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Vicki Duong

July 28, 2020

EMPTIES; Serums

This reoccurring category features skincare products I liked enough to use up, but did I like it enough to repurchase? Also – LOL. This pictures have been in the archive for a while as you can tell by my nails being done.
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​Items featured in this post include Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum, Clinque Repairwear Laser Focus, Kypris Beauty Antioxidant Dew, Blume Meltdown and Kiehl’s Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate.

Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum

This was part of a Sephora birthday gift duo I received and was my first introduction to Caudalie. Certified clean at Sephora, I was excited to try this radiance boosting serum that is oil-free and lightweight. The consistency isn’t what I am used to in a serum as I tend to prefer something more moisturizing and this, while it wasn’t drying, didn’t add to my skin’s hydration level at all.

Would I repurchase? Probably not, but only because I would prefer something with more of a hydration boost. They do have an SOS Deep Hydration version of the Vinoperfect serum that I am eager to try in the future instead though!


Clinque Repairwear Laser Focus

This was another deluxe size sample I received and I’ll be honest, at first I was confused as to what this product was because it doesn’t say “serum” or “moisturizer” at all. This serum has a really good slip to it and it aims to combat fine line and wrinkles plus dullness and uneven texture. This little sample lasted me so long (probably about two weeks and a bit) and within that time frame I did notice a difference, primarily in the texture on my cheeks.

Would I repurchase? Probably not, I only saw a difference in my texture but not in any of the other claims. The full size bottle is pricey too, over $100!


Kypris Beauty Antioxidant Dew

This was a product gifted to me in a swag bag and when I looked up the price tag – wowza – this little bottle is $146 so I expected some magic in a bottle. It’s available on The Detox Market and it promotes firming, plumping and overall hydration. It has a bit of a tacky texture, so other products cling well to it, however it doesn’t have much of a slip to it.

Would I repurchase? It’s a little too costly for me to justify the cost, even though I did like this serum alot. A little bit went a long way and I found that it layered well with other skincare products and makeup.


Blume Meltdown

I don’t know what I can tell you about the Blume Meltdown that I haven’t said ten times over in the past. This is my holy grail skincare product and I would buy this by the gallons if I could. No single product has ever made such a noticeable difference in my skin before. This clears breakouts, improves texture, reduce redness. Everything.

Would I repurchase? Yes, and I have several times over. I love that it’s available at Sephora but it’s also available on their website. This is always a product I go back to whenever I need to reset my skin.


Kiehl’s Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate

Another sample sized goodie, this time something that I wished lasted longer. This Kiehl’s Cannabis Concentrate is so, so, so nourishing. This is one of the products I felt really saved my skin when it was it’s driest and most sensitive. Kiehl’s is one of the skincare brands where I am rarely disappointed and everytime I try something new I find myself impressed.

Would I repurchase? Yep! I will definitely repurchase this for when my skin is extremely troublesome since it seems to be skin-repairing and just makes my skin looks better.


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Posted In: ARCHIVE, Archive Beauty · Tagged: beauty, blume, caudalie, clinque, empties, kiehl's, kypris, skincare

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vickiduong

Girlie, those are your organs. This is also a re Girlie, those are your organs. 

This is also a reminder to future me who can be so critical of myself sometimes: don’t talk about my friend that way.
One thing I think makes me good at what I do? I’ One thing I think makes me good at what I do? I’m a boots-on-the-ground kind of person. People often ask how I know about so many small local brands—and the answer is simple. I go to a lot of markets.

When I first moved to Vancouver, I started blogging about the brands I’d discover at craft fairs and pop-ups. What’s so special about markets is that when you buy from a small maker, the person you’re talking to is usually the person who made it.

That’s why public events matter. Sure, I get hundreds of press releases a week—but some of the best finds are the ones that aren’t backed by PR. They’re just passionate people putting their work out there.
I’m a busty girl who lives for a sundress and lo I’m a busty girl who lives for a sundress and loves supporting Canadian fashion—so I had to see if @parkandfifthco’s new Palma cotton collection could keep up with the girls 👀 I tried on a few styles (all in XL to fit a 34DDD, except the Sylvia, which I grabbed in a L) to find out if these breezy, beautiful dresses are actually bust-friendly.
POV: You stumble into the @issuesmagshop pop-up at POV: You stumble into the @issuesmagshop pop-up at @alteriordesign and leave with a stack of indie mags.

Picked up @eatenmag, @itsfreezinginla, @slanted_publishers, and @magazine.b—proof that print still hits different.
I’m lacing up with @brooksrunningca to get ready I’m lacing up with @brooksrunningca to get ready for West Coast SHRED @city_shred—a 2-HOUR HIIT challenge going down at the Richmond Oval on June 1 👊

The Glycerin 22s have me feeling unstoppable: soft, powerful, and made to move.

Want to try a pair yourself? Join Brooks at the Oval to demo the Ghost 17s during the workout—and you might just WIN your own 👟

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📹: @charissalandicho
One of the most millennial things about me is that One of the most millennial things about me is that I love a floral backdrop. 

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Note: this is a relationship that ended well over a decade ago; I have processed and have dealt with all of those big feelings. Because he’s someone who continues to exist in the world, I hope for the sake of the other women he has dated (or will date) he’s a better man now.
Last year, I ran Just the Half. This year, I’m h Last year, I ran Just the Half. This year, I’m here For the Long Run—on the sidelines, lungs full of cheers instead of kilometres.

While I’ve fallen out of running lately, I haven’t fallen out of the community. @runasyouare continues to be the most encouraging, heart-filled crew, and I’m endlessly grateful to be part of it.

To quote @nick_l_o : “If you’re not running, you’re cheering.” So this year, I’m proudly repping the cheer squad and paying it forward—because I still remember how much your voices carried me through every painful, glorious step last year.

Thank you for making room for all kinds of pace.

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