• 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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  • 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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  • maybelline fit me loose finishing powder

    Powders | My Hits & Misses

    March 20, 2020

    Hi Everyone!

    I’m sharing my hits and misses for all powders that I’ve tried. This includes setting and finishing powders as well as powder foundations.

    Check out my other Hits & Misses posts!

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

    SKINCARE || Eye Creams

    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

    Bare Minerals Barepro Performance Wear Powder Foundation – I got a deluxe sample of this from Sephora as a promo. I really enjoyed it AND it was even in the wrong shade, but it was nice on the skin. Would definitely buy a full size.

    Bella Pierre Mineral Foundation – This was the first mineral foundation I tried. This woman at a kiosk sucked me into her chair and put this on me. It was beautiful and I ended up buying this powder, a blush and others.

    Shiseido Sheer Mattifying Compact Powder Foundation (read my review) – This is no longer around, but Shiseido still has some gorgeous powders. You just have to hope they don’t discontinue them.

    Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder Compact – I think this is meant to use as an all-over face powder to illuminate, but I use it as a highlighter. It’s perfect for a subtle glow.

    Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder – I really do love this powder, but the shade isn’t right. I wish they had more shades or a translucent option.

    Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder – This is my fave translucent setting powder I’ve tried.

    Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation – This powder looks beautiful. I just need to get it in the right shade.

    Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder – This made my skin look like it had a filter on it. I don’t know if it was just a combo of a good skin day and a nice primer, but it looked really good every time I used it.

    charlotte tilbury airbrush flawless finish setting powder

    LIKES

    Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder – It’s a beautiful powder, BUT it pans so quickly and there’s only 3 shades. Fair is too light and Medium is too dark.

    Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder – I don’t find anything special about this one. I had a deluxe sample and the powder would come out in clumps. I didn’t store it where any moisture could get to it, so I don’t know why it was like that.  

    Rimmel Clear Complexion Clarifiying Powder – This was a good powder from what I remember. I want to try the Rimmel Stay Matte one.

    Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder – This was a nice powder, but I didn’t like the scent of it. I don’t think any powder needs to be scented.

    Burt’s Bees Natural Mattifying Powder* – I had the wrong shade of this, so it made me look really pale. It was a nice pressed powder that did mattify. I probably wouldn’t repurchase though (even if it was the right shade).

    Revlon Nearly Naked Powder – This was a nice powder that felt silky smooth. It doesn’t have the best shade range and it’s fairly expensive for a drugstore powder. I’d rather get a bare minerals powder for the price.

    Smashbox Photo Filter Powder Foundation – This felt silky smooth, but the shade I got was way too light, so I can’t say for sure if I really liked it or not. It made my skin look patchy because it was too light.

    Nude by Nature Mattifying Pressed Setting Powder* – It mattified and gave nice coverage. It wasn’t my fave setting powder though.

    hourglass veil translucent setting powder

    MISSES

    Bobbi Brown Nude Finishing Illuminating Setting Powder – If this didn’t have the shimmer in it, it would be a beautiful powder.

    KVD Beauty Lock-It Brightening Powder – I bought this at Winners when I wanted to try baking because it was before I knew that baking powder is its own thing. I also mistakenly bought a shade meant for dark skin tones. I tested it out anyway just to see if I liked the consistency, but it was way too heavy for my dry under eyes.

    Catrice Light Illusion Loose Powder (Yellow Matt) – I didn’t like this because as I’ve said, I have dry under eyes and it just emphasized it. If you have oily skin, it might work for you.

    To Try

    • Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder
    • Lancôme Long Time No Shine Setting Powder
    • Rimmel Stay Matte Long Lasting Pressed Powder
    • Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Custom Finish Powder Foundation

    What are your favourite powders?

    Love,

    Products marked with (*) were sent for review.

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  • makeup collection january 2020

    Makeup Inventory | Jan 2020

    January 8, 2020

    Hi Everyone!

    I thought I would do an update on my makeup collection. I’ve gotten my inventory down to a reasonable number. I think it’s reasonable enough that I don’t feel the need to participate in a Project Pan or 20 in 2020 challenge. I’ve also decided not to do a Low/No Buy this year because I think I can control myself now. I don’t really get swept up in new makeup releases. I might get samples at Sephora, but I don’t feel the need to buy the newest product until I’ve read or watched reviews.

