Since I’m on a Low Buy this year, I won’t have a lot of new favourites for my weekly “Feature Fridays” on my Instagram. So, I’m going to do my favourites posts every two months from now on.
I really love both of these mascaras because they look very natural, but they also darken my lashes! I’ve used both on my lower lashes and it looks very natural (not spidery at all). Between the two, the Maybelline Lash Sensational Full Fan Effect Mascara (read my review) is great for keeping the lashes curled because of the curved wand and it makes my lashes look darker. CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara (read my review) is great for a more natural effect; it didn’t keep the curl on my lashes as well as the Maybelline, but it’s still a great mascara for adding a lil’ something extra to your lashes.
I have another Maybelline fave to add to the list. I am in love with the Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder!! Earlier this month, when there was a snowstorm and I had to go out, I just popped on some concealer and used it as foundation and it was beautiful!! It can get a bit messy. I think next time, I will only pull off half the sticker when I’m opening up a new one. The powder is finely milled and the shade 15 Light is a beautiful match for me. As you may know, I love the Tarte Amazonian Clay Airbrush Foundation, but that’s a bit dark for me right now. Maybe I will use a mix of the two to lighten it. I definitely want to try the pressed powder since that one is actually meant to be used as foundation. My sister uses the loose one because her skin is flawless and she just needs something to mattify and provide sheer coverage. I wouldn’t travel with this one though because it’s already a bit messy just sitting in my drawer, but if you haven’t picked this up yet, I definitely recommend giving it a try!!
I am looooving the Smashbox Primerizer!! It keeps my skin hydrated all day. Around my nose usually starts to look a bit flaky, but this keeps my makeup looking good. Once I finish this little guy, I’ll be sad I can’t repurchase it for a while because of my #NoRepurchaseRule (can’t repurchase any makeup products for the next year or two so I can see what’s out there).
I’m really liking this Lancôme Brow Powdery Shaping Pencil in 09 Soft Black. It made my brows look so natural. I had one of my best brow days wearing this with a brow gel. I need to test it for longevity, but this might be a new fave!!! It has a spoolie on the end which is great. You sharpen the tip which could be a bit of a pain if you’re travelling because you’d need a sharpener.
I compared two mascaras: CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara and the Maybelline Lash Sensational Full Fan Effect Mascara.
I really love them both because they look very natural, but they also darken my lashes! I will put up my review at the end of the day, but right after applying them, both eyes looked very similar- curled, lengthened and no clumps. I applied some on my lower lashes and both look very natural and not spidery.
You can check out my full reviews on both mascaras by clicking the links below:
Get a blast of lush, volumized lashes! LashBlast’s patented volume-boosting formula and patent-pending brush are designed to max-out each and every lash, leaving you with the ultimate big lash look. Instant volume and fullness. Smudge and wear-proof. Hypoallergenic and suitable for contact lens wearers.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara
Lash Sensational Mascara from Maybelline is the first patented fanning brush with 10 layers of bristles to reveal a full flourish of lashes. Liquid Ink formula coats from all sides for a sensational full fan effect.
WINNER: Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara
The Maybelline Mascara did a better job at keeping my lashes curled – especially because the wand is curled. Between the two, I think the CoverGirl is great for day time and the Maybelline for night time since it made my lashes look a bit darker and thicker.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Full Fan Effect Mascara → REVIEW
Diorshow Bold Brow Gel in 002 Dark
Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gioia Eau de Parfum. I’ve had it since 2014, so I’d like to finish it so I can try new ones. It’s still one of my faves, but I’d love to try another one.
I thought I would do a post revisiting last year’s favourites to see if they were still my favourites. I’ve already done a post for my September to December 2017 favourites.
I’m going to split the posts into 2 parts so it’s not too long. Part 1 for January to June and I’ll post the Part 2 in six months’ time for July to December since they’re still fairly recent. These posts are only going to include my beauty favourites.
JANUARY
Maybelline FaceStudio Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter in 100 Molten Gold – LOVE LOVE LOVE!!
Repurchase? Yes! I want to get one of the lighter shades (since they’ve expanded their shade range) because this one can be a bit too dark on me.
Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm – Love this balm!
Repurchase? Yes.
Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector – I enjoyed the metal applicator and it kept my under eyes soft and hydrated.
Repurchase? I would buy it again, but I want to try other products. I’ve only tried a couple eye creams and it’s the best one I’ve tried so far, but I know there are ones that people rave about even more.
Tangle Teezer Original Detangling Hairbrush – I haven’t used this in a while, but I still love it. I think I’m just worried the bristles will come off and I’ll have to get a new one.
Repurchase? Yes, but I would get one with a handle. (UPDATE: I won a giveaway and now I have one with a handle!)
Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo – I love the smell of this. I was surprised to read reviews about it smelling too much.
Repurchase? I’ve already repurchased it.
MAC Vamplify Gloss in What’s Going On – I loved the applicator of this lip gloss, but I didn’t like this particular shade. The only shades available are bright colours.
Repurchase? No. If MAC made a lip gloss with this applicator in a shade I liked, I would definitely get it though.
