acne Archives

Haul | K-Beauty Skincare from thekshop.ca

June 29, 2022
Hi Everyone!

Today, I’m sharing a K-beauty haul! I made an order from thekshop.ca…even though I have a lot of skincare to try already. Here’s what I ended up ordering:
- Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser | $18.99
- Nacific Holiday-Edition Special Bundle (Cica) – NACIFIC X Stray Kids | $99
  - Fresh Cica Plus Clear Toner | $23.99
  - Fresh Cica Plus Clear Serum | $24.99
  - Fresh Cica Plus Clear Cream | $25.99
  - Vitamin C Newpair Cream (Spot Treatment) | $16.99
  - 2 x Fresh Herb Origin Clear Spot Patches (18 per pack) | $5.99 x 2 = $11.98
  - 8 Stray Kids Christmas Photocards
  - 8 Stray Kids The Comeback of Hologram Photocards
- Klairs Fundamental Nourishing Eye Butter | $31.99
- samples: 3 x Iunik Black Snail Restore Serum
The photocards on the top are the holographic ones. That’s why there’s a rainbow across some of their faces.

All the products in the Holiday bundle add up to $103.94 if you buy them separately. They also threw in the Nacific Salicylic Acid Clarifying Mask Pack ($3.99) which was a nice little bonus. They packaged the products individually, instead of sending them in the holiday box as pictured on their website. I was fine with this because it would be silly to pack a box in another box. Especially when each product also comes in boxes. The photocards come in plastic sleeves to protect them. One thing I was worried about though was that they put an elastic around the cards to secure them. It creased the edges of the plastic sleeves a bit, but the photocards were fine. I think it would’ve been better to package the cards into a larger sleeve/bag to keep them together. You don’t want the photocards to get damaged, especially if you’re buying the skincare set just for the 16 photocards.

I haven’t tried any of the products yet, but I look forward to trying all of them. I wanted to try Cica because I’ve read that it’s good for redness and irritation. My face has gotten clearer lately, but I still have redness around my nose.

Other skincare products I want to try in the future:
- Beauty of Joseon Serums
- Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm
- Dear, Klairs – Midnight Blue Calming Cream
- KraveBeauty Great Barrier Relief
- KraveBeauty Kale-Lalu-yAHA
- KraveBeauty Oat So Simple Water Cream
I also wanted to get a lip product, but they didn’t have any of the shades in stock:
- rom&nd Juicy Lasting Tint
- rom&nd Zero Velvet Tint
- Peripera Ink Mood Matte Tint
- Etude House Fixing Tint
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jen (@jencatbeauty)

Love,

*All prices are in Canadian.
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First Impressions with Australian Bodycare Tea Tree Oil Face Tonic

February 18, 2020

Hi Everyone!

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

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

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

RATING: 4/5

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

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

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

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

Love,

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Let’s Talk About Acne Patches!

July 2, 2019
Hi Everyone!

I’ve tried a handful of pimple patches, so here are my thoughts on them. I haven’t tried patches that have tea tree or microneedles. I have only ever tried the hydrocolloid patches that just absorb pus.

I know there are so many brands out there, but unfortunately for me, I can’t get them in Canada without having to pay an arm and a leg. For me, I’ve found ones that work well, so I don’t really need to try all of them out there.

I’ve tried both tapered and non-tapered patches. The originals are ones that are the same thickness all around while the tapered ones are thinner around the edge so that it blends into the skin more easily. Tapered are great for wearing out of the house while non-tapered ones are great for overnight use and also can absorb more.
Check out my reviews:

COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches | COSRX Clear Fit Master Patches

COSRX vs. Rael | COSRX vs. Nexcare

I have tried five different patches from four brands:

Regular, non-tapered patches – COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches, Nexcare Acne Absorbing Covers

Tapered patches – COSRX Clear Fit Master Patch, Rael Acne Pimple Healing Patch and Subi Perfect Pimple Patch

This picture is not mine, it was taken from Google.

