Today, I’m sharing some brands and their products that I have on my wishlist. Most of the products I want to try aren’t new, but I haven’t had a chance to try yet. I wanted to cut down on my makeup buying this year and finish up what I have before buying more. I have a lot of lip and cheek products on this list.
Biossance
Squalane + Peptide Eye Gel
Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer
Squalane + Rose Vegan Lip Balm
Squalane + Tea Tree Balancing Oil
Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil
I might get the Top Shelfies Kit from Sephora since it has 3/5 items I want to try.
Briogeo
I’ve only tried a sample of Briogeo and that was a long time ago.
Be Gentle Be Kind Banana + Coconut Nourishing Superfood Shampoo & Conditioner
Be Gentle Be Kind Kale + Apple Replenishing Superfood Shampoo & Conditioner
I’ve only tried two products from Charlotte Tilbury. While I do like both, I’m not sure I would repurchase them (Legendary Brows Eyebrow Gel and Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder).
Em Cosmetics
Color Drops Serum Blush
Micro-Fluff Sculpting Brow Cream
True Gloss
Glossier
Balm Dot Com
Boy Brow
Cloud Paint
Jouer
Blush Bouquet Dual Blush Palette
Essential High Coverage Concealer Pen
Essential Lip Enhancer Shine Balm
Soft Focus Hydrate + Set Powder
Sunswept Bronzer Duo
I might get the Essential Lip Care Duo since I like the Essential Lip Enhancer Balm.
Lilah B
Divine Duo Lip & Cheek
Lovingly Lip Tinted Lip Oil
Volition Beauty
Hibiscus Unspottable Correcting Oil
Snow Mushroom Water Serum
Wander Beauty
Mile High Club Mascara
This mascara is a favourite for a lot of people. I don’t usually like to spend more than $15 for a mascara, but I might consider trying it once to see if I like it.
YSL
Glossy Stain Lip Color
Rouge Volupté Shine Oil-in-Stick Lipstick
Tatouage Couture Liquid Matte Lip Stain
There’s more on my wishlist, but these are a few I’m considering trying this year.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!)
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!)
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.
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!)
Milani Baked Blush in Dolce Pink – This was a beautiful blush that had the perfect amount of pink and shimmer.
Repurchase? Absolutely! I would also try other shades.
Sephora The Cleanse: Daily Brush Cleaner – I bought my first bottle of this years ago and it took me a while to finish it. It was probably expired by the time I finished it, to be honest. It had a pleasant smell when I first bought it, but they’ve since changed the scent of it. It smells more like chemicals which I don’t like. Although it does clean brushes well (for a quick clean).
Repurchase? No.
Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Self-Setting Concealer in 21 Cinnamon – I really enjoyed this concealer. I bought it last year during the Sephora sale, so as you can see, I used it up pretty quickly. It looked really nice on the skin.
Repurchase? Yes.
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Long Wear Foundation Stick SPF21 in 260 Bisque N – I decided to declutter this because I’ve had it for a while. I peeled off the sticker on it and it said it expired in 2018 which was when I bought it! I liked it, but I think I actually prefer the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick. I liked this one better than the Hourglass Vanish Stick though. The Hourglass was just too full coverage for me (even using it sparingly).
Repurchase? Maybe.
1 newbie, 1 empty
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème – I just featured this in my monthly favourites post. I really liked this eye cream. I don’t have dark circles, so I don’t know if it helps with that, but my under eyes felt moisturized and smooth. No reactions to it at all! I have heard that people have used it for a few months and all of a sudden, they had a terrible allergic reaction to it. Their eyes would get puffy and red 🙁
Repurchase? Sadly, no. If it causes reactions after using it for a while, I don’t want to repurchase.
Rael Miracle Patches (read my review) – Love these hydrocolloid patches!
Good Molecules Pure Cold-Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil* – I love a good facial oil! This one and their Ultra Hydrating Facial Oil are great. I love that they aren’t fragranced.
