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August 2018 Product Empties

September 3, 2018

Hi Everyone!

I finished some makeup products which brings me one step closer to streamlining my makeup collection! Yay for progress! → Check out my makeup goals

Pearlessence Cucumber Water – I bought this at Winners for $10. I liked that it was in a glass bottle, but the mist would sting my eyes. I got it in my mouth a few times and it tasted horrible.

Repurchase? No.

Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer in 01 Creamy Vanilla – If you’ve been reading my blog for a while now, you’ll know that I am planning to only purchase high-end foundations from now on. This was a very thick foundation/concealer, if you used a beauty sponge to blend it, it could sheer out a bit. It looked nice, but it was way too full coverage for me. I’d rather use a sheer, dewy foundation and then use a spot concealer on areas that need covering up. I would’ve used this more as a concealer, but the shade I bought was a tad too yellow for me. So, if I didn’t use it all over the face, I would have random yellow splotches on my face. It had a bit of a perfume-y scent to it that I didn’t really like. I didn’t really give this a proper wear test (as a foundation). I mostly used it when I took pictures for Instagram and practised applying my makeup.

Repurchase? No.

The Body Shop All-in-One BB Cream Colour-Adapting Tinted Cream (read my review) – I gave this a 5/5 in my review, but since then, I have tried the Lancome Skin Feels Good Skin Nourishing Foundation which I really love (read my review).

L’Oréal Colour Riche Collection Exclusive Lipstick in 370 Jennifer’s Nude – This is one of my fave lipsticks! It’s interesting because when I swatch it on my arm, it’s like a sheer peachy-pink, but when it’s on my lips, it’s a beautiful pinky-nude.

Repurchase? I bought another tube a few months after purchasing the first one because I thought it was going to be limited edition. I think I will wait until I’ve used up some other lipsticks before breaking out the new tube though.

GOSH Click’N Conceal Pen in 01 Light (read my review) – I liked this concealer, but they no longer sell it at Shoppers Drug Mart.

Repurchase? Unavailable.

Repurchase? Probably not. I really like it, but I looove the Lancome Skin Feels Good Skin Nourishing Foundation.

Live Clean Exotic Nectar Argan Oil Restorative Shampoo – I don’t love the smell of this one, but it does make my hair look shiny and feel soft.

Repurchase? Not this particular Live Clean shampoo.

Live Clean Apple Cider Ultra Light Conditioner – Like the shampoo, this conditioner smells like apple juice to me. It doesn’t make my hair feel as soft as the other ones.

Repurchase? Not this particular Live Clean conditioner.

The Ordinary “Buffet” Multi-Technology Peptide Serum (read my review) – After my initial first impressions review, I realized just how tacky it made my face feel. I want a skincare product that doesn’t feel tacky or cause my makeup to pill.

Repurchase? No.

Love,

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August 2018 Faves

August 31, 2018

Hi Everyone!

Here are August’s favourites! I was a little behind the game trying the Real Techniques sponges, but I am loving them. I got a 4 pack on sale at Winners.

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge (read my review) – This little guy is going in the favourites for this month!! I picked up a pack of 4 for $20 at Winners!!

elf Matte Lip Color in Tea Rose – I got this free for review and I liked the pencil, but the shade wasn’t me.

LANEIGE BB Cushion Hydra Radiance SPF50 (read my review) – This is a really nice cushion foundation if you have nice skin already since it’s sheer coverage. I wish it came in more shades though.

Soo’Ae Juicy Mango Glow Mask (read my review) – This one is a light orange-coloured microfiber one and it’s so soft. It smells like mangoes, but not too overpowering. There was a lot of essence in the pack (definitely juicy), I used it on my arms and legs- It is a bit tacky after using it though. Most of the other masks say what they’re meant to do, i.e. nourish, hydrate, brighten. This one is just called the juicy mango glow mask, so you assume it just makes you glow, but it made my face feel soft and plump too.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil – I use this on my chin, nose and around the nose to hydrate my dry skin. It prevents my foundation from showing the dry, flaky skin on my nose. It looks beautiful with both powder and liquid foundations. I will definitely be purchasing a full-sized bottle.

