Lashes to Lashes

Ahhh, Kiehl’s. Aaahhh scrubs. I am a pretty big scrub and mask freak, so when I was given a little sample of the Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energising scrub, I couldn’t say no. Yes yes, it says ‘for men’, but really, that shouldn’t stop you or me from having a try.

So first off, lets see what Kiehl’s has to say about the scrub and what it apparently does-

“Re-energize complexion with this “Refueling Facial Buffer”!

•    Efficient and energizing skin buffer sloughs away dead surface skin cells and other impurities.
•    Made with highly effective scrub particles to alleviate roughness and help break down tough facial hair for a closer, more comfortable shave.
•    With a natural, invigorating blend of Caffeine and Menthol.
•    This “refueling facial buffer” reenergizes skin for a more evened, refreshed appearance.
•    Kiehl’s Insider Tip: For a close, comfortable shave, use Facial Fuel Energizing scrub first to help break down tough facial hair and minimize ingrown hairs and other skin irritations related to shaving.”

Ingredients of interest -

Apricot Kernels
Caffeine
Menthol- (Like you can actually miss it in this)
Soybean Oil- Vegetable oil extracted from.. well, soybeans.
Corn germ oil- A source of natural vitamin E and unsaturated fatty acids
Orange, lemon peel and chestnut extracts
Potassium Hydroxide- Alkaline chemical that is used in soaps as it’s soft and water-soluble
Benzyl Alcohol- A synthetic and natural-occuring ingredient that is used as a preservative 
Fragrance
Methylparaben- A biodegradable preservative and anti-fungal agent. It’s also found naturally in fruits like blueberries. There is no evidence (still) to suggest that it is harmful in cosmetics and beauty products as the concentrations are so small.

This is how the scrub looks. It’s like a usual scrub in the way that it’s a light, creamy texture. The apricot kernels are the scrub particles, which reminded me of St Ives Invigorating Apricot Scrub, however, unlike the St Ives’ apricot scrub, these little kernel particles are a bit bigger.
The reason why I bring up the bigger kernel pieces is because Kiehl’s advertises this as a ‘buffer’. To me, a polish or ‘buffer’ is a product with fine particles (usually epsom salts or sea salts that dissolve) that buffs and gently removes dead skin cells on the very top of the skin. This is not a buffer, this is a scrub. Since the particles are bigger, I have to say for my usually-sensitive skin, I didn’t like the feeling; it felt too rough even when I was being very gentle.
Another thing I really didn’t like was how strong the menthol was. There was too much of it and I felt like I couldn’t open my eyes even when the scrub wasn’t near them, which is a shame because I love mint/menthol in products for that ‘wake-me-up’ feeling. 

As my skin seems to be going through it’s combo-oily stage and my hands through the ‘holy frackin-dry’ stage, I did try this on my hands. I was really impressed that it not only sloughed a lot of the dead skin away, but was really gentle and didn’t sting (I should say that the skin on your face is a lot more sensitive than your hands, so this is something to expect and remember when you test scrubs on your hand at the department or drug store).

In the hours after I used this, I noticed it controlled the oils around my t-zone really well and didn’t dry out the drier parts of my face (You gotta hand that to natural oils!). I saw this as a great benefit for people with combination or slightly oily skin that wanted to try this.

I also think the ‘insider tip’ indicated above from their website is a fantastic tip for men with dry/stubborn skin as using this scrub before a shave will slough away dead skin cells and soften the skin and hair for a cleaner and more effective shave.

So, Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energizing Scrub…

SUITABLE FOR- Dry and normal skin
- Men with face fur
DEFINITELY NOT FOR- Sensitive skin
PRICE- 3.4 flo oz/100ml tube USA- $17. Australia -$23+. UK- £17
WOULD I RE/PURCHASE? No

Last Words…
Even though it is geared towards men to combat dryness and irritation associated with facial hair, I feel like I would like this product a lot more if it didn’t feel so rough and didn’t have that strong menthol sensation. 3/5.

I just wanted to share what are some of my favourite shots ever done for V magazine. I love the look they’ve given Cameron, I think she rocks it hardcore.

Photos from JJ

Ah, Origins. Origins Flower Fusion lipsticks are a great line of ‘best kept secrets’ (or very underrated, whatever way you want to look at it). 

Origins is primarily known for their extensive skincare range and being practically the only brand under the Estee Lauder empire (besides the Estee Lauder brand itself) that wasn’t bought the ‘EL’ Companies. Yep, it’s a family-made line that was founded in 1990 by Estee’s own son, Leonard, who wanted a more natural line.

Even though they’re not known for their cosmetics, they do have some of the most amazing products I’ve ever used- one in particular is the Flower Fusion lipsticks.

If you guessed that the name comes from flowers being in the ingredients, you’re right, as it is made from flower waxes that include orange blossom, rose and jasmine. Flower wax is actually the solid vegetable wax that is left behind after the scent is extracted and chilled. Since it’s actually like beeswax when it comes to the beneficial properties, it gives the lipsticks a great moisturising and smooth application.

Even though the 24 shades are all on the pink/berry/red side, they are amazing colours that range from a nice tint to a beautiful opaque colour.

I’ll show you the two shades I have on hand, Jasmine (a rosey-raspberry) and Poppy (an intense dark red)

I love both of these colours so much so I usually wear them by themselves and if I do use more than one colour, it’s them together! They’re both some amazing colours that suit practically anyone!