• L’Oréal Paris | My Hits & Misses

    July 31, 2023

    Hi Everyone!

    It’s been a while since I’ve posted on the blog. It’s also been a while since I’ve done a Hits & Misses post. So here are my thoughts on L’Oréal products. Some of the products I was gifted and marked with a *.

    Check out my other Hits & Misses posts!

    MAKEUP || Primers | Foundations | Powders | Concealers | Brows | Mascara

    SKINCARE || Eye Creams

    BRANDS || Bobbi Brown | Burt’s Bees | Maybelline | Nude by Nature | NYX | TULA | Volition Beauty

    Before you read this post, please remember that we all have difference preferences and skin types. These are MY hits, misses and likes. You might love something I don’t like or dislike something I love.

    HITS

    Voluminous Original Mascara – This is one of my favourite drugstore mascaras. I like the wand and it’s a good price. 

    Rouge Signature Liquid Lip Colour in I Create 416 – I love this shade and it’s a pretty comfortable matte liquid lipstick. Sometimes I’ll put a bit of gloss on in the middle.

    Colour Riche Shine Lipstick in Varnished Rosewood 904 (read my review) – I bought this one for my mom, it’s a really pretty shade and has a nice shine.

    LIKES

    Bambi Eye Mascara* – I liked this mascara, the shape of the tube made it a bit difficult to open. I don’t have dexterity issues, but someone who does might have trouble opening it.

    Telescopic Intense Lash Length Original Mascara – This is the gold tube one. It works well for bottom lashes.

    Brow Stylist Boost & Set Volumizing Brow Mascara (read my review) – This brow mascara was okay. I liked the small brush, but it made my brows feel crunchy.

    Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream Anti-Redness (read my review) – My mom uses this anti-redness bb cream and it works well. I wish it came in different shades because it’s too brown for me. It also doesn’t smell that great.

    Color Riche Collection Exclusive Lipstick in J Lo’s Nude 370 – I used to looooove this lipstick. I didn’t really love the scent of the lipstick (I think it was the same as the regular Colour Riche lipsticks – either a baby powder scent or a bit floral). I went through 3 tubes of this until I decided to try other products. I prefer lip tints and balms or liquid lipsticks these days.

    Color Riche Oil-Infused Nail Lacquer in 554 Carmin Parisien* – Gorgeous shade and the brush works well. I could do without the rose scent of the polish though. I prefer the regular Color Riche Nail Lacquer (if they still sell that).

    Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Day Moisturizer Fragrance-Free* – This is the only skincare product I’ve liked from L’Oreal because it’s fragrance-free. It did a good job as a moisturizer too, but it’s almost the same price as a non-drugstore brand. So I’d rather use a serum or moisturizer from another brand. 

    Revitalift Triple Power LZR 7-day Treatment Replumping Ampoules* – These were interesting. I would prefer if they sold it in a bottle because it’s expensive for these 7 capsules.

    Le Colour Clear Toning Gloss* – I haven’t coloured my hair in years, so I can only judge the claims to make your hair shine. It did make my hair look very shiny and healthy.

    Dream Lengths 8-second(es) Wonder Water Lamellar Rinse-Out* (read my review) – It detangled hair well, but it didn’t last very long and it was expensive.

    MISSES

    Unfortunately, a lot of the skincare products has a heavy fragrance that gives me a headache, so I was unable to test how well the product actually worked. The serums were all quite tacky which I didn’t love. Here are 3 of their Revitalift serums that were too scented to try: 

    • Revitalift Derm Intensives 12% Pure Vitaminc C, E + Salicylic Acid Face Serum* – smells like that solution to clean the hair tools at a salon
    • Revitalift Hydrating Smoothing Serum* – smells like hairspray from what I remember
    • Revitalift Triple Power LZR 0.3% Pure Retinol Night Serum* – I may be mistaken, but I could’ve sworn that all of the serums had fragrance in them. Maybe there was another reason I didn’t like this one because it claims to be fragrance-free on the website

    Pure-Sugar Scrub for Oily Skin (Kiwi) – When I first tried this, I liked it, but I don’t really use scrubs on my face anymore because of my sensitive skin.

    Pure Clay Masks (Charcoal Brightening Mask for Dull Skin, Red Pore Minimizing 7 Exfoliating for Rough Skin, Green Mattifying Face Mask for Oily Skin)* – As I’ve gotten older, I’ve stopped using face masks as often out of laziness. I prefer to use a mask that I don’t have to clean off. Also, clay masks can make my skin feel dry and tight and I don’t need my skin to be drier (especially in the colder months).

    Concealer Infallible Full Wear, One-Swipe Complete Coverage Matte Finish – This one is too thick for my liking and just made my under eyes look cakey.

    Colour Riche Ultra Matte Lipstick* (read my review) – These were a bit too matte for my liking. I probably could’ve added a gloss or balm on top, but the shades I tried weren’t ones I would’ve personally chosen. So maybe if I had tried a shade that I like, I would like them better.

    Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara – This is going to be a surprise for some people, but I do not like this mascara’s wand shape. I need a more cone-shaped wand or one that’s wider in the middle, not thinner. 

    I have an Excel sheet of products I’ve tried and whether I would repurchase them or not. I have a few L’Oreal products that I said I wouldn’t repurchase, but unfortunately, I didn’t write why lol, so these fall into that category:

    • Voluminous Original Primer – I could’ve sworn I tried this, but I can’t find it in my records anywhere. I know I tried a mascara primer, but I didn’t want to splurge on one, so I got this one. I remember not liking it because it made my lashes feel so heavy once I put mascara on. It was either this or the Tarte Opening Act Lash Primer.
    • Excellence Crème – I’m pretty sure I’ve used one of their hair colours. I don’t dye my hair often, but I tried a few box dyes a few years ago. So I don’t really have a reference for which ones are good
    • Dream Lengths Shampoo with Keratin and Castor Oil & Dream Lengths Conditioner* – All I wrote in my Excel sheet was “scent was too sweet”
    • Extraordinary Oil Shampoo Fine Coconut Oil – I’m guessing that I didn’t like the oil in it or I didn’t like the coconut scent.
    • EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Strengthening Shampoo & Conditioner* – I usually stick to regular drugstore shampoo brands in bottles (sometimes I will occasionally buy an expensive one and use it for special occasions). I think I didn’t love the scent of this and it was expensive
    • Stylista #BeachWaves Texturizing Mist – I don’t like the feeling of a hair texturizer
    • Stylista #Curls Defining Spray – I remember this being quite fragranced

    I’ve tried a few discontinued products as well:

    • Sublime Soft Micellar Gelee Eye Makeup Remover (read my review)
    • Infallible Pro Contour Palette – This was the first contour palette I tried. I didn’t know what I was doing back then lol. I do remember the contour shade being a good ‘shadow’ shade though
    • Infallible Le Rouge Lipstick in 337 Refined Ruby – This was a pretty red (blue-red, not an orange-red), very shiny too

    While I’ve tried quite a bit from the brand, it also doesn’t seem like a lot once I’ve written it all down. I haven’t tried much of their face makeup, but I don’t feel tempted to try much from the brand. I have considered trying their foundations, but then I just end up trying other brands. Especially since drugstore prices have gone up and they’re comparable to brands at retail stores.

