Today, I’m comparing two Korean cleansing balms: Banila Co. Clean It Zero (Original) and Heimish All Clean Balm. I’ve previously compared the Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm and the Pixi Nourishing Cleansing Balm (read my review).
The two balms are the same price, but the All Clean Balm has 120mL while the Clean It Zero has 100mL.
The All Clean Balm doesn’t have fragrance while the Clean It Zero does.
I like the packaging of both, the Clean It Zero’s line of products are really pretty (pink, purple, etc.), but obviously I’m not going to choose one or the other based on packaging.
Banila Co. Clean It Zero Original
This sherbet-textured cleansing balm melts onto your skin to dissolve away sebum, pore-clogging impurities, and waterproof makeup in one simple step! This best-selling cleanser from Banila Co. has a mild formulation that is gentle yet effective, leaving behind zero residue. This oil-based cleanser deeply cleanses and mildly exfoliates without stripping the skin dry, so your skin stays happily hydrated after cleansing!
Heimish All Clean Balm
The Heimish All Clean Balm melts effortlessly into a smooth oil to dissolve away heavy makeup, impurities, and excess sebum. The oil emulsifies into a milky solution upon contact with water, leaving your skin clean without stripping away the skin’s natural oils. Shea butter, lime extract, and tea tree oil nourish and protect the skin during cleansing. Available in a solid balm texture, this cleanser is is all clean and no mess, making it easy to use and super travel-friendly!
WINNER: It’s a tie!
They perform the same to me. If you want the cheaper option, the Heimish is the way to go.
Have you tried these cleansing balms? Which did you prefer?
Today, I’m comparing two facial cotton pads: Shiseido’s cult fave vs. Quo Luxury Facial Cotton Pads (the dupe). Quo is the brand by Shoppers Drug Mart in Canada.
So, I’ve tested these two different facial cottons and love both of them. Both come with 165 cottons and based on the look of the packaging, the Quo is obviously a dupe of the Shiseido cottons. The Quo cotton pads sell for $7.50 and Shiseido cottons sell for $11.
One thing about the packaging: the Quo package has a pre-made tear, so you don’t need scissors to open and it closes like a ziploc bag. The Shiseido package needs scissors and does not have a slider.
I got my mom to do a blind test to see which one she likes. She preferred the Quo ones because they were softer (and also they were fatter – more layers). I tested them out and agree that the Quo ones are actually softer, but the Shiseido ones are stronger. When you try to tear them, it takes more force to pull the Shiseido ones apart and are therefore better to use for eye makeup (especially waterproof makeup). If you’re only wearing face makeup, the Quo ones are a great way to save some money. You can use the Quo ones for toner and removing face makeup, and buy the Shiseido ones for eye makeup.
WINNER: Quo Luxury Facial Cotton Pads
If you wear eye makeup and use micellar water instead of cleansing oils/balms, you will probably prefer the Shiseido ones since they are harder to rip and less likely to curl up on you. If you love the Shiseido ones and you live in Canada, I think it’s worth it to give the Quo ones a shot.
For me, the Shiseido ones are very nice and I see why so many people love them. I don’t wear heavy or waterproof eye makeup very often and when I do, I use a cleansing oil or balm to remove makeup instead of a cotton pad. I’d rather save $4.50 to spend on something else.
I was watching a Kathleen Lights video and she said the best tweezers are the Silver Revlon Quilted Slanted Tip ones. I’ve found that cheaper brands like Revlon and Sally Hansen have performed better than Tweezerman. So, I was at the drugstore and I saw the Revlon’s Men’s Tweezers on sale for about $20 (it came with a dual-ended nail clipper, nail file and a little case). The Men’s tweezers are $10.49 on their own while the Women’s are $17.49. So, I wanted to know if there is a huge difference in the performance. I know that men’s hair is coarser, so are the tweezers made to cater to that? Here are my findings:
They are shaped and look exactly the same from a distance. Upon closer inspection, the women’s tweezers are slanted a little more and the tips are just a little skinnier than the men’s.