Nexcare acne absorbing covers are my least favourite patches I’ve tried. They smelled like plastic and both sides were quite sticky (sometimes I didn’t know which side was the sticky side). They were also more yellow than the other patches which made it more noticeable on my skin.

COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches are my favourites for overnight pimples.

The tapered ones are the best for wearing out of the house and for spots that are curved. Sometimes the non-tapered ones are too thick to put on the jaw/chin or nose, so a tapered one won’t unstick from your skin.

To me, the COSRX Clear Fit Master Patch, Rael Acne Pimple Healing Patch and Subi Perfect Pimple Patch are all the same in terms of efficacy. So, the deciding factor would be the price and whether you want one or two sizes.

*All prices are in Canadian unless stated otherwise

COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches

1 pack = 24 patches with 3 sizes (10x7mm, 5x10mm, 9x12mm)

Amazon.ca – $15 for a 3 pack (72 patches) = 0.2083 per patch

Chuusi.ca – $4.50 for 1 pack (24 patches) = 0.1875 per patch

COSRX Clear Fit Master Patches

1 pack = 18 patches with 1 size (18x10mm)

Amazon.ca – $24 for a 3 pack (54 patches) = 0.44 per patch

Chuusi.ca – $4.50 for 1 pack (18 patches) = 0.25 per patch

Subi Beauty Perfect Pimple Patches

1 pack = 18 patches with 1 size (18x10mm)

Subi Beauty – $29.95 USD for a 3 pack (54 patches) = $0.55 USD per patch

Rael Acne Pimple Healing Patches

1 pack = 24 patches with 2 sizes (12x10mm, 12x12mm)

Amazon.ca – $25.49 for a 4 pack (96 patches) = 0.27 per patch

Nexcare Acne Absorbing Covers

1 pack = 36 patches with 2 sizes (24x8mm, 12x12mm)

Amazon.ca – $11.50 for a 1 pack (36 patches) = 0.32 per patch

For me, as a Canadian, the COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches are the cheapest from Chuusi.ca and the Clear Fit Patches are the cheapest tapered patches (also from Chuusi.ca).

I do like the option of having two sizes from Rael, but if I’m already making an order on Chuusi.ca, I would buy the COSRX Clear Fit ones.

What are your fave acne patches?

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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Witch Hazel | My Friend or Foe?

January 11, 2019

Hi Everyone!

Originally, I featured the Thayers Witch Hazel Cucumber Toner in my October 2018 Favourites.

Excerpt from October Favourites post:

I’m really liking this Thayers Witch Hazel Cucumber Toner! It smells refreshing and I’ve been using it in the morning. I’m so glad I spotted this at Winners last month. I’ve poured some into a spray bottle so I can use it as a facial spray. I checked the Thayers website and both the toner and the facial spray have the exact same ingredients, so I’m assuming that it’s the same product in a different bottle.

After using it for a while, I noticed I was breaking out worse than I had in a long time.

Chapter 1

Oct 31/17: The Thayers Witch Hazel Toner was added to this list in early October. I’m sad to say that I don’t think I can use the Thayers Witch Hazel (Cucumber) anymore. I’ve been using it for a little over a month and I’ve noticed I’ve been getting acne on my forehead and cheeks and chin. I usually get hormonal acne on my chin, so that’s no surprise, and my face has been relatively clear (with the occasional pimple here and there). I’ve been drinking a lot of water this month which has helped me in the past to keep my skin clear. In the past two weeks, my face has broken out so badly, it feels like I’m in high school again. I haven’t put any makeup on because I don’t want to aggravate it more. This is the worst it has been in a long time. Usually, if I get a breakout, it’s confined to one spot: the chin (when I’m expecting my period). Right now, I have a couple blemishes on my forehead, between the eyes, a breakout on both cheeks and on my chin. I haven’t been eating anything out of the ordinary and I’ve cut down on sugary drinks. I will have one cup of tea and then water for the rest of the day.

