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 2018	Dec 2018	June 2019	Jan 2020
Primers	12	11	7	4
Foundations	13	7	6	6
Concealers	11	5	6	5
Setting Sprays/Powders	11	11	5	7
Contour	0	3	1	1
Bronzers	6	3	3	1
Blushes	14	5	5	2
Highlighters	13	9	4	5
Brows	3	3	6	3
Eyeshadows	129	60	23	17
Eyeliners	12	9	2	3
Mascara	10	2	3	2
Lipstick	28	7	7	4
Lip Liners	7	5	4	0
Lip Glosses/Tints/Balms	10	4	2	1
Makeup Removers	13	1	4	2
Perfumes	5	4	5	3
Nail Polishes	43	19	7	0
Total Items	340	168	100	66

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,

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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Nov/Dec 2019 Faves

December 26, 2019

Hi Everyone!
I haven’t tried many new products in the past two months, so I don’t have many favourites for you this time.
Volition Beauty Strawberry-C Brightening Serum* (read my review) – I really enjoyed this serum and will definitely be repurchasing in the future.

Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème – This is a great eye cream. I don’t know if it brightened my under eyes that much, but I haven’t had any reactions to it. A lot of eye creams have caused milia or some type of reaction because they’re too thick for me. At first I didn’t love the smell of this, but I eventually got used to it. It keeps my under eyes feeling smooth and moisturized.
Good Molecules Ultra-Hydrating Facial Oil* – I really enjoyed this facial oil. Once it started to get colder, I would mix this with the Volition Serum to add some more hydration to my face.

What were your faves this month?
Love,
Products marked with (*) were sent to me.

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Reviewing My 2019 Beauty Expenses

December 11, 2019

Hi Everyone!

As the new year approaches, I thought I would review my 2019 beauty expenses since I don’t plan to make any beauty purchases in the month of December.

Check out my previous beauty expenses posts:

2017 | 2018

My 2019 Beauty Budget

Category	Estimate	Actual
Skincare	$600	$700
Primers	120	100
Foundation/Powders/ Sprays	120	225
Concealers	100	150
Eyeliners	60	20
Brows	100	100
Mascara	100	50
Lips	0	90
Blush	0	40
Highlighter	0	75
Bronzer	0	50
Miscellaneous	600	350
TOTAL	$1800	1950

For my estimated costs for 2019, I didn’t include a section for lip products, blushes, bronzers, highlighters, eyeshadows, nail polish or hair because I already had a lot of things that I wanted to finish before buying new products in those categories. I ended up buying products in the blush/bronzer/lip/highlighter categories though…oops! The miscellaneous section includes hair products, makeup tools, makeup removers, etc.

As you can see, I went $150 over my proposed budget of $1800. I’m going to do my best to get the skincare category from $700 to $500.

My 6 most expensive beauty purchases of 2019:

Tula Illuminating Face Serum – $83.30 (15% off, bought on TULA Canada before they got rid of the Canadian website)
Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel – $73.95 (15% off, bought during Sephora VIB Sale)
Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer – $58.65 (15% off on Armani-Beauty.ca)
Clé de Peau Concealer – $55 (more than 40% off, bought at Shiseido Warehouse Sale)
Kiehls Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado – $51 (20% off sale at Kiehls.ca)
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder – $49.30 (15% off, bought during Sephora VIB Sale)

Most of my purchases were from Sephora, the drugstore or a brand’s website (e.g. Kiehls.ca, Giorgio Armani Beauty, Smashbox). I only purchased a few items from Winners this year. I’ve tried to cut down on the makeup purchases from Winners because they’re usually discontinued items that I can’t review on Instagram or my blog.

Did you have a beauty budget this year? Did you stay under budget or go over like I did?

Love,

Review | Bali Balm Lemon & Black Pepper Lip Balm

November 5, 2019

Hi Everyone!
Today, I’m reviewing the Bali Balm Lip Balm in Lemon & Black Pepper! I received this product from Calissa.
An invigorating blend of citrusy lemon and spicy black pepper which give this luxurious lip balm its signature zing. Lemon oil is often used to rejuvenate dull skin and the aroma is said to reduce anxiety and improve mental clarity. Black pepper has a warming effect and is a natural antibacterial.

