• 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,

    Read More

  • Haul | YesStyle.com

    August 12, 2022

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I’m sharing my haul and first impressions ordering from YesStyle!

    If you’re a Canadian and you’re considering making an order from YesStyle, here’s some information:

    • I spent over $110 which means I got free shipping. If you spend $70-$110, you pay $18.62 shipping and if you spend below $70, you pay $10.64 for shipping
    • There were no duties
    • I ordered on July 8th and my order was delivered on August 7th
      • It took 8 business days to ship (July 20th) – Even though all of the products I ordered were either ‘ready to ship’ or ‘ships in 1-2 days’
      • It was released by Customs on August 2nd, arriving in Vancouver

    I ordered some things for my friend. She ordered 6 things. So, all 16 items we ordered added up to $110 (not just what’s listed below).

    • COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch
    • COSRX AC Collection Acne Patch
    • Shiseido Senka Perfect Whip Face Wash
    • Rohto Mentholatum Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Face Foam
    • Too Cool for School Artclass by Rodin Shading Master Set – #01 Classic
      • I wanted to get the Modern one since the shades had cooler undertones, but I chose this as a Sponsored Item and I think they were only offering the Classic one (or maybe because it was my first time, I just didn’t know how to switch to the other shade…)
    • rom&nd Juicy Lasting Tint Bare Juicy Series – #22 Pomelo Skin
    • rom&nd Juicy Lasting Tint Bare Juicy Series – #23 Nucadamia
    • rom&nd Glasting Water Tint – #03 Brick River
    • ETUDE Fixing Tint – #05 Midnight Mauve
    • YUGO Hair Fringe with Sideburns – Black
      • lol, I chose this one for fun because I wanted to see how I looked with bangs without having to commit to cutting my hair. I know there’s virtual try-on apps, but I just thought it’d be fun to try

    I had trouble deciding on the lip products. There are so many shades available and they look so different in the pictures vs. swatches. Also, the product pictures all show girls who have full lips. I wouldn’t say my lips are thin, but they’re also not as plump as the ones pictured. I also watched and read a few reviews, but I just went with the ones that weren’t too bright or dark.

    Love,

    Read More
  • 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.

    Read More
  • winky lux marbleous balm

    Review | Winky Lux Marbleous Balm

    June 17, 2021

    Hi Everyone!

    I know it’s been a while since I last posted. I will try to post more reviews this year. I’ve been trying out a few skincare products so hopefully I will have some reviews in July and August for you.

    Today, I have a review for the Winky Lux Marbleous Balms.

    With the tint of a lipstick and the hydration of a lip balm, Winky Lux Marbleous Balm is the ultimate hybrid. This luxe formula is enriched with superhero ingredients, including ceramides for plumping and coconut oil for softening. The unique marble design delivers a sheer wash of color for a natural, kissable pout.

    Ingredients: Candelilla Cera/Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax/Cire de Candelilla, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Octyldodecanol, Polybutene, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Polyethylene, Isopropyl Palmitate, Cera Microcristallina/Microcrystalline Wax/Cire Microcristalline, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum/Fragrance, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ceramide 1, Ceramide 2, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 4, Ceramide 6, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cholesterol, Glyceryl Stearate, Dipropylene Glycol, Citral, Limonene. May Contain/Peut Contenir (±): CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 15850 (Red 6), CI 15850 (Red 7 Lake), CI 19140 (Yellow 5 Lake), CI 77742 (Manganese Violet).

    It retails for $18 USD on the Winky Lux website. There are 3 shades available:

    • Giddy: Cool toned baby pink
    • Delighted: Peachy pink
    • Dreamy: Natural pink

    I put Giddy in a giveaway, so I don’t have the swatch for that one, but here’s swatches for the other two shades.

    winky lux marbleous balm
    From left: Dreamy, Delighted

    Let’s start with the packaging, it comes in a pretty rose gold tube with a water printed design cap. It’s really pretty and according to the Winky Lux website, each one is unique (no two tubes look alike). I really like the tube, it will be pretty to put on display after finishing them.

