Faves Archives – Page 3 of 4

Worth It? | My 20 Most Expensive Purchases

January 24, 2020
Hi Everyone!

Today, I’m sharing my 20 most expensive beauty purchases. I wore makeup in high school, but I just wore eyeliner and a dab of concealer if needed. I thought foundation was unnecessary for some reason. My face was relatively clear, I would get breakouts every now and then, but nothing unmanageable. I started wearing foundation in university. Also, I would just use the same moisturizer my mom used…Complex Moisturizer from the drugstore. It wasn’t until a few years ago that we both decided to upgrade from that. Since I started blogging, I’ve tried a lot more makeup and skincare, but I’ve still only scratched the surface. I’ve tried a few higher end products which are on the list. Keep reading to find out if all 20 were worth it!
1. Sigma Essential Brush Kit (12 brushes) – $99 from Winners
2. Tula Illuminating Face Serum – $88.30 (15% off)
3. Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation Kit – $83 from Sephora (included full-sized foundation, primer and a foundation brush)
4. Tory Burch Eau de Parfum kit – $80 from Mac Warehouse Sale (included a full-sized perfume, a mini perfume and a full-sized hand lotion)
5. Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel – $73.95 (15% off)
6. Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gioia Eau de Parfum – $69
7. Tarte Maracuja Oil (supersize) – $66 (25% off)
8. Sephora Flatter Yourself Contour Brush Set – $60 (includes 3 brushes – angled blush, duo fiber, buffing)
9. Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer – $58.65 (15% off)
10. Clé de Peau Stick Concealer – $55 (more than 40% off, purchased at Shiseido Warehouse Sale)
11. Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder Compact – $55
12. Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado – $51 (20% off)
13. Dior BACKSTAGE Face & Body Foundation – $50
14. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder – $49.30 (15% off)
15. NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer – $49.30 (15% off)
16. Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Longwear Foundation Stick SPF21 – $46.75 (15% off)
17. Laneige Water Bank Serum – $46
18. Make Up For Ever Step 1 Equalizer Primer (Redness Correcting) – $45
19. Lancôme Skin Feels Good Skin Nourishing Foundation SPF23 – $45
20. Sephora PRO Featherweight Powder Brush #91 – $45.05 (15% off)
I don’t know why I was so dumb before, but several items on this list were purchased at full price when I could’ve waited until the Sephora sale. Now I know better!

Sigma Essential Brush Kit – This is a great brush kit. I’m glad I was able to find it at Winners for $99.

Worth it? Yes!

Tula Illuminating Face Serum (read my review) – This was one of my favourite serums, but Tula no longer sells to Canada.

Worth it? Yes!

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation Kit – This was a beautiful foundation, but I still haven’t found my shade even though there are 40+. This is where I first tried the smoothing primer which I love and there brush is nice and soft.

Worth it? Yes.

Tory Burch Eau de Parfum kit – I love this perfume. I would’ve paid $80 or more just for the perfume.

Worth it? Yes!

Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel – I haven’t used this as an everyday cleanser, but it’s nothing SPECIAL.

Worth it? No.

Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gioia Eau de Parfum – Loved this perfume! It’s so much more expensive now though and the bottle is different. I don’t know if that means the formula has also changed.

Worth it? Yes.

Tarte Maracuja Oil (supersize) – I bought this during a Black Friday sale so instead of $88, it was $66 for the supersize bottle which is twice the size of the regular one.

Worth it? Yes!

Sephora Flatter Yourself Contour Brush Set – Sephora Collection brushes are okay, I’ve since bought a Sephora PRO brush which isn’t the same as any of the three brushes in this set, but it’s so much softer.

Worth it? I would pass on this one.

Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer in #7 – I was buying my mom the Luminous Silk Powder Foundation and wanted to try the fluid sheer. It’s beautiful and looks great under foundation, mixed with foundation or on top of foundation. I have a shade that’s kind of pinky and it wasn’t the one I wanted originally, but it was all they had in stock. It’s beautiful though.

Worth it? Yes! Would definitely try other shades.

Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder Compact – This is a face powder, but I use it as more of a highlight. Although it would be beautiful as a face powder for that glowy/dewy luminous look.

Worth it? Yes.

Clé de Peau Stick Concealer – This stick concealer isn’t as emollient as other sticks I’ve tried. I don’t know if it’s dried out because I bought it from the Warehouse sale, but it definitely wouldn’t be worth the full price at $93.

Worth it? No.

Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado – My under eyes had a reaction to this eye cream. I had to give it to my sister.

Worth it? No.

Dior BACKSTAGE Face & Body Foundation (read my review) – While this was a beautiful finish and looked very natural, it didn’t last very long on my skin. Dior foundations are also very fragranced. I gave this to my friend.

Worth it? Not for me.

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder – This powder is a very finely milled pressed powder. It’s beautiful on the skin, but can look cakey if you apply too much. It also pans really quickly and there’s only 3 shades available. The medium one is the shade that I bought and it’s too orange for me.

Worth it? Not for me.

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer – Beautiful tinted moisturizer!

Worth it? Yes.

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Longwear Foundation Stick SPF21 – I really like this foundation stick.

Worth it? Yes.

Laneige Water Bank Serum – I originally loved this, but after using it for a month or so, my skin started having a reaction. This is also very scented. Ended up giving this to my sister as well.

Worth it? Not for me.

Make Up For Ever Step 1 Equalizer Primer (Redness Correcting) – I love the Smoothing primer from Make Up For Ever, but this redness correcting one didn’t do a lot. If you want to colour correct, use a colour correcting concealer.

Worth it? No.

Lancôme Skin Feels Good Skin Nourishing Foundation SPF23 (read my review) – The shade range of this foundation is crap, but it’s a beautiful foundation/tinted moisturizer. I would definitely repurchase if they came out with more shades because the one I had wasn’t quite right and the shades above are too dark.

Worth it? Yes.

Sephora PRO Featherweight Powder Brush – According to the reviews on Sephora, this is called the ‘bunny punch’ because it’s so soft and fluffy. I really like this brush. Although it’s a little top heavy, it’s nice for setting.

Worth it? Yes.

As you can see, most of the purchases WERE worth it. Unfortunately some of them didn’t work out for me.

What expensive makeup and skincare products have you purchased?

Love,
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Nov/Dec 2019 Faves

December 26, 2019

Hi Everyone!

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.

What were your faves this month?

Love,

Products marked with (*) were sent to me.

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Review | Volition Beauty Strawberry-C Brightening Serum

December 4, 2019

Hi Everyone!

Today I’m reviewing the Volition Beauty Strawberry-C Brightening Serum. I received this product complimentary, but all opinions are my own.

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.

Ingredients: Water, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Water, Glycerin, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Fragaria Ananassa (Strawberry) Seed Extract, Fragaria Vesca (Strawberry) Fruit Extract, Sea Water, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Propanediol, Bentonite, Picea Abies Extract, Carbomer, Aminomethyl Propanol, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Phytate, Leuconostoc Ferment Filtrate, Citric Acid, Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77499)

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).

Have you tried Volition Beauty?

Love,

*This was gifted to me by Volition Beauty.

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November 2019 Product Empties

November 28, 2019

Hi Everyone!

I’ve got quite a few empties this month! Keep reading to find out which ones I’d repurchase.

Tula Acne Clearing + Tone Correcting Gel – I like this gel. It doesn’t dry out my skin or irritate it like other salicylic acid products. Unfortunately for me, Tula stopped selling outside of the United States.

Repurchase? I would if I could.

Dr Paw Paw Original Balm (read my review) – This product was okay, but it didn’t do much more than Vaseline (which is a lot cheaper).

Repurchase? No.

Laneige Lip Glowy Balm in Grapefruit* (read my review) – I liked this lip balm, but it tasted like artificial grapefruit.

Repurchase? Yes, in a different flavour.

