Today, I’m reviewing the Tetley Tea Cold Infusions which are “flavoured herbal tea water enhancers.”
Tetley Cold Infusions herbal infusers are specially created to be brewed in cold water. Simply drop in your water bottle (or glass or pitcher), shake or stir and go. No mess – no fuss – just great tasting water!
It’s great that there’s no sugar added and they’re caffeine-free. It’s definitely more convenient to infuse it in cold water. You don’t have to do the extra steps of boiling water. It’s great if you’re going out for the day and you can just throw it into your cold water.
I was sent two: Strawberry & Watermelon and Raspberry & Cranberry teas. The raspberry & cranberry had a bit of a medicinal taste that I wasn’t fond of, so I preferred the strawberry & watermelon. I think the mint, lemon & cucumber one would be refreshing, but that’s easier to make by yourself and you can control the amount of each ingredient.
I will start by saying that I’m not a huge fan of strawberry-flavoured teas. I’m a bit particular when it comes to fruity teas. I prefer mint and green teas. From Tetley, I like the Lychee Pear Green Tea and the Super Herbal Sunshine Tea – Lemon & Orange with Vitamin D.
I tried adding club soda to the teas to add some fizz, but it didn’t really do much. Actually, the fizziness overpowered it. So, I tried something else. I made it into a slushie by blending the tea with frozen strawberries and ice. I also added a splash of club soda (I think it was too much club soda the first time). It’s similar to a strawberry daiquiri. For those who are of legal age, you can add a bit of rum to make it more like a daiquiri.
RATING: 2.5/5
Honestly, I didn’t love the flavours I tried, but I would consider trying the mint, lemon & cucumber one and any others they come up with in the future.
Have you tried the Tetley Tea Cold Infusions?
Love,
*Products were sent complimentary from Topbox Circle to review.
NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Shine Shampoo* (read my review)- At first, I wasn’t a huge fan of the scent since it’s a bit sweet, but it grew on me. I liked the shampoo and it did make my hair shine. The bottles are interesting and I like that they sell refills in bags.
Repurchase? Maybe. I would consider trying one of the others.
Garnier Fructis Clean & Fresh Fortifying Shampoo + Grapefruit – I liked the clean scent of this one. I don’t really do anything to my hair, so it’s not damaged or anything. So I mostly just buy shampoos that are on sale.
Repurchase? Maybe.
The Ordinary 100% Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil – I love facial oils for my dry skin, but this one seemed to break me out. I’ve tried a rosehip seed oil from Good Molecules and it didn’t break me out. Even though it broke me out, it did seem to keep my face moisturized.
Repurchase? No.
Goli Nutrition Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies* – I was sent these gummies to try. I was expecting the texture to be like gummy candies, but it wasn’t like that. I can’t even think of anything that has a similar texture when you bite into the gummy. I don’t think I tried these long enough for them to help if they even do help digestion and other things.
Repurchase? No.
Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion – I liked that it didn’t have a scent. I would use it as a toner as my first layer of skincare after cleansing. It’s nice for the colder months where I need a little more hydration. I’ve tried other products that I prefer more, so I probably wouldn’t repurchase this specific one. I might look into other products from the brand though.
Today, I’ll be reviewing another product I received from Calissa. An Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting Cleansing Gel by Dr. Dennis Gross. It’s my first time trying the brand.
This vegan formula contains Alpha Beta® acids which lift away dead skin cells and debris while toning and smoothing skin. Willow bark, Farnesol, and Barosma Betullina help remove impurities, wash away bacteria, and decongest pores, while Snow Ear Mushroom hydrates to maintain skin’s moisture balance. Dr. Gross hand selects each ingredient and combines it with the most efficient delivery system to ensure skin receives maximum skincare benefits from the rest of your regimen.
I enjoy gel cleansers, so I was interested in trying this especially since it’s soap-free, sulfate free, vegan, cruelty-free.
RATING: 3/5
It has a subtle scent that smells like aloe and a bit fruity/floral. It’s quite a thick cleanser. I have the tube and I always squeeze out too much. It’s a nice cleanser, but I will be honest and say I wouldn’t buy the full size. It’s quite expensive for a cleanser ($50 CAD for 225ml) especially when I squeeze out too much. I’d rather pay more for moisturizers, serums or eye creams.
