– Page 12 of 27 – JENNIFER CATHERINE

First Impressions with Woodlot

April 23, 2019

Hi Everyone!

Update: Sadly, the brand closed its doors.

Today, I have a first impressions review for Woodlot products. It’s a Canadian brand that was founded in 2014. They generously sent me three products from their collection: two soaps and a body lotion.

Natural Recharge Soap

A simple antidote to stress and fatigue. Soothing aromas of rosemary + peppermint.

Ingredients: Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil, Sodium Hydroxide (Lye), Shea Butter, Cocoa Seed Butter, Peppermint Essential Oil + Rosemary Essential Oil

This one smells really nice. I love the peppermint in it.

Natural Wildwoods Soap

Embrace the power of detoxifying bamboo charcoal. Blended with nourishing butters, soothing balsam oil, crisp fir oil, and warming clove oil, this cleansing bar is brimming with benefits.

Ingredients: Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil, Sodium Hydroxide (Lye), Shea Butter, Cocoa Seed Butter, Activated Bamboo Charcoal, Balsam Essential Oil, Fir Essential Oil, Clove Essential Oil

This one has a nice scent as well, but products with trees tend to smell more manly to me. The one thing I don’t love about this one is the activated charcoal. While it’s great that it detoxifies, it can get quite messy with the charcoal bleeding when it gets wet.

RATING: 4/5

While these are nice soaps, $10 is a bit expensive for one bar.

Amour Nourishing Body Lotion

Scents of floral palmarosa, fragrant rose damask, and spicy black pepper oil make this nourishing and lightweight lotion a romantic treat for your skin.

Ingredients: Purified water, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil**, Ecomulse, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Coconut derived MCT Oil, Neodefend (botanical preservative), Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Cymbopogon martini (Palmarosa) Essential Oil, Rosa damascena (Rose Damask) Essential Oil, Piper nigrum (Black Pepper) Essential Oil, Sodium Hydroxide (ph adjuster). **Organic ingredient

This lotion made my hands feel very soft, but the black pepper is a little overwhelming for me. I don’t usually use scented lotions because I have sensitive skin and a sensitive nose. I get headaches from scented products easily.

RATING: 3/5

My favourite of the three is the Recharge soap. It smells so good (and I don’t usually like Rosemary), but the mint makes it refreshing.

They gave me a discount code. Use the code JENCAT-XO at checkout to get 15% off!

Have you heard of Woodlot?

Love,

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This or That | COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches vs. Rael Miracle Patches

April 19, 2019
Hi Everyone!

I’ve tried out the Rael Hydrocolloid Acne Healing Patches (name has been changed to Miracle Patches) and compared it to my beloved COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches (read my review) and here are my thoughts:

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
The COSRX are the first patches I tried and I’ve compared them to the Nexcare ones which I didn’t like (read my review). I buy the COSRX patches on Chuusi.ca for $4.50 each.

Rael Miracle Patches

Our high-grade absorbent hydrocolloid extracts impurities and provides a protective barrier that guards your skin from bacteria and irritants. These super-effective patches reduce inflammation and also prevent potential acne scarring.

24 patches per pack (2 sizes):
- 12 x 10mm
- 12 x 12mm
I bought these on Amazon.ca and got 4 packages for $24.46 which means 1 pack is $6.12

The Rael ones remind me of the COSRX Clear Fit Master Patches (read my review) because they are tapered on the edges, but the COSRX Clear Fit only comes with 18 patches in 10mm size.

Rael costs a little more, but they are better if you are wearing them out of the house. COSRX are cheaper, but they’re a little more noticeable (especially if it’s somewhere obvious like your cheek). COSRX comes with 10 of the small sized patches and I mostly use the medium and large patches. Sometimes when I peel off the COSRX ones, it folds over onto itself (like when you’re opening a bandaid and it sticks to itself and you can’t unstick it). The Rael (and the COSRX Clear Fit) patches are easier to peel off because the sheets are perforated.

Cosrx (white sheet), Rael (clear sheets)

Rael patches

WINNER: It’s a tie!

