Swatches + Comparisons: Caudalie Divine Oil for Face, Body and Hair

Summer is right around the corner and since more skin is exposed, it's time to whip out my body oils and nourish my scaly, snake skin, which I've been hiding all winter. Can the Caudalie Divine Oil do the trick, and even for the face, hair or anywhere that screams dryness?  

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Review + Swatches: Mists, Masks and Moisturizers

These are some of the skincare products that I'm enjoying right now and that are in rotation. I find that if I keep using the same product over and over again, my skin gets used to it and the product ends up being less potent and less effective. Also, I get bored using the same thing all the time. Change is good!

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Swatches: DHC Resveratrol Skincare Collection

The DHC Resveratrol Collection is formulated with a super antioxidant called Resveratrol that's known to be the "fountain of youth" by scientists. All 3 products protect the skin from UV rays & pollution and fight signs of aging. 

DHC Resveratrol Lotion

• available in one size, 4oz ($61)
• prepares your skin for your moisturizer

The Resveratrol Lotion is similar to the DHC Kakonjuka Lotion in terms of consistency and packaging. I apply it with my fingertips and use it right after I wash my face. I can feel a difference immediately. My skin feels smoother and more hydrated. As for the fragrance, it has a very light and fresh scent to it and it quickly dissipates within a few seconds of application.  

Ingredients: water/aqua/eau, butylene glycol, glycerin, pentylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, glycosyl trehalose, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, phenoxyethanol, PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil, sodium citrate, disodium EDTA, phytostearyl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate, resveratrol, tocopheryl acetate, hydrogenated lecithin, citric acid, polyglyceryl-10 laurate, hydrolyzed soy protein, hydroxyethylcellulose, isodonis japonicus leaf/stalk extract, oryza sativa (rice) extract, sodium benzoate, sodium hyaluronate, potassium sorbate, hydrolyzed collagen, tocopherol

DHC Resveratrol Essence

• available in one size, 1.5oz ($61)
• antioxidant booster

The Resveratrol Essence is similar to the DHC Kakonjuka Essence in terms of consistency and packaging. It acts as a serum and delivers a higher potency of resveratrol. I use it right after I apply the Lotion and find that combination to be moisturizing enough for foundation application. I love how soft and smooth it leaves my skin feeling!

Ingredients: water/aqua/eau, butylene glycol, squalane, pentylene glycol, glycerin, glycosyl trehalose, sodium methyl stearoyl taurate, behenyl alcohol, hydrogenated lecithin, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, phenoxyethanol, sodium hydroxide, tocopheryl acetate, disodium EDTA, resveratrol, hydrolyzed soy protein, isodonis japonicus leaf/stalk extract, oryza sativa (rice) extract, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, hydrolyzed collagen, sodium hyaluronate

DHC Resveratrol Cream

• available in one size, 1.5oz ($61)
• luxurious moisturizer

The picture above shows a good chunk of the product gone because I've been using it religiously for the past few weeks! I use the Resveratrol Cream during my night time regime, right after I apply the Essence. It makes my skin feel super hydrated, super smooth and super luxurious without any greasy mess! If there's one product that you need to get from this line, it's the cream. 

Ingredients: water/aqua/eau, butylene glycol, squalane, pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate, triethylhexanoin, glycerin, limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil, behenyl alcohol, pentylene glycol, hydrogenated lecithin, phytostearyl/behynloctyldodcyl lauroyl glutamate, phytosterylhydroxystearate, PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil, dimethicone, hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, phenoxyethanol, carbomer, serine, sodium methyl stearoyl taurate, sodium hydroxide, disodium EDTA, resveratrol, tocopheryl acetate, hydrolyzed soy protein, isodonis japonicus leaf/stalk extract, oryza sativa (rice) extract, sodium benzoate, sodium hyaluronate, potassium sorbate, hydrolyzed collagen, tocopherol

Bottom Line: I still have "youthful" skin and use anti-aging products as a preventative measure. Even though the DHC Resveratrol Collection is an anti-aging skincare line, the products do not dry out my skin at all. In fact, they do the exact opposite. They provide intense hydration and make my skin feel baby soft!

