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Review

The Best Budget-Friendly Activewear I’ve Found on Amazon: CRZ Yoga Review

by Lina Clémence July 25, 2025

written by Lina Clémence

I’ve tried a lot of activewear over the years, but I keep coming back to one brand that delivers style, comfort, and quality without the high price tag. If you haven’t heard of CRZ Yoga on Amazon, it’s time to get acquainted! I’ve purchased several pieces myself and have been impressed. From buttery-soft leggings to lightweight tops and supportive sports bras, these pieces rival some of the pricier brands in my closet. I’ve also found a few CRZ Yoga options for men that would be great for your husband or son, so I’m including those too. Whether you’re walking the dog, heading to the gym, or just love a good athleisure look, there’s something here worth checking out!

You might also like reading: Healthy Living After 50: My Top Wellness and Fitness Picks

My Favorite CRZ Yoga Pieces

Here are a few of my go-to athleisure picks that I own and love!

Tank Top (XS) | Leggings (XS) | Sports Bra (small) | Sneakers

CRZ Yoga Butterluxe High Waisted Legging

I reach for these leggings just as often as my pricey ones! They’re buttery-soft, have a flattering high rise, and are perfect for everything from errands to stretching at home.

Joggers (small)

CRZ Yoga High Waisted Joggers

These joggers are great for lounging, travel days, or even pairing with a denim jacket and sneakers for a relaxed weekend look. Super soft and easy to wear. Plus, they’re similar to these Lululemon joggers but a lot less expensive.

CRZ Yoga Strappy Sports Bras

This bra offers just the right amount of support without being uncomfortable. I reach for it on casual days when I want to feel pulled together but not restricted.

CRZ Yoga Butterluxe Y-Back Racerback Sports Bra

Here’s another great bra I love! The Butterluxe fabric is buttery-soft and smooth, and the Y-back design gives just enough support without feeling restrictive. It’s perfect for low-impact workouts or everyday wear, and the fit is flattering without being too tight.

CRZ Yoga Pima Cotton Cropped Tee

This cropped tee is soft, breathable, and has that relaxed, easy fit I love. It reminds me a lot of this Lululemon tee but at a much better price. The Pima cotton feels great on, and the slightly cropped length pairs perfectly with high-rise leggings or joggers. Great for workouts or casual days.

CRZ Yoga High Waisted Golf Skirt

This skort is such a cute and functional option for everything from golf and tennis to errands and travel days. It has built-in shorts with pockets (a must!), and the high waist gives a flattering fit without being too snug.

CRZ YogaHigh Waisted Running Shorts

These are my go-to shorts for hot days or when I’m out walking. They’re lightweight, super comfortable, and don’t ride up. They even have a small zip pocket in the back, which is handy for storing a key or card when you’re on the go.

CRZ Yoga Pima Cotton Tank

This super soft Pima cotton tank is such a good basic to have on hand. I love it for workouts, but it also looks great with a tennis skirt or joggers for errands! It’s one of those pieces you’ll want in more than one color.

More CRZ Yoga Pieces to Try

Lightweight Wide Leg Cropped Pants

These are the perfect pants for travel days, lounging, or running errands. They’re lightweight and breathable, with a wide-leg fit that looks relaxed but still put-together. Easy to dress up or down… just add a tee or tank and go!

ButterLuxe Biker Shorts

If you like your biker shorts soft and smoothing, these are definitely worth a try. They’re made from the same buttery fabric as the leggings, and they feel amazing against the skin. The 6-inch length gives you good coverage without feeling too long, making them perfect for walks, workouts, or even layering under a tunic or dress.

Butterluxe Workout Tank

This racerback tank is fitted without feeling tight, and works just as well for yoga as it does for layering under jackets or sweatshirts! It comes in tons of great colors, so you can find the perfect match for your favorite leggings or workout shorts.

Men’s Lightweight Athletic T-Shirts

This athletic shirt would be a great addition to your husband’s or son’s closet! It’s moisture-wicking and lightweight. Perfect for the gym, walks, or yard work on a hot day!

Men’s Quick Dry Workout Shorts

These are the kind of athletic shorts my son, Cory, would go for: lightweight, comfortable, and easy to move in. The quick-dry fabric makes them ideal for workouts or hot summer days, and the simple design suits just about any activity.

Men’s All Day Comfy Golf Shorts

My husband, Wayne, is always on the lookout for shorts that look polished but still feel comfortable. This pair checks all the boxes! They’re lightweight with a bit of stretch, and they work just as well on the golf course as they do for everyday wear—an easy upgrade for your husband’s summer wardrobe.

Shop More CRZ YOGA Activewear Pieces:

How Does CRZ Yoga Compare to Lululemon?

Let’s be honest: a lot of us are looking for that same high-end feel without the high-end price. In my opinion, CRZ Yoga comes pretty close, especially the Butterluxe line. It has that smooth, barely-there texture that feels amazing on the skin. While the fabrics aren’t identical to Lululemon, they’re pretty impressive for the price!

