I finished a few masks and scrubs this month! Keep reading to find out what I would repurchase.
Oceà Natural Skincare Ocean Mineral Complex Masque (read my review) – I don’t really know if this did anything for me. While it felt nice and cooling, I don’t know if it brought out any impurities or did anything special.
Repurchase? Probably not.
L’Oréal Pure Sugar Scrub (Kiwi) – As much as I enjoyed this sugar scrub, I could make this myself and there wouldn’t be kiwi seeds going down the drain.
Repurchase? Probably not.
Joanna Vargas Exfoliating Mask(read my review) – This was way too rough on my sensitive skin. Even using it on the body felt quite rough.
Repurchase? No.
Tula Kefir Cleansing Oil – I really enjoyed this cleansing oil. It didn’t break me out and it lasted a while.
Repurchase? Yes.
Tula Dual-Phase Skin Reviving Treatment Pads – This was an interesting exfoliating product. You use one side to disperse some serum and flip it over and then use the exfoliating side.
Repurchase? It has witch hazel which I think I am allergic to, but if it didn’t have it, I would consider repurchasing.
The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Night Mask– This mask has a strong smell. While tea tree does work to prevent and improve acne, it’s just such a strong smell. I feel like the tea tree blemish stick (read my review) worked better for me as a spot treatment. I don’t think I used this enough for it to work really well.
Repurchase? No.
Benefit 24-Hr Brow Setter Shaping & Setting Gel– I got a deluxe sample of this and I did like the brush of this, but I didn’t love the gel itself. It was sticky like glue. Once it started to dry out, it was flaky like when glue dries. It did make my brows look very natural when combined with a pencil.
Today, I’m doing a first impressions review of a brand called Purify Soap Co. They reached out to me on Instagram for an honest review and they sent me their Kisameet Clay Balm and Soap Bar. Keep reading to hear my thoughts on these two products!
Mineral Clay Balm
I tried the balm first and I was unsure of how I would like it because it does smell like clay. I put it on my lips and luckily, I couldn’t smell it after I applied it. It felt very moisturizing and kept my lips nourished for a few hours. Let’s move on to the soap bar before I tell you my rating…
Cleansing Soap
Lather in your hands and apply to your face and body (or you can lather directly onto your face and body for more exfoliation), leave for 2 minutes. Wash off, avoiding contact with the eyes. Now, it’s your skin’s time to shine!
The soap bar smells minty and as I lathered it on my skin, I could feel it exfoliating my arms. The next day, unfortunately, I woke up and my lips were a bit inflamed and I had a bit of a breakout on my arms. It’s been three days and the left side of my lip still looks a bit puffy. I must’ve had some sort of reaction to both products which is disappointing because one of the claims is to help with eczema.
I know that coloured bars of soap look pretty, but any soap bar that isn’t white just makes a mess of the sink and shower. Similar to a charcoal bar of soap I recently tried from Woodlot, this one ‘bled’ greenish-gray.
RATING: 2/5
Before I had the reaction, both products seemed very nice and might work for you. I haven’t quite figured out what it was that caused the reaction, but it’s safe to say that I can no longer use the balm. Since I have sensitive skin, I think that I had a very unusual reaction to something in both of the products. If the testimonials on their Instagram account have any truth to them, then it might work to help someone who has psoriasis or eczema. Even if this did work for me, it retails for $28 USD which I think is way too expensive for a bar of soap. As someone with eczema, I would rather just use my Cetaphil Gentle Daily Cleanser (for body and face).
Today, I’m writing about the Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado. I got it during a Family & Friends sale on Kiehls.ca for 20% off.
This nourishing under eye cream offers creamy hydration suitable for all skin types. Formulated with Avocado Oil, this rich treatment smoothes on the eye area for rich hydration. This eye cream features a creamy texture that does not migrate into your eyes.