    In 2017 and 2018, I bought a bunch of products from Winners and the Mac Warehouse Sale. I didn’t even do full reviews on most of the items because they were old or discontinued. I did do quick reviews on some makeup items in my mid-year makeup inventory:

    Primers & Foundations | Bronzers | Blushes | Mascaras | Highlighters

    Makeup inventory posts from previous years:

    Dec 2018 | June 2019

    July 2018Dec 2018June 2019Jan 2020
    Primers121174
    Foundations13766
    Concealers11565
    Setting Sprays/Powders111157
    Contour0311
    Bronzers6331
    Blushes14552
    Highlighters13945
    Brows3363
    Eyeshadows129602317
    Eyeliners12923
    Mascara10232
    Lipstick28774
    Lip Liners7540
    Lip Glosses/Tints/Balms10421
    Makeup Removers13142
    Perfumes5453
    Nail Polishes431970
    Total Items34016810066

    My plan is to get my collection down to 50 items by the end of the year. It’s shocking to think that I once had 340 makeup items (this number includes individual eyeshadows). It’s even more alarming to think that I paid for most of those items too. While I have been lucky enough to be sent products over the years, I’m sent more skincare products than makeup. Most of those items were impulse purchases because they were on sale or a good deal.

    What are your makeup plans for 2020?

    Love,

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  • Makeup Inventory | June 2019

    June 21, 2019

    Hi Everyone!

    This time last year, I had 340 makeup products (check out my post). By December of last year, I decluttered a lot and finished quite a few products (check out my post). I cut my collection in half and now my collection is down to 100! I hope to continue streamlining my collection. Maybe next year, I’ll have 50-75 products.

    Primers: 7 (I had 11 in December)

    Setting/Finishing Powders: 5 (8 in Dec)

    Illuminating Powders/Creams: 0 (3 in Dec)

    Foundations: 6 (7 in Dec)

    Concealers/Colour Correctors: 6 (5 in Dec)

    Contour: 1 (3 in Dec)

    Bronzers: 3 (3 in Dec)

    Blushes: 5 (5 in Dec)

    Highlighters: 4 (9 in Dec)

    Brows: 6 (3 in Dec)

    Eyeshadow Pans/Sticks/Creams: 23 (60 in Dec)

    Eyeliners: 2 (9 in Dec)

    Mascaras: 3 (2 in Dec)

    Lipsticks: 7 (7 in Dec)

    Lip Liners: 4 (5 in Dec)

    Lip Glosses/Tints: 2 (4 in Dec)

    Makeup Removers: 4 (1 in Dec)

    Perfume: 5 (4 in Dec)

    Nail Polish: 7 (19 in Dec)

    TOTAL: 100 (170 in Dec)

    How many products are in your collection?

    Love,

    Read More

  • Maybelline | My Hits & Misses

    April 5, 2019

    Hi Everyone!

    So, here are my Hits and Misses from Maybelline.

    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 | 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.

    Surprisingly, I haven’t tried a whole bunch of products from Maybelline even though it’s an affordable drugstore brand. I think I have a lot of difficulty finding my shade match with their complexion products. I haven’t tried any of their blushes or eyeshadow palettes and only tried one lipstick so far, but here’s my list:

    HITS

    Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser Treatment Concealer – This is a great concealer for me, I love how natural it looks. The shade Light might be a bit too light, I’ve gotten a recommendation to try the Neutralizer, so I might try that. 

    Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder – I love this powder, but the shade 15 Light is a bit pink on me. Maybe it will be better during the summer time.

    Fit Me Concealer in 10 Light – Great drugstore concealer!

    Fit Me Shine-Free + Balance Stick Foundation in 130 Buff Beige (read my review) – I actually really loved this, even in the summer time. I don’t think it’s available any more though.

    Face Studio Master Chrome Highlighter – I love this highlighter, although for me, 100 Molten Gold is a bit too coppery gold for my skintone, but I would definitely repurchase in a different shade.

    Color Show Kohl Liner – I loved the nude shade they used to have in this, but they don’t have it anymore. I used to put it on my lower waterline and it would instantly brighten my eyes.

    Lash Sensational Full Fan Effect Mascara Washable (read my review) – This is a great mascara, I definitely want to try the waterproof to see if it holds a curl better

    Great Lash Mascara (Black or Clear) – This is a classic. The clear one is great for using as brow gel too.

    Volum’ Express The Falsies Big Eyes – From what I remember, this is a great mascara.

    Volum’ Express The Falsies Mascara – Loved this mascara, need to try it again at some point to compare it to others.

    SuperStay 24 Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in 65 Seductress – A Toronto makeup artist posted a pic of her bride and I commented on it saying her lip colour was beautiful, she replied back saying it was this liquid lipstick mixed with a lipliner and gloss. I see why everyone loves this liquid lippie! I’m not one for matte lipsticks, but this one is super long-wearing and you can top with a gloss in the middle to give that 3D effect.

    LIKES

    Hydrate & Smooth Fit Me Foundation – The shade I chose in this isn’t right, so that’s probably why I didn’t love it. It was way too orange. I also don’t love that this has no pump.

    Matte & Poreless Fit Me Foundation – Same deal as the Hydrate & Smooth one.

    Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Eye Shadow in Barely Branded – I am still debating whether I like cream shadows. I think I prefer sticks when it has shimmer. So, I might like one that’s matte.

    Total Temptation Washable Volumizing Mascara – This is one mascara that I’m not crazy about. It’s okay, but I prefer the others.

    Master Precise Curvy Liquid Liner (read my review) – This doesn’t have a really precise tip and it’s not super black, so if that’s what you’re looking for, skip this one.

    MISSES

    Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser – I didn’t like the silicone feel of this.

    Master Prime Blur + Redness Control Primer – This didn’t do anything to correct my redness.

    Eye Studio Brow Precise Pencil – I didn’t like the waxy feel of this pencil.

    Color Show Nail Lacquer – I prefer a fat brush, this has a round skinny brush. For me, I prefer fat because it’s less likely to be streaky since I’m no expert at applying nail polish.

    There’s a few products that I tried a long long time ago before I knew a lot about makeup…before using primer. So, here’s what I remember about them:

    Baby Lips Lip Balm – I think it was okay, it wasn’t anything special.

    SuperStay Better Skin Foundation – I used this a while back before I knew I was supposed to use primer. I don’t even know if I used to use a damp sponge when applying this. The shade I got was way off. I remember it being okay, but I’m not curious enough to to try it out again.

    SuperStay Better Skin Concealer + Corrector – I remember it being pretty good, but didn’t love the chemical smell of it (Fit Me doesn’t have that smell). I don’t think the shade was right either.

    What are your faves from Maybelline?

    Love,

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  • March 2019 Product Empties

    March 29, 2019

    Hi Everyone!

    I finished quite a few things this month (including some products from my Project Pan) and also retired a few eye/brow products. Keep reading to see what I would repurchase!

    Tula Hydrating Day & Night Cream (travel size) – This is a great cream. It doesn’t feel oily or too heavy. I used it both AM & PM like the name suggests. I don’t love that it comes in a pot. I prefer squeeze tubes or pumps. 

    Repurchase? Probably not (because it’s in a pot).

    Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly – I finally finished a huuuuge tub of Vaseline. I used it all over. I would put tons on my hands and feet before bed and wear cotton gloves and socks to bed.

    Repurchase? Obviously. Doesn’t everyone always have some form of vaseline in their house? Whether it’s a huge tub or a squeeze tube.

    KORAI Cloud Cleanser (read my review) – I enjoyed this cleanser, it has Black Soap, Shea Butter and it was very gentle.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    KORAI Amber Oil (read my review) – I also enjoyed the Amber Oil. It didn’t break me out and my skin felt very hydrated.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Maybelline Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter in 100 Molten Gold – Beautiful highlighter, but not the best shade for my skin tone.

    Repurchase? In a different shade, absolutely!

    Physician’s Formula Butter Highlighter in Pink – Similar to the Maybelline Master Chrome, beautiful highlighter, but would get in a different shade since pink doesn’t look that natural as a highlight. It was nice as an eyeshadow though.

    Repurchase? Maybe.

    Picture was taken before I finished the Lancôme Skin Feels Good Foundation. I took the picture before cutting it open and scraping out the rest.

    Ariul Glam Mood Maker Mist (read my review) – While this is a really cute, compact facial mist, I think it’s quite expensive for such a little amount. I kept it beside my computer and would spray my face when I needed a little refresh and I finished it fairly quickly.

    Repurchase? Probably not.

    Lancôme Skin Feels Good Skin Nourishing Foundation in 01N Nude Vanilla (read my review) – This is a great light coverage foundation. It’s hydrating and looks like skin, but the only thing I don’t like is the shade range! This shade is too light and the next shades up are too warm. I had to mix it a lot and lost a lot of product by doing that which is probably the reason I finished it so quickly.

    Repurchase? When they have a shade that matches me better.

    Maybelline Lash Sensational Full Fan Effect Mascara (read my review) – I liked this mascara, and I would consider trying the waterproof one because it might hold a curl better. I’m still on the hunt for my Holy Grail mascara, but it’s a great drugstore one. Maybelline has some of the best drugstore mascaras I’ve tried.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Diorshow Bold Brow in 002 Dark – I love this brow gel, but the shade was just a little too gray for my liking. The currently have 3 shades in the Bold Brow.

    Repurchase? Yes, when they have a darker shade.

    Love,

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  • Sephora 2019 Wishlist

    January 25, 2019

    Hi Everyone!

    I’m on a no buy/low buy this year, but it doesn’t mean I can’t window shop and get a bunch of samples to test out until I find my HG (holy grail) products.

    I have quite a few primer/foundation/concealer products on my wishlist since I want to have a selection of different things, i.e. different formulations (liquid, powder, cream), different coverages (sheer, medium), mattifying vs. smoothing vs. hydrating…the list goes on!