I read somewhere that said Witch Hazel is a natural astringent which dries out your skin. I already have dry skin, so I don’t think Witch Hazel is a good product for me anyway. It’s such a shame because I’ve heard such good things about it. I am not 100% sure if the Witch Hazel Toner is the culprit, so I’ve stopped using it for now and we’ll see what happens.

Chapter 2

UPDATE Jan 8, 2019: I was reading a review on the Pixi Glow Tonic and saw that it has witch hazel in it! Now, it’s making me rethink whether the Thayers Witch Hazel Toner was the cause of my breakout or if it was just a coincidence. It’s possible the mix of ingredients didn’t agree with my face, or the amount of witch hazel? Or maybe I broke out from something else and I just attributed the breakout to the witch hazel.

I’m kind of scared to try the Thayers Witch Hazel Toner again, but maybe I should give it another shot and just use it less frequently? I’m searching for the culprit, I’m not on a witch hunt…lol, sorry, I couldn’t not put that pun in there. I have two bottles of it: Cucumber and Unscented. I know a lot of people have the Rose one and love it. I am not a fan of rose-scented things, so I chose the lighter scents thinking it’d be safe. Maybe I will use the toners on the body or something.

Do you use Thayers Witch Hazel Toner?

Love,

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The Body Shop Skincare Haul | September 2018

September 26, 2018
Hi Everyone!

As you may have already gathered, I really like The Body Shop skincare products. The tea tree oil line has been great for controlling and preventing acne.

Check out my reviews:

Tea Tree Oil Anti-Imperfection Daily Solution (I don’t think they sell this anymore)

Tea Tree Oil Targeted Gel Blemish Stick

Colour Adapting BB Cream

The Body Shop was having a Buy 2, Get 1 Free sale, so I decided to pick up products that I haven’t tried yet. I chose three of the tea tree oil products, an aloe cleanser and the pink grapefruit exfoliating gel scrub.

Tea Tree Oil

I tried this out already and it’s not oily like the Tarte Maracuja Oil (which I was expecting), it was similar to the Anti-Imperfection Daily Solution. It smells very strong (more than the solution).
- Targeted care for blemished skin
- Can be used direct on skin or for facial steaming
- Soothing
- Does not dry out skin
Tea Tree Oil Anti-Imperfection Night Mask

I have not tried this yet, but I’m excited to see how well it works.
- Skin instantly looks and feels refreshed, purified, and soothed.
- In the morning, imperfections* appear reduced.
- Skin looks healthier, smoother, and mattified.
- Improves appearance of pores.
- Helps maintain clearer-looking skin.
- Tone, texture, and oiliness
- Features a refreshing memory-gel texture and is infused with tea tree oil grown in the foothills of Mount Kenya.
- Alcohol-free, no pillow-staining formula.
- TOP TIP: Pop the Night Mask in the fridge for an ultra-refreshing feeling.
Tea Tree Oil Skin Clearing Mattifying Toner

I haven’t tried this yet because I recently picked up the Thayers Witch Hazel toner and just started using it. I didn’t want to try too many new products all at once.
- Refreshing, purifying toner
- Made with purifying tea tree oil from the foothills of Mount Kenya
- Removes residual make-up and impurities
- Shake-to-activate mattifying powders reduce shine
- Skin appears visibly clearer
- Pores appear tighter
Pink Grapefruit Exfoliating Body Scrub

I’ve used their body scrub before, but they’ve reformulated it since then. I’ve tried the one that’s more like a sugar scrub. This one is interesting because it’s a gel texuture, but then when you rub it in, you can feel the grittiness of it. It smells refreshing and it works well. Is it worth $22 though? I’m not sure.
- Body exfoliator
- Smoothes and refines skin
- Buffs away dead skin cells
- Leaves skin beautifully softer and refined
- Fresh, energizing gel texture
- Energizing scent
Aloe Vera Gentle Foaming Wash

This is very light and I like that it’s foamy. My sensitive skin hasn’t reacted to it, but it is a bit pricey when it’s regular price.
- Formulated for sensitive skin
- Pure Community Trade aloe from Campeche, Mexico
- No added fragrance, color or alcohol
- Formulated without preservatives
I will post reviews of the Tea Tree Oil products once I’ve tested them out properly.

