TATCHA 'Ritual Discovery Kit' review + photos

       I have a soft spot for pretty packaging. Thanks to TATCHA, I've been enjoying the wonderfully wrapped TATCHA Ritual Discovery Kit! The set has sample sizes of four skincare favorites for those looking to experiment in TATCHA's geisha-inspired skincare ritual (or convenient travel sizes for the jet-set types).

       When it comes to minis, aesthetic quality can be variable (after all, the point is usually the product inside). That said, I love the attention to detail crafted into this set. The set has beautiful white and gold pieces, with the weight of glass. The molded paper presentation has an equally beautiful and clean feel.

          The four parts of TATCHA Ritual Discovery Kit has four pieces, for an ordered ritual.

• Step 1: PURE is the TATCHA One Step Cleansing Oil. The full size version is a staple in my everyday routine as of late, so I'm happy to have a smaller version to take with me on my travels. 
• Step 2: POLISHED is the TATCHA Gentle Enzyme Rice Powder. It comes in fourteen single use packets --- the powder transforms into a wonderful texture upon mixing with water; rice bran and papaya enzyme exfoliate. 
• Step 3: RADIANT is the TATCHA Deep Brightening Serum, which is a fan favorite. 
• Step 4: SUPPLE is the TATCHA Moisture Rich Silk Cream. This little white jar is too cute! It locks in moisture with TATCHA's usual finish.

          I hope you've enjoyed this tour of the TATCHA Ritual Discovery Kit ($59). It's a lovely little set, and I'm looking forward to experiencing the TATCHA ritual during my everyday routine and travels!

         Thanks for reading! Have you experienced TATCHA? What are your favorites from the line? Do you take skincare miniatures with you on your travels?

Love, Dovey.

P.S. For more TATCHA, be sure to check out my review of the TATCHA Indigo collection. The TATCHA Ritual Discovery Kit, as well as other staples can be found at Tatcha.com.
Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own. As usual, no ads or affiliate links!

Skincare Sunday : A few of my favorites from Avène, Kiehl's, and Tatcha

         If there's one thing I've learned this quarter, it's that six hours of sleep and chronic coffee consumption does not healthy skin make! Thanks to a busy-bee schedule (and allergy season on its way), my skin's been through some ups and downs. Due to the aforementioned circumstances and the ingredient-sensitive nature of my skin, optimizing my skincare routine can be a challenge! Thankfully, I've managed to accumulate a handful of skincare products that seem to work well for me --- and thought it would be fun to share them with you today!

1. Avène Crème peaux intolerantes
What would I do without Avene? This cream has been my go-to for when I want to put only the gentlest, simplest ingredients on. Additionally, it has special packaging that allows it to be preservative free. (I like to think of this cream as very hypoallergenic, even among hypoallergenic creams!)

2. Avene Cleanance cleanser
This has been my holy grail cleanser for a few years now. The gel formula gives a deep clean without drying (or using salicylic acids which I can be sensitive to). Plus, I love the gentle thermal water scent!

3. Kiehl's Rosa Arctica Youth Regenerating cream and eye balm (click for review)
I'll admit it: I'm fond of the sea-glass green jars. Aside from the aesthetics, I've been having good luck with the Rosa Arctica formula on my skin thus far. The ingredient list is a bit more extensive than with Avène products, but it works well for me when my skin is relatively calm and on the dry side. I like the thicker, somewhat balmy feel, and how well it locks in moisture.

4. Kiehl's Powerful Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate (click for review)
Like a number of people with 'ethnic' skin, I tend to scar and develop hyperpigmentation quite easily. Vitamin C products tend to work really well for me when it comes to evening out my skintone over time. I acquired a brand new bottle of Kiehl's Vitamin C concentrate and have been loving it thus far!

5. Tatcha Indigo Soothing Renewal Treatment (click for review)
This is a new discovery of mine, thanks to Tatcha. I like to use this as a calming night-time treatment for when my skin is under some duress. I'm still tickled by the indigo-tinted formula and the gorgeous packaging!

         Thanks for reading! What skincare products have you been loving lately? Have you tried anything from Avène, Kiehl's, or Tatcha?

Love, Dovey.

Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus range review

          If you enjoy burying your nose in a bouquet of fresh cut roses, Jurlique's new Rose Moisture Plus range might be for you. Jurlique is a skincare company whose skincare philosophy focuses on using natural ingredients and inspiration from their biodynamic farm in Australia. The Rose Moisture Plus range is their new line of rose-based (and scented) skincare products that are meant to provide hydration and protection against environmental aggressors. The range consists of Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Moisturizing Cleanser, Rosewater balancing mist, and a moisturizing cream. All have a very distinct rose scent.

            Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus with Antioxidant Complex Moisturizing Cleanser is supposed to be a hydrating foaming cleanser. It  contains willow bark extract to enhance cell turnover and pumice to lightly exfoliate the face. I found it to be a soft foam with a lightly whipped texture that is easy to work over the face. I don't feel the pumice, but notice the exfoliation that occurs afterwards. There is a definite scent of natural rose, which initially was surprising since I'm more used to Rose in fragrance form. The result was a very clean feeling. I wouldn't describe it as overtly hydrating; it didn't have the moisturizing residues that one would expect, which frankly I'm happy about. I found it to feel a little more stripping than my gel cleansers, however it was not tight or drying on my combination skin. To my surprise, I've reached for this quite a bit lately. The scent alongside the clean feeling and exfoliation is nice.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Potassium Stearate, Decyl Glucoside, Potassium Myristate, Potassium Laurate, Potassium Palmitate, Lauryl Glucoside, Pumice, Vitis vinifera (Grape) seed oil, Salix alba (Willow) bark extract, rosa canina (Rose Hip) fruit oil, Sapindus Mukrossi Peel extract, Camellia sinensis (Green Tea) extract, Vitis vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Curcuma Ionga (Turmeric) Root Extract, Mentha piperita (Peppermint) extract, Equisetum arvense extract, Lavandula angustifolia extract, Salvia officinalis (Sage) extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) extract, Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel) extract, Achillea millefolium extract, Calendula officinalis flower extract, Fragrance/Parfum, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Totarol, SD Alcohol 40-A (Alcohol Denat.), Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citronellol, Linalool, Geraniol

          Lately I've really been into facial sprays, including those made of water alone. I'm starting to prescribe to the idea of letting water sink in and hydrate my skin, as opposed to toweling it off. I was excited to add Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist to my arsenal. Rose is thought to improve skin tone and balance and rose sprays seem to be gaining popularity (I've seen offerings from Chantecaille, LUSH, and others).  Jurlique's Rosewater balancing mist contains rose essential oil and botanicals to 'refresh and enliven' skin. Marshmallow extract and Aloe are present to hydrate. When you spray Rosewater balancing mist, it comes out as a lush mist. It feels a bit more luxurious than a water alone, due to the ingredient additions. I'll spray this on after cleanser and before lotion, or just on plain skin when I think I could use a little hydration. The dry down is quicker than water, since there is denatured alcohol present in addition to the water. I can feel a thin amount of (good) residue on my face afterwards. Jurlique's Rosewater Balancing Mist comes in a pretty little frosted glass bottle. It's square, but has concave sides to make it easier to hold. Overall, I'd say this one's a keeper. It seems expensive for a spray, but I think it's priced at about mid-range for a rose spray.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), SD Alcohol 40-A (Alcohol Denat.), Althaea officinalis (Marshmallow) root extract, Rose Gallica (Rose) flower extract, PEG-7, Glyceryl Cocoate, Fragrance/Parfum, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Lactic Acid, Polysorbate-20, Citrus grandis (Grapefruit) seed extract, Aloe barbadensis Leaf extract, Geraniol, Linalool, Citronellol, Eugenol, Benzyl Benzoate

        Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by Jurlique's Moisture Rose Plus line. Rose seems to be growing in popularity in skincare; in fact, my mother called me yesterday to tell me I should look into rose skincare. (Ha, I already did! Love you mom!) I was prepared to part with these products in case the 'moisturizing' aspect didn't agree with my combination skin. However, I'll be keeping these in my skincare stash since they do work with my skin. Which means... if you smell a girl walking around with rose scented skin, that might be me.

        Thanks for reading! Have you tried Jurlique? Do you have rose based products in your skincare routine?

Love, Dovey.

Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration by PR. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own.

Vitamin C peel review: Philosophy Microdelivery and Murad Radiance-C

          I love a good Vitamin C peel. Vitamin C peels are usually once a week treatments that can give an immediate brightening and freshened effect to the face. Vitamin C is usually combined with physical or chemical exfoliants to get a brightening effect. They do tend to be at the pricier end of treatments, so it's important to consider what you're looking for before investing. Today I'll review the two Vitamin C peels I have in my stash: Philosophy The Microdelivery Peel and Murad Intensive-C Radiance Peel. 

1. Philosophy The Microdelivery Peel was my first Vitamin C peel, and is one of the most popular peels out there. It comes with two parts, or ingredients, if you will. There are two parts to this treatment: a 2oz. tub of Vitamin C peptide resurfacing crystals and a 2oz. bottle of lactic/salicylic acid activating gel. First, you use massage the crystals, which are many small particles (size of salt or smaller) in a orange colored paste that smells like orange, onto your face. The grains exfoliate and add the Vitamin C. The lactic/salicylic is a thick liquid added on top to infuse the skin with Vitamin C and provide secondary exfoliation. When you add it on top of the 'crystals' there is a nice warm sensation. This treatment really works; the physical and chemical exfoliation leave the skin looking fresh and bright. I remember my package said there were about ten uses of product, however I found that I got many more uses out if it.

2. Murad Intensive-C Radiance Peel - I received Murad's Intensive-C Radiance peel as a sample for consideration. It contrasts from Philosophy in that it is very simple to use. The peel comes in lotion form and easily applies to the face. The sensation upon application is kind of neat; it's a cold and hot feeling. It's more stimulating than the warm relaxing feel of Philosophy. The glycolic acid does the exfoliating in this product. It does not have the physical exfoliating capacity of Philosophy, but it does effectively brighten. Those with more sensitive skin might enjoy this product since it lacks the physical abrasion. Each use doesn't require too much product, so this tube should last a while.