    Love,

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  • Review | WetBrush Speed Dry Brush

    April 28, 2023

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I’m reviewing the WetBrush Speed Dry Brush. I bought this in January, so I’ve been using it a few months. Here are my thoughts on the hair brush!

    Upgrade your styling routine and protect your hair from damage with the game-changing Wet Brush® Speed Dry® Brush. Its vented design allows for air to pass through the brush, expediting your drying time and lessening your hair’s exposure to heat. HeatFlex® bristles flex as you style, preventing pulling or snagging strands and protecting against breakage.

    • Vented design removes excess moisture and speeds drying time
    • HeatFlex® heat-resistant bristles gently detangle while blow-drying
    • Brush design contours to scalp for extra comfort

    I bought the hair brush on Amazon.ca (not an affiliate link). The handle is a good size, not too wide. This brush is great, it’s so much easier to clean than the paddle brush I was using before. I never liked how my paddle brushes would get water in them when I cleaned them. Usually I just get whatever is on sale at the drugstore, but after seeing RachhLoves mention it on her channel, I decided to try it. I’ve accidentally dropped it a few times while using it (so it’s dropped about 5 ft) and it hasn’t cracked or broken a bristle. It’s easy to clean and dry off. With my old paddle brushes, I would have to dry them out, bristle side down, to make sure the water drained out properly.

    RATING: 5/5

    I also still love the Tangle Teezer brushes (read my review), but I don’t use them while drying my hair. Before getting the Tangle Teezer brushes, I bought one from Claire’s (an accessory store) and it melted into my hair when I was blow drying it.

    Love,

    Read More
  • cleansing balms

    This or That | Cleansing Balms

    November 3, 2022

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I’m comparing the eight cleansing balms I’ve tried so far. I have tried two others, but they are no longer available.

    Previous posts on cleansing balms:

    This or That | Banila Co vs Heimish

    This or That | Clinique vs Pixi (no longer available)

    Glow Recipe

    These are the cleansing balms I will be comparing (in alphabetical order):

    • Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm (Original)
    • belif Aqua Bomb Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm*
    • Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm
    • Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Smoothing Enzyme Cleansing Balm
    • Heimish All Clean Balm
    • The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm*
    • Juno & Co (Juno Skin) Clean 10 Cleansing Balm*
    • Youth to the People Superberry Dream Cleansing Balm*

    Ingredients for the cleansing balms:

    Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm (Original)

    Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, PEG-10 Isostearate, Synthetic Wax, Onsen-Sui, Phenoxyethanol, Butylene Glycol, Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Fragrance, Ethylhexylglycerin, Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Bambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem Extract, Aspalathus Linearis Extract, Angelica Archangelica Root Extract, Malpighia Glabra (Acerola) Fruit Extract, Polydiethyleneglycol Adipate/IPDI Copolymer, Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, Acrylates/Methoxy PEG-15 Methacrylate Copolymer

    belif Aqua Bomb Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm*

    Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Peg-10 Isostearate, Polyethylene, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Water, Butylene Glycol, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil, Myristica Fragrans (Nutmeg) Extract, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Methylpropanediol, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Stellaria Media (Chickweed) Extract, Alchemilla Vulgaris Leaf Extract, Equisetum Arvense Leaf Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Nepeta Cataria Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Leaf Extract, Baptisia Tinctoria Root Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract

    Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm

    Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Polyethylene, Peg-5 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Water, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol

    Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Smoothing Enzyme Cleansing Balm

    Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Sorbitan Oleate, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Polyethylene, Aqua/Water/Eau, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Seed Oil, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Papain, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Fragaria Ananassa (Strawberry) Fruit Extract, Alkanna Tinctoria Root Extract, Capsicum Annuum Fruit Extract, Maltodextrin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Levulinic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Metabisulfite

    Heimish All Clean Balm

    Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Polyethylene, PEG-8 Isostearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Tocopheryl Acetate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Boswellia Carterii Oil, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Water, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Butylene Glycol, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Fruit Extract, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract, Freesia Refracta Extract, Rose Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Extract, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Extract, Narcissus Pseudo-Narcissus (Daffodil) Flower Extract, Lilium Tigrinum Extract, Iris Versicolor Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Limonene, Citral, Linalool

    The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm*

    Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Oil, Candelilla Cera (Cire de candelilla), Silica, Sorbitan Stearate, Tribehenin, PEG-60 Almond Glycerides, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour, Aqua (Water/Eau), Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Lecithin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil

    Juno & Co (Juno Skin) Clean 10 Cleansing Balm*

    Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Synthetic Wax
    Polysorbate 85, Fermented Japanese Pearl Barley (Saccharomyces/Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Ferment Filtrate), Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate), Water, Butylene Glycol

    Youth to the People Superberry Dream Cleansing Balm*

    Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax, Polyglyceryl-2 Sesquicaprylate, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Water/Aqua/Eau, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Sorbitan Olivate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Opuntia Ficus-Indica (Prickly Pear) Stem Extract*, Aristotelia Chilensis (Maqui Berry) Fruit Extract, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Fruit Extract, Lycium Barbarum (Goji Berry) Fruit Extract, Moringa Oleifera (Moringa) Leaf Extract, Opuntia Tuna (Prickly Pear) Flower/Stem Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower (Neem) Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Ocimum Basilicum (Holy Basil) Flower/Leaf Extract, Corallina Officinalis (Red Algae) Extract, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Tocopherol, Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Hexylene Glycol, Fragrance/Parfum, Limonene. *Certified Organic Ingredient

    For me, they all performed about the same. I don’t wear waterproof mascara or eyeliner, so I can’t say how well these cleansing balms work for those. I cleanse with a regular cleanser after using the cleansing balms, so I don’t mind if there’s a film from the cleansing balm.

    Texture

    Youth to the People (YTTP)’s cleanser is the most crumbly and it’s not as emollient as the others. Due to the texture being more crumbly, it didn’t remove my makeup as well. I had to work it in longer than the others. The Inkey List one comes in a tube, so it’s a more runny texture. I have to make sure to massage the tube first before squeezing any out. I was sent the Juno & Co cleansing balm and it came melted . They sent me a new one, but I’m worried about how easily it melted. 

    Comparing the textures to food: The YTTP one is like mashed potatoes (with nothing added in). The melted Juno & Co one was like melted butter that had cooled down a bit (still runny, but not completely liquid). The new tub I was sent still wasn’t as solid as the other ones.

    Packaging

    The K-beauty cleansing balms come with spatulas, while most of the others don’t come with one. Glow Recipe wins for best packaging since it comes in a glass jar that closes nicely. I wish the spatula could fit inside the jar, but I understand why they have a larger one since the jar is quite deep. I keep all of my spatulas in a little glass container, but it’d be nice to have it in the jar if you travel. The Youth to the People one also comes in a glass jar, but when I unscrew the lid, it doesn’t feel as smooth as the Glow Recipe. The Clinique, Heimish and Banila Co. cleansing balms come in sturdy, plastic containers. When you open the lids of the Heimish and Banila Co balms, there is a spatula inside. The Juno & Co one is a cheaper container that I sometimes have trouble closing if the inner lid isn’t perfectly aligned. The Inkey List one comes in a tube. This is my least favourite packaging since the cleansing balm is already more emollient than the others. I would not travel with the Inkey List or Juno & Co ones. A few times, I’ve had to wash off both of them because the products got onto the packaging.