What are your fave Body Shop products?

Love,
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This or That | COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches vs. Nexcare Acne Absorbing Covers

August 8, 2018
Hi Everyone!

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?

Love,
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YouTubers Made Me Buy It

July 27, 2018

Hi Everyone!

Have you ever watched a beauty YouTuber review a product and they rave about it so you have to go buy it too? Or read a beauty blogger and saw swatches of the prettiest highlighter that you had to get? Well, there have been quite a lot of products that I’ve purchased over the past two years because I saw a cool video or I watched/read reviews. I’ll let you know if I liked the product and if I’d repurchase.

Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patches (read my review) – I love these, but I kind of wish they had different packages for different sizes. Sometimes I have a ton of the smallest size left over until I get a teeny, tiny whitehead.

Repurchase? Absolutely!!

Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid – I bought this last year and don’t know if it was working that well. I had to stop because my skin was reacting to something I was using.

Repurchase? Probably not.

Cosrx Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser – I quite liked this cleanser and it didn’t dry out my skin too much from the salicylic acid.

Repurchase? Yes.

CUCNZN Blackhead Remover Suction Black Peeling Mask – This is kind of messy. If you put too much on, it can drip. It’s very hard to wash off your hands and clothes. The best way is to let it dry and then peel it.

Repurchase? No, I’d rather try a Biore Pore strip for the face.

Essence I Love Colour Intensifying Eyeshadow Base – I haven’t put this through testing yet, but I like the formula and I have noticed that it does intensify eyeshadows.

Repurchase? Yes.

Essence Volume Stylist 18h Lash Extension Mascara – This mascara is like $5 and it’s great! It does dry out fairly quickly, but it’s not as painful as buying a $30 tube and having it dry out on you.

Repurchase? Probably. I just bought two other Essence mascaras to see how they compare.

Finishing Touch Flawless Facial Hair Remover (read my review) – It removes hair pretty well and I like the light it has attached when you turn it on.

Repurchase? I’d get the rechargeable one if I get another one.

Garnier All-in-One Cleansing Micellar Water – Originally, I was like, “why does everyone love this water? Isn’t it just water?” Oh, how wrong I was to think that. I love this stuff!

Repurchase? Already have!

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask (read my review)- I love the smell of this. It smells so fresh and feel so nice on the skin.

Repurchase? Yes.

Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder – This powder is very finely milled and comes with a cute little puff. I’m not a huge fan of the mint smell, but it sets and mattifies my makeup nicely.

Repurchase? Possibly.

L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise (read my review) – I compared this to the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara and I’m sad to say that I’m not a fan of either one.

Repurchase? No.

Makeup Eraser The Original Makeup Eraser (read my review) – I saw this in a BuzzFeed video, I believe and had to see if it really worked. I really like it because it’s so soft.

Repurchase? I bought a dupe that was a 4-pack, so it’ll take me a while, but I’d repurchase when I need to.

Maybelline FaceStudio Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter (read my review) – This is a beautiful highlighter that gives that wet, metallic look.

Repurchase? Yes, I really want some of the other shades.

Maybelline Fit Me Foundation – I’ve tried the Matte + Poreless and the Hydrate + Smooth, I preferred the Hydrate + Smooth because it gave a dewy finish.

Repurchase? No. No more drugstore foundations for me.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara – I read that the Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, uses this (don’t know if she still does) and I had to try it for myself.

Repurchase? I bought this, but haven’t tried it yet.

Maybelline Super Stay Better Skin Concealer + Corrector – This smells like chemicals to me.

Repurchase? No, I’d rather get the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer.

Maybelline Super Stay Better Skin Skin-Transforming Foundation – This was the first drugstore foundation I got. I bought the wrong shade and back then, I didn’t know what primer was or that you had to wet the sponge. Knowing what I know now, I could probably get a better match and get a more beautiful application, but no more drugstore foundations for me.