FEBRUARY
MAC Strobe Cream – I love the Pinklite!
Repurchase? Probably.
Pixi Glow Tonic – LOVE THIS!
Repurchase? I already have. (UPDATE: I have since realized that I may be allergic to witch hazel which is in the glow tonic).
Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder – The powder itself is great and I love the puff. I don’t love the smell of the powder though.
Repurchase? Probably not.
MARCH
Coastal Scents Eclipse Palette – I enjoyed this, but I feel like I only used a handful of shades. Even at $5, it felt like a waste. Plus, you could tell the quality of the packaging was not great because it was basically just foam that had a piece of plastic material glued onto it. It started to peel.
Repurchase? No. Shipping to Canada is an extra charge. I’d rather spend the money on the product instead of shipping. I’ve been using a Hard Candy palette that has a fraction of the colours, but I will be able to use all of them.
LOVE OPI XOXO Mini Nail Lacquer 10 Pack – This pack had 4 colours that I wasn’t a fan of, but it was a good price at Winners.
Repurchase? I wouldn’t have bought the pack at full price, but I would buy individual shades at full price.
Dove Advanced Hair Series Regenerative Nourishment Serum-in-Oil – It made my hair super smooth, but I think I’d rather use a hair mask.
Repurchase? Probably not.
APRIL
Physician’s Formula Murumuru Butter Butter Bronzer – Great bronzer.
Repurchase? Maybe.
Physician’s Formula Butter Highlighter in Pink – Pretty cream highlighter.
Repurchase? Maybe.
Soo’Ae Caada Purifying Brightening Peeling Gel – LOVE!
Repurchase? Yes!
Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick in Ivory 0.75 – This is a beautiful foundation!
Repurchase? Undecided. I want to try other stick foundations to see how they compare. If I do end up buying this again, I need the right shade.
MAC Pigment in Stardream – It’s a beautiful shade!
Repurchase? No. Pigments are too messy for me.
Miniso Flawless Baked Blusher in Rosy Pink – I decided to declutter this. This was a pretty shade, but I didn’t love that it was made in China. If you’re on a budget and you don’t mind where your products are made, this was a really pretty blush.
Repurchase? No.
MAY
Bobbi Brown Instant Long-Wear Makeup Remover – This easily removes eye makeup.
Repurchase? No. Too expensive for a product that will be on your face for seconds. I’d rather spend money on a moisturizer.
INGLOT x Jennifer Lopez LipGlossy Lip Gloss in J225 Pinky – I liked the colour of this lip gloss, but I don’t think it’s worth $28. Plus, the smell reminded me of drugstore lip glosses.
Repurchase? No.
Cake Beauty (Delectable) The Everything Powder – I used this to set my makeup and it works beautifully. It doesn’t have talc…it’s basically just corn starch! But, it had a smell that was quite powerful (like the Baby All Gone dolls where you feed the baby cherries from a spoon – anyone old enough to know what those are?) This was annoying to use as a setting powder because I had to use an old setting powder container to use it (since this is shaped like a baby powder bottle).
Repurchase? No.
Live Clean Exotic Nectar Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner – This made my hair look shinier and smoother. Although, I’m not a huge fan of the scent of Argan Oil, I didn’t mind this.
Repurchase? Possibly.
JUNE
Clinique Sonic Systems Purifying Brush– I enjoy this brush and the charge lasts a really long time! I got this at the MAC Warehouse Sale for $40 and the brush heads were $10.
Repurchase? Although I like the brush, I wouldn’t pay full price for the brush heads. If I ever go back to the MAC Warehouse sale, I will pick some up.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask (read my review) – I gave it a 5/5, but I’m not sure if it actually helped to clarify and exfoliate my skin. When I wake up the next morning though, my skin does look quite refreshed and hydrated.
Repurchase? Yes.
Glow Recipe Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser – If I wanted to replace the Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm, I could buy this to use as a makeup remover. I love that they changed the packaging from a tube to a bottle!
Repurchase? Possibly.
Clionadh Cosmetics Mother of Pearl Highlighter – This is so pretty!
Repurchase? Yes, but without the scent.
The Body Shop Tea Tree Targeted Gel Blemish Stick – I’m so torn. This blemish stick worked well, but it felt unsanitary to stick the wand back in after using it on a pimple. Plus, it’s expensive for a small stick.
Repurchase? Undecided. But if I do, it has to be on sale.
The Body Shop Tea Tree Anti-Imperfection Daily Solution – I believe this is no longer available, but it felt like it was the same product as the tea tree oil from The Body Shop.
Repurchase? Unavailable.
The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Body Wash – This worked okay, I would still get a pimple here and there on my back.
Repurchase? Probably not.
Burt’s Bees Blush in Shy Pink– This is a pretty matte shade, but sometimes I go too heavy-handed and have to really blend it out.
Repurchase? Probably not. The shade is a bit too pink and I’m not a huge fan of the packaging. Since blush lasts so long, I’d rather pay for a high-end one with nicer packaging.
From now on, I will be posting on Tuesdays & Fridays. Posting Mon-Wed-Fri was getting to be too much for me, so I think cutting down to twice a week will be okay for now.