Note: The DHC Resveratrol Collection is currently on sale and can be purchased individually for $54.50 each. The promotion ends April 30, 2014. 

Have you tried the Resveratrol Collection, yet?

*This post contains affiliate links and the products mentioned were provided by DHC for consideration. This does not affect my opinion about the products. I don't do paid or guaranteed reviews. My reviews are based on my own honest opinion.

Swatches: DHC Kakonjuka Collection + DHC Olive Body Butter

The DHC Kakonjuka Collection is formulated with 6 Asian botanicals (Maitake Mushroom, Platycara Strobilacea, Licorice Leaf, Great Burnet, Purslane, Reishi Mushroom), that are suppose to hydrate and promote collagen for plumper, more youthful looking skin. All 3 products are free of added colorants and fragrance. Also, they have a natural brownish tint to them due to the botanicals, but they all blend out to a clear finish and do not change the color of your skin.

DHC Kakonjuka Lotion

• available in one size, 3.3oz ($32)
• prepares your skin for your moisturizer

A product that prepares the skin for a moisturizer is generally known as a lotion in Asia. In the US, it is generally known as a toner. The consistency of the Kakonjuka Lotion is thicker than most toners, but thinner than most serums. It was difficult to apply with a cotton pad because the cotton pad absorbed most of the product and would not transfer the product onto my skin. (I used Swisspers Cotton Squares.) The opening of the bottle looks big, but it actually only pours out 1 drop of product at a time. (Refer to the swatch picture below.) I have to shake the bottle a few times to get enough product into my palm and then I rub it onto my face. It turns very watery as I'm blending it, but it leaves a very hydrating and smooth feeling on my skin. When I applied it on the back of my hand and placed my nose very close to the product, it smelled earthy. However, I can't detect any scent when I'm applying it on my face, which is a major plus.

I wish the product came in a spray bottle because it'll be quicker to apply and it'll save more product. I ended up pouring the entire bottle into an empty spray bottle that I bought from Target. I love using it to spritz my face after I cleanse and after I apply my makeup in the morning because it makes my skin feel so refreshed and it removes any powderiness or cakiness from my face without disrupting my foundation.

Ingredients: water/aqua/eau, dipropylene glycol, glycerin, propanediol, pentylene glycol, butylene glycol, phenoxyethanol, glycosyl trehalose, acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, arginine, grifola frondosa fruiting body extract, maltodextrin, xanthan gum, aureobasidium pullulans ferment, hydrolyzed platycarya strobilacea fruit extract, hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin, polyquaternium-51, glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) leaf extract, sodium hyaluronate, ziyu glycoside, portulaca oleracea extract, olea europaea (olive) leaf extract, ganoderma lucidum (mushroom) stem extract, ethylhexyl glycerin

DHC Kakonjuka Essence

• available in one size, 1oz ($32)
• concentrated, wrinkle-fighting treatment

The consistency of the Kakonjuka Essence is thicker than most serums, but thinner than a cream moisturizer. I use it in the morning after I apply the Lotion and that combination is moisturizing enough to prepare for my foundation application. It thins out easily as I'm blending it and it feels very lightweight. Although it makes my skin feel very hydrated, it never leaves a greasy finish. Also, I love that it comes with a pump! It dispenses the right amount of product and it's very sanitary.

Ingredients: water/aqua/eau, dipropylene glycol, glycerin, olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, propanediol, ethylhexyl palmitate, pentylene glycol, dimethicone, glycosyl trehalose, glyceryl stearate, limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, butylene glycol, bisabolol, behenyl alcohol, polysorbate 80, PEG-75 stearate, phenoxyethanol, carbomer, arginine, grifola frondosa fruiting body extract, maltodextrin, hydrolyzed platycarya strobilacea fruit extract, hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin, tocopherol, polyquaternium-51, citrus grandis (grapefruit) seed extract, glyccyrrhiza glabra (licorice) leaf extract, ziyu glycoside, portulaca olearacea extract, olea europaea (olive) leaf extract, ganoderma lucidum (mushroom) stem extract

(Photo taken from a previous post. I'm lazy trying to save space in my online photo album. ^_^)

DHC Kakonjuka Cream

• available in one size, 1.4oz ($32)
• intensive moisturizer that fights fine lines & wrinkles

I've already mentioned about the Kakonjuka Cream in a previous post and my opinion still hasn't changed. The only thing that did change is the amount of product that is left in the jar. I am more than half way done!

