Gifted Archives – Page 7 of 7

Natural Makeup Look & First Impressions with Burt’s Bees Products

June 27, 2018
Hi Everyone!

I joined Topbox Circle which is like the Topbox version of Influenster and I was sent a collection of Burt’s Bees products to try out and do a natural makeup look. I was amazed at how many products they sent, I thought I would only be receiving 1 or 2, but they sent 8! I thought I would do a first impressions review of all the products while I’m at it.
- Goodness Glows Liquid Foundation in 1025 Natural Beige
  - 13 shades available
- Natural Mattifying Powder Foundation in 1115 Sand
  - 6 shades available
- Blush in 1210 Shy Pink
  - 3 shades available
- Natural Brow Pencil in 1610 Brunette
  - 2 shades available
- Natural Eyeshadow Trio in 1505 Shimmering Nudes
  - 4 shades available
- Natural Eye Liner in 1405 Soft Black
  - 3 shades available
- Nourishing Lengthening Mascara in Classic Black
  - 2 shades available
- Glossy Lipstick in Peony Dew
  - 6 shades available
On the website, they say that their makeup is formulated without parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, SLS or synthetic fragrances, and made with recyclable packaging. They’re 100% natural makeup products and never tested on animals.

Lipstick (Peony Dew), Blush (Shy Pink), Powder Foundation (Sand), Liquid Foundation (Natural beige), Eye Shadow Trio shades (Shimmering Nudes), Brow Pencil (Brunette), Eye Liner (Soft Black)

I’m going to start out by saying that I find the scent of Burt’s Bees a bit too strong for my liking and if you’re a regular reader on my blog, you’ll know that I am selective with what scentes products. Luckily though, once the products are on, you can’t smell them as much. They all have a scent except for the eyeliner and brow pencil. All of the products are fragrance free, so the scents are all natural. The blush, eyeshadow trio and powder foundation all have the same scent (I don’t know if it’s just the packaging or the actual products). It’s weird, but it sort of smells like a popsicle stick after you’ve eaten the popsicle (a bit sweet, but woodsy). The liquid foundation is kind of stinky, I’m guessing it’s the Meadowfoam Seed Oil. The mascara has a smell that’s not like other mascaras, I’m guessing it’s the Jojoba Oil. The lipstick has Red Raspberry Oil and Mimosa flower wax, so it has a very light scent of floral and fruity.

Goodness Glows Liquid Foundation in 1025 Natural Beige

When I first put this on, it looked like a perfect match for my skin, but after applying it to my whole face, I think I could go up a shade. It covered the redness around my nose and chin, but you definitely need a concealer to cover up acne or dark spots. This is NOT waterproof. Don’t go out in the rain (if you can help it) and don’t set it with a spray or the foundation will just come off and all your hard work will be running down your face. When I was cleaning my beauty sponge, I noticed that the foundation washed out much easier than other liquid foundations. You know when you clean your sponge and sometimes it takes a while to squeeze out all of the foundation? Well, you won’t have that problem with this foundation!

Glowing skin is always in. Burt’s Bees Goodness Glows Liquid Foundation is a full-coverage, mineral makeup that leaves skin smoother and more radiant with a natural finish that’s never heavy, cakey or greasy. This 98.9% natural moisturizing foundation instantly hydrates and nourishes skin and stays on all day. Made with responsibly sourced Meadowfoam Seed Oil, known for its moisturizing benefits, it gives you naturally beautiful results both inside and out. Goodness Glows Liquid Foundation is perfect for dry or combination skin.

Blush in 1210 Shy Pink

The website says Sky Pink, but it’s Shy Pink. I don’t have much to say about this (in a good way)- it’s really pretty! It’s a subtle pink, but gives you a beautiful, blushed look.

Glow beautifully and naturally, wherever you go. Our Blush applies and blends easily and evenly. This 100% natural, lightweight mineral makeup features Bamboo, Honey and Vitamin E to nourish skin and enhance your cheeks’ natural glow for beautiful results, inside and out.

Natural Mattifying Powder Foundation in 1115 Sand

This powder was quite pale on me, I need to get a darker shade. I did a light powdering of it on my t-zone after using the foundation and it instantly mattified my skin.

