January 2018

First Impressions with The Ordinary “Buffet” Multi-Technology Peptide Serum

January 29, 2018

Hi Everyone!

As you all know, the Canadian brand, The Ordinary, has become really popular over the last year for it’s amazing skincare at even better prices. My sister bought me the ‘Buffet’ because it’s usually sold out so she grabbed it when she got the chance. I had no idea which ones to try, but I do want to try the Salicylic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid when I get a chance. She also bought me the Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA which I will write a first impressions once I’ve tried it out.

The Ordinary is known for being super affordable and the fact that their products don’t add any fillers or misleading ingredients to their skincare.

“Buffet” Multi-Technology Peptide Serum comes in a 30 mL glass bottle with a dropper. Originally I was wondering what was the best way to apply it: drop onto my hands and then pat it onto my face? Once I opened it, I realized it was thicker than I thought. It has the viscosity of maple syrup (Canadian, not regular syrup like Mrs. Butterworth’s). So, I use the dropper to put three small drops on my forehead and cheeks (or one big drop on my forehead).

The Ordinary’s website has a product description that has a whole lot of words I don’t understand and I’m sure a lot of people are on the same boat. So, I chose to go with the simple description on the Sephora website:

Apply to the entire face in the AM and PM after cleaning.

A multi-peptide serum with syn-ake, matrixyl synthe-6, matrixyl 3000, argirelox, hyaluronic acid, amino acids and bio-derivatives to target multiple signs of aging.

RATING: 3/5

Since I have acne prone skin, I prefer using serums and skincare that aren’t too thick. The more liquid the better for me or my skin gets a reaction. This is a good consistency for me and so far it hasn’t caused any reactions. I’ve been using this for about two weeks now- day and night. My face feels softer from using this and usually around my nose is dry, but since I’ve started using this, it hasn’t been dry. The one thing I don’t love about this is that it feels a bit tacky after applying and I don’t love the smell (it’s almost like a wet smell- like if you left out a wet towel for too long). It’s great for the price and the glass bottle will be useful once I’m done.

AM– I apply it after waking up and washing my face with my morning cleanser.

PM– I apply it after my shower. Usually I shower a few hours before bed, so it gives the serum time to absorb into my skin and then it’s not too tacky when I go to bed.

I tried using this under The Ordinary’s Serum Foundation (read my First Impressions Review). I applied the Buffet serum, then used one of my smoothing primers and applied the foundation with my fingers. The serum started to pill (when it balls up and resembles dry skin peeling off). I know it was the serum because I’ve used the foundation and the primer before and they’ve never pilled. The serum didn’t pill when I used a sponge to apply my foundation. Obviously, this makes sense since you dab/tap your face with a sponge, but you rub foundation in when you use your fingers. I prefer that I have no chance of pilling when applying my foundation, so I prefer to use the Buffet on days where I’m not wearing makeup or just for night time.

Have you tried products from The Ordinary? What are your faves?

Love,

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My Brow Routine

January 28, 2018

Hi Everyone!

Let’s talk about brows! First, a little history of my brows. You can skip ahead if you want to see what products I use!

My Brow History

My brows have gone through a lot over the years. I only started using brow products in 2016. Before I started grooming them, my brows were very thick (they were shaped like triangles, I had the arch where it was supposed to be, but then there were lots of hairs that needed to be tweezed underneath). Look! Triangles! →

I started tweezing them in grade 8 (aged 12/13). I overplucked them, and I don’t mean they were too thin, I mean I plucked them so they were too far apart (wide gap between brows). They were like that in my high school years too- they got closer though. I don’t know when the first time I got them professionally waxed was, but I assume high school or university. Twice I’ve gotten them done where the lady waxed them and they were too thin. The head of my brows are a bit sparse and in pictures, it makes my eyebrows look farther apart than they are in person. The tail of my brows sometimes has gaps if I overpluck or trim the hairs too short. In the past, I used to overpluck underneath the head of my brows and it would look like the head of my brows had a hook. My eyebrows are arched, so when I overpluck and have a hook, my brows had a ‘C’ shape.

I may need to just let them grow out and then get them done professionally.

2010- they’ve started to grow closer together

2013- too thin and far apart

2016- eyebrows have a hook

2017- success at last! No hook and not too thin

Brow Products

There are so many different brow products out there: Pencils, Mascaras, Gels, Pomades, Powders and more!

Micro pencils are the most natural, in my opinion, because you can do feather-like hair strokes. They’re great for filling in gaps.

Brow mascaras/gels are good if you want to darken your brows, but don’t want them filled in.

Tips: For tinted ones, make sure to only touch your hairs and not the skin, or it will tint your skin and you’ll get random spots filled in that you don’t want. If you like clear ones, Maybelline’s Clear Great Lash Mascara is great because it’s duo purpose (brows and lashes in one) and good for throwing in your bag.But I prefer using a tinted gel though because it has a matte look. I’ve used a clear gel that hardened and made my brows feel crunchy.

Powders are good if you want to fill in the brows, but still have a natural look.

Tip: You can use a matte eyeshadow, just use an angled liner brush

Pomades and cream gels give you the most colour. They’re great if your brows are non-existent or if you want a more dramatic look.

NYX Micro Brow Pencil in Black – The spoolie side comes with a cap too, but I took it off because it was annoying taking it off everyday. The cap is useful if you throw it in your purse though, it keeps the shape of the brush intact.

Build full beautiful brows with our ultra-thin Micro Brow Pencil. So precise it coats even the finest hairs with color for a natural-looking finish.

Maybelline Eyestudio Brow Precise Shaping Pencil in Deep Brown – I bought this because I heard good reviews on it and it was on sale. I don’t like this, I don’t like the waxy feel. Now I know what I don’t like and won’t be buying anymore wax pencils. I use it for taking makeup selfies.

This natural wax pencil creates fine, hair-like strokes while the grooming brush blends and softens for a natural finish.

