This or That | Cleansing Balms

November 3, 2022

Hi Everyone!

Today, I’m comparing the eight cleansing balms I’ve tried so far. I have tried two others, but they are no longer available.

Previous posts on cleansing balms:

This or That | Banila Co vs Heimish

This or That | Clinique vs Pixi (no longer available)

Glow Recipe

These are the cleansing balms I will be comparing (in alphabetical order):

Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm (Original)
belif Aqua Bomb Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm*
Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm
Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Smoothing Enzyme Cleansing Balm
Heimish All Clean Balm
The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm*
Juno & Co (Juno Skin) Clean 10 Cleansing Balm*
Youth to the People Superberry Dream Cleansing Balm*

Ingredients for the cleansing balms:

Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm (Original)

Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, PEG-10 Isostearate, Synthetic Wax, Onsen-Sui, Phenoxyethanol, Butylene Glycol, Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Fragrance, Ethylhexylglycerin, Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Bambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem Extract, Aspalathus Linearis Extract, Angelica Archangelica Root Extract, Malpighia Glabra (Acerola) Fruit Extract, Polydiethyleneglycol Adipate/IPDI Copolymer, Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, Acrylates/Methoxy PEG-15 Methacrylate Copolymer

belif Aqua Bomb Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm*

Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Peg-10 Isostearate, Polyethylene, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Water, Butylene Glycol, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil, Myristica Fragrans (Nutmeg) Extract, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Methylpropanediol, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Stellaria Media (Chickweed) Extract, Alchemilla Vulgaris Leaf Extract, Equisetum Arvense Leaf Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Nepeta Cataria Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Leaf Extract, Baptisia Tinctoria Root Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract

Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm

Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Polyethylene, Peg-5 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Water, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol

Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Smoothing Enzyme Cleansing Balm

Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Sorbitan Oleate, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Polyethylene, Aqua/Water/Eau, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Seed Oil, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Papain, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Fragaria Ananassa (Strawberry) Fruit Extract, Alkanna Tinctoria Root Extract, Capsicum Annuum Fruit Extract, Maltodextrin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Levulinic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Metabisulfite

Heimish All Clean Balm

Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Polyethylene, PEG-8 Isostearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Tocopheryl Acetate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Boswellia Carterii Oil, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Water, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Butylene Glycol, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Fruit Extract, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract, Freesia Refracta Extract, Rose Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Extract, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Extract, Narcissus Pseudo-Narcissus (Daffodil) Flower Extract, Lilium Tigrinum Extract, Iris Versicolor Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Limonene, Citral, Linalool

The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm*

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Oil, Candelilla Cera (Cire de candelilla), Silica, Sorbitan Stearate, Tribehenin, PEG-60 Almond Glycerides, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour, Aqua (Water/Eau), Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Lecithin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil

Juno & Co (Juno Skin) Clean 10 Cleansing Balm*

Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Synthetic Wax
Polysorbate 85, Fermented Japanese Pearl Barley (Saccharomyces/Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Ferment Filtrate), Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate), Water, Butylene Glycol

Youth to the People Superberry Dream Cleansing Balm*

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax, Polyglyceryl-2 Sesquicaprylate, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Water/Aqua/Eau, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Sorbitan Olivate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Opuntia Ficus-Indica (Prickly Pear) Stem Extract*, Aristotelia Chilensis (Maqui Berry) Fruit Extract, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Fruit Extract, Lycium Barbarum (Goji Berry) Fruit Extract, Moringa Oleifera (Moringa) Leaf Extract, Opuntia Tuna (Prickly Pear) Flower/Stem Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower (Neem) Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Ocimum Basilicum (Holy Basil) Flower/Leaf Extract, Corallina Officinalis (Red Algae) Extract, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Tocopherol, Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Hexylene Glycol, Fragrance/Parfum, Limonene. *Certified Organic Ingredient

For me, they all performed about the same. I don’t wear waterproof mascara or eyeliner, so I can’t say how well these cleansing balms work for those. I cleanse with a regular cleanser after using the cleansing balms, so I don’t mind if there’s a film from the cleansing balm.

