lip gloss Archives – Page 2 of 2

October 2018 Product Empties

October 31, 2018

Hi Everyone!
Happy Hallowe’en! Here are this month’s product empties.
Dove Advanced Hair Series Regenerative Nourishment Serum-in-Oil (read my review) – I don’t do a lot of things to my hair, so it’s in pretty good shape. I don’t think I really need a hair oil, but I think every now and then I’d use a hair mask. This did make my hair feel soft, so if you need something to help smooth and soften your hair, I’d recommend this.

Repurchase? Probably not.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil – I got a little sample of this and it lasted a long time (probably because I liked it and I was saving it until I bought another). I mostly used it on and around my nose to moisturize those areas. It could sometimes look cakey in those areas after a few hours of wearing foundation. So, I learned to be light-handed with it and make sure it absorbed before applying my makeup on top.

Repurchase? Absolutely. Although, right now, I’m using the Tarte Maracuja Oil instead (it’s cheaper because it has more in the bottle for the price).

Milani Keep It Sweet Sugar Scrub (read my review) – Initially, I really liked it, but I realized it was kind of just moving the loose skin on my lips back and forth instead of actually scrubbing it off. I would rather use a warm, wet cloth to exfoliate or use the elf lip scrub.

Repurchase? No.

Sonia Roselli Water Balm (read my review) – When I first got this, I used way too much of it. I learned that a smaller scoop went a long way because when you rub your hands together, it turns to water beads.

Repurchase? Absolutely!

Bobbi Brown Intensive Long Wear Makeup Remover – This was a really good makeup remover, but there are tons of drugstore brands that are more affordable. I only had this because I got it free when I purchased a palette from Nordstrom.

Repurchase? No.

First Aid Hello FAB Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer – I don’t really love the smell of this. I’d rather get the Sonia Roselli Water Balm if I’m going to get a 2-in-1 moisturizer and primer.

Repurchase? No.
Live Clean Biotin Extra Body Shampoo & Conditioner – This shampoo says it thickens and volumizes. While I could use some volume in my hair, it definitely doesn’t need to be thicker. I liked the smell of this shampoo and conditioner. I didn’t really notice if it did, in fact, thicken and volumize my hair. I noticed that this conditioner was the thickest of the Live Clean conditioners I tried.

Repurchase? No, my hair is already thick.

Garnier Skin Active Micellar Water (Waterproof) – This micellar water is great to remove makeup. Although, it does have an oily feeling. So, if you prefer not to have that feeling, get the pink one that’s not for removing waterproof makeup.

Repurchase? Absolutely, but I want to try other micellar waters.
Shiseido Benefiance Extra Creamy Cleansing Foam – This had some type of bead in it which I didn’t like. If I’m using a foamy cleanser, I want it to be nice and smooth. This was very fragranced and I’m not sure if my skin had a reaction from it.

Repurchase? No.

Earth Therapeutics Purifying Foot Scrub – I bought this a loooong time ago at Winners. It’s a good scrub and it made my feet and hands feel smooth, but I don’t know if they still sell it. One thing that I didn’t like is that it was really hard to squeeze out product, I don’t know if it was a flaw in the design or something, but I always had to use both hands to squeeze out the scrub.

Repurchase? Probably not.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub – I think this was an old formula, so it still had the plastic beads to exfoliate. I was using it every day which was too much for me. If I use it a few times a week, I think it would’ve been okay. I didn’t really love this product.

Repurchase? Probably not.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Body Wash – This product worked well. It concerned me that it said not to use on the face though- how much stronger is it than their other tea tree products?

Repurchase? Possibly.
Essence Get BIG! Lashes Triple Black Mascara (read my review) – This mascara does darken and volumize my lashes…and it’s a great price! The brush is just too big for my lashes.

Repurchase? No.

Inglot x Jennifer Lopez Lipglossy Lip Gloss in Pinky (read my review) – This is a beautiful lip gloss shade, but it’s so expensive and I don’t really like that it’s scented.

Repurchase? No.

Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Concealer in Warm Ivory – I did not like this concealer. I would rather get a drugstore one than use this one. I got a bit of a reaction from using this concealer under my eyes. When I swatched on my hand and blended it out, it would look beautiful, but when I used it under my eyes, it would just look terrible. I’m glad I didn’t pay full price for this (bought it at the MAC Warehouse Sale).

