• This or That | elf Lip Exfoliator vs. Tarte Lip Facial Lip Scrub

    February 1, 2019

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I’m doing another comparison post on lip scrubs (see the first here). I’m comparing lip scrubs again. This time, it’s elf Lip Exfoliator against the Tarte lip Facial Lip Scrub.

    elf Lip Exfoliator in Mint Maniac

    Gently exfoliate lips to remove dry, chapped skin with our Lip Exfoliator! A sweet sugar and smoothing sensation, infused with Vitamin E, Shea Butter, Avocado, Grape and Jojoba Oils to nourish and protect. This Lip Exfoliator treats and smoothes lips for a conditioned and revitalized feel.

    Tarte lip Facial Lip Scrub

    Pamper & perfect your pout with this at-home lippie facial that exfoliates & treats dry, cracked lips & provides instant hydration, all in one easy-to-use pencil. The 2-in-1 lip scrub sloughs away dead surface cells, allowing moisturizing ingredients to penetrate deeply thanks to micro-fine sugar granules suspended in a conditioning treatment balm. The raw sugar acts as a natural exfoliator, gently rolling over surface imperfections to polish & improve lip texture.

    This felt so rough, my lips did not like this one. I tested it out by swatching on my hand to see if it was just in my head, but it actually made my hand red from applying it on my hand (not wiping it off). I would rather make my own sugar lip scrub than by this. Thank goodness I got this for free.

    WINNER: elf Lip Exfoliator

    Again, the elf one wins because it’s just so affordable and the Tarte one just felt so rough and abrasive on the lips.

    Love,

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  • elf Lip Exfoliator vs. Milani Keep It Sweet Sugar Scrub

    This Or That | elf Lip Exfoliator vs. Milani Keep It Sweet Sugar Scrub

    August 20, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I’m comparing Lip Scrubs: elf vs. Milani. I received the elf lip exfoliator from Topbox Circle and I purchased the Milani scrub in a haul last year. Both have sugar granules that help to exfoliate. The elf one is packaged like a bullet lipstick and the Milani one comes in a jar.

    elf Lip Exfoliator in Mint Maniac

    Gently exfoliate lips to remove dry, chapped skin with our Lip Exfoliator! A sweet sugar and smoothing sensation, infused with Vitamin E, Shea Butter, Avocado, Grape and Jojoba Oils to nourish and protect. This Lip Exfoliator treats and smoothes lips for a conditioned and revitalized feel.

    This exfoliator comes in different ‘flavours,’ I received Mint Maniac, but they also have Brown Sugar, Sweet Cherry, Coconut, Pink Grapefruit and Rose. I think I would’ve chosen the mint one anyway. I might’ve considered brown sugar, but to be honest, it looks kind of gross since it has specks of the brown sugar.

    Since the instructions say to use on moist lips, I prefer to use my finger to get some of the scrub and then use my finger to exfoliate instead using the tube. I think using my finger is a little more hygienic especially because my lips are a wet. After exfoliating, I can feel the slight tingle from the mint.

    Milani Keep It Sweet Sugar Lip Scrub

    Smoothes and exfoliates lips for an instant polished and revitalized look. Natural sugar granules soften skin with a kiss of sweetness, leaving lips feeling nourished and prepped for color. Use 2-3 times per week and follow with Keep It Smooth Luxe Lip Treatment for the ultimate lip luxury experience.

    Since this scrub comes in a pot, it’s a bit chunkier and the consistency is like a body sugar scrub. It has a sweet scent that’s not too overpowering.

    WINNER: elf Lip Exfoliator

    For the Milani scrub, my fingers feel greasy after using it- I guess it’s to help moisturize the lips after, but I don’t like the feeling. Personally, I think I prefer the elf one because of the way it’s packaged. Also, I felt like the elf one did a better job at sloughing off the dry skin and it feels gentler (the Milani lip scrub is more chunky and messier).

    What’s your fave lip scrub?

    Love,

    jen
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  • Beauty Recommendations from Instagrammers

    July 2, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    Every now and then when I post a pic on Instagram, I’ll ask my Instagram followers for beauty recommendations and sometimes when I post about a new blog post, someone who recommend a brand they like that has a similar product. Here’s a list of products recommended by my fellow beauty Instagrammers. I provided links to the Instagram accounts of the ladies who recommended the products too.