I asked my mom to do a blind test and tell me which she likes better. She chose the Women’s saying that it plucked the hair better and she also noticed that the women’s are ‘spring-ier’ when you squeeze them. I tested them out and did notice a very slight difference in the tension. I have been using the men’s tweezers for a while and I do notice that sometimes it breaks the hair instead of plucking it out. It’s fine for my eyebrow hairs because those are obviously thicker than my mustache hairs.
I’d just like to mention that the minor design differences (slant, thickness of the tips and ‘spring-y-ness’) could be intentional or maybe it’s because they were made at difference places or times and it’s a design flaw. For all we know, they could just be making them in the same place and labelling one as Revlon Men’s Series and the other Women’s and charging them different prices because women’s products are always more expensive. And the very minor differences in the designs is just a fluke.
So, to sum up, that extra $7 does make a slight difference, but the men’s tweezers will do the job if you want to save the money.
I have another brow pencil comparison review for you! I have previously compared the Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil Ultra Fine Shape & Define with the NYX Micro Brow Pencil. Check it out below:
Today, I’m comparing the Benefit Precisely, My Brow with the Lancôme Brow Shaping Powdery Pencil.
Benefit, Precisely, My Brow Pencil Ultra Fine Shape & Define in 6
Available in 8 shades, twist-up & retractable pencil with a spoolie on the other end (mini doesn’t come with a spoolie).
This ultra-fine eyebrow pencil draws incredibly natural-looking, hair-like strokes that last 12 budge-proof hours.* A few strokes of the rich yet blendable colour will transform brows from shapeless & undefined to filled & defined eyebrows.
Lancôme Brow Shaping Powdery Pencil in 09 Soft Black
Available in 9 shades, needs to be sharpened & comes with a spoolie.
A powder pencil that softly fills in and defines brows with quick, easy strokes, and features a spoolie brush at the other end to help create a neatly-shaped, natural finish.
As the name suggests, this pencil is like a powder. It’s not waxy, it’s very much the same feel of the Benefit pencil, but your brows are filled in more because it mimics the look of using a powder.
The two shades (6 for Benefit and 09 Soft Black for Lancôme) are very close. It may not look like it in the picture, but when you just do a hair stroke, they look very similar. The Benefit one might be just a tad cooler (it might match 10 Black in the Lancôme). Both brow pencils are the same price at $32 CAD, but the Benefit one is probably a better value since you don’t have to sharpen it. I feel like you’ll lose a good amount of the Lancôme pencil when you sharpen it.
I have to say that the Lancôme’s spoolie is fatter, but it’s also firmer. Personally, I prefer the Benefit spoolie. The Benefit one is also easier to travel with since you don’t need to carry a sharpener.
WINNER (if you like the filled in look while still being natural): Lancôme Brow Shaping Powdery Pencil
WINNER (if you prefer hair-like strokes): Benefit Precisely, My Brow
I think it really depends on what you want. While the Lancôme pencil does fill in your brows, it still looks very natural and it’s easy to comb out if you make a mistake. For me, I don’t like brow pomade because it just scares me, but this is a good alternative for a starter. If you like powders, you might want to consider this pencil because it can fill in like a powder, but you get more precision with the pencil tip.
The first time I used the Lancôme pencil, my brows looked the best they’ve ever looked! A clear brow gel looks great with it because it already fills in the brows really well. With the Benefit pencil, it’s more precise so it’s useful for filling in gaps. The Benefit pencil can fill in your brows, but it just takes more time to do it since the pencil is so thin. Sometimes I go a bit overboard and my brows are just way too dark. I think I need to get a lighter shade in the Benefit one (especially if I were to use it on the head of the brow).
I know Lancôme has a Brow Define Pencil that’s similar to the Benefit one; it’s retractable and has a spoolie. I wonder how that one compares.
I would definitely repurchase both, but if you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know that I have #NoRepurchaseRule this year. Brow products take me a long time to finish, so I will probably just keep trying out different brow pencils until I’ve tried as many as possible. If you can believe it, I still haven’t tried the Anastasia brow products. I think those are next on the list!
