• 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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  • 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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  • Revisiting My 2018 Favourites | Part 1

    January 4, 2019

    Hi Everyone!

    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.

    Revisiting My 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.

    Click here for Part 2!

    Did you spot any of your favourites on my list?

    Love,

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  • My First Haul from Tarte | September 2018

    September 10, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    I made an order from Tarte because I wanted to finally try the Amazonian Clay Foundation (the powder one). I’ve been eyeing it for a long time now and I finished up enough of my foundations that I allowed myself to buy a new one (read my makeup goals post). I wanted to get a powder foundation for lighter days where my skin is good and I don’t want to put on liquid or stick foundation. I had it narrowed down to a few different powders, but I decided to go with this one because I love Tarte.

    I got two other products I’ve never tried before and a fave of mine: Shape Tape (a cult fave), the Timeless Smoothing Primer (a fave of Tati, Beauty YouTuber) and the Frxxxtion Stick.

    After making the order, I now have 9 products from Tarte which makes it the brand I own the most products from; at most, I think I only own 1-4 things from a single brand.

    Rainforest of the Sea Frxxxtion Stick 3-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser (read my review) – My friend told me about this and I got a deluxe sample of it. I loved it. Originally, I thought it was too expensive, but the deluxe sample lasted a while, so I was able to justify the price.

    With a clarifying cleansing gel powered by the Rainforest of the Sea™ complex & suspended diatomaceous earth microexfoliants, the vegan friendly formula draws out surface oil & reduces shine, while purifying pores for the deepest clean possible.

    The hypoallergenic gel stick gently sloughs away dead surface cells & polishes skin as it cleanses to fight dullness & pump up the radiance. Great for all skin types, it can be used on a regular basis without stripping skin’s moisture or left on as a treatment mask to absorb toxins & reveal smooth, sexy, glowing skin.

    Shape Tape Contour Concealer in 12N Fair-Neutral – I chose the shade Fair-Neutral because it’s the next neutral shade down from the foundation I chose (Light Neutral). I swatched it on my hand and I think it will be good for the under eyes. I’ve seen/read so many reviews on it, but no one ever mentioned that it has a scent to it. I thought it would smell like other concealers, but it has a slight perfume-y/cologne-y scent. I also didn’t realize how much fatter it was from other concealers. I knew the doefoot applicator was bigger, but I guess I never looked that closely when other ladies have posted pics of their concealers. The tube is almost as big as my Bobbi Brown stick foundation.

    • Full coverage with flawless matte finish
    • Conceals all imperfections & doubles as a contour/highlight product
    • Creamy, easy-to-blend formula won’t flake or crease
    • Nourishes with mango seed & shea butters
    • Helps illuminate skin for a lifted effect

    Timeless Smoothing Primer – I picked up the limited edition one because it was $8-9 cheaper than the regular one. I assume it’s the same product with a different coloured lid to match one of their themes. I used it yesterday and it really smoothed out my pores. I will do a proper wear test and post a review later this month. Be careful with this product, I was tilting it to smell it and it must’ve melted off of the jar because the product fell out in one clump. Luckily, I was able to pick it up from my chair and press it back into the jar.

    • Formulated to fade out your biggest beauty boundaries such as large pores, fine lines and wrinkles
    • Antioxidant-rich formula gently melts into the skin delivering a surge of moisture, peptides and other naturally-derived elixirs for a firmer, smoother appearance
    • Has a lightweight texture and fresh powder scent as it provides the perfect blank canvas to enhance the look and wear time of makeup

    Amazonian Clay Airbrush Foundation in Light Neutral – I’ve swatched this at Sephora, but I haven’t used it yet. I think this is the closest match based on the description.

    Powered by Amazonian clay & light-reflecting gemstones, this hypoallergenic foundation gives you natural radiance & matte coverage in a weightless, flake-free powder. The full coverage formula is all you need to cover redness, unevenness & pores, with Amazonian clay to help control oil & make your makeup last. Precious gemstone tourmaline works to energize skin & diffuse light for natural dimension, & the custom mesh applicator offers buildable & breathable coverage without settling into fine lines.