Benefit ka-BROW! Eyebrow Cream Gel Colour in 5 Deep – This is a deluxe sample size, the full size looks different. I should’ve just saved this for a giveaway or given it to someone. It’s so dark, but it’s good if you like to fully fill in your brows.

Brush on rich, buildable colour! This all-in-one eyebrow cream-gel easily fills, sculpts and defines brows.

Here’s an idea of what the three different products look like. Obviously the cream gel is the darkest, while the micro brow pencil is the lightest.

From Top: Maybelline Brow Precise, NYX Micro Brow, Benefit ka-Brow

Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara – This is a great 2-in-1 product. You can use it for your lashes and brows.

The classic Great Lash brush cnditions, grooms, and separates eyelashes and brows.

Benefit Gimme Brow Volumizing Fibre Gel in 5 Deep – This was recalled back in 2017 (I was able to return mine). Since recalling it, they’ve reformulated it and released more shades.

Our cult-favorite gimme brow tinted eyebrow gel contains tiny microfibers that adhere to skin & hairs, creating natural-looking fullness and definition. The custom, tiny tapered brush blends easily while the precision tip shapes hairs into place.

My Brow Routine

I personally prefer using a pencil or tinted brow gel. I use a pencil to fill in gaps and the brow gel to tame hairs that are unruly.

My favourite is the NYX Micro Brow Pencil in Black and the Benefit Gimme Brow in 5- Deep. My eyebrows are dark to begin with and I just need help with the gaps. I’ve tried samples of pomades and cream gels, but I just look scary because they make my brows so dark. The only time I would use them is if I’m trying out a look and taking a picture for Instagram.

My routine is fairly quick since I’m just filling in gaps here and there. I comb out my brows with a spoolie and then I use the NYX pencil. Then go over with a spoolie to soften any darker lines. Sometimes I will use the brow gel if my brows are being particularly unruly. At the very least, I use the pencil.

I’ve written a few comparison blog posts on brow products, check them out:

Lancôme Brow Shaping Powdery Pencil vs. Benefit Precisely, My Brow

Diorshow BoldBrow vs. Benefit 24 Hour Brow Setter Shaping & Setting Gel

What brow products do you use?

Love,

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Review | The Body Shop Colour Adapting BB Cream

January 27, 2018
Hi Everyone!

In my search for BB and CC Creams, I came across the Erborian CC Creme High Definition Radiance Face Cream. I thought it was so cool because then you don’t have to get a horrible colour match from a store (where you always get one that’s too light because you’re under all these bright lights instead of natural sunlight). Of course, it’s popular and it’s hard to get in Canada. They have the Erborian Pink Perfect Creme at Sephora for $51. It has a floral scent which I’m not a fan of and I’m sure the CC Creme also has a similar scent. So I looked to see if any other brands had a colour-adapting CC Cream and I found The Body Shop’s All-In-One BB Cream- Colour Adapting Tinted Cream. It comes in 5 shades and it’s half the price of the Erborian one. I chose the shade 01 Lighter Skin Tones. It has the typical BB/CC Cream scent. When I got it, it was $23 CAD. Right now they’re having a sitewide 40% deal, so it’s $13.80 at the moment.

When you’ve got no time to spare, our award-winning All-in-One BB Cream is a must-have beauty product for super-speedy results. Enriched with 24hr hydration, our hardworking, multi-tasking BB cream does it all, leaving your skin gloriously glowing and (almost) picture perfect. Pigment-filled capsules burst when applied to the skin, releasing the colour inside. Just blend for a perfect match and an even, undetectable finish.
- Non-clogging
- Offers light to medium coverage
- Illuminates and evens appearance of skin tone
- Enriched with Community Trade organic aloe vera
As you can see in the pic on the right, the bb cream is white with little specks (the pigment-capsules that burst when you apply it).

I don’t know about the 24 hour hydration because no one would be wearing it that long. It’s definitely light-medium coverage, but it gives your skin a nice, dewy finish. I add a bit of powder on my t-zone so that I don’t look shiny (keep in mind that I have normal/dry skin). I don’t know how well this would perform on oily skin.

RATING: 5/5

I really like it for days where I don’t want to put on a full face of makeup, but I want to even out my skin. I love how it has a natural finish and it doesn’t FEEL overly oily, but it can make you LOOK shiny if you don’t powder.

What are your fave BB/CC Creams?

Love,
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Worth It? | Eyeshadow Shields

January 25, 2018

Hi Everyone!

This first impressions review is for a no-name brand of eyeshadow shields. I have not tried Shadow Shields or any other favourite eyeshadow shield. I was at Winners a while back and I picked up some eyeshadow shields for $3.99 CAD (pack of 25). I think the brand is La Soie, and the product is Color Guard. It’s such an unknown brand that I couldn’t find them online.

To Apply: Remove only the top corner of paper and apply directly below the lower lash line to catch loose powder. For a stronger hold, remove the entire back strip then apply to skin.

Use as an eyeliner stencil for straight lines or use as a guard to keep lip color within the lines.

Everyone has a different strategy for applying their makeup. Some people do their eyes first, while others do their face first. For me, it depends on what type of eye I’m going for. If I’m doing a smokey eye or sparkly eye, it’s better if I do eyes first. If I’m doing a more natural everyday eye, I do it after my face makeup.

I don’t know if name brand ones are less sticky, but I would definitely not recommend taking off the whole back strip. Even if you just peel off the top strip, it’s incredibly sticky and pulls on your skin. Since there is adhesive on these eyeshadow shields, I wouldn’t put on foundation or concealer until after doing eyes. Just to test it out, I tried using them after applying concealer and it took off my concealer and left a sticky residue. The glue adheres too well and therefore would be bad to use under your eyes where the skin is so delicate. Also, after I remove the shields, sometimes I like to blend it out so the line isn’t too harsh, but it leaves a sticky residue and therefore makes a void when I try to blend the shadow.

They claim that it’s good for keeping lip colour in the lines, but I would much rather spend time carefully applying lip liner or lipstick than cutting these to be the perfect shape for my lips.