INGREDIENTS: Coconut Oil, Castor Seed Oil, Candelilla Wax, Kukui Nut Oil, Sugarcane Extract, Lemon Peel Oil, Black Pepper Fruit Oil, Lemon Myrtle Oil, Peppermint Leaf Oil, Rosemary Extract, Wheat Germ Oil, Vanilla Fruit Extract.
Calissa sells 3 other lip balm flavours: Bergamot & Grapefruit, Sandalwood & Ginger and Cinnamon & Burnt Orange. I think the Bergamot & Grapefruit One would be my fave.

The tube has a simple design. The lip balm comes in a nice, sturdy rectangular box that you can re-use. It’d be perfect to store your jewellery when you travel.

A lot of lip balms are quite colourful, so I think men might enjoy using this one since darker colours in packaging are considered masculine. The lip balm itself has a thicker formula. I have to squeeze it harder than my Jouer or Laneige lip balm. I think this is good because if you have this in your purse, it’s less likely to ooze out if it’s squeezed. The lemon and black pepper has a fresh, yet a little spicy scent. I don’t know if it’s black pepper or if it’s the peppermint that gives it a bit of a kick. The balm gives a sheen to the lips, but not too glossy. When you apply it, you can feel a little tingle, but it goes away after a while.

RATING: 3.5/5

I find lemon-scented products can easily smell like a kitchen cleaner. So, I don’t love this one, but I think I’d enjoy the bergamot & grapefruit one. This is on the pricier side of lip balms, but it’s free of mineral oil, beeswax and fragrances.
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 get a discount!)

Check out my other posts on products I’ve received from Calissa!
Love,

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Sept/Oct 2019 Faves

October 29, 2019

Hi Everyone!
I’m sharing September and October’s beauty favourites!

Dolce & Gabbana 3 L’Imperatrice Eau De Toilette – I don’t usually like florals, but I got a sample of this from Sephora and really loved it. I saw some reviews on Sephora where people have said it doesn’t last long on them because it’s an Eau de Toilette. While I would agree that it doesn’t last as long as an Eau de Parfum, I can still smell it at the end of the day after using only 1 spritz. I bought this at the Shiseido Warehouse Sale for $35 so maybe that’s why I can justify it. I know this is in my Sept/Oct faves, but I feel like this is more of a warm weather scent. I have another perfume in my collection that I like to wear in the Fall and Winter months, but this will be my new Spring/Summer scent (replacing my Acqua Di Gioia Eau de Parfum).
Goldfaden MD Bright Eyes* (read my review) – I’m really enjoying this eye cream. I don’t think it’s quite hydrating enough for me in the winter time, but I really like it for the warmer months. It’s one of the few eye creams that hasn’t caused some reaction on my under eyes.
MUJI Acrylic Storage Case with Sliding Doors – I am loving this acrylic organizer. It keeps my products dust-free and it makes a beautiful prop for shelfies! Also, the fact that it’s clear makes it easier for me to see what products I have in my collection.
Sephora PRO Featherweight Powder Brush #91 – This brush is so soft! I saw a review on the Sephora website where someone said this brush was called the ‘Bunny Punch’ because “it’s so soft and thick it’s like you’re being punched by a bunny when you use it.” It really is super soft! The only drawback is that it’s top heavy (especially because the handle is tapered). I use it with my setting powder. I don’t swirl the brush around my face, but I tap it using the side of the brush.
Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder – I am loving this powder! I’ve tried the Laura Mercier one that everyone raves about. I had a deluxe sample of it and it would always come out of the sieve clumpy. I don’t know if it’s supposed to be like that, but it just didn’t impress me. This Hourglass powder, on the other hand, is lovely! I think I even like it better than the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder which was in my faves for July/August. I’ve already hit pan on the CT powder and also the shade doesn’t match (and there’s only 3 to choose from). I like that this Hourglass one is translucent and I think loose powders just work better for me anyway.