    Also, as a beauty blogger, I want to keep trying new things (even if I’ve found something I love). Maybe I will find something else even better!

    I have some new products on the list and I have some cult faves that I want to try (I’m slow to the game, I know!):

    • Winky Lux Whipped Cream Primer
    • RMS Beauty Un Cover-Up Concealer/Foundation
    • Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Concealer
    • Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer
    • Milk Makeup Flex Concealer
    • Becca Hydra-Mist Set & Refresh Powder
    • Laura Mercier Blush Colour Infusion
    • Marc Jacobs Enamored Hydrating Lip Gloss Stick

    Here are some products that I’m planning to get samples of:

    • Dior Forever Skin Glow 24h Wear Radiant Perfection Skin-Caring Foundation
    • Laura Mercier Flawless Lumière Radiance-Perfecting Foundation
    • Benefit Hello Happy Soft Blur Foundation
    • Hourglass Vanish Seamless Liquid Foundation
    • Milk Makeup Blur Liquid Matte Foundation
    • Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid Highlighter
    • Marc Jacobs Dew Drops Coconut Gel Highlighter

    In addition, I also have a few products that were recommended to me by others that I want to try:

    • NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer
    • Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
    • IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream

    What’s on your wishlist?

    Love,

    Read More

  • Revisiting My 2018 Favourites | Part 1

    January 4, 2019

    Hi Everyone!

    I thought I would do a post revisiting last year’s favourites to see if they were still my favourites. I’ve already done a post for my September to December 2017 favourites.

    Revisiting My 2017 Favourites

    I’m going to split the posts into 2 parts so it’s not too long. Part 1 for January to June and I’ll post the Part 2 in six months’ time for July to December since they’re still fairly recent. These posts are only going to include my beauty favourites.

    JANUARY

    Maybelline FaceStudio Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter in 100 Molten Gold – LOVE LOVE LOVE!!

    Repurchase? Yes! I want to get one of the lighter shades (since they’ve expanded their shade range) because this one can be a bit too dark on me.

    Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm – Love this balm!

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector – I enjoyed the metal applicator and it kept my under eyes soft and hydrated.

    Repurchase? I would buy it again, but I want to try other products. I’ve only tried a couple eye creams and it’s the best one I’ve tried so far, but I know there are ones that people rave about even more.

    Tangle Teezer Original Detangling Hairbrush – I haven’t used this in a while, but I still love it. I think I’m just worried the bristles will come off and I’ll have to get a new one.

    Repurchase? Yes, but I would get one with a handle. (UPDATE: I won a giveaway and now I have one with a handle!)

    Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo – I love the smell of this. I was surprised to read reviews about it smelling too much.

    Repurchase? I’ve already repurchased it.

    MAC Vamplify Gloss in What’s Going On – I loved the applicator of this lip gloss, but I didn’t like this particular shade. The only shades available are bright colours.

    Repurchase? No. If MAC made a lip gloss with this applicator in a shade I liked, I would definitely get it though.

    FEBRUARY

    MAC Strobe Cream – I love the Pinklite!

    Repurchase? Probably.

    Pixi Glow Tonic – LOVE THIS!

    Repurchase? I already have. (UPDATE: I have since realized that I may be allergic to witch hazel which is in the glow tonic).

    Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder – The powder itself is great and I love the puff. I don’t love the smell of the powder though.

    Repurchase? Probably not.

    MARCH

    Coastal Scents Eclipse Palette – I enjoyed this, but I feel like I only used a handful of shades. Even at $5, it felt like a waste. Plus, you could tell the quality of the packaging was not great because it was basically just foam that had a piece of plastic material glued onto it. It started to peel.

    Repurchase? No. Shipping to Canada is an extra charge. I’d rather spend the money on the product instead of shipping. I’ve been using a Hard Candy palette that has a fraction of the colours, but I will be able to use all of them.

    LOVE OPI XOXO Mini Nail Lacquer 10 Pack – This pack had 4 colours that I wasn’t a fan of, but it was a good price at Winners.

    Repurchase? I wouldn’t have bought the pack at full price, but I would buy individual shades at full price.

    Dove Advanced Hair Series Regenerative Nourishment Serum-in-Oil – It made my hair super smooth, but I think I’d rather use a hair mask.

    Repurchase? Probably not.

    APRIL

    Physician’s Formula Murumuru Butter Butter Bronzer – Great bronzer.

    Repurchase? Maybe.

    Physician’s Formula Butter Highlighter in Pink – Pretty cream highlighter.

    Repurchase? Maybe.

    Soo’Ae Caada Purifying Brightening Peeling Gel – LOVE!

    Repurchase? Yes!

    Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick in Ivory 0.75 – This is a beautiful foundation!

