September 2019

September 2019 Product Empties

September 30, 2019

Hi Everyone!
I don’t have many products for you this month. While I did finish some skincare products, I only have a handful of mini reviews. Keep reading to find out what I’d purchase again!
The Honest Company Perfectly Gentle Bubble Bath in Sweet Orange Vanilla – This was more expensive than I usually spend for a bubble bath. In the past, I’ve bought the generic drugstore brand ones. I will say that this one didn’t irritate my skin at all. Sometimes the fragrance in the others would irritate my sensitive skin. This is a really nice bubble bath that smells like a creamsicle. You can smell it more when you sniff from the bottle, it’s more faint once you’ve poured it into your bath.

Repurchase? Yes.

Volition Beauty Celery Green Cream with Hyaluronic Acid + Peptides* (read my review) – It’s a nice product, but it’s not geared toward my skin type. If you have oily skin, you’ll enjoy this one. If I did have oily skin, I would probably buy it again.

Repurchase? No.

ANHYD Organics Organic Facial Moisturizer* (read my review) – I really enjoyed this moisturizer. It’s one of the few products that I’ve been sent that I would consider purchasing myself.

Repurchase? Yes.

Philosophy Purity Made Simple Cleanser* – I got a deluxe sample from Topbox. I didn’t like this one. It cleansed my face, yes, but I didn’t like the smell of it.

Repurchase? No.

Rael Hydrocolloid Acne Pimple Healing Patch (read my review) – LOVE THESE! I originally said it was a tie between the COSRX and these patches, but I think I love these more now. They don’t fold on themselves when I peel them off the plastic. The plastic has perforations where you can tear it and easily peel the patch off without accidentally folding the patch onto itself (like when a bandaid sticks to itself and you can’t tear it apart).

Repurchase? Absolutely!

I love that all of the bottles from my empties are really nice and I can re-use them for something else. I don’t know what, but I will hoard them and use them for something.

What did you finish in September?
Love,
Items marked with (*) were gifted to me.

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Review | Dr. Paw Paw Original Clear Balm

September 27, 2019

Hi Everyone!
Today, I’m reviewing the Dr. Paw Paw Original Clear Balm. I picked it up at Winners for $4.99. I had heard good things about Dr. PAWPAW, so I thought I’d give it a try.
Our main ingredient is fermented Pawpaw, the fruit of the plant Carica Papaya. The Pawpaw has been found to have natural healing qualities and is believed by many to be the finest natural medicine yet discovered.

This genius product has a variety of uses, from skin protector and moisturiser to nappy cream and lip finisher. The balm also has healing properties and can be used on sun burn, skin irritations and as a hair conditioning treatment – whatever your use for it, we guarantee you will be delighted with the satisfyingly smooth finish!
It’s great that it’s fragrance-free, cruelty-free and vegan.

Unlike lip balms, it doesn’t have a lip applicator, it’s just a regular tube (see below to compare two lip balms with smooth applicators). So, it doesn’t glide across your lips nicely (it’s actually a little rough). I usually pat it onto my lips or squeeze some onto my finger and then apply to lips.

It’s nice as a lip balm (I don’t think it’s anything super special). It adds a bit of sheen to the lips and moisturizes them like Vaseline. However, it doesn’t taste gross like Vaseline. It doesn’t taste like anything. Usually I use a very small amount, so I hadn’t noticed any smell before. After squeezing some out onto the spoon for a picture, I noticed it smells similar to Vaseline.

With this product, less is more. If you use too much, it feels greasy like Vaseline.

On the cuticles, this definitely makes my cuticles feel smoother. It doesn’t feel greasy at all on the fingers (it absorbs fairly quickly).

I didn’t try it on my hair because I knew I wouldn’t like it. I think it would just make my hair looks greasy.
RATING: 3/5

I like it, but I’m undecided on whether I would buy it again. I might consider the tinted balms because that would at least add some colour.