What products have you been loving lately?
Love,

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First Impressions with Girl Voyager (formerly In-Flight Magic)

October 4, 2019
Hi Everyone!

Today, I’ll be reviewing one of two masks that I received from Girl Voyager.

Here’s a little bit about the brand from their website:

“Your usual skin care routine is fine for a usual day. But when you travel, skin needs more. Our products are carefully formulated to match the demands on skin of your particular travel journey – whether that is long-haul flying, a beach holiday, embarking on a desert adventure, attending a special event, or over-nighting in an air-conditioned hotel. Every one of these environments places a different set of demands on skin. At In-Flight Magic we design not for skin type but for the environmental conditions into which the woman or man is traveling (or working).”

Their products are formulated without: Mineral oil, synthetic fragrances, sulfate detergents, parabens, PEGs, PPGs, DEA, TEA, urea or phthalates.

I received the two masks a while back and finally decided to try them because I don’t have any travel plans in the near future.

You can apply it at home before you leave for your flight or apply it on the plane when the lights have gone down. It doesn’t have any added fragrance, but it has a subtle watermelon scent that doesn’t linger. So you don’t have to worry about the person sitting next to you.

The packets have 5mL which is more than enough for 2 times (could maybe even use it 3-4, depending how generously you apply). If you have a travel buddy, you could share with them or you could pack it up nicely and save it for your return flight.
Long-Haul Hydration Mask
- 36 Hour 3D Hydration Booster
- Micro-Film In-Door Pollution Barrier
- Reduces Risk of Sensitisation
- Leave On, Invisible Clear Mask
I opened the package and the mask was quite thick. It felt a lot like a pore-filling primer because it feels silicone-y (similar to the Touch In Sol No Poreblem Primer, but a bit thicker). I can definitely see how this acts as a barrier between your skin and the pollution.

It made my face look nice and smooth. I enjoyed the mask and it kept my face feeling smooth and hydrated for 6 hours. It probably would’ve lasted longer, but it was time for me to wash up. My face did feel slightly tacky the whole time and I could definitely tell there was something on my face, but it wasn’t uncomfortable.

RATING: 4/5

I have yet to try the Oil-Free mask (I will post a review once I’ve tried it), but here’s a comparison:
Long-Haul Hydration Mask

Packed with scientifically proven mega-hydrators and protectants, all held together in a beautiful base of Certified Organic Babassu Oil and Certified Organic Aloe Vera, this clear mask is the perfect saviour to prevent dehydrated, irritated skin.

Arrive even-toned, no redness, calmed, plumped and with happy skin that glows.

Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Propanediol, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Chondrus Crispus (Red Marine Algae) Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Betaine from Beets, Sugar Cane Squalane, Cetearyl Glucoside, Polysorbate 60, Organic Orbignya Oleifera (Babassu) Seed Oil, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Organic Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Lecithin, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexyglycerin, Biphenyl Azepanyl Methanone, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Watermelon Natural Flavour.

Long-Haul Hydration Mask (Oil-Free)

Dehydrated air on planes can make oily skin more oily, so the solution to acne-prone and oily skins on long-haul flights is hydration, hydration, hydration.

This jelly mask keeps your skin hydrated, preventing oiliness, so you arrive plumped fresh and glowing with even skin tone.

Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Propanediol, Glycerin, Betaine, Methyl Gluceth-20, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Chrondrus Crispus Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Organic Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexyglycerin, Biphenyl Azepanyl Methanone, Watermelon Natural Flavour.

**The ingredients in bold are listed in both ingredient lists.
I think this is a really cool idea to help protect your skin while traveling.