Repurchase? NO.

Maybelline Fit Me Shine-Free Balance Stick Foundation in 130 Buff Beige (read my review) – I actually really loved this foundation (I think I preferred it to the liquid Fit Me). It lasted throughout the day on hot summer days. Of course, I would still get shiny in the t-zone, but it still looked really good after 8 hours of wear. I don’t know how it would do on someone with oily skin, but it worked great on my normal-dry skin. I’ve compared it to the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation stick (read my review).

Repurchase? If I were going to continue buying drugstore foundations, I would definitely buy this again.

bareMinerals BAREPRO Performance Wear Powder Foundation in Cashmere – This was a sample size and I really liked using it to pop in my purse (because of the size of the sample) for spot conceal touch-ups. I also liked using it to clean up my brows.

Repurchase? I prefer loose powder foundations, but I would definitely consider bareMinerals.

OPI Mini Nail Lacquer in Tickle My France-y – I love this colour, it’s a pinky-purple shade. I have to declutter this mini because the polish was starting to get really thick when I painted it onto my nails.

Repurchase? Yes.

What did you finish this month?

Love,

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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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Beauty Brands I Want to Try

September 17, 2018
Hi Everyone!

Whenever I’m scrolling through Instagram, I always see all these pretty flat lays with gold, black and silver packaging. High end products have such pretty packaging! A lot of drugstore brands’ packaging are getting prettier too, but there’s something about the look of a YSL or Dior lipstick tube that just makes you go “oooohhh!” As I became more obsessed with makeup, I bought more drugstore products to blog about because they’re more affordable. Ever since I wrote the post about streamlining my makeup, I’ve been decluttering makeup that I don’t use and doing my best not to buy new makeup. My plan is to find high-end favourites so that I have 1 or 2 holy grail items in each category (foundation, concealer, blush, etc.) and then, for the blog, I’ll buy drugstore products to review.

(items in bold have been purchased since this post was published)

There are so many brands out there that I want to try:
- Charlotte Tilbury
  - lipstick, lip cheat, blush, airbrush flawless finish powder
- YSL
  - lipstick, lip stain/tint, primer
- CND Nails
  - nail polish
- RMS Beauty
  - concealer
- Laura Mercier
  - foundation, caviar stick eye colour, blush
- Laura Geller
  - highlighter
- Jouer
  - highlighter, blush
- Hourglass
  - stick foundation, highlighter, translucent powder
- Marc Jacobs
  - lip gloss stick, nail polish
- Burberry
  - highlighter, luminous base, lipstick, eyeshadow sticks
- Huda Beauty
  - liquid lipstick
- Fenty Beauty
  - highlighter
- Becca
  - highlighter, primer
- Colourpop
  - super shock shadows, highlighter
- Anastasia Beverly Hills
  - eyeshadows, brow wiz
- LORAC
  - eyeshadows
- Chanel
  - nail polish, lip gloss
- Cover FX
  - custom drops
- Skindinavia
  - makeup setting spray
There are a lot more products I want to try, but those are the ones that I could think of off the top of my head.

Below are some brands that I’ve bought 1-2 products that I love and plan to try other products from the brand:
- Lancome- I really like the Skin Feels Good Skin Nourishing Foundation (read my review)
  - concealer, foundation, highlighter drops
- Dior
  - foundation, highlighter, nail polish, lip glow, lipstick
- NARS
  - blush, tinted moisturizer, single shadows, radiant creamy concealer, eyeshadow primer
- Make Up For Ever
  - single shadows, concealer
- Tarte- I’ve pretty much loved everything I’ve purchased from Tarte
  - eyeshadows
- Smashbox
  - Primerizer, primer water, eyeshadow primer
- Urban Decay
  - concealer
- MAC
  - blush, highlighter, foundation, brushes
- Bare Minerals
  - blush, eyeshadow primer
Love,
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Beauty Products | Save or Splurge?

July 23, 2018

Hi Everyone!

If you’ve been reading my recent posts, you’ll know I’ve been doing inventory of my beauty products. Check out the recent posts below!