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!)
Today, I’ll be reviewing a product I received from Calissa. It’s the No Foundation Serum from Perricone MD.
Perricone MD’s No Foundation Serum instantly softens imperfections and minimises the appearance of wrinkles and pores with Neuropeptides without settling into fine lines. A luxurious fluid texture leaves a semi-matte suede finish with a breathable second skin effect.
It’s really nice, the only thing about the one sold at Calissa is that it comes in 1 universal shade. The Perricone website has multiple shades, but it’s SPF20. I don’t know if the formulation is different or if it’s just a slightly lower SPF.
RATING: 3.5/5
It wore well and it looked like skin. It has a nice, soft matte finish. By hour six, it was breaking up a little bit. I set it with the Charlotte Tilbury powder. It’s really good for someone who has dry skin like me. I don’t know how it would work on someone with oily skin. It would probably start to break up a lot sooner. I have mostly dry skin, but I do get an oily t-zone. It didn’t look cakey around my nose which was great. I prefer a more dewy look which can be achieved by mixing in a liquid highlighter. I give this specific “universal” broad spectrum serum a lower rating. If I tried a shade that matched me, I might give a higher rating.
Perricone MD replied to my Instagram review saying: We have another formula, No Makeup Foundation (vs. Foundation Serum) that we think you may like better based upon this feedback!
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!)
This best-selling body gel contains Rosemary, Black Pepper, Lavender and Ginger essential oils. After a long day at work, or an intense workout, give your aching muscles the love they need. De-Stress Body Gel instantly cools aches and pains, then warms muscles over time leaving them feeling soothed.
Apply generously and massage directly over muscles and joints before and after physical activity. Use up to twice daily. Can be used in flight to maintain circulation in ankles and legs. For optimum results follow with De-Stress Body Oil to give your body some extra TLC. TOP TIP: If you suffer with tension headaches, apply muscle gel to the back of your neck whilst at work, or on the go.
I’ve used it a few times now and it’s really good. Usually I use something like Voltaren on my sore muscles. My arm was sore and throbbing one day, so I applied it and it has this cool feeling. At some point in the next couple hours the throbbing stopped. It still stinks like any muscle gel (I smell the rosemary and black pepper the most I think), but it works!! Luckily, the scent doesn’t linger. You can still smell it if you sniff your arm or wherever you applied it, but you can’t smell it from a distance. I probably wouldn’t use it on a flight. I wouldn’t want to be THAT person on the airplane.
RATING: 4/5
It’s great, but it is on the more expensive side.
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!)
I haven’t tried many new products in the past two months, so I don’t have many favourites for you this time.
Volition Beauty Strawberry-C Brightening Serum* (read my review) – I really enjoyed this serum and will definitely be repurchasing in the future.
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème – This is a great eye cream. I don’t know if it brightened my under eyes that much, but I haven’t had any reactions to it. A lot of eye creams have caused milia or some type of reaction because they’re too thick for me. At first I didn’t love the smell of this, but I eventually got used to it. It keeps my under eyes feeling smooth and moisturized.
Good Molecules Ultra-Hydrating Facial Oil* – I really enjoyed this facial oil. Once it started to get colder, I would mix this with the Volition Serum to add some more hydration to my face.
A brightening serum powered by strawberry-derived vitamin C for noticeable radiance, hydration, and even-toned skin.
Strawberries contain 14% more Vitamin C than an orange and they’re packed with antioxidants! Strawberry seed extract brightens skin and helps even skin tone, and vitamin C helps boost your skin’s collagen production for plumper, firmer skin.
After using this daily for over a month, here are my thoughts. I love the texture of this serum. After applying it, my skin looks dewy and fresh. Since it’s winter, I add in a few drops of facial oil. It smells a bit more like radish than strawberries to me which isn’t a big deal because strawberries might be too sweet. The smell doesn’t linger which I love. So far I’m loving this!