    Cost

    In the table below, I’ve calculated the cost per mL for the cleansing balms I’ve tried. I also added others that are available on Sephora and K-beauty ones I want to try.

    Price (CAD)SizeCost per mL Packaging
    Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm (Original) - 100mL25100mL0.25plastic with spatula
    Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm (Original) - 180mL37180mL0.206plastic with spatula
    Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm24100mL0.24plastic with spatula
    belif Aqua Bomb Cleansing Balm48100mL 0.48plastic with spatula
    Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm (mini)1730mL 0.567plastic, no spatula
    Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm47125mL0.376plastic, no spatula
    Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm (value) 62200mL0.31
    		plastic, no spatula
    Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser45110g (110mL)0.409plastic with spatula
    Farmacy Clearly Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm (mini)3050mL0.6plastic, mini probably doesn't come with a spatula
    Farmacy Clearly Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm46100mL0.46plastic with spatula
    Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm (mini)3050mL0.6plastic, mini probably doesn't come with a spatula
    Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm 46100mL0.46plastic with spatula
    Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Smoothing Enzyme Cleansing Balm42100mL 0.42glass jar with spatula
    Heimish All Clean Balm25120mL0.208plastic with spatula
    I'm From Fig Cleansing Balm40100mL0.40plastic with spatula
    The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm (mini)5.6950mL0.114squeeze tube
    The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm13.99150mL0.093squeeze tube
    Juno & Co (Juno Skin) Clean 10 Cleansing Balm2185g (85mL)0.247plastic with spatula
    Youth to the People Superberry Dream Cleansing Balm45100mL0.45glass jar, no spatula

    Looking at the cost per mL, I was surprised which ones were more expensive. The Drunk Elephant one actually isn’t the most expensive one on the list.

    The Clinique one was the first one I tried. I finished it before trying other ones, so I wasn’t able to compare them side by side. I liked it a lot because it doesn’t have a scent and I don’t remember it having a filmy feeling after using it. I will buy it again once I’ve finished my current ones and update this post with a final verdict. For now, I will exclude it from the ranking. My favourite is the Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Smoothing Enzyme Cleansing Balm. It is on the more expensive end, so for the lower range, I would pick the Heimish All Clean Balm. It doesn’t have any added fragrances and you get more in the tub (120mL vs 100mL for most of the other brands).

    Have you tried these cleansing balms? Which is your fave?

    Love,

    Products marked with * were sent to me for review.

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  • October 2022 Product Empties

    May-Oct 2022 Product Empties

    October 31, 2022

    Hi Everyone!

    I didn’t realize I was so behind on my monthly empties posts! Here’s what I finished during the spring and summer!

    Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve* – I wish I had known about this hand salve sooner. After trying it, I bought some for my family to try as well. My mom and sister get cracked hands in the winter. My mom said she had a crack on her thumb and it helped heal it faster than Vaseline. Whenever I forget to apply it, my hands are so dry. When I use this, my hands feel super soft.

    Repurchase? I already repurchased it and I’m on my second tube.

    How long does it last? I was sent the 200mL tube and it lasted 250 uses (most of the time, I used the same amount, but I used more in the winter). This last 8.5 months of daily use (applied at night only).

    Dove Deep Cleansing Cucumber & Green Tea Hand Wash – If you’ve tried Dove Shampoos, the hand wash smells exactly the same. I’m currently using the Deep Moisture one. They are nice hand washes that don’t irritate my skin. They come in bottles with a pump.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion – This is not moisturizing enough for me in warm weather, so I can’t imagine it being enough in the winter time. I prefer the Cerave Moisturizing Cream or Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion.

    Repurchase? No.

    Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash – This is an unscented body wash that’s super gentle. It does have a certain scent to it (smell from the natural ingredients). I think it’s the oatmeal, but you can’t really smell it on the body.

    Repurchase? Maybe.

    The Inkey List Omega Water Cream* – This gel cream was okay. I didn’t think it was anything special. I was hoping it would be similar to the Sonia Roselli Water Balm where it beads up like water, but it was different. I didn’t like the smell of it. It had this wet smell.

    Repurchase? No.

    How long does it last? 2 months.

    Youth to the People Triple Peptide + Cactus Oasis Serum* – I really liked this serum, but it seems like I finished it fairly quickly. The pump also tends to spurt product out (I don’t know if I had a defective one, but this also happened with the Retinal + Niacinamide one). Comparing this to a Volition Beauty serum with the same amount, I finished the YTTP serum a month faster. With the Volition serum, I was able to control the amount by doing a half drop, but you can’t control the amount with this pump (can’t do a half pump).

    Repurchase? Yes.

    How long does it last? The 30mL bottle lasted about 3 months of daily use (once a day, I mostly used one pump per use).

    Volition Beauty Skin Rhythm Balancing & Clearing Serum* – I was a bit skeptical about this one being able to help deal with hormonal acne, but when I used this, I noticed that my acne during that time of the month wasn’t as bad. I did still get some hormonal breakouts every now and then, but I think this definitely helped.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    How long does it last? I used the 35mL bottle for 5 months. For the first month or so, I was only using it at night, but then I started using it twice a day. A small drop was more than enough for each use and I would only apply it on my problem areas (nose, chin, jawline). It lasted 210 uses.

    Volition Beauty Yaupon Tea Glow Awakening Moisturizer* – I didn’t really notice a huge difference in my skin. It was kind of similar to the celery green cream to me. Both are nice, but I probably wouldn’t buy it. I prefer the volition products that come in bottles: serums and oil.

    Repurchase? Probably not.

    How long does it last? About 3 months. It’ll last longer depending on how much you use. I feel like I used quite a bit for each use.

    The Inkey List Tranexamic Acid Hyperpigmentation Treatment* – I didn’t notice a difference to my dark spots, but this gel wasn’t bad. My skin was pretty clear when I had this in my routine so I can’t say if it helped with new dark spots.

    Repurchase? Maybe.

    How long does it last? 2 months.

    Bolden Skincare Hydrating Cleanser* – It’s a nice cleanser, but I didn’t see anything special about it.

    Repurchase? No.

    Bolden Skincare Awake Under Eye Patch* – The eye patches were a nice selfcare item, but I didn’t notice my under eyes being brighter or anything. I think I would need to use them regularly for a longer period of time.

    Repurchase? No.

    How long does it last? It depends how often you use them. You could finish the pack of 10 in a week and a half or it could last a couple of weeks if you only use them every few days.

    PanOxyl Creamy Acne Wash – 4% Benzoyl Peroxide* – This was a nice acne wash with benzoyl peroxide. While it wouldn’t clear acne super quickly, it did help bring some painful underground ones to the surface. I would only use this on areas where I needed it. At 4%, it was gentle enough that it didn’t make my skin red and irritated.

    Repurchase? Maybe.

    How long does it last? About 4-5 months. I didn’t use it daily, but I used it when I needed it.  

    PanOxyl PM Overnight Spot Patches* – I did not like these. Read my This or That post on Acne Patches.

    Repurchase? No.

    How long does it last? It lasted about 3 months (I had some bad breakouts this summer).

    Nacific Fresh Herb Origin Spot Patch – These were good, but they are on the more expensive side (cost per patch). Again, check out my This or That post on Acne Patches to see a cost per patch breakdown of the pimple patches I’ve tried.

    Repurchase? No, there are others that are cheaper.