Primers & Foundations | Bronzers | Blushes | Mascaras | Highlighters

Makeup Goals: A Streamlined Collection

I’ve decided to compile a list of what beauty products I personally plan to SAVE or SPLURGE on. I’ll also have some products where I’ll be IN BETWEEN– which means I’ll either buy a mix of both high-end and drugstore or I’ll buy products that aren’t super expensive, but not super cheap either.

Skincare- IN BETWEEN

I was reading articles on which beauty products to save and splurge on and a few said to save on skincare. I think I will mostly save because there are some great products found at the drugstore. If I want some luxe items, I can always get samples from Sephora and Nordstrom without breaking the bank. I do love the Sonia Roselli Water Balm though (read my review), so I will continue to splurge on that because it’s a multi-use product.

Primers- SPLURGE

You need a good base for your makeup and that starts with primer.

Foundations- SPLURGE

More expensive foundations just look and smell better than drugstore ones (for the most part).

Concealers/Colour Correctors- IN BETWEEN

I think splurge on a good spot concealer I can wear without foundation. There are some good under eye concealers from the drugstore.

Setting/Finishing Sprays/Powders & Face Mists- IN BETWEEN

I think a mix of both is okay.

Makeup Brushes- SPLURGE

When I first started getting into makeup, I didn’t want to spend a lot on brushes, so I bought some on Amazon. They’re very soft and performed pretty well, but once I bought better quality ones, I could see the difference in my makeup application.

Makeup Sponges- SAVE

I think it’s kind of crazy to buy a $20 sponge. I have never bought a beauty blender, so I don’t know if it performs better than a cheaper sponge, but I feel like they’re all quite similar; some may be denser than others, but they all blend the same, don’t they?

Bronzers- SAVE

I love the Physician’s Formula one and it blends even better than the high end ones I’ve tried.

Blushes- IN BETWEEN

I think I might splurge on a good, matte blush I can use every day because blushes last so long. I love the Milani ones that have shimmer and I really want to try a Physician’s Formula one.

Highlighters- IN BETWEEN

Similar to blushes, I might splurge on 1 high end highlighter and then the rest of the collection will be drugstore brands. For the ones I own, the drugstore ones look prettier than my higher end ones (without having to wet them).

Brows- IN BETWEEN

I’m kind of torn because I like the NYX Micro Brow pencil, but that pencil lasted so long that maybe it’s worth it to splurge on a brow pencil. I will definitely splurge on brow gel though and get the Benefit Gimme Brow.

Eyeshadows- SPLURGE

I’ve noticed a difference in how my eyeshadow looks when using higher end ones especially with the fallout. I think I will invest in a few high end palettes- that have a good selection of neutral mattes and shimmery shades.

Eyeliners- IN BETWEEN

Similar to blushes, eyeliner lasts me a long time (I prefer pencil liners), so maybe I should splurge.

Mascara- SAVE

As much as I love some of the high-end deluxe samples of mascaras, there are so many drugstore ones I love that are a fraction of the price. Especially when you should dispose of it after using for a few months, it’s not worth it to pay $30 (unless you only own 1 mascara, then maybe it’s worth it, but I like to have several).

Lipsticks, Liners and Glosses/Tints- IN BETWEEN

I think I’ll get 1 or 2 for each of the 3 types (lipstick, liner, gloss/tint), but save on the rest.

Makeup Removers- IN BETWEEN

I like Simple makeup wipes and Garnier Micellar Water, but I really like Clinique’s Cleansing Balm. So, a mix of both.

Perfumes- SPLURGE

When I was in high school, I used to use body sprays from Victoria’s Secret, but no more of that. I have two signature scents at the moment (1 for spring/summer, 1 for fall/winter) and I also have one that’s a bit more spicy that I don’t wear daily.

Nail Polish- IN BETWEEN

I think I’ll find a good, wine red and a neutral to splurge on, but buy brands like OPI and Essie for the rest of my collection.

What products do you splurge on?

Love,

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Makeup Goals | A Streamlined Makeup Collection

July 20, 2018
Hi Everyone!