I think that since the COSRX ones aren’t tapered, they can absorb more. From now on, I will buy both and use the Rael ones if I need to wear one out of the house and use the COSRX for home.

UPDATE: I’ve started to love the Rael patches more because I get pimples on my face where there’s curves (nose, jaw, chin). It’s easier for the Rael ones to stick since they’re thinner. I have noticed that if you wear the Rael ones for too long and there’s a lot of stuff to absorb, they will get gummy (for lack of a better word). The COSRX ones, since they’re thicker, they don’t get gummy.

Have you tried acne patches? What’s your fave brand?

Love,
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Review | Freon Collective Reusable Cotton Rounds

April 16, 2019

Hi Everyone!

Thank you to Freon Collective for these reusable 100% organic cotton rounds!

I wanted to find a more eco-friendly alternative to cotton rounds like the Shiseido and Quo ones because let’s face it, those aren’t cheap! Having reusable cotton rounds will be so much more affordable and eco-friendly.

These 100% organic cotton rounds come in sets of 15 and there are 9 different designs. I chose the Grey Marble ones. They come in a mesh bag so you can throw it into the laundry without losing any of them.

They do absorb a little bit more liquid than regular cotton pads and they aren’t quite as soft either, but they are still gentle. After using half of them, I’ll throw the used ones into the laundry so that I have enough to last a few days while the used ones are washed and air-dried.

RATING: 4/5

I still have quite a few packages of one-use cotton rounds in my drawers so I will finish those and then move to the reusable ones. I think I will use my makeup eraser cloths to remove makeup and use these for toners and other skincare products because I don’t want them to get dirty too quickly.

If you want to make the move to be more eco-friendly, they generously gave me a discount code to share with you guys! It’s not an affiliate code, just a 10% discount for my lovely followers! Use the code JEN10 at checkout!

Love,

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First Impressions with LKins SkinCare

April 12, 2019
Hi Everyone!

I was contacted by Eileen from LKins SkinCare and very generously sent three products to review.

After purchasing products from local stores and buying the most expensive products from high end department stores she wanted to create her own set of products that she would be proud to use and that would leave her skin hydrated and feeling youthful but most importantly be chemical free.

She has dry, pale and sensitive skin and realized her skin was changing even more like so many others at this age and she wanted to protect it as much as possible. Her products contain natural and organic ingredients such as: vitamin c, aloe, coconut and honey.

Vitamin C Eye Gel
- Helps revitalize, soothe and refresh the look of your eye area
- Helps diminish the appearance of dark circles and puffiness
- Is oil free and easy to apply
Ingredients: Glycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Ethoxydiglycol, Euphrasia Officinalis (Eyebright) Extract, Sodium PCA Ingredients: Deionized Water, Butylene Glycol, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Ethoxydiglycol, Hesperidin Methylchalcone, Steareth-20-Dipeptide-2, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbic Acid, Carbomer, Camelia Sinensis (Green Tea) Extract, Euphrasia Officinalis (Eyebright) Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Sodium PCA, Triethanolamine, Glycosaminoglycans, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Allantoin

*paraben free

This doesn’t have a strong smell, but it does have a familiar scent that I can’t quite put my finger on. Perhaps it has the same smell as another skincare product I’ve swatched at Sephora. It feels tacky after using, so I think I’d prefer to use this during the day.

RATING: 3.5/5

I like that it’s not strongly scented and comes with a pump instead of a pot like other eye creams, but I find that it’s not hydrating enough for my very dry under eyes.

Hydrating Toner

Rids the skin of impurities, dirt, and dulling dead cells. Revitalizes and soothes skin, leaving it silky smooth, satin-soft, and with a pleasant fresh feeling.

Ingredients: Glycerin, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Glycolic Acid Ingredients: Deionized Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Mentha Citrata (Bergamot) Leaf Extract , Disodium EDTA, Glycolic Acid

The toner is very gentle and works for my sensitive skin. It doesn’t have much of a scent which is nice. I don’t love the container it comes in because it’s a spray bottle which is kind of unusual for a toner. It kind of spurts out instead of sprays since it’s more viscous than a facial mist. I transferred it over to a glass bottle with a dropper which is working well for me.