Today, I’m doing another comparison post on lip scrubs (see the first here). I’m comparing lip scrubs again. This time, it’s elf Lip Exfoliator against the Tarte lip Facial Lip Scrub.
elf Lip Exfoliator in Mint Maniac
Gently exfoliate lips to remove dry, chapped skin with our Lip Exfoliator! A sweet sugar and smoothing sensation, infused with Vitamin E, Shea Butter, Avocado, Grape and Jojoba Oils to nourish and protect. This Lip Exfoliator treats and smoothes lips for a conditioned and revitalized feel.
Tarte lip Facial Lip Scrub
Pamper & perfect your pout with this at-home lippie facial that exfoliates & treats dry, cracked lips & provides instant hydration, all in one easy-to-use pencil. The 2-in-1 lip scrub sloughs away dead surface cells, allowing moisturizing ingredients to penetrate deeply thanks to micro-fine sugar granules suspended in a conditioning treatment balm. The raw sugar acts as a natural exfoliator, gently rolling over surface imperfections to polish & improve lip texture.
This felt so rough, my lips did not like this one. I tested it out by swatching on my hand to see if it was just in my head, but it actually made my hand red from applying it on my hand (not wiping it off). I would rather make my own sugar lip scrub than by this. Thank goodness I got this for free.
WINNER: elf Lip Exfoliator
Again, the elf one wins because it’s just so affordable and the Tarte one just felt so rough and abrasive on the lips.
Do you use brow gel in your brow routine? I’ve tried a few different ones: clear and tinted. I prefer a tinted brow gel because I find that the clear ones I’ve tried make my brows look glossy/shiny in the sunlight? Plus, tinted brow gels give a more natural, filled in look (especially if they have fibers) whereas the clear gels sort of separate my brows and tend to wipe off the brow pencil I used beforehand.
Benefit Ready, Set, Brow Deluxe Sample of the 24 Hr Brow Setter Shaping & Setting Gel
An invisible brow gel that shapes, sets, and locks in brow color for 24 hours. Hold eyebrows in place and keep them perfectly polished all day with this clear setting gel. The custom brush features long bristles that evenly coat brow hairs from root to tip and short bristles to sculpt and shape hairs into place. The flexible, flake-free and quick to dry formula applies easily to brows and locks on makeup for 24 hours.
Diorshow Bold Brow in 002 Dark
Update: They no longer sell this and they’ve replaced it with another brow gel.
A brow mascara to achieve lush, full, and groomed brows immediately. Quickly and easily create a natural brow look that highlights lids and emphasizes the eyes. The formula coats each hair for a strengthening effect, and the mousse-serum format is enriched with microfibers to coat skin and brows for an instant, lush look. The natural shades match any skin tone: Light, Medium, or Dark, while the micro-brush coats each fiber for fuller, perfectly shaped brows.
I think clear brow gels are great if you just want a 1 step routine and you already have great brows. If you’re someone who has gaps in your brows, then a tinted gel with fibers is really useful.
I love the Benefit Gimme Brow and the Diorshow Bold Brow gels. I bought the Dior one because it has a little more product in it than the Gimme Brow, but sometimes the shade looks a bit gray-brown. The Gimme Brow expanded their shade range and they have a darker shade that would match my dark brows. Next time, I think I will try the Anastasia and Hourglass ones. I know Essence has one for a fraction of the price, but I feel like the darkest shade will be too light for me. I know Glossier Boy Brow is a fave for many people, so I might give that one a try at some point. Since brow gel is okay to keep longer than mascara (because it doesn’t go close to your eyes), I don’t mind a high end one.
WINNER: TIE!
After trying the Colourpop Boss Brow Clear Gel, I’ve changed my mind. Initially, I chose tinted brow gels, but now I love clear gels.
Between the Diorshow Bold Brow and the Benefit one though, I prefer the Diorshow Bold Brow.
