August 2019

August 2019 Product Empties

August 30, 2019

Hi Everyone!
Here are my empties from August. As you can see, I finished my Butter Bronzer. Keep reading to find out what else I finished this month!
Physician’s Formula Murumuru Butter Butter Bronzer – I think most people have tried this bronzer and love it. I also love it, but I wish it didn’t have fragrance in it. Why does a powder need fragrance?! For this reason, I will be trying out different ones. I may come back to it if I can’t find one that performed as beautifully as this one.

Repurchase? Maybe. If they came out with an unscented version, I would absolutely buy it!
Simple Foaming Cleanser – This was an okay cleanser. I used to love foaming cleansers, but I’m starting to prefer cleansing milks, oils and gels now.

Repurchase? No.

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser – This is a great cleanser for a great price (especially at Costco). I use it in the mornings and I sometimes use it for the body.

Repurchase? Absolutely.
Benefit Roller Lash Mascara – It was time to declutter this little guy. It’s a great mascara. While it’s not my fave of all time, I would definitely consider getting it in the full-size.

Repurchase? Maybe.
Picture taken when I first got it.
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water – I really enjoyed this primer water. It was great as a primer and as a setting spray. I don’t know if it necessarily prolonged my makeup, but it helped my powder products blend in with the skin.

Repurchase? Yes!
Subi Beauty Perfect Pimple Patches* (read my review) – These were great pimple patches. They’re like the Rael or COSRX Clear Fit ones. It comes in a pack of 18 x 10 mm patches.

Repurchase? Probably not. As a Canadian, it’s cheaper for me to get the COSRX (from Chuusi.ca) or Rael ones (from Amazon).

What did you finish this month?
Love,
*Products were gifted to me.

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July/August 2019 Faves

August 28, 2019

Hi Everyone!
Bare Minerals Gen Nude Powder Blush in That Peach Tho – This is a beautiful peachy blush. I would definitely pick up other shades from this collection! I also really want to try Bare Minerals’ new Bounce & Blur Blush.
Perricone MD No Lip Gloss Lip Gloss* – This is a beautiful lip gloss that has a very subtle tint. It’s not too sticky and it has a nice scent.
Touch In Sol No Poreblem Primer – I’m late to the party on this one. This is a great primer and the price is even better! It makes my face look like it has a filter. Some people might be concerned about it clogging pores, I think it’s fine if you use it in moderation – Don’t use it every day so your skin can breathe.
Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner – As it says on the bottle, it’s a quick drying, rinse-free formula. I’ve previously tried the Sephora one which works well. I bought the Sephora one years ago and it smelled really nice and then I repurchased it and they had changed the formula or scent since then. I can’t describe the smell, but it kind of burns if you accidentally inhale it. This Cinema Secrets one smells like vanilla and Tati recently mentioned it as a fave in her “Sephora ‘VIB Sale’ Top Picks” videos.
Eczema Honey Nut-Free Skin-Soothing Cream* (read my review) – This cream is great. I had an itchy spot and I put some cream on it and it instantly soothed it. I keep mine in the fridge so it keeps longer (but you don’t have to refrigerate) and it also gives the cream a cooling effect on the skin.
Colourpop Brow Boss Gel in Clear – This quickly became a favourite brow gel. It’s clear, but it doesn’t leave your brows looking shiny.
Love,
Products marked with * were gifted to me.

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Review | Volition Beauty Celery Green Cream with Hyaluronic Acid + Peptides

August 26, 2019

Hi Everyone!
Today, I am reviewing the Celery Green Cream from Volition Beauty. In collaboration with Nastia Liukin, a gold medal gymnast, they created this cream.
Volition Beauty is a really cool, innovative brand. Customers submit an idea for a product, then the community votes on which ones they want to be made.
For those who dare to ask “what if?”…we listen. We believe that new beauty products should be created by real people with real beauty problems: people like you. Together, the Volition community—and that includes you—creates the next big things in beauty.
What it is: An oil-free, celery-powered moisturizer that purifies and helps improve hydration retention for poreless, healthier-looking skin.