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème – I really liked this eye cream. While I didn’t love the scent of it in the beginning, I got used to it. It wasn’t greasy and didn’t feel too heavy. It was perfect for my under eyes.
I was just informed that this eye cream has caused some bad reactions for people who have been using it for a long period of time. I only had a mini that lasted about 2 months. Check out this post on Instagram.
Good Molecules Silicone-Free Priming Moisturizer* – I’m currently loving this moisturizer. It’s silicone-free, fragrance free and alcohol free! After having to declutter (give to my mom) the Touch in Sol No Poreblem Primer, I needed a new smoothing primer to replace it. The No Poreblem Primer blurred my skin and made my makeup look good, but whenever I used it, I would breakout. I have been using the priming moisturizer for a few weeks now and my makeup layers beautifully on top of it. Will definitely purchase once I finish this bottle that they gifted me.
Today, I’m sharing my 20 most expensive beauty purchases. I wore makeup in high school, but I just wore eyeliner and a dab of concealer if needed. I thought foundation was unnecessary for some reason. My face was relatively clear, I would get breakouts every now and then, but nothing unmanageable. I started wearing foundation in university. Also, I would just use the same moisturizer my mom used…Complex Moisturizer from the drugstore. It wasn’t until a few years ago that we both decided to upgrade from that. Since I started blogging, I’ve tried a lot more makeup and skincare, but I’ve still only scratched the surface. I’ve tried a few higher end products which are on the list. Keep reading to find out if all 20 were worth it!
Sigma Essential Brush Kit (12 brushes) – $99 from Winners
Tula Illuminating Face Serum – $88.30 (15% off)
Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation Kit – $83 from Sephora (included full-sized foundation, primer and a foundation brush)
Tory Burch Eau de Parfum kit – $80 from Mac Warehouse Sale (included a full-sized perfume, a mini perfume and a full-sized hand lotion)
Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel – $73.95 (15% off)
Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gioia Eau de Parfum – $69
Tarte Maracuja Oil (supersize) – $66 (25% off)
Sephora Flatter Yourself Contour Brush Set – $60 (includes 3 brushes – angled blush, duo fiber, buffing)
Make Up For Ever Step 1 Equalizer Primer (Redness Correcting) – $45
Lancôme Skin Feels Good Skin Nourishing Foundation SPF23 – $45
Sephora PRO Featherweight Powder Brush #91 – $45.05 (15% off)
I don’t know why I was so dumb before, but several items on this list were purchased at full price when I could’ve waited until the Sephora sale. Now I know better!
Sigma Essential Brush Kit – This is a great brush kit. I’m glad I was able to find it at Winners for $99.
Worth it? Yes!
Tula Illuminating Face Serum (read my review) – This was one of my favourite serums, but Tula no longer sells to Canada.
Worth it? Yes!
Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation Kit – This was a beautiful foundation, but I still haven’t found my shade even though there are 40+. This is where I first tried the smoothing primer which I love and there brush is nice and soft.
Worth it? Yes.
Tory Burch Eau de Parfum kit – I love this perfume. I would’ve paid $80 or more just for the perfume.
Worth it? Yes!
Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel – I haven’t used this as an everyday cleanser, but it’s nothing SPECIAL.
Worth it? No.
Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gioia Eau de Parfum – Loved this perfume! It’s so much more expensive now though and the bottle is different. I don’t know if that means the formula has also changed.
Worth it? Yes.
Tarte Maracuja Oil (supersize) – I bought this during a Black Friday sale so instead of $88, it was $66 for the supersize bottle which is twice the size of the regular one.
Worth it? Yes!
Sephora Flatter Yourself Contour Brush Set – Sephora Collection brushes are okay, I’ve since bought a Sephora PRO brush which isn’t the same as any of the three brushes in this set, but it’s so much softer.
Worth it? I would pass on this one.
Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer in #7 – I was buying my mom the Luminous Silk Powder Foundation and wanted to try the fluid sheer. It’s beautiful and looks great under foundation, mixed with foundation or on top of foundation. I have a shade that’s kind of pinky and it wasn’t the one I wanted originally, but it was all they had in stock. It’s beautiful though.
Worth it? Yes! Would definitely try other shades.
Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder Compact – This is a face powder, but I use it as more of a highlight. Although it would be beautiful as a face powder for that glowy/dewy luminous look.
Worth it? Yes.
Clé de Peau Stick Concealer – This stick concealer isn’t as emollient as other sticks I’ve tried. I don’t know if it’s dried out because I bought it from the Warehouse sale, but it definitely wouldn’t be worth the full price at $93.
Worth it? No.
Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado – My under eyes had a reaction to this eye cream. I had to give it to my sister.
Worth it? No.
Dior BACKSTAGE Face & Body Foundation (read my review) – While this was a beautiful finish and looked very natural, it didn’t last very long on my skin. Dior foundations are also very fragranced. I gave this to my friend.
Worth it? Not for me.
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder – This powder is a very finely milled pressed powder. It’s beautiful on the skin, but can look cakey if you apply too much. It also pans really quickly and there’s only 3 shades available. The medium one is the shade that I bought and it’s too orange for me.
Worth it? Not for me.
NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer – Beautiful tinted moisturizer!
Worth it? Yes.
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Longwear Foundation Stick SPF21 – I really like this foundation stick.
Worth it? Yes.
Laneige Water Bank Serum – I originally loved this, but after using it for a month or so, my skin started having a reaction. This is also very scented. Ended up giving this to my sister as well.
Worth it? Not for me.
Make Up For Ever Step 1 Equalizer Primer (Redness Correcting) – I love the Smoothing primer from Make Up For Ever, but this redness correcting one didn’t do a lot. If you want to colour correct, use a colour correcting concealer.
Worth it? No.
Lancôme Skin Feels Good Skin Nourishing Foundation SPF23 (read my review) – The shade range of this foundation is crap, but it’s a beautiful foundation/tinted moisturizer. I would definitely repurchase if they came out with more shades because the one I had wasn’t quite right and the shades above are too dark.
Worth it? Yes.
Sephora PRO Featherweight Powder Brush – According to the reviews on Sephora, this is called the ‘bunny punch’ because it’s so soft and fluffy. I really like this brush. Although it’s a little top heavy, it’s nice for setting.
Worth it? Yes.
As you can see, most of the purchases WERE worth it. Unfortunately some of them didn’t work out for me.
What expensive makeup and skincare products have you purchased?
I think I started wearing perfume in high school. I never really wore perfume on an everyday basis until university. Whenever I leave the house, I spray on perfume unless I’m going to be somewhere like the movie theatre where I’m in close proximity to other people for long periods of time. I usually only do one spray and it’s enough for me.
This is a longer post with three parts so you can scroll down to the parts you want to read:
List of Fragrances and their fragrance families
My opinions on the perfumes
Descriptions of the main accords and notes of each perfume
These are all of the perfumes I’ve had over the years (in order):
The Body Shop White Musk
Floral, Sensual
Banana Republic Classic Eau de Toilette (unisex)
Citrus, Floral
Victoria’s Secret Forever PINK Sparkling Apple and Water Lily Body Mist
Fruity
Ralph Lauren RALPH Eau de Toilette
Floral, Fruity
Lady Gaga Fame Rollerball
Floral, Sensual
Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gioia Eau de Parfum
Fresh, Floral, Aquatic
Tory Burch Original Eau de Parfum
Fresh, Floral, Citrus
Dolce & Gabbana 3 L’Imperatrice
Fruity, Aquatic
Please excuse this super grainy photo. It was taken with an old camera phone.
For the Banana Republic Classic Eau de Toilette, I really liked the scent of this in-store, but then it smelled different when I brought it home and I ended up decluttering it after using it a couple of times.