Is CRZ Yoga True to Size?

Generally, yes, but it can depend on the item. I usually order my size down to an XS in the leggings, but wear a small in the joggers. If you’re between sizes in tops or bras, consider sizing up for a little more comfort. Be sure to read the reviews on each item for fit tips!

Thank you for taking the time out of your day to stop by my blog. I’m also on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Beauty For the Heart®– In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8

We often face situations that stir anxiety, fear, and worry. We might struggle with sleepless nights, weighed down by our concerns.

But Psalm 4:8 invites us to find rest, not in the absence of problems, but in the presence of God. When we rest in Him, we can lie down in peace, knowing that He is watching over us.

Just as David found safety in God’s care, we too are called to trust that He is the one who watches over us, giving us peace that passes all understanding.

This verse encourages us to give our worries to God and allow His peace to fill our hearts. No matter what storms we face, He is our refuge, our strength, and our peace.

Let your beauty shine from the inside out today!

*Disclosure: The links in this post are affiliate links, meaning I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!

July 25, 2025 0 comments

British Beauty

Dermalux Flex MD Review: LED Face & Body

by Lina Clémence July 25, 2025

written by Lina Clémence

Dermalux Flex MD is an at-home LED face and body device that is said to be three times more powerful than any other at-home LED device.

Previously I have tried LED treatments in salon and also other home devices such as the Dr Dennis Gross mask, so I was eager to test out the Flex MD and see how it compared.

What interested me to the Flex MD was how powerful it claimed to be, that it has three different wavelengths rather than a whole bunch of different colours that you then get confused on what to use, and also the fact it is flexible, so it can be used flat on the body.

Let’s take a deep dive into the Flex MD and if you are looking to invest yourself, get £150 off with the discount code LDNDERMA on Current Body.

How does LED work in skincare?

Our skin has the ability to absorb light energy and use it to stimulate or regulate essential cell processes. LED Phototherapy is the application of low-level light energy, delivered via beneficial wavelengths to stimulate or regulate the biological process with proven therapeutic results.

LED light can treat numerous issues; acne, dry skin, pigmentation, complexion, redness, psoriasis, wound healing, pain relief and skin rejuvenation such as fine lines and loss of elasticity.

How To Use

The Dermalux Flex MD is easy to use and it comes with a guide on how to use each colour of light and what it will treat. It advises on the treatment time (usually 30 mins) and you can use a mixture of the the lights or use them on their own. So for example, moderate to severe acne it suggests using blue and near-infra red light and the lights work together simultaneously to treat at the same time.

The set-up takes no time at all and you can control your treatment via the panel. It comes with a pillow to place under your head and then slide under the canopy. They also provide goggles to use, which I would recommend as the light is very bright. It took a little getting used to at first compared to what I have used previously.

Dermalux recommend an intensive skin activation programme in the beginning, doing 12 treatments at least 2-3 times per week.

What does each LED colour do?

Blue Light 415nm

Blemish fighting blue light destroys the bacteria which causes spots and improves skin clarity without irritation. It also has a calming effect for problem skin conditions.

Red Light 633nm

Rejuvenating red light increases metabolic energy and ATP (adenosine triphosphate) synthesis to stimulate cell renewal, boost collagen and elastin production and increase hydration. Ideal for restoring vitality.

Near Infrared Light (NIR) 830nm

Regenerating Near Infrared light offers advanced rejuvenation benefits, calms redness and irritation and helps to reduce pigmentation. NIR Light has been shown to increase cell regeneration by up to 200%.

This one you can hardly see but if you look close there are very dim red lights that will be glowing.

What makes it unique?

Dermalux say the Flex MD is the most powerful, portable LED device available, so what makes it unique?

Dermalux Flex has it’s own in-house design and development and is manufactured in Britain They don’t just use standard cosmetics LEDs but have designed their own scale to measure and manufacture their very own to use within the device.
The device has 360 high power ceramic LEDS.
Dermalux have tested their device against competitors, measuring the optical power and wavelength precision of each device, resulting in the optical power output (J/cm²). Their device resulted in an accurate measure compared to some of those tested.
Dermalux Flex MD is an accredited medical CE certified device for treating acne, wound healing, psoriasis and pain. Also for a range of cosmetic indications including Rejuvenation, Pigmentation and Redness.
Many at-home devices don’t have a CE as it’s not something you can get easily, so well worth noting when looking to buy an LED device.
The device can also be used flat to treat the body as well as the face, something you don’t often find unless it is a separate device.

My Treatment

For my first treatment I decided to use all three wavelengths; Blue, Red and NIR as my skin was suffering a bad breakout, I had pigmentation and general redness and dryness. I have got on well with blue light in the past, so I was hoping this would be the same and it completely exceeded my expectations.