Texture

Youth to the People (YTTP)’s cleanser is the most crumbly and it’s not as emollient as the others. Due to the texture being more crumbly, it didn’t remove my makeup as well. I had to work it in longer than the others. The Inkey List one comes in a tube, so it’s a more runny texture. I have to make sure to massage the tube first before squeezing any out. I was sent the Juno & Co cleansing balm and it came melted . They sent me a new one, but I’m worried about how easily it melted.

Comparing the textures to food: The YTTP one is like mashed potatoes (with nothing added in). The melted Juno & Co one was like melted butter that had cooled down a bit (still runny, but not completely liquid). The new tub I was sent still wasn’t as solid as the other ones.

Packaging

The K-beauty cleansing balms come with spatulas, while most of the others don’t come with one. Glow Recipe wins for best packaging since it comes in a glass jar that closes nicely. I wish the spatula could fit inside the jar, but I understand why they have a larger one since the jar is quite deep. I keep all of my spatulas in a little glass container, but it’d be nice to have it in the jar if you travel. The Youth to the People one also comes in a glass jar, but when I unscrew the lid, it doesn’t feel as smooth as the Glow Recipe. The Clinique, Heimish and Banila Co. cleansing balms come in sturdy, plastic containers. When you open the lids of the Heimish and Banila Co balms, there is a spatula inside. The Juno & Co one is a cheaper container that I sometimes have trouble closing if the inner lid isn’t perfectly aligned. The Inkey List one comes in a tube. This is my least favourite packaging since the cleansing balm is already more emollient than the others. I would not travel with the Inkey List or Juno & Co ones. A few times, I’ve had to wash off both of them because the products got onto the packaging.

Cost

In the table below, I’ve calculated the cost per mL for the cleansing balms I’ve tried. I also added others that are available on Sephora and K-beauty ones I want to try.

	Price (CAD)	Size	Cost per mL	Packaging
Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm (Original) - 100mL	25	100mL	0.25	plastic with spatula
Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm (Original) - 180mL	37	180mL	0.206	plastic with spatula
Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm	24	100mL	0.24	plastic with spatula
belif Aqua Bomb Cleansing Balm	48	100mL	0.48	plastic with spatula
Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm (mini)	17	30mL	0.567	plastic, no spatula
Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm	47	125mL	0.376	plastic, no spatula
Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm (value)	62	200mL	0.31	plastic, no spatula
Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser	45	110g (110mL)	0.409	plastic with spatula
Farmacy Clearly Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm (mini)	30	50mL	0.6	plastic, mini probably doesn't come with a spatula
Farmacy Clearly Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm	46	100mL	0.46	plastic with spatula
Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm (mini)	30	50mL	0.6	plastic, mini probably doesn't come with a spatula
Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm	46	100mL	0.46	plastic with spatula
Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Smoothing Enzyme Cleansing Balm	42	100mL	0.42	glass jar with spatula
Heimish All Clean Balm	25	120mL	0.208	plastic with spatula
I'm From Fig Cleansing Balm	40	100mL	0.40	plastic with spatula
The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm (mini)	5.69	50mL	0.114	squeeze tube
The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm	13.99	150mL	0.093	squeeze tube
Juno & Co (Juno Skin) Clean 10 Cleansing Balm	21	85g (85mL)	0.247	plastic with spatula
Youth to the People Superberry Dream Cleansing Balm	45	100mL	0.45	glass jar, no spatula

Looking at the cost per mL, I was surprised which ones were more expensive. The Drunk Elephant one actually isn’t the most expensive one on the list.

The Clinique one was the first one I tried. I finished it before trying other ones, so I wasn’t able to compare them side by side. I liked it a lot because it doesn’t have a scent and I don’t remember it having a filmy feeling after using it. I will buy it again once I’ve finished my current ones and update this post with a final verdict. For now, I will exclude it from the ranking. My favourite is the Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Smoothing Enzyme Cleansing Balm. It is on the more expensive end, so for the lower range, I would pick the Heimish All Clean Balm. It doesn’t have any added fragrances and you get more in the tub (120mL vs 100mL for most of the other brands).