    Herbal Essences Tealightfully Clean Shampoo – I liked the fresh, clean scent from this shampoo.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Dove Daily Moisture Shampoo – My go-to shampoos are drugstore ones. I sometimes splurge on higher end ones or hair masks/treatments, but I don’t use those as often. I don’t style my hair that often and I haven’t dyed it in a long time, so I don’t need anything special for my hair.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Scrub* – I really enjoyed this one. I don’t really do treatments with my hair since I don’t do much to it (don’t curl or straighten much, haven’t dyed it in a long time). I would do this scalp scrub every so often and I did notice that my scalp felt cleaner after using this scrub. It was gentle and I preferred it much more than a sample of the Drunk Elephant one I tried.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    How long does it last? It took me 10 months to finish the 150mL bottle, but I honestly don’t know if I used too much or too little each time. I’m pretty sure I used too much lol. I didn’t use this frequently so if you used this every couple weeks or so, it would only last a few months. Over the 10 months, I used it about 15 times. If you use quite a bit, it would last at least 6 months (using it every 2 weeks).

    Spot any favourites in my empties list?

    Love,

    Products marked with * were sent to me for review.

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  • eye creams

    Eye Creams | My Hits & Misses

    July 19, 2022

    Hi Everyone!

    This is basically a repost of the blog post I wrote in May 2019, but I’ve added added new eye creams I’ve tried since then and also organized them into Hits, Likes and Misses. I’ve written a mini review of each eye cream I’ve tried and also said if I had a reaction to it or not.

    Check out my other Hits & Misses posts!

    MAKEUP || Primers | Foundations | Powders | Concealers | Brows | Mascara

    BRANDS || Bobbi Brown | Burt’s Bees | L’Oréal | Maybelline | Nude by Nature | NYX | TULA | Volition Beauty

    Before you read this post, please remember that we all have difference preferences and skin types. These are MY hits, misses and likes. You might love something I don’t like or dislike something I love.

    HITS

    DearKlairs Fundamental Nourishing Eye Butter – I like this eye cream. Based on the name, I thought it would be a bit creamier/heavier, but it’s a bit like a gel cream. At first, I was on the fence about repurchasing it since the Cerave Eye Repair Cream is a bit similar (and Cerave is a bit easier for me to purchase). After checking the cost per mL though, this one is actually cheaper because there’s more in the tube. So I think I would get this one instead. I’ve already been using it for about 8 months (once daily) and there’s still quite a bit left in the tube. I was using this one as my PM eye cream, but I think I would prefer using it as an AM and using one of the thicker ones at night. At the time, I was using the Pixi Botanical Collagen Eye Serum which is a bit tacky, so I preferred using that one during the day, so naturally, this one became a part of my night routine.

    Reaction? No reaction.

    Cerave Eye Repair Cream with Hyaluronic Acid & 3 Ceramides – When I first started using this, I was a bit underwhelmed. I thought it would moisturize my under eyes more. I’ve finished the tube now and I changed my opinion about it. I liked this eye cream.

    Reaction? No reaction.

    Youth to the People Dream Eye Cream with Vitamin C and Ceramides – I’ve been enjoying using this eye cream. I have been using it at night, while I used the Cerave Eye Repair Cream during my morning routine.

    Reaction? No reaction.

    Pixi Retinol Eye Cream* – I enjoyed this one and my under eyes didn’t feel dry after using it. The tube also lasted a long time (8 months of using it twice daily).

    Reaction? No reaction.

    Pixi Botanical Collagen Eye Serum* – If you like a more gel-like eye cream, this one is quite nice. If you prefer a cream, the retinol one is good. It is a little bit tacky, so I liked to use this one for AM.

    Reaction? No reaction.

    LIKES

    Tarte Maracuja C-Brighter Eye Treatment – If I remember correctly, this one was similar to the Youth to the People one in terms of how thickness. It was a good one for my night routine.

    Reaction? No reaction.

    Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector – In my 2019 blog post, I said this was my favourite eye cream I’ve tried so far. I’ve tried several sine then and this one has been bumped from its top spot. Although it made my under eyes feel smooth, it didn’t really hydrate as well as other eye creams. When I initially purchased this, I had bought it from a warehouse sale for about $20-25 (15mL tube). I purchased it during the Sephora sale more recently and not only have they raised the price, they’ve also made the tube smaller (8.5mL). While I used the new tube, I found that I didn’t have the same love for it as I did four years ago. Also, I can no longer justify the price, especially when I don’t love it as much as I once did. 

    Reaction? No reaction.

    Volition Beauty Helix AM/PM Eye Gel (read my review) – I think I would’ve liked this more if I had tried it in the summer time. It’s more of a smoothing eye gel than a hydrating or moisturizing one. They’ve also changed the packaging. I tried it in a pot, but now they have it in a bottle with a pump.

    Reaction? No reaction.

    belif Moisturizing Eye Bomb – I had a sample of this one and I enjoyed it. Although I’m not crazy about the slight scent to it (natural fragrance, it’s not scented).

    Reaction? No reaction.

    Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel* (read my review) – Even though I gave this a pretty high rating in my review, I found that my eye would twitch occasionally when I would use this so I had to stop using it. I also didn’t love the tackiness of it.

    Reaction? Occasional eye twitching from caffeine.

    Goldfaden MD Bright Eyes Dark Circle Radiance Concentrate* – I received this from Calissa.com when I was receiving boxes from them. While I did like this eye cream, it’s not really as accessible to me as the other eye creams I’ve tried. I don’t know if it would cost an arm and a leg to pay for shipping or duties. It was a nice eye cream, but it wouldn’t be worth it for me.

    Reaction? No reaction.

    Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream for Eyes (read my review) – Unlike the Hydro Boost Cream for the face, this didn’t have a smell and it wasn’t tacky at all, but it just didn’t ‘wow’ me.

    Reaction? No reaction.

    Lkins Skincare Vitamin C Eye Gel* (read my review) – This was a nice gel texture, but it just wasn’t hydrating enough. I have really dry under eyes.

    Reaction? No reaction.

    Saturday Skin Wide Awake Brightening Eye Cream (read my review) – This one didn’t do much for me. It didn’t hydrate my under eyes as much as I needed it to and I didn’t get any reaction from it.

    Reaction? No reaction.

    OLE HENRIKSEN Banana Bright Eye Crème – I liked this eye cream, but after hearing about the lawsuit for allergic reactions for this eye cream, I decided not to risk re-purchasing it.

    Reaction? No reaction after using the travel-sized pot.

    MISSES

    Tula Multi-Spectrum Eye Renewal Serum (read my review) – It seems like they’ve renamed a lot of their products. I believe this was renamed: Instant De-Puff Eye Renewal Serum. Both my mom and I tried this eye renewal serum. We both felt itchy using it and it wasn’t allergies or anything because we were using this in the winter time.

    Reaction? No physical reaction (appearance-wise), but eyes felt itchy.

    Origins Ginzing Refreshing Eye Cream to Depuff and Brighten (read my review)

    I’m not a huge fan of the smell of this. I accidentally bought this instead of another product – I meant to get the Ginzing moisturizer. A little goes a long way and while this does brighten the under eyes, you have to be careful not to use too much or it looks too white. I was using this off and on because I got one spot and I wasn’t sure if it was the eye cream or something else. I stopped using it until it got better and then I used it again and I’ve had a bit of texture under the eyes since. So, I won’t be using this anymore. 