RATING: 5/5
Before receiving this from Volition Beauty, I was planning to buy it. I would definitely purchase this once I finish this bottle. I prefer it over the Celery Green Cream (read my review).
Lather the body in this nourishing body butter, leaving skin soft and supple. Enriched with hydrating Larch and smoothing Pumpkin Seed Extract, this body butter deeply moisturises and evens skin tone. Delicately fragranced with Rose, Patchouli and Mandarin Essential Oils, indulge in a moment of self-care with this body butter.
This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray
Get a great night’s sleep with this pillow spray – proven to help you fall asleep quicker and wake up feeling refreshed. Infused with a superblend of Lavender, Vetivert and Chamomile, this pillow spray helps to calm mind and body – soothing you to sleep.
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Riche
In just one step, achieve nourished, softer and comfortable skin. Combining intense nutrition with a subtle fragrance, this riche oil nourishes, repairs and leaves a satin finish. Able to be used on face, body and hair, this multi-use oil is a cold weather saviour.
So Eco Konjac Sponge
A sponge made from vegetable fibres of the Konjac plant, this biodegradable sponge helps to gently cleanse and exfoliate with every use. Designed to help balance the pH of the skin, this sponge is suitable for all skin types.
Dr Botanicals Hemp Infused Natural Nutrition Moisturizer
Infused with Hemp Seed Oil and Cocoa Butter, this day moisturiser protects, nourishes and hydrates the complexion. Containing 2% Hemp Seed Oil, this whipped moisturiser provides essential fatty acids that help provide the skin with essential vitamins and minerals.
Designed for hardworking hands, this unique mask soothes and moisturises the hands. A unique bio-cellulose glove inspired by a multi-layered Kimono, this hand mask is saturated in a formula rich in Shea Butter, Aloe Vera and Hyaluronic Acid to promote supple and smooth skin.
Before receiving this box, I had only heard of the Nuxe oil. I’ve only tried 2 of the 6 products so far, but I really enjoyed the Skimono mask. My hands (especially the pads of my fingers) were really dry and I used the mask and they felt a lot smoother after I used it.
An invigorating blend of citrusy lemon and spicy black pepper which give this luxurious lip balm its signature zing. Lemon oil is often used to rejuvenate dull skin and the aroma is said to reduce anxiety and improve mental clarity. Black pepper has a warming effect and is a natural antibacterial.
Calissa sells 3 other lip balm flavours: Bergamot & Grapefruit, Sandalwood & Ginger and Cinnamon & Burnt Orange. I think the Bergamot & Grapefruit One would be my fave.
The tube has a simple design. The lip balm comes in a nice, sturdy rectangular box that you can re-use. It’d be perfect to store your jewellery when you travel.
A lot of lip balms are quite colourful, so I think men might enjoy using this one since darker colours in packaging are considered masculine. The lip balm itself has a thicker formula. I have to squeeze it harder than my Jouer or Laneige lip balm. I think this is good because if you have this in your purse, it’s less likely to ooze out if it’s squeezed. The lemon and black pepper has a fresh, yet a little spicy scent. I don’t know if it’s black pepper or if it’s the peppermint that gives it a bit of a kick. The balm gives a sheen to the lips, but not too glossy. When you apply it, you can feel a little tingle, but it goes away after a while.
RATING: 3.5/5
I find lemon-scented products can easily smell like a kitchen cleaner. So, I don’t love this one, but I think I’d enjoy the bergamot & grapefruit one. This is on the pricier side of lip balms, but it’s free of mineral oil, beeswax and fragrances.
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!)
I haven’t tried a lot of products from Almay. I was sent 10 Almay products to review (5 different products with two different shades of each). While that was very generous and all of the products look really pretty, not all of the shades are ones I would personally choose and if I opened them, I would just end up wasting them. So, I’m going to review the products that I’ve decided to keep for myself and I will be putting the unopened products in a future giveaway.
Several of the products have that iridescent, unicorn vibe – especially the Jelly highlighters and glosses. These products are greatt for a fun makeup look, festival or Halloween…they would’ve been perfect to use for Coachella.
I received 020 Smoldering Embers and 030 Coppery Blaze.