RATING: 4/5

Coconut & Honey Aloe Cleanser

This wonderful cleanser is made with aloe and coconut oil and Manuka Honey. An opaque, light gel; it gently foams while it cleanses and moisturizes the skin.

Ingredients: Deionized Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Lauramide Diethanolamide, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbic Acid, Fragrance, Manuka Honey, Acrylates/C 10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sweet Almond Oil, Triethanolamine, Chamomile Extract, Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Rosemary Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate *paraben free

The Coconut & Honey Aloe Cleanser is very a gentle cleanser. My face doesn’t feel dry/stripped of its natural oils after using it. It has a very light scent (I mostly smell the almond, which isn’t a bad thing, I just don’t really smell the honey or coconut), but for a cleanser, that’s not a big deal for me since you wash your face and then rinse it off. It does have fragrance in it which I’m trying to get away from for my skincare products, but otherwise it’s a great product that works with my sensitive skin.

RATING: 3.5/5

Have you heard of Lkins Skincare?

Love,
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This or That | Banila Co. Clean It Zero vs. Heimish All Clean Balm

April 9, 2019
Hi Everyone!

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?

Love,
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Maybelline | My Hits & Misses

April 5, 2019

Hi Everyone!

So, here are my Hits and Misses from Maybelline.

Check out my other Hits & Misses posts!

MAKEUP || Primers | Foundations | Powders | Concealers | Brows | Mascara

SKINCARE || Eye Creams

BRANDS || Bobbi Brown | Burt’s Bees | L’Oréal | Nude by Nature | NYX | TULA | Volition Beauty

Before you read this post, please remember that we all have difference preferences and skin types. These are MY hits, misses and likes. You might love something I don’t like or dislike something I love.

Surprisingly, I haven’t tried a whole bunch of products from Maybelline even though it’s an affordable drugstore brand. I think I have a lot of difficulty finding my shade match with their complexion products. I haven’t tried any of their blushes or eyeshadow palettes and only tried one lipstick so far, but here’s my list:

HITS

Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser Treatment Concealer – This is a great concealer for me, I love how natural it looks. The shade Light might be a bit too light, I’ve gotten a recommendation to try the Neutralizer, so I might try that.

Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder – I love this powder, but the shade 15 Light is a bit pink on me. Maybe it will be better during the summer time.

Fit Me Concealer in 10 Light – Great drugstore concealer!

Fit Me Shine-Free + Balance Stick Foundation in 130 Buff Beige (read my review) – I actually really loved this, even in the summer time. I don’t think it’s available any more though.

Face Studio Master Chrome Highlighter – I love this highlighter, although for me, 100 Molten Gold is a bit too coppery gold for my skintone, but I would definitely repurchase in a different shade.

Color Show Kohl Liner – I loved the nude shade they used to have in this, but they don’t have it anymore. I used to put it on my lower waterline and it would instantly brighten my eyes.

Lash Sensational Full Fan Effect Mascara Washable (read my review) – This is a great mascara, I definitely want to try the waterproof to see if it holds a curl better

Great Lash Mascara (Black or Clear) – This is a classic. The clear one is great for using as brow gel too.

Volum’ Express The Falsies Big Eyes – From what I remember, this is a great mascara.

Volum’ Express The Falsies Mascara – Loved this mascara, need to try it again at some point to compare it to others.

SuperStay 24 Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in 65 Seductress – A Toronto makeup artist posted a pic of her bride and I commented on it saying her lip colour was beautiful, she replied back saying it was this liquid lipstick mixed with a lipliner and gloss. I see why everyone loves this liquid lippie! I’m not one for matte lipsticks, but this one is super long-wearing and you can top with a gloss in the middle to give that 3D effect.

LIKES

Hydrate & Smooth Fit Me Foundation – The shade I chose in this isn’t right, so that’s probably why I didn’t love it. It was way too orange. I also don’t love that this has no pump.

Matte & Poreless Fit Me Foundation – Same deal as the Hydrate & Smooth one.

Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Eye Shadow in Barely Branded – I am still debating whether I like cream shadows. I think I prefer sticks when it has shimmer. So, I might like one that’s matte.