Morning Glamour Aqua Satin Pillowcase – I’ve heard that you should switch to a silk/satin pillowcase because cotton ones damage your hair and cause wrinkles. Since silk ones seem a bit expensive and I didn’t want to splurge on something that doesn’t actually make a difference, I picked this satin one up at Winners for $10. In the description of the pillowcase, it says that cotton absorbs your skincare products. I have noticed that I don’t wake up with bed head (usually my hair sticks up at the back or something) and my face does feel more hydrated. I was worried that my head would slide around, but it didn’t. The one thing about this particular pillowcase is that you don’t slide it in like a regular pillowcase, it has flaps so that it stays put. Therefore, you can only use one side of the pillowcase because the other side has a line/seam down the middle. So, if you like flipping your pillow over, find one that doesn’t have the flaps. I would consider getting a silk one in the future.

Love,

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Decluttered | August 2018

August 29, 2018
Hi Everyone!

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

I finished quite a few products too, check out my empties post.

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)
- Formula X Need for Speed
- Formula X Racy
- Formula X Indelible
- Formula X Flashy
Love,
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July 2018 Product Empties

August 1, 2018

Hi Everyone!

There were quite a few products this month that I finished that I will not be repurchasing. I decluttered a bit of makeup while doing my mid-year makeup inventory (read the first post of my makeup inventory). Keep reading to find out which ones!

Live Clean Apple Cider Clarifying Shampoo – I won this in a giveaway and I got 5 shampoos and 5 conditioners. I tried all 10 by using about 1/3 of each shampoo before switching to see which one I liked the best. This one made my hair feel clean and look shiny, but it was my least favourite scent of the 5 shampoos. Since it’s apple cider, it smelled like apple juice to me.

Repurchase? Not this particular shampoo, but I would purchase others from Live Clean.

Live Clean Exotic Nectar Argan Oil Restorative Conditioner – After trying each of the shampoos with their matching conditioners, I would switch back and forth between using the Apple Cider Ultra Light conditioner and this one. Since the Apple Cider one is very light, it didn’t make my hair as soft as this conditioner.

Repurchase? Not this particular conditioner, but I would purchase others from Live Clean.

Bioderma Hydrabio Gel-Cream – This cream was okay. Nothing special for me.

Repurchase? No.

Purlisse Blue Lotus 4-in-1 Eye Adore Serum – Sorry, Purlisse, I did not ADORE this serum. My under eye area always felt tacky.

Repurchase? No.

The Face Shop Smart Peeling Mild Papaya – I liked this when I first got it, but now there are so many other peeling gels out there. Since this one is goopy, I’d rather pick up the Soo’Ae peeling gel (read my review).

Repurchase? No.

Glow Recipe Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser – I like this cleanser and it removes makeup too!

Repurchase? Yes.

Tarte Deep Dive Cleansing Gel Rainforest of the Sea – It cleansed okay, but it’s a bit pricey for the size.

Repurchase? No.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Targeted Gel Blemish Stick (read my review) – As you may know, I love the tea tree oil line from The Body Shop. This is a good spot treatment, but since you’re treating blemishes, I feel like it’s a bit unsanitary to stick it back in after applying to my pimple. I want to try something else for a spot treatment; maybe I’ll try the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion (I’ve tried the Kate Somerville EradiKate and one that’s similar from the Face Shop).

Repurchase? If it’s on sale, maybe. I prefer other products from the Tea Tree Oil line even though this one does work pretty well.

Garnier SkinActive Micellar All-in-One Cleansing Water – Surprisingly, this took a long time to finish. It’s probably because I started using makeup wipes. I should probably start using micellar water more because it’s gentler.

Repurchase? Absolutely! I love Micellar Water for removing makeup.

Simple Eye Make-Up Remover Pads – My mom picked these up at Walmart because they were on sale. They removed makeup well, they were basically cotton rounds soaked in makeup remover.

Repurchase? No. I don’t feel like they did any better at removing my makeup than regular makeup wipes.

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara – This was a good mascara, but not my fave. It did darken my lashes though.

Repurchase? Probably not.

NYX Micro Brow Pencil in Black – I love this brow pencil. It gives me natural, but not too harsh brows (even with the black shade).

Repurchase? Already have!

NYX Makeup Setting Spray (Matte) – This setting spray is okay; sometimes it made my face feel tight and occasionally, I would (accidentally) get it into my eye and my eyes would water. I plan to pick up the Mac Fix + in its place.