Have you tried these cleansing balms? Which is your fave?

Love,

Products marked with * were sent to me for 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.

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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 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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July 2020 Product Empties

July 31, 2020

Hi Everyone!

I don’t have too many empties this month. I think most of my products are fairly new so my product empties posts will only have a few items every month.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer – I started using this as a moisturizer since I have quite a few primers and I know it keeps me moisturized. My skin was having a reaction and this was the only product I had that wasn’t new.

Repurchase? Absolutely! (Note: the travel size is more cost effective than the glass bottle)

Kiehls Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash – This cleanser is meant for normal to oily skin. I have dry skin so it’s not really geared towards my skin type. I really wanted to try it though. It didn’t make my skin feel overly dry either. I purchased the 500mL bottle which was expensive for a cleanser, but it lasted a year. I used one pump every day during my nighttime skincare routine and it lasted more than a year.

Repurchase? No, but I would try something for dry skin from Kiehls.

Nanacoco Cleansing Oil* – This was a good cleansing oil. It had a floral fragrance to it which I didn’t mind. However, I would prefer a cleansing oil without a fragrance since I have sensitive skin.

Repurchase? No.

Clinique Acne Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel – This acne gel works great as a spot treatment. It will help dry up a pimple that has a whitehead. It won’t be immediate, but if you use it for a couple days, you should see your blemish go down. This little bottle lasted a long time since I only used it as a spot treatment.

Repurchase? Probably not.

What did you finish this month?

Love,

Products marked with (*) were sent to me for review.

Read More
June 2020 Product Empties

June 30, 2020

Hi Everyone!

I have two makeup empties for this month. I don’t think I’ll be finishing any other makeup any time soon.

Lancôme L’Absolu Lacquer Lip Gloss in 236 Pour Toujours (read my review) – I used this up the best I could and then cleaned the tube. I absolutely loved this gloss and would definitely buy it in this shade and others. It’s actually more of a tint/stain than a gloss. It’s not matte, but it’s not super glossy either.

Repurchase? YES!

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder – This powder panned sooo quickly! Also, there are only 3 shades which is unacceptable. All brands need work to be more inclusive in their shade range, but especially luxury brands. Like anything, the powder can look cakey if you apply too much. If you do a light dusting with a fluffy brush, it looked very nice. I just didn’t find it that amazing especially with the price tag and how fast it panned. I prefer my Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder which I’ve had for twice as long and still haven’t finished.

Repurchase? No.

What did you finish this month?

Love,

Read More

Brow Pencils & Gels | My Hits & Misses

May 8, 2020

Hi Everyone!

Today, I’m sharing my favourite brow products!

Check out my other Hits & Misses posts!

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

SKINCARE || Eye Creams

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

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

My brow products of choice are pencils and gels. A few times I’ve used an matte shadow as eyebrow powder, but I prefer pencils. I’m not patient or skilled enough to use pomades.

Two years ago, I wrote a similar post reviewing brow products I’ve tried (read my post). I’ve tried quite a few products since then and found some that I like more.

I’ve also written a few comparison posts (with swatches), check them out below:

Lancôme Brow Shaping Powdery Pencil vs. Benefit Precisely, My Brow

Dior Diorshow BoldBrow vs. Benefit 24 Hour Brow Setter Shaping & Setting Gel

I don’t think they sell the Dior Diorshow BoldBrow anymore, they came out with a new product to replace it.

HITS

Colourpop Brow Boss Clear Gel – My friend recommended this clear gel and it’s my favourite clear gel that I’ve tried. It comes out of the tube white, but dries down clear. It leaves my brows feeling soft and not crunchy at all!

Benefit Gimme Brow+ Volumizing Eyebrow Gel in 5 Deep – One of my favourite tinted brow gels.

Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil Ultra Fine Shape & Define in 6 (read my review) – This has been one of my favourite brow pencils I’ve tried.

NYX Micro Brow Pencil in Black – A great drugstore micro brow pencil. This is a fave of mine as well.