It retails for $66 (0.95oz/28g) or $42 (0.5oz/14g)
RATING: 2/5
The eye cream has a kind of weird texture that’s kind of sticky like glue, but when you use the right amount (just a small dab), and warm it up on your fingers, it will blend out and feel like water as you apply it to your under eyes.
While potted creams aren’t my favourite because it’s easier for bacteria to get in, this is a great eye cream. It’s kept my under eyes fairly hydrated and it doesn’t have a scent which is a plus for me. It doesn’t do anything for dark circles though. I have sensitive skin and it hasn’t caused any milia, but I do notice that whenever I use it, I get 1-2 red spots under my eyes.
Have you tried Kiehl’s skincare products? What are your faves?
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.
I’ve put each of the products I’ve tried into three different categories: Hits, Misses and Likes (not my faves, but would consider repurchasing).
I’ve tried quite a few different products from TULA. I purchased all products myself and am not affiliated with them in anyway. So, when I first tried the brand, I decided to buy the Discovery Kit and then when I finished that, I tried the other kit and also purchased some of the full-sized versions of the products I enjoyed in the Discovery Kit.
HITS
Illuminating Face Serum – I think this has to be my favourite from TULA. I bought the full size of this after trying it in the discovery kit. It targets dark spots and I had a spot on my cheek from a blemish that just wouldn’t go away. I thought I would have the dark spot for years, but I think this has helped it slowly disappear.
Kefir Replenishing Cleansing Oil – I liked this cleansing oil a lot and it lasted a long time for me.
Acne Clearing + Tone Correcting Gel – I used to use this twice a day and it was drying my skin out. Now I use it as more of a spot treatment when I see some blemishes emerging.
LIKES
A lot of the products are in between for me. While I enjoyed using them, I wouldn’t say I NEED them in my life.
Exfoliating Treatment Mask – While I like this mask, but it is pretty expensive for a mask that you wash off. I would rather spend more on a sleeping mask or serum.
Dual-Phase Skin Reviving Treatment Pads– The exfoliating pads came in one of the kits I tried and while they were interesting and made my face feel smooth, they are so expensive (16 pads for $75 CAD).
Purifying Cleanser – This is a nice cleanser that makes your face feel clean, but not stripped of its oils, but there are cleansers that are cheaper that work the same.
Pro-Glycolic 10% PH Resurfacing Gel – This resurfacing toner gel is great. It’s nice and gentle and doesn’t irritate my skin, but it’s so expensive compared to other toners.
Aqua Infusion Oil-Free Gel Cream – I would use in combination with the illuminating face serum. As someone with dry skin, I don’t think it was hydrating enough to use on its own, but it was a very nice and light gel cream if that’s what you’re looking for.
Hydrating Day & Night Cream – I liked this cream, but I didn’t love that it came in a pot. I prefer the illuminating serum because it comes in a bottle with a pump.
Have you tried TULA products? What were your faves?
MISSES
There’s only one product that was a miss for me and that was the eye cream.
Multi-Spectrum Eye Renewal Serum – Both my mom and I tried this and it made our under eyes itchy.
Hi Everyone! It’s been almost six months since Part 1 of Revisiting My 2018 Favourites. So, here’s Part 2! This post is for July to December’s beauty faves.
BCL Spa Sugar Scrub Lavender + Mint – I absolutely loved this. It smelled amazing and the scrub made my skin feel so soft and smell good.
Repurchase? If I could find it for cheaper than $40 somewhere, I would! I’ll have to check salons in Toronto to see if they sell in-store. I’ve only found the brand on Amazon for $50+ or on wholesale sites.
BCL Spa Dead Sea Salt Soak Lavender + Mint – As much as I loved this, I probably wouldn’t buy it again since it’s so expensive. I would rather buy the sugar scrub.
Repurchase? No.
Sonia Roselli Water Balm – Loved this!! It was a great moisturizer and primer, I will definitely get this again!
Repurchase? Yes!
