Live Clean Cool and Fresh Deodorant – I liked this deodorant, it smelled fresh. I had to declutter since I had it for too long though.
Repurchase? Yes.
How long does it last? Don’t know, I had to declutter it since it dried out.
The Beauty of Eczema Skin Wash* – Sometimes the body wash had random globs of product (similar to when paint dries in a bottle). This body wash was a bit runny so I think I used more than I needed to use.
Repurchase? No.
How long does it last? The 200mL tube lasted two months.
The Beauty of Eczema Bathing Oil* – I used it once a week to relax. I don’t know if I used a lot. Once I found out how much it cost, I made sure to use less. You can either pour it into a running bath or apply directly to your skin and then rinse it off. I think the best way to figure out how much to use is to apply it to your body. When I first read the words ‘oil,’ I was a bit unsure about it, but when I read the directions, I found out it turns into a milk.
Repurchase? Maybe.
How long does it last? The 200mL bottle lasted two months (about 10 uses).
Amika Soulfood Nourishing Hair Mask – I love the scent of this hair mask. I don’t use it too often though since it’s expensive.
Repurchase? Yes.
How long does it last? I had it for a year because I kept forgetting about it. I started using more of it later on. I recorded that I used it 20 times, but that could probably be doubled. I think I was using a lot.
Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner Alcohol-Free* (read my review) – I found the petals in the toner unnecessary. I did notice that I didn’t have as much redness when I used this, but I don’t know if it was just because of the toner or if it was other products I used too.
Repurchase? No.
How long does it last? I had some compressed, dry sheet masks lying around, so I started using them with the toner. I think I used this toner quite generously. I will add a few uses to mine. I would say this 250mL bottle would last about 6 months.
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Anti-Aging Serum*(read my review) – This serum was too scented. I got a headache from it, so I started using it on my feet. I would apply it after a shower and then put socks on. My feet did feel smooth while using it.
Repurchase? No.
How long does it last? I can’t say how long it would last since I didn’t use on my face.
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP+M Eco Tube* (read my review) – I wasn’t a fan of the smell (it smelled like school glue). I also used it up quickly.
Repurchase? No.
How long does it last? The 200mL tube lasted for a month of daily use (full body). I cut it open when nothing came out after squeezing the tube, I got a few days’ worth of product.
The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Cleanser* – I didn’t find anything special about this cleanser. I would rather use the more affordable Cetaphil or Cerave cleanser that comes with a pump.
Repurchase? No.
How long does it last? This cleanser was more fluid than others (Cerave, Cetaphil), I feel like I tend to waste more when it’s fluid. Especially when it’s in a bottle with a cap that you turn sideways/upside down, it just flows out easily. This 150mL bottle lasted about 4 months.
I thought I would do a post revisiting last year’s favourites to see if they were still my favourites. I’ve already done a post for my September to December 2017 favourites.
I’m going to split the posts into 2 parts so it’s not too long. Part 1 for January to June and I’ll post the Part 2 in six months’ time for July to December since they’re still fairly recent. These posts are only going to include my beauty favourites.
JANUARY
Maybelline FaceStudio Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter in 100 Molten Gold – LOVE LOVE LOVE!!
Repurchase? Yes! I want to get one of the lighter shades (since they’ve expanded their shade range) because this one can be a bit too dark on me.
Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm – Love this balm!
Repurchase? Yes.
Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector – I enjoyed the metal applicator and it kept my under eyes soft and hydrated.
Repurchase? I would buy it again, but I want to try other products. I’ve only tried a couple eye creams and it’s the best one I’ve tried so far, but I know there are ones that people rave about even more.
Tangle Teezer Original Detangling Hairbrush – I haven’t used this in a while, but I still love it. I think I’m just worried the bristles will come off and I’ll have to get a new one.
Repurchase? Yes, but I would get one with a handle. (UPDATE: I won a giveaway and now I have one with a handle!)
Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo – I love the smell of this. I was surprised to read reviews about it smelling too much.
Repurchase? I’ve already repurchased it.
MAC Vamplify Gloss in What’s Going On – I loved the applicator of this lip gloss, but I didn’t like this particular shade. The only shades available are bright colours.