Shine from within, not on your skin. Our 100% Natural Mattifying Powder Foundation in Bamboo controls shine with buildable and blendable coverage to give you a smooth and even skin tone. Lightweight and non-comedogenic, our Mattifying Powder Foundation is perfect for oily or combination skin, effectively absorbing oil without drying out your skin. Made with Bamboo to blur imperfections, this mineral makeup blends easily to even out your skin. Use the included custom sponge applicator and mirror to build coverage gradually.

Natural Brow Pencil in 1610 Brunette

You can smell the cedar when you sniff the pencil! This was too light for me, it almost looked reddish brown on my brows. I prefer to use a black or gray black. I hope they come out with more shades. The product itself was okay, it filled in the gaps well. I didn’t love that it was waxy because the hairs would get matted down. I’d rather use a brow gel to keep my brows in place.

Get naturally beautiful brows that wow. Our Brow Pencil easily fills, defines and shapes brows to ensure you look your natural best. Made with Jojoba Oil and Shea Butter, our formula is 99.9% natural, long-lasting and gentle enough for the delicate eye area. First, fill in sparse, light or over-plucked brows. Then, use the brush to blend the colour and groom your brows. The natural cedar wood pencil is responsibly sourced.

Natural Eyeshadow Trio in 1505 Shimmering Nudes

These shades are so pretty! The lightest shade is a really nice for the brow bone and as a highlight. I don’t think I would use it as an all-over the lid colour because it’s shimmery and it just sort of looks powdery on my monolids. The two darker shades are really pretty too- not too dark, but perfect for an everyday look.

It’s time to go natural, without a shadow of a doubt. Our Eye Shadow Trios are a 100% natural formula that’s both easy-to-blend and long-lasting, resisting creasing, fading and smudging for all-day wear. Made with Bamboo, Honey and Vitamin E, this mineral eye makeup nourishes skin and enhances your natural glow for beautiful results inside and out.

Natural Eye Liner in 1405 Soft Black

This was a very nice black liner. You can take your makeup look from day to night by applying it on the outer V and smudging it out.

Our Nourishing Eyeliner is easy to apply and resists smudging and fading for long-lasting wear. 99.9% natural and specifically formulated for your delicate eye area, it’s made with Jojoba, Mango and responsibly sourced Meadowfoam Seed Oils to help nourish your skin. The unique cedar wood pencil is also responsibly sourced.

Nourishing Lengthening Mascara in Classic Black

I like the brush of this mascara. The mascara added length to my lashes, but still looked natural and it wasn’t clumpy. It came off easily with water, so it’s definitely not waterproof.

Our 100% Natural Nourishing Mascara lengthens and defines lashes. The brush and formula work together to give you longer, healthy looking lashes instantly. Made with Jojoba Oil and naturally moisturizing Glycerin to nourish lashes, this 100% natural mascara is gentle enough for your delicate eye area. Burt’s Bees Nourishing Mascara is safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

Glossy Lipstick in Peony Dew

This has a sheer colour that gives a subtle tint for a “My Lips But Better” look. The lipstick is more waxy than other lipsticks (i.e. MAC lipsticks), it feels like a morph of lipstick and gloss since it’s a bit tacky, but applies like a lipstick.

Our Glossy Lipstick gives you full coverage, glossy lip colour you’ll love, with natural, moisturizing ingredients that love your lips in return. These long-wearing lipsticks make lips super lustrous and keep them hydrated. Nourishing Red Raspberry Oil, Moringa Oil and Mimosa flower wax moisturize, leaving lips smooth and beautifully soft.

In the pic, I am wearing fake lashes because my lashes just weren’t showing up in the pics I was taking. In person, the mascara definitely makes a difference with my lashes. I did apply mascara after applying the lashes too and it definitely made the fake lashes look longer and thicker. I used all of the Burt’s Bees products and I also used Nude By Nature’s Perfecting Primer- check out my review here, Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer to warm up my face a bit (because it was so pale) and Cosmania Lashes for Days in Natural Black (I grabbed them from Winners). I used the lightest shade of the eyeshadow as a highlighter on the brow bones, cheeks and nose. I used the eyeliner to tightline my upper lash line and applied it on the outer half of my lower waterline. I also applied some on the lid and smudged it out

If you’re planning on wearing Burt’s Bees products, check the weather forecast and make sure there’s no chance of rain! All of the makeup came off with just water (even the liquid foundation), so don’t use setting spray and don’t go for a swim with this makeup on. It’s probably best not to wear it if you’re going to be working up a sweat too.