Have you tried Dr. Paw Paw?
Love,

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Review | Perricone MD Cold Plasma+ Face Serum

September 25, 2019
Hi Everyone!
Today, I’m reviewing the Perricone MD Cold Plasma+ Face that I received from Calissa.com.
A multi-tasking powerhouse, this advanced face serum concentrate promotes the 9 most visible signs of healthy, youthful-looking skin. Targets and dramatically improves loss of radiance, uneven texture, uneven tone, discoloration, redness, enlarged pores, fine lines, wrinkles and loss of firmness.

Apply liberally morning and evening on cleansed skin. Follow with a moisturiser.

Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycerin, Isopropyl Palmitate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Butylene Glycol, Phosphatidylcholine, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Dimethyl MEA, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3, Tyrosine, Glycolic Acid, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Magnesium Aspartate, Zinc Gluconate, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Copper Gluconate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Retinyl Palmitate, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Myrtus Communis Leaf Extract, Copper Tripeptide-1, Dimethicone, Disodium EDTA, Carbomer, Ceteareth-20, Cyclopentasiloxane, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Polysorbate 20, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid
I will be honest and say that when I first smelled this from the jar, it kind of smelled like glue to me. It still smells a bit like glue, but it doesn’t linger.

I did a patch test on my arm and my arm felt super smooth after the product sank in. When I use it on my face, my face feels a bit tacky, but smooth.

This serum comes in a pot and it was a lot more fluid than I expected. From the picture on the website, it looks more creamy, but it’s actually quite runny. I also don’t love the pot because I have to use my finger to pick up product. It didn’t come with a spatula because it’s too runny. It says to ‘apply liberally’ and it’s very easy to get too much product. Since it comes in a pot, I use way more than I’m meant to because I dip my finger in and get a lot more than I need. I think this would be great in a bottle with a pump and it would be a lot easier to know how much to use.

I feel like this product isn’t targeted toward me since I’m under 30. I know it’s good to start using anti-aging products early, but this product is also quite pricey for someone in my age range. At $146 CAD for 30mL, this is a very expensive serum. Also, I started using this fairly recently (day and night) and I’m pretty sure I’ll finish the pot before the end of the year.

I will say that since I started using this, my face has been pretty clear lately. I only had a hormonal breakout on my chin.

RATING: 3/5

What I like:
- No added fragrance
- I’ve noticed that the redness around my nose and chin aren’t as noticeable
What I don’t like:
- The fluidity of the product + the jar (it could make a mess when traveling)
- The price
If you would like to make a purchase on Calissa.com, use code 10FRIENDSOFCALISSA to get 10% off! (This is not an affiliate code, just a code for you to get a discount!)

Check out my other posts on products I’ve received from Calissa:

Bali Balm Lemon & Black Pepper Lip Balm

Dr. Jackson’s Night Cream

Goldfaden MD Bright Eyes

MOR Emporium Lychee Flower Trio of Treasures

Perricone MD No Lip Gloss Lip Gloss
Love,
*I was sent this product by the team at Calissa. All opinions are my own.
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My Makeup Routine | Fall 2019

September 23, 2019
Hi Everyone!
I thought I’d share my makeup routine lately. My skin has been getting better so I’ve been doing more No Foundation looks when I go out. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know that my Makeup Of The Day posts all look the same because I keep using the same products. I’m trying to finish some of my current collection before buying any more.
Below is a list of most of the products in my makeup collection. Some products aren’t included (like eyeshadows and my contour palette because I don’t use them every day). Any product that was sent to me will have a (*) after the name:
PRIMER/SPRAY
- Tarte Timeless Smoothing Primer
- Winky Lux Whipped Cream Primer
- Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer
- Touch In Sol No Poreblem Primer
- Make Up For Ever Step 1 Equalizing Primer (Nourishing)
- Nars Tinted Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base in Medium (if I’m wearing eye makeup)
- Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil (didn’t use in Summer, but will use in Fall and Winter)
- Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist
- Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water
- Cover FX Dewy Setting Spray
For primers, I might use a mix of two (hydrating and blurring). I’m enjoying the Winky Lux Whipped Cream Primer and Touch in Sol No Poreblem Primer.