Repurchase? Probably not.

Here are the products I decluttered:

Coastal Scents Lipstick in 2 – The shade I got was a bright purpley-pink which I didn’t love. It sunk into the lines in my lips.

Repurchase? No. Unfortunately, living in Canada, I get charged for duties when ordering from Coastal Scents, so I’d rather get a $10 lipstick instead of a $4 USD lipstick where I’ll get charged for duties.

Tarte Tarteist Creamy Matte Lip Paint in Birthday Suit – I got this in the Sephora Birthday gift last year. I didn’t start using it til a few months after my birthday, but I think it’s time to retire it because it’s drying out. I really liked this. The formula wasn’t too drying and it looked pretty with a lip gloss on top too.

Repurchase? I would consider buying a full-sized lip paint, but I know there are a lot of liquid lipsticks from the drugstore that are cult favourites. I would prefer to pay more for a bullet lipstick since those have a longer shelf life.

MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Créme Cup – I love MAC lipsticks and this is a beautiful lipstick shade, but it was too light for me. I prefer the more nude/mauve/brown shades instead of the pink ones on my skin tone.

Repurchase? Not in this shade.

MAC Fluidline Pen in Retro Black – I bought this at the MAC Warehouse Sale (check out my haul) because I’ve only used drugstore liquid liners, so I thought I’d give it a try since it was on sale. I am terrible at doing wings and I don’t line my lids with liquid liner that often. I prefer using kohl liner and smoking it out. I think I will stick to drugstore brands. I know Kat Von D’s Tattoo liner is a cult fave, but I don’t use it enough to want to splurge on it.

Repurchase? They no longer sell it in Retro Black, but if they did, I don’t think I would repurchase.

Estée Lauder Sumptuous Knockout Defining Lift and Fan Mascara in Black – I didn’t like the brush; the bristles were hard and short.

Repurchase? No. If I bought high-end mascaras, this would not be on my list of mascaras I want to repurchase.

L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara in Black – I just don’t like the hourglass shape of the Lash Paradise mascara.

Repurchase? No, I prefer other drugstore mascaras.

Wet N Wild Photo Focus Foundation in Buff Bisque – This foundation had a spatula that dips into the foundation bottle instead of a pump. I didn’t like this because it’s much easier for bacteria to get in. Especially if you apply the foundation from the spatula directly onto your face. I decided to declutter this because 1) the shade I got was too orange and I don’t think mixing it with anything would help 2) I haven’t been reaching for it when I’m deciding which foundation to use 3) it smells more like chemicals than other foundations 4) I mostly bought it jut to see if the hype was worth it and since it was under $15 and Wet N Wild was disappearing from the shelves of my drugstores (for some reason), I decided to grab it.

Repurchase? No.

The Estée Edit Flash Illuminator in Spotlight – This illuminates your skin like MAC Strobe Cream, but it’s not liquidy like the strobe cream, it’s goopy. I never really gave it a good try because I didn’t like the consistency (it reminded me of silly string where it pumped out in a long string). I mixed it once or twice with my foundation which looked pretty good, but it had to be a thicker foundation formula so it wouldn’t get clumps of the cream.

Repurchase? The Estée Edit line has been discontinued, but if it were still on sale, I wouldn’t repurchase. I prefer the MAC Strobe Cream.

Love,

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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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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,

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June 2018 Product Empties

June 30, 2018

Hi Everyone!

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.

What were your empties this month?

Love,

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June 2018 Faves

June 29, 2018

Hi Everyone!

Here are June’s beauty faves!

I really love this Clinique Sonic Systems Purifying Cleansing brush (read my review). It really gets off all the makeup that I missed with wipes, micellar water, and makeup cloths. I use it with my fave cleansers from The Face Shop. The charge lasts a really long time (but it also takes forever to charge it too). It has an auto shut off feature after 30 seconds and I love that it isn’t battery powered so it doesn’t have a backing. It’s okay if you accidentally drop it into the water (although it’s probably not a good idea to submerge it).

Now I know why Glow Recipe is so popular. I love both of these products: Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask and the Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser (read my review)!