    Reaction? Got a milium (singular of milia) and also got red bumpy spots

    Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado (read my review) – I’ve been using this for about a while now and I’ve been using it on and off because whenever I use it, I get 1-2 red spots under both eyes. Also, it has a weird texture that’s almost glue-y. If you use too much, it doesn’t blend in very well, but if you use a very small amount, it absorbs into the skin and almost feels like water.

    Reaction? Red spots under eyes whenever I used it.

    Kiehl’s Eye Fuel* – After my reaction to the Creamy Eye Treatment, Kiehl’s messaged me asking if I would like to try a different product and I chose the Eye Fuel. THIS MADE ONE OF MY EYES TWITCH SO MUCH.

    Reaction? Eye was twitching like crazy.

    Price (CAD)Size (mL)Cost per mL
    Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream for Eyes 26.9914mL1.93
    Lkins Skincare Vitamin C Eye Gel 22.99 USD ~ 30 CAD15mL2
    Saturday Skin Wide Awake Brightening Eye Cream 25 USD ~ 32 CAD15mL2.13
    Saturday Skin Wide Awake Brightening Eye Cream 46 USD ~ 60 CAD30mL2
    Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado 7028g ~ 28mL2.5
    mini Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado 4414g ~ 14mL3.14
    Origins Ginzing Refreshing Eye Cream to Depuff and Brighten 4415mL2.93
    mini Origins Ginzing Refreshing Eye Cream to Depuff and Brighten 3610mL3.6
    belif Moisturizing Eye Bomb6025mL2.4
    Cerave Eye Repair Cream27.9914.2 g ~ 14.2mL1.97
    Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector598.5mL6.94
    Goldfaden MD Bright Eyes Dark Circle Radiance Concentrate55 USD ~ 71 CAD15mL4.73
    Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wakeup Eye Gel815mL 0.53
    Volition Helix AM/PM Eye Gel70 15mL4.67
    Tarte Maracuja C-Brighter Eye treatment5110mL5.1
    Youth to the People Dream Eye Cream6215mL4.13
    Tula Instant De-Puff Eye Renewal Serum 7615mL5.07
    Pixi Botanical Collagen Eye Serum3425mL1.36
    Dear, Klairs Fundamental Nourishing Eye Butter3120g ~ 20mL1.55

    Here are some eye creams that I want to try:

    • Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Eye Serum
    • COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream
    • I’m From Ginseng Eye Cream
    • PURITO Centella Green Level Eye Cream

    I’ve been looking for eye creams that don’t have caffeine because my right eye keeps twitching whenever I use eye creams with caffeine.

    What’s your fave eye cream?

    Love,

    Last updated Aug 2023

    Products marked with * were sent to me for review.

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  • june 2022 makeup inventory

    My Makeup Inventory | June 2022

    June 7, 2022

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I have an updated makeup inventory list. These posts are more for me to track what products I have/had at a given time. The items in BOLD are unopened/barely used.

    Primers: 3

    • Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water
    • Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water
    • Pixi +C Vit Brightening Perfector*

    Foundations: 3

    • Maybelline Shine-Free + Balance Stick Foundation in Classic Ivory
    • Maybelline Shine-Free + Balance Stick Foundation in Natural Beige
    • Uoma Beauty Say What?! Foundation in Fair Lady T2N

    Concealers: 2

    • Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer in SC-2: Fair To Light Skin Tones
    • Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer in Neutralizer

    Powders: 3

    • Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder
    • Becca Hydra-Mist Set & Refresh Powder (mini)
    • Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder in Translucent

    Blushes/Highlighters/Bronzers: 10

    • Bare Minerals Gen Nude Powder Blush in That Peach Tho
    • Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronzing Base
    • Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter in 2 Fair
    • Honest Beauty Crème Cheek Blush in Rose Pink
    • Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek (mini) in Werk
    • Burt’s Bees The Luminizer in 1906 Starlight*
    • Milani Strobelight Instant Glow Powder in Afterglow
    • Wet N Wild Megaglo Highlighting Powder in Blossom Glow
    • Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer in Nude Bronze Light
    • Pixi Summer Glow Palette*

    Brows: 3

    • Anastasia Brow Wiz in Ebony
    • Maybelline Brow Fast Sculpt, Mascara for Brows in Clear
    • Uoma Beauty Brow-Fro Blow Out Volumizing Gel in 6

    Eyeshadows: 6

    • Anastasia Beverly Hills Single in Intense Gaze
    • Anastasia Beverly Hills Single in Rosette
    • Anastasia Beverly Hills Single in Sunset
    • Catrice Self Made Bae Palette*
    • Charlotte Tilbury Easy Eye Palette
    • Urban Decay Naked Eyeshadow Single in Half Baked

    Eyeliners: 3

    • Annabelle Kohl Eyeliner in 116 White
    • MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Color Pencil: Eye, Lip & Brow Pencil 502 Infinite Sand
    • MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Color Pencil: Eye, Lip & Brow Pencil in 100 Whatever Black

    Mascara: 2

    • L’Oreal Bambi Eye Original Mascara in 407 Extra Noir*
    • L’Oreal Bambi Eye Original Mascara in 400 Blackest Black*

    Lips: 5

    • Burt’s Bees Moisturizing Lip Balm in Tropical Pineappple*
    • Giorgio Armani Rouge Ecstasy Lipstick in 400
    • L’Oreal Colour Riche Les Nus Intense Nude Lipstick in 173*
    • L’Oreal Rouge Signature Matte Lipstick in I Create 416
    • elf Glossy Lip Stain in Fiery Red*

    TOTAL NUMBER OF ITEMS: 40

    I have quite a few items that I bought last year, but still haven’t opened yet. From the ones I’ve tried so far, I would probably repurchase the Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer and the L’oreal Rouge Signature Matte Lipstick.

    Products marked with * were sent to me.

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  • volition beauty products

    Volition Beauty | My Hits & Misses

    May 26, 2022

    Hi Everyone!

    I’ve actually enjoyed all of the products that I’ve tried from Volition Beauty. So, I don’t really have any for MISSES. Although I’ve been sent a lot of the Volition products, I plan to repurchase some of them in the future.

    Check out my other Hits & Misses posts!

    MAKEUP || Primers | Foundations | Powders | Concealers | Brows | Mascara

    SKINCARE || Eye Creams

    BRANDS || Bobbi Brown | Burt’s Bees | L’Oréal | Maybelline | Nude by Nature | NYX | TULA

    Before you read this post, please remember that we all have difference preferences and skin types. These are MY hits, misses and likes. You might love something I don’t like or dislike something I love.

    HITS

    Strawberry-C Brightening Serum* (read my review) – I really liked this serum. My skin looked dewy and fresh after applying this serum.

    How long does it last? 1oz bottle – about 120 uses (half pump per use) = 4 months, once daily OR 2 months, twice daily

    Snow Mushroom Water Serum – I really liked this serum too. It does have a slight smell to it that I can’t really describe. It’s not strong and doesn’t linger though.

    How long does it last? 1oz bottle – about 10 uses (half pump per use) = 4 months, once daily OR 2 months, twice daily

    Unspottable Hibiscus Correcting Oil* – I really enjoyed this oil and it lasted about a year of daily use (twice a day). I think it did help fade a dark spot I had on my nose too.