Tarte Tarteist Creamy Matte Lip Paint in Birthday Suit – I liked this, but I need to find a shade that’s more my style.
Repurchase? Yes.
Colors by Llarowe Nail Polish in The Deep End – This is a pretty mermaid-y shade.
Repurchase? I would repurchase from the brand, but I probably wouldn’t buy a similar shade. I want to streamline my nail polishes and purchase shades that don’t have shimmer (neutrals, reds, wines, etc.)
AUGUST
Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge -I love the flat side of this sponge.
Repurchase? Yes! It would be great if I can find a 4-pack for $20 again!
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil – I enjoyed the little deluxe sample I had!
Repurchase? YES!
Soo’Ae Juice Mango Glow Mask – No offense to face masks, but I feel like (for the most part), they all feel the same. Unless one is specifically meant for something like drawing out impurities, the hydrating, brightening, plumping sheet masks all make my face feel the same.
Repurchase? Yes.
elf Studio Matte Lip Color in Tea Rose -This lipstick felt nice for a matte lip colour. This specific shade did not look good on me. It looked okay once I topped it with gloss though.
Repurchase? No, I prefer satin finish lipsticks.
Laneige BB Cushion Hydra Radiance SPF50 – As someone who deals with acne, I can’t just use this product. I need something with a bit more coverage. This is a very nice and affordable product, but I need something with a bit more coverage than what this offers.
Repurchase? Possibly (when my skin is clear and when they have a better shade range). Although the scent is quite strong.
SEPTEMBER
Benefit Precisely, My Brow Ultra Fine Shape & Define in 6 – LOVE THIS!
Repurchase? Absolutely!
Diorshow Bold Brow in 002 Dark – I love this, but won’t repurchase until they expand the shades (if that ever happens). The shade 002 Dark is the darkest and it leans gray.
Repurchase? I would if they had a darker shade.
OPI Nail Lacquer in Step Right Up! – I love this shade! It’s a beautiful sheer pink.
Repurchase? If It’s still available when I finish my current bottle, I would definitely repurchase.
Clinique Acne Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel– This gel works well, but since it has salicylic acid, it can make my face a bit itchy and/or red.
Repurchase? Maybe.
Pixi Aspyn Ovard Glow-y Powder in Santorini Sunset – This is a beautiful champagne highlighter.
Repurchase? No longer available.
OCTOBER
Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation in Light-Neutral – Loooove this powder! I think I need a lighter shade though.
Repurchase? Yes!!
Thayers Witch Hazel Alcohol-Free Cucumber Toner – I think I’m allergic to witch hazel (or at least, I can’t tolerate a heavy concentration of it).
Repurchase? No.
The Face Shop Multi-Layer Cotton Pads – I love these! They are much stronger than the Muji Peelable Cotton Pads.
Repurchase? Yes.
Unknown Brand of Cotton Swabs (flat end and pointy end) – These are really useful! I like that it has a pointy end.
Repurchase? Yes.
Tarte Timeless Smoothing Primer – I love this primer.
Repurchase? Yes.
NOVEMBER
Kopari Coconut Deodorant – It’s aluminum-free! It also smells really nice when you sniff it from the tube, but it can sometimes be too much for me (especially since I don’t looooove coconut). Also, since it’s got a strong scent, I feel like I shouldn’t wear my perfume when I do wear it because it will clash.
Repurchase? Yes, I would try one of the other scents (or even unscented).
Etude House Lip & Eye Remover – This is great for removing my makeup.
Repurchase? Yes.
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer in Light – Really love this concealer.
Repurchase? Yes.
TULA Acne Clearing + Tone Correcting Gel– When I first got this, I was using it twice a day and then I stopped for a bit and realized that while it does work, my face was so dry because of the salicylic acid. I’ve cut down to using it only when I feel a pimple coming (like a spot treatment) instead of using it all over.
Repurchase? I would.