Girl Voyager has a variety of different masks and it looks like more are coming soon! They will also be selling the Long-Haul Hydration Masks in tubes which would be great if you’re a frequent flyer.
Love,
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My Makeup Routine | Fall 2019

September 23, 2019
Hi Everyone!
I thought I’d share my makeup routine lately. My skin has been getting better so I’ve been doing more No Foundation looks when I go out. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know that my Makeup Of The Day posts all look the same because I keep using the same products. I’m trying to finish some of my current collection before buying any more.
Below is a list of most of the products in my makeup collection. Some products aren’t included (like eyeshadows and my contour palette because I don’t use them every day). Any product that was sent to me will have a (*) after the name:
PRIMER/SPRAY
- Tarte Timeless Smoothing Primer
- Winky Lux Whipped Cream Primer
- Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer
- Touch In Sol No Poreblem Primer
- Make Up For Ever Step 1 Equalizing Primer (Nourishing)
- Nars Tinted Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base in Medium (if I’m wearing eye makeup)
- Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil (didn’t use in Summer, but will use in Fall and Winter)
- Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist
- Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water
- Cover FX Dewy Setting Spray
For primers, I might use a mix of two (hydrating and blurring). I’m enjoying the Winky Lux Whipped Cream Primer and Touch in Sol No Poreblem Primer.

FOUNDATION
- Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Foundation in Golden 3
- Nars Velvet matte Foundation Stick in Fiji
- Lancome Teint Idole Longwear Foundation Stick SPF21 in 260 Bisque N
- Tarte Amazonian Clay Airbrush Full Coverage Powder Foundation in Light Neutral
CONCEALER
- RMS Beauty Un-Cover Up in 11
- Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer in Custard
- Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Self-Setting Concealer in 21 Cinnamon
Sometimes I might just use concealer and pop on some Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder to mattify.

POWDER
- Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder in 15 Light
- Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder in 2 Medium
- Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder
BRONZER
- Inglot x Jennifer Lopez Boogie Down Bronzing Powder in J217 Safari
- NYX California Beamin’ Face & Body Bronzer in Free Spirit
BLUSH
- Milani Baked Blush in Dolce Pink
- Nars Liquid Blush in Luster
- Bare Minerals Gen Nude Powder Blush in That Peach Tho
HIGHLIGHTER
- theBalm Mary Dew-Manizer (mini)
- theBalm Cindy Dew-Manizer (mini)
- Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder in 01 Highlight
- Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer in #7
Sometimes I’ll use my bronzer or highlighter as my eyeshadow. The NYX California Beamin’ Bronzer has a bit of a sheen, so it’s really pretty on the eyes.

EYES
- Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
- Art Deco Eyeshadow Single in Off White (to set eyeshadow primer)
- Make Up For Ever Artist Color Eye Shadow in M549 Dark Taupe
- Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil in 502 Infinite Sand
- Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil in 100 Whatever Black
- Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash Mascara
- Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara*
- Benefit BADgal BANG Volumizing Mascara
BROWS
- Kevyn Aucoin The Precision Brow Pencil in Dark Brunette
- Benefit Precisely My Brow Pencil Ultra Fine Shape & Define in 6*
- Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Brows Eyebrow Gel in Perfect Brow
- Colourpop Boss Brow Clear Gel
I haven’t been doing a lot on the eyes lately. I might just put a light brown and blend or use my bronzer. I’ll use a nude eyeliner along the lower waterline to brighten the eyes. Then I might tightline the upper lashline with a brown/black. For brows, I’ll either use just the Charlotte Tilbury eyebrow gel or use one of the pencils and follow up with one of the gels.

LIPS
- Jouer Essential Lip Enhancer Balm
- Laneige Lip Glowy Balm in Grapefruit*
- Dr. Paw Paw Original Clear Balm
- Perricone MD No Lip Gloss Lip Gloss*
- Pixi On-The-Glow Multi-Use Moisture Stick*
I have been preferring lip balms/glosses over lipsticks lately. Just adding a bit of gloss to the lips leaves them looking plump and moisturized.

What products are in your makeup routine?
Love,
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How I Clean My Makeup Brushes

September 9, 2019

Hi Everyone!
Today, I’m sharing what I do to clean my makeup brushes! I use a few different products: I have brush cleaner for a quick clean and then I also use a solid brush cleaner and a mat to get a deeper clean.
For a quick clean, I’ve been using a brush cleaner. I have the Sephora one and the Cinema Secrets one. The Sephora one used to smell really nice, but it’s been a few years since I bought it and it just smells like cleaner now. The Cinema Secrets one has a vanilla scent which I like a lot more.

