L’Oréal Paris | My Hits & Misses

July 31, 2023
Hi Everyone!

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

Check out my other Hits & Misses posts!

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

SKINCARE || Eye Creams

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

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

HITS

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

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

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

LIKES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MISSES

Unfortunately, a lot of the skincare products has a heavy fragrance that gives me a headache, so I was unable to test how well the product actually worked. The serums were all quite tacky which I didn’t love. Here are 3 of their Revitalift serums that were too scented to try:
- Revitalift Derm Intensives 12% Pure Vitaminc C, E + Salicylic Acid Face Serum* – smells like that solution to clean the hair tools at a salon
- Revitalift Hydrating Smoothing Serum* – smells like hairspray from what I remember
- Revitalift Triple Power LZR 0.3% Pure Retinol Night Serum* – I may be mistaken, but I could’ve sworn that all of the serums had fragrance in them. Maybe there was another reason I didn’t like this one because it claims to be fragrance-free on the website
Pure-Sugar Scrub for Oily Skin (Kiwi) – When I first tried this, I liked it, but I don’t really use scrubs on my face anymore because of my sensitive skin.

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

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

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

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

I have an Excel sheet of products I’ve tried and whether I would repurchase them or not. I have a few L’Oreal products that I said I wouldn’t repurchase, but unfortunately, I didn’t write why lol, so these fall into that category:
- Voluminous Original Primer – I could’ve sworn I tried this, but I can’t find it in my records anywhere. I know I tried a mascara primer, but I didn’t want to splurge on one, so I got this one. I remember not liking it because it made my lashes feel so heavy once I put mascara on. It was either this or the Tarte Opening Act Lash Primer.
- Excellence Crème – I’m pretty sure I’ve used one of their hair colours. I don’t dye my hair often, but I tried a few box dyes a few years ago. So I don’t really have a reference for which ones are good
- Dream Lengths Shampoo with Keratin and Castor Oil & Dream Lengths Conditioner* – All I wrote in my Excel sheet was “scent was too sweet”
- Extraordinary Oil Shampoo Fine Coconut Oil – I’m guessing that I didn’t like the oil in it or I didn’t like the coconut scent.
- EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Strengthening Shampoo & Conditioner* – I usually stick to regular drugstore shampoo brands in bottles (sometimes I will occasionally buy an expensive one and use it for special occasions). I think I didn’t love the scent of this and it was expensive
- Stylista #BeachWaves Texturizing Mist – I don’t like the feeling of a hair texturizer
- Stylista #Curls Defining Spray – I remember this being quite fragranced
I’ve tried a few discontinued products as well:
- Sublime Soft Micellar Gelee Eye Makeup Remover (read my review)
- Infallible Pro Contour Palette – This was the first contour palette I tried. I didn’t know what I was doing back then lol. I do remember the contour shade being a good ‘shadow’ shade though
- Infallible Le Rouge Lipstick in 337 Refined Ruby – This was a pretty red (blue-red, not an orange-red), very shiny too
While I’ve tried quite a bit from the brand, it also doesn’t seem like a lot once I’ve written it all down. I haven’t tried much of their face makeup, but I don’t feel tempted to try much from the brand. I have considered trying their foundations, but then I just end up trying other brands. Especially since drugstore prices have gone up and they’re comparable to brands at retail stores.

Love,
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Eye Creams | My Hits & Misses

July 19, 2022

Hi Everyone!

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

Check out my other Hits & Misses posts!

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

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

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

HITS

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

Reaction? No reaction.

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

Reaction? No reaction.

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

Reaction? No reaction.

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

Reaction? No reaction.

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

Reaction? No reaction.

LIKES

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

Reaction? No reaction.

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

Reaction? No reaction.

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

Reaction? No reaction.

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

Reaction? No reaction.

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

Reaction? Occasional eye twitching from caffeine.

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

Reaction? No reaction.

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

Reaction? No reaction.

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

Reaction? No reaction.

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

Reaction? No reaction.