FOUNDATION
- Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Foundation in Golden 3
- Nars Velvet matte Foundation Stick in Fiji
- Lancome Teint Idole Longwear Foundation Stick SPF21 in 260 Bisque N
- Tarte Amazonian Clay Airbrush Full Coverage Powder Foundation in Light Neutral
CONCEALER
- RMS Beauty Un-Cover Up in 11
- Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer in Custard
- Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Self-Setting Concealer in 21 Cinnamon
Sometimes I might just use concealer and pop on some Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder to mattify.

POWDER
- Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder in 15 Light
- Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder in 2 Medium
- Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder
BRONZER
- Inglot x Jennifer Lopez Boogie Down Bronzing Powder in J217 Safari
- NYX California Beamin’ Face & Body Bronzer in Free Spirit
BLUSH
- Milani Baked Blush in Dolce Pink
- Nars Liquid Blush in Luster
- Bare Minerals Gen Nude Powder Blush in That Peach Tho
HIGHLIGHTER
- theBalm Mary Dew-Manizer (mini)
- theBalm Cindy Dew-Manizer (mini)
- Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder in 01 Highlight
- Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer in #7
Sometimes I’ll use my bronzer or highlighter as my eyeshadow. The NYX California Beamin’ Bronzer has a bit of a sheen, so it’s really pretty on the eyes.

EYES
- Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
- Art Deco Eyeshadow Single in Off White (to set eyeshadow primer)
- Make Up For Ever Artist Color Eye Shadow in M549 Dark Taupe
- Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil in 502 Infinite Sand
- Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil in 100 Whatever Black
- Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash Mascara
- Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara*
- Benefit BADgal BANG Volumizing Mascara
BROWS
- Kevyn Aucoin The Precision Brow Pencil in Dark Brunette
- Benefit Precisely My Brow Pencil Ultra Fine Shape & Define in 6*
- Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Brows Eyebrow Gel in Perfect Brow
- Colourpop Boss Brow Clear Gel
I haven’t been doing a lot on the eyes lately. I might just put a light brown and blend or use my bronzer. I’ll use a nude eyeliner along the lower waterline to brighten the eyes. Then I might tightline the upper lashline with a brown/black. For brows, I’ll either use just the Charlotte Tilbury eyebrow gel or use one of the pencils and follow up with one of the gels.

LIPS
- Jouer Essential Lip Enhancer Balm
- Laneige Lip Glowy Balm in Grapefruit*
- Dr. Paw Paw Original Clear Balm
- Perricone MD No Lip Gloss Lip Gloss*
- Pixi On-The-Glow Multi-Use Moisture Stick*
I have been preferring lip balms/glosses over lipsticks lately. Just adding a bit of gloss to the lips leaves them looking plump and moisturized.

What products are in your makeup routine?
Love,
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56/44 | Maybelline Age Rewind vs. Tarte Shape Tape

September 20, 2019
Hi Everyone!
Today, we have a 56% vs. 44% split on two cult favourite concealers: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer vs. Tarte Shape Tape Concealer! I will be talking about my personal opinions on the topics and sharing some of the replies I received from the Instagram poll I took.

These results only include the opinions of those who saw my poll on Instagram. The majority of my followers are from Canada, United States and Australia.
Age Rewind Concealer

Available at drugstores, Ulta

$12.99 CAD for 0.2 oz

Cost per oz: $64.95

10 shades + 6 new ones added

No added fragrance

Twist to dispense, sponge tip

Shape Tape Concealer

Available at Tarte.com, Ulta

$35 CAD for 0.33 oz

Cost per oz: $106.06

30 shades with different undertones

Fragrance added

Large doefoot applicator
Age Rewind Concealer

I used the shade Light

Pros: I enjoyed using the Age Rewind. It wasn’t too thick and it was easy to blend. You twist the tube to dispense the product. As you twist it up, the product is scraped clean on the sides of the tube.

Cons: Doesn’t have a wide variety of shades compared to other concealers. I feel like I used it really quickly because it’s a smaller tube of concealer. I didn’t like the sponge tip on top. While it was very nice to apply the concealer, I didn’t like that you couldn’t completely clean it and it would never be dry. It’s easy to pull off the sponge with a pair of tweezers though. I feel like I wasted more of it by twisting it. I would twist multiple times before any product came out.