I compared two mascaras: CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara and the Maybelline Lash Sensational Full Fan Effect Mascara.
I really love them both because they look very natural, but they also darken my lashes! I will put up my review at the end of the day, but right after applying them, both eyes looked very similar- curled, lengthened and no clumps. I applied some on my lower lashes and both look very natural and not spidery.
You can check out my full reviews on both mascaras by clicking the links below:
Get a blast of lush, volumized lashes! LashBlast’s patented volume-boosting formula and patent-pending brush are designed to max-out each and every lash, leaving you with the ultimate big lash look. Instant volume and fullness. Smudge and wear-proof. Hypoallergenic and suitable for contact lens wearers.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara
Lash Sensational Mascara from Maybelline is the first patented fanning brush with 10 layers of bristles to reveal a full flourish of lashes. Liquid Ink formula coats from all sides for a sensational full fan effect.
WINNER: Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara
The Maybelline Mascara did a better job at keeping my lashes curled – especially because the wand is curled. Between the two, I think the CoverGirl is great for day time and the Maybelline for night time since it made my lashes look a bit darker and thicker.
Today, I’m comparing two different types and also two different brands of body scrubs. There are a few different types: sugar, coffee, salt, herbal, etc. I’m comparing sugar scrubs with a fruit scrub (this isn’t what it’s called, but since it’s made of fruit and uses orange peel and corncob granules, I’m going to call it a fruit scrub).
I haven’t tried coffee, salt or herbal scrubs. I did try a DIY coffee scrub, but I don’t think I did it right and it got SOOO messy. I think any coffee scrub is going to be really messy and I don’t think I’ll like it for that reason.
The Body Shop Pink Grapefruit Exfoliating Gel Body Scrub – I thought this was the old formula that they used to have (the sugar scrub). So, it was a surprise to find that it was a gel-based scrub.
Revitalize and soften your skin using an invigorating, gel-based scrub with gently exfoliating orange peel and corncob granules. Pink grapefruit seed oil provides essential fatty acids to repair skin’s moisture barrier, so it feels smooth and supple. Community Trade organic honey moisturizes and conditions skin.
BCL SPA Lavender + Mint Sugar Scrub – I won this in a giveaway, so I don’t know how easy it is to get this in the US. It looks like it’s a bit harder to get in Canada (or it’s really expensive on Amazon) because it’s for professionals only/wholesale. I really love it though.
Natural sugar suspended in certified organic oils create the base of our luxurious scrub for hands, feet and body. The sugar works to exfoliate dead cells from the skin, while our blend of precious Argan, Olive, Jojoba and Spearmint oils leave you velvety soft and glowing.
WINNER (Type): Sugar scrubs
WINNER (Brand): BCL SPA Lavender + Mint Sugar Scrub
I chose the BCL SPA sugar scrub because I just love how smooth my skin feels and I absolutely love the smell of the lavender and mint. I chose the sugar scrub as the winner because it doesn’t leave anything behind. If you have a warm bath/shower, the sugar easily dissolves. On the other hand, I don’t like the Pink Grapefruit one because the corncob granules are left behind in the shower. They still go down the drain, but I’m worried that it will help clog the pipes faster especially if hair is already stuck in there. Also, since sugar scrubs are thicker, I feel like I use the right amount needed, whereas with the fruit scrub, I scoop out too much. The pink grapefruit does have a nice refreshing scent, but since I take showers/baths at night, I want something more relaxing and calming instead of ‘WAKE UP!’
I think I will try making a DIY sugar scrub once I’ve finished these two body scrubs.
Last month, I received the Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil from Topbox Circle. I thought I would compare it to my fave, the NYX Micro Brow Pencil. Keep reading to find out which one I prefer!
NYX Micro Brow Pencil in Black (brown-black)
Available in 8 shades, twist-up & retractable pencil with a spoolie on the other end.
Build full beautiful brows with our ultra-thin Micro Brow Pencil. So precise it coats even the finest hairs with color for a natural-looking finish.