Here are 19 beauty faves that I will definitely repurchase once I’ve finished these:
Kat Von D Shade + Light Contour Palette – UPDATE: I no longer plan to repurchase this palette or any products from the brand. I do want to find a similar contour shade to sombre from this palette though
Tula Acne Clearing + Tone Correcting Gel
Tula Discovery Kit
Purifying Cleanser
Pro-Glycolic Resurfacing Gel
Illuminating Face Serum
Hydrating Day & Night Cream
Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge
Kopari Coconut Deodorant
L’Oréal Skin Pure Sugar Scrub (Kiwi)
Physician’s Formula Murumuru Butter Butter Bronzer in Deep
Physician’s Formula Butter Highlighter in Pink
Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Longwear Foundation Stick in 260 Bisque N
Tarte Timeless Smoothing Primer
Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation in Light Neutral
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser Treatment Concealer in Light
Milani Baked Blush in Dolce Pink
NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer in Custard
Clinique Acne Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel
Make Up For Ever Lustrous Palette (Limited Edition, but the shadows are available in singles) – I love the transition and shimmery shades in this palette. I need to work on using the darker shades more. I took these shadows out of this palette and put them into an empty MAC palette. The black part surrounding the shadows was made of foam. Every time I opened the palette, I would get a whiff of plastic/foam. Luckily, I was able to take the shadows out since it was just glued onto another layer of foam.
Today, I’m reviewing another mascara! The Maybelline Lash Sensational Full Fan Effect Mascara. I decided to pick it up because I’ve seen so many amazing reviews and I heard that Meghan Markle uses the Luscious one from the Lash Sensational collection (that will be next on my list).
It separates lashes really well giving the “full fan effect” and darkens my lashes. I applied the mascara to my lower lashes and they looked very natural (not spidery at all). If I run my finger under my lashes, you can definitely feel that you’re wearing mascara because the lashes are stiff. The mascara flaked a little bit when I rubbed my lashes.
I like that the brush is curved, it helps lift my lashes. I used to not like silicone wands, but I’m coming around to them. This mascara and the CoverGirl LashBlast have made me like silicone wands more. I think I will do a This or That post comparing this mascara to the CoverGirl one.
I have the washable mascara and it did not hold up after crying a bit. I was re-watching the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows movies and cried (obviously). I actually forgot I was wearing mascara and wiped away the tears. Later, I went to the bathroom and thought, “OMG! Why does it look like I have a black eye?” (That’s probably a bit dramatic; it didn’t really look like I had a black eye, maybe super bad dark circles). Then I remembered that I had mascara on. My lashes still kept the curl (I used my Shu Uemura lash curler before applying the mascara) despite getting damp from my tears.
To test how well it curls and maintains a curl, I curled the lashes on my left eye and didn’t curl the right eyelashes. After 6 hours, the left lashes were still curled and even the right look like I had curled them because the mascara lifted them. When I was checking them, I did notice a few mascara flakes on my right lid. After 10 hours of wear, it had definitely smudged onto my under eye area and flaked off a bit.
RATING: 5/5
I can see why everyone loves this mascara so much! It has definitely been added to my faves list! I would be interested in trying the Luscious one because it says it makes your lashes feel soft. I think I also want to try the Total Temptation one with Coconut Oil.
We’re starting this month with something a little different from my usual favourites. I think everyone is always on a quest to make their skin look healthy. Last year, I took spin classes for two weeks with my friends and I was drinking a lot of water then. My skin was probably the best it ever looked because I was staying hydrated. In October, I decided that I should make it a goal to drink the recommended daily intake of water (8 x 8 mL = about 2L).
Drinking from a bottle or cold cup with a straw has definitely helped me increase my water intake. (I’m using up the rest of our plastic straws right now, but will definitely be switching to reusable or paper straws in the future). I’ve also been cutting down on sugary drinks. I haven’t bought any 2L bottles of pop or juice in a long time. I mostly drink just water throughout the day and have one cup of tea. If I’m going out for dinner, I usually just get water, but occasionally, I will order a ginger ale or coke.
Last month, I downloaded an app called Water Drink Reminder to help me keep track of my water intake and I think it’s helped my skin a lot. I just chose the first Water Tracker app that I liked the interface. I tried this plant one that had a cute plant and this other one, but both had spelling mistakes which drove me crazy. Apart from the horrible breakout I had at the beginning of this month, my skin is a lot more hydrated and not as dry.
So far I’m loving this Kopari Coconut Deodorant. I haven’t done a rigorous workout with it, but I did some exercises to work up a sweat and it still smelled nice and coconut-ty. I was wearing it for a whole day and I did notice that the scent had faded and I could start to smell a bit of sweat. So, I don’t think this would be good for a rigorous workout and you would definitely have to reapply during a hot day. It is a bit pricey, but deodorant lasts a while, so I think it will be worth it.
The Etude House Lip & Eye Remover is awesome at taking off eye makeup. I use a cotton pad and it took off the majority of my eye makeup in one swipe. I don’t have waterproof mascara, so I don’t know how well it takes it off, but it’s great for regular, non-waterproof makeup.