Repurchase? No. I didn’t love the smell of this.

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation – If you read my Mid-Year Inventory on Foundations (click here), you’ll know that I’m looking to find high-end foundations with different finishes and coverage. I didn’t love this one and I’d rather get the Lancome Miracle Cushion Foundation as my sheer foundation.

Repurchase? No.

NYX Setting Spray (Matte) – I think I’d rather pay a little more for a better quality setting spray. I don’t know if this helped a whole lot, but it made my eyes water.

Repurchase? No.

Physician’s Formula Butter Highlighter – Why pay $50 when you can pay a fraction of that for a gorgeous, butter highlighter?

Repurchase? Absolutely!! I need more shades!!!

Physician’s Formula Murumuru Butter Butter Bronzer – Blends like a dream and smells so good (which is surprising because I’m not a huge fan of scented things!!)

Repurchase? Definitely!!

Pixi Glow Tonic – I got a pack that had a travel-size bottle of this and I will definitely be picking up a bigger size when I’m done my current toner.

Repurchase? Definitely!! (UPDATE: I think I’m allergic to witch hazel which means I can no longer use this).

Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist (read my review) – I love Pixi and it smells so good and keeps the face hydrated.

Repurchase? YES!

Pixi Peel & Polish (read my review) – I liked this, but it smells like paint to me and I’ve found other brands I like better.

Repurchase? Probably not.

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge (read my review) – This sponge gets huge when it’s damp and I love that it has a flat side. I bought this at Winners (4 pack for $20) which was cheaper than at the drugstore.

Repurchase? Absolutely! At Winners though.

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler – I didn’t know what I was missing until I bought this eyelash curler. Previously, I’ve used a Tweezerman, Revlon and Sephora lash curler, but this one beats all of those.

Repurchase? When I need to buy a new one, yes!! Although I hear that the Shiseido one is good too and you can buy just the refills for that.

Wet N Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder – So pretty!! I wish I could get more shades, but Wet N Wild is hard to find in Canada and Rexall only has a selection of Wet N Wild products.

Repurchase? If I can get my hands on it, yes!!

A lot of the products on this list, I would repurchase. For most of these, I heard more than a few good reviews, which made me buy them. So, it’s no surprise that I love them too.

What products have you bought because of a YouTuber’s recommendations?

Love,

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Review | The Face Shop Clean Face Clear Away Spot Treatment

December 28, 2017

Hi Everyone!

If you have acne-prone skin like I do, you probably know about Kate Somerville’s EradiKate Acne Spot Treatment and Mario Badescu’s Drying Lotion. Last year, I bought The Face Shop’s Clean Face Clear Away Spot Treatment thinking it was a dupe, but it contains different ingredients. The EradiKate and Drying Lotion contain sulfur, whereas the Clean Face Clear Away Spot contains salicylic acid and tea tree extract.

It works in the same way as the Drying Lotion and EradiKate, you use a q-tip to pick up the sediment at the bottom and dab it onto your problem areas. Because it doesn’t have sulfur, the smell isn’t nearly as strong, it smells more like rubbing alcohol and tea tree oil.

I bought the acne treatment for $17 CAD for 18 mL (at the time of purchase last year, price may have gone up).

A special care product that instantly soothes and controls breakouts

Contains Tea Tree Extract that soothes the acne and purify the skin, and Salicylic Acid that removes dead skin cells effectively

Provides soothing effects and controls the excessive sebum production with Calamine Powder

Prevents inflammation, pigmentation, and anti-aging concerns such as wrinkles and dehydration

To compare, I have the EradiKate (I’ve never used the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion). I have acne-prone and sensitive skin, so my skin gets very dry from products that contain ingredients like benzoyl peroxide.

I wouldn’t suggest using this overnight because after a few minutes, it hardens and gets very flaky. If your face makes the slightest movement, it will start to flake off.

