L'Oreal Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation

L'Oreal has a new to me foundation called, "Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation."  This foundation is designed for sensitive and mature skin.  It is infused with a hydrating serum and vitamin B3.  It claims to cover flawlessly, even skin tone and smooth without settling into lines.

#10 Ivory

My Thoughts

I use foundation on a daily basis so have tried my share of brands over the years.  I must say I really enjoyed using this foundation.  I received the shade #10 Ivory.  I normally wear ivory in other brands as well.  This ivory looked a little more yellow toned than I am use to but when applied to my face it blended right in and looked very natural.  It was a perfect match!

This foundation comes in a plastic squeeze tube which makes it easy to dispense.  The formula is not too runny or too thick, it was the perfect consistency.  I used a brush as usual to apply this foundation and it blended in smoothly.  I would say I achieved medium coverage with this foundation.  I used a setting powder on top of the foundation and found that there was a bit of resistance when applying the powder with my brush.  I found my skin was slightly sticky and thus the drag on the brush.

This foundation has a lightweight feel to it and it feels like I am not wearing make-up at all!  I typically wear a full coverage, matte foundation and it feels heavy on my face.  This foundation was a treat even though I only got a medium coverage compared to the full coverage I am use to and prefer.

I do have acne prone skin with what I would define as rolling scars.  Other foundations tend to settle in my scars and accentuate them.  This foundation did not do that at all.  My skin looked natural without the settling of the product in my scars.  In fact, my skin felt extra soft and smooth when using this foundation and it did not cause any pimples during the time frame I was using it.

I do have oily skin and found that I needed to use an oil blotting sheet half way through the day.  My skin would get extra shiny and for this reason I would probably avoid using this foundation during the warm summer months when my skin gets oilier to begin with.  But for the colder months, I can deal with using an oil blotting sheet once a day.   I really liked this foundation and can deal with this minor issue so it's not a deal breaker for me.  I would love to see a matte formulation though for those of us with oily skin. 

Overall, my pros for this foundation out weight the cons and I would recommend it to others to try especially those with dry, dehydrated skin. 

I received #freeproduct from Top Box Circle to facilitate this review. 

Another Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

I love trying different chocolate chip cookie recipes looking for "the one".   When I came across this recipe it looked simple and very promising and it certainly did not disappoint!  I modified the original recipe and the results were perfect.  This recipe yields a thicker, soft cookie that looks pretty too.  I love cookies that look pretty!  It just makes them that much more appetizing.

This recipe calls for cornstarch which as I've read, helps to keep the cookie soft and chewy.  This recipe will definitely be getting a place in my recipe book.  Enjoy!

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated white sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp. cornstarch
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup chocolate chips

Directions:
1.  Cream butter/margarine (I used margarine) with brown and white sugars.
2.  Add egg and vanilla and mix till incorporated.
3.  Mix in flour, cornstarch, baking soda and salt.
4.  Add chocolate chips.
5. Drop by tablespoon full on to parchment lined baking sheets.
6.  Bake at 350F for 9-10 minutes.

Notes:
-I slightly flattened the tops of my cookies prior to baking as the dough was stiff.
-I add extra chocolate chips to dough balls prior to baking to make them look extra pretty.
-I used a 1.5 tbsp. cookie scoop and it yielded 26 cookies.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies are very popular and yet such a classic cookie that has been around for what seems like ages.  It is a favourite cookie of my family and these cookies certainly disappear in a hurry!

I have tried many recipes in the past.  Some were too chewy and firm, others too soft.  I like a cookie with a crispy edge and a soft middle.  If that's the kind of cookie you are looking for, this recipe is for you!

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
1/4 + 1/8 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. salt
1 cup chocolate chips

Directions:
1.  Blend butter/margarine and sugars until light and fluffy.
2.  Add egg and vanilla; mix well.
3.  Stir in flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.  Mix till combined.
4.  Add chocolate chips.
5.  Drop by tablespoon full on to parchment lined baking sheets. (No need to flatten cookie tops; will spread as they bake)
6.  Bake at 375F until edges are lightly browned, about 9-10 minutes.


Notes:

• You can double this recipe (amount of granulated sugar would be 3/4 cup)
• I add extra chocolate chips to the tops of the cookies prior to baking to make them look prettier.
• I was able to make 23 cookies using my 1.5 tbsp. cookie scoop.

Apple Fritter Quick Bread

I enjoy making quick breads because they are, well, quick!  No yeast or rising.  Simply mix together and bake.  I've been seeing this recipe for apple fritter bread online and decided to try my hand at it.  It makes for a perfect afternoon snack or as the finishing touch to a meal.