When you swatch the shadows with your fingers, they’re not the most pigmented. When you apply them though, they are very nice. For the Smoldering Embers palette, the shimmery bone shade is perfect to highlight the brow bone and I really love the brown shade because it’s smoky, but also perfect for an everyday look (this shade swatched the best out of the three shadows). You can add a bit more smoke by adding the purple shade.
From top: Smoky Eye Trio Eyeshadow in Smoldering Embers (top to bottom), Shadow Squad Eyeshadow in 160 Thrill Seekers (swatches are clockwise from top left)
Shadow Squad Eyeshadow
Your favorite shades, in each of four finishes: matte, satin, metallic, glitter
Mix it up in monochrome
Soft texture for beautiful color payoff
I received 160 Thrill Seekers and 100 Unicorn.
The Unicorn shades are either not going to show up or look weird on my skin tone, so I will be giving that one away. The Thrill Seekers teal shades are more my style anyway. Again, swatching them, they’re not the most pigmented shades. If you want to add some more pigment, apply it on top of the Velvet Foil Shadow (the Lunar Disco shade is the perfect shade) or make sure to use a shadow primer that will brighten it up.
I prefer the bottom two shades from this palette. I usually prefer if my brightly coloured shadows are metallic or glittery because I’m not exactly going to use a matte green or teal as a transition shade. The matte shade was also a bit patchy.
Velvet Foil Cream Shadow
Wear each shade individually or combine for a dramatic customized eye look. Quick and easy application – apply with fingertips or an eyeshadow brush. No shadow fall-out during application.
Long wear formula – up to 24 Hour wear
High intensity color
Crease-proof, smudge-proof, fade-proof all day
Infused with Vitamin E and a botanical blend of ingredients
I received 070 Astro Girl and 060 Lunar Disco
I first swatched this on my hand (see below- it looks kind of black in that lighting, but it is more blue) and found it very difficult to wash off. It made me worry how hard it would be to remove from my eyes. I don’t have waterproof makeup remover, if you do, you’re probably fine, but it took me a bit more effort to remove it. Astro Girl is a white shade so that won’t really look good on my skin tone. I opened up Lunar Disco which is a blue shade. I tend to go for more neutral shadows, but this looks nice when you pair it with the Shadow Squad Eyeshadow in Thrill Seekers.
Make Them Jelly Hi-Lite 24K Dreams, Unicorn Light, Velvet Foil Cream Shadow in Lunar Disco
Make Them Jelly Hi-Lite
Jelly highlighter that illuminates and shimmers, giving you a celestial glow.
Iridescent glitter sheen complements all skin tones
Instantly illuminates and adds moisture to skin
Buildable highlight for customized level of radiance
As always, hypoallergenic & fragrance free
Pro Tips!
Brush onto cheekbones and the bridge of your nose for an iridescent gleam
Apply to collarbones and shoulders to make them pop
Mix with moisturizer or primer for an all-over glow
Add to foundation for customized radiance
I received 003 Unicorn Light and 004 24K Dreams
These jelly highlighters dry down a bit tacky. In the pro tips, it says to apply to bridge of nose, I think it’s a bit too chunky to do that, it’ll look like you had some fallout from an eyeshadow get onto your nose. Similar to the Inglot x Jennifer Lopez Livin’ the Highlight, this is a bit more chunky than I prefer my face highlighters to be. I prefer a wet look instead of shimmery chunks, so I think this would be best as a body highlighter for the collarbone and shoulders.
I’ve compared these to the NYX Jelly Illuminator, check out my post (swatches included).
Goddess Gloss
A spectrum of prismatic lip glosses with holographic effects. Designed to be worn solo, mixed or layered.
Gives lips a holographic, iridescent glow
Lips feel moisturized and smooth, never sticky
Made with pomegranate, grape and raspberry oils
Available in 8 sheer, easy to wear, high-shine shades
As always, hypoallergenic & fragrance free
Pro Tips!
Rock it solo for an iridescent glow on lips
Mix & match shades to create infinite ombré looks
Layer over lipstick for a transformative holographic effect
I received 930 Dreamy and 900 Gilded
These lip glosses really aren’t my style. I don’t really like iridescent lip sticks, but if that’s your style, I think these would look really good.