I did a test where I wet a cotton pad with micelllar water (after washing my face with just water) and there was no trace of makeup left behind. Usually, after I use my makeup cloth, there’s still some residual makeup on my face. So, if you want very natural products, this is a great line to pick up and it’s all very affordable since it’s a drugstore brand!

Based on my first impressions, I’m quite impressed and I would consider buying these products and trying other shades. I think my favourite is the blush. It’s a good start to the line, but they definitely need to expand on their shade range so that everyone can benefit from their natural products!

Have you tried Burt’s Bees makeup? What are your faves?

Love,
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Review | Vichy Idéal Soleil Anti-Shine Dry Touch Lotion SPF60

May 20, 2018

Hi Everyone!

I received Vichy’s Idéal Soleil Anti-Shine Dry Touch Lotion complimentary of GlamSense and thought I’d write a review on the blog. I’ve never tried any Vichy products before so I was excited to try it.

VICHY introduces its first dry touch, facial sun protection, with a unique powdery texture that mattifies skin, even in the most humid conditions. Long lasting anti-shine effect. 80 minutes water & sweat resistance. Dry touch lotion formulated for an active lifestyle and outdoor activities. Apply generously and evenly, on face, 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply at least every 2 hours, after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating and immediately after towel drying.

I was really impressed by this lotion, I love that it dried fast and didn’t feel tacky or oily. The consistency isn’t too thick (it’s like a moisturizer). It went well under my liquid foundation. It smells faintly like sunscreen, but it’s not overpowering like other sunscreens out there. I give it two thumbs up!
RATING: 4/5

It’s quite expensive for a facial sunscreen, but you should always protect your face with SPF and I’m guessing face sunscreen is formulated so that it can go well under makeup and not look too greasy. I’ve tried Neutrogena’s which is half the price, I’ll compare the two in a This or That post.

Have you tried Vichy products? What sunscreens do you use on your face?

Love,

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First Impressions with b.liv Bio-Cellulose Sheet Masks

May 18, 2018

Hi Everyone!

I was contacted by b.liv skin to write a review for their bio-cellulose sheet masks. I was sent three masks: Hydrate Away, Age Eraser and Soothe Me Now.

The masks retail for $35 US for a pack of 4 masks.

Bio-cellulose is a specialized nano scale fiber structure that fits perfectly like your second skin. It serves as a high volume serum reservoir i.e. holds moisture while allowing air to transfer freely and skin can breathe better. Its 30 nanometers fiber increases extra contact surface area for crevices and wrinkles ; maximizing the absorption of effective essence.

The masks were folded between two pieces of net-like material to make it easier to unfold. The bio-cellulose material was very soft and although it was thin, it’s strong.

I loved these masks! They made my skin feel hydrated and it didn’t leave that tacky feeling after I took it off. It also didn’t have a strong smell. I loved that the remaining essence in the pouch was thicker than the usual watery liquid that I get from other sheet masks. I used it on my legs and arms and my skin feels so smooth. Sometimes sheet masks dry out after wearing them for the 15-20 minutes, but this one was still hydrated. I used the excess essence on the mask on my arms. My face feels incredibly smooth (except for one dry patch I have, but the rest of my face feels really soft after using it).

The first mask I tried was the Hydrate Away. It didn’t really have a scent. The Soothe Me Now mask had a slightly medicinal scent. I used the remaining essence after my shower and it was great.

Hydrate Away

Refresh yourself with an instant infusion of moisture and revitalizing nutrients. Made from Organic Spirulina, a deep sea blue-green algae, this moisturizing bio-cellulose mask is power-packed with minerals and amino acids to hydrate, repair amd clarify skin. In addition, it helps protect skin from free radical damage.

Benefits: Moisturizing + Revitalizing + Hydrating

Age Eraser

Turn back the clock and restore skin to its original youthful radiance. Thanks to a unique formulation of Multipeptide, this youth preserving bio-cellulose mask reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while preventing premature skin aging. The result is maximum skin regeneration and a firming effect.