RALPH by Ralph Lauren was a really nice scent, but I got tired of it after a while and that’s why I picked up the VS Body Mist. The body mist was a favourite of mine even though it was a cheap body mist that I bought 2 for $25. I had this other body mist that was okay, but I don’t consider it a favourite of my collection.
The Lady Gaga Fame Rollerball was gifted to me for my birthday. I thought it was really cool that the liquid was black (which wasn’t black once you sprayed/rolled it on). I liked the spiciness of it and only wore it when I went clubbing.
The Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gioia is still a favourite of mine, but I had it for 4 years and it was time for a change. It has an aquatic scent, so I only wore it in the spring and summer. It felt weird to use in the winter time which is why I bought the Tory Burch one.
Tory Burch is sophisticated, but still youthful. It’s not like Chanel No. 5 where it smells like a rich, older lady (no offense if you’re younger and you like it). I bought the Tory Burch perfume at the Mac Warehouse Sale in a set that came with a mini and a body lotion which I gave to my grandma. Before the sale, I researched which perfume brands were owned by Estee Lauder. I went to Hudson’s Bay to smell the different perfumes from Tory Burch, Estee Lauder, DKNY, Clinique, etc. and chose the original Tory Burch scent. Luckily for me, they had it at the sale and I bought it.
While I was looking for perfumes (before buying Acqua di Gioia), I got different samples at Sephora. I liked the Dolce & Gabbana 3 L’Imperatrice one, but it was an Eau de Toilette and I didn’t want to spend over $100 on it. Last year, when I was at the Shiseido Warehouse Sale, I saw a smaller bottle on sale and I decided to get it.
Surprisingly, I’ve never finished a bottle of perfume. From university to present day, I’ve always had more than 1 perfume. I’ve had a few perfumes for more than a few years and I stop using them once they smell different. I still have Fame and Acqua di Gioia, but I only use them for display now.
On me, all of the perfumes are long-wearing. Sometimes I even smell the perfumes AFTER I’ve showered.
I found descriptions of most of the perfumes’ notes on fragrantica. I am not associated with fragrantica in any way, it was just a website that had all of the perfumes and I wanted to keep the structure of the descriptions the same. People vote on what they smell in the Perfume Pyramid (top notes, middle notes and base notes). I am terrible at identifying scents unless it’s something really obvious like rose. So all of the descriptions are from the website.
I bought my bottle a long time ago. The new one looks different and I don’t know if the scent has changed at all. I would describe the one I have as aquatic and fresh.
Main Accords: green, citrus, aromatic, fresh, white floral, fresh spicy
Top Notes: Amalfi lemon, mint
Middle Notes: jasmine, pink pepper, peony
Base Notes: French labdanum, Virginia cedar, brown sugar
Main Accords : ozonic, aquatic, fruity, sweet, sour
Top Notes: pink pepper, kiwi, rhubarb
Middle Notes: jasmine, cyclamen, watermelon
Base Notes: musk, sandalwood, lemon tree
If you’re still here, thanks for reading!!
Based on a roundup of all of the signature scents, I seem to gravitate toward fragrances with citrus, musk, pink pepper, jasmine, sandalwood and vetiver.
This best-selling body gel contains Rosemary, Black Pepper, Lavender and Ginger essential oils. After a long day at work, or an intense workout, give your aching muscles the love they need. De-Stress Body Gel instantly cools aches and pains, then warms muscles over time leaving them feeling soothed.
Apply generously and massage directly over muscles and joints before and after physical activity. Use up to twice daily. Can be used in flight to maintain circulation in ankles and legs. For optimum results follow with De-Stress Body Oil to give your body some extra TLC. TOP TIP: If you suffer with tension headaches, apply muscle gel to the back of your neck whilst at work, or on the go.
