February 2020

February 2020 Product Empties

February 28, 2020

Hi Everyone!
Here are this month’s empties!
Daiso Razors – I like these for shaving the face. They come with a plastic protector for storage.

Repurchase? Yes.

Tarte Maracuja Eye Treatment – This cream is quite thick and I finished it a lot faster than I finished other products with the same amount.

Repurchase? Probably not.

Good Molecules Pure Cold-Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil* – really liked this oil.

Repurchase? Yes.

Kopari Coconut Deodorant (read my review) – I had to declutter this because my underarms got a reaction when I would use it. I think it’s the coconut. It smells nice, but it didn’t do the best job when I would work out. Of course, it is a deodorant and not an anti-perspirant.

Repurchase? No.

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser – This is a good cleanser for me to use in the morning. I sometimes use it on the body as well.

Repurchase? Yes.

Rael Miracle Patches (read my review) – LOVE THESE! If you haven’t tried hydrocolloid patches for your acne, you need to try them! It doesn’t have to be these specific ones, but these and the COSRX ones are favourites of mine.

Repurchase? I purchase mine from Amazon (4 packs of 24). This is my second time buying 4 packs. It took me about a 8-12 months to finish all 4 packs.

Moom Aromatherapy Foot Spa Cream* – Why are all foot creams mint-scented? Not that I’m complaining. This was a nice foot cream, but I didn’t notice a huge difference in how smooth my feet felt.

Repurchase? No.

Joico Moisture Recovery Shampoo – I like this shampoo. I wouldn’t say it’s my fave, but I haven’t gotten any reactions (when I was using a Pantene shampoo, I noticed I was getting breakouts along my hairline and I don’t use many other hair products so it was easy to narrow it down).

Repurchase? Only on sale.

Australian Bodycare Tea Tree Oil Face Tonic* (read my review) – I enjoy tea tree oil for my acne-prone skin.

Repurchase? I would purchase more products in their Tea Tree collection (like the body wash).

Tula Acne Clearing + Tone Correcting Gel – This is a nice salicylic acid acne gel. When I first got it, I would use it every day which I realized was too often and the reason my skin was a bit red. Once I cut down to using it less frequently, it was better and still kept my skin fairly clear.

Repurchase? Tula no longer ships to Canada, but I’m sure I can find a similar acne gel with salicylic acid.

Grounded Sage Pure Amore Gel Facial Cleanser* – I didn’t love this cleanser mainly because it came I a glass jar. I prefer a pump because I don’t want to stick my wet hand into the jar and I also tend to use more.

Repurchase? No.

Nars Velvet Matte Foundation Stick in Fiji – This wasn’t my favourite stick foundation I’ve used.

Repurchase? No.

Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil in 09 Red Berry Glam – I wanted to try this lip oil and I won it in a giveaway. It wasn’t the shade I wanted, but I got to see if I liked the formula. I was expecting it to be more of an oil, but it’s basically like a gloss (quite sticky).

Repurchase? Maybe, but in a different shade.

Revlon Mega Multiplier Mascara – I like that this is a fiber mascara. You just have to wash it off with warm water and you don’t get raccoon eyes. Unfortunately that means it’s not waterproof if that’s what you’re after.

Repurchase? Yes.

Sephora Solid Clean: Solid Brush Cleaner – This is a nice little thing to travel with and it comes with a little silicone pad to help get a deeper clean.

Repurchase? Maybe.

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

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February 2020 Faves

February 25, 2020

Hi Everyone!
I haven’t tried many new products since my last favourites post. I have a few products that I’m enjoying at the moment, but need to test them out more before I add them to a favourites post.
Revlon Salon One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer* (read my review) – While there are adjustments I’d make to the design (making the handle a bit smaller), this is a great brush to dry hair and get some volume.

Wet Detangling Brushes – It doesn’t have to be a specific brand. I have a Tangle Teezer and another brand that’s not as well known. Wet detangling brushes with handles are awesome.

Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Concealer in 202 Light – This is a beautiful, medium coverage concealer that looks natural.

Blume Meltdown Acne & Blemish Oil* – This has been great for those breakouts that hurt during that time of the month. I use it as a spot treatment and the next day, the pimple doesn’t hurt (or it’s not as bad as the day before). It does have a strong (natural) scent to it.

What have you been loving lately?
Love,
Products marked with (*) were gifted to me.

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Review | Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate & Glow Face Oil

February 21, 2020

Hi Everyone!
Today, I’m reviewing the Superberry Hydrate & Glow Face Oil from Youth to the People. I purchased this during the Sephora sale last year. I tried it in September and then I had a breakout (unsure if it was from the oil, my diet or something else I was using). I stopped using it and then I started using all of these other products that I wanted to review. I’ve started using it again. Keep reading to find out what I think about the oil!

This ultra-enriched, flash-absorbing face oil packed with rare super berry antioxidants that leaves skin velvety soft, hydrated, and glowing. Intensely hydrating prickly pear and squalane oil lock in moisture with the help of omega fatty acids and high levels of vitamin C.