Skin Type: Oily

Skincare Concerns: Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Pores, and Oiliness

Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Cetearyl Olivate, Apium Graveolens (Celery) Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf, Cucumis Melo Cantalupensis Fruit Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Lactic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Calcium Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Carbomer, Sorbitan Olivate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Decyl Glucoside, Lauryl Glucoside, Bismuth Oxychloride, Chromium Oxide Greens, Citric Acid, Mica, Potassium Sorbate.
I love that it’s clean at Sephora which means there’s no sulfates (SLS and SLES), parabens, phthalates, and other fillers. This cream doesn’t have any added fragrance, but it smells fresh and fruity (not like celery at all). It feels cool and refreshing and it’s lightweight.

Personally, I wouldn’t get it again when I finish this one. It says it’s meant for oily skin types. I would say I’m combo, leaning toward dry. So this cream isn’t meant for me. If I did use it, I would need to mix it with an oil or something to give me the hydration I need. I’d rather spend the money on a product that’s meant for my skin type.
RATING: 4/5

I give it a high rating because I think that someone with oily skin would really love this cream.

I think Volition Beauty is a really cool brand and I want to try their strawberry-c brightening serum since that’s targeted toward my skin type.

Update: I have tried the strawberry-c brightening serum (read my review).

Have you tried Volition Beauty?
Love,
*I was gifted this product by Volition Beauty.

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First Impressions with Ellé Derm Australia

August 23, 2019

Hi Everyone!
Today I am reviewing an All-in-One Day and Night moisturizing cream. I was sent the Anti-Stress Age Perfector Rejuvenating & Brightening Cream from an Australian brand called ellé derm. A little bit about the brand:

Founded by a pharmacist with over fourteen years experience in the pharmaceutical industry, we saw market demand for a product that is effective, derived from natural ingredients and have multiple benefits to fit in with our busy lifestyle.

Anti-Stress Age Perfector Rejuvenating & Brightening Cream

Designed to help improve skin clarity, brighten skin complexion and reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Benefits:
· Provide skin hydration for softer skin · Brighten skin complexion · Reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Skin Types:
All skin types, except very sensitive and eczema

Ingredients: Water/Aqua, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Glycerin, Inulin, Fructose, Stearic Acid, Squalane, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Coco-Caprylate, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Water, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Oleate, Oligopeptide-68, Disodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol [Natural, ECOCERT], Water, Cantella Asiatica Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Salicylic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Fragrance [Essential Oils], Potassium Sorbate.
RATING: 3.5/5

Based on the description, it’s probably not the best for my skin type since I have both sensitive skin and eczema. I tried it out anyway and while I don’t have fine lines and wrinkles, I do have acne-prone skin and this cream has squalane and salicylic acid. I had a bad breakout on my chin from my period and the cream seems to be helping. It doesn’t have much of a scent which I like. It stays a bit tacky throughout the day, but that just means it doesn’t absorb too quickly and keeps your face hydrated. I used to use salicylic acid products all the time, but now I’ve cut it down to using it only when I need it.

This is a nice cream, but it isn’t geared towards my skin type. I will continue using it when I have a breakout. It’s more beneficial for someone who doesn’t have sensitive skin or someone older since it helps with wrinkles and fine lines. Also, it’s an Australian brand and you have to pay shipping for international orders. If you live in Australia, this is a nice brand to try out.

Have you heard of Ellé Derm Australia? Check them out on Instagram or Facebook!
Love,

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Review | Joico Moisture Recovery Conditioner

August 21, 2019

Hi Everyone!
Today, I’m reviewing the Joico Moisture Recovery Conditioner that I bought at the Shiseido Warehouse Sale.
Check out my haul!

A one-minute intensely hydrating conditioner for all hair types needing moisture and reconstruction.

Marine botanicals, sea kelp, brown algae and essential minerals restore the hydrolipidic barrier and prevent dehydration.

After just one use, this exceptional conditioner will detangle your dry hair to reduce breakage by 55% as it hydrates and strengthens. Your hair will become smoother and respond to styling better with greater fluidity.

RATING: 5/5

I love the scent of this conditioner and it makes my hair feel so soft and smooth. I wouldn’t say I have really dry hair, but if I don’t use conditioner, I can definitely feel the difference. I would definitely buy it again at a future warehouse sale. Would I pay full price at the drugstore? Probably not since I know it’s cheaper at the sale. I would just stock up on a year’s worth.

Love,

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50/50 | Under Eye Masks

August 20, 2019

Hi Everyone!
I’m starting a new blog series – talking about the differences in opinions for a certain beauty topic.