Benefits: Youth preserving + firming + fine line reducing

Soothe Me Now

Allow the power of flower to bless your skin with a calming touch. Deeply infused with Organic Immortelle Flower Extract which has wonderful restorative properties, this soothing bio-cellulose mask effectively helps repair and rejuvenate skin.

Benefits: Soothing + Repair + Rejuvenating

RATING: 5/5

I would definitely repurchase these and I’m interested in trying other products b.liv sells. Since these are bio-cellulose masks and are on the more expensive side of sheet masks, I would probably use them once a month at the most.

Have you tried b.liv skincare?

Love,

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Review | Nude by Nature Perfecting Primer

May 16, 2018

Hi Everyone!

I was sent a complimentary tube of the Nude by Nature Perfecting Primer from Chick Advisor. I thought it’d be a good idea to review it on the blog too since the brand is new to Canada. A full-size bottle retails for $32 CAD (the one Chick Advisor sent is half the size of a full-size).
Creates an even, luminous base for make-up application. The untinted formula blends seamlessly into the skin, restoring freshness and helping fight visible signs of ageing, while helping to extend make-up wear and disguising skin imperfections. The primer is composed of active natural ingredients, including the native Australian Kakadu Plum, known for its abundant Vitamin C content, rich antioxidants Vitamins A and E, and Green Tea.

It does have a scent- it kind of smells like candy. From what I remember, it smells like Chiclets gum. After you apply it and start applying foundation and your other products, the smell does go away. Since it’s silicone-free, it looks like a moisturizer- it comes out of the bottle white and then blends beautifully into the skin for a smooth finish.

I wore it for about seven hours and I had also been testing the Lancome Skin Tint Foundation. After about four or five hours, my t-zone started to get oily and you could tell that the makeup had broken up on my chin and on/around my nose. So I don’t really think it extended my makeup’s wear time. It’s the same as any other higher end primer.

RATING: 3/5

The primer itself is okay, so I’m going to give it 3/5. Before putting on foundation, my skin felt smooth and then when I put on the foundation, my foundation blended into my skin beautifully. Personally, I don’t think I will be picking up the full-size because the smell is too sweet. I really want to try Nude by Nature’s Radiant Loose Powder Foundation and maybe some of the other products.

Love,

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First Impressions with REMAY Shave Gel Bars

March 19, 2018

Hi Everyone!

I was contacted by REMAY, a company that sells shave gel bars. Their mission is to ‘make shaving quicker and more enjoyable.’ They designed a shave gel bar that easily glides on your skin by adding water. It says you can use it on your legs, under arms, bikini area, head and face. You wet the gel with warm water and it will create a “translucent micro-barrier to protect your skin from the razor.” It’s Made in Canada too which is a plus for me.

Shave Gel Bars

Protects the skin from nicks, bumps and razor burn

Allows for a quick application with no mess

Contains real coconut and tea-tree oil

Paraben-free and sulfate-free

Vegan and cruelty-free

Works with any 3, 4 or 5 blade razor

RATING: 4/5

It made my skin feel incredibly smooth and it smells really nice (like coconut). It’s like a bar version of those strips that come on fancier razors that help to protect your skin. It’s great because it’s travel-friendly and more eco-friendly compared to shaving creams that come in cans. It is a bit expensive, but if it prevents nicks, bumps and razor burn, I think it’s worth it. They gave me a discount code for my lovely readers. Use code JEN20 to get 20% off your order!

Have you tried shave gel bars?

Love,

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10 Products to Finish in 2018

February 25, 2018

Hi Everyone!

I thought I’d do something a little different since I haven’t been trying out too much makeup recently. I’ve been refraining from putting on makeup because of a breakout and I don’t want to anger it. I hope to finish the following 10 products before the end of 2018. I chose some products that I’ve had for a while and I want to use them before they go bad or dry out. I tried to pick at least one product from each category: Face (Foundation, Concealer, Bronzer, Blush), Eyes/Brows, Lips.

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Deauville – This shade is way too light for me. Of course, it looked fine in the store under the bright lights, but I look like a ghost when I wear it. I mix it with my Maybelline Fit Me Foundation to darken it.

Bella Pierre Mineral Blush in Autumn Glow – This was the first non-drugstore blush I bought. It was kind of a pinky-brown shade that looked really nice when blended out.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Matte Waterproof Bronzer in Park Ave Princess – This is a pretty bronzer, but since it was Made in China, I wouldn’t repurchase (read my post: Where Were Your Beauty Products Made?). If I’m spending that much money on a bronzer, I want it to be made elsewhere.