Total Temptation Washable Volumizing Mascara – This is one mascara that I’m not crazy about. It’s okay, but I prefer the others.

Master Precise Curvy Liquid Liner (read my review) – This doesn’t have a really precise tip and it’s not super black, so if that’s what you’re looking for, skip this one.

MISSES

Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser – I didn’t like the silicone feel of this.

Master Prime Blur + Redness Control Primer – This didn’t do anything to correct my redness.

Eye Studio Brow Precise Pencil – I didn’t like the waxy feel of this pencil.

Color Show Nail Lacquer – I prefer a fat brush, this has a round skinny brush. For me, I prefer fat because it’s less likely to be streaky since I’m no expert at applying nail polish.

There’s a few products that I tried a long long time ago before I knew a lot about makeup…before using primer. So, here’s what I remember about them:

Baby Lips Lip Balm – I think it was okay, it wasn’t anything special.

SuperStay Better Skin Foundation – I used this a while back before I knew I was supposed to use primer. I don’t even know if I used to use a damp sponge when applying this. The shade I got was way off. I remember it being okay, but I’m not curious enough to to try it out again.

SuperStay Better Skin Concealer + Corrector – I remember it being pretty good, but didn’t love the chemical smell of it (Fit Me doesn’t have that smell). I don’t think the shade was right either.

What are your faves from Maybelline?

Love,

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REVIEW | Oceà Natural Skincare Ocean Mineral Complex Masque

April 2, 2019

Hi Everyone!

Today, I have a review for a clay masque. I was generously sent the Ocean Mineral Complex Masque by Oceà Natural Skincare.

At Oceà we have one very simple goal: to shift the skin care industry to natural, safe, and effective ingredients that eliminate the need for harsh chemicals.

The masque comes in a glass pot and the masque itself has a whipped texture. It doesn’t have much of a smell, if anything it smells faintly of clay.

Deeply healing clays of Kaolin are infused with detoxifying ocean minerals to naturally clarify and exfoliate your skin.

Seaweed, Kelp, Irish Moss and Spirulina naturally restore your skin’s firmness and elasticity.

Safflower, Sweet Almond, Rice Brand and Grapeseed oils then provide the deep hydration your skin deserves!

This natural and organic product is gentle enough for all skin types and can be used several times per week.

RATING: 3/5

Since I have dry skin, I liked that this clay masque didn’t make my face feel dry after. My face felt nice and soft after using it, but I don’t know if it did anything to be honest. It didn’t exfoliate or bring out impurities like some clay masks I’ve tried. I like that it comes in a glass jar so I can re-use it after I finish the masque.

Love,

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March 2019 Product Empties

March 29, 2019

Hi Everyone!

I finished quite a few things this month (including some products from my Project Pan) and also retired a few eye/brow products. Keep reading to see what I would repurchase!

Tula Hydrating Day & Night Cream (travel size) – This is a great cream. It doesn’t feel oily or too heavy. I used it both AM & PM like the name suggests. I don’t love that it comes in a pot. I prefer squeeze tubes or pumps.

Repurchase? Probably not (because it’s in a pot).

Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly – I finally finished a huuuuge tub of Vaseline. I used it all over. I would put tons on my hands and feet before bed and wear cotton gloves and socks to bed.

Repurchase? Obviously. Doesn’t everyone always have some form of vaseline in their house? Whether it’s a huge tub or a squeeze tube.

KORAI Cloud Cleanser (read my review) – I enjoyed this cleanser, it has Black Soap, Shea Butter and it was very gentle.

Repurchase? Yes.

KORAI Amber Oil (read my review) – I also enjoyed the Amber Oil. It didn’t break me out and my skin felt very hydrated.

Repurchase? Yes.

Maybelline Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter in 100 Molten Gold – Beautiful highlighter, but not the best shade for my skin tone.

Repurchase? In a different shade, absolutely!

Physician’s Formula Butter Highlighter in Pink – Similar to the Maybelline Master Chrome, beautiful highlighter, but would get in a different shade since pink doesn’t look that natural as a highlight. It was nice as an eyeshadow though.

