Showing posts with label cruelty-free. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cruelty-free. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

FaceTory Leaf Drops, Twilight Velvet Mask, and Sheet Mask Review and Coupon

One of my favorite ways to treat myself is to buy new skincare, but it can be expensive! Luckily with FaceTory I don't have to sacrifice quality for affordable pricing. I've been using their products for a while now and have a few new favorites to share!

*Disclaimer: These products were sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review. Post contains affiliate links.


FaceTory has clean, affordable skincare products that are cruelty-free and researched and envisioned in California and formulated in South Korea. Their products have no sulfates, parabens, fragrance, synthetic colors, or EDTA (a chemical compound that can cause negative side effects).

They have a subscription service that I've reviewed here and a shop full of one-time purchase skincare for every skin type and need.


I love sheet masks and use one almost every night. They're great for protecting and maintaining your skin's moisture barrier, regardless of your skincare needs. These three make up a set geared towards oily and acne-prone skin, which is the skin type I have. They can be purchase as singles and in sets of five and 10. 


The Light My Night Illuminating Mask brightens, hydrates, and balances skin. It helps fight hyperpigmentation and balance skin's oil production. It has Yuja extract, which helps even complexion and brighten skin. It can also help minimize the look of post-acne marks and boost collagen production. The mask itself is made with graphene material and is black in color and helps the serum penetrate deep into skin.

The Oh, My Heart Calming Mask calms, refines, and hydrates skin. It has Heartleaf extract, which is rich in antioxidants to help calm redness and irritation while protecting the moisture barrier. The mask also helps smooth the appearance of pores and rough skin. It's made with a soft microfiber material that feels smooth and silky on your skin.

The I Pinky Promise Rejuvenating Mask brightens, balances, and calms skin. It is formulated to help improve dullness and hyperpigmentation, balance oil production, and provide proper hydration. The Beetroot extract it contains is packed with Vitamin C to brighten and strengthen skin while preventing premature lines and wrinkles. This one is made with a soft microfiber material that's baby pink in color.



I also love sleep masks, which are basically thick creams that you put on (and leave on) before going to bed. The Twilight Velvet Renewing Sleeping Mask with LHA/PHA is made with LHA, PHA, and AHA, as the name states, which are all hydroxy acids that provide chemical exfoliation. This mask gently exfoliates overnight while providing hydration and refining large pores and texture. The texture is soft and creamy and it absorbed quickly into my skin. My skin was so soft the next morning! I'm excited to keep using this to see how well it balances and refines my oily skin.

A good serum is key to any skincare routine. The Leaf Drops Clarity Serum is a hybrid product of essence and oil for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin. It has Hemp Seed Oil to give an extra boost of hydration and balance sebum production. The serum also soothes redness and irritation and helps clarify blemishes, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. 

The serum is more like an essence-style to me, as it's not very thick/viscous. A few drops spread easily into the skin and absorb quickly. I like that it feels light on my skin.

  • Visit FaceTory to browse their full line and purchase

Bottom Line: I love FaceTory's products and these new ones are a great addition to my skincare routine. These products are targeted towards oily skin because that's the issue I deal with the most, but they have a variety of products for every skin type. Be sure to check them out, I'm sure you'll find some new favorites, too!

Thursday, August 4, 2022

Luma & Leaf Clean Beauty Skincare Review

Plant-based products are popping up more and more these days, and these types of ingredients are especially effective in skincare. Luma & Leaf is bringing plant-powered skincare to meet all skin types and needs!

*Disclaimer: These products were sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review.


Luma & Leaf uses a science-backed approach when it comes to formulating their products. Their Greenhouse Blend, one of their specialty concentrations, uses nutritive botanicals to soothe and hydrate. They use clinically studied and proven ingredients, like bakuchiol (a retinol alternative), to craft effective products.

Their products are vegan, sustainably-sourced, made in the USA, and cruelty-free certified by PETA. 