RATING: 4/5

Obviously it doesn’t work as well as the EradiKate, but if you’re looking for something gentler than the EradiKate or Drying Lotion, this is a great alternative because of the salicylic acid.

What acne treatments do you use?

Love,

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September/October 2017 Faves

November 3, 2017

Hi Everyone!

I’m starting a new blog series for my monthly beauty favourites. Check out September and October’s faves!

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer

This is a great concealer! I just wish they had more shade selections (I have 10 Light and 25 Medium). One of my faves from the drugstore!

Milani products- see my haul and swatches. I’m in love with all of these products. I especially love the lipstick. I have the shade 26 Nude Crème for the lipstick and 02 Light for the concealer.

Kate Somerville EradiKate Acne Treatment

This has become a fave acne treatment. It’s great for drying out those big, pesky pimples that hurt. Sometimes it takes a few applications over a few days to get them to shrink down. You don’t want to use it too much in the same place since it’s so strong and very drying on your skin. I still have yet to try the similar Mario Badescu drying lotion which I’ve heard works really well too. I also bought one from The Face Shop, and plan to do a dupe it out since it’s a lot cheaper than the eradiKate.

Pink Perfection kit from Estee Lauder (no longer sold in stores)

I’m loving this kit. The eyeshadows are velvety smooth and pigmented and the Pure Color Envy lipstick is so creamy and comfortable.

MAC Patentpolish Lip Pencil in Kittenish

Sometimes I don’t want a super pigmented lip product like lipstick and a balm doesn’t always have colour. The patentpolish is like a hybrid of a balm and a lipstick. Kittenish is a mauvey pink shade…wish I bought more of these at the Mac Warehouse sale (I’ll have to get more next time).

Lancome Miracle Cushion Foundation in 025 Beige Naturel

If it’s not obvious from my #motd posts, I love this cushion foundation. It gives you a natural finish and unlike some liquid foundations, it doesn’t look cakey or make my nose look dry. My nose area tends to be dry and foundation can make it look patchy but this cushion foundation doesn’t do that. Originally, my mom bought it for herself but she didn’t like the feel of liquid foundations even though this is a very sheer formula. She gave this to me since we’re the same shade and she opted for the Sephora MicroSmooth Baked Foundation Face Powder (25 Beige).

Lush Cup O’Coffee Face and Body Mask

I am loving this mask. It deeply cleanses pores and buffs dryness to reinvigorate your skin. It’s vegan so it does expire a little faster than a non-vegan one. My face feels super smooth after using this and the coffee grounds aren’t abrasive. Although I don’t drink coffee, I love the smell of it and it makes me feel refreshed and awake after using it. I haven’t used it on my body yet, but I imagine it would have the same effect.

Buxom Lash Mascara

This is a deluxe sample (the full-sized one has a silver top). I don’t usually love silicone wands but this keeps my lashes clump-free and my lashes still feel soft after using this. If only the price tag weren’t so high (I usually stick to drug store mascaras since their shelf life isn’t very long). I definitely need to find a dupe for this mascara.

Garnier’s All-in-1 Cleansing Micellar Water

This removes waterproof makeup and doesn’t leave my eyes feeling sticky like some eye makeup removers I’ve used. Even though it says you don’t need to rinse, I like to wash my face after using it because it has a slightly greasy feeling (even though there’s no oil in it) after using it. I’ve tried the pink one (not for waterproof makeup) and you don’t have to shake it before using.

Step 1 Skin Equalizer Primers from Make Up For Ever

These are some of my faves. I love these three: Smoothing, Redness Correcting and Hydrating. Sometimes I use them for different parts of my face. When I have some redness around my nose and chin, then the smoothing primer on areas where my pores are more visible and then hydrating everywhere else. I’m not usually one to like scented skincare products, but I love the light scent of these.

UPDATE: I have recently added the Nourishing primer to my collection and it’s better than the hydrating one.

What were your faves from September and October?

Love,

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Check out my reviews:

Tea Tree Oil Anti-Imperfection Daily Solution (I don’t think they sell this anymore)