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

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

MISSES

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reaction? Red spots under eyes whenever I used it.

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

Reaction? Eye was twitching like crazy.

	Price (CAD)	Size (mL)	Cost per mL
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream for Eyes	26.99	14mL	1.93
Lkins Skincare Vitamin C Eye Gel	22.99 USD ~ 30 CAD	15mL	2
Saturday Skin Wide Awake Brightening Eye Cream	25 USD ~ 32 CAD	15mL	2.13
Saturday Skin Wide Awake Brightening Eye Cream	46 USD ~ 60 CAD	30mL	2
Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado	70	28g ~ 28mL	2.5
mini Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado	44	14g ~ 14mL	3.14
Origins Ginzing Refreshing Eye Cream to Depuff and Brighten	44	15mL	2.93
mini Origins Ginzing Refreshing Eye Cream to Depuff and Brighten	36	10mL	3.6
belif Moisturizing Eye Bomb	60	25mL	2.4
Cerave Eye Repair Cream	27.99	14.2 g ~ 14.2mL	1.97
Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector	59	8.5mL	6.94
Goldfaden MD Bright Eyes Dark Circle Radiance Concentrate	55 USD ~ 71 CAD	15mL	4.73
Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wakeup Eye Gel	8	15mL	0.53
Volition Helix AM/PM Eye Gel	70	15mL	4.67
Tarte Maracuja C-Brighter Eye treatment	51	10mL	5.1
Youth to the People Dream Eye Cream	62	15mL	4.13
Tula Instant De-Puff Eye Renewal Serum	76	15mL	5.07
Pixi Botanical Collagen Eye Serum	34	25mL	1.36
Dear, Klairs Fundamental Nourishing Eye Butter	31	20g ~ 20mL	1.55

Here are some eye creams that I want to try:

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

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

What’s your fave eye cream?

Love,

Last updated Aug 2023

Products marked with * were sent to me for review.

Feb-Mar-Apr 2022 Product Empties

May 10, 2022

Hi Everyone!

Live Clean Cool and Fresh Deodorant – I liked this deodorant, it smelled fresh. I had to declutter since I had it for too long though.

Repurchase? Yes.

How long does it last? Don’t know, I had to declutter it since it dried out.

The Beauty of Eczema Skin Wash* – Sometimes the body wash had random globs of product (similar to when paint dries in a bottle). This body wash was a bit runny so I think I used more than I needed to use.

Repurchase? No.

How long does it last? The 200mL tube lasted two months.

The Beauty of Eczema Bathing Oil* – I used it once a week to relax. I don’t know if I used a lot. Once I found out how much it cost, I made sure to use less. You can either pour it into a running bath or apply directly to your skin and then rinse it off. I think the best way to figure out how much to use is to apply it to your body. When I first read the words ‘oil,’ I was a bit unsure about it, but when I read the directions, I found out it turns into a milk.

Repurchase? Maybe.

How long does it last? The 200mL bottle lasted two months (about 10 uses).

Amika Soulfood Nourishing Hair Mask – I love the scent of this hair mask. I don’t use it too often though since it’s expensive.

Repurchase? Yes.

How long does it last? I had it for a year because I kept forgetting about it. I started using more of it later on. I recorded that I used it 20 times, but that could probably be doubled. I think I was using a lot.

Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner Alcohol-Free* (read my review) – I found the petals in the toner unnecessary. I did notice that I didn’t have as much redness when I used this, but I don’t know if it was just because of the toner or if it was other products I used too.

Repurchase? No.

How long does it last? I had some compressed, dry sheet masks lying around, so I started using them with the toner. I think I used this toner quite generously. I will add a few uses to mine. I would say this 250mL bottle would last about 6 months.

La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Anti-Aging Serum* (read my review) – This serum was too scented. I got a headache from it, so I started using it on my feet. I would apply it after a shower and then put socks on. My feet did feel smooth while using it.

Repurchase? No.

How long does it last? I can’t say how long it would last since I didn’t use on my face.