In the picture, I don’t have a cap on the spoolie, but it does come with a cap.
Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil Ultra Fine Shape & Define in 6 (cool soft black)
Available in 8 shades, twist-up & retractable pencil with a spoolie on the other end (mini doesn’t come with a spoolie).
This ultra-fine eyebrow pencil draws incredibly natural-looking, hair-like strokes that last 12 budge-proof hours.* A few strokes of the rich yet blendable colour will transform brows from shapeless & undefined to filled & defined eyebrows.
Top is the NYX Micro Brow Pencil (you can tell it’s slightly more brown).
I have the darkest shade for both pencils and the NYX pencil looks darker and more brown while the Benefit pencil is more gray-black.
For both pencils, they are available in 8 shades. No need for a sharpener, you twist it up and you can retract if you need to. They both come with spoolies on the other end (although the Benefit mini size doesn’t have a spoolie).
WINNER: Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil
It was a very close competition, but I have to give the win to Benefit. They are known for their brow products and they just came out with more shades for each of them!
My brows are black (and my hair has grown out since I last dyed it), so when I use a brow product that has brown, it looks like I’ve obviously filled them in with a pencil. The Precisely, My Brow looks more gray and looks more natural on me. My brow pencils last a long time because I’m fairly low maintenance when it comes to brows. I only fill in the gaps and nowhere else and then I’ll go in with a brow gel to keep them in place. So, for me, I’m okay with spending a bit more on brow products because they last so long.
If you don’t want to spend $30 on a brow product, then NYX is a great alternative, but I personally think the Benefit pencil works better for my brows because it’s not as harsh-looking. I think the NYX pencils cater more to blondes and brunettes whereas the Benefit ones just came out with more shades and they have the different undertones (warm, neutral and cool). I haven’t tried the Anastasia Brow Wiz, but I’m interested to see if it’s better than or performs the same as the Precisely, My Brow. Once I finish some of my current brow products, I will probably pick up a Brow Wiz pencil to compare (especially since it’s cheaper and you get a little more product).
I have a new review up! I compared the Benefit Precisely, My Brow with the Lancôme Brow Shaping Powdery Pencil (click here)!
Today, I’m comparing Lip Scrubs: elf vs. Milani. I received the elf lip exfoliator from Topbox Circle and I purchased the Milani scrub in a haul last year. Both have sugar granules that help to exfoliate. The elf one is packaged like a bullet lipstick and the Milani one comes in a jar.
elf Lip Exfoliator in Mint Maniac
Gently exfoliate lips to remove dry, chapped skin with our Lip Exfoliator! A sweet sugar and smoothing sensation, infused with Vitamin E, Shea Butter, Avocado, Grape and Jojoba Oils to nourish and protect. This Lip Exfoliator treats and smoothes lips for a conditioned and revitalized feel.
This exfoliator comes in different ‘flavours,’ I received Mint Maniac, but they also have Brown Sugar, Sweet Cherry, Coconut, Pink Grapefruit and Rose. I think I would’ve chosen the mint one anyway. I might’ve considered brown sugar, but to be honest, it looks kind of gross since it has specks of the brown sugar.
Since the instructions say to use on moist lips, I prefer to use my finger to get some of the scrub and then use my finger to exfoliate instead using the tube. I think using my finger is a little more hygienic especially because my lips are a wet. After exfoliating, I can feel the slight tingle from the mint.
Milani Keep It Sweet Sugar Lip Scrub
Smoothes and exfoliates lips for an instant polished and revitalized look. Natural sugar granules soften skin with a kiss of sweetness, leaving lips feeling nourished and prepped for color. Use 2-3 times per week and follow with Keep It Smooth Luxe Lip Treatment for the ultimate lip luxury experience.
Since this scrub comes in a pot, it’s a bit chunkier and the consistency is like a body sugar scrub. It has a sweet scent that’s not too overpowering.