RATING: 1/5

If you love doing winged liner or a smokey eye, eyeshadow shields might be worth it for you, but make sure to get the name brand ones. I think tape can work just as well and you probably have tape lying around your house somewhere.

These shields did help me get a nice winged liner, but it’s hard to position them perfectly so that your wings are even. I don’t think I would try actual Shadow Shields because they’re a bit pricey and I’d rather use tape instead. I am just a novice at doing winged liner because I prefer using kohl eyeliners and I can also never get the wings to match (one is always higher or longer). I prefer to smoke out a black/brown eyeshadow instead of doing a wing. I’m always practising my wings at home though.

Have you used eyeshadow shields? What are your thoughts on them?

Love,

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Review | Garnier Damage Repairing Treat 1 Minute Hair Mask + Papaya Extract

January 24, 2018
Hi Everyone!

I was sent the Garnier Damage Repairing Treat 1 Minute Hair Mask + Papaya Extract for testing purposes by GlamSense. The following review is my honest opinion. I was sent this product for free, but they didn’t ask me to write the review on my blog.

As you may have seen in a previous post, I wrote about the Grow Strong Hair Mask by Garnier. I really like the Grow Strong mask, it makes my hair super smooth and shiny. This papaya 1 minute hair mask is the same, it made my hair super shiny and quite smooth. The 1 minute hair mask line is vegan. Because it’s very natural, I found that it didn’t make my hair as smooth as the Grow Strong mask. Also, I prefer the Grow Strong’s packaging because you squeeze the product out and it’s more hygienic. The 1 minute masks come in tubs and I prefer not to stick my hand in a tub. Since it’s vegan, it’s easier to tell if the product has gone bad in a tub instead of a bottle, so I understand why it’s packaged that way.

View this post on Instagram

Happy #texturetuesday ! The texture of this reminds me of yogurt lol. Excited to try this one. I liked the papaya one, but my hair isn't damaged so I didn't really need that one. This avocado hair mask is the smoothing one. #avocado #garnier #hairmask #discoverunder10k #canadianbeautyblogger #torontoblogger #instablogger #texture #faves #hair #smoothing #avocado

A post shared by Jen (@jencatbeauty) on Jan 28, 2019 at 10:39pm PST

They also have 1-minute masks with Avocado (Smoothing), Coconut (Nourishing), Banana (Strengthening) and Goji (Colour Vibrancy) Extracts. I think I would like the avocado or coconut one since my hair isn’t damaged. I’m not a huge fan of papaya, but this mask smells pretty good. In terms of appearance, the Grow Strong Mask looks like a conditioner, whereas this one looks like Danone Yogurt (without the fruit chunks).

In 1 minute, indulge your hair in a nourishing treat with 98% naturally derived ingredients*. Damage Repairing Treat 1 Minute Hair Mask + Papaya Extract helps you get soft, smooth & damage repaired hair. No weigh down, no silicones, no parabens, and no artificial colorants.

* We consider an ingredient to be naturally derived if it is unchanged from its natural state or has undergone processing yet still retains greater than 50% of its molecular structure from its original plant or mineral source. This formula consists of 98% naturally derived ingredients. The remaining ingredients constitute 2% of the formula to ensure its sensoriality and preservation.

You can use the mask three different ways:
1. As a mask: After shampoo, apply onto wet hair and leave on for 1 minute. Rinse.
2. As a conditioner: After shampoo, apply to hair from root to tip. Rinse.
3. As a leave-in: Apply on damp and damaged hair for intense repair.
I only used it as a mask and conditioner because my hair isn’t damaged enough to need it as a leave-in. I think it would feel kind of slimy as a leave-in though.

As a mask, it made my hair soft and I had no tangles when combing my hair. It also looked really shiny, but it was almost too shiny because it made it look oily at the roots.

As a conditioner, it made my hair soft, but it didn’t look as shiny for some reason.

RATING: 4/5

It smells good and made my hair soft, but this wasn’t the right mask for my hair. I would definitely be open to trying the Avocado or Coconut one, I’m not sure if I’d like the smell of the Banana one.

Have you used hair masks? What are your faves?

Love,
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My First K-Beauty Haul | January 2018

January 23, 2018

Hi Everyone!

I bought some things from a Canadian-based online store that specializes in Asian beauty products. Most Asian products are really expensive on Amazon.ca or hard to find, so I was looking for a Canadian website that has free shipping and I found Chuusi.ca. They ship via Canada post and it’s free shipping if you spend $60 or more (under $60, you pay a flat rate depending on your province). I was super impressed with how fast they shipped it- I ordered it and 3 hours later, I got an email saying it was on its way! They also included three samples in my package. I ordered items from COSRX, Etude House and INNISFREE.

I’m excited to try these products out. I have had the No Sebum powder, Eye Primer, acne patches and cleanser on my wishlist for a while. I got the silk finger balls to see if they actually work and the makeup remover because it’s good for sensitive skin.

Etude House Lip & Eye Remover – This is a good makeup remover. No complaints here. I thought it was funny that this just said ‘lip and eye remover,’ they should really say ‘lip and eye makeup remover’ 😀

Gently dissolves traces of makeup from the eyes and lips. The dual-phase formula is mild yet effective, minimizing irritation to the sensitive skin in the area.

Etude House Proof 10 Eye Primer – I like that it’s a thin formula. I haven’t put it to the test yet, so I don’t know how well it performs.

Make your eye makeup more vibrant, longer lasting with the Proof 10 Eye Primer, and get through the day (and night) knowing that your eyeshadows and eyeliner are in their place. No more runny panda eyes, and no more greasy creasy! The light weight texture makes the primer easy to spread, without being too sticky so the eyeshadows are still blendable. Available in a light beige color to give light matte coverage to the eyelids, covering up discoloration and brightening up the eyes.

COSRX Clear Fit Master Patch (read my review) – I love the Acne Pimple Master Patches (read my review), so I thought I’d give these a try because they are thinner. I was excited to try this because it says you can use under makeup. When I tried it, I was disappointed that it looked terrible under makeup. It was better to just apply it and not put makeup on.