    Other products from Tarte that I’ve used are the Amazonian Blushes (love these), the Maracuja Oil (I’m still testing it, but really like it so far), Tarteist Creamy Matte Lip Paint and the Tarteist Sculpt & Slim Contour Brush.

    What are your faves from Tarte?

    Love,

    jen

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  • First Impressions with Glow Recipe

    June 7, 2018

    20180606_140652~2

    Hi Everyone!

    I recently made a trip to a couple Winners downtown and I scored a mini travel size pack of the Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask and the Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser.

    Both products have AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and it warns you that it can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, so make sure to apply that sunscreen!

    Check out my review on the Vichy Idéal Soleil Anti-Shine Dry Touch Lotion!

    20180606_213635.jpgWatermelon Glow Sleeping Mask – It smells so refreshing (it obviously smells like watermelon) and I love that it doesn’t feel sticky on your face after you apply it. A lot of sleeping masks and skincare serums and essence are sometimes tacky after you apply it and it doesn’t go away. After a few minutes, the mask absorbed into my skin and made it feel soft and smooth.

    It can be used in two ways: as a sleeping mask or a wash off mask. As a sleeping mask, you apply a layer on your skin as the final step in your skincare routine before bed. Pat gently until it is absorbed into the skin. In the morning, wash it off. As a wash off mask, spread a thick layer on your face and after ten minutes, rinse off with lukewarm water.

    The Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask is a luxuriously bouncy, breathable sleeping mask that smoothes and perfects skin, overnight.

    This pillow-proof formula acts as a radiance-boosting hybrid hydrator, formulated with soothing, amino-acid rich Watermelon Extract, hydrating Hyaluronic Acid, and pore refining AHAs that work while you sleep to gently exfoliate and clarify.

    RATING: 5/5

    20180606_213809Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser – It smells good and it has a gel-like texture that’s similar to a peel off mask before it dries. It makes sense that it’s thicker than other cleansers because it can be used as a wash-off mask. I tried it as a cleanser to remove my makeup since it claims to be ‘makeup-melting’. Similar to a cleansing balm, it removed all of my makeup. It even removed my mascara (which wasn’t waterproof), but I always get raccoon eyes with regular cleansers. When my face was still wet after I took off the makeup, it felt silky and after I patted my face dry, it felt super smooth.

    An unexpectedly bouncy makeup eraser + cleanser that deeply hydrates skin, eliminating the need for a hydrating toner.

    Blueberry extract delivers antioxidants. Gentle AHA unglues dead skin cells and clarifies. Hydrating suds microfoam, melting makeup and prepping skin to maximize the efficacy of skincare.

    It can be used as a cleanser or a wash off mask. As a cleanser, you create a lather and massage gently onto your face and rinse thoroughly. As a wash off mask, you apply a generous layer to your dry skin and rinse off after 5-8 minutes.

    RATING: 5/5

    Before I tried it, I didn’t think I would consider buying the full size, but after using it, my opinion has changed. There are so many great cleansers that are a fraction of the price, but this one can remove makeup, cleanse your skin and be used as a mask.

    Have you tried Glow Recipe products? What are your faves?

    Love,

    jen

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  • May 2018 Product Empties

    May 30, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    I finished quite a few products this month, so here are my empties:

    belif Creamy cleansing foam moist – It smelled like plants and I didn’t notice if it really helped to detoxify my skin or help prevent breakouts. It did make my face feel squeaky clean though (like the other The Face Shop cleansers).

    Repurchase? I got a small travel-size one in a kit so I didn’t know how much a full-size tube cost. After seeing the price, I don’t think I’d buy the full-size when The Face Shop has so many other great cleansers for less.

    COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser – This is a great cleanser for a good price. I know it’s safe to use daily, but I use it a few times a week. It also smells planty/botanical, but that’s no big deal since I wash it off.

    Repurchase? Absolutely!