I would buy Age Rewind again.

Shape Tape Concealer

Buying online is really tricky. I bought a shade that was way too light for me and it made my under eyes look gray. I bought the shade Fair-Light.

Pros: The big doefoot applicator was cool and I liked how it comes in a large tube. Wider variety of shades and undertones.

Cons: I was so excited to try it after hearing everyone rave about it, but it just didn’t work for me. I prefer a more natural looking concealer because I have dry under eyes. Shape Tape is way too full coverage for me. I was also surprised by how scented the concealer is because NO ONE has ever mentioned that it has a scent! Not only does it have a scent, it lingers. I swatched it on my hand one time and I washed my hands with soap and everything and I could still smell it. As you may know, I’m sensitive to fragrances in my skincare and makeup. I’d rather have no scent or one that won’t linger hours after I’ve applied it. Also, I think my eyes had a reaction to it. I tried using it as an eyeshadow base, but my eyelids got some red spots on them.

I would not buy Shape Tape again.
So, the 56/44 results were from a recent poll. A year ago, I took the poll because I needed help deciding which one to buy. I prefer a more natural looking concealer and I knew that Tarte Shape Tape was full coverage.

The results from my 1st poll were 50/50. I ended up buying the Age Rewind first because it’s more accessible to me. I eventually ordered Shape Tape on the Tarte website. I don’t know if it’s available in stores elsewhere, but there’s no way to test out shades at a store in Canada. As you can see from the swatches, I ended up choosing a shade that was much lighter than the maybelline concealer.

Here were a few replies to my question: Why do you prefer the Age Rewind or Shape Tape concealer?
- creamier formula (shape tape)
- excellent coverage, price is reasonable and quality is high (shape tape)
- can’t find a shade match for age rewind (shape tape)
- shape tape is more full coverage than I want and it’s too drying for under my eyes (age rewind)
That’s all I have for today! If you have any ideas on what poll I should do next, comment below!

Which concealer is your fave? Do you like either of these?
Love,
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Haul | August 2019 Sephora VIB Sale

September 16, 2019
Hi Everyone!
Here’s what I bought from the Sephora VIB Sale last month. I made two separate orders:
Laneige Multi Cleanser – A cleanser with Papaya Enzymes that removes makeup and impurities

Amorepacific Purify & Polish Set – A daily, cleansing and exfoliating duo to reveal visibly smoother, refreshed skin

0.5 oz/ 15 mL Treatment Cleansing Foam

0.53 oz/ 15 g Treatment Enzyme Peel Cleansing Powder
Laura Mercier Candleglow Sheer Perfecting Powder in 2 – A multipurpose, modern pressed powder sets, perfects, and finishes, leaving skin with a diffused, luminous glow

Cover FX Pressed Mineral Foundation in G20 – A talc-free powder foundation that provides buildable coverage, a weightless matte finish, and shine control with kaolin clay

Samples:
Tarte Creaseless Concealer

Stellar Limitless Foundation

I bought the two powders for my mom. G20 was a bit light and golden, so I exchanged it for N30. I don’t think we’ve found her shade match in the Cover FX Powder yet.
bareMinerals Beautiful Finish Foundation Brush – A finishing brush with synthetic fibers for sheer-to-full coverage of Original and Matte foundations

Sephora Collection Solid Clean: Solid Brush Cleaner Mini – A gentle, solid sponge and brush cleanser featuring argan oil and a warm Moroccan fragrance

Sephora Collection PRO Featherweight Powder Brush #91 – A lightweight powder brush to apply powder foundation and translucent powder to the face and body

Cover FX Dewy Finish Setting Spray – A weightless, alcohol-free setting spray that locks in makeup for up to 12-hour wear while imparting a dewy, hydrated look

Samples:
Laura Mercier Flawless Lumière Radiance-Perfecting Foundation

Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer in Vanilla, Custard, Hazelnut, Caramel

Except for the solid brush cleaner, it’s the first time buying the products above. I haven’t opened the bareMinerals brush yet, but the Sephora PRO brush is soooo soft!! The brush has a tapered end that’s really skinny, so it’s a bit top heavy. I would recommend a different brush that has a more even weight distribution if you buff/swirl powder on.
What did you pick up from the sale?