An ultra-thin hydrocolloid patch that conceals blemishes and absorbs impurities and oil. These patches are thinner and less visible than the Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patches, making them perfect for use under makeup and during the daytime. Each package contains 18 individual patches.

COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser – I liked this cleanser. It helped with acne and it’s gentle enough to use every day even though it has salicylic acid.

A renewed cleanser from the original Cosrx Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser. Formulated with 0.5% Salicylic Acid and various botanical ingredients including Tea Tree oil and Willow bark extracts, this cleanser gently removes impurities and excess sebum while soothing the skin. The creamy formula lathers into a bubbly foam and leaves your skin mattified and clarified.

This cleanser is suitable for combination to oily skin types.

COSRX Blackhead Silk Finger Balls – I need to try these out and I’ll write a review on them.

Made with 100% natural silk cocoons to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and blackheads, leaving your skin feeling smooth and clear in an instant! Massage your skin with a finger ball once or twice a week to help stimulate circulation and promote better absorption of skincare products to follow.

INNISFREE No Sebum Mineral Powder – This powder is great because it’s so finely milled. I don’t love the smell though; it’s like a minty, medicinal scent.

The Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder is a loose powder that helps control oil and excess sebum. Formulated with Jeju natural minerals, this oil-control powder is a must-have for setting your make up and preventing it from becoming patchy due to excess oil.

Comes in a translucent color that helps brighten dull skin tones!

So that’s what I bought from Chuusi. I like what I’ve tried so far.

Have you tried any of these products? What are your fave Korean beauty products?

Love,

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Pros & Cons to Different Types of Makeup Removers

January 19, 2018

Hi Everyone!

I thought I’d share the pros and cons of different makeup removing methods. I will provide an example of each, rate its effectiveness and portability. For the purposes of this post, the following terms will be used:

‘Face makeup’– primer, foundation, concealer, bronzer, blush, highlighter, etc.

‘Eye makeup’– eyeshadow primer, eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, etc.

‘Effectiveness’– how well the makeup remover works on eye makeup

‘Portability’– how easily you can carry around in your bag every day or when travelling

Always remove your makeup before bed!

Always be gentle when removing eye makeup. Don’t rub at your eyes, it can cause irritation or wrinkles!

Micellar Water

Garnier All in 1 Cleansing Micellar Water

Pros: gentle, easily removes face makeup and eyeshadow, doesn’t need water to rinse

Cons: sometimes it doesn’t remove all of the eyeliner and mascara

Portability: unless you have a travel-sized bottle, it’s bulky and can be messy if it leaks

Effectiveness: 4/5

Tip: get the Garnier All in 1 Cleansing Waterproof Micellar Water (blue cap) if you’re wearing waterproof makeup.

Makeup Removing Cloth

The Original Makeup Eraser

Pros: easily removes face makeup, just need to add water, no chemicals

Cons: doesn’t always remove all eye makeup, can cause wrinkles from rubbing the cloth on your face

Portability: pop it in your bag

Effectiveness: 4/5

Tip: Clean your cloth with soap or shampoo and wring it out before throwing in the wash.

Makeup Wipes

Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes

Pros: easy to use, doesn’t need water

Cons: doesn’t always remove waterproof makeup (eyeliner and mascara), doesn’t completely remove your face makeup, can cause wrinkles from rubbing at your eyes, will dry out if package is left open

Portability: easy to pop into your purse and use on the go

Effectiveness: 4/5

Tip: Be very gentle around your eye area, don’t rub or pull at your eyes! To remove mascara, I wrap the wipe around my index finger and wiggle back and forth under my lashes (like when you apply mascara). It removes the mascara without having to rub my eyes. It also helps to prevent the mascara from smudging onto my under eye area.

Eye Makeup Remover

Bobbi Brown Instant Long-Wear Makeup Remover

Pros: easily removes face and eye makeup

Cons: if it contains oil, it can get into your eye if you don’t rinse well and cause cloudy vision for a few hours

Portability: need a travel-sized bottle, can be messy if it leaks in your bag

Effectiveness: 5/5

Cleansing Balm

Clinique’s Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm

Pros: easily removes face and eye makeup

Cons: need water to rinse it off, can be messy

Portability: unless you have a sample or travel-sized pot, it’s a bit big to lug around

Effectiveness: 5/5

Baby Shampoo

Johnson’s Baby Shampoo

Pros: easily removes face and eye makeup, gentle on the eyes (no tears!), can use for other purposes

Cons: needs water, messy

Portability: need a travel-sized bottle, can be messy if it leaks in your bag

Effectiveness: 5/5

Tip: Use it to clean your makeup brushes and sponges!

Coconut Oil/Melt

Kopari Coconut Melt

Pros: easily removes face and eye makeup, can use for other purposes

Cons: need water to rinse off, messy

Portability: unless you have a sample or travel-sized pot, it’s a bit big to lug around

Effectiveness: 5/5

Vaseline

This is a good DIY makeup remover if you aren’t at home and need to remove your makeup. Most people probably have Vaseline to help with chapped lips and using regular soap and water isn’t very effective at removing all of your eye makeup especially if you use waterproof makeup…hello ‘raccoon eyes.’

Original Petroleum Jelly

Pros: easily removes eye makeup, can use for other purposes

Cons: greasy

Portability: easy to pop into your purse

Effectiveness: 5/5

Tip: Use a dry cotton pad to wipe off the Vaseline before washing your face.
Additional Tips & Tricks

Use a circular motion if you’re using a cleansing balm, coconut melt/oil, shampoo, Vaseline.

Use a swiping motion (from inner towards outer eye) if you’re using a wet cotton pad, makeup wipe or makeup removing cloth. Don’t rub back and forth.

If you don’t wear eye makeup, micellar water, a makeup cloth or makeup wipes are effective at removing face makeup.

If you wear eye makeup, invest in a cleansing balm or eye makeup remover because they are specially formulated to remove waterproof makeup.