    Repurchase? Undecided. I want to try other stick foundations to see how they compare. If I do end up buying this again, I need the right shade.

    MAC Pigment in Stardream – It’s a beautiful shade!

    Repurchase? No. Pigments are too messy for me.

    Miniso Flawless Baked Blusher in Rosy Pink – I decided to declutter this. This was a pretty shade, but I didn’t love that it was made in China. If you’re on a budget and you don’t mind where your products are made, this was a really pretty blush.

    Repurchase? No.

    MAY

    Bobbi Brown Instant Long-Wear Makeup Remover – This easily removes eye makeup.

    Repurchase? No. Too expensive for a product that will be on your face for seconds. I’d rather spend money on a moisturizer.

    INGLOT x Jennifer Lopez LipGlossy Lip Gloss in J225 Pinky – I liked the colour of this lip gloss, but I don’t think it’s worth $28. Plus, the smell reminded me of drugstore lip glosses.

    Repurchase? No.

    Cake Beauty (Delectable) The Everything Powder – I used this to set my makeup and it works beautifully. It doesn’t have talc…it’s basically just corn starch! But, it had a smell that was quite powerful (like the Baby All Gone dolls where you feed the baby cherries from a spoon – anyone old enough to know what those are?) This was annoying to use as a setting powder because I had to use an old setting powder container to use it (since this is shaped like a baby powder bottle).

    Repurchase? No.

    Live Clean Exotic Nectar Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner – This made my hair look shinier and smoother. Although, I’m not a huge fan of the scent of Argan Oil, I didn’t mind this.

    Repurchase? Possibly.

    JUNE

    Clinique Sonic Systems Purifying Brush – I enjoy this brush and the charge lasts a really long time! I got this at the MAC Warehouse Sale for $40 and the brush heads were $10.

    Repurchase? Although I like the brush, I wouldn’t pay full price for the brush heads. If I ever go back to the MAC Warehouse sale, I will pick some up.

    Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask (read my review) – I gave it a 5/5, but I’m not sure if it actually helped to clarify and exfoliate my skin. When I wake up the next morning though, my skin does look quite refreshed and hydrated.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Glow Recipe Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser – If I wanted to replace the Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm, I could buy this to use as a makeup remover. I love that they changed the packaging from a tube to a bottle!

    Repurchase? Possibly.

    Clionadh Cosmetics Mother of Pearl Highlighter – This is so pretty!

    Repurchase? Yes, but without the scent.

    The Body Shop Tea Tree Targeted Gel Blemish Stick – I’m so torn. This blemish stick worked well, but it felt unsanitary to stick the wand back in after using it on a pimple. Plus, it’s expensive for a small stick.

    Repurchase? Undecided. But if I do, it has to be on sale.

    The Body Shop Tea Tree Anti-Imperfection Daily Solution – I believe this is no longer available, but it felt like it was the same product as the tea tree oil from The Body Shop.

    Repurchase? Unavailable.

    The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Body Wash – This worked okay, I would still get a pimple here and there on my back.

    Repurchase? Probably not.

    Burt’s Bees Blush in Shy Pink – This is a pretty matte shade, but sometimes I go too heavy-handed and have to really blend it out.

    Repurchase? Probably not. The shade is a bit too pink and I’m not a huge fan of the packaging. Since blush lasts so long, I’d rather pay for a high-end one with nicer packaging.

    Click here for Part 2!

    Did you spot any of your favourites on my list?

    Love,

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  • Makeup Inventory | Dec 2018

    December 21, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I’m checking in with my makeup inventory to show you how much progress I’ve made since my Mid-Year Makeup Inventories (click the links below):

    Primers & Foundations | Bronzers | Blushes | Mascaras | Highlighters

    I finished and decluttered half of the items I had in July; mostly decluttered.

    CURRENT MAKEUP INVENTORY

    Primers: 11

    Setting/Finishing Powders: 8

    Illuminating Powders/Creams: 3

    Foundations: 7

    Concealers/Colour Correctors: 5

    Contour: 3

    Bronzers: 3

    Blushes: 5

    Highlighters: 9

    Brows: 3

    Eyeshadow Pans/Sticks/Creams: 60

    Eyeliners: 9

    Mascaras: 2 

    Lipstick: 7

    Lip Liners: 5 

    Lip Glosses/Tints: 4 

    Makeup Removers: 1

    Perfume: 4 

    Nail Polish: 19

    TOTAL: 168 (started with 340 – I finished and decluttered 172 items in the past 5 months)

    I haven’t bought any new products in the following categories since taking Inventory of my collection in July:

    • Blush
    • Bronzer
    • Highlighter (I have a new one, but I didn’t buy it for myself…so it doesn’t count)
    • Illuminating Powders
    • Eyeshadows
    • Lip products (lipstick, balm, gloss, tint, liners)
    • Makeup Remover
    • Perfume
    • Nail Polish

    MAKEUP INVENTORY GOALS

    You’ll remember from my Makeup Goals post, that I set a number for each category of what I should aim for and I said that I wanted to cut my collection in half (which I did!). I hope to continue decreasing the number of items on my collection and maybe reach 100 items by the end of 2019.

