• February 2019 Product Empties

    February 26, 2019

    Hi Everyone!

    I finished quite a few makeup products this month. Check out my monthly empties:

    MAC Strobe Cream in Pinklite – This is a great product to put on before foundation to give you that glow from within.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer – When I got a sample of this, it worked well. I could tell that it illuminated my under eyes. After buying the full size tube, I don’t know, it didn’t really do that much to illuminate and I don’t think it’s that different from other hydrating primers.

    Repurchase? No.

    Make Up For Ever Step 1 Equalizer (Hydrating) Primer – I enjoyed this product, but I tried the nourishing primer and it hydrates better because it’s for dry skin.

    Repurchase? No, but I love the MUFE primers.

    MAC Prep + Prime Natural Radiance – If I wanted to get a glowy look, I would use the strobe cream.

    Repurchase? No.

    Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick in 0.75 Ivory (read my review) – This was beautiful. I really liked it even though I had the wrong shade.

    Repurchase? In the correct shade, yes.

    CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara (read my review) – I liked this mascara a lot.

    Repurchase? I want to try others and there’s so many to try. I did enjoy this though, so I definitely would consider repurchasing.

    Tarte Amazonian Clay Smooth Operator Finishing Powder – This made it look like I had a filter on my face. It instantly blurred pores.

    Repurchase? I want to try others, but I definitely would repurchase.

    elf Lip Exfoliator in Mint Maniac (read my review) – I chose this exfoliator as the winner in both of my This or That lip scrubs.

    Repurchase? Maybe.

    Soo’ae Purifying Brightening Peeling Gel – This gel sloughs off dry skin. It makes your face feel so soft after using it.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm – Loved this!

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circles Treatment Concealer in Light – This is a pretty good concealer (if you are wondering, I took off the sponge). I think this shade was a bit too brightening on me, I might try the Neutralizer shade next time.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Tarte Maracuja Oil – I bought the supersize bottle of this (which is twice the size of the regular one) and I poured half of it into the regular bottle because I was worried I would be clumsy and knock it over and then I’d have a huge mess to clean up.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    TULA Acne Clearing + Tone Correcting Gel – This is a great acne gel with salicylic acid that doesn’t irritate my skin. This bottle lasts 3 months using 1 pump night AND day. If you only used it during the day OR night, it could last 6 months. I think I will cut down to just using it at night because it’s probably not good to use it as often as I have been.

    Repurchase? I already bought two replacements. It sells out quickly, so I thought I would stock up on 2 bottles.

    Love,

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  • January/February 2019 Faves

    February 22, 2019

    Hi Everyone!

    Since I’m on a Low Buy this year, I won’t have a lot of new favourites for my weekly “Feature Fridays” on my Instagram. So, I’m going to do my favourites posts every two months from now on.

    I really love both of these mascaras because they look very natural, but they also darken my lashes! I’ve used both on my lower lashes and it looks very natural (not spidery at all). Between the two, the Maybelline Lash Sensational Full Fan Effect Mascara (read my review) is great for keeping the lashes curled because of the curved wand and it makes my lashes look darker. CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara (read my review) is great for a more natural effect; it didn’t keep the curl on my lashes as well as the Maybelline, but it’s still a great mascara for adding a lil’ something extra to your lashes.

    I have another Maybelline fave to add to the list. I am in love with the Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder!! Earlier this month, when there was a snowstorm and I had to go out, I just popped on some concealer and used it as foundation and it was beautiful!! It can get a bit messy. I think next time, I will only pull off half the sticker when I’m opening up a new one. The powder is finely milled and the shade 15 Light is a beautiful match for me. As you may know, I love the Tarte Amazonian Clay Airbrush Foundation, but that’s a bit dark for me right now. Maybe I will use a mix of the two to lighten it. I definitely want to try the pressed powder since that one is actually meant to be used as foundation. My sister uses the loose one because her skin is flawless and she just needs something to mattify and provide sheer coverage. I wouldn’t travel with this one though because it’s already a bit messy just sitting in my drawer, but if you haven’t picked this up yet, I definitely recommend giving it a try!!

    I am looooving the Smashbox Primerizer!! It keeps my skin hydrated all day. Around my nose usually starts to look a bit flaky, but this keeps my makeup looking good. Once I finish this little guy, I’ll be sad I can’t repurchase it for a while because of my #NoRepurchaseRule (can’t repurchase any makeup products for the next year or two so I can see what’s out there).

    I’m really liking this Lancôme Brow Powdery Shaping Pencil in 09 Soft Black. It made my brows look so natural. I had one of my best brow days wearing this with a brow gel. I need to test it for longevity, but this might be a new fave!!! It has a spoolie on the end which is great. You sharpen the tip which could be a bit of a pain if you’re travelling because you’d need a sharpener.

    What were your favourites from this month?