One of the products I got to try was the Relief & Repair Moisturizer, which is a soothing and gentle moisturizer that cools dry skin while improving rough texture and reducing inflammation. It's good for reactive skin types, eczema-prone skin, itchiness and dryness, and inflammation and redness due to wild oats (soothing, anti-inflammatory), niacinamide (retexturizing, protecting), Shea butter (softening, conditioning), and hemp seed oil (moisturizing, balancing). 

I like that the moisturizer comes in an airtight pump, making it easier to dispense the perfect amount and keep the product itself free from bacteria from hands and fingers. It can be used in the morning and at night. I liked that it had a creamy texture and absorbed quickly into my skin. I have redness and issues with oil, so niacinamide is a perfect ingredient for both issues.

The Clear Slate Serum is another great product for oily skin. It helps decrease blemishes while lessening hyperpigmentation with bakuchiol, aloe vera, Centenella Asiatica, and niacinamide.

The ingredients here are a dream for me! Centenella Asiatica (or tiger grass/cica) is one of my all-time favorite ingredients for soothing redness and sensitivity. Niacinamide, as mentioned with the moisturizer, helps to balance out oil production and also works to lighten dark spots. Bakuchiol is a retinol alternative that's great for anti-aging and smoothing, and of course, aloe vera is extremely soothing.

The serum can also be used in both your morning and nighttime skincare routines. It has a silky texture and two pumps were enough for my face. I keep it in my skincare fridge so it feels extra soothing during application!

Bottom Line: Luma & Leaf has a great line of plant-based skincare! Their products are all affordably priced and I have thoroughly enjoyed using both the Relief & Repair Moisturizer and Clear Slate Serum. 

Saturday, July 23, 2022

Rovectin Skincare Review and Coupon

I've reviewed Rovectin before (read that review here) and am excited to share some of their new products with you! 

*Disclaimer: These products were sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review. Post contains affiliate links.

Rovectin is a skincare brand from Korea that was created when a brother wanted to help his sister restore her damaged skin from chemotherapy. The Barrier Repair Ultra Cream was their first product, developed to combat side-effects such as extreme dryness and skin barrier deterioration from cancer treatment.

Since then, the Rovectin has become the most trusted skincare brand among patients, dermatologists, and hospitals across Korea. Their Rovectin Repair Complex uses ingredients inspired by nature to create high quality, restorative skincare. Their products are also cruelty-free and vegan.


I use the Conditioning Cleanser and Lotus Water Calming Toner during my morning routine. The cleanser has a low pH level and washes away dirt and grime without stripping skin of its protective moisture barrier. It has no artificial fragrance but there is a light coconut scent from a natural coconut oil derivative. To be honest, I don't notice the coconut scent at all when I use this.

The Lotus Water Calming Toner soothes with lotus flower extract and seven layers of hyaluronic acid and xylitol to retain moisture. This is great for all skin types. I like using toner as an extra way to balance my skin's pH level and provide soothing benefits.


The Lotus Water Cream is a gentle moisturizer that hydrates with clean ingredients and is appropriate for all skin types. Lotus water extract makes up 75 percent of its content and helps protect skin from fine dust or toxins due to its self-purifying features. It also contains kaempferol, a well-known antioxidant that restores balance and has anti-aging properties.

The Barrier Repair Face Oil is one of my favorite products from Rovectin. I have oily skin, and while one might think a face oil would be counterproductive for this skin type, it's actually one of the best products you can use. This one is made with neroli oil and squalane, which are naturally-occurring lipids that hydrate the skin. Tocopheral is a highly potent antioxidant that also helps keep skin strong from the inside-out. I especially love using this oil in the winter, as it helps keep skin feeling moisturized but not greasy.


If the plain Lotus Water Cream bottle is too boring for you, there was a pack of stickers included in the box that you can use to decorate it. I thought this was such a cute idea!

  • Visit Rovectin to brows their full line and purchase

Bottom Line: Rovectin's skincare products are such great quality and affordably priced. I've enjoyed every product I've used from their line and have had excellent results!