    Danielle Creations Erase Your Face Tea Tree Purifying Cleansing Cloths – I got these at Winners for a really good price. I liked that it had the plastic that you open and close and it snaps in place so you know it’s closed properly. I don’t like the ones where you just rip off the sticky part and then stick it back on when you’ve taken out your wipes. Sometimes I don’t close it properly and my wipes dry out :/

    Repurchase? These were extremely thick, soft and they smelled nice. I would definitely buy these again!

    Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Setting Spray – I just had the little travel-sized one that I got as a promo from Sephora. Given the price of a full-size, I’m not sure if I would get it.

    Repurchase? It’s a good product, but I want to try out other ones that are cheaper before I consider repurchasing this one.

    Milani Eye Tech Perfection Liquid Liner – I am terrible at doing winged liner. The shape of this helped me with the flick. I bought a bunch of Milani products on sale (read my review and a swatch of this liner).

    Repurchase? Similar to the setting spray, I want to try out more before I repurchase (not that it’s expensive, but I know there are better liners out there from other drugstore brands).

    Chosungah22 Dong Gong Minn Brow Maker in Black Brown – I picked this up at Winners after I had returned the Benefit Gimme Brow when it was recalled. It was similar to Gimme Brow, but then it had that sponge tip at the end which I found made it difficult to comb through my brows without accidentally getting some gel onto my skin.

    Repurchase? No.

    Tarte Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara – I really liked this mascara (read my review).

    Repurchase? I did love this mascara, but there are so many great ones from the drugstore and I prefer not to spend more than $15 on a mascara. I will be keeping the wand though because I liked the brush.

    Smashbox 24 Hour Photo Finish Shadow Primer – I haven’t tried a lot of shadow primers, but I think I prefer ones that aren’t so thick.

    Repurchase? I hear the Milani primer is really good and there’s other ones I want to try, so I don’t think I will be buying a new one.

    What were your product empties for May?

    Love,

    jen

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  • March 2018 Product Empties

    March 31, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    I finished quite a lot of products this month and most of them are some of my skincare faves. Here are March’s product empties:

    The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam – I love the smell of this and it gives you that squeaky clean feeling after using it.

    Repurchase? Absolutely! This was my 2nd or 3rd tube of the cleanser.

    Rainforest of the Sea Frxxxtion Stick 3-in-1 Exfoliating Stick (read my review)- I really liked this. I was recommended it by a friend and I know why she loves it. I compared this to the Pixi Peel & Polish . TIP: You know when you’ve finished a lipstick and you can’t push up anymore, but there’s still a lot of lipstick in the tube? This is the same. I was able to scrape out a full face’s worth of cleanser from my tiny, travel-sized stick.

    Repurchase? YES! I would definitely get the full-sized version.

    Pixi Glow Tonic – I really liked this. It made my skin look good.

    Repurchase? Yes. (UPDATE: I have realized that I am allergic to witch hazel which is in glow tonic).

    Palmer’s Coconut Oil Body Cream (read my review) – I was sent the Coconut Oil products from Palmer’s Canada. Out of the three products I received, this was my least fave.  The cream is very thick and good for using before bed on hands, elbows and feet, but I don’t really like how it comes in a tub.

    Repurchase? I don’t think I will be repurchasing the cream, but I would get the lotion.

    Palmer’s Coconut Oil Body Oil (read my review) – This was another product received by Palmer’s Canada. I really liked using it after showering.

    Repurchase? Yes! It made my skin feel as soft as a baby’s bottom!

    Simple Skincare Cleansing Facial Wipes – I really like these. They are good for sensitive skin and they have a bit of a texture to get makeup off nicely.

    Repurchase? I already bought a replacement at Winners for $5.99.

    Urban Decay Naked Skin Color Correcting Fluid in Green – I got a sample of this and it did the job, but I don’t think I’d pay for a full-size version. There are colour correcting concealers that are a lot cheaper that you can get from the drugstore.

    Repurchase? I would buy the Naked Skin Concealer by Urban Decay, but not a colour correcting one.

    Revlon Nearly Naked Pressed Powder in 030 Medium –  This powder was okay. It was too dark for me. I’d rather get the Maybelline Fit Me Powder (I’ve read good reviews on that).

    Repurchase? I don’t even know if they sell it in stores anymore. Even if they did, I probably wouldn’t repurchase.