When I was doing my mid-year makeup inventory, I realized just how much makeup I had. It’s kind of ridiculous how much makeup I’ve accumulated in the past two years. 2016 was when I got more into makeup and it was only last year that started buying products like highlighter and bronzer. I went through my collection and counted how much I have of each type of product. I didn’t want to do a mid-year makeup inventory on all of them because let’s be honest, it would’ve taken a long time to swatch and write a mini review for each one. Especially when I don’t necessarily love all of the products I own.

I’ve decided to set some goals for myself in terms of buying makeup going forward. As I was doing my makeup inventory, I decluttered a few products that were past their expiry date and/or I just wasn’t using (basically just taking up space). Here are some goals that I have decided to apply:

Goal #1 | For primers, foundations, eyeshadows and makeup brushes – only buy high end ones
- Foundations
  - Find a few favourite ones with different finishes (powder, cushion, sheer coverage, medium coverage)
  - For liquid foundations- I need to have sampled it a few times and put it through a testing period (like I did with the Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation- read my review) before I take the plunge and buy it.
  - Test them out in-store and see how they look in natural lighting and how it wears for the day
For the other makeup products, I feel like a mix of high end and drugstore are acceptable. There are some amazing drugstore products that I absolutely love and drugstore foundations are great, but I have trouble finding shade matches and there aren’t always testers in store.

Goal #2 | Cut down on impulse buying

I’ll admit that 50% of the time, I am an impulse buyer (especially if there’s a sale). Luckily, most of the items I’ve bought on impulse were okay.

Goal #3 | Read or watch 3 (or more) positive reviews before making a purchase

I know this isn’t the best way to tell if I will like something because I might not like something that someone else loves, but it will help cut down the impulse buying too. I’ve bought a few duds (that were planned purchases) because YouTube or Instagram made me buy it (*cough* L’Oréal Lash Paradise *cough*). Before buying a product from now on (especially a drugstore item because you can’t return it once it’s been opened), I will check out some reviews online. Usually, I look at Influenster to see what it’s rating out of 5 is and if it’s rated on their list (i.e. Lash Paradise, the non-waterproof one, is rated #1 in mascaras and 4.56/5). Personally, it’s not my #1 mascara, but I don’t hate it.

Goal #4 | Keep Track of My Makeup Purchases and Set an Annual Makeup Budget

This sounds kind of scary, but I think I should set one. Last year, I became a VIB Rouge member at Sephora and I have no idea how that happened. The majority was skincare or makeup tools, but there was a fair share of makeup which is surprising because a lot of my makeup is from the drugstore or Winners. For a lot of products (like makeup brushes or foundation), they may seem expensive, but they last a long time. The initial cost may sting, but once you have it, you don’t need to buy more for a while.

For my blog, I have a monthly budget ($25) to spend on products that I buy for the blog. I prefer to get drugstore products because that’s the most accssible to everyone. I mean, there are tons of beauty lovers who are students- they can’t necessarily afford to get a Dior foundation or a high end palette.

GOAL #5 | A Streamlined Makeup Collection

I was going to plan on a Minimalist Makeup Collection, but after writing the numbers down, I wouldn’t consider what I plan to be a Minimalist Collection. So, we’ll go with a streamlined collection of what I have now. I want to find some favourites that I can always rely on so that I can just buy good, high end products (foundations, concealers, etc.) and not worry about buying all these different products to see what works with my skin type.

I’ve already shared some of my makeup collection in my mid-year makeup inventory. So, I thought I’d share the numbers with you for the rest of my products. Some of my numbers in this list may be different than the mid-year makeup inventory. This is because I was only counting the products that I had opened at the time. Since then, I have opened a few things and gotten a few deluxe samples. Please keep in mind that not all products are full-sized, but I still counted them as ‘1’. So, here are the inventories for each category:
- Primers: 12 (includes an under eye primer and eyeshadow primers)
- Foundations: 13
- Concealers/Colour Correctors: 11
- Setting/Finishing Powders & Face Mists: 5
- Illuminating Powders/Creams: 4
- Bronzers: 4
- Blushes: 13
- Highlighters: 14
- Brow pencils: 3
- Eyeshadows: 37
- Eyeliners: 12
- Mascaras: 6
- Lipstick: 25
- Lip Liners: 7
- Lip Glosses/Tints: 10
- Makeup Removers: 10
I know these aren’t makeup, but I’m going to include them too:
- Perfume: 5
- Nail Polish: 43
I was going to total the whole number of products, but some are double-counted i.e. Bobbi Brown palette has blush, highlighter, bronzer and eyeshadow. Give or take, there are 200 items.