    RATING: 2/5

    When I first opened it, I wasn’t sure how moisturizing it would be. Once it warmed up a bit from my lips, it became more emollient. Since it’s marbled, there could be more of the white swirl which can make the shade appear lighter. So you can just swatch it on your hand or lips to get rid of it. Even after doing this, the shades are still to light for my lip colour. It settles into lines and makes any chapped part of my lips look worse. It does feel a bit moisturizing, but it feels more like a lipstick than a balm. It doesn’t have a scent that smells like anything specific to me. It smells like lipstick (slightly waxy scent). The shades are too light for my natural lip colour, so it just looks unnatural. The shade, Delighted, is better than Dreamy, but I still don’t like it. It looks okay from afar, but up close, I can see how it settled into the lines of my lips. The only way I was able to make it look good was by applying some Vaseline and dabbing it on lightly, but if I’m going to apply Vaseline, I’d rather just use that instead of spending $20 on a balm.

    Have you tried these balms? What did you think about them?

    Love,

    *Products were gifted to me by Winky Lux.

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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,

    Read More
  • Monthly Empties 2020

    October/November 2020 Product Empties

    December 14, 2020

    Hi Everyone!

    I know it’s been a while since my last post. I know I’ve already said this, but I haven’t bought many new products this year, so I don’t have a lot to review. Here are my empties for the last 2 months. I decluttered the makeup items since I’ve had them for a while.

    Tosowoong Propolis Sparkle Ampoule* – I really liked this product. I was sent it to try, but would repurchase it in the future. It comes in a huge bottle which lasted a long time. When I used this at night, I noticed that it calmed down the redness on my face. The redness wasn’t completely gone, but it didn’t look as bad as the day before.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask – This lip mask lasts so long. I wish it came in a tube to make it a little more hygienic since it took so long to finish. I would wake up with my lips feeling moisturized.

    Repurchase? Probably.

    Burt’s Bees All Aflutter Volumizing Mascara* – The Burt’s Bees Mascaras are nice and natural. They don’t look clumpy at all. While it was a nice mascara, it’s a bit more expensive than other mascaras I like better.

    Repurchase? No.

    Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink in 65 Seductress – I really liked this lipstick and would definitely repurchase in the future and consider other shades as well. It was a comfortable matte lipstick, but it was time to declutter it.

    Repurchase? Yes. I would try other shades too.

    Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel (read my review) – It was a good cleanser, but it’s expensive and it didn’t do much more than my Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser which is a fraction of the price.

    Repurchase? No.

    Good Molecules Caffeine Energizing Eye Patches – They felt cooling to use, but I didn’t really notice a difference after using them.

    Repurchase? No.

    What have you finished lately?

    Love,

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

    Read More
  • burt's bees makeup review

    Burt’s Bees | My Hits & Misses

    August 17, 2020

    Hi Everyone!

    Today I’m reviewing Burt’s Bees products. Out of all the brands I’ve tried, I think Burt’s Bees is now #1 in Most Products Tried with 19 products. I was lucky enough to receive all of these products complimentary from Topbox, but I’m giving my honest opinions on the products. I have a few Hits and Likes, but I’ll be honest and say nothing from the brand has blown me away. I don’t think I would buy any of the products myself.

    Check out my other Hits & Misses posts!

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

    SKINCARE || Eye Creams

    BRANDS || Bobbi Brown | 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

    Blush in 1210 Shy Pink* – It’s really pretty! It’s a subtle pink, but gives you a beautiful, blushed look.

    LIKES

    The Luminizer Nourishing Highlighter in Star Light* – I like this highlighter for a natural glow/highlight.

    Moisturizing Lip Balm in Tropical Pineapple* – It’s like any other lip balm. Keeps my lips moisturized and this one smells like a Piña Colada.

    Gloss and Glow Glossy Balm in Winning in Pink* – This is a nice balm that makes the lips look glossy, but not sticky.

    Natural Mattifying Powder Foundation in 1115 Sand* – This powder was quite pale on me, I need to get a darker shade. I did a light powdering of it on my t-zone after using the foundation and it instantly mattified my skin.

    Natural Eye Liner in 1405 Soft Black – This was a very nice black liner. You can take your makeup look from day to night by applying it on the outer V and smudging it out.

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

    All Aflutter Multi-Benefit Mascara in Classic Black* – Similar to the nourishing mascara, this is a nice mascara that doesn’t make your lashes clumpy. It also came off easily with water. After wearing it for a day, my lashes were still curled. Between the two mascaras, I think I prefer this one.

    MISSES

    Sensitive Facial Cleanser* – This one isn’t really a ‘miss,’ but I didn’t like it that much either. It had a creamy texture which I didn’t really like. I prefer a gel cleanser. It leaves your skin with a bit of an oily feel. Not quite a film, but your face isn’t squeaky clean.