Today, the topic is split at 50/50 on under eye masks…how do you wear them?

You know how some eye masks are shaped like an apostrophe? Skinny on one side and wider on the other side? How do you wear them? Skinny on the inside or the outside?

This all started when I was scrolling through Instagram and saw a girl wearing under eye masks where the skinny part was on the inside. and I thought…OMG! Is that how you’re supposed to wear them? I’ve always worn the wider part on the inside because it covers more of the under eye area….so I looked it up on Google to see and saw masks worn both ways.
wide on inside (top), wide on outside (bottom)
I did an Instagram poll to see what you guys thought and the results were 50/50. I also made a post on Instagram and I got quite a few comments. Here are some of their answers (in my caption, I wrote that I use wide on the inside):

I’ve wondered this exact same thing!!! I’ve always worn mine with the fat part on the inner eye too, but saw someone wearing them the other way so I thought I was wrong! 😅 Let us know the results of your poll! – @mom_into_beauty

Interesting, I’m the opposite! My crows feet expand pretty far down, so I prefer the wide part on the outside. Never tried the other way though – @classic.skin

Maybe I’m doing it wrong lol the ones I buy the girl on the package has the skinny edge to the inside – @melsmakeupdesk

I do mine either way depending on what area I want to target but for the most part, I wear the fat side on the inner part to help with dryness. I’ll put the fatter part on the outside every now and then to target crows feet! – @lipglossnlashes82

Lol I switch it up, that way I figure I’m doing it correctly at least half of the time. #itsamystery – @nowjenplans

I tried it out both ways and I found that skinny on the inside looked more aesthetically pleasing when taking a selfie. When the skinny part is on the inside, I apply the masks closer to my nose (and slightly on my nose). This makes your face and nose look slimmer. When I put the wider part on the inside, they don’t touch my nose and therefore my face and nose look wider.

I asked my family and it was also 50/50. I’ve always done wider on the inside because I have dry under eyes. I asked my dad and he said he would do the same. I asked my mom and sister and they both said wider on the outside. My sister said she instinctively put the wide part on the outside, but it’s also because her cheeks are dry.

There’s no right or wrong way to put them on. We are all different and we use under eye masks for different purposes. Most people wear them to target different areas: dark circles, puffy under eyes, crow’s feet, etc.

You wear the wider part depending on what you’re targeting.

WIDER ON THE OUTSIDE: If you have crow’s feet
WIDER ON THE INSIDE: If you have dry or puffy under eyes, or dark circles

How do you wear under eye masks?
Love,

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First Impressions with VIIcode | #sponsored

August 16, 2019

Hi Everyone!
This post is brought to you by VIIcode Skincare. This is a skincare brand that focuses on the eyes! Today, I am sharing my thoughts on the VIIcode O2M Oxygen Eye Mask for All Night Repair.

They sent over a box which contains 6 pairs of eye masks. When I was reading the description, I wondered how these masks worked. Are they saturated in serum/essence like sheet masks? How do they stay on while you sleep?

These easy-to-use under eye pads are the first eye masks that are safe to use for 8 hours. With the most natural potent antioxidants, skin will be refreshed and invigorated overnight. Peel, stick, and go to sleep.

BENEFITS

Skin is instantly refreshed

Minimize visible signs of aging around eyes

Reduce fine lines and wrinkles effectively

Instantly moisturize and soothe delicate under eye area
I eagerly opened the package to see what the eye masks looked like. One side is cotton-y and the other has a gel-like membrane covered by a plastic backing.

Unlike other eye masks I’ve tried, they aren’t soaked in serum/essence. They have a very light, fresh scent and they are comfortable to wear.
It’s a bit hard to see, but I’m peeling the plastic backing off of the top eye mask.
Apply to cleansed, dry skin and wear for up to 8 hours. The masks stay on well and can easily be repositioned.

When I removed the masks, my under eyes felt cool and refreshed. The under eye area is a bit tacky right after removing the masks, but they’re not a sticky tacky – It’s like after you apply an eye cream.