DECEMBER
NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer – This concealer is awesome for spot concealing and I would definitely purchase in a lighter shade as an under eye concealer.
Repurchase? Yes.
The Body Shop Aloe Calming Foaming Wash – This was very gentle and I love foaming cleansers.
Repurchase? Yes, but on sale.
EcoTools Shading Brush – Love this brush. It’s so soft!!
Repurchase? I would definitely buy more EcoTools brushes.
Kat Von D Shade + Light Contour Palette – I really just wanted to try this once to see why everyone loved it so much. I’m glad that they offer a duo now instead of having to get all six shades.
Repurchase? I love the sombre shade for contouring, but I would rather buy another brand for obvious reasons.
If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you’ll know that I used to buy stuff from Sephora throughout the year at full price. I used to see Sephora hauls and wonder why people bought so much during the sale (10 or more products at a time) and would also buy backups of products. Now I know why! They’re stocking up in case they run out before the next sale! From now on, I will only buy makeup and skincare whenever there’s a sale. I made my biggest haul from Sephora and I split my purchases into three orders so that if it were to get lost or stolen, I wouldn’t lose all of the products.
Some of the products that I bought were on my wishlist in January and October I bought enough products that I shouldn’t need to buy anything until the next sale comes around and to be honest, I am pretty close to my yearly budget already.
Today, I’m going to be talking about eye creams I’ve tried. I never realized that I’ve tried quite a few and there’s actually only one that I love that made my under eyes feel smooth and didn’t give me milia. Several of the eye creams were just okay for me. I need one that hydrates because I have dry under eyes, but I also want one that helps with dark circles. Usually eye creams are hydrating OR for dark circles. So, maybe I have to find one to use for the day and one for night. I’m still on the hunt for one. While I do have a fave on this list, it’s the most expensive eye cream out of all of them, but you don’t get a lot for the cost.
I’ve written a mini review of each eye cream I’ve tried and also said if I had a reaction to it or not. Keep reading to find out which one is my fave!
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream for Eyes (read my review)
Unlike the Hydro Boost Cream for the face, this didn’t have a smell and it wasn’t tacky at all, but it just didn’t ‘wow’ me.
Both my mom and I tried this eye renewal serum. We both felt itchy using it and it wasn’t allergies or anything because we were using this in the winter time.
Reaction? No physical reaction, but eyes felt itchy.
Origins Ginzing Refreshing Eye Cream to Depuff and Brighten(read my review)
I’m not a huge fan of the smell of this. I accidentally bought this instead of another product – I meant to get the Ginzing moisturizer. A little goes a long way and while this does brighten the under eyes, you have to be careful not to use too much or it looks too white. I was using this off and on because I got one spot and I wasn’t sure if it was the eye cream or something else. I stopped using it until it got better and then I used it again and I’ve had a bit of texture under the eyes since. So, I won’t be using this anymore.
Reaction? Got a milium (singular of milia) and also got red bumpy spots
Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado (read my review)
I’ve been using this for about a while now and I’ve been using it on and off because whenever I use it, I get 1-2 red spots under both eyes. Also, it has a weird texture that’s almost glue-y. If you use too much, it doesn’t blend in very well, but if you use a very small amount, it absorbs into the skin and almost feels like water.
Reaction? Red spots under eyes whenever I used it.
Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector
I love the metal applicator on this and this is my favourite eye cream I’ve tried so far! It kept my under eyes smooth and hydrated. It also helped with darkness around my eyes for a while, but I stopped seeing results after a while. Maybe it did everything it could or my skin got used to it and stopped working for my dark circles. It still kept my under eyes nice and hydrated though. This is the most expensive eye cream I’ve tried (if you work out cost per mL). I like that it comes in a tube and not a pot which keeps it hygienic.
Over the weekend, I went to the Shiseido Warehouse Sale in Markham. Thanks to my friend who let me know about it, I was able to score some goodies. They have a lot of high end brands like NARS, Bare Minerals, Buxom, Laura Mercier, Clé de Peau, obviously Shiseido and other hair and fragrance brands.