LIKES

Anastasia Clear Brow Gel – This brow gel does get a bit crunchy, but it keeps my brows in place. I just wish the wand wasn’t so huge. It’s like a mascara wand. I would prefer a thinner one.

Lancôme Brow Shaping Powdery Pencil in Soft Black 09 (read my review) – I liked this brow pencil, but it felt like a waste to sharpen so much of it away. I prefer retractable pencils that you don’t have to sharpen. This pencil is nice for a natural look.

Kevyn Aucoin The Precision Brow Pencil in Dark Brunette – I wanted to try a different brow pencil, so I grabbed this Kevyn Aucoin one. It’s the first product I’ve tried from the brand. The shade is a good match for me, but it wipes off more easily than other brow products. I wouldn’t repurchase it.

NYX Fill & Fluff Pomade Pencil in Ash Brown – In my NYX Hits & Misses post, I put this in the HITS, but this is going into the LIKES section for this post. It’s a HIT for the products I’ve tried from NYX, but there’s other brow products I prefer. This is another pencil that I like from NYX. Although I prefer the Micro Brow pencil because it comes with a spoolie. This one comes with a little oval/paddle brush so you can diffuse what you drew on. You get a more filled in look with this pomade pencil.

MISSES

Benefit 24-HR Brow Setter Shaping & Setting Gel (read my review) – I don’t know if it was just the sample I got of this, but it was kind of tacky. When you pull the wandout, you would see a string of product from the wand to the tube. It kind of reminded me of clear lash glue in that way.

Benefit ka-BROW! Cream-Gel Eyebrow Color in 5 Deep – I got a deluxe sample of this and it’s just too intense for me.

Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil Easy Shape & Fill in 5 Deep – I prefer micro pencils so this was too thick for me. I prefer hair-like strokes instead of the filled in look.

Burt’s Bees Natural Brow Pencil in 1610 Brunette* – This only comes in two shades and the darker shade is too light for me. It was too waxy for my liking.

Maybelline Eye Studio Brow Precise Shaping Pencil in Deep Brown – This pencil was way too waxy for my liking and it never sharpened nicely.

Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Brows Eyebrow Gel in Perfect Brown – I just wanted to try some Charlotte Tilbury products so I bought this during the sale. I love the size of the brush and the colour was nice. It’s a nice product, but I don’t think it’s anything special and it’s the most expensive gel I’ve tried.

Brow Gels

Product	Price in CAD	Size	Cost per gram	# of shades available
Colourpop Brow Boss Clear Gel	7 USD = 8.85 CAD	3.10g	2.2	clear, 4 tinted
Anastasia Strong Hold Clear Brow Gel	29.50	7.85g	3.8	clear
L’Oréal Brow Stylist Boost & Set Volumizing Brow Mascara	13.49	3.2g	4.2	4 tinted
Benefit 24-HR Brow Setter Shaping & Setting Gel	32	7g	4.6	clear
Anastasia Clear Brow Gel (mini)	12	2,5g	4.8	clear
Benefit 24-HR Brow Setter Shaping & Setting Gel (value)	51	6g	8.5	3 tinted
Benefit Gimme Brow+ Volumizing Eyebrow Gel (mini)	19	3.5g	5.4	clear
Benefit Gimme Brow+ Volumizing Eyebrow Gel	32	3g	10.7	10 tinted
Benefit Gimme Brow+ Volumizing Eyebrow Gel (mini)	18	1.5g	12.7	10 tinted
Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Brows Eyebrow Gel	30	1.33g	22.6	4 tinted