Love,
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Review | Goldfaden MD Bright Eyes

September 13, 2019

Hi Everyone!
Today, I’m reviewing an eye cream that I was gifted by Calissa.
Calissa is a British independent, luxury beauty platform that prides itself on its edited selection of premium and niche brands.
They generously sent over the Goldfaden MD Bright Eyes.

Goldfaden MD Bright Eyes will help you fight the early signs of ageing that form around the eyes. Everything from dark circles to fine lines.

Soy Peptide and Rice Bran extract increase blood flow and hydration levels, helping to firm up the skin and reduce any swelling. Jojoba and Apricot Kernel Oil moisturises the skin to keep it soft and supple, whilst retaining elasticity. Seaweed extract promotes an even golden glow, and Organic Red Tea provides a powerful antioxidant effect to protect the skin.

Ingredients: Water, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Squalane, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Xanthan Gum, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Protein, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Superoxide Dismutase, Chon-drus Crispus (Seaweed) Extract, Mica, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Tocopherol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Cellulose Gum, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Aspalathus Linearis (Red Tea) Leaf Extract

This eye cream is Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, Cruelty-Free, and contains no parabens, silicones or mineral oil.

One pump (or even half a pump) is more than enough for both under eyes.

I’ve had trouble in the past with my under eyes reacting to eye creams. Usually I’ll get a red spot or something. I’ve been using this for a month now and haven’t had any reactions. Yay! My under eyes feel hydrated and look brighter. Also, this eye cream doesn’t really smell like anything. Double yay!

RATING: 5/5

I love that it comes in a pump so that I don’t have to stick my finger into a pot or need a spatula.

If you would like to make a purchase on Calissa.com, use code 10FRIENDSOFCALISSA to get 10% off! (This is not an affiliate code, just a code for you to get a discount!)

Check out my other posts on products I’ve received from Calissa!
Love,

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Review | Sudtana Bergamot, Coconut & Sesame Hair Mask Oil

September 11, 2019
Hi Everyone!
Today’s review is on Sudtana’s Bergamot, Coconut & Sesame Hair Mask Oil.

Our hair mask is made from 100% natural and organic ingredients sourced from local Thai farmers.

The bergamot, sesame, and coconut oils are cold-pressed so they retain all their nutrients.
- Traditional Thai hair mask contains a mixture of bergamot, coconut and sesame oils in the perfect ratio
- Strengthens your hair from the inside for more volume and bounce
- Prevents premature graying
- Nourishes, moisturizes, conditions and repairs heavy hair damage
- Keeps your scalp clean, healthy and infection free which promotes natural hair growth
- Nourishes and moisturizes dry, itchy and flaky scalps
One thing I don’t love about the mask is the jar. I found it quite messy to open and pour out the oil. I transferred the oil over to an old bottle with a pump. This also helps me figure out how much I’m using each time and I don’t have to dip my finger or a spoon into the jar to get the product out. I have long hair, so I use two pumps. I massage it into my hair and wait 10-15 minutes before washing it out. Usually I use conditioner, but I skip that when I use the hair mask.

My hair feels soft and smooth after using this hair mask. I usually prefer hair masks that have the consistency of conditioner because it’s less messy. It has a citrus-y scent from the bergamot (I don’t really smell the sesame or coconut). Since I have combo skin, my scalp can be both dry/itchy and oily at times.
RATING: 3/5

The hair mask is on the pricey side, but it should probably last a while. This is a nice hair oil mask and it’s great that it’s 100% natural and doesn’t have any added fragrances. In addition to the hair mask, Sudtana also sells other products that are all natural: facial oil, toner, mask, and body oil.

Check out Sudtana Skincare’s Instagram!