I can see why everyone loves the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Concealer. I have the shade Light and it’s the perfect shade for my under eyes. It brightens and has a beautiful, natural finish. I took off the sponge because I just don’t think it’s hygienic. One twist is enough for both of my eyes now that the sponge is gone.
Lately, I’ve been using the Tula Purifying Cleanser, Illuminating Face Serum and the Acne Clearing + Tone Correcting Gel. I was slowly incorporating the Tula products to my routine (just in case I have a reaction to one of the products). I still have to add the Pro-Glycolic Resurfacing Gel (which is a toner) and the Hydrating Day & Night Cream to the routine. I am very impressed by the acne gel because it’s one of the few salicylic acid products that hasn’t made my face red, irritated or puffy. Yay!! Usually, my face is fine with salicylic acid cleansers because it’s not on my face for very long. With salicylic acid products that you leave on overnight or during the day, I haven’t been so lucky. That’s why I was using tea tree oil products for a while. I still love my Body Shop tea tree oil products, but the smell is just so strong. So far, I am liking the Tula products I’ve tried. I will write a full review once I’ve started using the other 2 products.
Happy Hallowe’en! Here are this month’s product empties.
Dove Advanced Hair Series Regenerative Nourishment Serum-in-Oil (read my review) – I don’t do a lot of things to my hair, so it’s in pretty good shape. I don’t think I really need a hair oil, but I think every now and then I’d use a hair mask. This did make my hair feel soft, so if you need something to help smooth and soften your hair, I’d recommend this.
Repurchase? Probably not.
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil – I got a little sample of this and it lasted a long time (probably because I liked it and I was saving it until I bought another). I mostly used it on and around my nose to moisturize those areas. It could sometimes look cakey in those areas after a few hours of wearing foundation. So, I learned to be light-handed with it and make sure it absorbed before applying my makeup on top.
Repurchase? Absolutely. Although, right now, I’m using the Tarte Maracuja Oil instead (it’s cheaper because it has more in the bottle for the price).
Milani Keep It Sweet Sugar Scrub (read my review) – Initially, I really liked it, but I realized it was kind of just moving the loose skin on my lips back and forth instead of actually scrubbing it off. I would rather use a warm, wet cloth to exfoliate or use the elf lip scrub.
Repurchase? No.
Sonia Roselli Water Balm (read my review) – When I first got this, I used way too much of it. I learned that a smaller scoop went a long way because when you rub your hands together, it turns to water beads.
Repurchase? Absolutely!
Bobbi Brown Intensive Long Wear Makeup Remover – This was a really good makeup remover, but there are tons of drugstore brands that are more affordable. I only had this because I got it free when I purchased a palette from Nordstrom.
Repurchase? No.
First Aid Hello FAB Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer – I don’t really love the smell of this. I’d rather get the Sonia Roselli Water Balm if I’m going to get a 2-in-1 moisturizer and primer.
Repurchase? No.
Live Clean Biotin Extra Body Shampoo & Conditioner – This shampoo says it thickens and volumizes. While I could use some volume in my hair, it definitely doesn’t need to be thicker. I liked the smell of this shampoo and conditioner. I didn’t really notice if it did, in fact, thicken and volumize my hair. I noticed that this conditioner was the thickest of the Live Clean conditioners I tried.
Repurchase? No, my hair is already thick.
Garnier Skin Active Micellar Water (Waterproof) – This micellar water is great to remove makeup. Although, it does have an oily feeling. So, if you prefer not to have that feeling, get the pink one that’s not for removing waterproof makeup.
Repurchase? Absolutely, but I want to try other micellar waters.
Shiseido Benefiance Extra Creamy Cleansing Foam – This had some type of bead in it which I didn’t like. If I’m using a foamy cleanser, I want it to be nice and smooth. This was very fragranced and I’m not sure if my skin had a reaction from it.
Repurchase? No.
Earth Therapeutics Purifying Foot Scrub – I bought this a loooong time ago at Winners. It’s a good scrub and it made my feet and hands feel smooth, but I don’t know if they still sell it. One thing that I didn’t like is that it was really hard to squeeze out product, I don’t know if it was a flaw in the design or something, but I always had to use both hands to squeeze out the scrub.
Repurchase? Probably not.
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub – I think this was an old formula, so it still had the plastic beads to exfoliate. I was using it every day which was too much for me. If I use it a few times a week, I think it would’ve been okay. I didn’t really love this product.
Repurchase? Probably not.
The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Body Wash – This product worked well. It concerned me that it said not to use on the face though- how much stronger is it than their other tea tree products?
Repurchase? Possibly.
Essence Get BIG! Lashes Triple Black Mascara (read my review) – This mascara does darken and volumize my lashes…and it’s a great price! The brush is just too big for my lashes.
Repurchase? No.
Inglot x Jennifer Lopez Lipglossy Lip Gloss in Pinky (read my review) – This is a beautiful lip gloss shade, but it’s so expensive and I don’t really like that it’s scented.
Repurchase? No.
Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Concealer in Warm Ivory – I did not like this concealer. I would rather get a drugstore one than use this one. I got a bit of a reaction from using this concealer under my eyes. When I swatched on my hand and blended it out, it would look beautiful, but when I used it under my eyes, it would just look terrible. I’m glad I didn’t pay full price for this (bought it at the MAC Warehouse Sale).
Repurchase? NO.
Maybelline Fit Me Shine-Free Balance Stick Foundation in 130 Buff Beige (read my review) – I actually really loved this foundation (I think I preferred it to the liquid Fit Me). It lasted throughout the day on hot summer days. Of course, I would still get shiny in the t-zone, but it still looked really good after 8 hours of wear. I don’t know how it would do on someone with oily skin, but it worked great on my normal-dry skin. I’ve compared it to the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation stick (read my review).
Repurchase? If I were going to continue buying drugstore foundations, I would definitely buy this again.
bareMinerals BAREPRO Performance Wear Powder Foundation in Cashmere – This was a sample size and I really liked using it to pop in my purse (because of the size of the sample) for spot conceal touch-ups. I also liked using it to clean up my brows.
Repurchase? I prefer loose powder foundations, but I would definitely consider bareMinerals.
OPI Mini Nail Lacquer in Tickle My France-y – I love this colour, it’s a pinky-purple shade. I have to declutter this mini because the polish was starting to get really thick when I painted it onto my nails.
In February, I selected 10 makeup products to finish before the end of the year and here’s an update! I chose products that I’ve had for a while and I wanted to use them before they went bad or dried out. I tried to pick at least one product from each category: Face (Foundation, Concealer, Bronzer, Blush), Eyes/Brows, Lips.
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Deauville – This shade is way too light for me. Of course, it looked fine in the store under the bright lights, but I look like a ghost when I wear it. I mix it with my Maybelline Fit Me Foundation to darken it.
STATUS: Finished!
Bella Pierre Mineral Blush in Autumn Glow – This was the first non-drugstore blush I bought. It was kind of a pinky-brown shade that looked really nice when blended out.
STATUS: Decluttered
Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Bronzer in Park Ave Princess – This is a pretty bronzer, but since it was Made in China, I wouldn’t repurchase (read my post: Where Were Your Beauty Products Made?). If I’m spending that much money on a bronzer, I want it to be made elsewhere.
STATUS: Finished!
Revlon Colorstay Concealer in Light/Medium – I won’t be repurchasing this concealer. I don’t like the smell of it and I prefer the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer anyway.
STATUS: Finished!
Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in Light – One of my fave concealers.
STATUS: Finished!
NYX Micro Brow Pencil in Black – I really like this brow pencil, it fills in the gaps and it’s not too dark.
STATUS: Finished!
Tarte Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara – I liked this mascara. The brush was good and it gave me very natural looking lashes.
STATUS: Finished!
Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara – I liked this mascara. I kept the wand.
STATUS: Finished! (I must’ve forgotten to include this in a Product Empties post)
Too Faced Mini Chocolate Bar – This was redeemed from Sephora Rewards. I love this mini palette, the champagne truffle shade is beautiful.
STATUS: Decluttered (the shadows and bronzer were starting to smell off)
L’Oreal Colour Riche Collection Exclusive Nude Lipcolor in 370 Jennifer’s Nude – I think this is my favourite lipstick. I bought it when it first came out and fell in love with it. The makeup artist who did our makeup also used it on my sister and me for my sister’s wedding reception in Toronto. This is my go-to and that’s why I sort of want to use it up so that my other lipsticks have a chance of being used.
STATUS: Finished!
What’s on your list of products you want to finish before the end of 2018?
I decluttered a lot of makeup because I’m sort of just using a lot of products just to finish them. I’d rather be using ones that I enjoy and want to be using. I also decluttered a lot of nail polishes because they’re old. This declutter brings me closer to streamlining my makeup collection! Yay for progress! → Check out my makeup goals
Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara – I really liked this mascara, but it’s way too expensive.
Repurchase? No.
L’Oréal Voluminous Original Mascara in Blackest Black – This was a mascara I originally picked up in high school and I still love it.
Repurchase? YES!
Life Brand Clear Action Medicated Acne Gel (with 5% Benzoyl Peroxide) – I bought this to try as a spot treatment. I would use this before bed and every single time I woke up, I would wake up with red, puffy skin where I applied it (and the surrounding area). My face would be itchy for the rest of the day and part of the next day. I’ve found that anything stronger than salicylic acid will anger my skin. I can use benzoyl peroxide cleansers because you cleanse the skin and then wipe it off, but I’ve tried different percentages of benzoyl peroxide gels, and they’ve all made my face red and/or itchy.
Repurchase? ABSOLUTELY NOT!
Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer – I got a deluxe sample of this from Sephora. I had to declutter this because the cocoa smell was starting to smell off. I never reached for it as my bronzer anyway because it was too dark for me. I would use it as an eyeshadow more than a bronzer.
Repurchase? No.
Smashbox Photo Filter Powder Foundation in Shade 1 – This powder was way too light. I don’t know what I was thinking when I chose shade 1. I couldn’t even tell if it was any good because I just looked like a ghost.
Repurchase? It was velvety smooth, I would consider trying the right shade.