Revlon Colorstay Concealer in Light/Medium – I won’t be repurchasing this concealer. I don’t like the smell of it and I prefer the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer anyway.

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in Light – One of my fave concealers.

NYX Micro Brow Pencil in Black – I really like this brow pencil, it fills in the gaps and it’s not too dark.

Tarte Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara in Black – I liked this mascara.

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara – I liked this mascara. I kept the wand.

Too Faced Mini Chocolate Bar – This was redeemed from Sephora Rewards. I like this mini palette, but I’m not a huge fan of the chocolate smell. I don’t really like my powders having scents.

L’Oreal Colour Riche Collection Exclusive Nude Lipcolor in 370 Jennifer’s Nude – I think this is my favourite lipstick. I bought it when it first came out and fell in love with it. The makeup artist who did our makeup also used it on my sister and me for my sister’s wedding reception in Toronto. This is my go-to and that’s why I sort of want to use it up so that my other lipsticks have a chance of being used.

So, those are the 10 products I hope to finish by the end of the year. I’ll probably do an update at the end of this year to say if I did finish them.

What’s on your list of products you want to finish before the end of 2018?

Love,

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First Impressions with Palmer’s Coconut Oil Products

February 6, 2018
Hi Everyone!

I was contacted by Palmer’s Canada to see if I was interested in writing a review for three of their new products from their Coconut Oil Formula line. I was sent the Body Cream, Lotion and Oil. I received these products for free, but my review is my honest opinions on the products. I’ve also been given the opportunity to hold a giveaway where 3 winners will win the same products I received: Coconut Oil Body Lotion, Cream and Oil.

Nature’s best kept secret for superior skin hydration is raw, natural Coconut Oil. Palmer’s new Coconut Oil Formula products drench your skin with decadently rich moisture for dewy, radiant skin that looks lit from within.

Quick Facts

Free of Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates, Mineral Oil, Gluten and Dyes
- Provides 24-Hour Moisture
- Contains Ethically and Sustainably Sourced Ingredients
- Drenches skin with decadent moisture for a dewy, glowing, allover healthy radiance
Key Ingredients:

Raw Coconut Oil – Sourced from South East Asia this super ingredient is antioxidant rich and has inherent antibacterial properties. Loaded with naturally occurring skin health Lauric Acid, Proteins, and Vitamin E

Tahitian Monoï – From the ancient Polynesian word for “scented oil” the native star-shaped Tiaré flowers are harvested for their delicately perfumed petals and then soaked in unrefined coconut oil for days

Sweet Almond Oil – Collected in small cooperatives in Spain, the almonds are harvested in summer and pressed for their rich oil. Almond oil naturally soothes skin irritation and detoxifies

Vitamin E – This antioxidant powerhouse combats free radical damage, keeping skin looking youthful and rejuvenated

Coconut Oil Body Lotion

The bottle’s cap is a bit difficult to open, I don’t know if it’s just me (I guess it’s a good thing that it seals so tightly). I can definitely smell the coconut milk. I hope they decide to come out with a larger size and a pump like their Cocoa Butter Formula.

Contains rich, skin-conditioning coconut oil and coconut milk that infuse skin with deeply penetrating moisture and an instant hydration boost. Natural Oils and botanical extracts immediately begin rehydrating depleted skin on contact, creating a breathable barrier that locks in moisture for long-lasting softness. Use as an all-over-body lotion after shower everyday.

RATING: 4.5/5

Coconut Oil Body Cream

This moisturizes really well, but I don’t personally love it because it’s so thick and I don’t love products that come in tubs. I understand it has to come in a tub because it’s too thick, but I prefer products where I don’t have to stick my hand into a jar to use.

Contains Raw Coconut Oil and a blend of rich, natural butters including Mango, Shea, Macadamia and Cocoa to drench skin with deep-penetrating moisture and rehydrate even the toughest, driest skin. This indulgently creamy formula is perfect for at-home spa pedicures, revitalizing moisture thirsty elbows or maintaining soft, supple skin all throughout the dry weather months. Apply Palmer’s Coconut Oil Body Cream after shower everyday.