This Almay collection is very fun and iridescent. I personally prefer a neutral look with a glowy highlighter so my favourite out of all of the products was the Smoldering Embers Smoky Eye Trio…boring, I know. As you may know, I’ve been trying to streamline my makeup collection. While fun shades and products are cool to try out, I don’t think I would’ve bought anything from this collection because I want to have products in my collection that are timeless and neutral (with maybe a nice pop of colour here and there).
Have you tried Almay products? What were your thoughts?
I joined Topbox Circle which is like the Topbox version of Influenster and I was sent a collection of Burt’s Bees products to try out and do a natural makeup look. I was amazed at how many products they sent, I thought I would only be receiving 1 or 2, but they sent 8! I thought I would do a first impressions review of all the products while I’m at it.
Goodness Glows Liquid Foundation in 1025 Natural Beige
13 shades available
Natural Mattifying Powder Foundation in 1115 Sand
6 shades available
Blush in 1210 Shy Pink
3 shades available
Natural Brow Pencil in 1610 Brunette
2 shades available
Natural Eyeshadow Trio in 1505 Shimmering Nudes
4 shades available
Natural Eye Liner in 1405 Soft Black
3 shades available
Nourishing Lengthening Mascara in Classic Black
2 shades available
Glossy Lipstick in Peony Dew
6 shades available
On the website, they say that their makeup is formulated without parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, SLS or synthetic fragrances, and made with recyclable packaging. They’re 100% natural makeup products and never tested on animals.
I’m going to start out by saying that I find the scent of Burt’s Bees a bit too strong for my liking and if you’re a regular reader on my blog, you’ll know that I am selective with what scentes products. Luckily though, once the products are on, you can’t smell them as much. They all have a scent except for the eyeliner and brow pencil. All of the products are fragrance free, so the scents are all natural. The blush, eyeshadow trio and powder foundation all have the same scent (I don’t know if it’s just the packaging or the actual products). It’s weird, but it sort of smells like a popsicle stick after you’ve eaten the popsicle (a bit sweet, but woodsy). The liquid foundation is kind of stinky, I’m guessing it’s the Meadowfoam Seed Oil. The mascara has a smell that’s not like other mascaras, I’m guessing it’s the Jojoba Oil. The lipstick has Red Raspberry Oil and Mimosa flower wax, so it has a very light scent of floral and fruity.
Goodness Glows Liquid Foundation in 1025 Natural Beige
When I first put this on, it looked like a perfect match for my skin, but after applying it to my whole face, I think I could go up a shade. It covered the redness around my nose and chin, but you definitely need a concealer to cover up acne or dark spots. This is NOT waterproof. Don’t go out in the rain (if you can help it) and don’t set it with a spray or the foundation will just come off and all your hard work will be running down your face. When I was cleaning my beauty sponge, I noticed that the foundation washed out much easier than other liquid foundations. You know when you clean your sponge and sometimes it takes a while to squeeze out all of the foundation? Well, you won’t have that problem with this foundation!
Glowing skin is always in. Burt’s Bees Goodness Glows Liquid Foundation is a full-coverage, mineral makeup that leaves skin smoother and more radiant with a natural finish that’s never heavy, cakey or greasy. This 98.9% natural moisturizing foundation instantly hydrates and nourishes skin and stays on all day. Made with responsibly sourced Meadowfoam Seed Oil, known for its moisturizing benefits, it gives you naturally beautiful results both inside and out. Goodness Glows Liquid Foundation is perfect for dry or combination skin.
Blush in 1210 Shy Pink
The website says Sky Pink, but it’s Shy Pink. I don’t have much to say about this (in a good way)- it’s really pretty! It’s a subtle pink, but gives you a beautiful, blushed look.
Glow beautifully and naturally, wherever you go. Our Blush applies and blends easily and evenly. This 100% natural, lightweight mineral makeup features Bamboo, Honey and Vitamin E to nourish skin and enhance your cheeks’ natural glow for beautiful results, inside and out.