If you’re not in the bathroom, micellar water, eye makeup remover and makeup wipes are good because they don’t require water, but make sure to pack some cotton pads in your bag.

If you’re in the shower, cleansing balm, baby shampoo and coconut oil/melts are great to use.

Double Cleanse! Follow up each method with your regular facial cleanser and then toner and your moisturizer/serum! All of these makeup removing methods may remove your makeup, but it doesn’t fully remove your makeup and the dirt on your face. You should always double cleanse: use a makeup remover and then use your regular facial cleanser.

I’m a night owl, so I shower at night. I take off my makeup when I get home, and quickly wash my face with spectro gel to get rid of any ‘raccoon eyes’ from removing my eye makeup and the makeup remover residue. Then, once I’m in the shower, I use my daily cleanser to fully wash my face of the dirt and makeup that I hadn’t removed earlier.

If you shower in the morning, you’re probably more likely to use makeup wipes to take your makeup off, put on your moisturizer/nightly skincare routine and then go to bed. Have you ever used a makeup wipe and then wiped your face with a tissue or towel and some makeup still came off? With the exception of micellar water, all of the other methods are meant to be step one in your cleansing routine. Step two is following up with your facial cleanser before you do your skincare routine.

Sometimes I use two of the methods. I’ll use the micellar water to take off my face makeup and then use an eye makeup remover on just my eyes. This is a good way to save your more expensive products (especially since eye makeup removers and balms are more expensive).

Micellar water is affordable and there are so many drugstore brands to choose from. The makeup removing cloth is easy to use and you can just throw it in the laundry. Eye makeup removers and cleansing balms are a little more expensive, but you can save by just using them for your eyes. Baby shampoo, makeup wipes, coconut oil and Vaseline have multiple purposes. Baby shampoo can be used to clean your makeup brushes. Makeup wipes can be used to wipe the sweat off your face after a workout. Coconut Oil can be used for oil pulling for your teeth, as a hair mask or body moisturizer. Vaseline can be used as lip balm, help with dry patches, or add a glossy look to your lipsticks.

What’s your go-to makeup remover?

Love,

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November/December 2017 Faves

January 19, 2018

Hi Everyone!

Here are November & December’s faves:

Clean and Clear Morning Burst Fruit Infusions Purifying Cleanser is my fave to use in the morning. There are strawberry seeds in it that gently exfoliate. It may not give me that squeaky clean feel like cleansers from The Face Shop, but the refreshing citrus scent helps me wake up in the morning.

I love the Dove Nutritive Solutions Coconut and Hydration Shampoo. It smells good and makes my hair feel smooth and moisturized. It’s scented with coconut water and sweet lime. I’ve used a few other Dove shampoos, but I think this one smells the best so far out of the ones I’ve tried: Energize, Daily Moisture and Cool Moisture.

I bought the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler during the Sephora sale (check out my haul here!) and I must say that I am loving it! I got it for $25 CAD. It just works so much better than the other ones I’ve used and I don’t have to worry about it pinching my eyelid by accident. I’ve used several other curlers, I still have a Tweezerman and a Sephora one. The Tweezerman is a pretty good dupe in terms of how the curler looks, but you can feel the difference when you squeeze the curler to curl your lashes. The shu is almost springy whereas the Tweezerman opens really wide. It’s hard to describe unless you have both and you’re trying them out. I have a purple Sephora one and it’s definitely not suited for Asian/hooded eyes (especially if your lashes are short). I don’t think any of the Sephora ones would be good for Asians (even though they might be $5 cheaper or around the same price, I’d rather spend $25 on the shu. For the Sephora one, I have to hold it at an angle just to get the curler to line up with my lashes.

I only wish they sold replacement pads separately (it comes with one replacement in the box), but then you need to buy a new curler. I’ve heard the Shiseido ones fit in the curler, but they’re just a tad shorter than the shu ones and Sephora sells replacements for $8 CAD. It’s a bit ridiculous because on the box it says that a rubber pad will last about 3 months and you should replace the whole curler once the refill pad has worn down. I don’t use my eyelash curler daily, but my other eyelash curlers’ pads have lasted longer than 3 months. I wish they sold replacement pads separately. I think it’s too expensive to have to shell out another $25 every six months according to the box.

Smashbox’s Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer and Essence’s I 🖤 Colour Intensifying Eyeshadow Base. The Smashbox helps brighten my under eyes and the Essence eyeshadow base makes my shadow colours even more vibrant and it’s less than $6!

I love both of these powder bronzers that I got as deluxe samples from Sephora. I would definitely buy the full-sized versions. I have loved everything I’ve tried that’s from Tarte (except for the Opening Act Lash Primer), so it’s no surprise I love this bronzer. I have Tarte’s Amazonian Clay Waterproof Bronzer in Park Ave Princess and Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer in Medium/Deep Matte. Both blend well and are great for contouring.

I am loving this original Tory Burch perfume…it’s a mix of citrus and floral and great for winter and fall. I use Giorgio Armani’s Acqua Di Gioia in the spring and summer because it’s got that acquatic, fresh smell. I love the bottle of the Tory Burch perfume and it makes me feel more grown up. It has neroli, grapefruit and peony to name a few notes.

I’m loving the GummiBand hair cords. They don’t make my hair crease after wearing my hair up for hours and they don’t tug on my hair like regular hair bands. I love the colour variety and they’re a Canadian brand!

Read my review and get a coupon code for the GummiBand hair cords!

Everyone loves a red lip for the holidays. This L’Oreal Infallible Le Rouge lipstick in 337 Refined Ruby is a beautiful satiny blue-red. I don’t wear red that often so finding a beautiful red at a drugstore price was my goal.

What were your faves from November and December?

Check out my other monthly favourites:

2017

Sept/Oct

Love,

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Review | Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist

January 18, 2018

Hi Everyone!

Have you tried Pixi products? I just started using them last year. I first got the Glow Mist. I’ve bought a few other products and I’ll post reviews on them soon. I’ve heard rave reviews about the Hydrating Milky Mist, so I had to give it a try.