NEW MAKEUP GOALS & FAVOURITES

I want to streamline my makeup so that I don’t have 200 items in my drawers. I only have so much space in my room if you include makeup, skincare, hair and nail products. The following numbers are what I hope my collection will go down to once I find favourites in each. Under each category, I have included favourites that I think will be included in my Minimalist Collection.
- Primers: it’s hard to say a number for this one because you want different primers for different uses (mattifying, illuminating, hydrating, eyeshadow, etc.). I’ll say less than 10 for sure!
- Foundations: 6 at the most (that should be enough for different finishes and coverage)
- Concealers/Colour Correctors: 5
- Setting/Finishing Sprays/Powders & Face Mists: 5
- Illuminating Powders/Creams: 2
- Bronzers: 2
- Blushes: 3 (1 with shimmer, 1 peachy, 1 pink)
- Highlighters: This is hard to decide because there are so many amazing highlighters out there that are different shades and they can double as eyeshadows (6?)
- Brows: 3 (2 pencils, 1 gel)
- Eyeshadows: This is hard to decide too because singles count as 1. I will say that I want at least 2-3 good palettes with matte neutral shades and shimmery shades and I like cream shadows and sticks, so maybe 4-5 of those.
- Eyeliners: 5
- Mascaras: 3
- Lipstick: 10
- Lip Liners: 2
- Lip Glosses/Tints: 3
- Makeup Removers: 3
- Perfumes: 3
- Nail Polish: 5
For all of the categories, they’re estimates of what I think I should own and adding all of those up, it’s about 80 products. So, my goal for next year is to cut my collection in half and maybe I can aim for an even smaller collection for 2020.

Would you ever streamline your makeup collection?

Love,
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May 2018 Faves

May 25, 2018

Hi Everyone!

Here are this month’s fave products!

This Bobbi Brown Instant Long-Wear Makeup Remover is amazing. I wish it weren’t so pricey, but it easily takes off my dark eye makeup. I only use it for my eyes and use my micellar water for the rest of my face makeup so I can save what I can.

I’m sure it’s no surprise that the J Lo x Inglot LipGlossy Lip Gloss is in my monthly faves. This is the shade J225 Pinky. Check out my haul from the J Lo x INGLOT collection!

I have been using The Everything Powder by Delectable to set my makeup and I love it. I put some into an easier to use container so I could have a lid to pour the product out nicely. It has 21+ uses and I’ve tried it as a dry shampoo, like baby powder to absorb sweat and it works, but my fave use for it is as a setting powder so far. It mattifies my makeup and it makes my under eyes feel so smooth! It’s basically corn starch (and talc-free), so it’s very fine, but it also has a scent to it. Anyone remember those Baby All Gone dolls that you could feed them cherries on a spoon from a jar? It smells like the cherries!

I have been using the Live Clean Exotic Nectar Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner that I won in Prairie Beauty Love’s giveaway. It has made my hair look shinier and feel smoother. I love that it’s natural, plant-based and eco-friendly. Once I’ve tried out the others, I would definitely buy the bigger size so that it comes with a pump. As soon as I got them in the mail, I smelled them and I think that the coconut scent is my fave (just from smelling from bottles- I’ll update once I’ve actually tried them all).

What were your faves this month?

Love,

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First Impressions with Inglot X Jennifer Lopez

May 14, 2018

Hi Everyone!

For the past few months, I was anxiously awaiting the launch of Jennifer Lopez’s collaboration with Inglot. On April 26th, her collection launched and I quickly ordered a few products. I had to hold myself back from ordering too much, so I decided on the safest products that I could order without swatching: a bronzer, highlighter and lip gloss. I watched a video of a beauty editor swatching different products, but she had different colouring than I did (she was white). I would need to swatch the pressed eyeshadows, pigment eyeshadows, nail polishes and lipsticks to see which shades I’d want.
Lipglossy Lip Gloss in J225 Pinky

This lip gloss is beautiful. It has a subtle pink sheen on the lips. When I swatched it, it looks like a peachy pink shade, but when I put it on the lips, it looks more pink. Since it’s a gloss, it is a bit sticky, but it’s not as bad as some I’ve tried where you get that gross trail of lip gloss at the corner of your mouth when you talk.