Goldfaden MD Bright Eyes* (read my review) – I really enjoyed this eye cream. I didn’t really notice if it brightened my under eyes, but it didn’t have any scent to it and wasn’t too thick. It didn’t cause any reactions under my eyes. It wouldn’t be hydrating enough for Fall/Winter, but I liked it for Spring/Summer.

Repurchase? Yes.

Tatcha The Deep Cleanse Exfoliating Cleanser – This was an okay cleanser, but I don’t think it’s worth splurging. It didn’t do anything special compared to cheaper options.

Repurchase? No.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer – This is one of my favourite primers. I’ve already repurchased one to replace this.

Repurchase? Absolutely.

Tarte Timeless Smoothing Primer – This is one of Tati’s (GlamLifeGuru) favourite pore-filling primers. It is a great primer, but it comes in a jar and it’s a bit thicker than other pore-filling primers. You also have to make sure to press it into the skin, don’t rub it in or it will pill. If you use too much, it can get cakey. It’s a great pore-filling and blurring primer.

Repurchase? Probably not since I’ve found others that are easier to use.

Morphe Highlight & Contour Beauty Sponge – This was denser than I thought it would be. I didn’t love it and didn’t hate it.

Repurchase? Maybe.

What did you finish this month?

Love,

Products with (*) were gifted to me.

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October 2019 Product Empties

October 31, 2019

Hi Everyone!

Perricone MD Cold Plasma+ Face Serum* (read my review) – This was a nice product, but it’s way too expensive for what you get. I used this up in about a month (used it day and night). Because it comes in a tub and it’s very fluid, I used way more than I needed to and therefore finished it quicker than a bottle of the same size.

Repurchase? Probably not.

Pixi Vitamin-C Tonic* – I enjoyed this and my sensitive skin didn’t have any reactions to it.

Repurchase? I would definitely buy this in the future.

Heimish All Clean Balm (read my review) – I don’t know if the cleansing balm went bad or something, but it smelled very different from when I first got it. My skin was reacting to something and I don’t know if it was the cleansing balm or something else, but now I won’t know because I probably won’t repurchase it.

Repurchase? Probably not.

Amorepacific Treatment Cleansing Foam – It was nice, but my face felt quite dry after using it. It wouldn’t become my everyday cleanser, but I might use it once a week to get a good clean.

Repurchase? Probably not.

Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil Ultra Fine Shape & Define in 6* (read my review) – Love this!

Repurchase? Absolutely.

Elle Derm Anti-Stress Age Perfector Rejuvenating & Brightening Cream* (read my review) – This cream had salicylic acid. I prefer having a salicylic acid in a cleanser or a serum instead of my creams.

Repurchase? Probably not.

Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Shampoo – I’m picky when it comes to coconut scents, but this is one of my favourites. it doesn’t smell like fake coconuts or plastic.

Repurchase? Probably.

Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Frxxxtion Stick 3-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser – I like this exfoliating stick. It’s gentle on the face and easy to travel with.

Repurchase? Yes.

COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches (read my review) – Love these. If you haven’t tried them, you should get acne patches!

Repurchase? Absolutely!

What did you finish this month?

Love,

Products marked with * were sent to me.

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Sept/Oct 2019 Faves

October 29, 2019

Hi Everyone!

I’m sharing September and October’s beauty favourites!

Dolce & Gabbana 3 L’Imperatrice Eau De Toilette – I don’t usually like florals, but I got a sample of this from Sephora and really loved it. I saw some reviews on Sephora where people have said it doesn’t last long on them because it’s an Eau de Toilette. While I would agree that it doesn’t last as long as an Eau de Parfum, I can still smell it at the end of the day after using only 1 spritz. I bought this at the Shiseido Warehouse Sale for $35 so maybe that’s why I can justify it. I know this is in my Sept/Oct faves, but I feel like this is more of a warm weather scent. I have another perfume in my collection that I like to wear in the Fall and Winter months, but this will be my new Spring/Summer scent (replacing my Acqua Di Gioia Eau de Parfum).

Goldfaden MD Bright Eyes* (read my review) – I’m really enjoying this eye cream. I don’t think it’s quite hydrating enough for me in the winter time, but I really like it for the warmer months. It’s one of the few eye creams that hasn’t caused some reaction on my under eyes.