This Canadian Indie brand, Clionadh Cosmetics, has one of the prettiest marble highlighters I’ve ever seen! This is the Mother of Pearl highlighter (read my review). The bottom swatch is when it’s wet and the top is swatched from the pan. I find it’s more vibrant when it’s dry.

The gang’s all here…or at least my Tea Tree Oil products that I own from The Body Shop. I swear I’m not an ambassador or anything!! I just really love the products and they’ve been great at keeping acne away. Of course, I get the occasional breakouts before that time of the month. The Daily Solution (read my review) has been a great step in my skincare regimen and the Blemish Stick (read my review) is great for spot treatments.

I’ve been testing out the Body Wash because unfortunately, my face isn’t the only place that gets acne…I also occasionally get it on my back and in the cleavage (TMI?) especially during the summer time. It’s been really good so far, but it’s quite stinky. It also concerns me that it says “not to use it on the face”. I wonder how strong it is, but it does say that it’s okay to use daily. With my sensitive skin, maybe I will use it 3 times a week.

I will definitely be picking up more tea tree oil products (perhaps the cleanser) in the future!! I’ve been told the toner is good.

I really love the Burt’s Bees Blush in Shy Pink (read my review). It’s so pretty and it blends nicely!

What were your faves this month?

Love,

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May 2018 Product Empties

May 30, 2018

Hi Everyone!

I finished quite a few products this month, so here are my empties:

belif Creamy cleansing foam moist – It smelled like plants and I didn’t notice if it really helped to detoxify my skin or help prevent breakouts. It did make my face feel squeaky clean though (like the other The Face Shop cleansers).

Repurchase? I got a small travel-size one in a kit so I didn’t know how much a full-size tube cost. After seeing the price, I don’t think I’d buy the full-size when The Face Shop has so many other great cleansers for less.

COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser – This is a great cleanser for a good price. I know it’s safe to use daily, but I use it a few times a week. It also smells planty/botanical, but that’s no big deal since I wash it off.

Repurchase? Absolutely!

Danielle Creations Erase Your Face Tea Tree Purifying Cleansing Cloths – I got these at Winners for a really good price. I liked that it had the plastic that you open and close and it snaps in place so you know it’s closed properly. I don’t like the ones where you just rip off the sticky part and then stick it back on when you’ve taken out your wipes. Sometimes I don’t close it properly and my wipes dry out :/

Repurchase? These were extremely thick, soft and they smelled nice. I would definitely buy these again!

Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Setting Spray – I just had the little travel-sized one that I got as a promo from Sephora. Given the price of a full-size, I’m not sure if I would get it.

Repurchase? It’s a good product, but I want to try out other ones that are cheaper before I consider repurchasing this one.

Milani Eye Tech Perfection Liquid Liner – I am terrible at doing winged liner. The shape of this helped me with the flick. I bought a bunch of Milani products on sale (read my review and a swatch of this liner).

Repurchase? Similar to the setting spray, I want to try out more before I repurchase (not that it’s expensive, but I know there are better liners out there from other drugstore brands).

Chosungah22 Dong Gong Minn Brow Maker in Black Brown – I picked this up at Winners after I had returned the Benefit Gimme Brow when it was recalled. It was similar to Gimme Brow, but then it had that sponge tip at the end which I found made it difficult to comb through my brows without accidentally getting some gel onto my skin.

Repurchase? No.

Tarte Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara – I really liked this mascara (read my review).

Repurchase? I did love this mascara, but there are so many great ones from the drugstore and I prefer not to spend more than $15 on a mascara. I will be keeping the wand though because I liked the brush.

Smashbox 24 Hour Photo Finish Shadow Primer – I haven’t tried a lot of shadow primers, but I think I prefer ones that aren’t so thick.

Repurchase? I hear the Milani primer is really good and there’s other ones I want to try, so I don’t think I will be buying a new one.

What were your product empties for May?

Love,

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May 2018 Faves

May 25, 2018

Hi Everyone!

Here are this month’s fave products!

This Bobbi Brown Instant Long-Wear Makeup Remover is amazing. I wish it weren’t so pricey, but it easily takes off my dark eye makeup. I only use it for my eyes and use my micellar water for the rest of my face makeup so I can save what I can.

I’m sure it’s no surprise that the J Lo x Inglot LipGlossy Lip Gloss is in my monthly faves. This is the shade J225 Pinky. Check out my haul from the J Lo x INGLOT collection!