Natural Mattifying Powder Foundation in 1115 Sand
This powder was quite pale on me, I need to get a darker shade. I did a light powdering of it on my t-zone after using the foundation and it instantly mattified my skin.
Shine from within, not on your skin. Our 100% Natural Mattifying Powder Foundation in Bamboo controls shine with buildable and blendable coverage to give you a smooth and even skin tone. Lightweight and non-comedogenic, our Mattifying Powder Foundation is perfect for oily or combination skin, effectively absorbing oil without drying out your skin. Made with Bamboo to blur imperfections, this mineral makeup blends easily to even out your skin. Use the included custom sponge applicator and mirror to build coverage gradually.
Natural Brow Pencil in 1610 Brunette
You can smell the cedar when you sniff the pencil! This was too light for me, it almost looked reddish brown on my brows. I prefer to use a black or gray black. I hope they come out with more shades. The product itself was okay, it filled in the gaps well. I didn’t love that it was waxy because the hairs would get matted down. I’d rather use a brow gel to keep my brows in place.
Get naturally beautiful brows that wow. Our Brow Pencil easily fills, defines and shapes brows to ensure you look your natural best. Made with Jojoba Oil and Shea Butter, our formula is 99.9% natural, long-lasting and gentle enough for the delicate eye area. First, fill in sparse, light or over-plucked brows. Then, use the brush to blend the colour and groom your brows. The natural cedar wood pencil is responsibly sourced.
Natural Eyeshadow Trio in 1505 Shimmering Nudes
These shades are so pretty! The lightest shade is a really nice for the brow bone and as a highlight. I don’t think I would use it as an all-over the lid colour because it’s shimmery and it just sort of looks powdery on my monolids. The two darker shades are really pretty too- not too dark, but perfect for an everyday look.
It’s time to go natural, without a shadow of a doubt. Our Eye Shadow Trios are a 100% natural formula that’s both easy-to-blend and long-lasting, resisting creasing, fading and smudging for all-day wear. Made with Bamboo, Honey and Vitamin E, this mineral eye makeup nourishes skin and enhances your natural glow for beautiful results inside and out.
Natural Eye Liner in 1405 Soft Black
This was a very nice black liner. You can take your makeup look from day to night by applying it on the outer V and smudging it out.
Our Nourishing Eyeliner is easy to apply and resists smudging and fading for long-lasting wear. 99.9% natural and specifically formulated for your delicate eye area, it’s made with Jojoba, Mango and responsibly sourced Meadowfoam Seed Oils to help nourish your skin. The unique cedar wood pencil is also responsibly sourced.
Nourishing Lengthening Mascara in Classic Black
I like the brush of this mascara. The mascara added length to my lashes, but still looked natural and it wasn’t clumpy. It came off easily with water, so it’s definitely not waterproof.
Our 100% Natural Nourishing Mascara lengthens and defines lashes. The brush and formula work together to give you longer, healthy looking lashes instantly. Made with Jojoba Oil and naturally moisturizing Glycerin to nourish lashes, this 100% natural mascara is gentle enough for your delicate eye area. Burt’s Bees Nourishing Mascara is safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
Glossy Lipstick in Peony Dew
This has a sheer colour that gives a subtle tint for a “My Lips But Better” look. The lipstick is more waxy than other lipsticks (i.e. MAC lipsticks), it feels like a morph of lipstick and gloss since it’s a bit tacky, but applies like a lipstick.
Our Glossy Lipstick gives you full coverage, glossy lip colour you’ll love, with natural, moisturizing ingredients that love your lips in return. These long-wearing lipsticks make lips super lustrous and keep them hydrated. Nourishing Red Raspberry Oil, Moringa Oil and Mimosa flower wax moisturize, leaving lips smooth and beautifully soft.