    How long does it last? 1.1oz bottle – about 320 uses (1-2 drops per use) = 10 months (twice daily = about 4 drops daily). Drops are a single droplet, not a full dropper’s worth.

    Skin Rhythm Balancing & Clearing Serum* – This is a great product, but I think they should put it in a bottle with a pump. The product is so thick that the dropper mechanism is harder to use (comparing it to the unspottable hibiscus correcting oil’s dropper, it sticks more). I had a painful pimple on my chin and I used this for two days and it was no longer painful and angry. It also didn’t feel dry or itchy.

    How long does it last? 1.1oz bottle – I’m still using this one, but it’ll probably last a while. The consistency of this serum is different from the oil and I use it as more of a spot treatment to target the areas with hormonal acne and acne scars

     

    LIKES

    Yaupon Tea Glow-Awakening Moisturizer* – This moisturizer has been perfect for the spring weather. I’ve been keeping my morning routine fairly simple with this moisturizer, the Skin Rhythm Balancing & Clearing Serum and an eye cream. It has this gel cream texture that makes it bouncy.

    How long does it last? 2oz pot – I’m still using this one, but using the other products’ calculations, it should last 3-4 months.

    Neroli Complete Crème* – I think this one is meant for oily and/or aging skin. While it was nice and it had a pleasant scent, I prefer the serums from the brand more.

    How long does it last? 1.7oz pot – Since it comes in a pot, it’s easier to use more or less each time. I used it once a day. It took me about 2-3 months to use.

    Celery Green Cream* (read my review) – This is more geared toward oily skin so it didn’t quite give me the hydration that I need for my dry skin.

    How long does it last? 1.7oz pot – Since it comes in a pot, it’s easier to use more or less each time. I think I used it once a day. It took me about 2-3 months to use.

    Helix AM/PM Eye Gel (read my review) – I didn’t dislike this, but it was more of a silicone/smoothing eye cream than a hydrating or moisturizing one. I didn’t get to try it under makeup which I wish I had. For a while, I only used this eye cream for morning and night. I think if I used a different eye cream during night time, this might’ve worked for me. Also, I probably should’ve tried it during a warmer season because my under eyes get dry in the winter and this eye gel did nothing to help it. I previously purchased this eye gel when they sold it in a pot. They now sell it in a bottle with a pump.

    How long does it last? 0.5oz pot – For a couple months, I used this in the morning and night and then I added another eye cream. So it lasted about 4 months. It could probably be stretched to 5 or 6 if you only use it once a day.

    I don’t really have any products on my wishlist. I’ve tried all the ones I wanted so far. The Orangesicle Balancing Daily Cleanser sounds nice, but lately I prefer using a cleansing balm as my first cleanse and the Cetaphil or Cerave cleansers for my second. I don’t really want to spend more than $20 on a daily cleanser. 

    Love,

    Products marked with * were gifted to me. Illustrations on featured image by me.

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  • pimple patches

    This or That | Pimple Patches

    May 19, 2022

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I’m comparing Pimple patches! I’ve only tried hydrocolloid patches. I’ve never tried the microneedling ones and/or the ones with salicylic acid. I just use spot treatments instead. I may be missing out on the other types of pimple patches, but they’re so expensive for one time use.

    The COSRX acne pimple master patches were the first one I tried. Then I tried the clear fit ones, nexcare acne absorbing covers and last, but not least, Rael.

    I have tried eight different acne patches from six brands:

    Tapered patches

    • COSRX Clear Fit Master Patch
    • Rael Invisible Spot Cover
    • Nacific Fresh Herb Origin Clear Spot Patch
    • Subi Beauty Perfect Pimple Patch

    Non-tapered patches

    • COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches
    • Rael Overnight Spot Cover
    • PanOxyl PM Overnight Spot Patches
    • Nexcare Acne Absorbing Covers

    I was sent the Subi Beauty Perfect Pimple Patches and PanOxyl PM Overnight Spot Patches to try, but all other patches were purchased by me.

    Even though some claim that you can wear them with makeup, I wouldn’t. They’re less noticeable without any makeup (see my reviews for some pictures).

    I’ve written about five different reviews/comparison reviews on my blog, so I thought I would collect all the information and update my thoughts in one post. You can check out my previous posts below:

    Comparing Acne Patches | 2019

    Reviews

    COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches | COSRX Clear Fit Master Patches

    This or That

    COSRX vs. Rael | COSRX vs. Nexcare

    acne patch
    The pimple patch sizes I’ve tried so far

    Non-tapered

    Pros

    • absorb more than tapered ones
    • can wear them overnight

    Cons

    • easier to detect (but you could still wear them out of the house, if you don’t care)
    • aren’t as flexible, so it could stick out if you have it on a curved part of your face
    • if they absorb too much or get wet, the edges can start to peel off

    Tapered

    Pros

    • harder to detect, so you can wear them out of the house
    • they stay on well, even if you get them a bit wet. I’ve washed my face with one on

    Cons

    • don’t absorb as much
    • COSRX ones only come in one size
    • if they absorb too much, they could come off easily
    • if you wear them for too long, they get sticky/gummy
    Rael Overnight Spot CoverCOSRX Acne Pimple Master PatchNexcare Acne Pimple PatchPanOxyl Pm Overnight Spot PatchesRael Invisible Spot CoverCOSRX Clear Fit Master PatchNacific Fresh Herb Origin Clear Spot PatchSubi Beauty Perfect Pimple PatchRohto Mentholatum Blemish Cover PatchCOSRX AC Collection Acne PatchJUMISO AC Cure Vegan Cover Patch Blemish CareBY WISHTREND Clear Skin Shield PatchPeace Out Salicylic Acid Acne Healing DotsTHEKSHOP Acne Pimple PatchSome By Mi 30 Days Miracle Clear Spot PatchSKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tea-Trica Spot Cover Patch
    type - hydrocolloid only vs. hydrocolloid with salicylic acid, tea tree, etc. hydrocolloidhydrocolloidhydrocolloidhydrocolloidhydrocolloidhydrocolloidhydrocolloidhydrocolloidhydrocolloidhydrocolloidhydrocolloidhydrocolloidhydrocolloid with salicylic acid
    		hydrocolloidhydrocolloidhydrocolloid
    perforated sheet?perforatednot perforatednot perforatednot perforatedperforatedperforatedperforatedperforatednot perforatedperforatedperforatedperforatednot perforatedperforatedperforatedperforated
    Tapered vs. non-taperednon-taperednon-taperednon-taperednon-taperedtaperedtaperedtaperedtaperednon-taperedtaperedtaperedtaperednon-taperedtaperedtaperedtapered
    # in a pack52243640481818182826303620391822
    7mm-10--------------
    8mm16-24-------------
    9mm---20----28-------
    10mm205--2418918--18--24912
    12mm129122024-9---1224-15910
    13mm------------20---
    14mm-----------12----
    9x13mm (oval)---------9------
    11x16mm (oval)---------9------
    15x23mm (oval)---------8------
    thickness--------0.2mm-0.4mm with 0.39 mm edge-----

    COSRX Acne Pimple Master patches are the cheapest in terms of cost per patch. I didn’t take into account the sizes. There are more 7mm ones in the pack, so if you don’t use those as often, maybe one of the other brands is more cost effective for you.