I have been using The Everything Powder by Delectable to set my makeup and I love it. I put some into an easier to use container so I could have a lid to pour the product out nicely. It has 21+ uses and I’ve tried it as a dry shampoo, like baby powder to absorb sweat and it works, but my fave use for it is as a setting powder so far. It mattifies my makeup and it makes my under eyes feel so smooth! It’s basically corn starch (and talc-free), so it’s very fine, but it also has a scent to it. Anyone remember those Baby All Gone dolls that you could feed them cherries on a spoon from a jar? It smells like the cherries!

I have been using the Live Clean Exotic Nectar Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner that I won in Prairie Beauty Love’s giveaway. It has made my hair look shinier and feel smoother. I love that it’s natural, plant-based and eco-friendly. Once I’ve tried out the others, I would definitely buy the bigger size so that it comes with a pump. As soon as I got them in the mail, I smelled them and I think that the coconut scent is my fave (just from smelling from bottles- I’ll update once I’ve actually tried them all).

What were your faves this month?

Love,

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April 2018 Product Empties

April 30, 2018

Hi Everyone!

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?

Love,

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April 2018 Faves

April 27, 2018

Hi Everyone!

Here are my April favourites!

I am absolutely loving the Physician’s Formula Murumuru Butter Butter Bronzer in Deep Bronzer and the Butter Highlighter in Pink.

I got the deep bronzer because it was either that or the sunkissed which was too orange. I could probably use the light bronzer or bronzer shades. I just need to make sure I really blend out the deep bronzer or it will look like I have a bruise. The highlight is gorgeous! It’s a cream-to-powder and I love it. I got the pink one and it gives a beautiful glow!

I loved this Soo’Ae Canada Purifying Brightening Peeling Gel so much that I decided to pick it up at Walmart! It’s a peeling gel that gently exfoliates your skin. It made my skin feel like a baby’s bottom!!

I really need to get the right shade in this Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick. Right now, I have it in Ivory, but I’m more Warm Ivory I think. I’ve really been loving this foundation stick as both a foundation and a concealer. It’s compact and easy to carry around in your purse. I got it at the MAC Warehouse sale for $21, but I would definitely pay the full price. It glides on effortlessly and blends beautiful with a damp sponge.

I pressed some MAC pigment in Stardream into an old Becca pot and OMG it’s absolutely gorgeous! The pigment was part of the Nutcracker set of Pigments. It’s a beautiful coppery bronze for my eyes. It’s a bit too dark for a highlight on my skintone, but it has that wet, metallic look that I love in shimmery shades!!

This Miniso Flawless Baked Blusher in Rosy Pink is just so pretty. It gives you a rosy glow since it has shimmer in it. I can’t believe it was only $2.99!

What were your faves this month?

Love,

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March 2018 Faves

April 2, 2018

Hi Everyone!

Oh my goodness, this year is going by way too fast! How is it 1/4 of the way through 2018 already? Someone needs to tell Mother Nature though, it’s still quite chilly.

This Coastal Scents Eclipse palette is well-loved (read my review). This palette has been great for using as a concealer obviously, but also contouring, colour correcting and highlighting. It’s perfectly creamy and blends easily. I only wish shipping didn’t cost so much to Canada.

LOVE OPI XOXO Mini Nail Lacquer 10 Pack – I have twelve minis in total, and ten are from the LOVE OPI XOXO Mini Nail Lacquer 10 Pack I got from Winners for $19.99. I haven’t tried all the shades in the 10-pack, but I love Tickle My France-y (pictured above) and Eurso Euro. OPI brushes are one of my faves and I love minis because they don’t dry out as quickly as regular-sized bottles.

Dove Advanced Hair Series Regenerative Nourishment Serum-in-Oil smells great (read my review), made my hair feel smooth and it’s from the drugstore, need I say more?

What were your faves last month?

Love,

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March 2018 Product Empties

March 31, 2018

Hi Everyone!

I finished quite a lot of products this month and most of them are some of my skincare faves. Here are March’s product empties:

The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam – I love the smell of this and it gives you that squeaky clean feeling after using it.

Repurchase? Absolutely! This was my 2nd or 3rd tube of the cleanser.