    Love,

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  • joanna vargas exfoliating mask

    First Impressions with Joanna Vargas Exfoliating Mask

    February 19, 2019

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I’m doing a first impressions review with Joanna Vargas’ Exfoliating Mask. I was sent this for review and here are my thoughts:

    An enzymatic exfoliating mask that sweeps skin clean for brilliance and glow.

    Apply a thin layer to cleansed and dampened skin. Scrub gently for one minute or leave on as a mask for 15 minutes. Rinse with tepid water.

    This mask looks like liquid gold. It’s more fluid than other exfoliating masks I’ve used which I’m not sure I love because I feel like I’ll accidentally use more than I need. It has a citrus scent mixed with a bit of sweetness.

    The mask has something that has a sandy feel (I’m guessing it’s the Pumice/Volcanic Rock) which I’m not sure is the best for my sensitive skin. The first time I used it, I think I scrubbed a bit too hard and I noticed my face was a little red after and I hadn’t even scrubbed for a minute. I think it’s just a bit too rough on my skin (even when I do it gently), so I will probably use this for the body instead.

    RATING: 2/5

    While the mask made parts of my face feel soft, it made other parts feel really dry. I’m sorry to give it such a low rating, but there are more affordable exfoliating enzyme masks out there that are also more gentle on my skin.

    Love,

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  • nude by nature makeup

    Nude by Nature | My Hits & Misses

    February 15, 2019

    Hi Everyone!

    Here are my Hits and Misses from Nude by Nature. Check out my other Hits & Misses posts on other brands:

    Check out my other Hits & Misses posts!

    MAKEUP || Primers | Foundations | Powders | Concealers | Brows | Mascara

    SKINCARE || Eye Creams

    BRANDS || Bobbi Brown | Burt’s Bees | L’Oréal | Maybelline | NYX | TULA | Volition Beauty

    Before you read this post, please remember that we all have difference preferences and skin types. These are MY hits, misses and likes. You might love something I don’t like or dislike something I love.

    So, I received 6 products from Topbox Circle and I’ve tried them all out and here are my thoughts. First of all, I love the rose gold packaging of the products. The frosted glass of the foundation bottle is also beautiful.

    HITS

    Mattifying Pressed Setting Powder* – This mattifies and provides coverage nicely. It’s great to throw in the purse to touch up throughout the day.

    Matte Pressed Bronzer* – I was intimidated by the shade of this, but if you use the right brush, it will diffuse and blend it out beautifully.

    MISSES

    Sheer Glow BB Cream* – Similar to the foundation, this provided no coverage and just made me look very dewy.

    Luminous Sheer Liquid Foundation* (read my review) – This provided no coverage for me at all. It was like the BB Cream.

    Sheer Glow Colour Balm* – This was patchy and I don’t like the taste/smell of this on my lips.

    LIKES

    Perfecting Primer* (read my review) – This primer was okay. It wasn’t the worst, but also wasn’t the best.

    Liquid Foundation Brush* – I prefer using sponges, but this is a very nice brush and I would consider getting other brushes from Nude by Nature.

    If I were to buy anything, I would get some of the Nude by Nature brushes, and I would get the powder products again. I will be giving the liquid foundation and BB cream to a friend who likes sheer coverage.

    Have you tried Nude by Nature? What are your faves?

    Love,

    Products marked with * were sent to me for review.

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  • Review | Nude by Nature Luminous Sheer Liquid Foundation

    February 12, 2019

    Hi Everyone!

    I received a few products from Nude by Nature for testing purposes and I have the first honest review for you. Today, I’m reviewing the Luminous Sheer Liquid Foundation.

    I have previously received the Perfecting Primer from Chick Advisor. I reviewed it on the blog: read my review.

    A sheer liquid foundation that delivers light to medium coverage with a dewy radiant finish.

    Benefits

    • Hydrating formula
    • Skin nourishing ingredients
    • Rich in vitamins and antioxidants
    • Helps fight visible signs of ageing
    • Fragrance-free

    I love the frosted glass and rose gold packaging with the pump. I liked the dewy finish and the whipped texture of the foundation, but that’s about it. It just doesn’t work for me; it’s a good match for my ski tone (I received the shade N1 Shell Beige). The coverage is exactly as described: sheer. If you already have perfect skin and just want to add a bit of dewiness, then you might like this. I need something that is more buildable because I have redness under my nose and chin. If I’m wearing foundation, I want it to at least cover up a bit of the redness so that my concealer doesn’t have to do all of the work. I also found that it kind of dried weirdly where it would get patchy. This doesn’t have any added fragrance, so it smelled like paint. Also, since it’s so natural, it washes off really easily with water. Similar to the Burt’s Bees Goodness Glows Foundation which also rinses off with water. So, make sure you don’t get caught in the rain or to drench your face in setting spray.

    RATING: 2/5

    I didn’t even do a wear test because this foundation had barely any coverage, so anything I would be testing would be my concealer or powder.

    Love,

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  • Project Pan Update | 2019

    February 8, 2019

    Hi Everyone!