MUJI Acrylic Storage Case with Sliding Doors – I am loving this acrylic organizer. It keeps my products dust-free and it makes a beautiful prop for shelfies! Also, the fact that it’s clear makes it easier for me to see what products I have in my collection.

Sephora PRO Featherweight Powder Brush #91 – This brush is so soft! I saw a review on the Sephora website where someone said this brush was called the ‘Bunny Punch’ because “it’s so soft and thick it’s like you’re being punched by a bunny when you use it.” It really is super soft! The only drawback is that it’s top heavy (especially because the handle is tapered). I use it with my setting powder. I don’t swirl the brush around my face, but I tap it using the side of the brush.

Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder – I am loving this powder! I’ve tried the Laura Mercier one that everyone raves about. I had a deluxe sample of it and it would always come out of the sieve clumpy. I don’t know if it’s supposed to be like that, but it just didn’t impress me. This Hourglass powder, on the other hand, is lovely! I think I even like it better than the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder which was in my faves for July/August. I’ve already hit pan on the CT powder and also the shade doesn’t match (and there’s only 3 to choose from). I like that this Hourglass one is translucent and I think loose powders just work better for me anyway.

What products have you been loving lately?

Love,

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September 2019 Product Empties

September 30, 2019

Hi Everyone!

I don’t have many products for you this month. While I did finish some skincare products, I only have a handful of mini reviews. Keep reading to find out what I’d purchase again!

The Honest Company Perfectly Gentle Bubble Bath in Sweet Orange Vanilla – This was more expensive than I usually spend for a bubble bath. In the past, I’ve bought the generic drugstore brand ones. I will say that this one didn’t irritate my skin at all. Sometimes the fragrance in the others would irritate my sensitive skin. This is a really nice bubble bath that smells like a creamsicle. You can smell it more when you sniff from the bottle, it’s more faint once you’ve poured it into your bath.

Repurchase? Yes.

Volition Beauty Celery Green Cream with Hyaluronic Acid + Peptides* (read my review) – It’s a nice product, but it’s not geared toward my skin type. If you have oily skin, you’ll enjoy this one. If I did have oily skin, I would probably buy it again.

Repurchase? No.

ANHYD Organics Organic Facial Moisturizer* (read my review) – I really enjoyed this moisturizer. It’s one of the few products that I’ve been sent that I would consider purchasing myself.

Repurchase? Yes.

Philosophy Purity Made Simple Cleanser* – I got a deluxe sample from Topbox. I didn’t like this one. It cleansed my face, yes, but I didn’t like the smell of it.

Repurchase? No.

Rael Hydrocolloid Acne Pimple Healing Patch (read my review) – LOVE THESE! I originally said it was a tie between the COSRX and these patches, but I think I love these more now. They don’t fold on themselves when I peel them off the plastic. The plastic has perforations where you can tear it and easily peel the patch off without accidentally folding the patch onto itself (like when a bandaid sticks to itself and you can’t tear it apart).

Repurchase? Absolutely!

I love that all of the bottles from my empties are really nice and I can re-use them for something else. I don’t know what, but I will hoard them and use them for something.

What did you finish in September?

Love,

Items marked with (*) were gifted to me.

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My Makeup Routine | Fall 2019

September 23, 2019
Hi Everyone!

I thought I’d share my makeup routine lately. My skin has been getting better so I’ve been doing more No Foundation looks when I go out. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know that my Makeup Of The Day posts all look the same because I keep using the same products. I’m trying to finish some of my current collection before buying any more.

Below is a list of most of the products in my makeup collection. Some products aren’t included (like eyeshadows and my contour palette because I don’t use them every day). Any product that was sent to me will have a (*) after the name:

PRIMER/SPRAY
- Tarte Timeless Smoothing Primer
- Winky Lux Whipped Cream Primer
- Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer
- Touch In Sol No Poreblem Primer
- Make Up For Ever Step 1 Equalizing Primer (Nourishing)
- Nars Tinted Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base in Medium (if I’m wearing eye makeup)
- Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil (didn’t use in Summer, but will use in Fall and Winter)
- Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist
- Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water
- Cover FX Dewy Setting Spray
For primers, I might use a mix of two (hydrating and blurring). I’m enjoying the Winky Lux Whipped Cream Primer and Touch in Sol No Poreblem Primer.