It’s a three day sale starting Friday for VIPs who have tickets and then on Saturday and Sunday, it’s open to the public (no ticket needed). It’s located at 303 All State Parkway in Markham.
If you’ve seen my haul from the MAC Warehouse Sale from 2017, then you’ll know that I went crazy buying stuff (especially lipsticks) back in 2017. This time, I had more self control (it was also because I just spent a lot of money during the Sephora sale. My Sephora haul will be up on the blog on Friday! For the MAC Sale, you need a ticket to get in for all three days and my sister got me tickets in September and December 2017. For the Shiseido sale, you don’t need a ticket for Saturday and Sunday, so it’s more accessible and I don’t have to rely on my sister to get it from work.
At the MAC sale, the first time I went, I probably bought over 20 products. At the Shiseido sale, I only bought 9 products while my mom bought quite a few skincare products because she loves Shiseido’s Benefiance WrinkleResist line. I’ve banned myself from buying any eyeshadows until I hit pan/finish a few shades first. Maybe I can get some next year.
I was pleasantly surprised that they had so many products left. While I’m sure there was a much bigger selection of complexion products on Friday and Saturday, they still had my shades in two of the products I wanted to try.
Buxom Full-On Lipstick in Dolly | $10
I couldn’t pass on this deal and the shade is so beautiful. It’s my kind of nude-pink lipstick!
NARS Full Vinyl Lip Lacquer in Santo Domingo | $12 (not pictured because I accidentally missed it)
This is a pretty shade and I wanted to try a lip lacquer.
NARS Liquid Blush in Luster | $15
This is such a pretty shade, I had to get it. I also want to get more cream and liquid products because they’re easier to blend and won’t look powdery.
NARS Velvet Matte Foundation Stick in Fiji | $18
I have been wanting to try the NARS foundation stick for a while to compare it to my others.
Clé de Peau Concealer in Beige | $55
I’ve heard good things about this concealer, but it retails for $95 in Canada and I’m not about to spend that much for a concealer stick. While $55 is still quite expensive, I wanted to try it and they had a shade that matched me pretty closely.
Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Foundation in Golden 3 | $18
I was so excited to see that they had my shade in this foundation. My mom said this was the shade that has been the closest shade match to my skin out of all the foundations I’ve been testing out lately.
Shiseido Ultra Sun Protection Lotion for Face/Body SPF50+ (For Sensitive Skin & Children) | $20
I thought I’d give this a try since it was more than half off the retail price.
Dolce & Gabbana 3 L’Imperatrice Pour Femme | $35
I liked this perfume a few years back and I had a sample of it. While it’s more floral than I usually prefer, I still really like it and it was $35 so I had to get it.
Joico Moisture Recovery Conditioner | $10
I know Joico is a higher end brand of hair products at the drugstore so I wanted to try it.
I would definitely go again next year and we probably will be going so my mom can stock up on her Shiseido products. I think I would go on a Saturday, but it’s nice to know they have so much stuff left after the two days. They did have a lot of complexion products sold out (especially NARS foundations), but they still had some really nice products left over.
Today, I’m reviewing the Origins Ginzing Eye Cream to Brighten and Depuff. This one and the Ole Henriksen are super popular brightening eye creams. I thought I’d give this one a try first.
A refreshing eye cream that visibly brightens the eye area by diminishing the appearance of dark circles and puffiness.
It does illuminate the under eye because of the peachy tint. When I first started using it, I used too much and it brightened my under eyes too much. It would also dry down quickly and wouldn’t blend out well. Now that I know how much to use, it does brighten the under eye nicely. I don’t love the smell of this and I think I had a reaction to it because I got a milium (singular of milia since I only got one).
RATING: 3/5
I need a more hydrating under eye cream because my skin is so dry. I won’t be repurchasing this one.