Milani Bronzer XL All Over Glow in 01 Bronze Glow – I had to declutter this because I think the fragrance in it was causing breakouts. Plus, it was too orange for me – if I didn’t blend it out really well, I would look splotchy.
Repurchase? No.
I know there’s two Milani products in this list that I wouldn’t repurchase, but I do love other products from the brand → Check out my haul!
L’Oréal Infallible Le Rouge Lipstick in 337 Refined Ruby – This is a really nice vampy red shade. Now that I have two MAC ones, I decided to declutter this one because it’s a bit too dark on me.
Repurchase? I’d consider buying another shade in the infallible lipstick line.
Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner in Blacquer 42 – I assume I had the shade Blacquer because it was the black shade. Apparently the full-sized crayons don’t dry out as quickly? I saw in a YouTube video (can’t remember who it was) and the YouTuber said she loved the full-sized ones, but the deluxe sample sized ones dried out faster.
Repurchase? Probably not.
I decluttered 14 nail polishes. I will just list them below instead of describing each one and saying if I’d repurchase. I wouldn’t repurchase any of the ones listed below. The only brand I would purchase again is OPI. Revlon’s brush was flat and thick which I liked. The Maybelline Color Show and Wet N Wild ones were super thin and round which I find useless because my nails end up streaky and it takes a long time to paint.
I was going to show swatches of them, but they’re all so old that I don’t think they even sell them anymore.
Revlon Colorstay 120 Red Carpet (not pictured because I accidentally threw it out before taking the pictures)
Wet n Wild Wildshine C485D Black Crème
Wet n Wild Wildshine C488B Who is Ultraviolet?
Quo by Orly Mega Silver 59397
Claire’s Glitter 46813 Click Your Heels
Maybelline Color Show Paint the Town 260
GOSH 600 Matt Effect Top Coat
OPI Louvre Me Louvre Me Not (OPI collection de France)
OPI On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (Holiday 2012- skyfall collection)
OPI Ski Teal We Drop (Fall 2010- swiss collection)
Recently, I was watching a Kathleen Lights video and she said how good the Maybelline Color Tattoo Cream Shadow was, so I thought I’d give it a try. Then, about a day later, I saw an IG pic by editionalbeauty (check out her blog) of her collection of Revlon ColorStay cream shadows. I thought, “I wonder how the two drugstore brands compare!” So, I grabbed the Revlon cream shadow in a shade as similar as the nude/gold one I picked up by Maybelline. The shades aren’t the same, but I am comparing the two shadows for their longevity and quality. Since I chose lighter shades, I can’t say if the pigmentation for the darker ones are different.
Maybelline Eyestudio Color Tattoo Metal 24hr Cream Gel Eye Shadow in Barely Branded
Dare to get inked! Our ink technology creates super-saturated colour. Cream gel smooths on for vibrant colour that lasts for 24-hours. Ophthalmologist tested. Dermatologist tested. Allergy tested. Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
Step 1. Using fingertips, apply eye shadow from the inner corner and work outwards. Step 2. For added drama, reapply to darken.
Revlon ColorStay Crème Eye Shadow in Crème Brûlée 705 – It comes with a brush that slides into the cap. I thought the brush was useless, the pigmentation was better when I used my finger to apply the shadow.
Introducing 6 new highly-pigmented bold shades with finishes ranging from matte to shimmer. Luxurious, longwear crème eye shadow with a pro-inspired built-in-brush designed for easy, mess free application. Wears up to 24 hours & waterproof.
Maybelline (left), Revlon
When dipping your finger into the pot, don’t press too hard. I found the best way was to lightly swirl my finger in the pot so that I didn’t get clumps of the shadow on my finger.
I did a few different wear tests to see how they performed:
TEST #1- no eyeshadow primer, no shadow
I wanted to test the longevity of both products without any primer and no shadows on top. By the 2nd hour, both were starting to crease near the inner corner of my eye.
TEST #2- with eyeshadow primer, and eyeshadow on top (half of lid)
I used Etude House Proof 10 Eyeshadow Primer and then I used a light brown shade to smoke out the outer corner. Both shadows creased by the 5th or 6th hour, but they held up well until then.
TEST #3– using the cream shadow as a base
For the 3rd test, I basically did the same as test #2, but I also applied a shimmery rose gold shade on the lid.
Both shadows looked good as a shadow on their own and as a base for a shimmery powder shadow. I highly suggest eyeshadow primer when you use it though. It definitely extended the wear time and my lids don’t get super oily.
Maybelline (top), Revlon
The Revlon isn’t as pigmented after one swipe, but it is buildable. Both look good alone for a simple, shimmery lid. For me, I liked when I used the cream shadows all over the lid and then applied a brown shade on the outer corner and lower lashline to smoke it out.
Comparing the two shades I got, I think I like the Revlon one better because it’s more rose gold while the Maybelline is more yellow gold. Both are around the same price (around $10), but you get more in the Revlon pot (0.18oz/5.2g) than the Maybelline one (0.14oz/4g). Both come in shimmery and matte shades.