Repurchase? No. If MAC made a lip gloss with this applicator in a shade I liked, I would definitely get it though.
FEBRUARY
MAC Strobe Cream – I love the Pinklite!
Repurchase? Probably.
Pixi Glow Tonic – LOVE THIS!
Repurchase? I already have. (UPDATE: I have since realized that I may be allergic to witch hazel which is in the glow tonic).
Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder – The powder itself is great and I love the puff. I don’t love the smell of the powder though.
Repurchase? Probably not.
MARCH
Coastal Scents Eclipse Palette – I enjoyed this, but I feel like I only used a handful of shades. Even at $5, it felt like a waste. Plus, you could tell the quality of the packaging was not great because it was basically just foam that had a piece of plastic material glued onto it. It started to peel.
Repurchase? No. Shipping to Canada is an extra charge. I’d rather spend the money on the product instead of shipping. I’ve been using a Hard Candy palette that has a fraction of the colours, but I will be able to use all of them.
LOVE OPI XOXO Mini Nail Lacquer 10 Pack – This pack had 4 colours that I wasn’t a fan of, but it was a good price at Winners.
Repurchase? I wouldn’t have bought the pack at full price, but I would buy individual shades at full price.
Dove Advanced Hair Series Regenerative Nourishment Serum-in-Oil – It made my hair super smooth, but I think I’d rather use a hair mask.
Repurchase? Probably not.
APRIL
Physician’s Formula Murumuru Butter Butter Bronzer – Great bronzer.
Repurchase? Maybe.
Physician’s Formula Butter Highlighter in Pink – Pretty cream highlighter.
Repurchase? Maybe.
Soo’Ae Caada Purifying Brightening Peeling Gel – LOVE!
Repurchase? Yes!
Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick in Ivory 0.75 – This is a beautiful foundation!
Repurchase? Undecided. I want to try other stick foundations to see how they compare. If I do end up buying this again, I need the right shade.
MAC Pigment in Stardream – It’s a beautiful shade!
Repurchase? No. Pigments are too messy for me.
Miniso Flawless Baked Blusher in Rosy Pink – I decided to declutter this. This was a pretty shade, but I didn’t love that it was made in China. If you’re on a budget and you don’t mind where your products are made, this was a really pretty blush.
Repurchase? No.
MAY
Bobbi Brown Instant Long-Wear Makeup Remover – This easily removes eye makeup.
Repurchase? No. Too expensive for a product that will be on your face for seconds. I’d rather spend money on a moisturizer.
INGLOT x Jennifer Lopez LipGlossy Lip Gloss in J225 Pinky – I liked the colour of this lip gloss, but I don’t think it’s worth $28. Plus, the smell reminded me of drugstore lip glosses.
Repurchase? No.
Cake Beauty (Delectable) The Everything Powder – I used this to set my makeup and it works beautifully. It doesn’t have talc…it’s basically just corn starch! But, it had a smell that was quite powerful (like the Baby All Gone dolls where you feed the baby cherries from a spoon – anyone old enough to know what those are?) This was annoying to use as a setting powder because I had to use an old setting powder container to use it (since this is shaped like a baby powder bottle).
Repurchase? No.
Live Clean Exotic Nectar Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner – This made my hair look shinier and smoother. Although, I’m not a huge fan of the scent of Argan Oil, I didn’t mind this.
Repurchase? Possibly.
JUNE
Clinique Sonic Systems Purifying Brush– I enjoy this brush and the charge lasts a really long time! I got this at the MAC Warehouse Sale for $40 and the brush heads were $10.
Repurchase? Although I like the brush, I wouldn’t pay full price for the brush heads. If I ever go back to the MAC Warehouse sale, I will pick some up.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask (read my review) – I gave it a 5/5, but I’m not sure if it actually helped to clarify and exfoliate my skin. When I wake up the next morning though, my skin does look quite refreshed and hydrated.
Repurchase? Yes.
Glow Recipe Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser – If I wanted to replace the Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm, I could buy this to use as a makeup remover. I love that they changed the packaging from a tube to a bottle!