Enhance your lips and ensure your kisses are unforgettable with the ultra-shiny LipGlossy. The protective, multi-benefit formula is long-lasting and moisturizing leaving your lips soft and optically smooth. The gloss provides the feeling of regeneration and visually improves firmness, flexibility and tension of your lips. Use alone, or on top of your lipstick for everyday glamour. The final effect depends on the application: touch delicately for a subtle shine or more generously to achieve a magnetic effect of optically enlarged lips.

RATING: 5/5
Boogie Down Bronze Freedom System Bronzing Powder in J217 Safari

This is a beautiful bronzer and it blends nicely. It does hurt a bit that you have to pay $40 CAD for the bronzer and the compact. At least the compact is reusable. I decided to get the non-limited edition compact to save $4 since I already have the highlighter that says Jennifer Lopez on it. The regular compact still has a mirror, but the top is a glossy finish whereas the Jennifer Lopez one is matte with gold lettering.

Feel fabulous with a natural-looking tan and a sun-kissed glow with Boogie Down Bronze. This sheer, pressed powder leaves your complexion feeling instantly warmer and radiant. The formula allows seamless blending with a powdery, velvet finish that doesn’t smudge. Define your cheekbones by brushing across them lightly to enjoy all-over warmth day and night.

You have to buy the compact separately from the bronzer, so the first time you buy it, it’s more than $30 to purchase. I didn’t love that you had to do this, but it’s a beautiful bronzer.

RATING: 4/5
Livin’ the Highlight Illuminator Face Eyes Body in J201 Radiant

For highlight, I prefer that wet look that doesn’t have any glitter. This highlight is absolutely beautiful for your IG pics or like the description says “on the stage,” but close-up, I don’t think it looks that good. Since this is a loose powder, it’s a bit more glittery than I like for a highlighter. It’s gorgeous for an eyeshadow or the body. You can mix it with some moisturizer and get a more subtle highlight for your face. Same goes for mixing it with a body lotion to highlight your collarbone or shoulders. I don’t love the container this comes in. It’s geared best for using it as a body highlighter, since it has the puff and you put the container upside down so you can release some product. For eyes, you have to pour some onto the top of the lid so your brush or finger can pick it up. Then the puff gets product on both sides of it which I think is a waste of the product.

Turn heads with Livin’ the Highlight Illuminator to create a luminous look. Available in two magnetic shades, this loose powder enhances your natural radiance and highlights strategic parts of your face and body for the ultimate glow. The iridescent formula can be effortlessly applied and its stunning effect is perfect for when you’re on the stage or out and about with friends.

RATING: 3.5/5

Top to bottom: Lip gloss, bronzer, highlight

I went to the store to pick up the compact for the bronzer and swatched some of the other products in the collection. I’m glad I didn’t end up getting a lipstick because when I swatched them on my hand, they all seemed a little too peachy for me (although it might be a different story on the lips). The lipsticks and the glosses both smell fruity. The red lipstick (Besame) was absolutely beautiful, but I don’t really wear red lipstick that often and I don’t see myself paying more than $15 for a red. I’ve found a few pretty reds at the drugstore. The loose pigment shadows looked nice, but it was also quite chunky. The mascara wand looked really nice and it’d be good for both top and bottom lashes since it’s skinny.

I think I chose the right products to get and I think if I picked up new products from the line, I would try the mascara, lip gloss in J223 Goldilips and maybe one of the blushes.

What did you pick up from the collaboration?

Love,

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Worth It? | Every Drop Beauty Spatula

April 19, 2018

Hi Everyone!

A while back, I bought a silicone spatula that helps you get every last drop of your makeup products. I got the Every Drop Beauty Spatula on Amazon. When I got it, it was $11, now it’s $13.