In the pic, I am wearing fake lashes because my lashes just weren’t showing up in the pics I was taking. In person, the mascara definitely makes a difference with my lashes. I did apply mascara after applying the lashes too and it definitely made the fake lashes look longer and thicker. I used all of the Burt’s Bees products and I also used Nude By Nature’s Perfecting Primer- check out my review here, Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer to warm up my face a bit (because it was so pale) and Cosmania Lashes for Days in Natural Black (I grabbed them from Winners). I used the lightest shade of the eyeshadow as a highlighter on the brow bones, cheeks and nose. I used the eyeliner to tightline my upper lash line and applied it on the outer half of my lower waterline. I also applied some on the lid and smudged it out
If you’re planning on wearing Burt’s Bees products, check the weather forecast and make sure there’s no chance of rain! All of the makeup came off with just water (even the liquid foundation), so don’t use setting spray and don’t go for a swim with this makeup on. It’s probably best not to wear it if you’re going to be working up a sweat too.
I did a test where I wet a cotton pad with micelllar water (after washing my face with just water) and there was no trace of makeup left behind. Usually, after I use my makeup cloth, there’s still some residual makeup on my face. So, if you want very natural products, this is a great line to pick up and it’s all very affordable since it’s a drugstore brand!
Based on my first impressions, I’m quite impressed and I would consider buying these products and trying other shades. I think my favourite is the blush. It’s a good start to the line, but they definitely need to expand on their shade range so that everyone can benefit from their natural products!
Have you tried Burt’s Bees makeup? What are your faves?
I received Vichy’s Idéal Soleil Anti-Shine Dry Touch Lotion complimentary of GlamSense and thought I’d write a review on the blog. I’ve never tried any Vichy products before so I was excited to try it.
VICHY introduces its first dry touch, facial sun protection, with a unique powdery texture that mattifies skin, even in the most humid conditions. Long lasting anti-shine effect. 80 minutes water & sweat resistance. Dry touch lotion formulated for an active lifestyle and outdoor activities. Apply generously and evenly, on face, 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply at least every 2 hours, after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating and immediately after towel drying.
I was really impressed by this lotion, I love that it dried fast and didn’t feel tacky or oily. The consistency isn’t too thick (it’s like a moisturizer). It went well under my liquid foundation. It smells faintly like sunscreen, but it’s not overpowering like other sunscreens out there. I give it two thumbs up!
RATING: 4/5
It’s quite expensive for a facial sunscreen, but you should always protect your face with SPF and I’m guessing face sunscreen is formulated so that it can go well under makeup and not look too greasy. I’ve tried Neutrogena’s which is half the price, I’ll compare the two in a This or That post.
Have you tried Vichy products? What sunscreens do you use on your face?
I was sent a complimentary tube of the Nude by Nature Perfecting Primer from Chick Advisor. I thought it’d be a good idea to review it on the blog too since the brand is new to Canada. A full-size bottle retails for $32 CAD (the one Chick Advisor sent is half the size of a full-size).
Creates an even, luminous base for make-up application. The untinted formula blends seamlessly into the skin, restoring freshness and helping fight visible signs of ageing, while helping to extend make-up wear and disguising skin imperfections. The primer is composed of active natural ingredients, including the native Australian Kakadu Plum, known for its abundant Vitamin C content, rich antioxidants Vitamins A and E, and Green Tea.
It does have a scent- it kind of smells like candy. From what I remember, it smells like Chiclets gum. After you apply it and start applying foundation and your other products, the smell does go away. Since it’s silicone-free, it looks like a moisturizer- it comes out of the bottle white and then blends beautifully into the skin for a smooth finish.
I wore it for about seven hours and I had also been testing the Lancome Skin Tint Foundation. After about four or five hours, my t-zone started to get oily and you could tell that the makeup had broken up on my chin and on/around my nose. So I don’t really think it extended my makeup’s wear time. It’s the same as any other higher end primer.
RATING: 3/5
The primer itself is okay, so I’m going to give it 3/5. Before putting on foundation, my skin felt smooth and then when I put on the foundation, my foundation blended into my skin beautifully. Personally, I don’t think I will be picking up the full-size because the smell is too sweet. I really want to try Nude by Nature’s Radiant Loose Powder Foundation and maybe some of the other products.
I was contacted by REMAY, a company that sells shave gel bars. Their mission is to ‘make shaving quicker and more enjoyable.’ They designed a shave gel bar that easily glides on your skin by adding water. It says you can use it on your legs, under arms, bikini area, head and face. You wet the gel with warm water and it will create a “translucent micro-barrier to protect your skin from the razor.” It’s Made in Canada too which is a plus for me.