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP+M Eco Tube* (read my review) – I wasn’t a fan of the smell (it smelled like school glue). I also used it up quickly.

Repurchase? No.

How long does it last? The 200mL tube lasted for a month of daily use (full body). I cut it open when nothing came out after squeezing the tube, I got a few days’ worth of product.

The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Cleanser* – I didn’t find anything special about this cleanser. I would rather use the more affordable Cetaphil or Cerave cleanser that comes with a pump.

Repurchase? No.

How long does it last? This cleanser was more fluid than others (Cerave, Cetaphil), I feel like I tend to waste more when it’s fluid. Especially when it’s in a bottle with a cap that you turn sideways/upside down, it just flows out easily. This 150mL bottle lasted about 4 months.

What have you finished lately?

Love,

Products marked with * were sent to me to try.

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Nov-Dec 2021-Jan 2022 Product Empties

January 31, 2022

Hi Everyone!

I mostly finished skincare products in the past few months and I also decluttered a few things.

Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser – I’ve used a few bottles of this already. I use it as a cleanser in the morning since it’s very gentle.

Repurchase? Purchased bottles in bulk from Costco.

Cerave Moisturizing Cream – Love this body lotion during the colder months. It keeps my skin feeling moisturized.

Repurchase? Yes.

How long does it last? 3 months – used once a day on full body.

Boscia Plant Stem Cell and Ceramide Barrier-Defense Moisturizer* – This was an okay moisturizer. I probably should’ve tried it in the spring/summer because it definitely isn’t enough on its own for my dry skin.

Repurchase? Maybe in the summer time.

How long does it last? About 100 uses (took 1.5 months) two times a day. I used a generous amount to moisturize my face and neck.

Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector – I had this as my fave eye cream in the past, but the size of it is getting smaller and the price is going up. I feel like there are eye creams that are more hydrating than this one. I know that hydration isn’t the target for this, but it does keep my under eyes pretty smooth.

Repurchase? Undecided.

How long does it last? 6 months, used two times a day.

Volition Beauty Hibiscus Unspottable Correcting Oil* – I really enjoyed this oil. I also noticed that a dark-ish spot on my nose got lighter as I used it.

Repurchase? Yes.

How long does it last? Almost a year (about 11 months)! I used 2 drops per use, two times a day.

Decluttered

Oh K! Soothing Face Lotion* – I used this for a while, but didn’t notice any improvements in my skin.

Repurchase? No.

The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum* – I didn’t like this. I found this product too tacky for my liking. I think I don’t like Hyaluronic Acid when it’s on its own. I prefer it with other ingredients. I also didn’t like the bottle this came in. The serum would often get on the top and dry.

Repurchase? No.

L’Oreal Ever Pure Bond Strengthening Shampoo & Conditioner* – I had to give this to a friend. At first, I thought the scent of it was really nice and fresh when I smelled it from the tube. But once I actually used it, it was way too powerful for me.

Repurchase? No.

Burt’s Bees Goodness Glows Primer* – I did not like this primer. It just sat on my skin and when I tried rubbing it in, it would pill.

Repurchase? No.

What products did you finish lately?

Love,

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

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First Impressions with Klorane

August 18, 2021
Hi Everyone!

Today, I’m reviewing two products from Klorane. This is my first time trying Klorane products. I know their dry shampoo is popular, but that’s pretty much all I know about the brand. After taking a look on their website, it looks like they have collections based on specific ingredients. For example, I’m reviewing products from the Organic Cornflower selection. To name a few, they also have calendula, chamomile, mango and oat products.

Scientifically proven effectiveness of our plant-based ingredients. A quality approach resulting from our pharmaceutical background, which applies to all our plants.

I received the water cream and eye patches from Topbox to try. According to their website, the Water Cream is best suited for dehydrated or tired skin. For rejuvenating skin in the morning. The eye patches help eliminate signs of fatigue (wrinkles, bags and fine lines).