    Burt’s Bees Renewal Refining Facial Cleanser* – I didn’t like the smell of this one.

    Sensitive Gentle Day Lotion* – This also isn’t a ‘miss,’ but I didn’t find it to be anything special. It’s fragrance-free and it has a nice texture, but it didn’t really do anything for my skin. 

    Hydrating Facial Towelettes with Watermelon* – These are very strong/thick towelettes, but the watermelon scent is so strong that it gave me a headache.

    Goodness Glows Liquid Foundation in 1025 Natural Beige* – It covered the redness around my nose and chin, but you definitely need a concealer to cover up acne or dark spots. This is NOT waterproof. It washes off easily with water which I don’t like.

    Goodness Glows Tinted Moisturizer in 2025 Natural Beige* –  This didn’t cover much for me and just like the liquid foundation, it washes away with water very easily.

    Defining Retractable Eyeliner in Mulberry & Onyx* – This eyeliner pulled on my skin as I applied it to my waterline and it smudged so much. I tested it out for a day and after a few hours, the eyeliner was patchy. By the end of the day, the eyeliner had rubbed off. I hadn’t rubbed my eyes at all. I did close my eyes tightly a few times to see if any eyeliner or mascara would transfer. I was also disappointed in the Mulberry shade because it just looks black/brown on the eyes.

    Natural Eyeshadow Trio in 1505 Shimmering Nudes* – The eyeshadows were okay. I prefer to have a palette that has at least 1 matte shade.

    Natural Brow Pencil in 1610 Brunette* – This was too light for me, it almost looked reddish brown on my brows. I prefer to use a darker pencil. I didn’t love that it was waxy because the hairs would get matted down.

    Matte Sticks in Buttery Blush & Liquid Honey* – These are a comfortable matte lipstick that doesn’t feel drying. Although the lipstick can be a bit crumbly. (I used to have these in the LIKES, but they got moldy very quickly).

    Glossy Lipstick in Peony Dew* – It’s a sheer lipstick that’s a bit waxy. It’s like a morph of a gloss and lipstick because it’s a bit tacky.

    Lip Gloss with Avocado in Tulip Spring* – This lip gloss had a passionfruit scent, I believe. It looked nice and gave a bit of tint to my lips, but I wouldn’t purchase this on my own. It felt moisturizing and wasn’t too sticky which was good, but I prefer a lip gloss with a wand for a more precise application.

    Squeezy Tinted Balm in Mandarin Granita* – The shade of this is nice and it does keep my lips moisturized for a bit, but I’m not a huge fan of the scent. Also, when I was sent this, I was told that it’s best to apply with a brush or fingers. If you’re on the go, you don’t really want to use your fingers to apply lip balm. So I find that a bit annoying. I’d rather just use a stick lip balm.

    burt's bees makeup

    Burt’s Bees is fairly new to the makeup game and they need to expand on their shade ranges. If you are looking for a brand that sells natural products, then this is a great drugstore brand to consider.

    Love,

    Products with * were sent to me for review.

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  • 2020 Beauty Wishlist

    March 3, 2020

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I’m sharing some brands and their products that I have on my wishlist. Most of the products I want to try aren’t new, but I haven’t had a chance to try yet. I wanted to cut down on my makeup buying this year and finish up what I have before buying more. I have a lot of lip and cheek products on this list.

    Biossance

    • Squalane + Peptide Eye Gel
    • Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer
    • Squalane + Rose Vegan Lip Balm
    • Squalane + Tea Tree Balancing Oil
    • Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil

    I might get the Top Shelfies Kit from Sephora since it has 3/5 items I want to try.

    Briogeo

    I’ve only tried a sample of Briogeo and that was a long time ago.

    • Be Gentle Be Kind Banana + Coconut Nourishing Superfood Shampoo & Conditioner
    • Be Gentle Be Kind Kale + Apple Replenishing Superfood Shampoo & Conditioner
    • Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
    • Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-exfoliating Shampoo

    Charlotte Tilbury

    • Eyes to Mesmerize Cream Eyeshadow
    • Hollywood Contour Wand
    • Hollywood Flawless Filter
    • K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick
    • Lip Cheat
    • Magic Vanish Color Corrector

    I’ve only tried two products from Charlotte Tilbury. While I do like both, I’m not sure I would repurchase them (Legendary Brows Eyebrow Gel and Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder).