    • Primers: 8-10
    • Foundations: 6
    • Concealers/Colour Correctors: 5
    • Setting/Finishing Sprays/Powders & Face Mists: 5
    • Illuminating Powders/Creams: 2
    • Bronzers: 2
    • Blushes: 3
    • Highlighters: 6
    • Brows: 3
    • Eyeshadows: 3 palettes
    • Eyeliners: 5
    • Mascaras: 3
    • Lipstick/Balms: 10
    • Lip Liners: 2
    • Lip Glosses/Tints: 3
    • Makeup Removers: 3
    • Perfumes: 3
    • Nail Polish: 5

    Have you set any makeup goals for yourself or resolutions for the new year?

    Love,

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  • Revisiting My 2017 Favourites | Part 1

    November 12, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    Last year, I was tagged in a Best of 2017 Challenge on Instagram. Today, I’m going to be revisiting my picks from last year. Since then, I’ve tested and reviewed a lot of makeup. Like I said last year, it’s hard to choose favourites from each category because different products do different things for you, i.e. a hydrating vs. a smoothing primer or a lengthening mascara vs. a mascara that can keep a curl. I’m still trying to find my holy grail products, but I have found some great products over the last year.

    Primer

    • Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Primers (hydrating primer and smoothing primer)
    • Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer
    • Essence’s I 🖤 Colour Intensifying Eyeshadow Base

    The MUFE smoothing primer is still a fave of mine. The hydrating one wasn’t quite hydrating enough for my dry skin, so I picked up the Nourishing one to see if it’s better. The Smashbox under eye primer does help to slightly illuminate and hydrate my under eyes, but I’m not sure if it actually helps that much. I think you could just replace it with a good eye cream. The Essence eyeshadow base is great for intensifying colour, but it doesn’t really prevent creasing.

    Foundation

    • Lancome Miracle Cushion Liquid Cushion Compact Foundation in 025 Beige Naturel

    This is definitely still a favourite of mine. I haven’t purchased it since I finished, but I plan to buy it in the future once I’ve finished my Laneige BB Cushion.

    Setting Powder/Spray

    • Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray
    • Cake Beauty’s Everything Powder

    The UD setting spray is great, but I want to find one that’s a bit cheaper if I can. The everything powder smooths, sets and mattifies very well, but I just don’t love the smell anymore.

    Brow products

    • NYX Micro Brow Pencil in Black
    • Benefit Gimme Brow Volumizing Eyebrow Gel in 05 Deep

    These are still both faves of mine.

    Mascaras

    • Buxom Lash Mascara
    • Essence Volume Stylist 18hr Lash Extension Mascara
    • Revlon Mega Multiplier Mascara (read my review)
    • Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara

    These are all great mascaras, love all of them.

    Eyeshadow palette

    • Coastal Scents Winterberry Palette (read my review)
    • Too Faced Chocolate Bar (Sephora Rewards mini palette)

    At the time, the Winterberry palette and Too Faced mini were the only ones I had. After trying out other brands, these are no longer faves. I still like shades from both palettes, but the Coastal Scents palettes doesn’t have any neutrals in the palette and I no longer have the Too Faced palette.

    Blush

    • Smashbox Soft Lights Duo in Passion/Shimmer
    • Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Paaarty

    The Smashbox blush was nice, but it was a bit too dark for me (I bought it at Winners). The Tarte blush was a fave of mine, but I didn’t love that it was Made in China (check out my post about Where Your Products Were Made). I still love Tarte blushes, but you just have to be careful to get the full-sized permanent collection ones.

    Bronzer

    • Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Bronzer in Park Ave Princess
    • Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer in Chocolate Soleil

    These were the only two bronzers I had last year and both were from Sephora rewards, so they weren’t in shades that I would’ve chosen. While the Tarte one did work with my skin tone, I didn’t like the sheen on it, and I know they have a matte one, but I’d rather use the Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer. The Too Faced Bronzer was too dark for me, I needed the Milk Chocolate one, not the Chocolate.

    Face Mask

    • Lush’s Cup O’Coffee Face and Body Mask
    • The Face Shop sheet masks

    I still agree with these face mask choices. I haven’t bought the Lush one since I finished it, but I would get it again.