I sometimes get dry patches and flaky skin after I cleanse my face at night. So, I mainly use the Cream as my night time moisturizer after I apply the Essence. I just love how easily it spreads onto my skin. Also, it leaves my skin feeling very soft and hydrated and my dry patches & flaky spots are no where to be seen the next morning. (If you are only looking for a hydrating effect, then the Cream will suffice. I also want an "anti-aging" effect, so I use the Cream with the Essence, which is a more potent and concentrated, wrinkle-fighting treatment.)

Ingredients: water/aqua/eau, dimethicone, ethylhexyl palmitate, propanediol, behenyl alcohol, beeswax, olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, glycerin, cylcopentasiloxane, glyceryl stearate, pentylene glycol, limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil, octyldodecyl myristate, PEG-75 stearate, polysorbate 60, butylene glycol, bisabolol, glycosyl trehalose, phenoxyethanol, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, grifola frondosa fruiting body extract, maltodextrin, hydrolyzed platycarya strobilacea fruit extract, hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin, tocopherol, polyquaternium-51, arginine, sodium hyaluronate, citrus grandis (grapefruit) seed extract, glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) leaf extract, ziyu glycoside, portulaca oleracea extract, olea europaea (olive) leaf extract, ganoderma lucidum (mushroom) stem extract

DHC Olive Body Butter

• available in one size, 3.5oz ($19) on July 1, 2013
• super-hydrating moisturizer for the body 
• contains emollient cocoa butter, shea butter, conditioning olive oil and avocado oil

The consistency of the Olive Body Butter is thick, but it melts into the skin like actual butter and feels very lightweight. I've tried other body butters like the Korres one and it is very moisturizing, but it takes a little bit of effort to blend well into the skin. The DHC one spreads onto the skin effortlessly and immediately sinks into the skin, leaving a hydrating, grease-less and non-sticky finish. A little bit goes a long way!

It has a nice scent to it, but I can't pin-point exactly what it is. It's not flowery or citrus-y, but it reminds me of Asian fruits, the ones that smell fragrant and sweet, but not citrus-y.

As for the packaging, I find that it has a vintage look to it. I wish the color was more fun and brighter or more classy looking. The Kakonjuka Collection has a much cuter and elegant look to it. I just love how the pink and brown pair so well with each other.

Note: The DHC Kakonjuka Collection can be purchased individually or you can save $17 and purchase it in a set for $79.00. The DHC Olive Body Butter will be available on their online store on July 1, 2013.

Have you tried the Kakonjuka Collection, yet?

*This post contains affiliate links and the products mentioned were provided by DHC for consideration. This does not affect my opinion about the products. I don't do paid or guaranteed reviews. My reviews are based on my own honest opinion.

Swatches: DHC Skincare and Makeup for 2013

I was recently invited to a DHC event and I had a really great time. There were cocktails, appetizers, music and lots of swatching going on! Also, the staff was amazing and I had the opportunity to meet some wonderful beauty bloggers. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my camera to the event. =( However, DHC provided a goodie bag for each of us. So, you guys/gals can at least enjoy the swatches. ^_^

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

• available in three sizes: 6.7oz ($28), 2.3oz ($14), 1oz ($5.50)
• removes dirt, makeup and sunscreen completely and with ease
• contains only 8 ingredients with no added fragrance, colorants, mineral oil, parabens and sulfates
• won't clog pores
• antioxidant-rich olive oil helps protect skin from damaging free radicals
• with daily use, skin becomes softer, pores look smaller and complexion looks more radiant

I have been using and repurchasing DHC's Deep Cleansing Oil since high school because I love that it removes my makeup effectively and gently without tugging my skin. As most of you guys/gals know, eye makeup, especially waterproof mascara, is a b!tch to take off. Tugging around the eye area, which is the most delicate area on the face, causes premature wrinkles. However, the Deep Cleansing Oil, which is an oil-based remover, makes the removal process a breeze. 

I usually wet my face in the shower, then take 2-3 pumps of the Deep Cleansing Oil and rub it all over my face, including the eye area,then rinse with water. After that step, most of my makeup is removed and I'll use my facial cleanser to exfoliate my face and to remove any makeup that is left on my skin. When I don't use the Deep Cleansing Oil, I have to remove my makeup using a 3 step process. First, I have to remove my eye makeup using an oil-based product called the Sonia Kashuk Eye Makeup Remover. Then, to remove my face makeup, I have to wash my face twice with my facial cleanser, which can be a little harsh on my skin since it contains 2% salicylic acid. I have to use a good moisturizer afterwards to prevent my skin from drying out. (When your skin is overly dry, your body produces more oil to compensate, which in turn causes breakouts.) Therefore, I prefer to use the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil method.

I did have reservations about this product because I have oily skin and I was afraid that it was going to make my skin oilier and break me out. I'm glad to report that it does neither of those two evils and it actually makes my skin more balanced. 

I highly recommend the Deep Cleansing Oil for any skin types because it removes long wearing and waterproof makeup easily and gently without leaving your skin feeling tight or greasy.

Ingredients: Olea Europaea (olive) Fruit Oil, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Pentylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Rosmarinus Officinalis (rosemary) Leaf Oil

DHC Pore Cleansing Oil

• available in one size, 5oz ($31), on January 1, 2013
• minimizes the appearance of pores while gently and effectively removing makeup
• 9 nutrient-packed botanical oils and an amino acid help unclog & minimize the appearance of pores, hydrate skin and promote a younger-looking complexion

Ingredients: Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-5 Dioleate, Triethylhexanoin, Water/Aqua/Eau, Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate, Isostearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride,  Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Phenoxyethanol, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Peel Extract, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Butyl Avocadate, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Tocopherol, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Butylene Glycol, Punica Granatum Extract, 10-Hydroxydecanoic Acid, Sebacic Acid, 1, 10-decanediol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Propyl Gallate

DHC Pore Face Wash

• available in one size, 4.2oz ($25), on January 1, 2013
• age-defying foaming face wash
• creates a lavish foam to cleanse and exfoliate skin and helps minimize the appearance of pores
• refines skin's texture with baking soda and fruit juice AHAs for a smooth finish with smaller-looking pores

Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycerin, Palmitic Acid, Lauric Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Myristic Acid, Stearic Acid, Glycosyl Trehalose, Glyceryl Glucoside, Sodium Bicarbonate, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Pentasodium Pentetate, Butylene Glycol, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Peel Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Lactobacillus/Pear Juice Ferment Filtrate, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Punica Granatum Extract, Laminaria Digitata (Horsetail Kelp) Extract, Plantago Major Seed Extract

The Pore Face Wash leaves a film and a tight feeling on my skin when used alone. So, I have to use 2-3 pumps of the Pore Cleansing Oil afterwards to remove the residue. It also removes makeup well, but I find that the Deep Cleansing Oil does a better job. 

I have visible pores around my nose area and I've been using the Pore Face Wash and Pore Cleansing Oil together for 4 weeks and I've noticed that the size of my pores are slightly smaller. However, they are still visible and I still need to hide them by wearing a silicone-based primer. I will continue using the Pore Face Wash and Pore Cleansing Oil together to see if they'll minimize the appearance of my pores even more!

DHC Kakonjuka Cream

• available in one size, 1.4oz ($32), on March 1, 2013
• intensive moisturizer that fights fine lines & wrinkles
• contains 6 Japanese & Korean botanicals (Maitake Mushroom, Platycara Strobilacea, Licorice Leaf, Great Burnet, Purslane, Reishi Mushroom), which soothe, hydrate and fight fine lines
• free of added colorants and fragrance

I absolutely love this moisturizer! The texture is thick, but it doesn't feel heavy on the skin. It does look a little bit greasy at first, but within a few minutes of application, the product fully absorbs into the skin and leaves a velvety grease-less finish. I love using this as a night moisturizer and as a primer for my undereye concealer because it's so hydrating and it prevents my undereye concealer from creasing or looking cakey. Also, it does not have a scent to it, which is a major plus for me.

Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Propanediol, Behenyl Alcohol, Beeswax, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil,, Glycerin, Cylcopentasiloxane, Glyceryl Stearate, Pentylene Glycol, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Octyldodecyl Myristate, PEG-75 Stearate, Polysorbate 60, Butylene Glycol, Bisabolol, Glycosyl Trehalose, Phenoxyethanol, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Grifola Frondosa Fruiting Body Extract, Maltodextrin, Hydrolyzed Platycarya Strobilacea Fruit Extract, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Tocopherol, Polyquaternium-51, Arginine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Leaf Extract, Ziyu Glycoside, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Ganoderma Lucidum (Mushroom) Stem Extract

DHC Velvet Skin Coat

• available in one size, .52oz ($22.50)
• makeup primer with a sheer, non-greasy powdery gel texture
• mattifying, smoothes skin, fills pores and fine lines
• contains antioxidant-rich olive oil to help fight free radicals
• leaves a silky feeling

As I mentioned earlier, I have visible pores around my nose area, but those ugly holes magically disappear when I apply the Velvet Skin Coat primer over them. It's a silicone-based primer; therefore, it leaves a very velvety and silky feeling to the skin. Also, it's colorless and it doesn't have a scent to it. I highly recommend this because it allows foundation to glide onto the skin effortlessly and it leaves a poreless finish to the skin.

Ingredients: Dimethicone, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Silica

DHC Designing Pencil Eyebrow

• available in 4 shades, Noir, Cocoa, Teal, and Plum ($9.50 each), on February 1, 2013
• highly pigmented eyeliner pencil 
• contains olive oil and squalane to nourish skin and for smooth error-free application

I've never had much luck with eyeliner pencils, which I suspect is due to my oily lids. I've tried many different brands, including those from the drugstore and department stores, but they all faded or smudged throughout the day even when I wore a primer underneath and set it with a powder. The DHC one was no exception. However, I do like that the Noir shade is highly pigmented and that it glides onto the skin effortlessly without tugging the skin. As for the Plum shade, I think I got a defect because when I was testing the one at the beauty event, it was so creamy and it applied smoothly onto my skin; however, the one that I got in my beauty bag applies blotchy. I do love the color, though. 

DHC Designing Pencil Eyebrow

• available in 5 shades, Black, Black Brown, Brown, Soft Brown and Gray ($9.50 each), on February 1, 2013
• eyebrow pencil that fills in brows for a polished appearance
• contains olive oil and squalane to nourish skin

The eyebrow pencil is not as pigmented as the eyeliner, which is a good thing because it does not leave a harsh line on the brows. Instead, it creates a more natural effect. I have the shade in Black Brown and it's a good match for my dark brown hair. I usually fill in my brows with MAC's Copperplate eyeshadow and I find that Black Brown is more brown and less grey. It still looks natural in natural sunlight and it lasts all day without fading even though it contains olive oil.

What DHC products have you tried and would recommend?

*This post contains an affiliate link and the products mentioned were provided by DHC for attending the beauty event. This does not affect my opinion about the products. I don't do paid or guaranteed reviews. My reviews are based on my own honest opinion.

Review: Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Defense Face Lotion

I usually break out a week before my period starts. I would get two to three pimples and a few blemishes all over my T-Zone. 

Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Defense Face Lotion claims to reduce breakouts in 8 hours and prevent new breakouts. It contains 2.0% salicylic acid.

I started to use it the week before my period for seven days straight, after I washed my face in the morning and night. This product is amazing! I had one small pimple and two to three very tiny blemishes on my T-Zone. When a huge pimple pops up on my face, I put the lotion on that spot. About 12 hours later, the size of that pimple reduced. 

It did dry the area around my nose a little bit when I first started using it, but now it doesn't. Although I still have acne, it minimized it.

It contains 1.7 fl. oz and costs $8.49 at Ulta and drugstore.com. I may try other products from the same line after getting such good results from this product.

Did you get the same results I did?

*This post contains affiliate links. None of the products mentioned are sponsored.