Sunday, June 26, 2022

Chemist Confessions Skincare Review

Anyone who is interested in skincare knows that a huge part of it is chemistry: knowing what formulations work best for your skin and with each other. Chemist Confessions is an Asian-American and woman-owned and founded company that makes breaking down the science of skincare easy and accessible!

*Disclaimer: These products were sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review.


Chemist Confessions was founded by Gloria Lu and Victoria Fu, two friends who met while they were working as skincare formulation chemists for an international beauty conglomerate. After leaving their corporate roles, they created the skincare science blog, Chemist Confessions, where they posted their chemist perspectives about the beauty industry.

They have since expanded the blog to a brand of skincare solutions, with the mission to empower consumers with approachable science education by making skin science fun and approachable to all, and providing user-friendly skincare solutions to help everyone with their daily routines.

Chemist Confessions uses the most effective and safe ingredients in fine-tuned, optimized percentages to create meaningful formulas. They have products that are appropriate for all skin types and needs.



I tried the Aquafix Hydrating Water Gel and Gold Standard Exfoliation Treatment. Pictured above is the Gold Standard treatment, which is the most potent chemical exfoliator in the Chemist Confessions line. It is made with 30 percent glycolic acid and five percent tranexamic acid and sloughs off dead skin for a smoother, brighter complexion.

Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) and tranexamic acid in skincare can be used to brighten and reduce hyperpigmentation. Both are strong ingredients, especially at a 30 percent formulation for the AHA, so this product is for people who have already worked AHAs/BHAs into their routines. I prefer chemical exfoliation (it's so much more effective than physical), and I use this gel twice a week on my T-zone, where my skin is the oiliest. I haven't had any negative effects after to weeks of use.


The Aquafix Hydrating Water Gel has madecassoside and panthenol for soothing stressed skin. Madecassoside is derviced from centella asiatica/cica, which many will likely recognize, as it's become a popular skincare ingredient as of late. It's wonderful for soothing redness and sensitive skin but is also great for all skin types. The Aquafix Hydrating Water Gel contains .5 percent madecassoside and two percent panthenol. Panthenol is a moisturizer and also works to soothe irritated skin.

The gel, as the name suggests, is a 100 percent oil-free water gel moisturizer. I love these types of moisturizers, especially during the hot, humid summer months. I expected the formula to feel light and airy, and although it was very soothing, it did feel a bit heavier on my skin than I expected. It wasn't so heavy that I would discontinue use, though.


The packaging is so cute! This little design was inside the top of the Aquafix Hydrating Water Gel box.

Here's a listing of the active ingredients in the Aquafix Hydrating Water Gel. It's also Leaping Bunny-certified cruelty-free, fragrance-free, and essential oil-free.

Bottom Line: Both of the products I tried from Chemist Confessions worked great for my oily skin. I appreciate that their formulas contain effective ingredients in optimized percentages from actual chemists. I'm eager to try more from their skincare line!

Thursday, June 16, 2022

Petsmile Pet Oral Care Review

I have a cat named Tully and I want to provide her the best healthcare, and keeping her teeth and gums healthy is an important part of that. Petsmile makes it easy to provide professional-level care for your pets!

*These products were sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review.


Petsmile is a professional-grade oral care company for pets. They are the only Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) accepted toothpaste for plaque inhibition. Plaque buildup on your pet's teeth can cause cavities, tartar buildup, bleeding gums and oral disease. 

The Petsmile toothpaste is made with Calprox, an encapsulated form of calcium peroxide and minerals that gently dissolves the biofilm that can build up on your pet's teeth. It also re-mineralizes enamel for stronger teeth. The toothpaste is clinically shown to provide 62 percent greater reduction in plaque and 28 percent greater reduction in gingivitis in a third-party clinical study.


The Petsmile toothbrush has two heads and a patented 45 degree brush head with five tufted rows of Dupont soft nylon bristles to remove debris and bacteria from teeth and gums. The center bristles clean below the gum line where plaque and bacteria accumulate, and the angled side bristles polish and clean enamel.