Brow Pencils/Pomade Gels

Product	Price in CAD	Size	Cost per ounce	# of shades available
Benefit ka-BROW! Cream Gel Eyebrow Color	32	0.1oz	320	8 shades
Burt's Bees Brow Pencil	13.99	0.04oz	349	2 shades
Mini size Benefit ka-BROW! Cream Gel Eyebrow Color	19	0.05oz	380	3 shades
Maybelline Eye Studio Brow Precise Shaping Pencil	10.99	0.02oz	550	4 shades on Maybelline, 2 shades on Shoppers Drug Mart site
NYX Fill & Fluff Pomade Pencil	12.49	0.007oz	1784	8 shades
Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil Easy Shape & Fill	32	0.01oz	3200	12 shades
Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil Easy Shape & Fill (mini)	19	0.005oz	3800	3 shades
NYX Micro Brow Pencil	12.49	0.003oz	4163	8 shades
Anastasia Brow Wiz	28	0.003oz	9333	10 shades
Kevyn Aucoin The Precision Brow Pencil	32	0.003oz	10667	4 shades
Lancôme Brow Shaping Powdery Pencil	35	0.003oz	11667	9 shades
Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil Ultra Fine Shape & Define	32	0.02oz	16000	12 shades
Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil Ultra Fine Shape & Define (mini)	19	0.001oz	19000	12 shades

To Try

I have the Anastasia Brow Wiz in my collection, but I haven’t tried it yet. I bought it earlier this year and wanted to finish my Kevyn Aucoin pencil first.

Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-Fine Precision Brow Pencil
Dior Diorshow Pump ‘N’ Brow
Fenty Beauty Brow MVP Ultra Fine Brow Pencil & Styler
Hourglass Arch Brow Micro Sculpting Pencil
Hourglass Arch Brow Shaping Gel
Milk KUSH Fiber Brow Gel
Nudestix Eyebrow Stylus Pencil & Gel

What are your fave brow products?

Love,

Products marked with (*) were sent to me.

Primers | My Hits & Misses

March 6, 2020
Hi Everyone!

I’m sharing my hits and misses for all primers that I’ve tried (that I can remember).

Check out my other Hits & Misses posts!

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

SKINCARE || Eye Creams

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

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

Each primer has a small blurb on why I love, like or didn’t like. Some I’ve grouped together because they were similar to me. First, I’ll start with Hits, then Likes and end with Misses.

HITS

Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer – This one is great for my dry skin. Before I started using facial oils and drinking more water, my nose was super dry and flaky (ew). It’s still a bit dry and can get flaky at times, but around the nostrils aren’t as bad as they used to be. This primer was the first that would keep my nose moisturized enough by the end of the day. You can also use this as a moisturizer if you’re in a pinch and need some moisture.

Good Molecules Silicone-Free Priming Moisturizer* & Sonia Roselli Water Balm (read my review) – These are also 2-in-1 primers that can double as moisturizers. I wouldn’t say that these should be used as your only part of your skincare routine, but they can definitely be one of the steps in your morning routine to help prep your skin. The Sonia Roselli Water Balm is more moisturizing than the Good Molecules. I wouldn’t use the Good Molecules as a moisturizer on its own though. I usually pair it with a face oil.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water – This is a nice hydrating primer that has a bit of tackiness. You can also use at the end of your makeup routine, but take note that the spray nozzle isn’t the finest so don’t get too close to your face. It has a slightly citrus scent from the Limonene, so if you don’t like citrus, you’ll want to skip this one!

Make Up For Ever Step 1 Equalizer Primer (Smoothing) – This is a nice smoothing/blurring primer that smells really nice. I use it on my cheeks and forehead where my pores are larger.

Tarte Timeless Smoothing Primer (read my review) – This is one of Tati’s fave blurring primers. So I thought I’d give it a try. This is a thicker primer and it’s easy to use too much – Less is more! Sometimes I would get too much on my fingers and then just apply it to areas I didn’t really need it. I would notice my makeup would look more cakey in those areas. That was totally my fault though. This is a great primer if you need to blur those pores. If you do end up trying it, press it into the skin, do not rub.

Winky Lux Whipped Primer – Tati also tried this one to compare. I can’t recall exactly what she said, but I think she liked it. Although not as much as the Tarte one. This one is a softer texture since it’s whipped – It’s like this one is whipped cream cheese while the Tarte is regular Philly cream cheese. It might be easier for a beginner to try this one first and then upgrade to Tarte Timeless Smoothing Primer when you’re ready.