Cornflower water cream with ORGANIC Cornflower and 100% plant-based Hyaluronic Acid

The Water Cream with Organic Cornflower and 100% plant-based Hyaluronic Acid moisturizes and plumps dehydrated or tired skin, leaving it refreshed and glowing.
+83% immediate hydration* thanks to the gel-like texture of the 98% natural formula.

Ingredients: Aqua, Glycerin, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water, Betaine, Sodium Dextran Sulfate, Sodium Hyaluronate, 1,2-hexanediol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ci 42090, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Parfum, Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Citrate.

It retails for $37 CAD (50mL) at Shoppers Drug Mart.
I was sent the tube, but it’s also available in a jar for the larger size.

The water cream has a gel cream texture that I like. It doesn’t feel too heavy on the skin and hasn’t pilled with any of my products. It smells like cornflower which is pleasant and it doesn’t linger all day once you’ve applied it. If you’re unfamiliar with cornflower, it kind of reminds me of the blue Mr. Sketch scented markers (even though that is a blueberry-scented marker). It’s possible I’m remembering wrong, but that’s what comes to mind when I smell the cream.

I know it’s more cost effective to buy the jar, but I like that the tube is more hygienic. I don’t have to dip my finger or a spatula into a jar every morning.

RATING: 3/5

It’s a nice water cream and it’s perfect for the warmer months for my dry skin. I probably wouldn’t be able to use this on its own in the colder months. Even now, I use it with a drop of facial oil.

Smoothing and soothing eye patches with Organic Cornflower

Smoothing and relaxing eye patches with Organic Cornflower and 100% plant-based Hyaluronic Acid is a refreshing anti-fatigue treatment for eye contour area after a long day or a short night. With 99% of natural ingredients and 100% biodegradable, the new patches with hydrogel technology hydrates, smooth away fine lines, promotes decongestion and reduces signs of fatigue (dark circles, puffiness, etc). Patches with a refreshing effect for a revived look!

Ingredients: Water (Aqua)*, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride*, Glycerin*, Pentylene Glycol*, Algin*, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water*, Sodium Hyaluronate*, Blue 1 (Ci 42090). Butylene Glycol*, Calcium Sulfate Hydrate*, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate*, Sodium Dextran Sulfate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Xanthan Gum*

A box of 7 pairs retails for $35 CAD at Shoppers Drug Mart.
The patches are a pretty blue shade (not that it matters what colour they are). They look like whales to me lol. This is a minor thing that doesn’t really affect the efficacy of the patches, but it looks like they were all made in moulds that face the same way. So one of the patches won’t lie against your skin in the same way as the other (one side is flat and the other side is more rounded). You can see what I’m talking about in the second picture of patches.

I personally don’t like under eye patches. I prefer to just use an eye cream or gel. Similar to sheet masks, they can be nice to use from time to time, but I find it a hassle to do it every single day. Having to put on a mask/patches, wait 15-20 mins and then take it off. I’d rather just apply my skincare and be done with it.

RATING: 1/5

There wasn’t enough serum in the patches to be hydrating enough after taking them off. They felt nice and cool while they were on, but there wasn’t much to tap into my under eye area after.

Overall, both products were okay, but I don’t see myself purchasing either of them on my own and I’m not curious enough to try other products from the Cornflower selection.

Have you tried Klorane products? What are your faves?

Love,

*Products were received complimentary from Topbox.
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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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Review | Volition Beauty Celery Green Cream with Hyaluronic Acid + Peptides

August 26, 2019

Hi Everyone!

Today, I am reviewing the Celery Green Cream from Volition Beauty. In collaboration with Nastia Liukin, a gold medal gymnast, they created this cream.

Volition Beauty is a really cool, innovative brand. Customers submit an idea for a product, then the community votes on which ones they want to be made.

For those who dare to ask “what if?”…we listen. We believe that new beauty products should be created by real people with real beauty problems: people like you. Together, the Volition community—and that includes you—creates the next big things in beauty.

What it is: An oil-free, celery-powered moisturizer that purifies and helps improve hydration retention for poreless, healthier-looking skin.