    As you know, I like The Body Shop’s Tea Tree Oil products. Check out my reviews of two of their products below!

    Targeted Gel Blemish Stick | Anti-Imperfection Daily Solution

    I was recommended several other products from the line.

    TITLES JC(3)

    Tea Tree Anti-Imperfection Night Mask

    Tea Tree Oil

    Tea Tree Oil Skin Clearing Foaming Cleanser

    Tea Tree Oil Skin Clearing Mattifying Facial Toner

    Recommended by @brittdanielsbeauty,  @mia.ind & @themakeuptreasury

    After posting about the Vasanti BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator, I was recommended a similar product. This is the only recommendation where I hadn’t heard of the brand before. It’s always nice to learn about new brands.

    Probiotic-Enzyme-Exfoliator_1024x1024

    Ongaro Probiotic Enzyme Exfoliator

    Recommended by @thewellnessmama

    After posting my This or That post on Cleansing Balms (comparing Clinique’s and Pixi’s), someone said the It Cosmetics balm was good. I can’t find the comment now, so I don’t know who recommended it.

    byebyemakeup_main.jpgIT Cosmetics Bye Bye Makeup 3-in-1 Makeup Melting Balm

    I was asking for recommendations for favourite CC Creams and tinted moisturizers, I was recommended two:

    TITLES JC(8)

    IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF50+

    NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF30

    Recommended by @mariiacanoa & @celiniblini

    I love facial mists, I have the Cucumber Water Hydrating Face Mist from Pearlessence that I got from Winners and the Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist (Read my review).

    TITLES JC(7)Saturday Skin Daily Dew Hydrating Essence Mist

    Mario Badescu Facial Spray

    Recommended by @rubiredlipstick & @girlandtheblossom

    I love the Garnier Micellar Water and I was recommended the one with Argan Oil.

    3005966Garnier SkinActive Micellar Water with Argan Oil

    Recommended by @jeanicaxx

    edfgeNARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation

    Recommended by @thewelshchic

    TITLES JC(4)Bobbi Brown Blush

    NARS Blush

    Revlon Powder Blush

    TheBalm Blush

    Recommended by @editionalbeauty & @icxbeauty

    TITLES JC(6)MAC Lipstick in Modesty (cremesheen)

    MAC Lipstick in Velvet Teddy (matte)

    MAC Lipstick in Peach Blossom (cremesheen)

    Recommended by @swatchesbyeva, @lipglossnlashes82 & @shellsmakeupchair

    What are some of your beauty recommendations/favourites?

    Love,

    jen

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  • This or That | The Face Shop Smart Peeling Mild Papaya vs. Soo’Ae Purifying Brightening Peeling Gel

    May 2, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I’m comparing two peeling gels that are mild exfoliants. Unlike my previous This or That post on exfoliating scrubs, these are gentler. The Tarte Frxxxtion Stick and Pixi Peel & Polish both have more gritty textures. The Soo’Ae gel is similar to the Peel & Polish, but it’s not as gritty and it smells nicer. The Face Shop’s peeling gel doesn’t feel gritty at all and it’s thicker and more like a jelly.

    20180406_002341Soo’Ae Canada Purifying Brightening Peeling Gel

    A super gentle and nutrient infused defoliator mild enough for even delicate skin types.

    20180430_045935.jpg

    The Face Shop Smart Peeling Mild Papaya

    An exfoliator with natural papaya enzymes and hyaluronic acid that smoothes and enriches skin with moisture.

    20180430_050038

    20180430_050114

    Soo’Ae gel is on the left in both pics and The Face Shop peeling gel on the right. The Face Shop gel is more like a jelly and it’s a bit messier.

    Since these are so gentle, sometimes I use these peeling gels on the underarms too.

    20180430_045933

    WINNER: Soo’Ae Canada’s Purifying Brightening Peeling Gel

    I have to give the win to the purifying brightening peeling gel because it’s gentle, but it’s not as gloopy as The Face Shop’s. I actually think I prefer the Soo’Ae peeling gel to the Pixi Peel & Polish because it’s less expensive and smells nicer.

    Have you tried peeling gels or exfoliants? What are your faves?

    Love,

    jen

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