These masks are meant for overnight use. I tried sleeping with them, but I’m not used to having something on my under eyes in bed. I personally prefer using them while I’m awake – either right before bed or as soon as I wake up!
RATING: 4/5

I can’t comment on how effective the masks are at targeting fine lines and wrinkles, but my under eyes felt smooth and hydrated. Also, you can use them as eyeshadow shields once you’ve used them. These masks felt refreshing and they’re different from any other eye masks I’ve tried.

Check out VIIcode on Instagram!
Love,
*This is a sponsored post, but all opinions are my own.

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Project Pan Update | 2019

August 13, 2019

Hi Everyone!
It’s been six months since my last Project Pan update!
Check out my last update and my original 2019 Project Pan post!
STILL IN MY COLLECTION

Marcelle Velvet Gel Lip Liner in Rosy Nude – Still working on this one because I don’t wear lipstick that often.

FINISHED

Bobbi Brown Rich Lip Color in Bare Pink – This was a beautiful lipstick shade. I’ve been leaning more towards glosses and lip balms lately, so I probably wouldn’t repurchase this one.

Lancôme Skin Feels Good Skin Nourishing Foundation in 01N Nude Vanilla (read my review) – Loved this foundation, but I wish it came in more shades. If they expand to a shade that matches me better, I would definitely repurchase!

DECLUTTERED

MAC Cremesheen Glass in It’s A Strike – I bought this at the MAC Warehouse Sale in 2017 and it started to smell different, so I decided to declutter it.

MAC Patentpolish Lip Pencil in Kittenish – I also bought this at the MAC Warehouse Sale and I liked it, but again, I am leaning more towards glosses and balms.

TheBalm Batter Up Eyeshadow Sticks in Dugout and Shutout (read my review) – I decided to declutter these because I just didn’t reach for them when I would wear eyeshadows.

So, my 2019 Project Pan kind of failed since I ended up decluttering quite a few of the products. It did make me realize that I need to think twice before I go and buy something that I can’t return (from a warehouse sale or Winners – TheBalm Batter Up sticks were from Winners).
Love,

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My Mom’s Skincare Routine

August 9, 2019

Hi Everyone!
Today, I’m sharing the skincare products in my mom’s routine!
Check out my mom’s makeup routine!
CLEANSER

Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Cleansing Foam

My mom didn’t like the cleanser I was using, so she bought one from Winners by Andalou Naturals. I’ve never heard of the brand before, but they have pretty colourful bottles.

TONER

Andalou Naturals Coconut Water Firming Toner

Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner

ANHYD Organics Rose Water Facial Toner (read my review)

My mom ran out of the toner I gave her (Laneige Essential Power Skin Toner for Normal to Dry Skin), so she bought the Andalou Natural Coconut Water Firming Toner from Winners. Then the Neutrogena Toner was on sale and she bought that one. Then, I was sent the ANHYD Organics one…so now she has three! I guess it will be a long time before I buy the Fresh Rose Floral Toner that she wanted to try!

She enjoys all three of these toners and rotates between the three. She likes rose-scented and coconut-scented products.

SERUM

Ole Henriksen Vitamin C Truth Serum

This smells like an orange creamsicle and my mom says it dries down after a bit without being tacky. Unfortunately, she hasn’t noticed any difference in her skin and wouldn’t repurchase.

CREAMS/EMULSIONS

Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Day Cream

Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Day Emulsion

Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Night Cream

She loves the Benefiance WrinkleResist24 line of products. They have a fresh floral scent. I bought the day cream for her to use in the morning, but she didn’t like the pot. For day time, she prefers a bottle with a pump, so I ordered the Day Emulsion for her.

EYE CREAM

Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Eye Cream

I was at Sephora and asked the lady what the best eye cream was for my mom and she gave me a sample of this one. My mom has been using it ever since.
What’s in your skincare routine?
Love,

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First Impressions with Fourth Ray Beauty

August 6, 2019

Hi Everyone!
Today, I’m be reviewing two products that I purchased from Fourth Ray Beauty. I was making my first order from Colourpop and thought I would give Fourth Ray a try. I love the packaging of their products – simple and clean. I decided to try the Rainfall 2% Hyaluronic Acid Serum and the Matcha Face Milk.
Rainfall 2% Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Instantly drenches skin with hydration, immediately delivering replenishing and plumping benefits for a more bouncy, youthful-looking complexion.