After just one session the rather large spot on my cheek had already come to a head and just a couple of days later my breakout was looking much better.

For the next session I used the same combination of lights again and then after that I used the red and NIR together to work on my pigmentation and general anti-ageing.

I’ve now done multiple treatments and I am extremely happy with the result so far. The overall appearance of my skin and pigmentation has vastly improved, as well as the breakouts around my chin and the previous scarring from spots.

Flex MD also works on the body and as I suffer from eczema I will be trying this on my arm and hand to help treat.

How Does It Compare?

The Dermalux Flex MD is an expensive piece of kit so to know that it really does have the technology and power behind it compared to other devices is what makes it stand out to me.

There are lots of LED masks out there now and it is hard to navigate which are actually any good or which are just a fad, even Primark have one now! Personally I’d rather know what I’m using on my face, the technology behind it and know that is medically certified.

It’s not quite as easy as just throwing on a mask for three mins a day, but those 30 mins you do spend under the canopy for me are worth it and I’m excited to keep using it and seeing the results.

It’s quite nice to take a time out and listen to some music, whilst doing absolutely nothing other than praying to the LED skincare gods.

Where To Buy & Discount Code

The Dermalux Flex MD is available now exclusively at Current Body and they have gave me a discount code to give you £150 off.

Just enter the code LDNDERMA at checkout, shop it now here.

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we can receive a commission.

July 25, 2025 0 comments

Canadian Beauty

Paint It Pretty Polish Sunsets In Killbear Swatches & Review

by Lina Clémence July 25, 2025

written by Lina Clémence

Hello readers,
Today I have the a new polish collab to share with you. Lacquer Drop features a lineup of polishes from a variety of Canadian indie brands, available exclusively at NailStuff.ca. I have Paint It Pretty Polish’s contribution to the first release to share with you. Let’s take a look at swatches.

Paint It Pretty Polish Sunsets In Killbear

Paint It Pretty Polish Sunsets In Killbear review

Sunsets In Killbear features a warm purple base filled with red-copper-gold shifting shimmer. The formula was very easy to work with and took three coats for full coverage. Photos show three coats of Sunsets In Killbear with one coat of Girly Bits Cosmetics Top That! top coat in daylight spectrum lighting.

Final Thoughts

Sunsets In Killbear is available for pre-order on the NailStuff.ca site now until June 7th, 2025. This polish will be $14.50CAD with no pre-order limit. You can find Paint It Pretty Polish on

You can find NailStuff on
Happy polishing,

Michelle

July 25, 2025 0 comments

Indonesian Beauty

WorkingWithMonolids: Review & Recommendation: Vitabrid C¹²

by Lina Clémence July 24, 2025

written by Lina Clémence

If you watched my skincare routine video, you’ll know that I looooovveee Vitabrid:

It’s really the best. I thought I should write a review for those of you who prefer reading to watching. For those of you who prefer watching, here’s the video review:

Anyway, full disclosure, the Vitabrid team sent me the Dual Serum, Dual Eye & Face Cream, and 3 boxes of sheet masks to try out. I’ve actually regularly purchased the Vitabrid FACE Brightening Powder on my own for more than a year, and I also bought a box of their anti-aging sheet masks on my own a few months before I got this offer.

Vitabrid C¹² FACE Brightening Powder

I don’t know if they rebranded this, but I could’ve sworn it just said Vitamin C powder when I first bought it. I’ve been using this for over a year now, and it’s my holy grail skincare item. I’ve tried so many brands of Vitamin C products and this is my favourite by far.

So, Vitabrid has a patented Vitamin C formula that releases their Vitamin C continuously over a period of 12h instead of all at once, so your face is exposed to a constant dose Vitamin C 24/7 if you’re using this twice a day, instead of just one huge dose, twice a day.

This comes in a powder form, which you can mix into any serum or moisturizer you’re already using. Now, this is BRILLIANT, because here are the advantages of this powder form:

Keeps the Vitamin C stabilized

If you have a Vitamin C serum, you’re actually supposed to use it up within 3 months, because Vitamin C oxidises and becomes less effective. I’ve even had my skin turn yellow from an old Vitamin C serum. This powder form lets you freshly mix your vitamin C right before you use it, so you get the most effective dose.

Less chances of a bad reaction

Sometimes, there are ingredients within a serum that we’re allergic or sensitive too, and it’s not even one of the active ingredients we want. It could be a fragrance, a preservative, or even a stabilizer. That’s why it’s awesome when we can incorporate this into a serum we know for sure we’re not allergic to.

Cuts a step in you skincare routine

I use LOADS of serums (3) before my face oil, creams, masks, etc. The hard part about that kind of routine is that your face sometimes can’t absorb that much products. Sure, my Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum helps me absorb a LOT more products, but being able to combine 2 steps into 1 really helps.

The only disadvantage to this powder version that I can think of is that some people may hate the idea of mixing your own serum every single time.