WINNER: elf Lip Exfoliator
For the Milani scrub, my fingers feel greasy after using it- I guess it’s to help moisturize the lips after, but I don’t like the feeling. Personally, I think I prefer the elf one because of the way it’s packaged. Also, I felt like the elf one did a better job at sloughing off the dry skin and it feels gentler (the Milani lip scrub is more chunky and messier).
Today, I’m comparing Acne patches! COSRX vs. Nexcare! I love the COSRX patches (read my review) and I thought that I should try another brand to see if they all perform the same. So, keep reading if you want to find out which one I like better!
Don’t worry! No gross pictures showing used pimple patches. You’ll just have to trust me on the fact that they both work! 😉
COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches
The thin clear hydrocolloid patch feels similar to a hydrogel sheet mask in texture, adhering your skin strongly. It’ll stay on through showering and washing! It treats breakouts by eliminating infection and bacteria, which is what causes them in the first place. It’s able to breakdown debris from blackheads and absorb gunk from whiteheads overnight, so you won’t experience a harsh dry patch from using this. It even helps flatten and heal cystic acne faster!
24 patches per pack (3 sizes):
10 x 7mm
5 x 10mm
9 x 12mm
Nexcare Acne Absorbing Covers (2 sizes)
Works like a sponge to absorb pus and oil
Visibly indicates that it is working
Acts as a protective cover, reducing the urge to squeeze
Drug-free, non-drying
36 patches per pack:
24 x 8mm
12 x 12mm
72 patches per pack:
48 x 8mm
24 x 12mm
COSRX (left), Nexcare (right)
The Nexcare patches have a kind of plastic bandaid-y smell and they are also a bit tacky on top of the patch too. The COSRX ones have no smell and are not sticky on top. Both patches are the same thickness (from what I can see) and I think the Nexcare ones are slightly more yellow. When I have them on, you can see that I’m wearing it, but when I have the COSRX ones, you need to get closer to see that I’m wearing a patch.
I like that the Nexcare covers are packaged on a clear sheet so it’s easier to see how many you have left. I also like that they are sandwiched between two clear sheets. They are stuck to one and the other is to cover them. For the COSRX patches, they are packaged on a white sheet, so it’s harder to see them sometimes.
For both patches, it says you can wear them under makeup. Since they are thicker though, the makeup would collect around the patches and emphasized the patch more. You have to make sure to carefully blend out around it if you want to wear makeup on top. I choose not to wear patches when I wear makeup. I tend not to wear pimple patches outdoors unless it’s in a spot that’s hard to see.
WINNER: COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches
I used the acne patches overnight and the Nexcare ones came off in my hair two times. The COSRX ones are also cheaper (even when you get less per package) for Canadians if you’re buying online. The Nexcare ones were about $10-12 while the COSRX ones are $4.50 on chuusi.ca and if you bought two, you’d get more patches.
The COSRX ones have 3 sizes whereas the Nexcare patches have 2 sizes. I usually have larger blemishes so the small COSRX patches are often leftover until I have a small enough pimple to use it. They also have more of the small size in a pack unfortunately.
I’ve compared the COSRX patches with Rael Miracle Patches (read it here).
I’ve also written a This or That comparing a few different brands (read it here).
Have you tried acne patches? What’s your fave brand?
Recently, I was watching a Kathleen Lights video and she said how good the Maybelline Color Tattoo Cream Shadow was, so I thought I’d give it a try. Then, about a day later, I saw an IG pic by editionalbeauty (check out her blog) of her collection of Revlon ColorStay cream shadows. I thought, “I wonder how the two drugstore brands compare!” So, I grabbed the Revlon cream shadow in a shade as similar as the nude/gold one I picked up by Maybelline. The shades aren’t the same, but I am comparing the two shadows for their longevity and quality. Since I chose lighter shades, I can’t say if the pigmentation for the darker ones are different.
Maybelline Eyestudio Color Tattoo Metal 24hr Cream Gel Eye Shadow in Barely Branded
Dare to get inked! Our ink technology creates super-saturated colour. Cream gel smooths on for vibrant colour that lasts for 24-hours. Ophthalmologist tested. Dermatologist tested. Allergy tested. Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
Step 1. Using fingertips, apply eye shadow from the inner corner and work outwards. Step 2. For added drama, reapply to darken.