I don’t know if it’s just me, but I feel like the Revlon shadow is a bit more creamy. When I dip my finger into it, it feels a bit softer.
Both came off easily with my Garnier Micellar Water. There may be residual sparkles left, but the colour removes easily.
Revlon ekes out a victory here. Both perform really well, but I think I prefer Revlon because it blends more nicely for my monolids. Because it’s less pigmented, it looks more seamless when you blend it on the lid. Since I don’t have a crease, I don’t like when shimmery eyeshadows go too high on my lids (that’s just me though).
Since it’s July, I’ve decided to do a mid-year makeup inventory on some of my makeup. I’ve seen a few people do it on Instagram, and thought I should do that too and decide how many I want to finish of each type of product before I can purchase more.
Today’s post is on my mascaras. I think I’ve done pretty well. I haven’t bought a new one in a while, I obtained a few more from my friend who got them in a bonus and already had a full-size.
If you want to see the other makeup inventory posts I’ve written, click the following links:
started with 10; 5 (after decluttering some of the ones pictured)
Since taking this picture, I’ve finished the Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara and obtained the Burt’s Bees Nourishing Lengthening Mascara (I also must’ve forgotten one in my collection when I took this picture- an Estée Lauder one). After this post, I’m going to be retiring the 3-step fiber mascara (read my review), L’Oréal Lash Paradise and the Estée Lauder one because I’ve had them for a while. I’m not going to do a makeup buying ban for mascara. After retiring 3, I’ll have 5 and next month, it’s probably going to be time to retire more.
Estée Lauder Sumptuous Knockout Defining Lift and Fan Mascara in Black
I did not like the brush on this mascara. I tried using the mascara with another brush and I liked it. For me, it wouldn’t be worth buying a mascara (if I purchased high-end ones) if I didn’t like the brush though.
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara in Black
I may be one of the few that doesn’t like either Better Than Sex or Lash Paradise. I’ve compared both mascaras (read my review). I just don’t like the brushes and they both dry out so quickly.
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara in Blackest Black
I think this was one of the first mascaras I tried in high school. It’s still a fave of mine.
Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara in Black
I really like this one, it looks natural and I love the brush.
Burt’s Bees Nourishing Lengthening Mascara in Classic Black
This one kind of smells (in a different way than other mascara), but once it’s on the lashes, it’s fine. I like the brush and it comes off easily with water.
Urban Decay Perversion Mascara in Black
I like this one too, it makes my lashes look darker and not clumpy at all!
Urban Decay Troublemaker Mascara in Black
I like this mascara, but since it’s a deluxe sample size, the wand is so tiny and it’s hard to use it.
I love most of these mascaras, but I’ve said it many times, I don’t like buying mascaras over $15. There are so many amazing drugstore ones, why buy high end ones? Especially when you should throw them out after a few months. Mascara gets bacteria very easily and you don’t want to get an eye infection. My fave mascaras are by L’Oréal and Maybelline. I’ve only tried a few other drugstore ones because I received them from Influenster for review purposes. I’ve received the Revlon Mega Multiplier (read my review) and CoverGirl Total Tease Mascara (read my review).
Here are my empties for June! I finished quite a few makeup items.
Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist – The nozzle of this randomly stopped working after I was 2/3 done. It wasn’t misting, it was spraying a steady stream that went across the room. I tried to clean it, and then I got 2 streams, I had to pour it into a different bottle to finish it off.
Repurchase? Maybe.
Pixi Rose Flash Balm – I’m not a huge fan of rose-scented things, but I loved the balm.
Repurchase? No.
Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector – I have been using this every night since December. This little tube lasted 7 months (way longer than expected it to last). I don’t know if it’s from lack of sleep, but this was helping get rid of dark circles in the beginning, but after a while, it wasn’t doing anything. Although, this product kept my under eyes hydrated and smooth. I liked that the tip of it was to help cool the under eyes and depuff them. I liked the consistency of it, it wasn’t too thick and didn’t make my under eye area break out.
Repurchase? Yes.
The Ordinary Serum Foundation in 2.0N – This is a decent foundation for the price, but I didn’t love it.
Repurchase? No.
Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Bronzer – There are so many other ones I like for less. Also, this bronzer had a sheen to it, so if I were to buy a Tarte bronzer, I would pick up the matte one. I finished this shortly before writing a mid-year makeup inventory post (read my review and see a comparison swatch with other bronzers).
Repurchase? No.
Benefit Benebalm Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm – This was very hydrating, and felt nice on the lips, but it was a bit too pink-red for me. It looked like I ate a cherry popsicle and it stained my lips.
Repurchase? No.
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara – Even though this is a cult favourite, I don’t like it. I’ve tried it several times now (I got it in a rewards bonus from Sephora and as an Xmas gift). It dries out quickly and I don’t love the shape of the brush. I compared this with the other cult favourite, L’Oréal’s Lash Paradise (read my review).
Repurchase? No.
Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in Light – This is a fave concealer of mine which isn’t saying a whole lot because I’ve only tried samples of high end ones and only bought drugstore ones. This wasn’t actually an empty, but I realized I’ve had this longer than I should and it’s time to throw it out.