I found my skin ended up looking better on Vitabrid than any other Vitamin C product. Since I can mix it into Hada Labo –my favourite, holy grail, super comfortable hyaluronic acid serum–this is the most comfortable formula-wise too. And I’m not sure if I just got used to Vitamin C, but I’ve never experienced any stinging with this product, unlike with other products.

So far, everyone I’ve introduced this too have liked it, and I’ve bought a total of 11 bottles of this since I discovered it a year ago, just because people keep taking them from me. So now I make sure I always have spares.

Anyway, of course such an amazing product comes with a catch…it’s expensive. $60 for 3g of product. 3g of product usually lasts me 2-3 months though, so I think the price isn’t that bad.

Vitabrid C¹² Dual Serum

This has vitamin C too, as well as peptides. Peptides are something I’ve been meaning to incorporate into my routine since they’re awesome for anti-aging, so the offer from the Vitabrid team to try their peptide serum for free came at a right time. Now, one thing about peptides & vitamin C is that they’re not that stable together and best used within a month after mixing. That’s why this serum’s design is brilliant. The serum comes in the form of a bottle where the vitamin C and peptides are kept separate. Twisting the bottom of the serum releases them into each other and you’ll just have to shake to mix. Each bottle is meant to last you a month, and a pack of the dual serum comes with 3 bottles.

Ever since I started using this serum, I noticed that there were less tired looking photos when I take my selfies for instagram. I didn’t realize how big of a difference this made to my skin, until I took a look at the picture I took before I started using the new Vitabrid products:

Yup, the change happened in just 45 days. My skin looks plumper and tighter.

This is now a forever item in my skincare, I need to buy more of it, I LOVE it.

Vitabrid C¹² Dual Eye & Face Cream

So this is meant to be used as both a face cream and an eye cream. If you watched my skincare video, you may remember me raving about how my Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Eye Cream EX is so awesome, it makes great eye creams look terrible because nothing can work the magic it works on my face. Seriously, once I switch to a different eye cream, the hollows under my eyes return. I’ve tried it with 4 different eye creams already and got the same results with all 4. Sulwhasoo is just that great. So I tried this as an eye cream without too much hope and….yup, the hollows under my eyes returned within 2 weeks. I don’t think it says anything about Vitabrid’s product, it’s just that Sulwhasoo is wayyyyy too good.

As a face cream…unfortunately, it didn’t work out for me. Now, the FACE Brightening Powder, Dual Serum, and Dual Eye & Face Cream all contain adenosine, adenosine is yeast derived, and yeast breaks me out. I knew this coming in, but I thought since I’m ok with the FACE Brightening Powder, Vitabrid may have manufactured a type of adenosine that doesn’t break me out. So I went for it. And I broke out.

The breakout stopped when I discontinued this, but was still using the Dual Serum, so I think my face can handle a certain level of adenosine. Just the FACE Brightening Powder & Dual Serum is fine, but once I add this moisturizer, my face throws a tantrum and erupts in a bazillion pimples to show it.

I don’t think I’m missing much though, because I don’t really like the texture of this product –it feels heavy and greasy. My face has been spoiled by too many lightweight but effective moisturizers, so it feels really uncomfortable on my face. I’m now using it on my elbows and knees though, and they’ve gotten wayyy softer and smoother, so I do think it’s relatively effective. Just not effective enough for me to tolerate the breakout or the greasiness.

Vitabrid C¹² Sheet Masks

I got to try 3 types of sheet masks!

Peptibrid Dual Mask Brightening Luminous
Peptibrid Dual Mask Soothing Balancing
Vitabrid Dual Mask Age-Defying Firming

Yes, these masks are awesome. I have no complaints quality-wise. They’re extremely generous with this serums too, so I easily have enough leftover serum to coat almost my whole body. The catch is that these masks are about $35 for 5 pieces. $7/mask is still too expensive for me, especially when cheaper $1-3 masks still work just as well. I think I may see the need to splurge on these once I’m older, but at this moment, I don’t think I’d splurge on them yet. Don’t get me wrong, I love these. If someone offers to send me a lifetime supply of these with the condition that I wear one each day, I’d totally jump on the offer. But spending my own money? I need to make more first…

July 24, 2025 0 comments

Cosmetics

Elemis Pro-Collagen Toning Mist Review

by Lina Clémence July 24, 2025

written by Lina Clémence

*Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog

Priced at

When Elemis launches a new product under its Pro-Collagen line, I tend to sit up and take notice. This is a brand known for fusing spa-grade luxury with clinically backed skincare performance, and their latest release, the Elemis Pro-Collagen Toning Mist, is no exception. I’ve been trying it out and I’m genuinely impressed. Here’s my in-depth review, with everything you need to know.

What is Elemis Pro-Collagen Toning Mist?