FOUNDATION
- Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Foundation in Golden 3
- Nars Velvet matte Foundation Stick in Fiji
- Lancome Teint Idole Longwear Foundation Stick SPF21 in 260 Bisque N
- Tarte Amazonian Clay Airbrush Full Coverage Powder Foundation in Light Neutral
CONCEALER
- RMS Beauty Un-Cover Up in 11
- Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer in Custard
- Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Self-Setting Concealer in 21 Cinnamon
Sometimes I might just use concealer and pop on some Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder to mattify.

POWDER
- Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder in 15 Light
- Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder in 2 Medium
- Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder
BRONZER
- Inglot x Jennifer Lopez Boogie Down Bronzing Powder in J217 Safari
- NYX California Beamin’ Face & Body Bronzer in Free Spirit
BLUSH
- Milani Baked Blush in Dolce Pink
- Nars Liquid Blush in Luster
- Bare Minerals Gen Nude Powder Blush in That Peach Tho
HIGHLIGHTER
- theBalm Mary Dew-Manizer (mini)
- theBalm Cindy Dew-Manizer (mini)
- Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder in 01 Highlight
- Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer in #7
Sometimes I’ll use my bronzer or highlighter as my eyeshadow. The NYX California Beamin’ Bronzer has a bit of a sheen, so it’s really pretty on the eyes.

EYES
- Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
- Art Deco Eyeshadow Single in Off White (to set eyeshadow primer)
- Make Up For Ever Artist Color Eye Shadow in M549 Dark Taupe
- Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil in 502 Infinite Sand
- Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil in 100 Whatever Black
- Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash Mascara
- Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara*
- Benefit BADgal BANG Volumizing Mascara
BROWS
- Kevyn Aucoin The Precision Brow Pencil in Dark Brunette
- Benefit Precisely My Brow Pencil Ultra Fine Shape & Define in 6*
- Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Brows Eyebrow Gel in Perfect Brow
- Colourpop Boss Brow Clear Gel
I haven’t been doing a lot on the eyes lately. I might just put a light brown and blend or use my bronzer. I’ll use a nude eyeliner along the lower waterline to brighten the eyes. Then I might tightline the upper lashline with a brown/black. For brows, I’ll either use just the Charlotte Tilbury eyebrow gel or use one of the pencils and follow up with one of the gels.

LIPS
- Jouer Essential Lip Enhancer Balm
- Laneige Lip Glowy Balm in Grapefruit*
- Dr. Paw Paw Original Clear Balm
- Perricone MD No Lip Gloss Lip Gloss*
- Pixi On-The-Glow Multi-Use Moisture Stick*
I have been preferring lip balms/glosses over lipsticks lately. Just adding a bit of gloss to the lips leaves them looking plump and moisturized.

What products are in your makeup routine?

Love,
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56/44 | Maybelline Age Rewind vs. Tarte Shape Tape

September 20, 2019
Hi Everyone!

Today, we have a 56% vs. 44% split on two cult favourite concealers: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer vs. Tarte Shape Tape Concealer! I will be talking about my personal opinions on the topics and sharing some of the replies I received from the Instagram poll I took.

These results only include the opinions of those who saw my poll on Instagram. The majority of my followers are from Canada, United States and Australia.

Age Rewind Concealer

Available at drugstores, Ulta

$12.99 CAD for 0.2 oz

Cost per oz: $64.95

10 shades + 6 new ones added

No added fragrance

Twist to dispense, sponge tip

Shape Tape Concealer

Available at Tarte.com, Ulta

$35 CAD for 0.33 oz

Cost per oz: $106.06

30 shades with different undertones

Fragrance added

Large doefoot applicator

Age Rewind Concealer

I used the shade Light

Pros: I enjoyed using the Age Rewind. It wasn’t too thick and it was easy to blend. You twist the tube to dispense the product. As you twist it up, the product is scraped clean on the sides of the tube.