Mac Strobe Cream (Pink) – I guess this is more of a liquid highlighter than a primer. If you have larger pores, you might want to use a blurring primer before applying this to the face. You can use this underneath foundation, mix it in with foundation or apply as a liquid highlighter. This pink is so pretty to give you that ‘glow from within’ look. The Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer in #7 is also really pretty and I haven’t personally tried it, but the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter is so pretty too.

LIKES

Smashbox Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Primer – I don’t really like the silicone-y feeling blurring primers, but if you don’t mind them, you’d like this one.

Touch In Sol No Poreblem Primer – This one broke me out, but it blurs really nicely. If it works for you, this is one of the cheaper primers available at Sephora and in this blog post.

Make Up For Ever Step 1 Equalizer Primers (Nourishing & Hydrating – These two primers were both really nice, but again didn’t provide my dry skin enough moisture. The Nourishing one is a bit richer in texture while the hydrating one is more of a gel cream texture.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil – I really loved this primer when I first tried a sample, but once I bought the full size bottle, I didn’t reach for it as often. You could use any facial oil you already have instead of spending money on a primer oil. Also, this isn’t the best smelling facial oil I’ve used either. I ended up having to use it as a facial oil and then ended up decluttering because I had it so long that it started to smell off.

First Aid Hello Fab Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer, Stellar Brilliant Primer & Mac Prep + Prime Natural Radiance – From what I remember, these three primers were illuminating and they had similar textures. They weren’t shimmery or anything, but there was a glow to them. While they were nice, they didn’t provide quite enough hydration for my dry skin. Also, I didn’t like the smells of these primers. I’d rather use a really good hydrating primer and choose to add in some liquid highlighter on my own instead of getting an illuminating primer like these ones.

MISSES

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer – I know some people love this one, but this smells like school glue to me and that just turned me off. I also didn’t notice anything special about it.

Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer – Similar to the Smashbox pore minimizing primer, this is silicone-y. It’s a good drugstore alternative to the Smashbox one, I believe. I didn’t compare them so I don’t know if Smashbox was better at blurring, but they both have the same texture.

Make Up for Ever Step 1 Equalizer Primer – Redness Correcting & Smashbox Photo Finish Colour Correcting Primer – Redness Correcting (read my review) – I didn’t really find these two primers to work that well at concealing redness. If you need to colour correct, use a colour corrector instead of a primer that corrects.

L’Oréal Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream (Anti-Redness) (read my review) – This smells really bad, but it does work great if you have a slightly darker skin tone than I do. It works well for my mom. It starts out green, but then it turns ‘skin-coloured.’

Maybelline Facestudio Master Primer Blur + Redness Control Primer – This did nothing to conceal redness OR blur.

Nude By Nature Perfecting Primer (read my review) – Even though I rated this a 3/5 in my review, the smell is too sweet. It smells like Rockets (or as the Americans call them ‘Smarties’).

The Body Shop Moisturizing Primer – I don’t think this is available anymore, but it was basically a moisturizer. It had a similar texture to the First Aid priming moisturizer.

The Body Shop All-In-1 Blurring Primer – Again, this is silicone-y and one of the first primers I tried.

Smashbox Photo Finish Under Eye Primer – Originally, I loved this primer because I thought it made my under eyes look illuminated and bright. After a while, I didn’t notice anything. I don’t know if I was just imagining things in the beginning. This was meant to illuminate the under eyes. You don’t need this (even if it did work)…just get a good eye cream that already illuminates. This one has a similar texture to the First Aid/Stellar/MAC illuminating primers.

If you’ve read this far, thanks for reading!

You can check out my July 2018 Primer Inventory to see how much my opinion has changed since then.

I’ve also tried the Benefit The POREfessional Face Primer and Tatcha The Silk Canvas Protective Primer in samples. I think the POREfessional was dried out by the time I tried it, but I know a lot of people love it. I think it’s similar to the Make Up For Ever Smoothing Primer, so I might give the hydrating version a try. I really liked the Silk Canvas primer and would definitely consider purchasing the mini. I know the full size is more cost effective, but I don’t know if I could get through the full size one fast enough. I’d rather spend a few dollars more per ounce than buy the full size one and end up throwing it out because it expired.