A deeply hydrating mist that provides an invisible layer of skin-soothers, making it the ultimate remedy for dry skin.

I love this mist, it smells so good and doesn’t make my face feel sticky. It’s super refreshing and the nozzle disperses the mist just right. I usually spray it 1-3 times. It is quite pricey, but it lasts a while.
Rating: 5 out of 5.
I’ve tried the Glow Mist and I had a like/dislike relationship with it (it wasn’t love/hate because I didn’t hate it). Sometimes the glow mist made my face feel sticky, other times it didn’t (maybe I didn’t shake it enough). It did make my face feel hydrated because of the Argan Oil, I think. It had a citrus smell, which I wasn’t a huge fan of.

I definitely want to try more Pixi products, like the Makeup Fixing Mist and the Glow Peel Pads.

UPDATE: Out of nowhere, the nozzle has suddenly stopped misting the product and now it’s a stream that can shoot across the room/squirt me in the face. I tried cleaning the nozzle and tried rinsing it with water which helped a bit (it’s not as strong of a stream now), but it’s still not back to how it used to be. Anyone else experience this with their Pixi mists?

Have you tried Pixi mists? Which is your fave?

Love,

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Review | Garnier Grow Strong Fortifying Mask for Hair

January 17, 2018

Hi Everyone!

I first used a hair mask a few years ago when I got one in a TopBox. I saw this one on clearance at Rexall for less than $5. I thought I’d give it a try.

Garnier Grow Strong Fortifying Mask

Hair is almost entirely made up of protein, which gives hair its strength. Paraben-free Fructis formulas with Active Fruit Protein™, an exclusive combination of citrus protein, Vitamins B3 & B6, fruit & plant-derived extracts and strengthening conditioners, are designed for healthier, stronger hair.

Concentrated yet lightweight Fructis Grow Strong Fortifying Mask, with Apple Extract and Ceramide, injects strength deep into hair to fortify from root to tip.

Directions: After using shampoo, you apply the hair mask from root to tip and leave it in for 3-5 minutes. Then rinse it out.

RATING: 4/5

It makes my hair feel super smooth and when I dry my hair, I never have tangles when I’m combing my hair. I have thick hair to begin with so I don’t know for sure if it’s making my hair stronger, but I’ve dyed my hair a few times and this mask makes my hair soft. I would love to try other hair masks by Garnier. It’s not my favourite smell, but it’s not the worst hair product I’ve used.

Check out my review for the Garnier 1 Minute Hair Mask + Papaya Extract!

Have you ever used a hair mask? What are your faves?

Love,

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Review | The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Targeted Gel Blemish Stick

January 16, 2018
Hi Everyone!

I read that tea tree products are good for acne-prone skin, so I thought I’d try the products from The Body Shop since they always have those specials (buy 2 or 3 and get 1 or 2 free). I decided to try something small just in case my skin reacted to the tea tree oil, so I got the Tea Tree Oil Targeted Gel Blemish Stick.

I use the stick when I feel a pimple coming or after it’s already popped up. The spot treatment works the same way as the Kate Somerville EradiKate. It dries out the blemish without drying out the surrounding skin. I think I like it better than the EradiKate because it can’t be too good for your face to always put sulfur on it whenever you have a breakout.

Our Tea Tree Targeted Gel is designed for on-the-go targeted care. Enriched with organic Community Trade tea tree oil, our blemish stick is ideal for blemished skin. With a handbag-friendly wand-applicator, this quick drying gel can be applied directly onto skin, to see you through any skin emergency, mess-free.
- A handbag essential
- Ideal for blemished skin
- Soothes and instantly cools targeted area without over-drying skin
- Gives clearer-looking skin
I’ve been using it whenever I get hormonal acne…you know, the kind that hurts, but it doesn’t have a whitehead. I used it on three pimples (two on my chin and one under my nose) that I got recently and it reduced the size of all of them, and dried two of the pimples out and brought the whitehead to the surface. All three of the pimples were quite painful, and after using the blemish stick, the pain went away. The one under my nose hurts if I accidentally touch it, but now at least it doesn’t hurt when I move my face.

Even though it says “handbag essential,” I don’t think I’d ever use it on the go because it has a very strong smell. It’s a bit medicinal (not sure what tea tree oil actually smells like) and reminds me of Chinese herbal medicine, although it does beat the sulfur smell from the EradiKate.

After seeing how well the blemish stick performed, I’m definitely interested in trying out the other tea tree oil products that The Body Shop sells: toner, cleansers, etc. I know that the blemish stick is probably more potent since it’s a spot treatment, but maybe the toners and cleansers can help to prevent breakouts.

RATING: 4/5

It’s a bit expensive for a small tube, but it works really well for me. Also, I wish it came packaged differently. Maybe a squeeze bottle or something similar to the EradiKate bottle so that I can use a clean q-tip each time I use it. It can’t be too hygienic to use the sponge tip applicator on a pimple and then put it back into the container.

Check out my review for The Body Shop’s Tea Tree Oil Anti-Imperfection Daily Solution

What products do you use for acne?

Love,
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Review | Bumble and bumble Soft Black Hair Powder

January 9, 2018

Hi Everyone!

I bought a two-pack of the Bumble and bumble Soft Black Hair Powder at the MAC Warehouse Sale and just got around to trying it out. It was $25 for 2 cans, regular price at Sephora is $49.50 CAD for 4.4 oz. I’ve been reading about this to get an exact idea of what this is because nowhere on the can does it say that it’s a dry shampoo, but the exact definition of a dry shampoo is “a dry substance that cleans your hair without the use of water. Dry shampoo works by absorbing oil from your scalp and hair, and making it look and feel freshly washed again” (www.womansday.com, 2011). Also, when you click ‘Dry Shampoo’ on the Bumble and bumble website, the Blondish and Brownish hair powders come up on the page.

A tinted, dry cleanser for dark, inky brown, and black hair colors.

What it does:
This hair cleanser absorbs excess oil and adds volume. Use it to extend the life of a blow-dry and leave hair with a matte texture.