It’s been amazing for getting ‘every last drop’ because it’s silicone, it scrapes the sides of the bottle well. I remember the first time I used a silicone spatula when I was baking and I was like OMG, I can make another cupcake with all of the batter I scraped off. Well, similar to baking, the spatula can probably get one or two more uses out of your products. Unfortunately some bottles just aren’t shaped right to get all of it, there’s only so much you get angle the spatula to get the top part. It was easy to scrape off the Maybelline Fit Me foundation, but I could only go half way up on the NARS Sheer Glow foundation bottle.

Couldn’t reach a few spots, but look how clean!!

The triangular shape of the spatula is great for getting the top of a bottle. They also sell one that’s shaped like a scalpel (for $9), but that’s better for lip gloss or concealer tubes. The other end of the spatula is like a bulb, either can be used to mix any makeup product.

UPDATE: I was trying to get the last bit from a concealer tube and the plastic stopper was being stubborn and wouldn’t come off. I put the spatula in because similar to an arrow, it’s fine going in, but pulling it out, it catches on the sides. The silicone part came off the stick and now I no longer have the spatula any more. So, if you plan to purchase this, make sure the plastic stopper of your tubes can come off easily before sticking it into the tube.

RATING: 4/5

Although the price has gone up, I would definitely recommend getting one. You’ll save some money in the long run by scraping off that last little bit of your high-end foundation or concealer.

How do you get every last drop of your makeup?

Love,

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January 2018 Faves

February 2, 2018

Hi Everyone!

Here are my January favourites!

If you love the Wet N Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder (read my review), you’ll love the Maybelline FaceStudio Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter in 100 Molten Gold. It’s absolutely beautiful! I originally thought it might be too dark on me since champagne/opalescent highlighters look better on my skintone…boy, was I wrong! When highlighters are too peachy or bronze, it can look like I just have a sparkly bruise.

I love that highlighters are dual-purpose, you can use it as it’s intended (highlight your cheekbones, bridge of the nose, brow bone, cupid’s bow), but you can also use it as a shimmery eyeshadow or just put on the inner corner of the eyes.

Clinique’s Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm is awesome! You get a small dab on your finger and rub it into your skin and it easily takes off your makeup without having to rub at your eyes. It starts off looking similar to coconut oil and then it melts as you put it onto your face. It doesn’t make your face feel sticky or oily and I love that it’s not liquid so you don’t have to worry about it leaking when you travel!

My only wish is that it wasn’t so expensive. I’m going to save it for eyes and lips only because those are the areas that take a bit longer to remove my makeup. I love the Garnier Micellar water for removing makeup too, but it doesn’t always clean my eye makeup.

I’ve been using Clinique’s Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector for a month. I got it from December’s MAC warehouse sale as part of a pack with Clinique’s dark spot corrector for $30. After the first week, I saw a difference. My dark circles were getting better, but then I had a few late nights and they started to show up again. With a good night’s sleep and staying hydrated, I do notice that the dark circles aren’t as bad and my under eye area is softer and more hydrated than before. I also like the metal applicator, it feels nice and cool under my eyes. At $55 (the normal retail price), I don’t know if I’d buy full price and I’m sure there are cheaper other creams that do just as well, but for less than $30 at the sale, this was a great deal.

I’ve talked about the Tangle Teezer Original Detangling Hairbrush twice before (read my review) and my post comparing it to a Claire’s dupe. I also really love the amika perk up dry shampoo. It smells amazing, refreshes your hair and gives you some volume when you need it.

At the MAC Warehouse Sale in December, I got a very vibrant pink lip gloss in the charity bag. I wasn’t sure if I’d like it because it’s described as a Hot Intense Fuchsia and it has a bit of shimmer. It’s the Vamplify Lip Gloss in What’s Going On. It’s on sale on the Canadian MAC website for $14.40. It’s a longer tube than a regular lip gloss- it has a similar size to the YSL Touche Eclat pen. I also like how the applicator is angled a bit, flat and longer than most doe foot applicators I’ve used. It might just be me, but the smell reminds me of vanilla extract. If you want a pop of hot pink gloss, this is a great option! It’s so bright, you can put it on and then wipe it off after a few minutes and it gives you berry stained lips.

What were your faves this month?

Love,

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