RATING: 4/5

Coconut Oil Body Oil

It absorbed into the skin pretty quickly and it didn’t give my clothes any oil stains. I’ve used Vaseline to moisturize and it stained some clothes and bedsheets with the oiliness.

Instantly boosts hydration and gives skin an overall healthy-looking glow. Raw Coconut Oil and a blend of precious, natural oils including Grape Seed, Macadamia and Argan Oil deeply penetrate and immediately begin rehydrating depleted skin on contact, creating a breathable barrier that locks in moisture for long-lasting radiance. Apply Palmer’s Coconut Oil Body Oil after shower everyday.

RATING: 5/5

Comparison of the Body Lotion (top) and Body Cream (bottom)

I am very sensitive to smells especially when it comes to lotions. I don’t like using scented lotions on my hands because I can get nauseous. I had this one shea butter body butter that was quite strong and I applied it after my shower and it was so strong that I could smell it on my bed sheets the next day.

I like the smell of coconut, but any heavily scented product could make me feel nauseous. When I first smelled each of the Palmer’s products, they had a very strong scent in the jar/bottles. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to stand it, especially since it says to use it after a shower (I shower at night). When you smell the products out of the jar/bottles, they have a strong coconut and slight floral scent from the Tahitian Monoï (or maybe it’s the sweet almond), but once it absorbs into the skin, the scent fades leaving a faint scent.

I decided to try the body lotion and the body cream on my hands and feet to start. On the first night, I put the body lotion on my hands and put on some cotton gloves. I woke up and my hands were incredibly smooth. The tops of my hands are usually okay, and my fingers tend to be dry, but when I woke up that morning, it was like a baby’s bottom! That night, I decided to try the body cream on my hands and feet. I then put on my cotton gloves again and put some socks on. I woke up the next morning and my feet felt very smooth. Since both products did amazing things for my hands and feet, I decided to try the body oil on my whole body. I admit, I’m a little wary of using oils because I’ve used Bio Oil before and my skin reacted badly (at least I think it was from the Bio Oil). After using the Palmer’s body oil, my skin feels super soft.

Out of the three, I think the body cream is my least favourite because it’s so thick, but I will use it on my hands, feet and elbows as it suggests. I think the oil is actually my favourite because it has the lightest scent of the three and it’s great when the steam of your shower keeps your pores open and helps the product absorb into the skin better.

If you love coconut, I definitely recommend the Palmer’s Coconut Oil line. I’m interested in trying out their other lines since coconut isn’t my favourite scent: Cocoa Butter, Shea and Olive Oil.

Have you tried Palmer’s products before?

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

Winners have been announced on Instagram and contacted via DM.

Open to Canadian residents only

Palmer’s has been generous enough to let me run a giveaway. Three lucky winners will be selected and each of the three winners will receive all three products (Coconut Oil Body Lotion, Cream and Oil)! Giveaway ends at 12:00 AM EST on February 15th, 2018. Winners will be announced the next day on this post, Instagram and contacted by email.

To enter the giveaway, you must be 18+ and a Canadian resident. If you are under 18, please get a parent/guardian’s permission. Winners will be randomly selected. Once announced, the winners have 24 hours to respond and you must have a Canadian address or another winner will be chosen at random.

For additional entries, enter the giveaway on my Instagram!

Enter via Rafflecopter

Love,
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Review | Garnier Damage Repairing Treat 1 Minute Hair Mask + Papaya Extract

January 24, 2018
Hi Everyone!

I was sent the Garnier Damage Repairing Treat 1 Minute Hair Mask + Papaya Extract for testing purposes by GlamSense. The following review is my honest opinion. I was sent this product for free, but they didn’t ask me to write the review on my blog.

As you may have seen in a previous post, I wrote about the Grow Strong Hair Mask by Garnier. I really like the Grow Strong mask, it makes my hair super smooth and shiny. This papaya 1 minute hair mask is the same, it made my hair super shiny and quite smooth. The 1 minute hair mask line is vegan. Because it’s very natural, I found that it didn’t make my hair as smooth as the Grow Strong mask. Also, I prefer the Grow Strong’s packaging because you squeeze the product out and it’s more hygienic. The 1 minute masks come in tubs and I prefer not to stick my hand in a tub. Since it’s vegan, it’s easier to tell if the product has gone bad in a tub instead of a bottle, so I understand why it’s packaged that way.