    It’s been a month since I posted my Project Pan 2019 post. It turns out I was pretty close to finishing some of my products, so here’s an update.

    I am very close to finishing the Make Up For Ever Step 1 Equalizer Primer and I’ve finished the Smashbox Under Eye Primer, MAC Radiant Primer, and Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick. I decluttered the Essence Eyeshadow Base because it was older than I thought. I also decided to declutter the Burt’s Bees Blush because I was just using it to finish it and not because I loved it. It’s a gorgeous shade, but I have a love-hate relationship with blush. I either apply too little or too much and making that mistake with a pink blush is not good. I don’t want to look like a clown. Anyway, I have been leaning towards the peachy/nude/coral shades lately instead of bright pink.

    Since I finished so many products already, I added some more:

    • Bobbi Brown Lip Color in Bare Pink
    • MAC Cremesheen Glass in It’s A Strike
    • Marcelle Velvet Gel Lip Liner in Rosy Nude
    • MAC Patentpolish in Kittenish
    • TheBalm Batter Up Eyeshadow Sticks in Dugout and Shutout (read my review)
    • Lancome Skin Feels Good Skin Nourishing Foundation in 01N Nude Vanilla (read my review)

    What products are in your Project Pan?

    Love,

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  • First Impressions with Selfkaire

    February 5, 2019

    Hi Everyone!

    So, I was gifted this really cool new facial massager. It’s made of surgical grade steel and it’s unlike any facial massager I’ve seen.

    I’ve been using the Selfkaire tool for about a month and I really enjoy using it. I’ve mostly been using it on my face since I have an ice roller which is larger and therefore easier to use on the body, but the Selfkaire tool is nice to relieve tension and to use a little more pressure on sore muscles.

    You can use it on your face or body, on bare skin or over clothes. It just feels so nice and cooling on the face, especially the under eye area. I think I’ve noticed that my under eye bags aren’t as bad since I’ve been using it. Of course, it greatly depends on how much sleep I’ve had the night before as well. Unlike a jade roller however, I’ve noticed that I need to make sure to apply some type of serum or oil to help it move seamlessly across my face. Since this has no moving parts, it needs a bit of lubrication especially if you’re using it on your face, you don’t want it pulling on your skin.

    How to use: As little as 30 seconds per area a day or as much as you would like to recharge your skin and body. Can be used on bare skin, over clothing, face masks, or with your skincare routine. Pair with a serum, cream or facial oil for easy gliding. Remember to stay hydrated while detoxing. To clean, rinse off tool with gentle soap and dry off.

    Our IP-protected technology brings you an effective innovation on existing facial rollers. Combined with specially designed pins, our tools target acupressure points to help your body detox efficiently. Our surgical grade steel is great for all skin types, hypoallergenic and cooling on the skin!  

    Try on:

    – Puffiness
    – After a workout
    – Problem areas
    – For some TLC!

    Above statements have not been evaluated by Food and Drug Administration. This item is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

    RATING: 5/5

    It says it’s travel-friendly, but it’s got some weight to it, so I’m not sure I would ever carry it around in a purse or take it on a trip. It is quite expensive, but given that there’s no moving parts like other facial rollers and it’s not made of rose quartz or jade, it won’t break easily and will last a long time. Selfkaire gives you a 90 day return policy (if you don’t love it, you can return it easily) and it has a lifetime warranty.

    Have you tried facial massagers?

    Love,

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  • This or That | elf Lip Exfoliator vs. Tarte Lip Facial Lip Scrub

    February 1, 2019

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I’m doing another comparison post on lip scrubs (see the first here). I’m comparing lip scrubs again. This time, it’s elf Lip Exfoliator against the Tarte lip Facial Lip Scrub.

    elf Lip Exfoliator in Mint Maniac

    Gently exfoliate lips to remove dry, chapped skin with our Lip Exfoliator! A sweet sugar and smoothing sensation, infused with Vitamin E, Shea Butter, Avocado, Grape and Jojoba Oils to nourish and protect. This Lip Exfoliator treats and smoothes lips for a conditioned and revitalized feel.

    Tarte lip Facial Lip Scrub

    Pamper & perfect your pout with this at-home lippie facial that exfoliates & treats dry, cracked lips & provides instant hydration, all in one easy-to-use pencil. The 2-in-1 lip scrub sloughs away dead surface cells, allowing moisturizing ingredients to penetrate deeply thanks to micro-fine sugar granules suspended in a conditioning treatment balm. The raw sugar acts as a natural exfoliator, gently rolling over surface imperfections to polish & improve lip texture.

    This felt so rough, my lips did not like this one. I tested it out by swatching on my hand to see if it was just in my head, but it actually made my hand red from applying it on my hand (not wiping it off). I would rather make my own sugar lip scrub than by this. Thank goodness I got this for free.

    WINNER: elf Lip Exfoliator

    Again, the elf one wins because it’s just so affordable and the Tarte one just felt so rough and abrasive on the lips.

    Love,

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