To Try
- Becca First Light Priming Filter Face Primer
- Becca Velvet Blurring Primer
- Benefit The POREfessional: Hydrate Primer
- Bite Changemaker Skin-Optimizing Primer (normal to dry skin)
- Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter (This was on my 2020 Beauty Wishlist)
- Cover FX Gripping Primer
- Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer – Blurring
- Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer – Hydrating
- Tatcha The Silk Canvas Protective Primer
In my next Hits & Misses post, I’ll be writing about foundations!

What are your favourite primers?

Love,

Products marked with (*) were gifted to me.
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December 2019 Product Empties

December 31, 2019

Hi Everyone!

Here are my last empties of the DECADE!

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil – I started using this as a facial oil because I kept forgetting about using it to prime my face. It also started to smell funny and I had to declutter it.

Repurchase? Probably not.

Make Up For Ever Step 1 Equalizing Primer (Nourishing) – This was a nice primer that smells good, but it isn’t my favourite hydrating primer. I prefer the Smashbox Primerizer.

Repurchase? Probably not.

Garnier SkinActive All-in-1 Cleansing Water – I don’t use waterproof makeup, so the pink micellar water works well for me.

Repurchase? Absolutely.

Banila Co. Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm – This was a nice cleansing balm that removed my makeup well. I don’t use waterproof makeup, so I can’t say if it’s good for that. I didn’t love how scented it was though. I’d rather pay a bit more for an unscented one even though it’s only on my face for a short time.

Repurchase? Probably not.

COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches (read my review) – These were the first acne patches I tried. They will always have a special place in my heart because of that, but I’ve started to prefer the Rael patches (read my comparison post).

Repurchase? I would definitely still buy them, but as long as I can get the Rael ones, I think I’d prefer those.

L:A Bruket Hand & Body Wash in Lemongrass* – I didn’t mind the hand/body wash itself, but I’m not the biggest fan of lemongrass scent. I would prefer one of their other scents.

Repurchase? Probably not.

Volition Beauty Strawberry-C Brightening Serum* (read my review) – Loved this serum! That’s all I have to say.

Repurchase? YES!

Good Molecules Ultra Hydrating Facial Oil* – I enjoyed this facial oil. For extra hydration, I would mix it with my Volition serum.

Repurchase? Yes.

Love,

Products marked with (*) were gifted to me.

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Review | Perricone No Lip Gloss Lip Gloss

September 4, 2019
Hi Everyone!

Today I am reviewing the No Lip Gloss Lip Gloss from Perricone. I was sent this lip gloss by Calissa, an independent site that sells products made with natural and sustainable ingredients.

I’ve seen Perricone on Sephora. I know they have a No Makeup Makeup line. I know they have the foundation and a highlighter that I’ve had my eye on. So, I was excited to receive the Lip Gloss from the line.
No Makeup Lipgloss is designed to mimic the natural shine and color of youthful lips. The elegant, non-tacky texture revives lip color and luster while promoting suppleness and nourishment- instantly smoothing and conditioning lips with Neuropeptides and Tocotrienols. Featuring a sheer buildable, universal tint to enhance, contour and impart a profusion of color.

Ingredients: Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 3.50% Inactive Ingredients: Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, C10-30 Cholesterol/Lanosterol Esters, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Ethylenediamine/Stearyl Dimer Dilinoleate Copolymer, Vanillin, Synthetic Wax, Tocopheryl Acetate, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Glyceryl Isostearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Bisabolol, Red 27 (CI 45410), Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Dimethyl MEA, Tocotrienols, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5

RATING: 5/5

This lip gloss is so beautiful. It’s a slightly tinted, lightweight gloss that gives you that My Lips But Better effect. There’s no added fragrance, but it does smell like vanilla (like MAC lip products). It only comes in one shade, but I think it would look good on anyone since it just adds a beautiful sheen to your lips. It’s glossy, but not too glossy. Moisturizing, but not too sticky like other glosses I’ve tried.

I definitely want to try other products from the No Makeup Makeup collection.