    Cost (CAD)Cost per patch
    Subi Beauty Perfect Pimple Patch (54 count)$24 USD from subibeauty.com0.44
    Rohto Mentholatum Blemish Cover Patch (28 count)$9 from chuusi.ca0.32
    Rael Overnight Spot Cover (52 count)$15.99 from amazon.ca0.31
    Rael Invisible Spot Cover (96 count)$24.46 from amazon.a0.25
    Rael Invisible Spot Cover (72 count)$21.400.30
    Rael Invisible Spot Cover (48 count)$14.52 from amazon.ca0.32
    PanOxyl PM Overnight Spot Patches (80 ct)$20.99 from amazon.ca0.26
    PanOxyl PM Overnight Spot Patches (40 ct)$11.99 from amazon.ca0.30
    Nexcare Acne Pimple Patch (36 count) $13.400.37
    Nexcare Acne Pimple Patch$12.49 from shoppersdrugmart.ca0.347
    Nacific Fresh Herb Origin Clear Spot Patch$5.99 from thekshop.ca0.33
    Mighty Patch Original Hydrocolloid Patches (36 count)$12.77 from iHerb0.35
    COSRX Clear Fit Master Patch (18 count)$4.80 from chuusi.ca0.26
    COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch (24 count)$5 from chuusi.ca0.208
    COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch (10 packs of 24 count)$37 from amazon.ca ($3.70 per pack)0.15
    COSRX AC Collection Acne Patch (26 count)$7.00 from chuusi.ca0.27
    JUMISO AC Cure Vegan Cover Patch Blemish Care (30 count)$6.99 from thekshop.ca0.23
    BY WISHTREND Clear Skin Shield Patch (36 count)$9.99 from thekshop.ca0.278
    Some By Mi 30 Days Miracle Clear Spot Patch (18 count)$7.99 from thekshop.ca0.44
    THEKSHOP Acne Pimple Patch (39 count)$9.99 from thekshop.ca0.256
    SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tea-Trica Spot Cover Patch (22 count)$8 from thekshop.ca0.36

    Ranking the hydrocolloid patches in different categories:

    Ease of use

    Both Rael patches have perforated backings to make it easier to peel off the patches without folding them or ruining the side of the patch. One time I accidentally folded a bit of the side and then the patch didn’t lie flat on my skin. COSRX Clear Fit, Nacific and Subi Beauty patches also have perforated backings. PanOxyl and Nexcare do not have perforated backings.

    Packaging

    The Rael patches and the Nexcare patches come in boxes. The COSRX patches comes in a shiny plastic pouch, as does the Subi beauty (holographic) and Nacific which can’t be recycled. They all come in a little sleeve that keeps the patches sterile. My least favourite is the PanOxyl ones, it’s almost similar to the packaging of a bandaid where it’s hard to slide it back in because it’s a bit tacky. 

    Variety

    The Rael and COSRX patches are best for variety of sizes and tapered vs. non-tapered. Rael also offers larger sizes (for body) and micro-crystal patches. COSRX also sells AC Collection ones that are oval-shaped. 

    Accessibility

    COSRX and Rael can be bought on multiple sites. Nexcare is available on Amazon.ca and the Shoppers Drug Mart website. Subi beauty, I think, can only be purchased on their website. Nacific patches are pretty accessible to Canadians, but they’re more expensive than the others that I like.

    Most of the patches perform the same, but the Nexcare ones weren’t sticky enough (stuck to my hair in the middle of the night) and the PanOxyl ones are almost too sticky that I’m afraid it’ll pull off some skin (especially if the pimple has popped and it’s an open wound.)

    My top choices out of the brands would be Rael and COSRX. For me, the Rael ones are slightly more worth it because of the sizes available for both tapered and non-tapered. I rarely used the 7mm COSRX ones and, for some reason, they have more 7mm ones in their pack than the other sizes. I also like that Rael switched from a pouch with foil to a recyclable box.

    What pimple patch brand is your favourite?

    Love,

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  • skincare hair empties

    May-June-July 2021 Product Empties

    July 30, 2021

    Hi Everyone!

    I haven’t finished many products over the past few months, so I combined three months’ worth of empties. I haven’t really touched my makeup in a long time, so I only have body, skin and hair care empties.

    Rael Miracle Acne Patches (read my review) – I love these and I will continue to buy them. I like that there are only 2 sizes of patches and the plastic they’re attached to is perforated so it’s easy to peel them off nicely.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Skinceuticals Phlorectin CF* – I didn’t like the smell of this one (it smells like brown sugar or coffee?). It made my face feel tacky the whole day and I didn’t notice a huge difference in my skin either. Even if this was a more reasonable price (it’s $190 CAD for 30 mL), I wouldn’t purchase because of the scent.

    Repurchase? No.

    Neogen Pore Tight Aqua Mask – I don’t really use sheet masks anymore. I’d prefer to just use moisturizers, serums or sleeping masks. This mask didn’t really align with my face well. The eye holes were really high up, so part of my forehead wasn’t covered and a lot of the sheet mask was under my chin. It doesn’t have a scent, but for some reason, it gave me a headache. It dries down tacky which I didn’t like.

    Repurchase? No.

    Cerave Moisturizing Cream – I like this cream. It keeps my skin moisturized throughout the day.

    Repurchase? Yes

    Dove Cool Moisture Shampoo – I like cucumber-scented shampoos. They’re refreshing.

    Repurchase? Yes

    Dove Nourishing Rituals Energize Shampoo – I like the refreshing scent of the grapefruit and lemongrass.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Australian Bodycare Intim Shave Gel* – I didn’t really notice if this helped with ingrowns or any redness/razor bumps.

    Repurchase? No.

    Pixi Glycolic Body Wash* – I was using this on my legs mostly. I am prone to ingrown hairs, so I think the exfoliating qualities of the body wash were helping my legs.

    Repurchase? Maybe.

    What products have you finished lately?

    Love,

    Products marked with * were sent to me.

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  • Revisiting my 2019 Favourites

    Revisiting My 2019 Favourites

    February 2, 2021

    Hi Everyone!

    I am revisiting last year’s favourites. There were some products I really enjoyed, but I don’t love them enough to repurchase. Others are favourites and I will repurchase again in the future. Keep reading to find out which products from my 2019 favourites made the list!

    Check out my other posts revisiting my old favourites!

    Revisiting My 2017 Favourites

    Part 1 | Part 2

    Revisiting My 2018 Favourites

    Part 1 | Part 2

    This year, I’ve taken a look at those “Revisiting” posts and reviewed them again. I’ve decided that every year, I will take a look at all of my favourites to see how my tastes change as I get older.

    Revisiting My Old Beauty Favourites

    January/February

    Maybelline Lash Sensational Full Fan Effect Mascara (read my review)

    Repurchase? Maybe.

    CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara (read my review)

    Repurchase? Maybe.

    Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder in 15 Light

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer

    Repurchase? Yes. I’ve bought it twice since I first tried it.

    Lancôme Brow Powdery Shaping Pencil in 09 Soft Black

    Repurchase? No.

    March/April

    Lancôme L’Absolu Lacquer Lip Gloss in 236 Pour Toujours

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil

    Repurchase? No.

    May/June

    Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder in Medium

    Repurchase? No.