I wasn't sure how well this would go over with Tully because she generally has not enjoyed getting her teeth brushed in the past. I usually use gauze and rub it against her teeth, which was recommended by my vet. 

The toothpaste comes in three flavors: London Broil, Rotisserie Chicken, and Savory Duck. We tried the London Broil. As you can see from the photo below, Tully was definitely interested in the toothpaste. I figured she would be, since it's pretty much the same consistency as Churu treats.

Overall, she didn't enjoy getting her teeth brushed, but that's not a reflection of the product. Getting cats used to it takes time and training, and I like that the brush has two sized ends and can be easily gripped and maneuvered. One tube of toothpaste is enough to last for an entire year, so I'll continue to work with Tully on getting used to tooth brushing.

Petsmile is appropriate for cats and dogs and is made in the U.S.A. The products are also, of course, cruelty-free and free from known allergens, parabens, silica and sorbitol, and sulfates. 

Bottom Line: I'm impressed by the benefits that Petsmile's products provide. They make high quality toothpaste and brushes for pets that are easy to use and affordable!

Friday, June 10, 2022

June 2022 Bomibox Review - "Summer Kiss"

I am a huge skincare addict and my favorite products are Korean skincare, mostly because I'm Korean, but also because they work the best for my skin. Bomibox is the perfect subscription for K-beauty lovers like me!

*Disclaimer: This box was sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review. Post contains affiliate links.


Bomibox sends full- and deluxe-sized Korean beauty and skincare valued at $80+. Bom (ë´„) in Korean means "spring," and "Bom-mi" translates to Spring Beauty, I believe (you can see the Hangul [Korean alphabet] in the pink circle on the label in the photo above).

Each box is filled with curated skincare and beauty imported straight from Korea. The products are 100 percent authentic and are not tested on animals.


Bomibox costs $44.99 per month with free U.S. shipping. They also ship worldwide from $12 to $25, depending on where you live.

Bomibox also has a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee -- if you don't like your box, you can return it for a full refund (you must email them and this is only available if all of the products are unopened). You can also skip a month or cancel easily from your account page on their website.


The June Bomibox contained seven full-sized products and one deluxe sample. I've noticed that this is a skincare-heavy box, but they did include a few cosmetics products. I prefer receiving skincare so this box is perfect for me, but may not be for everyone based on that.


  • Syn-Ake Anti Wrinkle and Whitening Emulsion: An emulsion is basically a serum/essence, as all three names are often used interchangeably with Korean products. It's an extra boost to your skincare routine, and this one contains the brand's SYN-AKE compound that works to tighten skin. It also has "whitening" in the name, so it will target hyperpigmentation on skin.


  • TIA'M Vita B3 Source Niacinamide Serum: I'm glad I can read Hangul because I absolutely could not figure out the name of this brand based on their logo 😆. This is made with 10 percent niacinamide and two percent arbutin to lighten dark spots and even out skin tone. Niacinamide is one of my favorite ingredients, because it's also great for balancing sebum production on oily skin.
  • ISNTREE Aloe Soothing Emulsion: ISNTREE is a great brand and one of my favorites. This serum/emulsion has aloe vera leaf extract from Jeju Island for instant soothing and cooling effects. It also has centenella asiatica extract and chamomile extract, which are also great ingredients for soothing skin.
  • Jumiso Super Soothing Cica and Aloe Sunscreen SPF 50+: This is a gentle mineral sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection. It's also reef-safe with no oxybenzone or octinoxate.
  • Etude Dear Darling Water Gel Tint in Watermelon Red: Gel tints are huge in Korean beauty, as they give a sheer tint with just enough color. This one melts nicely into lips to provide hydration.
  • TONYMOLY Mini Peach Lip Balm: TONYMOLY is always a favorite. This balm smells like sweet peach and is made with shea butter for moisture and has SPF 15 sun protection. I'm a little confused by the inclusion of witch hazel, which usually dries out skin, but the Bomibox description states it prevents water evaporation.