The tint easily washes off clothes or fingers, but that also means it’s easily transferable. If you accidentally touch your head or lie on a pillow, it will probably come off.

It smells likes the stuff you spray on your boots to waterproof them. This product wasn’t for me. If I’m going to spend $50 for a dry shampoo or powder (which I wouldn’t), I want it to smell nicer than this hair powder does. I don’t even spend half that for my regular shampoo. Since it’s in an aerosol can, it starts off as a liquid like spray paint, but then you let it dry and it’s more powder-like. After letting it dry though, it has a sticky hairspray feeling. Also, the fact that it sprays means you have to protect your clothes and don’t get too close to any walls in your bathroom or wherever you’re spraying it. Other dry shampoos that are cheaper smell a lot better than this. I’d rather use the amika perk up dry shampoo which smells amazing and it’s $28.60 CAD for 5.3 oz)

RATING: 1/5

I’ve only ever tried aerosolized dry shampoos, I’ve never used a powder one, but I think if I were to try a powder shampoo, I would get Cake’s The All Powderful Tinted Dry Shampoo (Dark). It comes in powder form in a regular bottle so it’s not bad for the environment to dispose of like aerosol cans. Plus, you’d be able to take it on a plane.

What are your fave dry shampoos? Have you used Bumble and bumble products?

Love,

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Review | Gosh Cosmetics Click’N Conceal Pen

January 5, 2018

Hi Everyone!

When I was at Shoppers Drug Mart a few months ago, they were having a 50% off sale for GOSH Cosmetics products. There wasn’t a lot left, but they did have a click concealer pen in light and I thought I’d try it. Since it’s a click pen, I figured the formula would be more runny than the usual concealer you get in the wands and I was right. The consistency is similar to the YSL Touche Eclat pen. I can’t say whether or not this is a dupe for the YSL Touche Eclat, but I really like the Gosh Cosmetics pen. At first, I thought the shade would be too peachy for me, but it actually helps concealer the darkness under and around my eyes. One you blend it, it somehow looks lighter than when you dab it onto your skin.

I like that it’s not drying- after I apply concealer under my eyes, it’s not cakey or heavy. It has a natural finish and it’s a perfect consistency for under the eyes. I also love Rimmel’s Wake Me Up Concealer for under eyes too (I use 030 Classic Beige, but think I could go a shade lighter).

Gosh Cosmetics Click’N Conceal in 01 Light

CLICK`N CONCEAL is a high quality concealer with a smooth and soft texture. The brush will easily brush away imperfections and spots on your skin leaving a refreshed and flawless skin. Ideal for hydrating and protecting the delicate skin around the eyes. Reduces dark circles & puffiness. No perfume, no parabens.

I swatched it on my hand and then the right side is after it’s blended.

Below is before and after I applied it. You can see that before applying it, I have a bit of darkness around my eyes, but once I applied the concealer, it brightened up the area. I primed my under eyes with Smashbox’s Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer.

RATING: 4/5

I dock a point because it’s not very easy to find, especially now that Shoppers is having a going out of stock sale for it. I found 2 more at another Shoppers and stocked up.

What’s your favourite concealer for under the eyes? I know Maybelline’s Age Rewind and Tarte Shape Tape is a fave for many.

Love,

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My Makeup Desk Reveal!

January 4, 2018

Hi Everyone!

I finally got around to cleaning up my makeup desk so that I could take pictures of it to show you. My room now looks like an IKEA catalog (Every large piece of furniture except my bed, a bookcase and chair is from IKEA).

I have two desks in my room, the Micke Desk that I originally bought as my makeup desk is now my ‘office’ desk and I am using my old desk (tabletop and two legs plus drawer unit on one side) from school as my makeup desk. It’s also better that I use my old desk that’s already scratched up because I don’t have any glass to protect the tabletop and I would keep having to wipe the Micke desk to keep it pristine and white. My old tabletop already has scratches and marks. I originally got the Micke desk because it had the two drawers, but I needed more room and the Alex 5-drawer unit was on sale and, my dad made the mistake of asking me if I wanted it. Like any other makeup lover, I just had to have it for my makeup desk! I would’ve loved it even more if I could’ve gotten two (one for each side), but I can always buy it in the future.

Linnmon Table top | White | $9.99

Adils legs x 4 | Silver | $5 each ($20 total, but if you use the Alex drawer unit on one side, you only need two)

Alex Drawer unit (5 drawers) | White | $80 (it was on sale for $69)

For my wall colour, I chose Valspar’s Gravity. My room has been a sky blue ever since I was a kid and it was time to choose a more sophisticated colour. I went with a light gray because my room has a regular-sized window that doesn’t let a lot of light in and I needed my room to be bright enough to do my makeup. If my window was bigger, I would’ve chosen a darker gray. In pictures, it doesn’t look like my wall colour has changed and to be honest, in person, it doesn’t look a whole lot different from the blue.

It took me a while to find a chair I liked. Some were too high and others too low for my desk. I considered benches, stools, and shorter bar stools. I finally settled on a metal-framed chair with armrests from Structube. Sometimes when I’m sitting, I’m only sitting on the ledge of the chair, I’m not fully sitting in it. Because of this, it sometimes makes a creaking noise when I move because my weight isn’t distributed evenly on the chair. I bought the white shag rug for the floor, but I like having it over my chair like a blanket, plus if I had put it on the floor, I think I would accidentally get makeup on it.

Eiffel Chair | White | $49

Tejn Rug | $14.99

TRLYC Rose Gold and Silver Reversible Mermaid Sequin Pillow Case | $12.56 (I got mine for $11.99)

I’ve always loved mermaid sequined things; the ones where you can run your hand across it one way and it’s one colour and you go the opposite way and the sequins are a different colour on the underside. I got a custom-size version of a mermaid sequin pillow case (I had a 14×14 pillow, but they sell 16×16). If you want a custom one, you just need to contact the seller. The underside of the sequins aren’t silver, they’re white (in flash pictures or some angles, it appears silver, but they are definitely rose gold and white).