Repurchase? Maybe.

Picture was taken before I finished the Lancôme Skin Feels Good Foundation. I took the picture before cutting it open and scraping out the rest.

Ariul Glam Mood Maker Mist (read my review) – While this is a really cute, compact facial mist, I think it’s quite expensive for such a little amount. I kept it beside my computer and would spray my face when I needed a little refresh and I finished it fairly quickly.

Repurchase? Probably not.

Lancôme Skin Feels Good Skin Nourishing Foundation in 01N Nude Vanilla (read my review) – This is a great light coverage foundation. It’s hydrating and looks like skin, but the only thing I don’t like is the shade range! This shade is too light and the next shades up are too warm. I had to mix it a lot and lost a lot of product by doing that which is probably the reason I finished it so quickly.

Repurchase? When they have a shade that matches me better.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Full Fan Effect Mascara (read my review) – I liked this mascara, and I would consider trying the waterproof one because it might hold a curl better. I’m still on the hunt for my Holy Grail mascara, but it’s a great drugstore one. Maybelline has some of the best drugstore mascaras I’ve tried.

Repurchase? Yes.

Diorshow Bold Brow in 002 Dark – I love this brow gel, but the shade was just a little too gray for my liking. The currently have 3 shades in the Bold Brow.

Repurchase? Yes, when they have a darker shade.

Love,

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Dupe It Out | Quo Luxury Facial Cottons vs. Shiseido Facial Cottons

March 26, 2019

Hi Everyone!

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.

Love,

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Men’s vs. Women’s Tweezers | Is There Actually A Difference?

March 22, 2019

Hi Everyone!

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.

Love,

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First Impressions with No Pong All Natural Deodorant

March 19, 2019

Hi Everyone!

I was sent two deodorants from No Pong, an Australian brand. Here’s a little info from the website:

“pong” is an Australian/British term for an extremely strong, unpleasant smell.

No Pong is an extremely effective, All Natural Deodorant

Made from delicious, all natural ingredients, blended together to create a ridiculously effective, sweat resistant, all day deodorant that does exactly what it says on the tin!

Guaranteed to be 100% paraben, aluminium, cruelty and plastic free.

No Pong is simple to apply, just like a lotion or a sunscreen. Just take a dab on your fingertip, and apply to your armpit.

They currently sell two: one with baking soda and one without. I decided to try the low fragrance one without baking soda. The consistency is similar to a sunscreen; it’s thicker than a lotion, but not waxy like a balm. Based on how it looked before I touched it (like the top one in the picture), I thought it would feel more balmy, so I was surprised when it felt creamy.

It’s great that their deodorants have a gender-neutral scent. For me, I mostly smell the lemongrass which I’m not a huge fan of, but the deodorant works well and the scent is subtle enough that you can’t smell it (unless you apply too much). Obviously it’s not going to be like an anti-perspirant that will counteract sweat from a rigorous workout. But, I have sweated a little while wearing the deodorant and it help up well.

I noticed that when I accidentally used too much of it, I got that white residue under my arms (like when you wear anti-perspirant). You really only need a small amount.

RATING: 3.5/5

I like how compact it is and that there’s no aluminium, it’s affordable and there’s no added fragrance (only essential oil). I also like how there’s a no baking soda option because I have sensitive skin. I’m not a huge fan of the lemongrass scent and I don’t love that you need to use your finger to apply it. I always have to wash my hands after and before I apply it whereas a deodorant stick is easy to pop on without having the need to wash my hands before and after.

I’ve put the Original one into my 5K Instagram Giveaway because I already have another natural deodorant and didn’t want the ununsed one to go to waste before I got a chance to use it.

What’s your fave natural deodorant? Have you tried No Pong?

Love,

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Luxury Haul | March 2019 Giorgio Armani

March 15, 2019
Hi Everyone!

Giorgio Armani Beauty was having a 15% off sale and the Luminous Silk Powder Foundation was on my list of things to purchase from Sephora for my mom. I decided to take advantage of the sale to buy from Armani. I recently made my first purchase from Lancôme as well. I decided to spend $5 extra to get the gift box because who wouldn’t want to have a beautiful Giorgio Armani gift box? My plan is to eventually buy from the luxury brands that I want to try and also get their beautiful gift boxes.