Apple Fritter Quick Bread


Ingredients:
Brown Sugar Mixture:
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon

Batter:
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
2/3 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 cup milk
2 medium sized apples, peeled and chopped

Glaze:
1/3 cup icing sugar
1 tbsp. milk

Directions:
1.   Preheat oven to 350F.
2.   Combine brown sugar topping mixture and set aside.
3.   For batter, mix butter and white sugar until fluffy.
4.   Add eggs, one at a time.
5.   Add vanilla.
6.   Combine flour and baking powder and add to creamed mixture.
7.   Stir in milk.
8.   Prepare a 9" x 5" loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper.
9.   Pour half the batter into pan.
10.  Add half the apples and sprinkle with half the brown sugar mixture.  Pat lightly into batter.
11.  Pour remaining batter over apple/sugar mixture.
12.  Add the rest of apples and sprinkle with the rest of brown sugar mixture.
13.  Using a knife, swirl apple/brown sugar mixture into batter.
14.  Bake at 350F for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center of loaf comes out clean.
15.  Allow to cool for 10 minutes and then lift parchment lined loaf out of pan.
16.  Combine glaze by mixing icing sugar with milk.  Drizzle over top of loaf.

Coconut Cream Cupcakes

I love coconut and cupcakes so this recipe is a win-win for me!  It starts with a light vanilla cake topped with sweet, creamy coconut flavoured icing and sprinkled with toasted coconut.  A great treat for any occasion!

Coconut Cream Cupcakes

Ingredients:
Cupcake
1 1/4 cups cake & pastry flour
1 1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 large eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tsp. coconut extract

Directions:
1.  Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
2.  Beat eggs, add sugar, oil, vanilla and coconut extract.
3. Add dry ingredients to egg mixture alternatively with buttermilk.
4.  Bake for 12-14 minutes at 350F.
Yield: 12-13 cupcakes

Frosting
1 cup margarine (or butter)
2 1/2 cups icing sugar
1/2-1 tsp. coconut extract

Directions:
1.  Using hand mixer, whip margarine or butter till fluffy (2-3 minutes).
2.  Add icing sugar and coconut extract (add more or less extract depending on your flavour preference).
3.  Pipe frosting onto cupcake using a large round icing tip.

Top with toasted coconut.
(I toast my own coconut by placing about 1/2 cup of flaked coconut in a hot frying pan.  I constantly stir the coconut until it is light brown in colour).

DERMA-E Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask

DERMA-E is a new brand for me.  I have heard of it before but never given any of their products a try until I was selected to test this charcoal face mask for Social Nature.  This is a dual action mask.  It is first a detox mask that purges pores of toxins and then gently exfoliates with apricot seed powder to reveal softer more radiant skin.  This mask boasts that it is gluten free, soy free, GMO free, vegan and cruelty free.

I have tried a number of face masks over the years and this mask is easily one of my favourites. The mask is dark grey in colour as it is a charcoal mask. It has an earthly smell but is not unpleasant. The mask is gritty in texture but applies smoothly to the face. I did find that after cleansing my face and applying this mask that I experienced a bit of a tingling sensation.  I don't have sensitive skin but if you do, you may experience more of a reaction.  The tingling sensation did dissipate as the mask dried.

What I love about this mask is how quickly it dries on the face. Some masks take so long to dry, like 20 minutes. This mask is completely dry in about 5 minutes. It hardens on the face but is not overly tight feeling. After the mask dried, I moistened my fingertips with water and massaged the mask into my skin before rinsing clean. The gritty texture allows for a thorough exfoliation.

In recent months, I have been using this mask as an overnight spot treatment for pimples.  I simply dab a bit of the mask onto any active pimples.  I feel it helps to dry them up faster with this method.

Overall, I am very pleased with this dual function mask. I loved the mask and then the second part of exfoliation. I have oily skin and I feel that my skin got a deep cleaning with this product. My skin felt so incredibly soft and smooth after using this mask. I particularly love how quick the process of using this mask is and the short drying time. As a result, I can easily incorporate it into my face care routine a few times a week.



I received this product free of charge to test from Social Nature in exchange for my honest opinion.

White Chocolate Cranberry Scones

I posted this recipe a few years ago on my blog but during these dull days of winter these scones would be the perfect pick me up with a cup of hot tea.  Enjoy!

White Chocolate Cranberry Scones

Ingredients:
2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup white sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup cold butter or margarine
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 cup dried cranberries

Directions:
1.  Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
2.  Cut in butter or margarine until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3.  Stir in buttermilk.
4.  Add chips and cranberries.
5.  Turn onto floured surface and pat into approximately one inch height thickness.  Cut scones with a circular biscuit cutter.
6.  Bake at 400F for about 15 minutes.