    Highlighter

    • Wet N Wild’s MegaGlo Highlighting Powder in Precious Petals (read my review)
    • Maybelline’s Face Studio Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter in Molten Gold
    • Urban Decay Afterglow 8-Hour Powder Highlighter in Sin

    Still absolutely love these highlighters. I would repurchase the Wet N Wild and Maybelline ones in different shades because both Precious Petals and Molten Gold are a bit too dark for me. The Urban Decay one is nice, but I don’t know if I would purchase the full-sized (I have a mini).

    Eyeshadow Singles

    • Coastal Scents Single Shadow in Jewel Teal (read my review)
    • Coastal Scents Single Shadow in Teal Green (read my review)
    • Stila Shadow in Golightly

    I still like all three shades of these, but I haven’t actually just worn the Stila shadow to test out the longevity of it. The Coastal Scents ones definitely need a primer. Even with a primer, they sort of faded a bit on me after a few hours. But they are very nicely pigmented and great to practise doing vibrant colours on your eyes. I have bought a few Anastasia eye shadow singles and those are beautiful, although I haven’t tested out the longevity of those either, but if they’re as good as the palettes, I’m sure they are great. I also have some Make Up For Ever shadows that you can buy as singles, I really love those.

    Skincare 

    • Kate Somerville EradiKate Acne Treatment
    • COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches (read my review)
    • Pearlessence Cucumber Water
    • Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector
    • Pixi Peel & Polish
    • Vaseline Cocoa Butter Lip Therapy

    I still agree with all of these choices except for the Pearlessence Cucumber Water. A few times, I’ve gotten it on my eyelids and it stung a little. Also, if you accidentally get some in your mouth, it tastes horrible.

    Makeup Brushes 

    • Tarte Bronze & Glow Contour Brush
    • Bella Pierre Powder Dome Brush (this isn’t the exact brush I have, but it’s similar)
    • Simple Glam Girls Lush Rose Gold Oval Brushes (read my review)
    • Arbonne Angled Blush Brush
    • Fluffy Powder Brush
    • Sephora Shadow Brush

    I love the Tarte brush and my Bella Pierre brush, although I think it’s time to replace it because the handle’s plastic is chipping off. I enjoy the Simple Glam Girls brushes, but I think oval brushes are a pain to clean because it’s packed so tight. I’ve actually realized that I don’t love angled blush brushes. It’s a lot easier to use a slightly fluffy one to blend. I’m not good at dipping my brush lightly into the pan, so I end up looking like a clown until I blend my blush out. I still agree that a fluffy powder brush is needed to set your face and a shadow brush is great for packing on colour.

    Lipstick

    • L’Oréal’s Colour Riche Collection Exclusive Lipstick in 370 J Lo’s Nude
    • L’Oréal Infallible Le Rouge in 337 Refined Ruby
    • Milani Color Statement Lipstick in 26 Nude Creme (read my review)
    • Coastal Scents Lipstick in 2
    • Pixi Mattelustre Lipstick in Plump Pink
    • MAC Lipstick in Brave (satin finish)

    The L’Oréal Colour Riche lipstick is still an absolute fave. The Refined Ruby one is a beautiful shade, but it’s a bit too dark for me. The shade of the Milani one is beautiful, but I’ve realized that I don’t like scented lipsticks that much. The Coastal Scents lipstick…I don’t know what I was thinking putting in my faves. It was patchy and didn’t look good. I don’t really like the Pixi Mattelustre lipstick anymore. The shade wasn’t right and it didn’t smell that nice. The MAC Lipstick is still a fave of mine.

    What are your fave products that you discovered this year?

    Love,

    Read More

  • Bobbi Brown | My Hits & Misses

    October 3, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    These are my faves and not so favourite products from Bobbi Brown. I’ve done a Hits & Misses post for other brands, check them out below:

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

    SKINCARE || Eye Creams

    BRANDS || 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.

    I realized I have tried quite a lot of Bobbi Brown products and I thought I would share my hits and misses from the brand. Of course, I might not like something that someone else loves and vice versa, but keep reading to hear my thoughts on the products I’ve purchased over the past year. Surprisingly, I think Bobbi Brown is the brand that I have the most products from (I originally thought it was Tarte, but after doing this post, it’s Bobbi). All products were purchased by me (the majority were purchased at the MAC Warehouse Sale). Let’s start with my favourites!

    HITS

    Skin Foundation Stick in Ivory 0.75 – This shade is too light for me, but I really liked this stick foundation. I really want to try other sticks to compare (like the Hourglass and Lancome ones), but this has a very nice finish and I would sometimes use it as concealer and dab the areas that needed a bit of coverage. Update: They’ve changed the corresponding numbers of the shades. I don’t know if they’ve reformulated, but I’m assuming Ivory is still the same shade. The corresponding number has changed from 0.75 to C-024.

    Smokey Eye Mascara – I loved this mascara. The wand was the perfect size and it separated my lashes nicely. It made my lashes look natural, yet added some oomph.