View this post on Instagram

Happy #texturetuesday ! The texture of this reminds me of yogurt lol. Excited to try this one. I liked the papaya one, but my hair isn't damaged so I didn't really need that one. This avocado hair mask is the smoothing one. #avocado #garnier #hairmask #discoverunder10k #canadianbeautyblogger #torontoblogger #instablogger #texture #faves #hair #smoothing #avocado

A post shared by Jen (@jencatbeauty) on Jan 28, 2019 at 10:39pm PST

They also have 1-minute masks with Avocado (Smoothing), Coconut (Nourishing), Banana (Strengthening) and Goji (Colour Vibrancy) Extracts. I think I would like the avocado or coconut one since my hair isn’t damaged. I’m not a huge fan of papaya, but this mask smells pretty good. In terms of appearance, the Grow Strong Mask looks like a conditioner, whereas this one looks like Danone Yogurt (without the fruit chunks).

In 1 minute, indulge your hair in a nourishing treat with 98% naturally derived ingredients*. Damage Repairing Treat 1 Minute Hair Mask + Papaya Extract helps you get soft, smooth & damage repaired hair. No weigh down, no silicones, no parabens, and no artificial colorants.

* We consider an ingredient to be naturally derived if it is unchanged from its natural state or has undergone processing yet still retains greater than 50% of its molecular structure from its original plant or mineral source. This formula consists of 98% naturally derived ingredients. The remaining ingredients constitute 2% of the formula to ensure its sensoriality and preservation.

You can use the mask three different ways:
1. As a mask: After shampoo, apply onto wet hair and leave on for 1 minute. Rinse.
2. As a conditioner: After shampoo, apply to hair from root to tip. Rinse.
3. As a leave-in: Apply on damp and damaged hair for intense repair.
I only used it as a mask and conditioner because my hair isn’t damaged enough to need it as a leave-in. I think it would feel kind of slimy as a leave-in though.

As a mask, it made my hair soft and I had no tangles when combing my hair. It also looked really shiny, but it was almost too shiny because it made it look oily at the roots.

As a conditioner, it made my hair soft, but it didn’t look as shiny for some reason.

RATING: 4/5

It smells good and made my hair soft, but this wasn’t the right mask for my hair. I would definitely be open to trying the Avocado or Coconut one, I’m not sure if I’d like the smell of the Banana one.

Have you used hair masks? What are your faves?

Love,
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This or That | iBeauty Oval Brushes vs. Simple Glam Girls Lush Rose Gold Oval Brushes

December 29, 2017

Hi Everyone!

Today, I will be comparing two different brands of oval brushes: Simple Glam Girls and iBeauty (that I bought from Winners). Oval brushes are the brushes that resemble toothbrushes, made popular by the Artis brushes. I’ve never tried an Artis brush so I can’t compare the quality of the Simple Glam Girls and iBeauty brushes.

I’m going to start by saying that I prefer damp beauty sponges to apply my foundation and concealer, even though sponges absorb a lot more product than a brush. Comparing oval brushes to regular brushes, I feel like it’s harder to clean them because the bristles are packed so tightly.

Lush Rose Gold Oval Brushes (set of 10)

10 high-quality oval shaped brushes made with grade “A” synthetic nylon hair.

Contoured oval shaped brushes with different sizes allow you to blend makeup onto any part of your face effortlessly.

Rose gold neck handle & a firm & anti-slip holder for that extra hold when applying makeup

iBeauty Oval Makeup Brushes (set of 3)

Very easy and comfortable to use for putting on your daily makeup

Used for: contour/setting powder, contour/blush, & concealer

Gives a flawless air-brushed finish of all types of skin makeup formulas

I have 3 brushes that are similar to the ones in the link, but they are slightly different (same sizes though). Even though it says it can be used for setting powder, I wouldn’t use an oval brush to set my makeup because it would blend out all the foundation and concealer I just applied. A fluffy brush is best to set your face.

Both sets of brushes are very soft. The Simple Glam Girls brushes are packed more tightly than the iBeauty ones and therefore less streaky. You can tell from the picture above, the top brush is the iBeauty one and the bottom is Simple Glam Girls.