Skin Type: Oily

Skincare Concerns: Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Pores, and Oiliness

Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Cetearyl Olivate, Apium Graveolens (Celery) Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf, Cucumis Melo Cantalupensis Fruit Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Lactic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Calcium Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Carbomer, Sorbitan Olivate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Decyl Glucoside, Lauryl Glucoside, Bismuth Oxychloride, Chromium Oxide Greens, Citric Acid, Mica, Potassium Sorbate.

I love that it’s clean at Sephora which means there’s no sulfates (SLS and SLES), parabens, phthalates, and other fillers. This cream doesn’t have any added fragrance, but it smells fresh and fruity (not like celery at all). It feels cool and refreshing and it’s lightweight.

Personally, I wouldn’t get it again when I finish this one. It says it’s meant for oily skin types. I would say I’m combo, leaning toward dry. So this cream isn’t meant for me. If I did use it, I would need to mix it with an oil or something to give me the hydration I need. I’d rather spend the money on a product that’s meant for my skin type.

RATING: 4/5

I give it a high rating because I think that someone with oily skin would really love this cream.

I think Volition Beauty is a really cool brand and I want to try their strawberry-c brightening serum since that’s targeted toward my skin type.

Update: I have tried the strawberry-c brightening serum (read my review).

Have you tried Volition Beauty?

Love,

*I was gifted this product by Volition Beauty.

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First Impressions with Fourth Ray Beauty

August 6, 2019

Hi Everyone!

Today, I’m be reviewing two products that I purchased from Fourth Ray Beauty. I was making my first order from Colourpop and thought I would give Fourth Ray a try. I love the packaging of their products – simple and clean. I decided to try the Rainfall 2% Hyaluronic Acid Serum and the Matcha Face Milk.

Rainfall 2% Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Instantly drenches skin with hydration, immediately delivering replenishing and plumping benefits for a more bouncy, youthful-looking complexion.

RATING: 4/5

I love Hyaluronic Acid. This serum was very nice, but I did notice that it pilled sometimes if I used too much. Eventually, I figured out the right amount and I would also apply it to a slightly damp face. I also layered cream on top by pressing it in (making sure not to accidentally rub) which prevented pilling as well. I would definitely consider repurchasing this serum.

Matcha Face Milk

A creamy, lightweight moisture booster to refreshen tired skin. Formulated with Matcha Milk, Jojoba Milk, Rice Milk, White Tea, and Kale, this formula will quench your skin with antioxidants for a more energized complexion.

RATING: 3/5

I like the texture of this face milk and it makes your skin look radiant. It dries down after a while. I love matcha – the taste and the smell, but this doesn’t really smell like matcha to me which was disappointing. I don’t really love the smell of this and for that reason, I wouldn’t repurchase this one.

I do want to try their other face milks – they released a bunch of products after I purchased the matcha one. I would definitely try some of their other products next time I make an order.

Love,

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First Impressions with Neutrogena Hydro Boost

September 5, 2018

Hi Everyone!

I’ve been seeing the Neutrogena Hydro Boost products on Instagram and heard so many good reviews, I had to try something. I was kind of surprised how expensive they were for drugstore. A lot of drugstore products are bumping up their quality, but that also means their prices go up too.

Hydro Boost Gel Cream

I love the consistency of the gel cream, but I’d prefer if my moisturizer came with a pump because I’m a bit lazy and don’t like cleaning a spatula after every use. This gel cream didn’t come with a spatula, I had one from another cream. Even though this gel cream is fragrance-free, it has a perfume-y scent that I find too overpowering for me. I’ve been told that the gel cream for extra dry doesn’t have a scent. I also think I had a slight reaction to it, my cheeks felt a bit itchy after applying it.

Our unique water gel-cream formula absorbs quickly, like a gel, but has the long-lasting moisturizing power of a cream to quench your extra-dry skin’s thirst. It contains hydrating hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in the skin, and acts as a sponge for dry skin cells, absorbing up to 1,000 times its weight in water.

This rich gel relieves intense dryness to help restore skin’s natural barrier against moisture loss. Plus it’s fragrance, dye and oil-free, and can be worn alone or under makeup.

Apply evenly to face and neck after cleansing, morning and night. For added hydration, use together with NEUTROGENA^® Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel, Hydrating Serum and Eye Gel.

RATING: 3/5

Hydro Boost Gel Cream Eye

So far I like the eye gel, it’s not sticky at all and it doesn’t have any scent. Although I do get dry under eyes, I think I’d prefer an eye cream that helps with dark circles.

Instantly quenches dry skin and keeps it looking smooth, supple and hydrated all day. The unique light-weight formula absorbs quickly around the eye area, like a gel, but has the long-lasting, intense moisturizing power of a cream.

Use in the morning and at night on cleansed skin. Dot product around the eye area and smooth in until thoroughly absorbed.

RATING: 4/5

View this post on Instagram

#TextureTuesday I love gel textures. A review will be up tomorrow for both of these Neutrogena Hydro Boost products. #hydroboost #gel #neutrogena #eyecream #gelcream #skincare #discoverunder5k #beauty #reviews #torontoblogger #canadianbeautyblogger

A post shared by Jen (@jencatbeauty) on Sep 3, 2018 at 9:35pm PDT

I was a bit disappointed with these products. After seeing all the hype, I was expecting more. I would rather pay a bit more money and get something I like better. Higher end products are easier to sample because you can test them in-store or bring home samples from Sephora or Nordstrom. With drugstore products, they’re less likely to have testers unless it’s a higher end brand like Vichy.

I haven’t tried a lot of Neutrogena products. I’ve only used their Acne cleansers and sunscreens which I like: Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleanser (this cleanser used to have plastic microbeads, but last year, they replaced them with jojoba beads. Some stores may still have stock of the cleanser with the plastic though), Beach Defense Sunscreen Lotion and Ultra Sheer Face Sunscreen.

Have you tried the Hydro Boost products? What did you think of them?

Love,

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First Impressions with Glow Recipe

June 7, 2018

Hi Everyone!

I recently made a trip to a couple Winners downtown and I scored a mini travel size pack of the Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask and the Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser.

Both products have AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and it warns you that it can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, so make sure to apply that sunscreen!

Check out my review on the Vichy Idéal Soleil Anti-Shine Dry Touch Lotion!

Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask – It smells so refreshing (it obviously smells like watermelon) and I love that it doesn’t feel sticky on your face after you apply it. A lot of sleeping masks and skincare serums and essence are sometimes tacky after you apply it and it doesn’t go away. After a few minutes, the mask absorbed into my skin and made it feel soft and smooth.

It can be used in two ways: as a sleeping mask or a wash off mask. As a sleeping mask, you apply a layer on your skin as the final step in your skincare routine before bed. Pat gently until it is absorbed into the skin. In the morning, wash it off. As a wash off mask, spread a thick layer on your face and after ten minutes, rinse off with lukewarm water.

The Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask is a luxuriously bouncy, breathable sleeping mask that smoothes and perfects skin, overnight.

This pillow-proof formula acts as a radiance-boosting hybrid hydrator, formulated with soothing, amino-acid rich Watermelon Extract, hydrating Hyaluronic Acid, and pore refining AHAs that work while you sleep to gently exfoliate and clarify.

RATING: 5/5

Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser – It smells good and it has a gel-like texture that’s similar to a peel off mask before it dries. It makes sense that it’s thicker than other cleansers because it can be used as a wash-off mask. I tried it as a cleanser to remove my makeup since it claims to be ‘makeup-melting’. Similar to a cleansing balm, it removed all of my makeup. It even removed my mascara (which wasn’t waterproof), but I always get raccoon eyes with regular cleansers. When my face was still wet after I took off the makeup, it felt silky and after I patted my face dry, it felt super smooth.

An unexpectedly bouncy makeup eraser + cleanser that deeply hydrates skin, eliminating the need for a hydrating toner.