I specifically bought a tall bookcase to display my shoes. To put a spin on the regular shoe display, I added some foil art and clutches to add some colour and metallics since my shoes are mostly black or nude. I would’ve loved to get the Billy Bookcase, but I had to save money somewhere. The bookcase I bought was a deal at $29, but it comes with non-adjustable shelves and a backing that was folded into three so you can see the three lines (the display picture is misleading, it has a cardboard-like backing that was folded into three parts when I was taking it out of the box).

Gersby Bookcase | $29

I bought Ribba picture ledges to display my nail polish. They no longer sell the Ribba ones, but they sell ones that are wider for the same price as I got mine ($9.99). I’m glad I was able to get the Ribba ones because the new ones are almost twice as wide and it would be a waste not to display a second row of nail polish bottles, but then it wouldn’t look as clean and organized unless you have a lot of the same brand of nail polish. I have a lot more nail polish than what I have on the shelves, but I displayed my OPIs because I have more of those and it gives it a more uniform look. I also decided to put my perfume on the top shelf instead of having two rows of nail polish and I added a framed piece of DIY art that I made from perfume sample cards.

Mosslanda Picture ledge (55cm) | White | $9.99

I bought a countertop light for above my mirror. I attached it to an L-Shaped piece of wood that my dad made from two wood scraps. The light had several components to it:

Omlopp LED countertop light 24″ | White | $42
Ansluta Power Supply Cord| $5.99
Ansluta Electronic Transformer | $14
Ansluta Remote Control | $16.99 (optional)

The first three parts are required, you obviously need the light, but then you need the power cord and electronic transformer for the light to be plugged in. The remote control was extra, but I thought it was cool and also be more handy to turn the light on than having to find the cord every time I put my makeup on.

In the corner, between the wall and my desk, I have a utility cart (that I got for free from my sister- if I had bought one, I would’ve gotten white or something lighter) to hold the rest of my products: skincare, more nail polish, hair stuff. The Alex drawer holds my makeup and hair tools. I took off the wheels because with the wheels, it’s taller than my desk and I didn’t like that.

Raskog Utility cart | black | $34.99

BEFORE

This was my original makeup setup (I don’t have any shots of it from afar). I had my makeup displayed on top of a bookcase where I sat on a stool. All I had for light was the mirror’s (my ceiling light was behind me so I would always be doing my makeup in dim lighting. My large mirror was on the adjacent wall.

The next picture is a few months into redecorating. It was after I knew the general layout of how I wanted things, but before I got a new chair, switched my desks and added the light on top. I took away the necklace hooks and I might put them on the adjacent wall, I still haven’t decided yet.

AFTER

If you’re wondering why my reflection isn’t visible, it’s because I’m kneeling down to take the picture…despite my sleeping habits, I’m not a vampire.

What does your dream makeup desk/vanity look like?

Love,

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Movies & Shows | Faves of 2017 & Most Anticipated for 2018

January 2, 2018
Hi Everyone!

I thought I would do a a blog post on movies and tv shows I plan to watch this year and my faves from last year. Obviously it won’t be a full list because I don’t know what some shows or movie are about based on the title, but once they are close to coming out, they’ll be publicized more.

Fave Movies

I watched a lot more shows last year, so I haven’t seen a lot of movies that came out. I didn’t see Thor: Ragnarok yet, but I’m sure that would be on this list if I had seen it. I didn’t watch very many dramas, comedies or animated films from last year, which isn’t surprising because I prefer action/thriller/fantasy.
- Logan
- Wonder Woman
- Beauty and the Beast
- Contratiempo (known as The Invisible Guest for English-speaking countries)- Spanish movie I saw on Netflix yesterday, although I watched it in 2018, it’s from last year. If you like mystery, this is a good one.
TV Shows I’m Watching

These are shows that either started last year or that I started watching last year:
- Will & Grace– I’ve been enjoying the new season, it’s one of the few revivals where it feels the same as the original run. After the 4th or 5th (maybe earlier, I can’t remember), it started going downhill, but now they have new material to work with and it’s like they never left
- Rellik– at first it was a bit confusing, but the concept is cool and had an interesting ending. I think it was more of a mini series and I doubt it will be renewed for season two.
- Young Sheldon– it’s a change from The Big Bang Theory and interesting to see Sheldon’s life when he was younger. I think I also enjoy it because Zoe Perry is the real-life daughter of Laurie Metcalf who plays Sheldon’s mom on The Big Bang Theory. I love the young actress and actor who play Missy and Sheldon.
- Manhunt: Unabomber– this was one of those crime/drama shows that’s kind of slow, but it was interesting to watch
Other shows I mentioned in a previous post → 5 Shows I’m Into Right Now

2018 Movies I Want to Watch

I’m sure there’s more that I want to watch, but these are the ones I’m excited to see:
- Avengers: Infinity War
- The Incredibles 2
- Tomb Raider
- Mission: Impossible 6
- Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
- Ocean’s 8
- The Commuter- can’t Liam Neeson take a mode of transportation without being threatened???
UPDATE: The Commuter was pretty good! If you like mysteries on a train, Murder on the Orient Express was pretty good too!

TV Shows I Want to Watch
- The Crown– Oops, I haven’t started watching it yet
- Travelers
- The Good Doctor
- Big Little Lies– I know it’s rated high, but I haven’t decided if I want to watch this or not
- The Handmaid’s Tale
- Dark
UPDATE: I’ve been watching The Handmaid’s Tale- it’s both interesting and terrifying to think of what could happen if a government like that took over the United States. I watched Big Little Lies- it had a very famous ensemble cast and Meryl Streep has been cast for season two, but I don’t know if I liked it that much. It’s not one I would recommend to everyone if someone asked about good shows to watch. I watched one episode of The Good Doctor so far and I think it will be interesting.

New Shows Coming Out This Year
I watched Altered Carbon and it was good- hopefully there will be a second season.

What shows and movies are you looking forward to this year?

Love,

The pictures used above were taken from the internet. I do not own any of the pictures.
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