RATING: 4/5

I love Hyaluronic Acid. This serum was very nice, but I did notice that it pilled sometimes if I used too much. Eventually, I figured out the right amount and I would also apply it to a slightly damp face. I also layered cream on top by pressing it in (making sure not to accidentally rub) which prevented pilling as well. I would definitely consider repurchasing this serum.
Matcha Face Milk

A creamy, lightweight moisture booster to refreshen tired skin. Formulated with Matcha Milk, Jojoba Milk, Rice Milk, White Tea, and Kale, this formula will quench your skin with antioxidants for a more energized complexion.

RATING: 3/5

I like the texture of this face milk and it makes your skin look radiant. It dries down after a while. I love matcha – the taste and the smell, but this doesn’t really smell like matcha to me which was disappointing. I don’t really love the smell of this and for that reason, I wouldn’t repurchase this one.

I do want to try their other face milks – they released a bunch of products after I purchased the matcha one. I would definitely try some of their other products next time I make an order.
Love,

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My Mom’s Everyday Makeup | 2019

August 2, 2019

Hi Everyone!

So, here’s an update to my mom’s makeup routine!

Check out my previous post here!

Her skin type is oily and she uses powder foundations. She tried a cushion, but ended up giving it to me because she doesn’t like liquid foundation. She dislikes eye makeup (especially mascara), so she only ever curls her lashes.

Morning Skincare – Update

Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Day Emulsion – Mom loves the Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 collection. Originally, I bought her the Day Cream, but she didn’t like that it came in a pot (for her day cream…for some reason, she’s fine with using the potted creams for nighttime). So, we got the Day Emulsion which comes in a bottle with a pump. She must like it because she bought two more bottles at the Shiseido Warehouse Sale.

She also has a few different SPF products floating around. I don’t know which one she’s currently using on her face, but we have the Shiseido Ultra Sun Protection Lotion and the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer one.

Primer & Colour Corrector – Update

Make Up For Ever Step 1 Equalizer Primer (Smoothing)

L’Oreal Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream- Anti-Redness (read my review) – My mom said the smell is starting to affect her too, so if anyone knows of a product that’s similar, please let me know!

Foundation – Update

After the Sephora MicroSmooth Baked Foundation, she used the Shiseido Sheer and Perfect Compact Foundation in I20 Natural Light Ivory. This was a nice foundation, but the shade wasn’t quite right and she finished it fairly quickly compared to the Sephora foundation because the pan isn’t very deep.

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Powder Foundation in 5.5 – The shade 5.5 is a bit dark, so if she were to repurchase, she’d go down a shade or two. She’s enjoying the foundation – it’s very smooth and looks beautiful. One thing she doesn’t like about the compact is that it comes with a sponge and the middle part with the powder flops back and forth (like the Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer), powder collects in the sponge section which is wasteful.

Concealer – No Update

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Flawless Wear Concealer in Warm Light Medium

She still uses this concealer and she likes the consistency.

Eyes – No Update

Tweezerman Lash Curler

She doesn’t wear eyeshadow or mascara.

Blush – Update

Lancôme Blush Subtil in Aplum – Plum-mauve blushes are her favourite! The compact for this blush isn’t the best though. My mom accidentally dropped it and it chipped off the edge because it’s just plastic. Also, why do high end blushes have to come with those useless brushes?

Lips – Update

MAC Patentpolish Lip Pencil in Spontaneous – I bought this at the MAC Warehouse Sale and my mom is just using it to finish.

MAC Cremesheen Glass in It’s A Strike – Same as the patentpolish pencil, this is not the right shade for her and she’s just using it to finish it.

Makeup she has in her purse to touch-up throughout the day:

Clinique Superpowder Double Face Makeup in Matte Neutral – to get rid of the shine.

MAC Lustre Lipstick in Midimauve – I gave her this one since it’s a more sheer lipstick than the satin lipsticks. It has a bit of pigment and shine – looks more like a tinted balm.

Vaseline – glossy and easy to apply without a mirror.

What do you use for your everyday look?

Love,

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STILL IN MY COLLECTION

FINISHED

DECLUTTERED

CLEANSER

TONER

SERUM

CREAMS/EMULSIONS

EYE CREAM

Primer & Colour Corrector – Update

Foundation – Update

Concealer – No Update

Eyes – No Update

Blush – Update

Lips – Update

Makeup she has in her purse to touch-up throughout the day: