• L’Oréal Paris | My Hits & Misses

    July 31, 2023

    Hi Everyone!

    It’s been a while since I’ve posted on the blog. It’s also been a while since I’ve done a Hits & Misses post. So here are my thoughts on L’Oréal products. Some of the products I was gifted and marked with a *.

    Check out my other Hits & Misses posts!

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

    SKINCARE || Eye Creams

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

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

    HITS

    Voluminous Original Mascara – This is one of my favourite drugstore mascaras. I like the wand and it’s a good price. 

    Rouge Signature Liquid Lip Colour in I Create 416 – I love this shade and it’s a pretty comfortable matte liquid lipstick. Sometimes I’ll put a bit of gloss on in the middle.

    Colour Riche Shine Lipstick in Varnished Rosewood 904 (read my review) – I bought this one for my mom, it’s a really pretty shade and has a nice shine.

    LIKES

    Bambi Eye Mascara* – I liked this mascara, the shape of the tube made it a bit difficult to open. I don’t have dexterity issues, but someone who does might have trouble opening it.

    Telescopic Intense Lash Length Original Mascara – This is the gold tube one. It works well for bottom lashes.

    Brow Stylist Boost & Set Volumizing Brow Mascara (read my review) – This brow mascara was okay. I liked the small brush, but it made my brows feel crunchy.

    Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream Anti-Redness (read my review) – My mom uses this anti-redness bb cream and it works well. I wish it came in different shades because it’s too brown for me. It also doesn’t smell that great.

    Color Riche Collection Exclusive Lipstick in J Lo’s Nude 370 – I used to looooove this lipstick. I didn’t really love the scent of the lipstick (I think it was the same as the regular Colour Riche lipsticks – either a baby powder scent or a bit floral). I went through 3 tubes of this until I decided to try other products. I prefer lip tints and balms or liquid lipsticks these days.

    Color Riche Oil-Infused Nail Lacquer in 554 Carmin Parisien* – Gorgeous shade and the brush works well. I could do without the rose scent of the polish though. I prefer the regular Color Riche Nail Lacquer (if they still sell that).

    Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Day Moisturizer Fragrance-Free* – This is the only skincare product I’ve liked from L’Oreal because it’s fragrance-free. It did a good job as a moisturizer too, but it’s almost the same price as a non-drugstore brand. So I’d rather use a serum or moisturizer from another brand. 

    Revitalift Triple Power LZR 7-day Treatment Replumping Ampoules* – These were interesting. I would prefer if they sold it in a bottle because it’s expensive for these 7 capsules.

    Le Colour Clear Toning Gloss* – I haven’t coloured my hair in years, so I can only judge the claims to make your hair shine. It did make my hair look very shiny and healthy.

    Dream Lengths 8-second(es) Wonder Water Lamellar Rinse-Out* (read my review) – It detangled hair well, but it didn’t last very long and it was expensive.

    MISSES

    Unfortunately, a lot of the skincare products has a heavy fragrance that gives me a headache, so I was unable to test how well the product actually worked. The serums were all quite tacky which I didn’t love. Here are 3 of their Revitalift serums that were too scented to try: 

    • Revitalift Derm Intensives 12% Pure Vitaminc C, E + Salicylic Acid Face Serum* – smells like that solution to clean the hair tools at a salon
    • Revitalift Hydrating Smoothing Serum* – smells like hairspray from what I remember
    • Revitalift Triple Power LZR 0.3% Pure Retinol Night Serum* – I may be mistaken, but I could’ve sworn that all of the serums had fragrance in them. Maybe there was another reason I didn’t like this one because it claims to be fragrance-free on the website

    Pure-Sugar Scrub for Oily Skin (Kiwi) – When I first tried this, I liked it, but I don’t really use scrubs on my face anymore because of my sensitive skin.

    Pure Clay Masks (Charcoal Brightening Mask for Dull Skin, Red Pore Minimizing 7 Exfoliating for Rough Skin, Green Mattifying Face Mask for Oily Skin)* – As I’ve gotten older, I’ve stopped using face masks as often out of laziness. I prefer to use a mask that I don’t have to clean off. Also, clay masks can make my skin feel dry and tight and I don’t need my skin to be drier (especially in the colder months).

    Concealer Infallible Full Wear, One-Swipe Complete Coverage Matte Finish – This one is too thick for my liking and just made my under eyes look cakey.

    Colour Riche Ultra Matte Lipstick* (read my review) – These were a bit too matte for my liking. I probably could’ve added a gloss or balm on top, but the shades I tried weren’t ones I would’ve personally chosen. So maybe if I had tried a shade that I like, I would like them better.

    Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara – This is going to be a surprise for some people, but I do not like this mascara’s wand shape. I need a more cone-shaped wand or one that’s wider in the middle, not thinner. 

    I have an Excel sheet of products I’ve tried and whether I would repurchase them or not. I have a few L’Oreal products that I said I wouldn’t repurchase, but unfortunately, I didn’t write why lol, so these fall into that category:

    • Voluminous Original Primer – I could’ve sworn I tried this, but I can’t find it in my records anywhere. I know I tried a mascara primer, but I didn’t want to splurge on one, so I got this one. I remember not liking it because it made my lashes feel so heavy once I put mascara on. It was either this or the Tarte Opening Act Lash Primer.
    • Excellence Crème – I’m pretty sure I’ve used one of their hair colours. I don’t dye my hair often, but I tried a few box dyes a few years ago. So I don’t really have a reference for which ones are good
    • Dream Lengths Shampoo with Keratin and Castor Oil & Dream Lengths Conditioner* – All I wrote in my Excel sheet was “scent was too sweet”
    • Extraordinary Oil Shampoo Fine Coconut Oil – I’m guessing that I didn’t like the oil in it or I didn’t like the coconut scent.
    • EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Strengthening Shampoo & Conditioner* – I usually stick to regular drugstore shampoo brands in bottles (sometimes I will occasionally buy an expensive one and use it for special occasions). I think I didn’t love the scent of this and it was expensive
    • Stylista #BeachWaves Texturizing Mist – I don’t like the feeling of a hair texturizer
    • Stylista #Curls Defining Spray – I remember this being quite fragranced

    I’ve tried a few discontinued products as well:

    • Sublime Soft Micellar Gelee Eye Makeup Remover (read my review)
    • Infallible Pro Contour Palette – This was the first contour palette I tried. I didn’t know what I was doing back then lol. I do remember the contour shade being a good ‘shadow’ shade though
    • Infallible Le Rouge Lipstick in 337 Refined Ruby – This was a pretty red (blue-red, not an orange-red), very shiny too

    While I’ve tried quite a bit from the brand, it also doesn’t seem like a lot once I’ve written it all down. I haven’t tried much of their face makeup, but I don’t feel tempted to try much from the brand. I have considered trying their foundations, but then I just end up trying other brands. Especially since drugstore prices have gone up and they’re comparable to brands at retail stores.

    Love,

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  • 107 beauty Skincare illustration

    First Impressions with 107 Beauty

    June 6, 2023

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I’m reviewing three products I received from 107 Beauty. I received these products complimentary to try without any obligations to post a review. Here’s a little information about 107 Beauty that I was sent:

    • 107 is a unique skincare brand that was created with innovative formulations using premium 7-year aged vinegar
    • We use all-natural ingredients that are known to work effectively and synergistically with our exclusive vinegar ingredient
    • Our products include essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help attain healthier and rejuvenated skin

    Chaga Jelly Low pH Cleanser

    CHAGA JELLY’s gentle jelly texture and skin-friendly 4.0-5.0 pH helps create a refreshed, clean canvas without unnecessarily irritating the skin’s outer layer or stripping natural oils that keep skin hydrated. Formulated with our special 7-year aged vinegar, chaga mushroom extract and ten different botanical extracts (including German chamomile flower, paper mulberry root, apple, Japanese camellia leaf and green tea leaf), it helps soothe skin and boost glow while it cleanses. The speckles of green tea leaf powder found in the jelly also help to provide a soft and mild exfoliation when massaged onto the skin. Wash away the bad and keep in the good with this non-stripping cleanser!

    Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Ethoxydiglycol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Xanthan Gum, Glycereth-26, Decyl Glucoside, Inonotus Obliquus (Mushroom) Extract, Coceth-7, PPG-1-PEG-9 Lauryl Glycol Ether, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Powder, Glyceryl Caprate, Polyglyceryl-2 Laurate, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Citric Acid, Malt Extract, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Broussonetia Kazinoki Root Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Extract, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Malus Domestica Fruit Extract, Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Vaccinium Vitis-Idaea Leaf Extract, Tricholoma Matsutake Extract, Vinegar, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract, Linalool, Limonene, Sodium Chloride, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin.

    RATING: 4/5

    It was a nice cleanser, but I didn’t find anything particularly special about it. I liked that it didn’t make my face feel dry/tight after using it. This lasted for about 2-3 months of every day use (once a day).

    chaga jelly low ph cleanser

    Dewy Glow Serum Mist

    DEWY GLOW’s convenient mist form makes it easy to get probiotic nourishment any time of the day. Made for ease, it’s handily sized so you can get an instantaneous dose of glow straight from your vanity or handbag. Combining over 60% probiotic ferments (aspergillus/saccharomyces and lactobacillus), safflower extract and our special 7-year aged vinegar, this balanced formulation helps hydrate, nourish and soothe skin as well as stimulate cell turnover to promote a smoother, brighter complexion. Unlike other water-based mists or sprays, it’s a true serum that helps keep skin feeling dewy and radiant. It’s perfect for glow on the go!

    Aspergillus/Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Arbutin, Water, PEG/PPG-18/4 Copolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Lactobacillus/Soymilk Ferment Filtrate, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Allantoin, Adenosine, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Flower Extract, Pyrus Communis (Pear) Fruit Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Prunus Persica (Peach) Fruit Extract, Hedera Helix (Ivy) Leaf/Stem Extract, Pimpinella Anisum (Anise) Fruit Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Vinegar, Cucumis Melo (Melon) Fruit Extract, Phenoxyethanol (0.36%).

    RATING: 4/5

    I liked the fresh, fruity scent of this mist. I would prefer if this was more serum-like and not a mist. As I sprayed it, I would obviously hold my breath so I don’t inhale it, but a few times, I breathed in too quickly and I would still breathe some of the serum into my nose. Maybe that’s just a ME problem lol. If this was more viscous and came with a pump or dropper style, I would like it more. I would use 2 spurts per use every day.

    Everyday Plump Hydro Cream

    EVERYDAY PLUMP’s playfully light yet richly moisturizing formulation is charged with vitamins, amino acids and probiotics. The perfectly balanced formulation of our special 7-year aged vinegar, sunflower seed oil, squalane, moroheiya leaf ferment and three types of lactobacillus ferments, helps provide daily nourishment while also protecting skin from water loss and external stressors without clogging or weighing down skin. Its smooth and silky texture glides on the skin for a glowy moisture barrier that also primes the skin for sunscreen and makeup, without feeling like it’s weighing down your skin or clogging your pores. For moisturized plump on the inside, and nourished glow on the outside!

    Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Squalane, Bacillus/Corchorus Olitorius Leaf Ferment Filtrate, PEG/PPG-18/4 Copolymer, Isostearyl Isostearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetyl Alcohol, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Polysorbate 60, Dimethiconol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Sorbitan Stearate, Lactobacillus/Soymilk Ferment Filtrate, Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Arginine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Lactobacillus/Panax Ginseng Root Ferment Filtrate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Panthenol, Trehalose, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyglutamic Acid, Pyrus Communis (Pear) Fruit Extract, Beta-Glucan, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Prunus Persica (Peach) Fruit Extract, Hedera Helix (Ivy) Leaf/Stem Extract, Pimpinella Anisum (Anise) Fruit Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Vinegar, Cucumis Melo (Melon) Fruit Extract, Phenoxyethanol (0.52%)

    RATING: 5/5

    The Everyday Plump Hydro Cream was my favourite of the three products I was sent. It had a pleasant, fresh scent and it lasted a while (5 months of daily use during nighttime routine). My skin felt hydrated with it and my face was relatively clear while I used it.

    When I was first asked if I wanted to try these products, I wondered if they would smell like vinegar, but I was very pleasantly surprised that they did not. In fact, they had a light, fruity scent. If I were to purchase any of the products myself, I would get the Everyday Plump Hydro Cream and maybe try the Micro Drizzle Hydro Toner.

    Love,

    *Descriptions and ingredients in italics were taken from the 107 Beauty website.

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  • thekshop.ca k-beauty haul

    Haul | K-Beauty Skincare from thekshop.ca

    June 29, 2022

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I’m sharing a K-beauty haul! I made an order from thekshop.ca…even though I have a lot of skincare to try already. Here’s what I ended up ordering:

    • Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser | $18.99
    • Nacific Holiday-Edition Special Bundle (Cica) – NACIFIC X Stray Kids | $99
      • Fresh Cica Plus Clear Toner | $23.99
      • Fresh Cica Plus Clear Serum | $24.99
      • Fresh Cica Plus Clear Cream | $25.99
      • Vitamin C Newpair Cream (Spot Treatment) | $16.99
      • 2 x Fresh Herb Origin Clear Spot Patches (18 per pack) | $5.99 x 2 = $11.98
      • 8 Stray Kids Christmas Photocards
      • 8 Stray Kids The Comeback of Hologram Photocards
    • Klairs Fundamental Nourishing Eye Butter | $31.99
    • samples: 3 x Iunik Black Snail Restore Serum
    The photocards on the top are the holographic ones. That’s why there’s a rainbow across some of their faces.

    All the products in the Holiday bundle add up to $103.94 if you buy them separately. They also threw in the Nacific Salicylic Acid Clarifying Mask Pack ($3.99) which was a nice little bonus. They packaged the products individually, instead of sending them in the holiday box as pictured on their website. I was fine with this because it would be silly to pack a box in another box. Especially when each product also comes in boxes.  The photocards come in plastic sleeves to protect them. One thing I was worried about though was that they put an elastic around the cards to secure them. It creased the edges of the plastic sleeves a bit, but the photocards were fine. I think it would’ve been better to package the cards into a larger sleeve/bag to keep them together. You don’t want the photocards to get damaged, especially if you’re buying the skincare set just for the 16 photocards.

    I haven’t tried any of the products yet, but I look forward to trying all of them. I wanted to try Cica because I’ve read that it’s good for redness and irritation. My face has gotten clearer lately, but I still have redness around my nose.   

    Other skincare products I want to try in the future:

    • Beauty of Joseon Serums
    • Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm
    • Dear, Klairs – Midnight Blue Calming Cream
    • KraveBeauty Great Barrier Relief
    • KraveBeauty Kale-Lalu-yAHA
    • KraveBeauty Oat So Simple Water Cream

    I also wanted to get a lip product, but they didn’t have any of the shades in stock:

    • rom&nd Juicy Lasting Tint
    • rom&nd Zero Velvet Tint
    • Peripera Ink Mood Matte Tint
    • Etude House Fixing Tint

    Love,

    *All prices are in Canadian.

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  • volition beauty products

    Volition Beauty | My Hits & Misses

    May 26, 2022

    Hi Everyone!

    I’ve actually enjoyed all of the products that I’ve tried from Volition Beauty. So, I don’t really have any for MISSES. Although I’ve been sent a lot of the Volition products, I plan to repurchase some of them in the future.

    Check out my other Hits & Misses posts!

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

    SKINCARE || Eye Creams

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

    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

    Strawberry-C Brightening Serum* (read my review) – I really liked this serum. My skin looked dewy and fresh after applying this serum.

    How long does it last? 1oz bottle – about 120 uses (half pump per use) = 4 months, once daily OR 2 months, twice daily

    Snow Mushroom Water Serum – I really liked this serum too. It does have a slight smell to it that I can’t really describe. It’s not strong and doesn’t linger though.

    How long does it last? 1oz bottle – about 10 uses (half pump per use) = 4 months, once daily OR 2 months, twice daily

    Unspottable Hibiscus Correcting Oil* – I really enjoyed this oil and it lasted about a year of daily use (twice a day). I think it did help fade a dark spot I had on my nose too.

    How long does it last? 1.1oz bottle – about 320 uses (1-2 drops per use) = 10 months (twice daily = about 4 drops daily). Drops are a single droplet, not a full dropper’s worth.

    Skin Rhythm Balancing & Clearing Serum* – This is a great product, but I think they should put it in a bottle with a pump. The product is so thick that the dropper mechanism is harder to use (comparing it to the unspottable hibiscus correcting oil’s dropper, it sticks more). I had a painful pimple on my chin and I used this for two days and it was no longer painful and angry. It also didn’t feel dry or itchy.

    How long does it last? 1.1oz bottle – I’m still using this one, but it’ll probably last a while. The consistency of this serum is different from the oil and I use it as more of a spot treatment to target the areas with hormonal acne and acne scars

     

    LIKES

    Yaupon Tea Glow-Awakening Moisturizer* – This moisturizer has been perfect for the spring weather. I’ve been keeping my morning routine fairly simple with this moisturizer, the Skin Rhythm Balancing & Clearing Serum and an eye cream. It has this gel cream texture that makes it bouncy.

    How long does it last? 2oz pot – I’m still using this one, but using the other products’ calculations, it should last 3-4 months.

    Neroli Complete Crème* – I think this one is meant for oily and/or aging skin. While it was nice and it had a pleasant scent, I prefer the serums from the brand more.

    How long does it last? 1.7oz pot – Since it comes in a pot, it’s easier to use more or less each time. I used it once a day. It took me about 2-3 months to use.

    Celery Green Cream* (read my review) – This is more geared toward oily skin so it didn’t quite give me the hydration that I need for my dry skin.

    How long does it last? 1.7oz pot – Since it comes in a pot, it’s easier to use more or less each time. I think I used it once a day. It took me about 2-3 months to use.

    Helix AM/PM Eye Gel (read my review) – I didn’t dislike this, but it was more of a silicone/smoothing eye cream than a hydrating or moisturizing one. I didn’t get to try it under makeup which I wish I had. For a while, I only used this eye cream for morning and night. I think if I used a different eye cream during night time, this might’ve worked for me. Also, I probably should’ve tried it during a warmer season because my under eyes get dry in the winter and this eye gel did nothing to help it. I previously purchased this eye gel when they sold it in a pot. They now sell it in a bottle with a pump.

    How long does it last? 0.5oz pot – For a couple months, I used this in the morning and night and then I added another eye cream. So it lasted about 4 months. It could probably be stretched to 5 or 6 if you only use it once a day.

    I don’t really have any products on my wishlist. I’ve tried all the ones I wanted so far. The Orangesicle Balancing Daily Cleanser sounds nice, but lately I prefer using a cleansing balm as my first cleanse and the Cetaphil or Cerave cleansers for my second. I don’t really want to spend more than $20 on a daily cleanser. 

    Love,

    Products marked with * were gifted to me. Illustrations on featured image by me.

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  • Nov-Dec 2021-Jan 2022 Product Empties

    January 31, 2022

    Hi Everyone!

    I mostly finished skincare products in the past few months and I also decluttered a few things.

    Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser – I’ve used a few bottles of this already. I use it as a cleanser in the morning since it’s very gentle.

    Repurchase? Purchased bottles in bulk from Costco.

    Cerave Moisturizing Cream – Love this body lotion during the colder months. It keeps my skin feeling moisturized.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    How long does it last? 3 months – used once a day on full body.

    Boscia Plant Stem Cell and Ceramide Barrier-Defense Moisturizer* – This was an okay moisturizer. I probably should’ve tried it in the spring/summer because it definitely isn’t enough on its own for my dry skin.

    Repurchase? Maybe in the summer time.

    How long does it last? About 100 uses (took 1.5 months) two times a day. I used a generous amount to moisturize my face and neck.

    Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector – I had this as my fave eye cream in the past, but the size of it is getting smaller and the price is going up. I feel like there are eye creams that are more hydrating than this one. I know that hydration isn’t the target for this, but it does keep my under eyes pretty smooth.

    Repurchase? Undecided.

    How long does it last? 6 months, used two times a day.

    Volition Beauty Hibiscus Unspottable Correcting Oil* – I really enjoyed this oil. I also noticed that a dark-ish spot on my nose got lighter as I used it.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    How long does it last? Almost a year (about 11 months)! I used 2 drops per use, two times a day.

    Decluttered

    Oh K! Soothing Face Lotion* – I used this for a while, but didn’t notice any improvements in my skin.

    Repurchase? No.

    The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum* – I didn’t like this. I found this product too tacky for my liking. I think I don’t like Hyaluronic Acid when it’s on its own. I prefer it with other ingredients. I also didn’t like the bottle this came in. The serum would often get on the top and dry.

    Repurchase? No.

    L’Oreal Ever Pure Bond Strengthening Shampoo & Conditioner* – I had to give this to a friend. At first, I thought the scent of it was really nice and fresh when I smelled it from the tube. But once I actually used it, it was way too powerful for me.

    Repurchase? No.

    Burt’s Bees Goodness Glows Primer* – I did not like this primer. It just sat on my skin and when I tried rubbing it in, it would pill.

    Repurchase? No.

    What products did you finish lately?

    Love,

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

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  • October 2021 Product Empties

    Aug-Sept-Oct 2021 Product Empties

    November 10, 2021

    Hi Everyone!

    It’s been a while since I’ve done an empties post. I haven’t finished many products lately. For empties posts, I will now add how long it took me to finish the product. I keep a skincare journal of all products I use in a day, so I’m able to track how long it takes me to use a product. It also helps me figure out what products I’ve been using if I get a break out.

    • First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub with 10% AHA
    • Youth To The People Superclay Purify + Clear Power Mask
    • L’Oréal 8-second Wonder Water Lamellar Rinse-out
    • Rael Miracle Patches
    • Bubble Slam Dunk Hydrating Moisturizer
    • Cerave Hydrating Cleanser

    First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub with 10% AHA – My legs and arms feel smoother after using this scrub. I think if you use this scrub, you need to be consistent though. I’ve been trying my best to use it as frequently as directed, but sometimes I check when I last used it and it’s already been 2 weeks.

    Repurchase? I already repurchased a full-size bottle.

    How long does it last? For 1 oz travel size mini, I got 7 uses. I used a generous amount each time – full legs and upper arms, so you could probably get a few more uses if you only use on legs or arms.

    Rael Miracle Patches (read my review) – You probably already know that these are one of my fave hydrocolloid pimple patches.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    How long does it last? I used a couple sheets in the last 3 months because I was breaking out from some new skincare and also my diet.

    Cerave Hydrating Cleanser – This was an okay cleanser. It was very gentle and it didn’t dry out my skin. Comparing it to the cheaper Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, I didn’t see a huge difference. I’d rather buy the cetaphil cleanser and spend the money on a moisturizer.

    Repurchase? No.

    How long does it last? For 562mL, it took 9 months to finish (250+ uses). I used it once a day – 1 full pump, sometimes I used 2 pumps. I would say you could stretch it out to 10 months’ use if you only used 1 pump every day.

    Bubble Slam Dunk Hydrating Moisturizer* – This was a great moisturizer. I noticed that some of my redness went down when I woke up the next morning. I used this day and night.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    How long does it last? For 50mL, it took 4 months to finish (240 uses). I used one full pump each time and used it AM/PM (so 2 pumps a day).

    Youth To The People Superclay Purify + Clear Power Mask* – This is the first clay mask I’ve tried that doesn’t dry my face out. I didn’t use this as frequently as directed, so I didn’t see any of the benefits from this mask. I’m kind of lazy when it comes to face masks and I don’t use them that often.

    Repurchase? Probably not.

    How long does it last? The 59mL bottle lasted me 6 months, but I didn’t use it as frequently as directed. I didn’t get many uses out of it because I used generous amounts and went down to my neck. Using a regular amount, you could probably get 20-25 (maybe more) applications.

    L’Oréal 8-second Wonder Water Lamellar Rinse-out* (read my review) – It was a cool product to try, but I don’t personally find it worth the $10 for only 10 uses. It worked for me, my hair felt smooth, and it smells nice. For reference, I have straight hair and I haven’t dyed my hair in a long time. I also don’t style it very often, so it’s not damaged or frizzy. I’ve seen a few reviews where this hasn’t helped people with frizzy hair (as it claims).  

    Repurchase? No.             

    How long does it last? For a 200mL bottle, you’re supposed to use 20mL (or more) per use. 10 uses or fewer if you have thicker/longer hair.

    What products have you finished lately?

    Love,

    Read More
  • Fave Makeup Primers

    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.

    Makeup Primers
    Tarte Timeless Smoothing Primer (bottom), Winky Lux Whipped Cream Primer (top)

    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.

    makeup Primers
    Makeup Primers

    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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  • Review | Dr. Jackson’s Night Cream

    October 16, 2019

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I’m reviewing Dr. Jackson’s Night Cream. A product I received from Calissa.

    Overloaded with leading botanical ingredients, Dr Jackson’s 02 Night Cream is intensely moisturising in order to hydrate and soften your skin. The calming aroma will help you to gradually drift off as your skin is enriched whilst you sleep.
     
    The replenishing combination of baobab seed oil, mango seed butter, kigelia fruit extract and frankincense tree resin in Dr Jackson’s 02 Night Cream 30ml helps to give you a rejuvenated, glowing complexion. Kigelia fruit extract helps to firm, soothe and brighten the complexion and even out skin tone. Baobab seed oil helps to improve skin firmness and strength and to diminish the look of fine lines to reveal radiant skin. Frankincense resin calms and soothes the skin and is often recommended for the treatment of blemishes. Mango seed extract helps to protect the skin against environmental aggressors.

    It comes in a black opaque glass jar and comes with a little spatula. It smells a bit woodsy and also reminds me a bit of Vick’s. It’s nowhere near as strongly scented, but just has a hint of that scent. The cream itself is quite thick – a little goes a long way.

    For me, I think night creams are a bit too thick to use every day. My face has a bit of a freak out if I use a cream that’s too thick. I would prefer to use a mask a couple times a week instead of using a daily night cream that’s too heavy.

    RATING: 3/5

    This would be a great cream for men (especially since a lot of men’s products come in black packaging).

    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,

    *I was sent this product by the team at Calissa. All opinions are my own.

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  • In Flight Magic Long-haul hydration mask 1

    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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  • volition beauty celery green cream hyaluronic acid + peptides

    Review | Volition Beauty Celery Green Cream with Hyaluronic Acid + Peptides

    August 26, 2019

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I am reviewing the Celery Green Cream from Volition Beauty. In collaboration with Nastia Liukin, a gold medal gymnast, they created this cream.

    Volition Beauty is a really cool, innovative brand. Customers submit an idea for a product, then the community votes on which ones they want to be made.

    For those who dare to ask “what if?”…we listen. We believe that new beauty products should be created by real people with real beauty problems: people like you. Together, the Volition community—and that includes you—creates the next big things in beauty.

    What it is: An oil-free, celery-powered moisturizer that purifies and helps improve hydration retention for poreless, healthier-looking skin.

    Skin Type: Oily

    Skincare Concerns: Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Pores, and Oiliness

    Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Cetearyl Olivate, Apium Graveolens (Celery) Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf, Cucumis Melo Cantalupensis Fruit Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Lactic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Calcium Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Carbomer, Sorbitan Olivate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Decyl Glucoside, Lauryl Glucoside, Bismuth Oxychloride, Chromium Oxide Greens, Citric Acid, Mica, Potassium Sorbate.

    I love that it’s clean at Sephora which means there’s no sulfates (SLS and SLES), parabens, phthalates, and other fillers. This cream doesn’t have any added fragrance, but it smells fresh and fruity (not like celery at all). It feels cool and refreshing and it’s lightweight.

    Personally, I wouldn’t get it again when I finish this one. It says it’s meant for oily skin types. I would say I’m combo, leaning toward dry. So this cream isn’t meant for me. If I did use it, I would need to mix it with an oil or something to give me the hydration I need. I’d rather spend the money on a product that’s meant for my skin type.

    RATING: 4/5

    I give it a high rating because I think that someone with oily skin would really love this cream.

    I think Volition Beauty is a really cool brand and I want to try their strawberry-c brightening serum since that’s targeted toward my skin type.

    Update: I have tried the strawberry-c brightening serum (read my review).

    Have you tried Volition Beauty?

    Love,

    *I was gifted this product by Volition Beauty.

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  • October 2018 Product Empties

    October 31, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    Happy Hallowe’en! Here are this month’s product empties.

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

    Repurchase? Probably not.

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

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

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

    Repurchase? No.

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

    Repurchase? Absolutely!

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

    Repurchase? No.

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

    Repurchase? No.

    Live Clean Biotin Extra Body Shampoo & Conditioner – This shampoo says it thickens and volumizes. While I could use some volume in my hair, it definitely doesn’t need to be thicker. I liked the smell of this shampoo and conditioner. I didn’t really notice if it did, in fact, thicken and volumize my hair. I noticed that this conditioner was the thickest of the Live Clean conditioners I tried.

    Repurchase? No, my hair is already thick.

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

    Repurchase? Absolutely, but I want to try other micellar waters.

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

    Repurchase? No.

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

    Repurchase? Probably not.

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

    Repurchase? Probably not.

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

    Repurchase? Possibly.

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

    Repurchase? No.

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

    Repurchase? No.

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

    Repurchase? NO.

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

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

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

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

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

    Repurchase? Yes.

    What did you finish this month?

    Love,

    jen

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  • First Impressions with Waso Quick Matte Moisturizer Oil-Free

    October 19, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I’m reviewing the Waso Quick Matte Moisturizer Oil-Free. After finishing the Water Balm (read my review) from Sonia Roselli, I started using the Waso moisturizer. If you want to see what else is in my skincare rotation, click here!

    I bought it during the Sephora Beauty Appreciation Sale a while back. Originally, I bought this for my mom. Even though the brand is geared toward Millennials like me, I thought I would get it for her because she has oily skin. She decided to go with the Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Day Emulsion instead.

    Waso is a line from Shiseido. Since it’s geared toward people in their 20s and 30s, Waso’s products are less expensive than Shiseido’s. It’s similar to Dior BACKSTAGE being slightly more affordable than the main Dior brand.

    I like the packaging; it’s a translucent light green bottle that reminds me of jade. I don’t really know why the lid has the hole in the packaging (like a water bottle). I feel like it’s a bit unnecessary; it’s not like I’m going to be carrying my moisturizer around, carrying it by the loop like I do with my water bottles. I like that it comes with a pump and the packaging is very simple, yet classic.

    My skin is on the drier side, so I’m probably not the best to review this product based on how well it mattifies my skin. When I use this, my skin does look matte, but not dry. It dries down a bit tacky.

    I love the gel consistency of this moisturizer, but the scent is a bit too floral for me. When I was at Sephora, I tested out another product from the Waso line, the Fresh Jelly Lotion. I can’t remember what the scent was like, but I would be interested in trying that if the scent isn’t as strong.

    An oil-free, oil-balancing gel emulsion to instantly mattify and balance skin with 24-hour hydration. Smooths and hydrates skin with a shine-reducing, sebum-absorbing powder to maintain a matte look. The dewy texture feels refreshing and leaves skin feeling smooth, hydrated and less shiny. Formulated with whole Loquat Leaf Cells, which are carefully extracted to keep their wholeness harnessed for an anti-oxidant effect and to help balance skin’s oil levels. Loquat Leaf has an antioxidant effect that is known to help suppress sebum breakdown.

    For dry, oily, normal, combination and sensitive skin. Dermatologist-tested. Non-comedogenic. Paraben-free. Oil-free.

    • PhytoResist System+ uses the power of botanicals to help heighten skin’s resistance to internal and external stressors while also infusing rich moisture.
    • Sebum Absorbing Powder helps absorb excess sebum for smooth, non-oily skin, while minimizing visible pores.

    RATING: 4/5

    Have you tried anything from Waso?

    Love,

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  • First Impressions with Neutrogena Hydro Boost

    September 5, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    I’ve been seeing the Neutrogena Hydro Boost products on Instagram and heard so many good reviews, I had to try something. I was kind of surprised how expensive they were for drugstore. A lot of drugstore products are bumping up their quality, but that also means their prices go up too.

    Hydro Boost Gel Cream

    I love the consistency of the gel cream, but I’d prefer if my moisturizer came with a pump because I’m a bit lazy and don’t like cleaning a spatula after every use. This gel cream didn’t come with a spatula, I had one from another cream. Even though this gel cream is fragrance-free, it has a perfume-y scent that I find too overpowering for me. I’ve been told that the gel cream for extra dry doesn’t have a scent. I also think I had a slight reaction to it, my cheeks felt a bit itchy after applying it.

    Our unique water gel-cream formula absorbs quickly, like a gel, but has the long-lasting moisturizing power of a cream to quench your extra-dry skin’s thirst. It contains hydrating hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in the skin, and acts as a sponge for dry skin cells, absorbing up to 1,000 times its weight in water.

    This rich gel relieves intense dryness to help restore skin’s natural barrier against moisture loss. Plus it’s fragrance, dye and oil-free, and can be worn alone or under makeup.

    Apply evenly to face and neck after cleansing, morning and night. For added hydration, use together with NEUTROGENA® Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel, Hydrating Serum and Eye Gel.

    RATING: 3/5

    Hydro Boost Gel Cream Eye

    So far I like the eye gel, it’s not sticky at all and it doesn’t have any scent. Although I do get dry under eyes, I think I’d prefer an eye cream that helps with dark circles.

    Instantly quenches dry skin and keeps it looking smooth, supple and hydrated all day. The unique light-weight formula absorbs quickly around the eye area, like a gel, but has the long-lasting, intense moisturizing power of a cream.

    Use in the morning and at night on cleansed skin. Dot product around the eye area and smooth in until thoroughly absorbed.

    RATING: 4/5

    I was a bit disappointed with these products. After seeing all the hype, I was expecting more. I would rather pay a bit more money and get something I like better. Higher end products are easier to sample because you can test them in-store or bring home samples from Sephora or Nordstrom. With drugstore products, they’re less likely to have testers unless it’s a higher end brand like Vichy.

    I haven’t tried a lot of Neutrogena products. I’ve only used their Acne cleansers and sunscreens which I like: Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleanser (this cleanser used to have plastic microbeads, but last year, they replaced them with jojoba beads. Some stores may still have stock of the cleanser with the plastic though), Beach Defense Sunscreen Lotion and Ultra Sheer Face Sunscreen.

    Have you tried the Hydro Boost products? What did you think of them?

    Love,

    jen

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  • Haul | August 2018 Sephora VIB Rouge Sale

    August 30, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    I picked up some things from the Sephora Beauty Insider Appreciation Sale, mostly skincare because I’m working on finishing products I have in my current collection. I have so many products in my LOVES list that it was hard to refrain from buying more things. I only bought products I need to replace other things I’ve finished. Although, I did make an order from Tarte as well (first time ordering from them).

    If you haven’t bought anything yet, you still have time! It ends September 3rd!

    What do you guys think of the new updates to their Beauty Insider program? It’s awesome if you’re a VIB or ROUGE, but it’s still kind of the same for Beauty Insiders. I guess it makes sense since they want to reward the people who are spending more money. Somehow, last year, I got to ROUGE status and I’m a a bit mortified at how easy it was to do that. I did buy products for my mom, but the majority was for me…Skincare and makeup tools are expensive. As a ROUGE, I plan to take advantage of it while I still can. I will hopefully only make it to VIB in the following years.

    I bought two things for my grandma too. She loves scented hand creams and a Bobbi Brown lipstick.

    Bobbi Brown Luxe Lipstick in Brocade

    The gold tube is so pretty and you can tell it’s a luxury item. This is a beautiful “bright purple plum” shade and my grandma can really pull off purple lipsticks. It’s definitely very pigmented and has a satin finish.

    A full-coverage, vitamin C and E-infused lipstick that plumps lips, supports natural collagen, and smooths the look of lines and wrinkles.

    L’Occitane Hand Cream in Cherry Blossom

    I almost wrote “Cheryl Blossom” there lol (character from Riverdale). Anyone else ready for shows to start up again? I thought this one smelled nice. I don’t personally like hand creams that are scented, but I don’t mind sniffing them. My grandma loves the L’Occitane Hand Creams. For Christmas one time, we bought her the Roses et Reines (roses), Pivoine Flora (peonies) and Arlésienne Velvet (rose, violet & saffron).

    A collection of luxurious hand creams to help nourish and protect hands. 

    For the things I got for myself, it’s the first time buying all four products. I’ve tried other Clinique Acne Solutions products, but not this one. I was going to pick up the Benefit Gimme Brow, but I realized that the Dior brow gel is actually cheaper (it’s $2 more, but there’s just a little bit more in the tube) and I mean, it’s Dior. Who doesn’t want to own a Dior product and have that signature CD emblem?

    Waso Quick Matte Oil-Free Moisturizer

    Waso is a new brand by Shiseido that’s geared towards Millennials. Similar to the Dior Backstage line, it’s a ‘more affordable’ line from Shiseido. I originally bought this for my mom because she’s looking for a new moisturizer. She decided to go with the Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Day Emulsion Broad Spectrum SPF18 which we will pick up on Sept 5th at Hudson’s Bay when they have the Shiseido gift with purchase. I decided to keep the Waso moisturizer for myself.

    An oil-free, oil-balancing gel emulsion to mattify and balance skin with 24-hour hydration. This formula smooths and hydrates skin with a shine-reducing, sebum-absorbing powder to maintain a matte look. The dewy texture feels refreshing and leaves skin feeling smooth, hydrated, and less shiny. 

    Tarte Maracuja Oil

    I’ve tested the Maracuja Oil on my hand and I was amazed at how smooth my hand felt.

    A vegan face oil for a healthy-looking, radiant complexion with no greasy feel.

    Clinique Acne Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel

    I’ve used the Acne Solutions Cleansing Foam and Cleansing Gel and both worked well for me, but they are kind of pricey. Right now, I’m using a Neutrogena one since it’s a lot cheaper. I prefer to splurge on spot treatments and buy drugstore acne cleansers.

    A daily treatment gel for acne-clearing results equal to a leading topical prescription.

    Diorshow Bold Brow in 002 Dark

    It’d be nice if they had more shades. They only have 3: Light, Medium or Dark. Luckily, I can use dark, but I wouldn’t mind if it was a little darker.

    A brow mascara to achieve lush, full, and groomed brows immediately.

    That’s all I got in the Sephora Haul. I’ll write a post for my Tarte Haul once my order comes in and write reviews on these products once I’ve tested them out.

    Have you tried any of these products? What did you pick up from the Sephora Sale?

    Love,

    jen

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  • sonia roselli water balm

    July 2018 Faves

    July 30, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    I’ve decided that I will be adding other things to my monthly favourites posts; I’ll add food/drinks, clothing and entertainment!

    Here are this month’s beauty faves:

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    The BCL Spa Sugar Scrub Lavender + Mint and BCL Spa Dead Sea Salt Soak Lavender + Mint are amazing. Both have made my skin feel so soft and the lavender + mint scent is fresh and clean. The sugar scrub is fine and not too coarse on the skin, and it dissolved in a warm bath. The sea salt soak was so relaxing. I don’t know what it is about bath salts, but they always make the bathwater feel silky. I would definitely recommend picking up the spa set if you’re into at-home pampering! I was lucky enough to receive the 4-piece set in a giveaway I won from @DannyCoHair.

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    Sonia Roselli Water Balm (read my review) is amazing and I can’t wait to try more of her products! It’s a multi-use product and it feels so good on the skin. I use it as a moisturizer and primer.

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    I’ve really been liking the Tarte Tarteist Creamy Matte Lip Paint in Birthday Suit. Sadly, I need to declutter it because it’s drying out. But I really liked the shade and the feel of it. Sometimes, I would top it with some gloss, which would lighten the shade a bit. This is the shade Birthday Suit, the mini that everyone got from Sephora for their birthday gift last year.

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    I went to Indie Expo Canada and I picked up a holo nail polish called The Deep End by Colors by Llarowe. It’s described as a vivid turquoise based multi chrome that shifts from turquoise to green to blue to purple to pink with added holo sparkle. I really wanted a blue-turquoise mermaid-y nail polish and The Deep End was my fave of the turquoise holo nail polishes at the Indie Expo. I swatched them on a nail wheel (as you can see above); one coat on the left and two coats on the right. I love that it’s holographic, so it doesn’t have chunks in it and therefore the nails feel nice and smooth. I love glitter nail polish, but I don’t like that you can feel the texture of the sparkles until you apply a top coat and even then, sometimes it still feels a bit bumpy.

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    I tried Meghan Markle’s zucchini bolognese recipe. I had seen it on Buzzfeed and it sounded interesting, so I thought I’d give it a try. They call it a ‘bolognese’ because you cook the zucchini for 4 hours (similar to slow-cooking a bolognese sauce). I thought it was pretty good, but I think I would prefer if the zucchini still had some crunch and kept it’s shape. I like the recipe and would use it again, but instead cook the zucchini for a portion of the time. Also, I’m a girl who likes to eat meat, so I would probably have some roast chicken on the side or even add some into the pasta.

    I’ve been enjoying the President’s Choice Blue Menu Pink Grapefruit Sparkling Water, it’s refreshing and it has no calories, no sugar and no sodium. I don’t usually like flavoured water, but this one I don’t mind. It’s great if you want something carbonated, but don’t want to drink pop.

    What were your faves this month?

    Love,

    jen

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