The package arrived really quickly. I ordered it on the 12th and received it yesterday. I also love that they’re smart: they ship it in a regular brown box that doesn’t have any logos on it (so no one is going to know that it’s Armani and steal it). It was shipped from L’Oréal in Québec.

I ordered three products to make the order over $150:
- Fluid Sheer in #7 (I’ll write a review on it once I’ve tried it out)
- 2 Luminous Silk Powder Foundations in 5.5 for my mom
If you spent over $150, you got a little gift:
- Sì Eau de Parfum Mini
- Mini Rouge Ecstasy Lipstick in 400
This is a gorgeous red! My kind of red (blue-red) because I don’t like orange-red lipsticks on me.

The order also comes with 3 samples and I chose:
- Luminous Silk Foundation in 5.5
- Power Fabric Foundation in 3.5
- Luminessence CC Cream
What are your faves from Giorgio Armani Beauty?

Love,
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Haul | March 2019 Korean Skincare

March 15, 2019
Hi Everyone!

It’s been a while since I did a haul blog post and because I’ve been on a low buy, there’s been no reason to do one. I’ve almost run out of my current cleanser (KORAI Cloud Cleanser – read my review) and my COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches (read my review), so I decided to order a bunch of different ones to try. Hopefully, these will last a while because I bought so many. I purchased the products from Chuusi.ca (a Canadian online shop that sells Korean beauty and skincare). I’ve previously bought from them and they ship things out really quickly. Last time, I ordered and then received a notification 3 hours later. This time, it was the next day since I ordered on a weekend. I’m really excited to try the products I ordered:
- 3x COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches
- 2x Benton Goodbye Redness Centella Mask Pack
- Nature Republic Soothing & Moisture Aloe Vera Foam Cleanser
- COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
- Tosowoong Enzyme Powder Wash
- Heimish All Clean Balm
- Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm (Original)
- Mizon Apple Smoothie Peeling Gel
- NEOGEN Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling (Green Tea)
- Tony Moly Shiny Foot Super Peeling Liquid.
I’d love to try other acne patch brands. So far I’ve only tried COSRX and Nexcare ones (read my This or That post comparing them)

Update: Click here to read my review comparing the two cleansing balms.

Have you tried any of these products? What are your fave K-beauty products?

Love,
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Review | Ariul Beauty Mood Maker Masks & Mists

March 12, 2019

Hi Everyone!

I received some products from KOODING.com by Ariul Beauty. Today, I will be reviewing the Mood Maker products! They generously sent me the Chic, Glam and Cute sheet masks and mists.

All Ariul products, the Mood Maker Mist is formulated without artificial coloring, mineral oil, benzophenone, talc, or sulfates.

They have different ‘moods’ depending on what you want:

“Glam” is designed to vitalize the skin while protecting its natural moisture barrier.

“Chic” is designed to tighten pores, calm, and soothe the skin.

“Cute” is designed to give ultimate hydration while protecting your skin’s natural moisture barrier.

The sheet masks are fragranced, but it’s not too strong. They use the hydrogel material which I really like. There is a lot of essence in the masks which is great because it won’t dry out too fast when you’re wearing it.

These are quick, easy sheet masks that provide skin-loving benefits in only *5 minutes*! These are perfect right before events, parties, or just a good ol’ lazy day. The light-as-air Lyocell sheet allows for quick essence absorption, making these a breeze to use.

I liked the Cute masks because I have dry skin and I need some moisture. The Cute mask has hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and a proprietary berry complex that’s packed with vitamin C. After using the cute mask, my face looked brighter, felt smoother and refreshed.

RATING: 4/5

The masks are great. They have a lot more by Ariul beauty on the Kooding website.

Consider these your new secret weapon! These adorably packaged facial mists provide relief in just a few sprays and work perfectly in between skincare steps, as well as before and after makeup. Their compact size make them perfect for makeup bags, travel, and portability — hello, glow on-the-go!