Repurchase? Possibly.
Clionadh Cosmetics Mother of Pearl Highlighter – This is so pretty!
Repurchase? Yes, but without the scent.
The Body Shop Tea Tree Targeted Gel Blemish Stick – I’m so torn. This blemish stick worked well, but it felt unsanitary to stick the wand back in after using it on a pimple. Plus, it’s expensive for a small stick.
Repurchase? Undecided. But if I do, it has to be on sale.
The Body Shop Tea Tree Anti-Imperfection Daily Solution – I believe this is no longer available, but it felt like it was the same product as the tea tree oil from The Body Shop.
Repurchase? Unavailable.
The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Body Wash – This worked okay, I would still get a pimple here and there on my back.
Repurchase? Probably not.
Burt’s Bees Blush in Shy Pink– This is a pretty matte shade, but sometimes I go too heavy-handed and have to really blend it out.
Repurchase? Probably not. The shade is a bit too pink and I’m not a huge fan of the packaging. Since blush lasts so long, I’d rather pay for a high-end one with nicer packaging.
Happy Hallowe’en! Here are this month’s product empties.
Dove Advanced Hair Series Regenerative Nourishment Serum-in-Oil (read my review) – I don’t do a lot of things to my hair, so it’s in pretty good shape. I don’t think I really need a hair oil, but I think every now and then I’d use a hair mask. This did make my hair feel soft, so if you need something to help smooth and soften your hair, I’d recommend this.
Repurchase? Probably not.
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil – I got a little sample of this and it lasted a long time (probably because I liked it and I was saving it until I bought another). I mostly used it on and around my nose to moisturize those areas. It could sometimes look cakey in those areas after a few hours of wearing foundation. So, I learned to be light-handed with it and make sure it absorbed before applying my makeup on top.
Repurchase? Absolutely. Although, right now, I’m using the Tarte Maracuja Oil instead (it’s cheaper because it has more in the bottle for the price).
Milani Keep It Sweet Sugar Scrub (read my review) – Initially, I really liked it, but I realized it was kind of just moving the loose skin on my lips back and forth instead of actually scrubbing it off. I would rather use a warm, wet cloth to exfoliate or use the elf lip scrub.
Repurchase? No.
Sonia Roselli Water Balm (read my review) – When I first got this, I used way too much of it. I learned that a smaller scoop went a long way because when you rub your hands together, it turns to water beads.
Repurchase? Absolutely!
Bobbi Brown Intensive Long Wear Makeup Remover – This was a really good makeup remover, but there are tons of drugstore brands that are more affordable. I only had this because I got it free when I purchased a palette from Nordstrom.
Repurchase? No.
First Aid Hello FAB Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer – I don’t really love the smell of this. I’d rather get the Sonia Roselli Water Balm if I’m going to get a 2-in-1 moisturizer and primer.
Repurchase? No.
Live Clean Biotin Extra Body Shampoo & Conditioner – This shampoo says it thickens and volumizes. While I could use some volume in my hair, it definitely doesn’t need to be thicker. I liked the smell of this shampoo and conditioner. I didn’t really notice if it did, in fact, thicken and volumize my hair. I noticed that this conditioner was the thickest of the Live Clean conditioners I tried.
Repurchase? No, my hair is already thick.
Garnier Skin Active Micellar Water (Waterproof) – This micellar water is great to remove makeup. Although, it does have an oily feeling. So, if you prefer not to have that feeling, get the pink one that’s not for removing waterproof makeup.
Repurchase? Absolutely, but I want to try other micellar waters.
Shiseido Benefiance Extra Creamy Cleansing Foam – This had some type of bead in it which I didn’t like. If I’m using a foamy cleanser, I want it to be nice and smooth. This was very fragranced and I’m not sure if my skin had a reaction from it.
Repurchase? No.
Earth Therapeutics Purifying Foot Scrub – I bought this a loooong time ago at Winners. It’s a good scrub and it made my feet and hands feel smooth, but I don’t know if they still sell it. One thing that I didn’t like is that it was really hard to squeeze out product, I don’t know if it was a flaw in the design or something, but I always had to use both hands to squeeze out the scrub.