Revlon ColorStay Crème Eye Shadow in Crème Brûlée 705 – It comes with a brush that slides into the cap. I thought the brush was useless, the pigmentation was better when I used my finger to apply the shadow.
Introducing 6 new highly-pigmented bold shades with finishes ranging from matte to shimmer. Luxurious, longwear crème eye shadow with a pro-inspired built-in-brush designed for easy, mess free application. Wears up to 24 hours & waterproof.
Maybelline (left), Revlon
When dipping your finger into the pot, don’t press too hard. I found the best way was to lightly swirl my finger in the pot so that I didn’t get clumps of the shadow on my finger.
I did a few different wear tests to see how they performed:
TEST #1- no eyeshadow primer, no shadow
I wanted to test the longevity of both products without any primer and no shadows on top. By the 2nd hour, both were starting to crease near the inner corner of my eye.
TEST #2- with eyeshadow primer, and eyeshadow on top (half of lid)
I used Etude House Proof 10 Eyeshadow Primer and then I used a light brown shade to smoke out the outer corner. Both shadows creased by the 5th or 6th hour, but they held up well until then.
TEST #3– using the cream shadow as a base
For the 3rd test, I basically did the same as test #2, but I also applied a shimmery rose gold shade on the lid.
Both shadows looked good as a shadow on their own and as a base for a shimmery powder shadow. I highly suggest eyeshadow primer when you use it though. It definitely extended the wear time and my lids don’t get super oily.
Maybelline (top), Revlon
The Revlon isn’t as pigmented after one swipe, but it is buildable. Both look good alone for a simple, shimmery lid. For me, I liked when I used the cream shadows all over the lid and then applied a brown shade on the outer corner and lower lashline to smoke it out.
Comparing the two shades I got, I think I like the Revlon one better because it’s more rose gold while the Maybelline is more yellow gold. Both are around the same price (around $10), but you get more in the Revlon pot (0.18oz/5.2g) than the Maybelline one (0.14oz/4g). Both come in shimmery and matte shades.
I don’t know if it’s just me, but I feel like the Revlon shadow is a bit more creamy. When I dip my finger into it, it feels a bit softer.
Both came off easily with my Garnier Micellar Water. There may be residual sparkles left, but the colour removes easily.
Revlon ekes out a victory here. Both perform really well, but I think I prefer Revlon because it blends more nicely for my monolids. Because it’s less pigmented, it looks more seamless when you blend it on the lid. Since I don’t have a crease, I don’t like when shimmery eyeshadows go too high on my lids (that’s just me though).
I’m back with another Dupe It Out. It’s been a while since I’ve done one. Today’s duel: Real Techniques vs. Sephora! Recently, I purchased a 4-pack of the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion sponges at Winners for $20. I was already using the Sephora Total Coverage Sponge, so I thought I would compare the two. I know Sephora wasn’t the first to come out with a beauty sponge and the Real Techniques one isn’t a dupe for it, but they’re both makeup sponges and they have similar textures and density.
Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge – If you pick up the sponge from the drugstore, this sponge could be $10 each, but if you pick it up at Winners, and get the 4-pack, it’s $5 each.
This versatile beauty tool was designed with a revolutionary foam technology to evenly blend makeup for a smooth, enhanced finish. Use damp for a dewy glow or dry for a full coverage.
rounded sides blend large areas of the face with a dabbing motion
precision tip covers blemishes and imperfections
flat edge for contouring around the eyes and nose
ideal for liquid foundation
latex-free
For best results, replace your makeup sponge every 1-3 months.
Sephora Total Coverage Sponge – I bought the sponge that comes with the bar soap. Before buying this one, I had only bought ones from Winners that are $4-6.