          Both peels are nice and workable. It really depends what you're looking for. The Philosophy Microdelivery peel is a more multi-step, spa-like, and adds physical exfoliation. The Murad Intensive-C peel is more quick and easy for someone on the go; plus it has a cool icy-hot effect. Have you tried either of these products? What are your favorite peels?

Love, Dovey.

Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration by PR. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own. 

Skincare Saturday: Murad Resurgence Renewing Cleansing Cream review

           My Saturday/Sunday skincare series is making a resurgence with a review of Murad Resurgence Renewing Cleansing Cream. The Murad Resurgence line is an anti-aging line for hormonally aging skin. The Renewing Cleansing Cream is supposed to gently exfoliate using papaya enzyme. When you look at the tube, you can see the cleanser has a very shiny, pearly appearance. The consistency is relatively thick and cream-like and smells a bit fruity. The cream is mostly smooth but it has a little texture during washing. The finished result is a clean feel that's not too dry or tight. I had Mr. Lovey try this product as well. He noticed that after a couple days of use, his skin would sting when applying sunscreen for the day. Although this is not ideal, it highlights the fact that the enzyme exfoliants in the Murad Resurgence Cleansing Cream are likely working even though you can't feel them the same way as a physical exfoliant. While it might seem surprising that a fruit extract could do this, keep in mind that certain fruits like papaya and kiwi contain effective enzymes that can be used as meat tenderizers! If you use this cleansing cream, I would recommend taking care to rinse it off completely before applying moisturizer, as to remove any residual enzyme.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Stearic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract, Panthenol, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan) Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Sorbitol, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Benzophenone-4, Butylene Glycol, PEG-8, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Limonene *, Linalool *, Fragrance (Parfum)   

          In conclusion, the Murad Resurgence Renewing Cleansing Cream is an interesting cleanser, combining a pearly look, creamy feel, and fruity smell. You might like this enzyme-based exfoliating cleanser if you're not a fan of abrasive exfoliants. However, the enzymes almost too effectively exfoliate for certain skin types. Although this is not the ideal cleanser for either Mr. Lovey or I, I do keep in mind that it is designed for 'aged' skin. Perhaps the strength of the cleanser would be appropriate to turnaround and provide 'resurgence' to older or less sensitive skin. Thanks for reading! What are your favorite Murad products? Do you use enzyme containing cleansers?

Love, Dovey.

Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration by PR.  

Skincare Saturday: Whole Foods beauty haul

          Recently I've come to the realization that I have enough skincare products to fill a small pharmacy. Now that it's spring, and colors are light, my hunting/gathering to be more focused on skincare items, so I've decided to do a 'Skincare Saturday/Sunday' series on the blog. I hope I can keep it up and post regularly on the topic. Some posts will be reviews, some will be collections, and some I'm sure will be something entirely else. Today, to kick things off, I'm posting on my Whole Food beauty haul.

         Today I went to the  city Whole Foods for the first time. Mr. Lovey was there to pick up fish and a couple other groceries, so I figured I would see if they had of Burt's Bees Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Creme, which I had been planning on picking up at Target. When I got to the beauty section, I was completely blown away. Not only did I find a huge display of Burt's Bees, I found multiple aisles of familiar and unfamiliar beauty products. I only had time to scoop up a few things, but I'll definitely be going back to explore further.

       As mentioned, I picked up my Burt's Bees almond milk hand creme, which is a staple. My hands have been very dry lately and nothing else seems to work. Almond is one of my absolute favorite scents, which is a big plus. I also bought my first tube of Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Tiger Lily. Whole Foods had testers out of all the colors, which was helpful. The color in the tube is gorgeous too. When swatched, the color is very sheer; however recently I've been skipping lip colors so this is just what I need. I'll try it out for a while before going back for more colors.

          Pacifica and Avalon Organics were two brands that I'm already familiar with, so I gravitated towards them amidst the overwhelming  selection. I picked up the Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Body Wash. I used to have a hand creme of the same scent. I think Pacifica blood orange is one of the best citrus skincare scents on the market. I figure I can use to replace my LUSH Happy Hippy when it runs out. The body wash is sulfate free; I'm interested to see how well it lathers. My other citrus-y find was Avalon Organics Hand and Body Lotion in Grapefruit and Geranium. I love grapefruit scents and had been hoping to find this for a long time! I've used the Avalon Organics Lavender lotion before; that scent is more frequently carried in stores. This is the first time I saw Grapefruit and Geranium; you can imagine my excitement!

       I hope you enjoyed my Whole Foods beauty haul! Everything here was Mr. Lovey's treat :). I'm sure Whole Foods has now been added to his mental list of 'expect delays due to beauty products' locations list. Have you perused your local Whole Foods for beauty? Do you have recommendations? What skincare items have you hauled recently?

Love, Dovey.