Category Archives: Skincare Reviews

Vichy Purete Thermale Hydra-Soothing Toner Review

** This post was written by Fiona. She no longer blogs for Swatch And Learn. However, Mary still continues to blog and will be happy to reply to your comment. **

I don’t believe that everyone needs a skin toner. It really all depends on how your skin responds to your cleaner. But if you feel you need one, then allow me to recommend the Vichy Purete Thermale Hydra-Soothing Toner!

Previously I used the Vichy Purete Thermale Hydra-Perfecting Toner (it’s blue, and it‘s for normal to combination and sensitive skin), but I finished the bottle before I got a chance to review it. Then I saw that Vichy has one specifically for dry, sensitive skin – so I got that instead. I can’t tell a huge difference between the two though. My skin doesn’t feel taut or parched after using either. Continue reading

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Jergens Naturals Ultra Hydrating Daily Moisturizer Review

** This post was written by Fiona. She no longer blogs for Swatch And Learn. However, Mary still continues to blog and will be happy to reply to your comment. **

The skin on your body is just as important as the skin on your face. So make sure your body takes advantage of nighttime rejuvenation by applying a moisturizer!

The product I recommend is the Jergens Naturals Ultra Hydrating Daily Moisturizer. The packaging says it “doubles skin hydration instantly.” Well, I don’t know if it increases your skin’s moisture by 100%, but I will say it does a darn good job as a moisturizer.

It’s not just for bedtime, either. Apply some right after you get out of the shower (when your skin is still damp) to lock in the moisture for super-smooth skin! Continue reading

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Balea Face Lip Balm SPF 30 Review

** This post was written by Fiona. She no longer blogs for Swatch And Learn. However, Mary still continues to blog and will be happy to reply to your comment. **

Chapped lips – no one on Earth can pull off this look (except maybe Ms. Jolie…maybe). They look bad, but what’s worse is that they hurt. So I always have lip balm at hand, ready for defense.

I usually use ChapStick; it has good consistency, thickness, moisture and scent. But I thought I’d try something different: Balea Face Lip Balm SPF 30. It costs less, so why not? Sorry to our American friends as this is only available in Canada. But let me just say you’re not missing out. In fact, you’re much better off. Continue reading

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Clean & Clear Soothing Eye Makeup Remover Review & Pictures

Clean & Clear Soothing Eye Makeup Remover BottleAside from nail polish, eye shadow is my makeup item of choice when I want to express myself in a colorful way. The smokey eye is my favorite look to create, and I’m not afraid to go dramatically dark or vivaciously vibrant.

But at the end of the day, I take it off. I take it all off…so my skin can breathe.

Previously I used facial wipes because they were convenient, but because I felt guilty for adding more garbage to the already-overflowing landfills, I opted for a liquid eye-makeup remover – the Clean & Clear Soothing Eye Makeup Remover to be exact.

How did it fare? Let me share my experience with you. Continue reading

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Vichy Purete Thermale Purifying Foaming Cream Cleanser Review

** This post was written by Fiona. She no longer blogs for Swatch And Learn. However, Mary still continues to blog and will be happy to reply to your comment. **

Nighttime is when the skin naturally rejuvenates itself, so I always take advantage of this time by providing my skin with everything it needs.

The Vichy Purete Thermale Purifying Foaming Cream Cleanser is a must-have part of my nighttime routine. Why? Just a few tests that it passes: it cleanses, it refreshes, and it doesn’t leave my skin dry. Continue reading

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Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF 15 Review

** This post was written by Fiona. She no longer blogs for Swatch And Learn. However, Mary still continues to blog and will be happy to reply to your comment. **

I believe looking great starts with the best skincare, not the best beauty products. This is why I wouldn’t mind paying more for products that actually work to make my skin healthy. Also why I’m constantly testing new moisturizers or lotions with built-in sunscreen.

The next product in this category that I tried is Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF 15. It’s an OK product; it’s not great. So I’m still on the hunt for an awesome moisturizer with SPF. (Will I never find it?) See why this Kiehl’s product isn’t it for me. Continue reading

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Spectro HydraCare Review & Pictures

Spectro HydraCare Dry SkinSince I have sensitive combination skin with hormonal acne (i.e. a tendency to break out more around my period), I’m very careful about what facial moisturizer I put on my face.

Some brands claim to be gentle (*coughAveenoUltraCalmingMoisturizercough*), but they’ve made my skin itch.

You can think of Spectro as the Canadian version of Cetaphil. Spectro’s dermatologist recommended, very gentle, and highly affordable. So I thought it was worth giving this brand a chance.

Spectro HydraCare (Dry Skin) was a pleasant surprise. My skin loves it – let me tell you all about it. Continue reading

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