    Bobbi Brown Lipstick in Sandwash Pink – I don’t think I’d get the full-sized at full price. This was a deluxe sample from Sephora. It was a beautiful colour, but too pink on me. When I was at the MAC Warehouse Sale in December, I picked up the shade Bare Pink (which is more of a peachy-pink) for $10 which I haven’t opened yet. If you want to read about the MAC Warehouse Sale, click here!

    Repurchase? No.

    Essence Volume Stylist 18h Lash Extension Mascara – I love it and it’s less than $6! Although my tube did dry out fairly quickly, it’s half the price of other drugstore brands and a fraction of designer mascaras.

    Repurchase? Maybe.

    What were your product empties and what would you repurchase?

    Love,

    jen

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  • This or That | Pixi Peel & Polish vs. Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Frxxxtion Stick 3-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser

    March 10, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I’m comparing two exfoliating scrubs: Pixi’s Peel & Polish and Tarte’s Rainforest of the Sea Frxxxtion Stick 3-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser.

    20180310_093137.jpgPeel & Polish

    This radiance revealing enzyme peel resurfaces for smoother, softer skin, and a healthy looking glow. Natural fruit enzymes loosen dead skins cells, lactic acid gently exfoliates, cellulose peels & sugar extracts polishes, lifting away dullness revealing brighter skin.

    20180310_093151.jpgRainforest of the Sea Frxxxtion Stick 3-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser

    The hypoallergenic gel stick gently sloughs away dead surface cells & polishes skin as it cleanses to fight dullness & pump up the radiance. Great for all skin types, it can be used on a regular basis without stripping skin’s moisture or left on as a treatment mask to absorb toxins & reveal smooth, sexy, glowing skin.

    TIP: You know when you’ve finished a lipstick and you can’t push up anymore, but there’s still a lot of lipstick in the tube? This is the same. I was able to scrape out a full face’s worth of cleanser from my tiny, travel-sized stick.

    20180310_092449.jpg
    Peel & Polish (left), Frxxxtion stick (right)

    The Frxxxtion stick is more gentle than the Peel & Polish. I think I might use them at the same time; use the Frxxxtion stick on cheeks and forehead and use the Peel & Polish on areas that need more exfoliating. Both don’t have the most pleasant smell. The Peel & Polish almost smells like paint, while the Frxxxtion stick has a scent that I can’t quite put my finger on, but since they’re both scrubs that you wash off after a few minutes, it’s not a big deal.

    My face feels super soft after using both of them and the price points are similar so I think the verdict is obvious:

    WINNER: It’s a TIE!

    What exfoliating scrubs do you use?

    Love,

    jen

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  • Pros & Cons to Different Types of Makeup Removers

    January 19, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    I thought I’d share the pros and cons of different makeup removing methods. I will provide an example of each, rate its effectiveness and portability. For the purposes of this post, the following terms will be used:

    ‘Face makeup’– primer, foundation, concealer, bronzer, blush, highlighter, etc.

    ‘Eye makeup’– eyeshadow primer, eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, etc.

    ‘Effectiveness’– how well the makeup remover works on eye makeup

    ‘Portability’– how easily you can carry around in your bag every day or when travelling

    Always remove your makeup before bed!

    Always be gentle when removing eye makeup. Don’t rub at your eyes, it can cause irritation or wrinkles!

    Micellar Water

    Garnier All in 1 Cleansing Micellar Water

    Pros: gentle, easily removes face makeup and eyeshadow, doesn’t need water to rinse

    Cons: sometimes it doesn’t remove all of the eyeliner and mascara

    Portability: unless you have a travel-sized bottle, it’s bulky and can be messy if it leaks

    Effectiveness: 4/5

    Tip: get the Garnier All in 1 Cleansing Waterproof Micellar Water (blue cap) if you’re wearing waterproof makeup.

    Makeup Removing Cloth

    The Original Makeup Eraser

    Pros: easily removes face makeup, just need to add water, no chemicals

    Cons: doesn’t always remove all eye makeup, can cause wrinkles from rubbing the cloth on your face

    Portability: pop it in your bag

    Effectiveness: 4/5

    Tip: Clean your cloth with soap or shampoo and wring it out before throwing in the wash.