    Sigma F30 Large Powder Brush

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Colourpop Super Shock Shadows

    Repurchase? Probably not. I feel like buying too many of them would take up a lot of room.

    Pixi On-the-Glow Multi-Use Moisture Stick*

    Repurchase? No.

    Laneige Lip Glowy Balm in Grapefruit

    Repurchase? I would repurchase in a different flavour. I wasn’t a fan of the grapefruit. I would probably choose the Berry.

    Jouer Essential Lip Enhancer Balm

    Repurchase? Yes.

    July/August

    Bare Minerals Gen Nude Powder Blush in That Peach Tho

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Perricone MD No Lip Gloss Lip Gloss*

    Repurchase? No.

    Touch In Sol No Poreblem Primer

    Repurchase? No.

    Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner

    Repurchase? No.

    Eczema Honey Nut-Free Skin-Soothing Cream*

    Repurchase? Probably not.

    Colourpop Brow Boss Gel in Clear

    Repurchase? Yes.

    September/October

    Dolce & Gabbana 3 L’Imperatrice Eau De Toilette

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Goldfaden MD Bright Eyes*

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Sephora PRO Featherweight Powder Brush #91

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder

    Repurchase? Yes.

    November/December

    Volition Beauty Strawberry-C Brightening Serum*

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème

    Repurchase? Maybe.

    Good Molecules Ultra-Hydrating Facial Oil*

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Do you spot any of your favourites?

    Love,

    Products marked with * were sent to me for review or gifted.

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  • Jan 2021 product empties

    January 2021 Product Empties

    January 29, 2021

    Hi Everyone!

    I have a few empties for you this month. I decluttered a few makeup items. I know you can keep some makeup for a while, but I have sensitive, acne-prone skin, so I don’t really want to keep makeup longer than two years.

    Good Molecules Rosewater Daily Cleansing Gel* – This cleansing gel was just okay for me. It didn’t really do much more than my Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser which is less expensive.

    Repurchase? No.

    Skyn Iceland Arctic Repair Cream* – I tried it once as a face moisturizer, but I found it too heavy. I really enjoyed this as a body cream. I would use it after showering and I loved that it wasn’t greasy at all. The container is a 100% recyclable jar made from sugarcane. I found sometimes it was hard to twist the lid on nicely. Since it comes with an insert that holds a spatula. It wasn’t a big issue for me, but I would be worried if I put it in a bag.

    Repurchase? For the colder months, I would definitely consider purchasing it.

    NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Shine Shampoo & Conditioner* (read my review) –

    Repurchase? I would consider trying a different scent.

    Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder in 15 Light – I really liked this powder. Even though it’s a finishing powder, I used it as a foundation for days I wanted light coverage. I wish they had more shades though. The light shade wasn’t the perfect match.

    Repurchase? Definitely!

    Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation in Light Neutral – I really liked this powder. It was the wrong shade, but it looked really nice on the skin. I know it’s called a full coverage foundation, but if you use a light hand, it won’t look heavy.

    Repurchase? In a different shade, yes.

    Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer in #7 – I purchased this when I bought the Luminous Silk Powder Foundation for my mom. The fluid sheers were on sale and this was one of the shades they had left. It was a good deal and I really just wanted to try it, so I chose #7 (a pinky pearlescent shade). I used this more like an illuminator mixed in with foundation instead of as a highlighter since it was a pink shade. It made my foundation look glowy. I still would’ve preferred to get a different shade, but I liked it.

    Repurchase? I want to try other liquid illuminators from other brands, but if I were to get this again, I would get it in shade #2.

    Love,

    Products marked with * were sent to me for review.

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  • Makeup Inventory | Jan 2021

    January 20, 2021

    Hi Everyone!

    It’s time for another makeup inventory update! I bought a few makeup items in January 2020 (which I haven’t even opened yet). I was lucky enough to be sent some makeup and that’s the reason my collection grew a bit last year. I wasn’t able to reach my goal of getting down to 50 items like I wanted.

    Makeup inventory posts from previous years:

    Dec 2018 | June 2019 | Jan 2020

    I’ve done some posts on my Hits & Misses for a few different categories, check out the posts:

    Primers | Powders | Foundations | Concealers & Colour Correctors

    Brows | Mascara

    I’ve also done a few brand Hits & Misses posts:

    Bobbi Brown | Burt’s Bees | Maybelline | NYX | Nude by Nature

    July 2018Dec 2018June 2019Jan 2020Jan 2021
    Primers1211743
    Foundations137663
    Concealers115654
    Setting Sprays/Powders1111573
    Contour03110
    Bronzers63317
    Blushes145526
    Highlighters139459
    Brows33632
    Eyeshadows12960231716
    Eyeliners129232
    Mascara102322
    Lipstick287741
    Lip Liners75400
    Lip Glosses/Tints/Balms104214
    Makeup Removers131424
    Perfumes54532
    Nail Polishes4319700
    Total Items3401681006668

    Even though I didn’t reach my goal of 50 items, it’s amazing to see that my collection is a fraction of what it was in the summer of 2018.

    The bronzer, blush and highlighter categories went up because I decided to count the pans as 1. Before, I used to count 1 palette as 1 blush/highlighter/bronzer. Even if it was a mixed palette, I just chose to count it as 1 bronzer/blush/highlighter.

    I haven’t used my perfumes since early last year. I bought 2 of them during a warehouse sale and they were probably older inventory at the time. I’m wondering if I will get to use them up. I stopped using one of my old perfumes because the scent changed after a few years. I still have it on display though because it’s such a pretty bottle.

    I haven’t worn nail polish in a couple years now. I would definitely consider buying a neutral colour and maybe a red/wine in the future.

    What are your makeup plans for 2021?

    Love,

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  • August/September Empties

    August/September 2020 Product Empties

    October 1, 2020

    Hi Everyone!

    I haven’t finished many items over the last few months (especially makeup products). I only have two products for the last two months.

    Volition Beauty Helix AM/PM Eye Gel (read my review) – I liked this eye gel, it didn’t give me any reactions under my eyes. It made my under eyes feel smooth and it was perfect for summer time, but I need something more moisturizing in the fall and winter.

    Repurchase? Maybe.

    Joico Moisture Recovery Shampoo – I liked this shampoo and the scent. I would buy it again on sale.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    What did you finish this month?

    Love,

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  • digital beauty illustration

    July/August 2020 Faves

    August 31, 2020

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I’m sharing some non-beauty things I’ve been enjoying. 

    CONTENT CREATION

    Procreate App on the iPad – I’ve started drawing digital beauty illustrations on my iPad. It’s been really fun and people seem to enjoy them because it’s different from my other content. It is an app that you have to pay for, but it’s worth it for me.

    botvidsson on Youtube – I’ve been watching this Swedish photographer’s videos to learn product photography tips and tricks. 

    FOOD

    Potato & Prosciutto Flatbread – This was really good. I liked the little kick of dijon mustard. Instead of prosciutto, I used bacon.

    Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms – This was also really good (with cheese and bacon again).

    Strawberry Banana smoothies – I’ve also been making smoothies lately. I don’t really use measurements, but I throw in frozen strawberries, bananas (can be frozen too) and oat milk. Super simple and it tastes good.

    WORKOUT

    I’ve still been working out to Pamela Reif‘s videos, but I’ve also been doing Chloe Ting‘s workouts too.

    Love,

    *None of the links are affiliate links.

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