Shave Gel Bars
Protects the skin from nicks, bumps and razor burn
Allows for a quick application with no mess
Contains real coconut and tea-tree oil
Paraben-free and sulfate-free
Vegan and cruelty-free
Works with any 3, 4 or 5 blade razor
RATING: 4/5
It made my skin feel incredibly smooth and it smells really nice (like coconut). It’s like a bar version of those strips that come on fancier razors that help to protect your skin. It’s great because it’s travel-friendly and more eco-friendly compared to shaving creams that come in cans. It is a bit expensive, but if it prevents nicks, bumps and razor burn, I think it’s worth it. They gave me a discount code for my lovely readers. Use code JEN20 to get 20% off your order!
I received a complimentary VoxBox from Influenster Canada with the Revlon Mega Multiplier Mascara in Blackened Brown (803)!
I prefer using the darkest shade of mascara that they offer. So I would get the black or blackest black mascara from this line. A few times when I looked in the mirror, it almost looked like I had powder on my lashes or in certain lighting, my lashes looked gray because the blackened brown shade is too light for me. This is my first time using a Revlon mascara, but right away I liked the fact that it wasn’t a silicone brush and I liked the shapes of the mascara tube and the brush.
The mascara tube is sort of almond shaped, so it’s easy to open (unlike the round ones which can be hard to grip). The top part with the wand is shiny while the bottom part is a matte black and feels a bit textured.
My lashes look natural and there are no clumps. I like slightly tapered brushes that aren’t silicone for my top lashes. This is a great brush and I would definitely keep it to apply other mascaras. Since this is a (fiber) mascara that coats your lashes with tubes, I can definitely feel that there is something on my lashes.
I prefer non-fiber mascaras for my everyday makeup look, but the fiber ones are good for some extra oomph for a night out.
Are the claims true? Let’s see!
Flake-free? I ran my finger along my lashes and no flakes or residue on my finger! (It does flake if you rub your eye, but if unprovoked, it shouldn’t flake just from blinking)
Smudge-proof? I rubbed my eye and nothing smudged, although a few fiber flakes came off on my finger.
Water Resistant? It doesn’t claim to be waterproof, but if you get caught outside when it starts raining lightly, you should be okay. As long as it’s dry, it won’t smudge if you use a setting spray. I splashed some cold water on my face and squeezed my eyes shut to see if any mascara would come off, it didn’t smudge. I splashed some more on my face and this time it smudged a bit, but easily came off with a qtip.
Removes easily with warm water? No eye makeup remover needed! Using warm water, it came off with little effort and unlike other mascaras, I didn’t get raccoon eyes trying to wash it off. I would avoid hot tubs or anywhere with steam.
Plump and extend lashes for mega volume and extreme length? My lashes aren’t very long to begin with, but I can definitely tell that this mascara has added length and volume. Would I say MEGA volume and EXTREME length? No, but it’s definitely noticeable (the only way I will have long enough lashes to be noticeable in pics is if I wear false lashes).
RATING: 5/5
I give it a perfect score because it’s easy to take off and I love the brush. I just need to buy the darkest shade and I will love it even more!
Thoughts: I really like this mascara! I like that it doesn’t flake and that you don’t need to use makeup remover to get it all off (I hate when I thought I took off all of my mascara and then after a shower, I find that I have raccoon eyes!)
I always like to have a mix of high-end and drugstore products. I prefer to spend more on the skincare products like primers, moisturizers, toners, foundations and concealers. Since mascara can dry out fairly quickly and you’re not supposed to keep them for too long, I prefer to buy drugstore brands for mascaras. I tend to like drugstore brand mascara more anyways and this way I can buy a few for the same price as one designer brand. I only have high end mascaras because they were deluxe samples or a birthday present. Two of my favourite mascara brands are Maybelline and L’Oreal and it looks like I’ve just added Revlon to the mix!
What are your fave brands of mascara? Do you prefer high-end or drugstore brand mascaras?
Thanks to Influenster Canada for sending me this Revlon VoxBox!