    Makeup Wipes

    Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes

    Pros: easy to use, doesn’t need water

    Cons: doesn’t always remove waterproof makeup (eyeliner and mascara), doesn’t completely remove your face makeup, can cause wrinkles from rubbing at your eyes, will dry out if package is left open

    Portability: easy to pop into your purse and use on the go

    Effectiveness: 4/5

    Tip: Be very gentle around your eye area, don’t rub or pull at your eyes! To remove mascara, I wrap the wipe around my index finger and wiggle back and forth under my lashes (like when you apply mascara). It removes the mascara without having to rub my eyes. It also helps to prevent the mascara from smudging onto my under eye area.

    Eye Makeup Remover

    Bobbi Brown Instant Long-Wear Makeup Remover

    Pros: easily removes face and eye makeup

    Cons: if it contains oil, it can get into your eye if you don’t rinse well and cause cloudy vision for a few hours

    Portability: need a travel-sized bottle, can be messy if it leaks in your bag

    Effectiveness: 5/5

    Cleansing Balm

    Clinique’s Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm

    Pros: easily removes face and eye makeup

    Cons: need water to rinse it off, can be messy

    Portability: unless you have a sample or travel-sized pot, it’s a bit big to lug around

    Effectiveness: 5/5

    Baby Shampoo

    Johnson’s Baby Shampoo

    Pros: easily removes face and eye makeup, gentle on the eyes (no tears!), can use for other purposes

    Cons: needs water, messy

    Portability: need a travel-sized bottle, can be messy if it leaks in your bag

    Effectiveness: 5/5

    Tip: Use it to clean your makeup brushes and sponges!

    Coconut Oil/Melt

    Kopari Coconut Melt

    Pros: easily removes face and eye makeup, can use for other purposes

    Cons: need water to rinse off, messy

    Portability: unless you have a sample or travel-sized pot, it’s a bit big to lug around

    Effectiveness: 5/5

    Vaseline

    This is a good DIY makeup remover if you aren’t at home and need to remove your makeup. Most people probably have Vaseline to help with chapped lips and using regular soap and water isn’t very effective at removing all of your eye makeup especially if you use waterproof makeup…hello ‘raccoon eyes.’

    Original Petroleum Jelly

    Pros: easily removes eye makeup, can use for other purposes

    Cons: greasy

    Portability: easy to pop into your purse

    Effectiveness: 5/5

    Tip: Use a dry cotton pad to wipe off the Vaseline before washing your face.

    Additional Tips & Tricks

    Use a circular motion if you’re using a cleansing balm, coconut melt/oil, shampoo, Vaseline.

    Use a swiping motion (from inner towards outer eye) if you’re using a wet cotton pad, makeup wipe or makeup removing cloth. Don’t rub back and forth.

    If you don’t wear eye makeup, micellar water, a makeup cloth or makeup wipes are effective at removing face makeup.

    If you wear eye makeup, invest in a cleansing balm or eye makeup remover because they are specially formulated to remove waterproof makeup.

    If you’re not in the bathroom, micellar water, eye makeup remover and makeup wipes are good because they don’t require water, but make sure to pack some cotton pads in your bag.

    If you’re in the shower, cleansing balm, baby shampoo and coconut oil/melts are great to use.

    Double Cleanse! Follow up each method with your regular facial cleanser and then toner and your moisturizer/serum! All of these makeup removing methods may remove your makeup, but it doesn’t fully remove your makeup and the dirt on your face. You should always double cleanse: use a makeup remover and then use your regular facial cleanser.

    I’m a night owl, so I shower at night. I take off my makeup when I get home, and quickly wash my face with spectro gel to get rid of any ‘raccoon eyes’ from removing my eye makeup and the makeup remover residue. Then, once I’m in the shower, I use my daily cleanser to fully wash my face of the dirt and makeup that I hadn’t removed earlier.