Repurchase? Yes, but I want to try other ones before buying this again. I want to try the NARS one and the Maybelline Age Rewind.
After finishing a tube of mascara, I like to clean off the wand and keep it. I have gotten a lot of high-end travel-sized mascaras from Sephora, so, this way, I get to use a good quality brush to improve the mascara. I don’t know how accurate it was, but I once read that all mascaras (designer and drug store) basically have the same formulation- it’s the brush that makes the difference. Since mascara should only be kept for a few months, I personally don’t find it necessary to pay more than $15 for a mascara. I can’t justify spending more than that because I like to have different mascaras for different uses (day, night, natural, volume, etc.)
Top: Essence Volume Stylist 18Hr Lash Extension, Maybelline Great Lash, Buxom Lash Mascara, Clinique Lash Power Flutter-to-Full, Lancôme Hypnôse Bottom: Tarte Lights, Camera Lashes, Maybelline Lash Stiletto, Tarte Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart, Wet N Wild Mega Protein, Too Faced Better Than Sex
Most of them are nylon and have the tapered, cone shape. The 4th from the right is a silicone brush and it’s a bit skinnier in the middle. The Too Faced Better Than Sex and the Lancôme Hypnôse wands have that corkscrew shape. but the Lancôme one is skinnier. If I had to choose favourites, I think they’d be the Buxom, Tarte and Maybelline ones.
If you follow me on IG or you’ve read my Dupe It Out post on mascaras, you’ll know that the cult favourite, Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, is one of my least fave mascaras. I’ve gotten a travel-sized tube twice and both times they dried out super fast, plus, the shape of the wand leaves my lashes looking clumpy and I have trouble getting in the inner and outer corners of my lashes.
I decided to put the wand to the test to see if it was the formulation of the mascara that I didn’t like or if it was both the wand and the formula. After sterilizing the brush, I dipped it into my L’Oreal Voluminous Original Mascara and did one eye with the L’Oreal wand and the other with the Better Than Sex wand. The Better Than Sex mascara was leaving clumps on the end of my lashes and again, I had trouble getting in the inner corner of my eye to get the inner lashes. The wand collects a lot of product in the middle. The top pic is a clean Better Than Sex wand and the bottom pic is when it has the L’Oreal Voluminous Original mascara on it. So, now I know that it’s both the formula and the brush that I don’t like.
I think I’m one of the few people who doesn’t like the Better Than Sex OR the L’Oreal Lash Paradise. I should try the Lash Paradise with a different brush though, because I think I don’t like it because it has the same corkscrew shape as the Better Than Sex wand.
UPDATE: I finally found a place in Canada that collects mascara wands. I’ve been hoarding these, but I really don’t use them and I’d rather it go to a good cause. In case you’re wondering, only about six of these were bought by me, the rest were deluxe samples. In a recent post on Facebook, Project Wild Wands Canada said that “Toronto Wildlife Centre is in immediate need of wands due to a large amount of bats that are there at the moment.” When I dropped them off, the volunteers didn’t seem to know anything about it, so I would suggest calling beforehand if you plan to drop by or mail them.
You can mail or drop off to: 4-60 Carl Hall Rd Toronto, ON M3K 2C1
Here are April’s product empties! I actually managed to finish two foundations this month. I think I bought them around the same time and both don’t have pumps, so I think I used more than I needed. A lot of the time, my hand still had foundation on it. Both brands sell other foundations with pumps, why don’t these have them?!
Maybelline Fit Me Hydrate + Smooth Foundation in 130 Buff Beige (read my review) – I reviewed this comparing it to the Fit Me Stick Foundation .
Repurchase? From now on, I’m only going to purchase high-end foundation and while this one was good, it had a scent that I wasn’t too fond of (a bit too chemically).
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Deauville – I didn’t like that this didn’t come with a pump.
Repurchase? I think the fact that I got a shade that was way too light made me not like this. I won’t say ‘no,’ but I think I’d rather try other foundations.
Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes – I finished another package of this! I guess it’s not that surprising, there’s only 25 in a pack and sometimes I need two wipes.
Repurchase? Definitely. I’m trying some other brands too, but these are definitely a favourite.
The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Targeted Gel Blemish Stick (read my review) – This is great for spot treatment.
Repurchase? Already bought two more sticks during a sale.
The Ordinary “Buffet” (read my review) – I didn’t love this.
Repurchase? I bought a new bottle a while back, but I don’t think I will repurchase after that.
Clean and Clear Morning Burst Fruit Infusions Purifying Cleanser – It’s so refreshing and wakes you up in the morning.
Repurchase? I don’t think it’s in stores anymore, but if I find something similar, I would buy it.
Revlon ColorStay Concealer in Light Medium – It was a good shade match and the concealer wasn’t bad, but I prefer the Maybelline Fit Me concealer if I’m choosing from drugstore concealers. I also didn’t love the smell of this concealer.
Repurchase? No.
COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches (read my review) – I love these patches.
Repurchase? It’ll be a while before I repurchase because I bought ten packs from Amazon, but I definitely will be buying more of these!
What were your product empties this month? Which ones would you repurchase?