    Luxe Lipstick in Brocade – My grandma uses this and it’s her favourite lipstick out of 4 lipsticks that we boughht for her (NARS, Sephora and Urban Decay). It’s a beautiful purple-y pink and it looks really good on her.

    Instant Long-Wear Makeup Remover – I liked this, but it’s expensive and I’m sure I can get one that performs equally well for a cheaper price.

    LIKES

    There are a few products that I didn’t mind, but didn’t love either:

    Blushes in French Pink and Nectar – They are pretty shades, just not for me.

    Bronzing Powder in Medium – Too dark for me.

    Rich Lip Color in Bare Pink – This is a really pretty nude-pink shade with a satin finish (it’s described on the website as a beige).

    Lip Color in Sandwash Pink – I hear Princess Kate wears this shade. It was a beautiful shade, just not for me.

    Tube Tint in Naked – My mom uses this and she really likes it. I think she also likes how it’s a squeeze tube, so it’s easier to keep clean and it’s more hygienic than lip glosses with wands.

    Eyeshadows – The eyeshadows are good and blend well, but I think if you’re going to buy a high-end eyeshadow palette, you should get an Urban Decay or Anastasia Beverly Hills one (a brand that’s known for their eyeshadows).

    The Bobbi On Trend: Eyes and Cheek Palette – This was an impulse buy. I saw it at the Nordstrom sale for $120 and I had to have it. I didn’t do my research and that was my downfall. Next time I buy a palette, I will be making sure I love it before taking the plunge.

    Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink – I am terrible at doing winged liner and I prefer kohl liner, but I got this for free when  bought the Bobbi On Trend palette at the Nordstrom sale. I gave it to my friend so she’d get better use out of it. So, this goes in the IN BETWEEN section because I just don’t do wings and if I put liner on my lid, then I usually smoke it out (that’s why pencil liners are better for me). Performance-wise, I think this was an okay liner? I’m not really sure.

    Lip Gloss in Rose Sugar 3

    MISSES

    Long Wear Cream Eye Shadow in Galaxy – This was so patchy and had no pigment. I don’t know if it’s because I bought it at the MAC Warehouse Sale or it got hot and melted or something because it’s so soft. Maybe if you have a different shade, it would do better, but this looked terrible on me. It didn’t blend well and it set fairly quickly, so when you tried to blend, you’d create a bald spot. I tried using this as a base for dark powder shadow, but the powder was not layering over it well.

    Lip Gloss in Rose Sugar 3 -This lip gloss has shimmer in it. My mom used this one too and she didn’t like it at all. It was so sticky that her hair would get stuck on her lips. Also, you know when you talk and you get that trail of lip gloss between your lips? It did that.

    Intensive Skin Serum Concealer in Warm Ivory – I think this was breaking me out. It’s really weird because when I swatched it, it looked beautiful and blended nicely on my hand, but when I put it under my eyes, it just wasn’t giving me that seamless application I wanted.

    Nude Finish Illuminating Powder in Bare – This is a translucent powder with shimmer in it and I don’t like it. It just makes me look like I put highlighter ALL over my face. If this were just a translucent powder, I’d love it because it did look really beautiful without the shimmer.

    Illuminating Bronzing Powder in Halo – I don’t like this highlighter. It’s chunky and has glitter in it which gets EVERYWHERE.

    Out of all the products, I would consider purchasing the Skin Foundation Stick in my shade. I think that’s the only product I would consider repurchasing. I hope I haven’t offended anyone who is a Bobbi Brown lover and I hope I also didn’t put anyone off the brand. I love Bobbi Brown packaging and they have a lot of great products, but I just don’t think the products work for me.

    What are your hits & misses from Bobbi Brown?

    Love,

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  • September 2018 Faves

    September 28, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    Here are September’s favourites!!

    OPI Nail Lacquer in Step Right UP! – This is a beautiful sheer pink. Perfect for a bride/bridesmaids.

    Diorshow Bold Brow in 002 Dark (read my review)- I really enjoyed this tinted brow gel. You get a bigger tube than Benefit Gimme Brow, but there’s only three shades to choose from and the darkest one is a bit gray (cool toned). If they come out with a shade that’s closer to my brows, I would definitely repurchase it. Until then, I’m trying out other brow gels.

    Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil Ultra Fine Shape & Define in 6 (read my review) – This has become one of my favourites since I received it from Topbox Circle. A good drugstore dupe for it is the NYX Micro Brow Pencil.

    Pixi By Petra + Aspyn Ovard Glow-y Powder in Santorini Sunset – I spotted this at Winners and it’s a beautiful champagne highlighter. Unfortunately, since it’s a collaboration, it’s not available any more.

    What were your favourites this month?

    Love,

    jen

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