For a deeper clean, I’ve been using the Sephora mini solid brush cleaner. Since I have the mini one, it doesn’t come in a tin, so I keep it in a little soy sauce bowl. I wet the brush and lightly swirl the brushes on the ‘soap’ until there’s no longer any colour coming off of brush. In the past, I’ve used baby shampoo and a mat from Amazon to make sure the inside is nice and clean. The mat has ridges so it gets inside the bristles without ruining your brushes. Either I lightly swirl the brush or wipe it back and forth against the ridges.

To dry my brushes, I use a brush drying rack. I also like drying my brushes with my makeup drying tool (read my review) I got from Winners that spins the brushes to dry them faster and then I hang them on my drying rack until they’re fully dry. The drying tool sounds a bit gimmicky, but it does dry brushes really fast! The only problem with the drying tool – it doesn’t fit brush handles that aren’t tapered (like my Sephora or Sigma eye brushes). I have to stuff them into a smaller size or I just let those air dry.

How do you clean your brushes?
Love,

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Products I Thought I Wanted To Try

September 6, 2019

Hi Everyone!
Today, I am sharing products that I thought I wanted to try/buy. After going to Sephora to see them in person, I realized that they weren’t for me.
Glow Recipe Pineapple-C Brightening Serum – I was excited when I first heard of this because I enjoyed the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask. I went in store and saw that the bottle was way smaller than I thought it’d be and also this didn’t smell like pineapple to me.

Marc Jacobs Youthquake Hydra-full Retexturizing Gel Crème Moisturizer – Same as the Glow Recipe, this didn’t smell like pineapple to me. Maybe it’s something about pineapple that doesn’t convert to skincare well. I’m not about to spend $79 on something I don’t like.

Make Up For Ever Artist Nude Creme Liquid Lipstick – Even the lightest shade was very dark when I swatched it at Sephora. While they are beautiful shades, I prefer lighter for myself.

Make Up For Ever Pro Bronze Fusion Bronzer – This looks so pretty online, but I’m not sure the shades available would work for me. I also just wasn’t super impressed with it in person.

Fenty Pro Filt’r Amplifying Eye Primer – It just looked very silicone-y. I feel like it would just slip and slide.

Hourglass Scattered Light Glitter Eye Shadow – When I first heard of them, I would just hear the ‘scattered light’ part and not the ‘glitter.’ I had seen swatches and really wanted to try them because they’re beautiful. But, the name says it all… and I’m not a fan of glitter. It’s beautiful, but it’s too much work for me. Even shimmery eyeshadow has a lot of fallout for me, so I can’t imagine glitter.

Tarte Chrome Paint Shadow Pot – Same as the Hourglass eye shadows, they looked beautiful, but they’re basically loose pigment eyeshadows and they’re more chunky than the Hourglass ones.

Lancôme Fix It Forget It Setting Spray – I wanted to try out different sprays that Sephora had and this was on the list until I saw that it has witch hazel. I’ve had a bad reaction to witch hazel before, so I’d prefer to steer clear of it in makeup. I think it’s okay if it’s not too high up on the ingredient list.

KORA Organics products – I found out this was Miranda Kerr’s brand and I was interested in trying it. She has beautiful skin, so I went to Sephora to test out the consistency and scent. The skincare products did not smell good to me.

Anastasia Eyeshadow Palettes – The new eyeshadow palettes that ABH has been releasing are beautiful, but a lot of the shades are ones I don’t like on my own skin tone or I wouldn’t wear everyday. I regret not buying the Sultry palette because that one had the most shades I would use. Soft Glam is gorgeous, but has a bit too many oranges for my personal taste.

Guerlain products – Even though Guerlain is too expensive, I was looking at them at Sephora one day. I realized how heavily scented their products are – even the powders! I don’t understand why powders need fragrance in them! Guerlain products have a stronger scent than Chanel. I’m doing my best to cut down on fragranced products, but sometimes you really want to try something and it has fragrance (like the Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base).