Blueberry extract delivers antioxidants. Gentle AHA unglues dead skin cells and clarifies. Hydrating suds microfoam, melting makeup and prepping skin to maximize the efficacy of skincare.

It can be used as a cleanser or a wash off mask. As a cleanser, you create a lather and massage gently onto your face and rinse thoroughly. As a wash off mask, you apply a generous layer to your dry skin and rinse off after 5-8 minutes.

RATING: 5/5

Before I tried it, I didn’t think I would consider buying the full size, but after using it, my opinion has changed. There are so many great cleansers that are a fraction of the price, but this one can remove makeup, cleanse your skin and be used as a mask.

Have you tried Glow Recipe products? What are your faves?

Love,

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

May 2, 2018

Hi Everyone!

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

Soo’Ae Canada Purifying Brightening Peeling Gel

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

The Face Shop Smart Peeling Mild Papaya

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love,

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First Impressions with The Ordinary “Buffet” Multi-Technology Peptide Serum

January 29, 2018

Hi Everyone!

As you all know, the Canadian brand, The Ordinary, has become really popular over the last year for it’s amazing skincare at even better prices. My sister bought me the ‘Buffet’ because it’s usually sold out so she grabbed it when she got the chance. I had no idea which ones to try, but I do want to try the Salicylic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid when I get a chance. She also bought me the Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA which I will write a first impressions once I’ve tried it out.

The Ordinary is known for being super affordable and the fact that their products don’t add any fillers or misleading ingredients to their skincare.

“Buffet” Multi-Technology Peptide Serum comes in a 30 mL glass bottle with a dropper. Originally I was wondering what was the best way to apply it: drop onto my hands and then pat it onto my face? Once I opened it, I realized it was thicker than I thought. It has the viscosity of maple syrup (Canadian, not regular syrup like Mrs. Butterworth’s). So, I use the dropper to put three small drops on my forehead and cheeks (or one big drop on my forehead).

The Ordinary’s website has a product description that has a whole lot of words I don’t understand and I’m sure a lot of people are on the same boat. So, I chose to go with the simple description on the Sephora website:

Apply to the entire face in the AM and PM after cleaning.

A multi-peptide serum with syn-ake, matrixyl synthe-6, matrixyl 3000, argirelox, hyaluronic acid, amino acids and bio-derivatives to target multiple signs of aging.

RATING: 3/5

Since I have acne prone skin, I prefer using serums and skincare that aren’t too thick. The more liquid the better for me or my skin gets a reaction. This is a good consistency for me and so far it hasn’t caused any reactions. I’ve been using this for about two weeks now- day and night. My face feels softer from using this and usually around my nose is dry, but since I’ve started using this, it hasn’t been dry. The one thing I don’t love about this is that it feels a bit tacky after applying and I don’t love the smell (it’s almost like a wet smell- like if you left out a wet towel for too long). It’s great for the price and the glass bottle will be useful once I’m done.

AM– I apply it after waking up and washing my face with my morning cleanser.

PM– I apply it after my shower. Usually I shower a few hours before bed, so it gives the serum time to absorb into my skin and then it’s not too tacky when I go to bed.

I tried using this under The Ordinary’s Serum Foundation (read my First Impressions Review). I applied the Buffet serum, then used one of my smoothing primers and applied the foundation with my fingers. The serum started to pill (when it balls up and resembles dry skin peeling off). I know it was the serum because I’ve used the foundation and the primer before and they’ve never pilled. The serum didn’t pill when I used a sponge to apply my foundation. Obviously, this makes sense since you dab/tap your face with a sponge, but you rub foundation in when you use your fingers. I prefer that I have no chance of pilling when applying my foundation, so I prefer to use the Buffet on days where I’m not wearing makeup or just for night time.

Have you tried products from The Ordinary? What are your faves?

Love,

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Decluttered

Cornflower water cream with ORGANIC Cornflower and 100% plant-based Hyaluronic Acid

Smoothing and soothing eye patches with Organic Cornflower