The Elemis Pro-Collagen Toning Mist is the latest addition to Elemis’ iconic anti-ageing range. Designed to be used post-cleanse, this ultra-fine facial mist acts as a hydrating, balancing, and priming step in your skincare routine. It’s formulated to deliver an immediate boost of moisture while also refining pores and enhancing the absorption of subsequent serums and moisturisers.

Key Ingredients

Marine Biotech Ferment – works to rebalance sebum and reduce the appearance of pores for a refined appearance

Gluconolactone – polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that promotes healthy skin turnover

Padina Pavonica – brown macroalgae, rich in antioxidants, that supports skin hydration.

How to use it

This product is designed to be used every morning and evening after cleansing. You can spritz it on to a cotton pad and gently wipe it over your face and neck or simply spritz 2-3 pumps over the face.

What I would say is that I’d recommend sticking to the recommended dose as this does contain PHA exfoliant (gluconolactone). While this is gentle, it still does have an exfoliating action and it’s key to make sure you’re not over-exfoliating to maintain barrier health.

My Review of Elemis Pro-Collagen Toning Mist

I actually have a bit of a sentimental connection to Elemis toners. One of my first ever toners was their iconic Soothing Apricot Toner. That spray will forever hold a special place in my heart, so I was really curious (and a bit excited!) to see how this new Pro-Collagen edition would compare.

Delivers ultra-fine, cloud-like hydration
Leaves skin feeling as if you’ve applied a light serum
Gently exfoliates and balances combination skin
Visibly plumps and boosts moisture levels
Refines pores and smooths skin texture
Perfect pre-serum prep for better skincare absorption

Texture & Application

Let’s start with the mist itself. It is super fine. Like, cloud-fine. This isn’t one of those aggressive sprays that leave droplets; it puffs across the face like a veil of hydration. I absolutely love how it feels on the skin. It’s incredibly refreshing without being wet or sticky.

Immediate Effects

As soon as the Elemis Pro-Collagen Toning Mist hits the skin, it feels as though you’ve just applied a light serum. There’s this lovely, tangible softness and bounce that’s quite addictive. It takes the skin from feeling “just cleansed” to comforted and hydrated in seconds.

Layering & Skincare Prep

This is a brilliant post-cleanse step and it layers very nicely under serums or treatments. Be mindful that it contains gentle exfoliating agents so try to avoid serums or treatments that are also exfoliants.

I have noticed that this mist is great at helping other skincare products to absorb more effectively and that my hydrating serums in particular feel like they lock in better when layered after this mist.

Hydration & Plumping

I think this has a lovely quenching and plumping effect. It gives my skin a lovely dewy look and is great for softening out the appearance of dehydration lines.

Combination Skin-Friendly

As someone with combination skin, I feel the Elemis Pro-Collagen Toning Mist is really balancing. Thanks to the PHA which gently refines the skin without stripping.

Who is it For?

The Elemis Pro-Collagen Toning Mist is suitable for all skin types but will be especially loved by:

Those with dehydrated or dull skin
Anyone using actives who needs a hydrating buffer
Combination or mature skin types looking for balance and plumpness

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Personally, I feel this is more than just a face mist, it’s more like a treatment step. The cloud-like texture, combined with the hydrating and pore-refining benefits, makes the Elemis Pro-Collagen Toning Mist a real winner in my book. It’s the kind of product that quietly upgrades your routine, boosting everything that comes after it.

If you’re looking for a toner that actually does something, without disrupting your skin’s balance, this could be it. But, remember, it does have an exfoliating action, so make sure you are not doubling up on that with your other steps.

Where to buy it

The Elemis Pro-Collagen Toning Mist is £45 and available now via the links below:

My other current Elemis obsession is their latest cleansing balm in Black Cherry. To find out more read Elemis Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm Review.

July 24, 2025 0 comments

Canadian Beauty

Violet Voss Sugar Crystals Palette: Review & 6 Makeup Looks

by Lina Clémence July 23, 2025

written by Lina Clémence

The best part of a new palette is starting to imagine all of the possibilities that lie within it. I purchased the Violet Voss Sugar Crystals Palette this past August and I’ve been playing with it on and off since then. I’ve done quite a few makeup looks using it so I’m ready to share my thoughts on it as well as show you SIX different makeup looks that I’ve created using this colourful and versatile palette!

Violet Voss Sugar Crystals Palette

The packaging is fairly sleek and made of cardboard making it a sturdy palette. The bright colours on the outside are very representative of the fun that you can find inside the palette. I always love when the packaging is true to the product.

Violet Voss Sugar Crystals Palette

Inside the palette there is a mix of matte and shimmer shades. The top row being all matte, the centre row being the darker of the shimmers and the bottom row are the lighter shimmery shades. The bottom row truly reminds me of coloured sugar.

The colour pay off in general was a bit less than I expected but I learned to work with the palette. I think it would be perfect for someone who is just dipping their toes into colourful eye shadow as the shades are more buildable than intense. I found that the matte shades were difficult to use in the crease with my go-to Sigma E40 brush but once I started using my Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush I had a much easier time with them. The shimmer shades were difficult to apply with a brush but I got excellent payoff using my fingers.