For the swatches, I used liquid foundation and a powder bronzer, the top swatches are the iBeauty oval brushes and the bottom ones are Simple Glam Girls brushes. The liquid foundation swatches look similar (although the iBeauty brushe absorbed a lot more of the liquid). For the powder bronzer swatches, you can tell the top swatch is a bit more patchy and uneven. The smallest oval brush in the iBeauty set is a bit thicker than the Simple Glam Girls brush so it gave a thicker swatch.

Since the iBeauty ones aren’t packed as tightly, it absorbs more of the liquid foundation and when you clean the brushes, it takes longer to clean them. When I run my finger along the brushes when they’re wet from cleaning, the Simple Glam Girls brushes’ bristles spring back into place, whereas the iBeauty brushes’ bristles clump together. The neck of the brushes is also sturdier on Simple Glam Girls brushes. The iBeauty ones, the neck of the brushes bends really easily. The oval brushes are so soft, I can’t wait to try the Unicorn or Perfect 10 brushes from Simple Glam Girls.

WINNER: Simple Glam Girls Lush Rose Gold Oval Brushes

The iBeauty brushes do a decent enough job, I think they are better with powdered products (like for contouring) since it absorbs so much liquid.

Have you tried oval brushes? What are your thoughts?

Love,

*I received the Simple Glam Girls brushes for free (just paid shipping) as part of their ambassador program, but I was not paid to write a review of any sort nor do I receive any commission if you use the discount code.

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First Impressions with Kat Von D Saint & Sinner Perfume Samples

July 31, 2017
Hi Everyone!

I received a complimentary VoxBox from Influenster Canada with samples of Kat Von D’s Saint and Sinner Perfumes (the little bottles look like poison vials). I was pleasantly surprised by how good they smelled. Apparently Kat Von D released the perfumes 10 years ago and brought them back. I can see why they were a cult favourite. I’m not good at describing scents and I don’t actually know what certain things in this perfume smell like, so I will just leave a description from Sephora.

I personally prefer fruity or aquatic perfumes instead of floral. If you like vanilla scents, I think you’ll like SAINT and if you like a bit spicy, you’ll like SINNER. Let’s start with the sweet:

SAINT
- Fragrance Family: Floral
- Scent Type: Classic Floral
- Key Notes: Vanilla, Musk, Jasmine
Meet Saint- soft, alluring, and dreamy, this gourmand fragrance sweetens a bouquet of jasmine and tiaré flower with notes of mandarin, caramel, and sparling Mirabelle plum. Vanilla, sandalwood, and creamy musk build to the romance of the perfume. Saint shares the same floral soul as Sinner, with a sweet gourmand twist.
SINNER
Fragrance Family: Warm & Spicy

Scent Type: Cool Spices

Key Notes: Patchouli, Wood, Cinnamon

Kat Von D Beauty’s most requested collection of all time is returning at last and better than ever. Meet Sinner—dark, sultry, and empowering, this enticing fragrance sweetens a bouquet of jasmine and orange blossom with notes of vanilla, mandarin, and Mirabelle plum. Spicy cinnamon envelops white florals at the heart of the fragrance, while base notes of vetiver, patchouli, and wood form the deeper, darker nuances. Experience confidence in a bottle; Sinner is the fragrant embodiment of the edgy, unapologetic, and outspoken Kat Von D we know and love. Sinner shares the same floral soul as Saint, with a bold, spicy twist.

The two scents can be worn alone or separately. For both, I liked when I had been wearing them for a few hours and absorbed into my skin and mixed with my natural oils. When I first put them on, they were both too powerful (too sweet or too spicy). I think Sinner would be a good unisex perfume/cologne. I love when guys wear spicy colognes. I used both separately and then together. When I mixed them, I noticed that the first fragrance I applied would be the more dominant smell, i.e. if I put Sinner on first, then it would be more spicy.

RATING: 4/5

I give it a 4/5 because both perfumes are a bit too strong for me when you first put them on. (Either a bit too sweet or a bit too spicy, but once I wore them for a few hours, and they mixed with my natural oils, I liked them because they were lighter).Thoughts: I’m not sure if I would buy Saint or Sinner, but I definitely recommend them to someone who likes the scents of either of the perfumes.

What are your favourite perfumes?
Love,
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