  • Farm Stay Charcoal and Collagen Sheet Masks: I love sheet masks and I use one (almost) every night. My skin has drastically improved since I switched to using sheet masks over western-style drying masks (clay, etc). The Korean approach to skincare is all about moisturizing and protecting the skin barrier and this has cleared up my adult acne and oily skin better than any other approach has. That being said, sheet masks can still have things like charcoal to fight excess oil and acne. The collagen mask is great for anti-aging and hydration.

Bottom Line: I'm obsessed with Bomibox! I love Korean skincare and finding new products, so this box is perfect for me. I think it's a great deal, considering you get a majority of full-sized products that ship directly from Korea. If I was to purchase these here in the states through K-beauty sites based in Korea, it would be much more expensive due to shipping.

Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Dabble & Dollop Bubble Box - Bath Time for Kids!

My niece and nephew are one and three years old, respectively, and they love bath time. Bubble bath, bath bombs, bubble paints -- anything fun and colorful, and they want it! I knew that they would enjoy the Dabble & Dollop bath time products.

*Disclaimer: These products were sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review.


Dabble & Dollop makes mixable bath products to help inspire creativity in children. It's a simple STEM activity for young ones that lets them go crazy with mixing up their own recipes, all within the confines of the tub, so there's no mess to clean up after.


There are seven Dabble & Dollop gels and whips that kids can use to make over 125 unique scent combinations. The box I received came with Strawberry Gel, Tangerine Gel, and Vanilla Whip. All three smelled amazing!

All of the products are made in the USA with plant-based ingredients and natural oils and are certified tear-free, gluten-free, vegan, and cruelty-free (certified by Leaping Bunny). They are dermatologist tested and ultra mild so they're safe to use as bubble bath, body wash, and shampoo. Even the bottles are made from post-consumer recycled soft-touch bottles.



The Bubble Box came with a recipe booklet, temporary tattoos, and an informational card with more recipes to try.


The recipe booklet has fun, colorful images and lots of different scent mixing ideas. There is also a page where kids can fill in their own recipe ideas.


The temporary tattoos are a cute addition and a nice extra treat for kids.


The three bottles came with one mixing cup, which was soft and bendable and perfect for little hands. The recipe booklet also contains "How to Mix" instructions.


My niece and nephew were so excited to try the Dabble & Dollop products! My nephew was especially excited to mix up his own recipes. We decided on using the Strawberry Gel and Vanilla Whip. The mixture made a good amount of bubbles when poured under the running water of the filling tub. He couldn't stop telling all of us how he made his own scents! My sister-in-law even told me the next day that he was still talking about his new bubble bath and how much fun it was.


Bottom Line: The Dabble & Dollop Bubble Box was a huge hit! My niece and nephew had so much fun playing with the gels and whips and making their own scents, and I like that they're made with plant-based ingredients and are certified cruelty-free (among many other great accolades). I think they're a great gift for kids!

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Eva Naturals Skincare Review

The team at Eva Naturals creates consciously-curated skincare made from botanicals and safe science-based ingredients.

*Disclaimer: These products were sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review.


Eva Naturals is a family-owned company located in South Louisiana. They believe in affordable, accessible healthcare that adheres to the most rigorous industry standards. Everything is made in the United States and sold directly to the consumer, reducing product costs as much as 50 percent of the cost of other high-end products.


I tried the Vanilla Bean Night Cream Moisturizer, which has anti-aging and revitalizing properties of Vanilla Bean. It also contains CoQ10 to promote collagen production and visibly reduce wrinkles and Shiitake mushrooms to brighten complexion.

It smells lovely. I usually am not interested in scented skincare, but this one has a light scent that didn't irritate my skin. The texture is very creamy and thick, making it great for the dryer winter months. A little goes a long way and it absorbed quickly into my skin.