Maqui, the most antioxidant dense fruit in the world, is combined with açaí and goji, creating a potent antioxidant elixir. Our perfected balance of jojoba and sunflower oil illuminate and revive dehydrated skin without weighing it down.

Ingredients: Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Dicapryl Carbonate, Simmondsia Chineses (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Opuntia Tuna Extract(Prickly Pear), Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract (Acai), Lycium Barbarum (Goji) Extract, Aristotelia Chilensis (Maqui) Fruit Extract, And Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract , Squalane Olive, Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E), Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil*, Linum Usitatissimum (Flaxseed) Oil*, Borago Officinalis (Borage) Oil*, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Fruit Oil*, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil*, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil*, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil*, Natural Fragrance, Amylcinnamyl Alcohol, Citral, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene, Linalool.

*Certified Organic Ingredient
It comes in a glass jar with a dropper (which I will be keeping after I’ve finished using it). It’s vegan, no there’s no animal testing. It doesn’t contain dimethicone, but it does have natural fragrance. It has a scent that is familiar to me, but I can’t quite place it. I think it smells like a candy I used to eat?

RATING: 2/5

My skin doesn’t look very glowy with this oil. I just don’t think it’s worth the high price tag. My face has been very dry from the weather and it’s not providing enough hydration for me. Maybe in the spring/summer, it would be okay for my dry skin. There are other oils that I prefer that don’t have any fragrance and are much more affordable (e.g. The Ordinary, Good Molecules).

I stopped using it again and my skin is looking better. I haven’t changed any other skincare products in my routine so I know it’s this oil that’s causing the breakouts. I know it’s a waste, but I started using it on my hands and feet to finish the rest of the bottle.

I haven’t tried much from the brand, but I did like the Superfood Air Whip Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer.

Do you love this face oil?
Love,

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First Impressions with Australian Bodycare Tea Tree Oil Face Tonic

February 18, 2020

Hi Everyone!
Today, I’ll be reviewing Australian Bodycare’s Tea Tree Face Tonic. I received this complimentary from Calissa.

Tea Tree Oil prevents and inhibits the growth of unwanted bacteria while nourishing the skin. The face tonic restores the skin’s natural moisture balance and helps prevent skin problems by deep cleansing. It contains extract of Kakadu Plum which has a high level of antioxidant properties. The natural Tea Tree Oil prevents bacteria from clinging to the skin.

Ingredients: Aqua, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Glycerin, Triethyl Citrate, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Sodium PCA, Saccharide Isomerate, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil (0,5%), Allantoin, Lactic Acid, Tocopherol, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Linalool, Limonene
RATING: 4/5

I’ve been using the Face Tonic for a few weeks now and I’m enjoying it. It’s better than The Body Shop one because it doesn’t have alcohol or witch hazel in it (I think I’m allergic to witch hazel – read my blog post about it here). Instead of using it as a toner, I use it before my shower as a pre-cleanse because I’m not a huge fan of tea tree smell. I know I’m supposed to use it after cleansing, but it seems to be working for me. I’ve actually been using it on my face AND back because I’m unfortunately prone to bacne as well. It’s helped dry out my active breakouts on my back.

I would definitely consider trying their Tea Tree Oil Body Wash. I’ve used The Body Shop’s Tea Tree Oil Body Wash and that worked really well to keep my back clear.
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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15 Beauty Favourites I’ve Repurchased | 2020

February 14, 2020

Hi Everyone!
Today, I’m sharing makeup and skincare products that have become favourites of mine. Either I already have repurchased or plan to repurchase in the future.
Check out my 2018 list of beauty favourites

In no particular order, here are 15 of my beauty favourites:

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water – I love this primer water so much, that I actually bought 3 during a sale on Smashbox.ca! It’s one of the few products that I’ve bought backups.

Check out my blog post on buying beauty backups!

Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil Ultra Fine Shape & Define* – Love this brow pencil. Benefit is one of the few brands that carries brow products with more than 3 shades and also different undertones.

Colourpop Boss Brow Clear Gel – My friend recommended this brow gel and I love it. It doesn’t make your brows feel crunchy at all!

Bioderma Sensibio H₂0 Make Up Removing Micelle Solution – The Garnier and Bioderma Micellar Waters are my favourites. The Garnier one is cheaper, so I repurchase it more, but I do see why everyone loves the Bioderma one too.

Goldfaden MD Bright Eyes* – I think this would be a great eye cream for the spring/summer time for me. It was very nice and light, but wasn’t quite hydrating enough for Canadian winters.
Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer – This is one of my favourite primers that keeps my dry skin hydrated throughout the day.

Good Molecules Pure Cold-Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil* – I have been loving facial oils for my dry skin and this one is a great one from Good Molecules.

Good Molecules Silicone-Free Priming Moisturizer* – I love that brands are coming out with primers without silicones. This one is a great 2-in-1 product.

Gummiband Hair Cords – I was originally gifted some hair cords, but I have since purchased more because I love them. Also, they’re a Canadian brand.

Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder – This is a beautiful powder to set your makeup.
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask – This is the only lip mask I’ve tried, so I can’t say it’s my favourite. It is a great lip mask that keeps my lips hydrated at night.

Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer – A favourite concealer of mine for spot concealing. It blends beautifully into the skin.

Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector – I really enjoyed this eye cream. It made my under eyes feel smooth and hydrated. I also loved the metal applicator.

Rael Miracle Patches (read my review) – Love these patches!

Volition Strawberry-C Brightening Serum* (read my review) – Loved this serum!

What beauty favourites have you repurchased?
Love,
Products marked with (*) were gifted to me.

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Review | Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting Cleansing Gel

February 11, 2020

Hi Everyone!

Today, I’ll be reviewing another product I received from Calissa. An Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting Cleansing Gel by Dr. Dennis Gross. It’s my first time trying the brand.

This vegan formula contains Alpha Beta® acids which lift away dead skin cells and debris while toning and smoothing skin. Willow bark, Farnesol, and Barosma Betullina help remove impurities, wash away bacteria, and decongest pores, while Snow Ear Mushroom hydrates to maintain skin’s moisture balance. Dr. Gross hand selects each ingredient and combines it with the most efficient delivery system to ensure skin receives maximum skincare benefits from the rest of your regimen.

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Propanediol, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Disteareth-75 IPDI, Glycereth-7 Caprylate/Caprate, Sodium Chloride, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Mandelic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Phytic Acid, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Citric Acid, Farnesol, Barosma Betulina Leaf Extract, Sodium PCA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tremella Fuciformis (Mushroom) Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Bisabolol, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Alcohol, Sodium Phytate, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower/Leaf Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Extract, Polyglyceryl-3 Laurate, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Benzoic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol.

I enjoy gel cleansers, so I was interested in trying this especially since it’s soap-free, sulfate free, vegan, cruelty-free.

RATING: 3/5

It has a subtle scent that smells like aloe and a bit fruity/floral. It’s quite a thick cleanser. I have the tube and I always squeeze out too much. It’s a nice cleanser, but I will be honest and say I wouldn’t buy the full size. It’s quite expensive for a cleanser ($50 CAD for 225ml) especially when I squeeze out too much. I’d rather pay more for moisturizers, serums or eye creams.

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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70/30 | Save or Splurge on Cleansers?

February 7, 2020
Hi Everyone!
I did another Instagram poll asking if my followers saved or splurged on cleansers. This is referring to everyday cleansers (not makeup removing cleansers, balms, oils, etc.)

70% said they SAVE on cleansers

My daily cleansing routine:
- AM: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser – I like using the Cetaphil in the morning because it’s very gentle and doesn’t make my face feel dry.
- PM: Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Clean Foaming Face Wash – I double cleanse with my makeup remover and then follow up with the Kiehl’s face wash.
Once I’ve finished my Kiehl’s cleanser, I probably won’t repurchase even though I really like it. I bought it on sale and I also bought the giant size which has lasted me a really long time. I’m still only halfway through after about 8-9 months of daily use.

I’ve tried cleansers like the Tatcha The Deep Cleanse Exfoliating Cleanser, Youth to the People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser, Philosophy Purity Made Simple Cleanser, Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel. All of them were okay, but none of them are worth the price tag for me.

Last year, I splurged on a few different cleansers to test them out. I think I agree with the 70% to save on everyday cleansers. I’ve tried a variety of cleansers at different price points. There are a handful of higher ends ones that I didn’t mind, but I’d rather spend the money on makeup or moisturizers/serums.

What do you think? Save or splurge on cleansers?
Love,
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First Impressions with Perricone No Foundation Serum Broad Spectrum SPF30

February 4, 2020

Hi Everyone!
Today, I’ll be reviewing a product I received from Calissa. It’s the No Foundation Serum from Perricone MD.

Perricone MD’s No Foundation Serum instantly softens imperfections and minimises the appearance of wrinkles and pores with Neuropeptides without settling into fine lines. A luxurious fluid texture leaves a semi-matte suede finish with a breathable second skin effect.

It’s really nice, the only thing about the one sold at Calissa is that it comes in 1 universal shade. The Perricone website has multiple shades, but it’s SPF20. I don’t know if the formulation is different or if it’s just a slightly lower SPF.
RATING: 3.5/5

It wore well and it looked like skin. It has a nice, soft matte finish. By hour six, it was breaking up a little bit. I set it with the Charlotte Tilbury powder. It’s really good for someone who has dry skin like me. I don’t know how it would work on someone with oily skin. It would probably start to break up a lot sooner. I have mostly dry skin, but I do get an oily t-zone. It didn’t look cakey around my nose which was great. I prefer a more dewy look which can be achieved by mixing in a liquid highlighter. I give this specific “universal” broad spectrum serum a lower rating. If I tried a shade that matched me, I might give a higher rating.

Perricone MD replied to my Instagram review saying: We have another formula, No Makeup Foundation (vs. Foundation Serum) that we think you may like better based upon this feedback!

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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70% said they SAVE on cleansers