Cons: Doesn’t have a wide variety of shades compared to other concealers. I feel like I used it really quickly because it’s a smaller tube of concealer. I didn’t like the sponge tip on top. While it was very nice to apply the concealer, I didn’t like that you couldn’t completely clean it and it would never be dry. It’s easy to pull off the sponge with a pair of tweezers though. I feel like I wasted more of it by twisting it. I would twist multiple times before any product came out.

I would buy Age Rewind again.

Shape Tape Concealer

Buying online is really tricky. I bought a shade that was way too light for me and it made my under eyes look gray. I bought the shade Fair-Light.

Pros: The big doefoot applicator was cool and I liked how it comes in a large tube. Wider variety of shades and undertones.

Cons: I was so excited to try it after hearing everyone rave about it, but it just didn’t work for me. I prefer a more natural looking concealer because I have dry under eyes. Shape Tape is way too full coverage for me. I was also surprised by how scented the concealer is because NO ONE has ever mentioned that it has a scent! Not only does it have a scent, it lingers. I swatched it on my hand one time and I washed my hands with soap and everything and I could still smell it. As you may know, I’m sensitive to fragrances in my skincare and makeup. I’d rather have no scent or one that won’t linger hours after I’ve applied it. Also, I think my eyes had a reaction to it. I tried using it as an eyeshadow base, but my eyelids got some red spots on them.

I would not buy Shape Tape again.

So, the 56/44 results were from a recent poll. A year ago, I took the poll because I needed help deciding which one to buy. I prefer a more natural looking concealer and I knew that Tarte Shape Tape was full coverage.

The results from my 1st poll were 50/50. I ended up buying the Age Rewind first because it’s more accessible to me. I eventually ordered Shape Tape on the Tarte website. I don’t know if it’s available in stores elsewhere, but there’s no way to test out shades at a store in Canada. As you can see from the swatches, I ended up choosing a shade that was much lighter than the maybelline concealer.

Here were a few replies to my question: Why do you prefer the Age Rewind or Shape Tape concealer?
- creamier formula (shape tape)
- excellent coverage, price is reasonable and quality is high (shape tape)
- can’t find a shade match for age rewind (shape tape)
- shape tape is more full coverage than I want and it’s too drying for under my eyes (age rewind)
That’s all I have for today! If you have any ideas on what poll I should do next, comment below!

Which concealer is your fave? Do you like either of these?

Love,
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Review | Goldfaden MD Bright Eyes

September 13, 2019

Hi Everyone!

Today, I’m reviewing an eye cream that I was gifted by Calissa.

Calissa is a British independent, luxury beauty platform that prides itself on its edited selection of premium and niche brands.

They generously sent over the Goldfaden MD Bright Eyes.

Goldfaden MD Bright Eyes will help you fight the early signs of ageing that form around the eyes. Everything from dark circles to fine lines.

Soy Peptide and Rice Bran extract increase blood flow and hydration levels, helping to firm up the skin and reduce any swelling. Jojoba and Apricot Kernel Oil moisturises the skin to keep it soft and supple, whilst retaining elasticity. Seaweed extract promotes an even golden glow, and Organic Red Tea provides a powerful antioxidant effect to protect the skin.

Ingredients: Water, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Squalane, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Xanthan Gum, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Protein, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Superoxide Dismutase, Chon-drus Crispus (Seaweed) Extract, Mica, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Tocopherol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Cellulose Gum, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Aspalathus Linearis (Red Tea) Leaf Extract

This eye cream is Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, Cruelty-Free, and contains no parabens, silicones or mineral oil.

One pump (or even half a pump) is more than enough for both under eyes.

I’ve had trouble in the past with my under eyes reacting to eye creams. Usually I’ll get a red spot or something. I’ve been using this for a month now and haven’t had any reactions. Yay! My under eyes feel hydrated and look brighter. Also, this eye cream doesn’t really smell like anything. Double yay!