UPDATE: They’ve changed the packaging of the hair mask to a bottle with a pump!
Love,
*This product was sent to me by Sudtana.
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How I Clean My Makeup Brushes

September 9, 2019

Hi Everyone!
Today, I’m sharing what I do to clean my makeup brushes! I use a few different products: I have brush cleaner for a quick clean and then I also use a solid brush cleaner and a mat to get a deeper clean.
For a quick clean, I’ve been using a brush cleaner. I have the Sephora one and the Cinema Secrets one. The Sephora one used to smell really nice, but it’s been a few years since I bought it and it just smells like cleaner now. The Cinema Secrets one has a vanilla scent which I like a lot more.

For a deeper clean, I’ve been using the Sephora mini solid brush cleaner. Since I have the mini one, it doesn’t come in a tin, so I keep it in a little soy sauce bowl. I wet the brush and lightly swirl the brushes on the ‘soap’ until there’s no longer any colour coming off of brush. In the past, I’ve used baby shampoo and a mat from Amazon to make sure the inside is nice and clean. The mat has ridges so it gets inside the bristles without ruining your brushes. Either I lightly swirl the brush or wipe it back and forth against the ridges.

To dry my brushes, I use a brush drying rack. I also like drying my brushes with my makeup drying tool (read my review) I got from Winners that spins the brushes to dry them faster and then I hang them on my drying rack until they’re fully dry. The drying tool sounds a bit gimmicky, but it does dry brushes really fast! The only problem with the drying tool – it doesn’t fit brush handles that aren’t tapered (like my Sephora or Sigma eye brushes). I have to stuff them into a smaller size or I just let those air dry.

How do you clean your brushes?
Love,

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Products I Thought I Wanted To Try

September 6, 2019

Hi Everyone!
Today, I am sharing products that I thought I wanted to try/buy. After going to Sephora to see them in person, I realized that they weren’t for me.
Glow Recipe Pineapple-C Brightening Serum – I was excited when I first heard of this because I enjoyed the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask. I went in store and saw that the bottle was way smaller than I thought it’d be and also this didn’t smell like pineapple to me.

Marc Jacobs Youthquake Hydra-full Retexturizing Gel Crème Moisturizer – Same as the Glow Recipe, this didn’t smell like pineapple to me. Maybe it’s something about pineapple that doesn’t convert to skincare well. I’m not about to spend $79 on something I don’t like.

Make Up For Ever Artist Nude Creme Liquid Lipstick – Even the lightest shade was very dark when I swatched it at Sephora. While they are beautiful shades, I prefer lighter for myself.

Make Up For Ever Pro Bronze Fusion Bronzer – This looks so pretty online, but I’m not sure the shades available would work for me. I also just wasn’t super impressed with it in person.

Fenty Pro Filt’r Amplifying Eye Primer – It just looked very silicone-y. I feel like it would just slip and slide.

Hourglass Scattered Light Glitter Eye Shadow – When I first heard of them, I would just hear the ‘scattered light’ part and not the ‘glitter.’ I had seen swatches and really wanted to try them because they’re beautiful. But, the name says it all… and I’m not a fan of glitter. It’s beautiful, but it’s too much work for me. Even shimmery eyeshadow has a lot of fallout for me, so I can’t imagine glitter.

Tarte Chrome Paint Shadow Pot – Same as the Hourglass eye shadows, they looked beautiful, but they’re basically loose pigment eyeshadows and they’re more chunky than the Hourglass ones.

Lancôme Fix It Forget It Setting Spray – I wanted to try out different sprays that Sephora had and this was on the list until I saw that it has witch hazel. I’ve had a bad reaction to witch hazel before, so I’d prefer to steer clear of it in makeup. I think it’s okay if it’s not too high up on the ingredient list.

KORA Organics products – I found out this was Miranda Kerr’s brand and I was interested in trying it. She has beautiful skin, so I went to Sephora to test out the consistency and scent. The skincare products did not smell good to me.

Anastasia Eyeshadow Palettes – The new eyeshadow palettes that ABH has been releasing are beautiful, but a lot of the shades are ones I don’t like on my own skin tone or I wouldn’t wear everyday. I regret not buying the Sultry palette because that one had the most shades I would use. Soft Glam is gorgeous, but has a bit too many oranges for my personal taste.