How To Use: Spritz in between skincare steps or before or after makeup. Can be used daily.

Like the sheet masks, there are three different Mood Maker mists: Chic, Glam and Cute. Ariul also has 3 Jeju Lava Water Mists. The mists come in cute, compact packaging (like a card case) which makes it easy to pop into your bag. I’ve never seen facial mists come in this type of packaging, so they get points for being so innovative! They’re not scented which is great. You can use it like any other facial mist: apply before makeup, apply after makeup, refresh your face if it’s feeling dry, wet brushes to get more pigment out of your highlighter or eyeshadow.

RATING: 3/5

Love,

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First Impressions with Bali Body

March 8, 2019

Hi Everyone!

Today, I will be doing a first impressions review on some Bali Body products that I received from the brand. It’s an Australian brand…I think I’m getting contacted by Australian brands because I follow quite a few Australian beauty accounts on IG lol.

I love the pastel matte bottle for the bronzing lotion and the rose gold and champagne-y gold tubes of the BB Cream and Lip Balm are so pretty.

If you live in Canada like I do, it took exactly two weeks to arrive from their distribution centre in London.

Before I start the reviews, I’d like to mention that just because certain products don’t work for me, it doesn’t mean that they’re bad. I’m just very sensitive to certain scents (especially coconut) and these products all have a scent.

Coconut Lip Balm with SPF15

A Coconut Lip Balm with SPF15 to hydrate and plump the lips while providing long lasting protection.

This natural lip balm is packed with nourishing oils to smooth & repair dry & cracked lips day or night.

RATING: 3/5

I like that it comes in a squeezy tube with a plastic tip. As far as lip balms go, this is quite expensive when I’m used to buying Vaseline. This does feel very hydrating and makes your lips look very glossy, but not sticky. I would definitely throw this into my makeup bag to apply during the day. The coconut scent is a bit too strong for me to use at night time, but it’s okay during the day. I also don’t like the taste of it (not that I’m purposely eating it lol, but you know when you accidentally lick your lips or maybe you’re eating something and taste your lip balm).

BB Cream with SPF15

A multitasking beauty cream that combines hydrating skincare benefits to protect, correct and perfect the skin.

Treat your skin in one easy step with this light-weight ultra-hydrating BB cream that provides perfect natural coverage instantly, while giving a healthy dewy glow.

They have 4 shades: Fair, Natural, Tan and Dark

I received the shade Natural and after reading reviews, I was excited to try this BB Cream.

RATING: 2/5

I don’t have a lot of luck with BB Creams on their own. I need more coverage than what BB Creams offer because I have dark spots from acne. So, this isn’t the type of base product I’m looking for, but if you want a very light coverage with SPF, you’ll love this BB Cream.

Bronzing Lotion

This antioxidant-rich moisturiser will provide a hint of tint while smoothing the skin with Vitamin E and natural oils.

Enriched with organic caramel extract to provide an instant bronzed glow.

This product isn’t a self tanner. It’s a lotion that’s tinted to give you a temporary bronzed look. It will wash off in the shower, so I wouldn’t go to sleep with this lotion on.

Before using, make sure you exfoliated the night before because you want it to go on nice and smooth. It’s also better if you aren’t too hairy wherever you apply it. I applied it on my arms and the bronzing lotion was kind of collecting around my hairs. It dries pretty fast, so make sure to blend it in evenly. If you are wearing this, do NOT get it wet. A drop of water got on my arm and it obviously left a water drop in the ‘tan’.

RATING: 3/5

My skin felt moisturized with this lotion. But I have a very sensitive nose and I wasn’t a huge fan of the scent which smells like coconut and almond. It looks very intimidating when you squeeze it out of the bottle, but once you blend it out, it gives you a nice, bronzed glow. If you are pale like me, you will definitely see a difference. Personally, I think I would prefer to use a self-tanner that will stay on for a while instead of just a few hours.

Final Thoughts

I always love trying out new brands and I’m always grateful when I am sent products for review. While these products didn’t work for me, there are a lot of positive reviews on the site and other blogs that rave about Bali Body’s products.

Love,

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