If you would like to make a purchase on Calissa.com, use code 10FRIENDSOFCALISSA to get 10% off! (This is not an affiliate code, just a code for you to use to get some money off our purchase!)

Check out my other posts on products I’ve received from Calissa:

Bali Balm Lemon & Black Pepper Lip Balm

Dr. Jackson’s Night Cream

Goldfaden MD Bright Eyes

MOR Emporium Lychee Flower Trio of Treasures

Perricone MD Cold Plasma+ Face Serum

Have you tried products from Perricone?

Love,
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Review | L’Oréal Brow Stylist Boost & Set Volumizing Brow Mascara

July 16, 2019

Hi Everyone!

Today, I’m reviewing the L’Oréal Brow Stylist Boost & Set Volumizing Brow Mascara in Dark Brunette. I originally bought this because I thought it was the one that Kathleen Lights said was one of her faves. I remembered her saying ‘brow stylist’ and bought the one I saw at the drugstore. It turns out that she likes the Brow Stylist Plumper. The plumper one has a similar brush to the Benefit Gimme Brow while this brow mascara has one of the skinniest brow brushes I’ve ever seen. Since it was from the drugstore and I couldn’t return it, I tried it out.

The art of brow made easy. Our 1st gel mousse formula easily glides onto brows to boost volume and set for a natural to thicker look. Designed with an angled skinny brush to style brow hairs and for precise application. All day wear. Ophthalmologist tested. Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. Available in 4 shades.

It’s more expensive (when you work out cost per mL) than the Anastasia Brow Gel.

RATING: 3/5

The Dark Brunette shade was good shade for my dark brows. It kept my brows in place well, but they felt crunchy. It never rained when I wore it, so I can’t say how waterproof it was, but when I used setting spray, it never ran down my face. Also, it didn’t flake either (even though it was crunchy).

Personally, I prefer other brow gels like the Colourpop Boss Brow Gel, Diorshow Bold Brow or the Benefit Gimme Brow. Before I retired the Bold Brow, I did a side-by-side comparison and it just felt waxy and crunchy compared to the Bold Brow. See the brush size difference in the picture below:

Brow Stylist (left), Bold Brow

I did really enjoy that the brush of the L’Oreal brow gel was so skinny. You can also use it to fill in your brows like you would with a pencil or a brush because it has such a thin brush. I’ve currently replaced it with the Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Brows.

What are your fave drugstore brow products?

Love,

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Review | Lancôme L’Absolu Lacquer Lip Gloss

June 11, 2019

Hi Everyone!

I realized that I never wrote a dedicated review to the Lancôme L’Absolu Lacquer Lip Gloss.

This innovative lip gloss combines the comfort and shine of a gloss, the pigment of a lipstick and the lasting power of a stain. Our innovative oil in water emulsion is lightweight and non-sticky, providing up to 6H of wear. Enriched with glycerin, lips feel hydrated throughout the day. The high shine finish and vivid colour payoff are buildable from sheer to full coverage in 1-2-3 coats.

1) One coat for a sheer natural look witha dewy shine finish
2) Two coats for an intense look with fresh colour and lacquered shine finish.
3) Three coats for a dramatic look with audacious colour impact & ultra lacquered shine!

Originally, I bought this for my mom. It’s the shade 236 Pour Toujours. We bought it based on the online swatch (see below)- it looked more mauve than it does in real life. My mom tried it and it wasn’t quite her colour, so she gave it to me.

I quickly fell in love with it. This lippie is basically a hybrid of a lipstick and a gloss – pigmented with a glossy sheen. It’s lightweight and doesn’t feel sticky like a gloss. It’s the perfect My Lips But Better Shade for me. I love the flat applicator and the slightly pointy/rounded tip of it.

Top swatch is slightly blended in, bottom swatch is straight from the tube.

RATING: 5/5

The name of this shade is perfect because I think I will have this in my collection ‘Forever’ (Pour Toujours). I would definitely consider trying other shades.

Have you tried the L’Absolu Lacquer Lip Gloss?

Love,

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