    If you shower in the morning, you’re probably more likely to use makeup wipes to take your makeup off, put on your moisturizer/nightly skincare routine and then go to bed. Have you ever used a makeup wipe and then wiped your face with a tissue or towel and some makeup still came off? With the exception of micellar water, all of the other methods are meant to be step one in your cleansing routine. Step two is following up with your facial cleanser before you do your skincare routine.

    Sometimes I use two of the methods. I’ll use the micellar water to take off my face makeup and then use an eye makeup remover on just my eyes. This is a good way to save your more expensive products (especially since eye makeup removers and balms are more expensive).

    Micellar water is affordable and there are so many drugstore brands to choose from. The makeup removing cloth is easy to use and you can just throw it in the laundry. Eye makeup removers and cleansing balms are a little more expensive, but you can save by just using them for your eyes. Baby shampoo, makeup wipes, coconut oil and Vaseline have multiple purposes. Baby shampoo can be used to clean your makeup brushes. Makeup wipes can be used to wipe the sweat off your face after a workout. Coconut Oil can be used for oil pulling for your teeth, as a hair mask or body moisturizer. Vaseline can be used as lip balm, help with dry patches, or add a glossy look to your lipsticks.

    What’s your go-to makeup remover?

    Love,

    jen

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  • Worth It? | GlamGlow ThirstyCleanse Daily Hydrating Cleanser

    December 7, 2017

    Hi Everyone!

    Back in September, I bought the GlamGlow ThirstyCleanse Daily Hydrating Cleanser at the MAC Warehouse Sale. All the hauls I watched from previous sales, the ladies bought this cleanser and raved about it because it’s half price at the sale ($17.20 CAD for 150g). I bought two because I’ve tried the GlamGlow mud masks and like them, so I thought the cleansers would be good.

    media-20171207

    It’s a mud to foam cleanser that claims to hydrate, restore moisture, replenish and calm your skin. Here’s the description on the back of the bottle:

    ThirstyCleanse is a revolutionary Mud to Foam daily cleanser that transforms from mud into a moisture-rich foaming lather to gently & effectively rinse away makeup, dirt & impurities while deeply moisturizing your skin for a hydrated, silky & dewy fresh complexion. For men & women of all ages and all skin types.

    I started using it shortly after purchasing in September, and I have to say I was disappointed. It didn’t give me that squeaky clean feeling I get when I use The Face Shop cleansers (read my review). With a cleanser from The Face Shop, my face feels clean and refreshed (I only use them 2-3 times a week to prevent overcleansing).

    They used to sell it at Sephora, but now I don’t see it in their inventory or on the GlamGlow website. I think it retailed for $35 CAD and I don’t think it’s worth the price even at 50%.

    RATING: 2/5

    I give the ThirstyCleanse a 2/5 because it doesn’t give me that fresh, cleaned feeling and it didn’t hydrate my skin that well (I still got dry patches). I’d rather spend $12-15 on a cleanser from The Face Shop.

    Love,

    jen

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  • Haul | November 2017 Sephora VIB

    November 15, 2017

    Hi Everyone!

    I just received my little haul from Sephora. I went crazy buying things at the MAC/Estée Lauder Warehouse Sale in September, I didn’t buy too many things from the sale. I just couldn’t resist buying something…20% off was too good to pass up. I bought the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, the Sephora Mighty Minis Brush & Sponge set, and the Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Flawless Wear Concealer for my mom.

    • Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler (comes with a replacement pad)
    • Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Flawless Wear Concealer in Warm Light Medium
    • Sephora Mighty Minis Brush & Sponge set
      • Total Coverage Sponge
      • Classic Mini Multitasker Brush #45.5
      • Solid Clean: Solid Brush Cleaner

    I chose foundation and concealer samples for my three free ones:

    • Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer in 9 Neutral
    • Hourglass Immaculate® Liquid Powder Foundation Mattifying Oil Free in Shell (light, neutral undertone)
    • Benefit Boi-ing Industrial Strength Concealer in No.2 (light medium)

    I also received the Sephora PRO Flawless Airbrush #56 (mini) as a VIB Rouge Welcome Gift.

    What did you purchase from the Sephora VIB sale?

    Love,

    jen

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