    Em Cosmetics

    • Color Drops Serum Blush
    • Micro-Fluff Sculpting Brow Cream
    • True Gloss

    Glossier

    • Balm Dot Com
    • Boy Brow
    • Cloud Paint

    Jouer

    • Blush Bouquet Dual Blush Palette
    • Essential High Coverage Concealer Pen
    • Essential Lip Enhancer Shine Balm
    • Soft Focus Hydrate + Set Powder
    • Sunswept Bronzer Duo

    I might get the Essential Lip Care Duo since I like the Essential Lip Enhancer Balm.

    Lilah B

    • Divine Duo Lip & Cheek
    • Lovingly Lip Tinted Lip Oil

    Volition Beauty

    • Hibiscus Unspottable Correcting Oil
    • Snow Mushroom Water Serum

    Wander Beauty

    • Mile High Club Mascara

    This mascara is a favourite for a lot of people. I don’t usually like to spend more than $15 for a mascara, but I might consider trying it once to see if I like it.

    YSL

    • Glossy Stain Lip Color
    • Rouge Volupté Shine Oil-in-Stick Lipstick
    • Tatouage Couture Liquid Matte Lip Stain

    There’s more on my wishlist, but these are a few I’m considering trying this year.

    What’s on your wishlist?

    Love,

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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

  • Haul | Shiseido Warehouse Sale 2019

    May 7, 2019

    Hi Everyone!

    Over the weekend, I went to the Shiseido Warehouse Sale in Markham. Thanks to my friend who let me know about it, I was able to score some goodies. They have a lot of high end brands like NARS, Bare Minerals, Buxom, Laura Mercier, Clé de Peau, obviously Shiseido and other hair and fragrance brands.

    It’s a three day sale starting Friday for VIPs who have tickets and then on Saturday and Sunday, it’s open to the public (no ticket needed). It’s located at 303 All State Parkway in Markham.

    If you’ve seen my haul from the MAC Warehouse Sale from 2017, then you’ll know that I went crazy buying stuff (especially lipsticks) back in 2017. This time, I had more self control (it was also because I just spent a lot of money during the Sephora sale. My Sephora haul will be up on the blog on Friday! For the MAC Sale, you need a ticket to get in for all three days and my sister got me tickets in September and December 2017. For the Shiseido sale, you don’t need a ticket for Saturday and Sunday, so it’s more accessible and I don’t have to rely on my sister to get it from work.

    At the MAC sale, the first time I went, I probably bought over 20 products. At the Shiseido sale, I only bought 9 products while my mom bought quite a few skincare products because she loves Shiseido’s Benefiance WrinkleResist line. I’ve banned myself from buying any eyeshadows until I hit pan/finish a few shades first. Maybe I can get some next year.

    I was pleasantly surprised that they had so many products left. While I’m sure there was a much bigger selection of complexion products on Friday and Saturday, they still had my shades in two of the products I wanted to try.

    Buxom Full-On Lipstick in Dolly | $10

    I couldn’t pass on this deal and the shade is so beautiful. It’s my kind of nude-pink lipstick!

    NARS Full Vinyl Lip Lacquer in Santo Domingo | $12 (not pictured because I accidentally missed it)

    This is a pretty shade and I wanted to try a lip lacquer.

    NARS Liquid Blush in Luster | $15

    This is such a pretty shade, I had to get it. I also want to get more cream and liquid products because they’re easier to blend and won’t look powdery.

    NARS Velvet Matte Foundation Stick in Fiji | $18

    I have been wanting to try the NARS foundation stick for a while to compare it to my others.

    Clé de Peau Concealer in Beige | $55

    I’ve heard good things about this concealer, but it retails for $95 in Canada and I’m not about to spend that much for a concealer stick. While $55 is still quite expensive, I wanted to try it and they had a shade that matched me pretty closely.

    Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Foundation in Golden 3 | $18

    I was so excited to see that they had my shade in this foundation. My mom said this was the shade that has been the closest shade match to my skin out of all the foundations I’ve been testing out lately.

    Shiseido Ultra Sun Protection Lotion for Face/Body SPF50+ (For Sensitive Skin & Children) | $20

    I thought I’d give this a try since it was more than half off the retail price.

    Dolce & Gabbana 3 L’Imperatrice Pour Femme | $35

    I liked this perfume a few years back and I had a sample of it. While it’s more floral than I usually prefer, I still really like it and it was $35 so I had to get it.

    Joico Moisture Recovery Conditioner | $10

    I know Joico is a higher end brand of hair products at the drugstore so I wanted to try it.