I’ve used it a few times now and it’s really good. Usually I use something like Voltaren on my sore muscles. My arm was sore and throbbing one day, so I applied it and it has this cool feeling. At some point in the next couple hours the throbbing stopped. It still stinks like any muscle gel (I smell the rosemary and black pepper the most I think), but it works!! Luckily, the scent doesn’t linger. You can still smell it if you sniff your arm or wherever you applied it, but you can’t smell it from a distance. I probably wouldn’t use it on a flight. I wouldn’t want to be THAT person on the airplane.
RATING: 4/5
It’s great, but it is on the more expensive side.
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!)
Today, I’m writing about backups. Do you buy backups of your makeup and skincare products or do you buy them as you need them?
Before I get started, I’m only talking about makeup and skincare (doesn’t include makeup tools). Only things that have an expiration date.
I consider a ‘backup’ as buying multiples of the same exact item in the same shade at once – 1 to use now, others to keep in your drawer for when you run out.
I don’t consider a ‘backup’ as:
a similar item in the same category – having concealers from different brands. I have 5 concealers, but they all have different formulas and/or purposes (under eye, spot conceal)
having another of the same item in a different shade – maybe you need two shades to match your skin tone
having another for your makeup bag/purse – You have a pressed powder for your vanity and an identical one for your purse
buying a new one when you’re almost finished – I consider this a ‘replacement’
Backup vs. Replacement
Backup – I have 1 NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in use and 2 others in the same shade in my makeup drawer for when I run out
Replacement – I’m almost finished my NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, I will buy another Radiant Creamy Concealer OR I will buy a different concealer to replace it (i.e. Too Faced Born This Way)
I asked my followers on Instagram if they buy backups and the results were interesting. Last year, I had asked the same question and 60% said they didn’t buy backups, but the other day when I gave my definition, the majority DO buy backups.
52% said they DO buy backups
I am in the 48% minority and I DON’T usually buy backups. There were a few occasions where I did buy a backup of something:
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser from Costco – my mom bought so many of these because she once bought a value-size Garnier Micellar Water from Costco and then never saw it again. Just in case it happened again to the Cetaphil cleanser, she bought multiples. We both use it and sometimes I use it for my body, so we go through them fairly quickly
2-pack of Bioderma Micellar Water – it was cheaper to buy the 2-pack
Last year, there was a 50% off sale on Smashbox.ca for the Primer Water, so I ordered 3 bottles because I got an additional 15% off my first order (a total of 65% off + Rakuten cashback!)
L’Oréal Colour Riche Collection Exclusive Nude Lip Color in 370 J Lo’s Nude
Tula, a skincare brand that I really liked, decided to stop selling to Canada. I didn’t know this until it was too late. I had bought 2 backups of their Acne gel because it was sold out so often. I’m sad I didn’t get a chance to replace my serum.
Some people are tempted to buy multiples of a Limited Edition item. When it first came out, I really loved the L’Oréal lipstick shade. I bought another because I thought it was limited edition. After being on the shelves for a year, I realized it was not. I have since finished both tubes and while I loved the shade, I don’t love the scent of L’Oréal lipsticks. I’ve since found another item that I love more – Lancôme L’Absolu Lacquer Lip Gloss (read my review).
I only buy replacements when 1) I know that I will be finishing the item soon or 2) there is a sale and I know I will finish before the next sale comes around. I rarely buy the exact item again, for example, I was nearly finished my Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil when the Sephora VIB Sale came around last year. So, I bought the Kevyn Aucoin The Precision Brow Pencil to replace it. I loved the Benefit brow pencil, but I want to try different pencils to see if there’s one I love more.
The reason I usually don’t buy backups:
It’s easy to forget what you have when it’s tucked away in a drawer
I’m worried they will expire before I get around to it
I want to try different products
They take up space in your drawers/shelves
I don’t love anything so much that I need to have 2 or more in my collection
I think that buying backups traps you because you might want to try a new product that just launched, but you’ve got 3 backups of that one product.
Do you buy backups?
Love,
Note: The majority of the items pictured are empties. The duplicates and triplicates were purchased as replacements.