Look #1

Transition/Crease: Mint Choco
Lid: Pistachio
Outer-V: Jelly Bean
Under Eye: Jelly Bean

Look #2

Transition/Crease: Pearberry
Lid: Sherbert & Orange Cream
Outer-V: Pearberry
Inner corner: Banana
Under Eye: Pearberry

Look #3

Transition/Crease: Bubble Gum
Lid: Strawberry & Grape
Outer-V: Jelly Bean
Under Eye: Jelly Bean & Bubble Gum

Look #4

Transition/Crease: Bubble Gum & Jelly Bean
Lid: Sugar Crystals & Cotton Candy
Outer-V: Jelly Bean
Under Eye: Jelly Bean & Bubble Gum

Look #5

Violet Voss Sugar Crystals Palette Makeup Look

Transition/Crease: Blue Razz & Jelly Bean
Lid: Limeade & Sweet n Sour
Outer-V: Blue Razz
Inner Corner: Limeade
Under Eye: Blue Razz

Look #6

Violet Voss Sugar Crystals Palette Makeup Look

Transition/Crease: Banana & Pearberry
Lid: Lemon Drop
Outer-V: Pearberry
Inner Corner: Butter Cream
Under Eye: Pearberry & Banana

Looks #2 and #4 are definitely my favourites of the bunch. I’m not usually into wearing blue shadows but I am surprised with how much I enjoyed #5 and could definitely see myself doing that one again!

In general, I am not sure if this is my favourite Violet Voss Palette as I didn’t find the eyeshadows as nice to work with as usual, I am still glad I got this palette. Once I adjusted my technique and changed out my brushes to fit the palette I had a lot of fun using it. As I said earlier, it would be the perfect palette for someone who is starting to use colour as it is not as intense as some of the other rainbow palettes on the market.

xoxo,

Robyn

You can also find me here…

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July 23, 2025 0 comments

Indonesian Beauty

[Review] Serum Lokal Kaya Antioxidant & Merawat Pori-pori dari Control Zero

by Lina Clémence July 21, 2025

written by Lina Clémence

Salah satu brand lokal Indonesia yang menurutku patut dapat more attention, yaitu Control Zero. By far memang baru ada 2 serum yang mereka punya dan semuanya — mulai dari bahan dan formula nya juara.

Dua serum dari Control Zero yang sudah launching di pasaran adalah Beta Pore Serum & C the Sun Serum. Both come in box yang environmental friendly . Control Zero sendiri menjunjung Zero Waste Project dimana kalian bisa mengirim balik botol-botol kosong skincare untuk didaur ulang. Untuk pendapatan poin dan caranya bisa kalian cek langsung ya di Instagram Control Zero. Yang pasti aku bangga sekali dengan brand lokal yang sangat thoughtful begini.

Balik ke produk, kedua serum ini memang fokus pada skin concern yang berbeda ya. Yang satu merupakan serum Vitamin C dan satunya untuk pore care dan control sebum.

Kedua botol packaging dari Control Zero ini kokoh, sturdy dari glass bottle berwarna doff gelap. Ini bagus banget karena kan banyak kandungan actives, dengan botol gelap gini maka akan melindungi si actives dari paparan matahari supaya gak cepat rusak atau oksidasi.

Untuk tekstur dan formula yuk aku bahas satu-persatu ya!

C THE SUN SERUM

As the name implies, ini adalah serum Vitamin C yang kaya antioxidant dan bagi kalian yang butuh untuk mencerahkan kulit kusam, reduce acne scars / sun spots.

Untuk kandungan nya sendiri , dia menggunakan Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (EAA) dengan kadar 20% untuk Vitamin C nya dan 4% Niacinamide. Gak perlu ngeri dulu ya begitu liat persentase nya 20% , karena dia menggunankan EAA kok , dimana punya sifat yang gentle namun punya efek yang oke juga .

Selain itu, formulasi nya diimbangi dengan banyaknya humektan & Niacinamide yang bisa membantu menenangkan kulit juga selain untuk brightening.

Tekstur nya bening dan agak runny, gampang diratakan dan lightweight. Since dia juga water-based , pakenya gak tricky. Aku sih biasanya pake setelah slot essence. Dikulit juga sama sekali gak celekit, but mind you, kulit ku memang sudah biasa dengan Vitamin C ya. Jadi bagiku untuk cukup mild & lembab.

Untuk efek dikulit memang akan beda-beda ya pastinya tiap individu, kalau diaku Control Zero C the Sun Serum ini bagus untuk maintenance dan enak di pairing dengan sunscreen di AM routine sebagai anti radikal bebas booster istilahnya .