    I would definitely go again next year and we probably will be going so my mom can stock up on her Shiseido products. I think I would go on a Saturday, but it’s nice to know they have so much stuff left after the two days. They did have a lot of complexion products sold out (especially NARS foundations), but they still had some really nice products left over.

    Love,

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  • March/April 2019 Faves

    April 26, 2019

    Hi Everyone!

    Back with another faves post! I have three primers and two lip products for you.

    I am loooooving the Lancôme L’Absolu Lacquer Lip Gloss in 236 Pour Toujours!! For me, it’s a MLBB shade. The lacquer has the pigmentation of a liquid lip, but glossiness of a gloss.

    I love the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask (read my review)!! It’s beautifully glossy, so you can even use it during the day as your lip product. I slather it on before bed and then wake up with my lips feeling moisturized. Unlike Vaseline, it takes longer to absorb and keeps my lips hydrated for much longer.

    Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer, Primer Water and Primer Oil. I love all three of these primers. The primerizer and primer oil are amazing for my dry skin. They help hydrate my skin so that the area around my nose doesn’t look dry and flaky after wearing makeup all day.

    I like the primer water. I use it as both a primer and after makeup. The sprayer is great because it has a nice, fine mist. I’ll definitely keep the bottle when I’m finished. I feel like the sprayer has a finer mist than the Mac Fix+ bottle. I like using this and the smashbox primerizer together. I’ll use the primerizer on my t-zone and spray this all over the face. The primer water hydrates my skin and also makes it feel a little tacky so my foundation and concealer stayed on better. I’ve had some great makeup days using this primer. I would repurchase all of these again in the future!

    Love,

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  • Luxury Haul | March 2019 Giorgio Armani

    March 15, 2019

    Hi Everyone!

    Giorgio Armani Beauty was having a 15% off sale and the Luminous Silk Powder Foundation was on my list of things to purchase from Sephora for my mom. I decided to take advantage of the sale to buy from Armani. I recently made my first purchase from Lancôme as well. I decided to spend $5 extra to get the gift box because who wouldn’t want to have a beautiful Giorgio Armani gift box? My plan is to eventually buy from the luxury brands that I want to try and also get their beautiful gift boxes.

    The package arrived really quickly. I ordered it on the 12th and received it yesterday. I also love that they’re smart: they ship it in a regular brown box that doesn’t have any logos on it (so no one is going to know that it’s Armani and steal it). It was shipped from L’Oréal in Québec.

    I ordered three products to make the order over $150:

    • Fluid Sheer in #7 (I’ll write a review on it once I’ve tried it out)
    • 2 Luminous Silk Powder Foundations in 5.5 for my mom

    If you spent over $150, you got a little gift:

    • Sì Eau de Parfum Mini
    • Mini Rouge Ecstasy Lipstick in 400

    This is a gorgeous red! My kind of red (blue-red) because I don’t like orange-red lipsticks on me.

    The order also comes with 3 samples and I chose:

    • Luminous Silk Foundation in 5.5
    • Power Fabric Foundation in 3.5
    • Luminessence CC Cream

    What are your faves from Giorgio Armani Beauty?

    Love,

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  • Project Pan Update | 2019

    February 8, 2019

    Hi Everyone!

    It’s been a month since I posted my Project Pan 2019 post. It turns out I was pretty close to finishing some of my products, so here’s an update.

    I am very close to finishing the Make Up For Ever Step 1 Equalizer Primer and I’ve finished the Smashbox Under Eye Primer, MAC Radiant Primer, and Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick. I decluttered the Essence Eyeshadow Base because it was older than I thought. I also decided to declutter the Burt’s Bees Blush because I was just using it to finish it and not because I loved it. It’s a gorgeous shade, but I have a love-hate relationship with blush. I either apply too little or too much and making that mistake with a pink blush is not good. I don’t want to look like a clown. Anyway, I have been leaning towards the peachy/nude/coral shades lately instead of bright pink.

    Since I finished so many products already, I added some more:

    • Bobbi Brown Lip Color in Bare Pink
    • MAC Cremesheen Glass in It’s A Strike
    • Marcelle Velvet Gel Lip Liner in Rosy Nude
    • MAC Patentpolish in Kittenish
    • TheBalm Batter Up Eyeshadow Sticks in Dugout and Shutout (read my review)
    • Lancome Skin Feels Good Skin Nourishing Foundation in 01N Nude Vanilla (read my review)

    What products are in your Project Pan?

    Love,

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