Guerlain products – Even though Guerlain is too expensive, I was looking at them at Sephora one day. I realized how heavily scented their products are – even the powders! I don’t understand why powders need fragrance in them! Guerlain products have a stronger scent than Chanel. I’m doing my best to cut down on fragranced products, but sometimes you really want to try something and it has fragrance (like the Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base).

What products did you see online and went in person to try out…and then decided you didn’t want it anymore?
Love,

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Review | Perricone No Lip Gloss Lip Gloss

September 4, 2019
Hi Everyone!
Today I am reviewing the No Lip Gloss Lip Gloss from Perricone. I was sent this lip gloss by Calissa, an independent site that sells products made with natural and sustainable ingredients.

I’ve seen Perricone on Sephora. I know they have a No Makeup Makeup line. I know they have the foundation and a highlighter that I’ve had my eye on. So, I was excited to receive the Lip Gloss from the line.
No Makeup Lipgloss is designed to mimic the natural shine and color of youthful lips. The elegant, non-tacky texture revives lip color and luster while promoting suppleness and nourishment- instantly smoothing and conditioning lips with Neuropeptides and Tocotrienols. Featuring a sheer buildable, universal tint to enhance, contour and impart a profusion of color.

Ingredients: Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 3.50% Inactive Ingredients: Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, C10-30 Cholesterol/Lanosterol Esters, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Ethylenediamine/Stearyl Dimer Dilinoleate Copolymer, Vanillin, Synthetic Wax, Tocopheryl Acetate, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Glyceryl Isostearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Bisabolol, Red 27 (CI 45410), Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Dimethyl MEA, Tocotrienols, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5

RATING: 5/5

This lip gloss is so beautiful. It’s a slightly tinted, lightweight gloss that gives you that My Lips But Better effect. There’s no added fragrance, but it does smell like vanilla (like MAC lip products). It only comes in one shade, but I think it would look good on anyone since it just adds a beautiful sheen to your lips. It’s glossy, but not too glossy. Moisturizing, but not too sticky like other glosses I’ve tried.

I definitely want to try other products from the No Makeup Makeup collection.

If you would like to make a purchase on Calissa.com, use code 10FRIENDSOFCALISSA to get 10% off! (This is not an affiliate code, just a code for you to use to get some money off our purchase!)

Check out my other posts on products I’ve received from Calissa:

Bali Balm Lemon & Black Pepper Lip Balm

Dr. Jackson’s Night Cream

Goldfaden MD Bright Eyes

MOR Emporium Lychee Flower Trio of Treasures

Perricone MD Cold Plasma+ Face Serum

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Review | Spa Sciences AERO Device

September 2, 2019

Hi Everyone!
Today, I am reviewing the AERO device from Spa Sciences which they kindly gifted to me.
This is device claims to help your skincare absorb into your skin better and faster. Keep reading to find out what I think about this device and if the claims are true!

AERO is a Trans epidermal delivery system that provides Triple Clinical Infusion™ a scientific research-based 3-in-1 technology. This innovative combination of sonic, ionic and thermal infusion maximizes the performance of ANY skincare product for better absorption and faster results. AERO is clinically proven, and Dermatologist approved to be 7 times more effective than when applying products with fingers alone to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, skin hydration, skin tone, skin brightness and other signs of premature aging. AERO is a true anti-aging breakthrough.
It’s a rechargeable device that comes with a USB cable. It’s available in two colours: mint and white. Spa Sciences sent me the mint and I love it. It’s that retro mint shade that’s really pretty.

When I first took it out of the packaging (before reading the instructions), I was like, ‘where’s the button to turn it on?!’ I realized that when it comes into contact with your skin, it turns on. The device is super smart because it won’t turn on if you’re gently wiping it down with a towel.

I wish I had one of those devices that can tell you how hydrated your skin is because then I could really see how well the AERO works. I can feel a physical difference when I use it because some of my skincare doesn’t feel as tacky or oily after using the AERO.
RATING: 4/5

From what I can tell when I touch my face, it does help skincare absorb faster. I can’t say if it helps with fine lines or wrinkles, but this is a great little device for a reasonable price.

Check out their Instagram!

Have you tried Spa Sciences devices?
Love,
*This product was gifted to me, but all opinions are my own.

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