The Exfoliating Facial Scrub is gentle and effective, with nutrients from aloe vera and organic herbal infusions to help skin have a glowing, even complexion. I was surprised to see the jelly consistency, as I expected it to be more cream-based. It was a pleasant surprise!

This physical exfoliator is a great addition to a routine that also involves chemical exfoliation. I use both types, and I will definitely purchase this again in the future. I like how it spreads evenly due to the consistency and has a gentle scrub.



Here's a look at the ingredient lists for the Vanilla Bean Night Cream and Exfoliating Night Scrub. Unfortunately the text on the scrub is a little light, but you can click on the product link above to view them.

Bottom Line: Eva Naturals is an affordable way to add high quality botanical and natural skincare into your routine. I really enjoyed both of these products, especially the scrub. 

Saturday, October 16, 2021

HANK Skincare: Botanical Ingredients for Men

The team at HANK Skincare creates healthy skincare products for men backed by plant-powered evolution. Their botanical ingredients and holistic approach means high quality products that work to enhance skin health.

*Disclaimer: These products were sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review.

HANK Skincare is cruelty-free and organic. Their mission is to expose more men to the beneficial effects of roots and flowers, instead of toxins, to better their skin.

I received the Shield Hair and Beard Balm, Primo Cleanser, and Bhang Face Treatment to review. My boyfriend helped me out with the review and I'll share both of our thoughts here. We're both Korean, and as you may or may not know, Koreans take our skincare seriously! I knew he would be interested in trying out this line.

 
The HANK Skincare packaging is simple but eye-catching. I would reach for this on the shelves and my boyfriend said he would, too.

The Primo Cleanser comes with a turnkey inside the top of the box to ensure you get all of the product out of the tube. This is a nice touch that I haven't seen in other skincare products before.

The cleanser has a mild pH ideal for maintaining the proper balance on the acid mantle, a thin layer on the skin composed of lipids (fats) and amino acids from sweat that keeps moisture in and bacteria and pollution out. The cleanser is gentle enough for every day use and won't harshly irritate skin but is still effective.

The texture is light and creamy and the cleanser doesn't foam up much when mixed with water. This isn't a bad thing, though. I liked how gentle it was and that it didn't leave my skin feeling dry after use. My boyfriend also enjoyed the feel and that it was unscented.

The Bhang Face Treatment is an oil/serum consistency that fights the effects of stress and fatigue on the skin, such as dry, pale skin and redness or inflammation. The natural plant compounds in the treatment protect against free radical exposure from the environment.

This treatment is great for use after cleansing and can be used as a moisturizer. A little goes a long way and it absorbs quickly into skin. I added a few drops to my palms and patted the treatment onto my skin. My boyfriend said that the treatment was nice but he prefers a cream moisturizer.

Here's a look at the texture of the Primo Cleanser (left) and Bhang Face Treatment (right).

The Shield Hair and Beard Treatment was created as a multipurpose treatment. It contains the antibacterial properties of Palo Santo and New Calendonia Sandalwood to keep hair in perfect balance. It's ideal for keeping hair smooth and hydrated with a light hold.


The Shield Hair and Beard Balm was my favorite product of the bunch. It has a wax-like texture but isn't heavy. A small amount (about dime-sized) warmed between the palms was enough for my boyfriend's short hair and it gave the perfect amount of hold. It made his hair look polished but still had movement. I didn't take any pictures of the final look because he's shy about having his photo posted online, but I promise that it looked great!

Here are the ingredients lists for the three products:

Shield Hair and Beard Balm

Primo Cleanser

Bhang Face Treatment

My boyfriend and I both enjoyed using the HANK Skincare products. Even though they're marketed towards men, I think people of any gender would enjoy them. I like that the products are gentle and effective and made with natural botanicals. I especially enjoy that they're unscented, making them great for anyone to use.

Bottom Line: The HANK Skincare products we tried were all high quality and felt great on our skin (and his hair!). I think they do a great job of creating products with natural ingredients that keep skin looking healthy.