Bliss | Clear Genius Clarifying Gel Cleanser (C$14.99 for 190 ml):
Described as a "gentle, purifying cleanser" perfect for oily, acne-prone skin, the Clear Genius cleanser is formulated with pore-clearing BHA (salicylic acid), Brazilian seawater rich in minerals, and willow bark extract (which contains salicin, a gentler alternative to salicylic acid). The cleanser is quite viscous and doesn't lather a whole lot but a little goes a long way. The formulation is said to have a green tea scent but I don't really detect much of a smell. Overall this is a great cleanser for oily and acne-prone skin; it's gentle, effective, and reasonably priced!
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| Bliss | Disappearing Act Toner, Clear Genius Cleanser & Clear Genius Toner + Serum |
Bliss | Disappearing Act Niacinamide Pc + Pore Vanish Micro Purifying Toner (C$14.99 for 295 ml):
This is an alcohol-free toner formulated with pore-minimizing Niacinamide Pc (a new, gentler form of niacinamide), antioxidant-rich green tea, and sebum-controlling mushroom extract and dog-rose extract. With a light, watery consistency, the toner absorbs quickly into the skin and leaves behind no sticky or greasy residue. It's non-drying and non-sensitizing, great for all skin types. I'm a sucker for anything niacinamide and given that this is also alcohol-free (heck yes), it's a big recommendation from me if you are looking for some refining and pore-smoothing action!
Bliss | Clear Genius Clarifying Toner + Serum (C$19.99 for 130 ml):
Described as a two-in-one toner and serum, the Clear Genius Clarifying Toner + Serum is essentially a clarifying serum designed for oily, acne-prone skin. The product dispenses from a pump with a disc-shaped opening intended for cotton pads; however, the product is actually a bit too thick to be picked up with a cotton pad so I end up scooping it up directly with my fingertips. The alcohol-free formulation contains clarifying salicylic acid, pore-tightening witch hazel, pore-minimizing niacinamide, oil-controlling zinc PCA, and calming Cica extract. With a runny gel consistency, the Clarifying Toner + Serum spreads easily on the skin and absorbs quickly, leaving behind no palpable residue. I'm not sure how much salicylic acid is in the serum but it does feel fairly potent. I'm sensitive to salicylic acid and have noticed some minor dryness with daily use. Therefore, I would recommend using this sparingly (and perhaps every other day, depending on your tolerance) and avoid combining it with other products containing salicylic acid.
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| Bliss | Bright Idea Vitamin C Serum, Glow & Hydrate Day Serum & Youth Got This Retinol Serum |
Bliss | Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Collagen Protecting & Brightening Serum (C$32.99 for 30 ml):
Formulated with a high concentration of vitamin C (percentage not disclosed), this is a brightening serum that also contains elasticity-boosting tri-peptide complex and soothing licorice root extract. Packaged in a super cute pump bottle, the serum has a lightweight, non-greasy formulation. It spreads easily and layers well with other skincare products with no pilling or patching. I'm a big fan of vitamin C serums and found this to be very comparable to previous versions I've tried from other brands and given the more affordable price tag, I would definitely recommend giving it a go for those new to vitamin C serums.
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| Bliss | Bright Idea Vitamin C Serum, Glow & Hydrate Day Serum & Youth Got This Retinol Serum: Review |
An everyday serum formulated with pore-refining niacinamide, soothing aloe juice, antioxidant-rich vitamin E, and hydrating hyaluronic acid, the Glow & Hydrate Niacinamide has a similar, lightweight formulation as that of the Bright Idea serum above. The finish is comfortable, non-sticky, and non-pilling, perfect for application under makeup or other skincare products. The product contains some silicone but it is fairly low on the ingredient list.
Bliss | Youth Got This Prevent-4 + Pure Retinol Advanced Skin Smoothing Serum (C$32.99 for 20 ml):
Formulated with pure retinol (again, Bliss does not disclose the percentage, which I find quite puzzling, especially for a retinol product), this is an anti-aging serum that also contains the Bliss Prevent-4 complex of amino acids, peptides, squalane, and antioxidants. The serum comes in an adorable airless pump bottle and it has a smooth and lightweight texture with a slight yellow tint. I've tried many times in the past to incorporate retinol into my skincare routine but a very gentle pro-retinol essence is as close as I got. I find that like most people, I am pretty sensitive to retinol and will experience dryness with initial use. I know the sensitivities do go away but I honestly don't have the patience to slowly monitor and increase the frequency of a skincare product when it's so much easier to reach for non-irritating products that still yield great results. Anyhow, all of this is just my long-winded way of saying that I've not yet given this retinol serum a try and probably won't for the foreseeable future. Great review, I know......
Bliss | Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Collagen Protecting & Brightening Moisturizer (C$29.99 for 50 ml):
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| Bliss | Drench & Quench Hydrator & Bright Idea Vitamin C Moisturizer |
The companion moisturizer to the Bright Idea serum, this is a vitamin C face cream formulated with a tri-peptide complex, green tea extract, and plant-derived carbohydrate complex. The moisturizer has a fairly thick and solid consistency in the jar but it does melt upon application, spreading easily onto the skin, providing instant hydration and nourishment. I would not say that the formulation feels heavy but the finish is definitely dewy. It's not what I would personally wear during the daytime (especially under makeup) but it's a great nighttime option!
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| Bliss | Drench & Quench Hydrator & Bright Idea Vitamin C Moisturizer |
Bliss | Drench & Quench Cream-to-Water Hydrator (C$27.99 for 50 ml):
With a rather fancy name, this is essentially a gel moisturizer formulated with 4 different sizes of hyaluronic acid for long-lasting hydration. I know its name seems to suggest a super innovative consistency, but this moisturizer is a gel in the jar and a gel upon application. It's very pleasant and refreshing but loaded with silicones (it's the second ingredient) and that is a bit of a dealbreaker for me. If you don't mind silicones, I think this is definitely a great summer option. It actually reminds me of a lighter version of the Belif Aqua Bomb (reviewed here) but at a much more affordable price point!
Availability:
Bliss is available in Canada exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart.