Repurchase? Probably not.
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub – I think this was an old formula, so it still had the plastic beads to exfoliate. I was using it every day which was too much for me. If I use it a few times a week, I think it would’ve been okay. I didn’t really love this product.
Repurchase? Probably not.
The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Body Wash – This product worked well. It concerned me that it said not to use on the face though- how much stronger is it than their other tea tree products?
Repurchase? Possibly.
Essence Get BIG! Lashes Triple Black Mascara (read my review) – This mascara does darken and volumize my lashes…and it’s a great price! The brush is just too big for my lashes.
Repurchase? No.
Inglot x Jennifer Lopez Lipglossy Lip Gloss in Pinky (read my review) – This is a beautiful lip gloss shade, but it’s so expensive and I don’t really like that it’s scented.
Repurchase? No.
Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Concealer in Warm Ivory – I did not like this concealer. I would rather get a drugstore one than use this one. I got a bit of a reaction from using this concealer under my eyes. When I swatched on my hand and blended it out, it would look beautiful, but when I used it under my eyes, it would just look terrible. I’m glad I didn’t pay full price for this (bought it at the MAC Warehouse Sale).
Repurchase? NO.
Maybelline Fit Me Shine-Free Balance Stick Foundation in 130 Buff Beige (read my review) – I actually really loved this foundation (I think I preferred it to the liquid Fit Me). It lasted throughout the day on hot summer days. Of course, I would still get shiny in the t-zone, but it still looked really good after 8 hours of wear. I don’t know how it would do on someone with oily skin, but it worked great on my normal-dry skin. I’ve compared it to the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation stick (read my review).
Repurchase? If I were going to continue buying drugstore foundations, I would definitely buy this again.
bareMinerals BAREPRO Performance Wear Powder Foundation in Cashmere – This was a sample size and I really liked using it to pop in my purse (because of the size of the sample) for spot conceal touch-ups. I also liked using it to clean up my brows.
Repurchase? I prefer loose powder foundations, but I would definitely consider bareMinerals.
OPI Mini Nail Lacquer in Tickle My France-y – I love this colour, it’s a pinky-purple shade. I have to declutter this mini because the polish was starting to get really thick when I painted it onto my nails.
I really love this Clinique Sonic Systems Purifying Cleansing brush (read my review). It really gets off all the makeup that I missed with wipes, micellar water, and makeup cloths. I use it with my fave cleansers from The Face Shop. The charge lasts a really long time (but it also takes forever to charge it too). It has an auto shut off feature after 30 seconds and I love that it isn’t battery powered so it doesn’t have a backing. It’s okay if you accidentally drop it into the water (although it’s probably not a good idea to submerge it).
Now I know why Glow Recipe is so popular. I love both of these products: Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask and the Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser (read my review)!
This Canadian Indie brand, Clionadh Cosmetics, has one of the prettiest marble highlighters I’ve ever seen! This is the Mother of Pearl highlighter (read my review). The bottom swatch is when it’s wet and the top is swatched from the pan. I find it’s more vibrant when it’s dry.
The gang’s all here…or at least my Tea Tree Oil products that I own from The Body Shop. I swear I’m not an ambassador or anything!! I just really love the products and they’ve been great at keeping acne away. Of course, I get the occasional breakouts before that time of the month. The Daily Solution (read my review) has been a great step in my skincare regimen and the Blemish Stick (read my review) is great for spot treatments.
I’ve been testing out the Body Wash because unfortunately, my face isn’t the only place that gets acne…I also occasionally get it on my back and in the cleavage (TMI?) especially during the summer time. It’s been really good so far, but it’s quite stinky. It also concerns me that it says “not to use it on the face”. I wonder how strong it is, but it does say that it’s okay to use daily. With my sensitive skin, maybe I will use it 3 times a week.
I will definitely be picking up more tea tree oil products (perhaps the cleanser) in the future!! I’ve been told the toner is good.
I really love the Burt’s Bees Blushin Shy Pink (read my review). It’s so pretty and it blends nicely!