What products did you see online and went in person to try out…and then decided you didn’t want it anymore?
Love,

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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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August 2019 Product Empties

August 30, 2019

Hi Everyone!
Here are my empties from August. As you can see, I finished my Butter Bronzer. Keep reading to find out what else I finished this month!
Physician’s Formula Murumuru Butter Butter Bronzer – I think most people have tried this bronzer and love it. I also love it, but I wish it didn’t have fragrance in it. Why does a powder need fragrance?! For this reason, I will be trying out different ones. I may come back to it if I can’t find one that performed as beautifully as this one.

Repurchase? Maybe. If they came out with an unscented version, I would absolutely buy it!
Simple Foaming Cleanser – This was an okay cleanser. I used to love foaming cleansers, but I’m starting to prefer cleansing milks, oils and gels now.

Repurchase? No.

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser – This is a great cleanser for a great price (especially at Costco). I use it in the mornings and I sometimes use it for the body.

Repurchase? Absolutely.
Benefit Roller Lash Mascara – It was time to declutter this little guy. It’s a great mascara. While it’s not my fave of all time, I would definitely consider getting it in the full-size.

Repurchase? Maybe.
Picture taken when I first got it.
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water – I really enjoyed this primer water. It was great as a primer and as a setting spray. I don’t know if it necessarily prolonged my makeup, but it helped my powder products blend in with the skin.

Repurchase? Yes!
Subi Beauty Perfect Pimple Patches* (read my review) – These were great pimple patches. They’re like the Rael or COSRX Clear Fit ones. It comes in a pack of 18 x 10 mm patches.

Repurchase? Probably not. As a Canadian, it’s cheaper for me to get the COSRX (from Chuusi.ca) or Rael ones (from Amazon).

What did you finish this month?
Love,
*Products were gifted to me.

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July/August 2019 Faves

August 28, 2019

Hi Everyone!
Bare Minerals Gen Nude Powder Blush in That Peach Tho – This is a beautiful peachy blush. I would definitely pick up other shades from this collection! I also really want to try Bare Minerals’ new Bounce & Blur Blush.
Perricone MD No Lip Gloss Lip Gloss* – This is a beautiful lip gloss that has a very subtle tint. It’s not too sticky and it has a nice scent.
Touch In Sol No Poreblem Primer – I’m late to the party on this one. This is a great primer and the price is even better! It makes my face look like it has a filter. Some people might be concerned about it clogging pores, I think it’s fine if you use it in moderation – Don’t use it every day so your skin can breathe.
Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner – As it says on the bottle, it’s a quick drying, rinse-free formula. I’ve previously tried the Sephora one which works well. I bought the Sephora one years ago and it smelled really nice and then I repurchased it and they had changed the formula or scent since then. I can’t describe the smell, but it kind of burns if you accidentally inhale it. This Cinema Secrets one smells like vanilla and Tati recently mentioned it as a fave in her “Sephora ‘VIB Sale’ Top Picks” videos.
Eczema Honey Nut-Free Skin-Soothing Cream* (read my review) – This cream is great. I had an itchy spot and I put some cream on it and it instantly soothed it. I keep mine in the fridge so it keeps longer (but you don’t have to refrigerate) and it also gives the cream a cooling effect on the skin.
Colourpop Brow Boss Gel in Clear – This quickly became a favourite brow gel. It’s clear, but it doesn’t leave your brows looking shiny.
Love,
Products marked with * were gifted to me.

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Project Pan Update | 2019

August 13, 2019

Hi Everyone!
It’s been six months since my last Project Pan update!
Check out my last update and my original 2019 Project Pan post!
STILL IN MY COLLECTION

Marcelle Velvet Gel Lip Liner in Rosy Nude – Still working on this one because I don’t wear lipstick that often.

FINISHED

Bobbi Brown Rich Lip Color in Bare Pink – This was a beautiful lipstick shade. I’ve been leaning more towards glosses and lip balms lately, so I probably wouldn’t repurchase this one.