This sponge is specially designed to give makeup an expert boost. The wide base can cover the larger surfaces of the face, while the pointed tip is perfect for contouring around curves, and precision application around the nose, chin, and under the eyes. This sponge is intended to be used wet. The wetter the sponge, the more sheer the coverage. It is formulated without natural latex.
Both have the same feel and density (how squishy they are when wet). I’ve used some sponges that are denser and basically bounce off your face because they’re so hard. Most sponges I’ve picked up at Winners have the same feel and density (if you want a cheaper version of the Sephora one).
I tested out both sponges with liquid and stick foundations and they both performed the same; blending the foundations beautifully. The only thing that sets them apart are the price, shape and size.
WINNER: Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge won for the following categories:
More budget-friendly
Faster blending because it’s bigger
Easier for baking because of the flat side
Better blending for stick foundations
WINNER: Sephora Total Coverage Sponge won for the following categories:
Easier to blend under eyes because tip is smaller
If I had to choose, Real Techniques would win. I can’t say if it would win against the beauty blender because I’ve never tried one (and I don’t really plan to spend $20+ on a sponge in the near future), but it wins in more categories than the Sephora sponge. If you like smaller sponges, I also saw another Real Techniques pack that had 2 of the regular orange ones, 3 mini ones and 1 pink one that’s shaped more like the Sephora one, but it also has a flat side too.
OVERALL WINNER: Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge
As you all know by now, I love Winners. I spotted the Pixi Nourishing Cleansing Balm and thought I’d give it a try. I already had the Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm, so I thought I’d compare the two.
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm – You massage this onto your dry face and wash off with warm water.
Lightweight makeup remover quickly dissolves tenacious eye and face makeups, sunscreens. Transforms from a solid balm into a silky oil upon application. Cleans thoroughly, rinses off completely. Gently helps remove the stress of pollution so skin looks younger, longer. Non-greasy. Non-drying.
Pixi Nourishing Cleansing Balm – Like the Clinique balm, you apply it to a dry face, but you have to use a damp wash cloth to remove it. I tried washing it off with just water, but you need the face cloth to wipe off the balm or else it will just feel greasy and you’ll never get it off.
A gentle cleansing balm that removes all traces of makeup as it nourishes, leaving skin silky-soft.
WINNER: Clinique’s Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Originally, I thought the Clinique one was more expensive, but there’s actually more in the jar than the Pixi one (according to the Sephora website) and it worked out to be cheaper. But, then I was on the Clinique site and the amount in the jar was different- I would assume Clinique’s is more accurate which makes the Clinique one a little more expensive per mL. Either way, Clinique wins in my book. I like it better because you don’t need a damp wash cloth to wipe it off and it rinses off easily with water. I also don’t love the smell of the Pixi one- it has sweet almond oil in it.
Today, I’m comparing two peeling gels that are mild exfoliants. Unlike my previous This or That post on exfoliating scrubs, these are gentler. The Tarte Frxxxtion Stick and Pixi Peel & Polish both have more gritty textures. The Soo’Ae gel is similar to the Peel & Polish, but it’s not as gritty and it smells nicer. The Face Shop’s peeling gel doesn’t feel gritty at all and it’s thicker and more like a jelly.
Soo’Ae Canada Purifying Brightening Peeling Gel
A super gentle and nutrient infused defoliator mild enough for even delicate skin types.
The Face Shop Smart Peeling Mild Papaya
An exfoliator with natural papaya enzymes and hyaluronic acid that smoothes and enriches skin with moisture.
Soo’Ae gel is on the left in both pics and The Face Shop peeling gel on the right. The Face Shop gel is more like a jelly and it’s a bit messier.
Since these are so gentle, sometimes I use these peeling gels on the underarms too.
WINNER: Soo’Ae Canada’s Purifying Brightening Peeling Gel
I have to give the win to the purifying brightening peeling gel because it’s gentle, but it’s not as gloopy as The Face Shop’s. I actually think I prefer the Soo’Ae peeling gel to the Pixi Peel & Polish because it’s less expensive and smells nicer.
Have you tried peeling gels or exfoliants? What are your faves?