Apakah bisa treat jerawat juga? Bisa sih , cuma itu bukan fokus utamanya memang. C the Sun Serum ini ya sebuah serum antioxidant , yang bisa untuk anti aging, mencerahkan, mengurangi dark spots dan bekas jerawat.

Kalau kalian cari yang untuk treat jerawat, tighten pores, dan control sebum bisa coba ke serum nya yang Beta Pore Serum.

BETA PORE SERUM

Buat kalian yang kulitnya oily, biasanya akan cocok dengan Beta Pore Serum ini. Dari bahan-bahannya memang dia ini bagus sekali untuk anti acne, mengontrol minyak berlebih dan membersihkan pori-pori agar terlihat mengecil.

Serum ini mengandung 2% Salicylic Acid dan 4% Niacinamide. Salicylic Acid sendiri ini kalau dikulitku, dia membantu banget untuk “soften” atau mengempukkan komedo ku sehingga mudah di extract. Bagus banget untuk kulit oily , karena Salicylic Acid sendiri sifatnya oil-soluble. Bagi yang mengeluh pori-pori besar , gak ada yang namanya pori-pori membesar mengecil ya sebenernya wkwk , yang ada pori-porimu itu kondisinya kotor tersumbat makanya terlihat lebar. Solusinya ya bisa “dibersihkan” dengan Salicylic Acid ini sehingga akan nampak mengecil.

Niacinamide sendiri selain untuk brightening agent, protect skin barrier , juga bisa untuk treat acne kok. Dengan kandungan 4% aja dia uda bisa merawat jerawat level medium. Kabar baik juga kan bagi yang gak bisa pakai Niacinamide diatas 5% .

Texture-wise, dia berupa gel yang lebih viscous daripada si C the Sun Serum. Tapi tenang, since Beta Pore Serum ini adalah water-based jadi tetep nyaman karena akan menjadi watery ketika diaplikasikan ke kulit.

Untuk yg kulit oily , feel free aja kalau mau dipakai semuka ya. Untuk yang kulit kering kayak aku dengan concern banyak komedo, bisa dipake di area-area yang bermasalah aja kayak di hidung .

Hasilnya diwajah gak minyakan ya, jadi both Beta Pore Serum & C the Sun Serum ini finish nya gak greasy. Terserap dengan baik intinya.

Dan serum-serum Control Zero ini punya travel size bagi yang mau coba-coba dulu. Yang full size ukurannya 30 ml, untuk travel size yaitu 10 ml. Dari segi harga juga menurutku masih affordable kok.

Beta Pore Serum : 30 ml Rp 139.000 , 10 ml Rp 62.000

C The Sun Serum : 30 ml Rp 189.000 , 10 ml Rp 79.000

Semoga membantu ya bagi kalian yang masih awam dan bingung dengan masing-masing benefit dan bahannya.

July 21, 2025 0 comments

Plus Size Fashion

Amazon product review: Plus size pencil skirt

by Lina Clémence July 21, 2025

written by Lina Clémence

You never know what to expect when you are shopping online and especially with plus size clothing. Finding quality, fitting fashionable items is difficult at best. The internet can surely mislead you with altered photos and what you actually receive is nothing like the photo.

I took a chance with Amazon hoping to find the perfect pencil skirt. My issue is that I have a belly flap. Better known as an “apron” as it’s sagging skin and belly fat that hangs rather than a rounded belly or flat stomach. My waist is small, belly flap and then thick thighs make for a strange figure that clothing usually fits either too small at the hips or too big at the waist.

Here is what I ordered:

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Here is how the skirt fit on me:

I admit, I may have ordered it a tad bit too big, but I would much rather have it be a little loose rather than too small to get into. It’s comfortable, and it’s the perfect length! This was a great purchase and I am so happy I took a chance with this pencil skirt!

“K A is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC
Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide
a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking
to amazon.com.”

July 21, 2025 0 comments

Asian Beauty

Asian Makeup and Skincare Blog: SECRET KEY Self Brow Tattoo Tint Pack in #04 Ash Brown Review

by Lina Clémence July 20, 2025

written by Lina Clémence

I’m pleased to announce that I’ve been selected as a 1st Generation Beautiful Pioneer!

What is a Beautiful Pioneer?

“A Beautiful Pioneer is curious.
A Beautiful Pioneer is thorough.
A Beautiful Pioneer embraces and promotes beauty & individuality.”

I’ll be working with Cupidrop to test out the latest K-beauty products and review them with 100% honesty.

Since Cupidrop is based in NYC, shipping is super fast for US residents! The prices are also super affordable as the company started with the simple idea of offering great skincare products at great prices to the US.

For my first product, I received the SECRET KEY Self Brow Tattoo Tint Pack. I chose #04 Ash Brown because its the only shade with grey undertones, which look the most natural on girls with black hair.

The peel-off makeup trend has piqued my interest for some time now so I was super excited to try this out! I always seemed to gravitate to my good old brow pencil but by stepping out of my comfort zone, hopefully I’ll discover a new holy grail for my brows!

Price: $6

Size: 8g

Scent: Glue. But that’s only because I intentionally took a giant whiff an inch away from the bottle. The scent is undetectable upon opening and application.

Ingredients (rough run through Google Translate…obviously some gibberish in there):

Purified water, ethanol polyvinyl alcohol, dihydroxyacetone, Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 00. panthenol, aloe vera leaf extract, soybean extract, xanthan gum, camellia seeds, tocopheryl acetate, sodium chloride, hydroxyzine . 1.2-hexan di caprylyl glycol, phenoxyethanol, W quality hexyl glycerin, Red No. 227 methane, pansaek No. 4, Blue No. 1

The brush is fairly thick so that large amounts of product can be applied easily. You’re supposed to apply a thick, even layer as opposed to a thin one for optimal pigmentation. On the downside, this makes precise edges difficult to achieve.

Once dry, the tint became a thin, stretchy film. While I did lose around 2 hairs per brow upon removal, it was quick and painless. I found that the tint didn’t come off in one piece and had to be rubbed off in small parts because it was clinging onto my hairs. When I applied the tint to my arm for a swatch/longevity test, the dried tint actually came off by itself– indicating how easy it is to remove on smooth skin.

My initial reaction to the tint was how “sharpie” it looked. There’s no possible way to thin the product out near the inner corners of your brows or create a softer outline. I actually tried with my right brow and ended up with patchiness in that area. Keep in mind that your brows will look exactly like how you draw them with the tint except several shades lighter. The edges will be super sharp!

While the majority of my brows were a nice “khaki grey” color, the edges were faintly outlined with some gold color. Honestly speaking, I was a bit horrified with how unnatural things looked immediately after removal. For review’s sake, I decided to leave the brows be to see how they faded.

The next morning, I was pleasantly surprised at how natural things were looking! The edges had softened up and were looking very similar to how I normally fill in my brows. The areas with little to no hair (my inner corners) lightened up significantly while the areas dense with hair stayed dark.

My favorite days were 2-3, and I noticed that the darkness was virtually gone by day 5.

For my second test on my brows, I left the tint on for only 30 minutes and the end product was very similar. However, the color was extremely prone to smearing. The product also peeled off easily and pulled off no hairs. Definitely leave your brows alone for 24 hours if choosing to apply for only 30 minutes!

As for the longevity test, I decided to do two patches on my wrist. (Keep in mind that the results on my wrist are much different than the results on my brows because my face is oilier, and more prone to sweat.) The instructions recommend leaving the product on overnight for a more “intense” color so I applied one patch for 2 hours and the other for 8 hrs.

The morning after applying the overnight patch test, I found that the product had peeled off by itself during the night. As a result, I’m not completely sure if I had the product on for 8 hours, but I definitely know that it was longer than 2.

Applying the product for only 2 hours gives a more brown color, while applying overnight gives a darker, grey color. The darkness of both patches was consistent for 5 days until I decided to run water over it (I had avoided running water over it in the shower.)

Once in the shower, the color significantly lightened. The color then continued to fade gracefully when I resumed running water over my wrist in the shower.

On day 11, I cleansed my wrist with a cleansing foam and the color came right off. There is a SLIGHT trace of the product, but for the most part it was gone.

Overall, I would recommend this product to those who want to have brow makeup on while at the pool or water park. The color fades much quicker than expected and stays for 1-2 days if you cleanse per usual.

The peel off trend is fun, I admit, but definitely a gimmick!

July 20, 2025 0 comments

Canadian Beauty

Hard Candy Glitteratzi Glitter & Chrome Eyeshadow Duo Review – Hoots Of Beauty

by Lina Clémence July 20, 2025

written by Lina Clémence

Liquid glitter is not new, but it has made a huge come back. They have all the sparkle and shimmer of glitter without the mess of loose glitter. Hard Candy has released 12 duos for spring 2019. Each duo comes with a glitter shade and a matching chrome shade.

The shade I have is Viva La Venus. The glitter shade is a light lavender, and the chrome is a mid-toned blue based purple. The sides can be used on their own or layered. I tried layering the glitter on top of the chrome in video below.

The results were okay, but I have found that using the glitter and chrome on their own is the best way to use them on hooded lids. Both products last all day with an eye primer. The glitter is made up of larger pieces of glitter, so I found that dabbing the product on with the applicator is the best way of getting a solid color.

Removal is best done with a micellar water or waterproof makeup remover and a cotton round. I hold the cotton round with the remover on my eye for around 10 to 15 seconds to allow the remover to break down the glitter and then gently wipe off the product.

For around $7, the Hard Candy Glitteratzi is a great option for liquid glitter. The chrome side is a nice addition, but I don’t see myself using that side as much as the glitter.

Left to Right: Chrome, Glitter, Glitter on top of Chrome

July 20, 2025 0 comments