Lancôme Skin Feels Good Skin Nourishing Foundation in 01N Nude Vanilla (read my review) – Loved this foundation, but I wish it came in more shades. If they expand to a shade that matches me better, I would definitely repurchase!

DECLUTTERED

MAC Cremesheen Glass in It’s A Strike – I bought this at the MAC Warehouse Sale in 2017 and it started to smell different, so I decided to declutter it.

MAC Patentpolish Lip Pencil in Kittenish – I also bought this at the MAC Warehouse Sale and I liked it, but again, I am leaning more towards glosses and balms.

TheBalm Batter Up Eyeshadow Sticks in Dugout and Shutout (read my review) – I decided to declutter these because I just didn’t reach for them when I would wear eyeshadows.

So, my 2019 Project Pan kind of failed since I ended up decluttering quite a few of the products. It did make me realize that I need to think twice before I go and buy something that I can’t return (from a warehouse sale or Winners – TheBalm Batter Up sticks were from Winners).
Love,

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My Mom’s Everyday Makeup | 2019

August 2, 2019

Hi Everyone!

So, here’s an update to my mom’s makeup routine!

Check out my previous post here!

Her skin type is oily and she uses powder foundations. She tried a cushion, but ended up giving it to me because she doesn’t like liquid foundation. She dislikes eye makeup (especially mascara), so she only ever curls her lashes.

Morning Skincare – Update

Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Day Emulsion – Mom loves the Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 collection. Originally, I bought her the Day Cream, but she didn’t like that it came in a pot (for her day cream…for some reason, she’s fine with using the potted creams for nighttime). So, we got the Day Emulsion which comes in a bottle with a pump. She must like it because she bought two more bottles at the Shiseido Warehouse Sale.

She also has a few different SPF products floating around. I don’t know which one she’s currently using on her face, but we have the Shiseido Ultra Sun Protection Lotion and the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer one.

Primer & Colour Corrector – Update

Make Up For Ever Step 1 Equalizer Primer (Smoothing)

L’Oreal Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream- Anti-Redness (read my review) – My mom said the smell is starting to affect her too, so if anyone knows of a product that’s similar, please let me know!

Foundation – Update

After the Sephora MicroSmooth Baked Foundation, she used the Shiseido Sheer and Perfect Compact Foundation in I20 Natural Light Ivory. This was a nice foundation, but the shade wasn’t quite right and she finished it fairly quickly compared to the Sephora foundation because the pan isn’t very deep.

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Powder Foundation in 5.5 – The shade 5.5 is a bit dark, so if she were to repurchase, she’d go down a shade or two. She’s enjoying the foundation – it’s very smooth and looks beautiful. One thing she doesn’t like about the compact is that it comes with a sponge and the middle part with the powder flops back and forth (like the Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer), powder collects in the sponge section which is wasteful.

Concealer – No Update

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Flawless Wear Concealer in Warm Light Medium

She still uses this concealer and she likes the consistency.

Eyes – No Update

Tweezerman Lash Curler

She doesn’t wear eyeshadow or mascara.

Blush – Update

Lancôme Blush Subtil in Aplum – Plum-mauve blushes are her favourite! The compact for this blush isn’t the best though. My mom accidentally dropped it and it chipped off the edge because it’s just plastic. Also, why do high end blushes have to come with those useless brushes?

Lips – Update

MAC Patentpolish Lip Pencil in Spontaneous – I bought this at the MAC Warehouse Sale and my mom is just using it to finish.

MAC Cremesheen Glass in It’s A Strike – Same as the patentpolish pencil, this is not the right shade for her and she’s just using it to finish it.

Makeup she has in her purse to touch-up throughout the day:

Clinique Superpowder Double Face Makeup in Matte Neutral – to get rid of the shine.

MAC Lustre Lipstick in Midimauve – I gave her this one since it’s a more sheer lipstick than the satin lipsticks. It has a bit of pigment and shine – looks more like a tinted balm.

Vaseline – glossy and easy to apply without a mirror.

What do you use for your everyday look?

Love,

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