RATING: 5/5

I love that it comes in a pump so that I don’t have to stick my finger into a pot or need a spatula.

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!)

Check out my other posts on products I’ve received from Calissa!

Love,

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July/August 2019 Faves

August 28, 2019

Hi Everyone!

Bare Minerals Gen Nude Powder Blush in That Peach Tho – This is a beautiful peachy blush. I would definitely pick up other shades from this collection! I also really want to try Bare Minerals’ new Bounce & Blur Blush.

Perricone MD No Lip Gloss Lip Gloss* – This is a beautiful lip gloss that has a very subtle tint. It’s not too sticky and it has a nice scent.

Touch In Sol No Poreblem Primer – I’m late to the party on this one. This is a great primer and the price is even better! It makes my face look like it has a filter. Some people might be concerned about it clogging pores, I think it’s fine if you use it in moderation – Don’t use it every day so your skin can breathe.

Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner – As it says on the bottle, it’s a quick drying, rinse-free formula. I’ve previously tried the Sephora one which works well. I bought the Sephora one years ago and it smelled really nice and then I repurchased it and they had changed the formula or scent since then. I can’t describe the smell, but it kind of burns if you accidentally inhale it. This Cinema Secrets one smells like vanilla and Tati recently mentioned it as a fave in her “Sephora ‘VIB Sale’ Top Picks” videos.

Eczema Honey Nut-Free Skin-Soothing Cream* (read my review) – This cream is great. I had an itchy spot and I put some cream on it and it instantly soothed it. I keep mine in the fridge so it keeps longer (but you don’t have to refrigerate) and it also gives the cream a cooling effect on the skin.

Colourpop Brow Boss Gel in Clear – This quickly became a favourite brow gel. It’s clear, but it doesn’t leave your brows looking shiny.

Love,

Products marked with * were gifted to me.

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Review | Joico Moisture Recovery Conditioner

August 21, 2019

Hi Everyone!

Today, I’m reviewing the Joico Moisture Recovery Conditioner that I bought at the Shiseido Warehouse Sale.

Check out my haul!

A one-minute intensely hydrating conditioner for all hair types needing moisture and reconstruction.

Marine botanicals, sea kelp, brown algae and essential minerals restore the hydrolipidic barrier and prevent dehydration.

After just one use, this exceptional conditioner will detangle your dry hair to reduce breakage by 55% as it hydrates and strengthens. Your hair will become smoother and respond to styling better with greater fluidity.

RATING: 5/5

I love the scent of this conditioner and it makes my hair feel so soft and smooth. I wouldn’t say I have really dry hair, but if I don’t use conditioner, I can definitely feel the difference. I would definitely buy it again at a future warehouse sale. Would I pay full price at the drugstore? Probably not since I know it’s cheaper at the sale. I would just stock up on a year’s worth.

Love,

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Project Pan Update | 2019

August 13, 2019

Hi Everyone!

It’s been six months since my last Project Pan update!

Check out my last update and my original 2019 Project Pan post!

STILL IN MY COLLECTION

Marcelle Velvet Gel Lip Liner in Rosy Nude – Still working on this one because I don’t wear lipstick that often.

FINISHED

Bobbi Brown Rich Lip Color in Bare Pink – This was a beautiful lipstick shade. I’ve been leaning more towards glosses and lip balms lately, so I probably wouldn’t repurchase this one.

Lancôme Skin Feels Good Skin Nourishing Foundation in 01N Nude Vanilla (read my review) – Loved this foundation, but I wish it came in more shades. If they expand to a shade that matches me better, I would definitely repurchase!

DECLUTTERED

MAC Cremesheen Glass in It’s A Strike – I bought this at the MAC Warehouse Sale in 2017 and it started to smell different, so I decided to declutter it.

MAC Patentpolish Lip Pencil in Kittenish – I also bought this at the MAC Warehouse Sale and I liked it, but again, I am leaning more towards glosses and balms.

