which is perhaps the worst of all, is the start of some fine lines on my face. We are our own worst critic so what is a glaring issue to me is more than likely unnoticeable to most. That doesn’t mean that I don’t want to fix it, though! Which brings us to this moisturizer review:

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Normally when I shop skin care at TJMaxx, I go for anything with Vitamin C or hyaluronic acid. They have both been staples in my beauty routine for years and really agree with my skin. However, the needs of your skin change and I began experimenting with products that have retinol in recent skin care hauls. I can’t say that I was overly impressed with any of the moisturizers I sampled and was okay with that. The world of retinol is a totally new ballgame for me. Then, the retinol and hyaluronic acid moisturizer by GlobalBeautyCare scored a home run in the clutch.

My past experiences with retinol moisturizers was either underwhelming or far too potent for what my skin needed. The GlobalBeautyCare moisturizer was the true definition of “just right”. I used this product twice daily for a month and never felt any discomfort. It felt like using a regular old moisturizer. This wasn’t just a regular old moisturizer, though! I can, without a doubt, say that I noticed visible results from using it. Results so good that I consider this moisturizer to be Botox in a jar. The area that I was particularly concerned about was the fine lines around my mouth. By the time the jar was empty, I could tell that my skin looked plumper and the lines seemed to smooth themselves out. I was amazed by this because it’s not every day that you find a product that is that effective. I was so sad when I finished this moisturizer and am keeping my fingers crossed that I can find it at TJs again!

12/10 highly recommend the retinol and hyaluronic acid moisturizer by GlobalBeautyCare – especially if you are in my age range. This is a perfect introduction to retinol products and your skin will thank you!

How old are you turning this year? Do you feel your age? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun28

Edom Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer Review

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Edom Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer Review

Hello!!! I had really good luck with the moisturizers that I purchased during a TJMaxx haul in April. I tried three new to me brands and they were all awesome!! Today, we are going to discuss the last moisturizer that I got by Edom. It is a Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid formula and I have been using it day and night for over two weeks. I am loving it and was so happy to find another jar during my last shopping trip. Let’s get to it:

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This moisturizer has everything that I like in spades – A light fragrance, light texture, and the fact that I can feel it working instantly. Normally, I prefer a fragrance free moisturizer and the Edom one has a slight scent to it. It has a delicate hint of floral mixed in with the rich, creamy aroma and it is just right. It compliments the whipped, pillow soft texture so well and it is pleasant rather than overpowering. This moisturizer absorbs quickly despite its richness, but it still feels highly effective. Sometimes, a fast absorbing moisturizer makes you feel like you didn’t put anything on to begin with and I hate that!

As soon as the Edom moisturizer is applied, I can feel it sinking in and working its magic. It feels invigorating and kind of tingly. It also has a quick blast of coolness to it which feels refreshing after a hot shower. Within ten or so minutes, the moisturizer absorbs completely and the effects are astounding. My skin feels softer and more nourished with this formula than with any other moisturizer that I have used before. And that’s really saying something! Not only does my skin feel good, but it looks it too. I have noticed a huge difference in the evenness of my complexion and it simply glows after each use.

If you are looking for a new moisturizer, then I cannot recommend the Edom Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid one enough. It is, easily, the best moisturizer that I have ever used!

Do you like to try new skin care products or stick to a routine? What is the best skin care you have ever used? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah