Disappointing Products: Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Oil

I recently made a trip to Sephora to pick up some skincare items for a special event I had coming up. I love Clinique and wanted a few skincare products - some I've tried and loved and some I have not yet tried out. As you know, I'm a sucker for cleansing oils. A while back, before I was into cleansing oils, I remember Tanya Burr mentioning a Clinique "Take the Day Off" cleansing balm. I kept that recommendation in the back of my mind and when I was at Sephora last week, I decided to finally check out the range. Included in the Take the Day Off range is a cleansing oil. Obviously, I had to try it. 

Clinique take the day off cleansing oil

This pains me to say it was a disappointing product because I absolutely love Clinique products - especially their skincare. Unfortunately, I was really disappointed by this product and cannot continue to use it. I love the formula - it's so silky and smooth and it really dissolves makeup quickly and completely. There's no obnoxious smell and at first, I was really pleased with the oil. However, as soon as I began to remove my eye makeup, it started to sting my eyes pretty badly. I realize this will not be a problem for everyone - as different products react differently with each person, but it was so intense that I definitely won't be using it again. I'm sad that I have to return this. I'm not sure if there's a particular ingredient in this formula that isn't in my other cleansing oils, but this does seem to be a lot less natural than The Body Shop version. I ended up with red, watery eyes that stung all night.

Although the ingredients didn't agree with me, I thought the name of this range was really cute and unique. I definitely want my evening skincare products to "take the day off" and leave my skin feeling fresh and clean. I also love the packaging. I wish all cleansing oils would take note of this! The pump lid twists into a locked position so that it doesn't leak (perfect for traveling). It's also in a pretty translucent purple bottle which looks nice and would be suitable to be displayed on a bathroom counter. It's definitely the best packaging out of all the oils I've tried. If this didn't burn my eyes it would be a definite winner. 

Even though this product isn't for me, it hasn't put me off Clinique. Some of my favorite skincare products are made by Clinique and I will continue to try out their other lines. I don't think I'll be trying any more from this particular range, but my quest for the perfect cleansing oil will continue! Another thing to consider if you're looking to try this product is the price. It's the priciest oil so far - going for $27 for 6.7 oz. The Garnier oil is the cheapest at just under $8 for 4.2 oz., and The Body Shop oil goes for $18 for an even larger (6.75 oz.) bottle. 

Have you tried this oil or any other products from the "take the day off" range? If so, let me know your thoughts in the comments. As always, I'm still accepting recommendations for other cleansing oils!

Until next time! xoxo

The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Oil: Review

I ordered this cleansing oil based off of a recommendation from Amelia Liana. I have been using the Garnier Cleansing Oil for many months and I love it. I like to remove my makeup before cleansing so I can be sure that my cleanser is working to clean my skin rather than just remove my makeup. A cleansing oil is really great option for me because I have dry skin and it gently but thoroughly removes makeup without stripping my skin or drying it out.

The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil is more than double the price of the Garnier version (Garnier cleansing oil retails for around $8) but is still affordable at $18. I use 3-4 pumps of this every evening to remove a full face of makeup, so both bottles will probably last my quite a while. I like the smell of the oil - it smells just like camomile tea. Comparing it to the Garnier version, the camomile cleansing oil is a bit more viscous and I find it melts and removes makeup better and quicker. I have noticed that this formulation very very slightly stings my eyes sometimes, but nothing too crazy and it never leaves me with red eyes or any irritation. Once I wipe it away I don't experience any discomfort. That's my only complaint about the product. I definitely feel that it removes makeup quicker than the Garnier oil and it feels very silky and luxurious on my skin. I have also noticed that The Body Shop Oil bottle does not leak. My Garnier oil leaks all over the counter and sits in a puddle of oil where I store it. It makes a big mess so I do like the packaging of this oil much better. I'm not sure if I would repurchase it just because there are so many other cleansing oil options - with the Garnier oil I can even open my eyes without any irritation, so I will probably keep trying other oils until I find my favorite. I still use this every night and will probably finish off the bottle, but I don't see myself repurchasing it at this time.

This oil is made with Fair Trade camomile, which is a nice bonus. It also claims to be for all skin types, not just dry skin. It definitely feels less greasy and it moisturizes but doesn't leave skin with any greasy residue. If you're looking to try out a cleansing oil, I would definitely recommend it, especially if you have dry or easily irritated skin. Either the Body Shop or the Garnier oils are really good at removing makeup and are affordable enough to try out - everyone is different and everyone's skin will react differently to the formulations. I love The Body Shop products and will continue to use them!

What are your favorite cleansing oils? Have you experienced any eye irritation with The Body Shop's oil? Let me know in the comments!

Until next time! xoxo

Nighttime Skincare Routine

Removing your makeup at the end of the day is one of the most important aspects of skincare. I can't remember the last time I slept in my makeup but I do admit I'm not always diligent with my nighttime skincare routine. Give yourself plenty of time to remove your makeup properly and cleanse your skin. My nighttime routine is much longer than my morning routine so I can make sure I'm taking care of my skin and putting back what the day took away. 

My first step is to remove my makeup. I use this Garnier Cleansing Oil and massage it into my face and eyes to remove even waterproof mascara. It feels a little odd at first to put oil on top of your makeup, but this cleansing oil melts away all the makeup on your skin so you can wipe it away with a warm towel. 

My next step is to cleanse. I use the Philosophy Purity cleanser to clean my skin now that there's no makeup there. Purity will also remove any remaining makeup (even eye makeup) and it gently and naturally cleanses the skin without being too drying. This keeps my skin clear without irritation. 

If my skin is particularly dry, I use a scrub. I choose between the LUSH Ocean Salt Scrub and The Body Shop Vitamin C Microdermabrasion to smooth my skin.

A few nights of the week, I use a face mask. I choose a mask depending on what issues I'm experiencing at that time. If I'm dry, I use The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Mask. If I'm experiencing a break out, I use The Body Shop Tea Tree Mask. If I'm feeling oily or I suspect a breakout coming, I use one of the Formula 10.0.6 Mud Masks - I get these at Ulta and I LOVE them. They're under $10 for a large tube of the mask and it lasts forever. These smell so amazing and they use really good and natural ingredients. Since these are mud masks, they dry out my skin a little so I have to moisturize heavily after I use them.

Next, I use two essential oils on my skin. I use Tea Tree Oil and dab it on any spots or areas prone to breakouts. It always clears up my skin quickly. I also use Lemon Oil on my skin. Lemon oil helps keep skin clear and bright. Lemon oil can reduce scarring from breakouts as well. I do not use lemon oil if I have used a scrub or exfoliator because it can burn. 2-3 drops is plenty. 

Before moisturizing, I spritz a little bit of this LUSH toner water to help my moisturizers sink in.

On my eyes, I use the Origins A Perfect World for Eyes and just dab this around my eye area and the delicate skin underneath. I love the smell of this whole range. It has white tea in it and vitamin A to firm the skin. 

My last step is to moisturize. Typically, I use my trusty Boots No 7 Beautiful Skin Hydration mask. I've talked about this before, so I won't go on too much about it, but I use a light layer of this as a nighttime moisturizer to moisturize my dry skin. 

Just before bed I dab a little of this Yu Be skin cream onto my lips so I can wake up in the morning with smooth and moisturized lips. I love this stuff!

What products are in your nighttime routine? Share them below so I can try them out!