TheBalm Batter Up Eyeshadow Sticks in Dugout and Shutout (read my review) – I decided to declutter these because I just didn’t reach for them when I would wear eyeshadows.

So, my 2019 Project Pan kind of failed since I ended up decluttering quite a few of the products. It did make me realize that I need to think twice before I go and buy something that I can’t return (from a warehouse sale or Winners – TheBalm Batter Up sticks were from Winners).

Love,

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My Mom’s Skincare Routine

August 9, 2019

Hi Everyone!

Today, I’m sharing the skincare products in my mom’s routine!

Check out my mom’s makeup routine!

CLEANSER

Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Cleansing Foam

My mom didn’t like the cleanser I was using, so she bought one from Winners by Andalou Naturals. I’ve never heard of the brand before, but they have pretty colourful bottles.

TONER

Andalou Naturals Coconut Water Firming Toner

Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner

ANHYD Organics Rose Water Facial Toner (read my review)

My mom ran out of the toner I gave her (Laneige Essential Power Skin Toner for Normal to Dry Skin), so she bought the Andalou Natural Coconut Water Firming Toner from Winners. Then the Neutrogena Toner was on sale and she bought that one. Then, I was sent the ANHYD Organics one…so now she has three! I guess it will be a long time before I buy the Fresh Rose Floral Toner that she wanted to try!

She enjoys all three of these toners and rotates between the three. She likes rose-scented and coconut-scented products.

SERUM

Ole Henriksen Vitamin C Truth Serum

This smells like an orange creamsicle and my mom says it dries down after a bit without being tacky. Unfortunately, she hasn’t noticed any difference in her skin and wouldn’t repurchase.

CREAMS/EMULSIONS

Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Day Cream

Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Day Emulsion

Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Night Cream

She loves the Benefiance WrinkleResist24 line of products. They have a fresh floral scent. I bought the day cream for her to use in the morning, but she didn’t like the pot. For day time, she prefers a bottle with a pump, so I ordered the Day Emulsion for her.

EYE CREAM

Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Eye Cream

I was at Sephora and asked the lady what the best eye cream was for my mom and she gave me a sample of this one. My mom has been using it ever since.

What’s in your skincare routine?

Love,

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Review | Jouer Essential Lip Enhancer Conditioning Lip Treatment

July 12, 2019

Hi Everyone!

Today, I’m writing about the Jouer Essential Lip Enhancer Conditioning Lip Treatment. Tati mentioned it in one of her videos saying she used to buy it all the time so I decided to try it since it’s a translucent pink shade. Tati recommends a lot of beautiful lip products, but because we don’t have the same skin tone, the shades she loves don’t always suit me. I bought this balm during the Sephora VIB sale in May and *spoiler alert* I absolutely love it!

A refreshing and hydrating translucent light pink lip treatment with a soft rose scent.

This ultra-rich lip moisturizer nurtures and conditions your lips with the help of Maxi-Lip™, Vitamin E, Shea Butter, and Jojoba Seed Oil. These good-for-you ingredients are incorporated in a smooth silky formula that protects lips from environmentally damaging elements while providing lasting hydration.

RATING: 5/5

I don’t normally like rose-scented products, but this is a very subtle scent. It looks beautiful alone or as a topper for your lipstick. It’s glossy, but not overly sticky. I did a swatch on my arm, but it just looks clear, so I won’t bother posting a picture. I wiped it off with a tissue and it doesn’t feel sticky on my arm at all. You know when you swatch lip gloss on your arm and you need makeup remover or something to get rid of the stickiness? It doesn’t do that, although it does feel smooth from the oils of the balm. It has a bit of a taste, so I would avoid licking your lips.

I will definitely be repurchasing this one in the future.

Have you tried the Jouer balm?

Love,

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PRIMER/SPRAY

FOUNDATION

CONCEALER

POWDER

BRONZER

BLUSH

HIGHLIGHTER

EYES

BROWS

LIPS

STILL IN MY COLLECTION

FINISHED

DECLUTTERED

CLEANSER

TONER

SERUM

CREAMS/EMULSIONS

EYE CREAM