Rainforest of the Sea Frxxxtion Stick 3-in-1 Exfoliating Stick (read my review)- I really liked this. I was recommended it by a friend and I know why she loves it. I compared this to the Pixi Peel & Polish . TIP: You know when you’ve finished a lipstick and you can’t push up anymore, but there’s still a lot of lipstick in the tube? This is the same. I was able to scrape out a full face’s worth of cleanser from my tiny, travel-sized stick.

Repurchase? YES! I would definitely get the full-sized version.

Pixi Glow Tonic – I really liked this. It made my skin look good.

Repurchase? Yes. (UPDATE: I have realized that I am allergic to witch hazel which is in glow tonic).

Palmer’s Coconut Oil Body Cream (read my review) – I was sent the Coconut Oil products from Palmer’s Canada. Out of the three products I received, this was my least fave. The cream is very thick and good for using before bed on hands, elbows and feet, but I don’t really like how it comes in a tub.

Repurchase? I don’t think I will be repurchasing the cream, but I would get the lotion.

Palmer’s Coconut Oil Body Oil (read my review) – This was another product received by Palmer’s Canada. I really liked using it after showering.

Repurchase? Yes! It made my skin feel as soft as a baby’s bottom!

Simple Skincare Cleansing Facial Wipes – I really like these. They are good for sensitive skin and they have a bit of a texture to get makeup off nicely.

Repurchase? I already bought a replacement at Winners for $5.99.

Urban Decay Naked Skin Color Correcting Fluid in Green – I got a sample of this and it did the job, but I don’t think I’d pay for a full-size version. There are colour correcting concealers that are a lot cheaper that you can get from the drugstore.

Repurchase? I would buy the Naked Skin Concealer by Urban Decay, but not a colour correcting one.

Revlon Nearly Naked Pressed Powder in 030 Medium – This powder was okay. It was too dark for me. I’d rather get the Maybelline Fit Me Powder (I’ve read good reviews on that).

Repurchase? I don’t even know if they sell it in stores anymore. Even if they did, I probably wouldn’t repurchase.

Bobbi Brown Lipstick in Sandwash Pink – I don’t think I’d get the full-sized at full price. This was a deluxe sample from Sephora. It was a beautiful colour, but too pink on me. When I was at the MAC Warehouse Sale in December, I picked up the shade Bare Pink (which is more of a peachy-pink) for $10 which I haven’t opened yet. If you want to read about the MAC Warehouse Sale, click here!

Repurchase? No.

Essence Volume Stylist 18h Lash Extension Mascara – I love it and it’s less than $6! Although my tube did dry out fairly quickly, it’s half the price of other drugstore brands and a fraction of designer mascaras.

Repurchase? Maybe.

What were your product empties and what would you repurchase?

Love,

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January/February 2018 Product Empties

February 24, 2018

Hi Everyone!

I can’t believe February is almost over! Two months went by so fast. For some reason, I’ve finished quite a few products in the past two months. So I thought I’d share my product empties and whether I’d repurchase them.

Revlon PhotoReady BB Cream Skin Perfector in Light/Medium – I hate to admit that I kept this way too long. I only really got into foundations and bb/cc creams recently (within the past two years). When I first started using makeup in high school, I only used concealer, eye products and lip gloss. When I was in university, I upgraded to using powder foundation and then eventually got into liquid foundations and bb/cc creams. The PhotoReady BB Cream was the first BB I purchased and I really loved it. I used it for a whole summer until I purchased Maybelline’s Fit Me Hydrate + Smooth Foundation and it was forgotten. I wish the shade range was better because it was a bit too orange on me. I used Light/Medium, it’s possible I could’ve used Light.

Repurchase? Probably Not. I bought this on sale for less than $10 and I saw it at regular price for $22 or something. If I’m going to spend that much, I’d rather get a foundation or a better quality BB/CC Cream.

Pixi Shea Butter Lip Balm in Honey Nectar – This lip balm is very hydrating and gives your lips a nice tint.

Repurchase? I think I’d rather spend the money on gloss or lipstick. I can use Nivea’s lip balm or vaseline if I want to hydrate my lips.

Pixi Glow Mist – I’d rather buy Pixi’s Hydrating Milky Mist because I like the scent more and it doesn’t have the Argan Oil (which made my face feel sticky).

Repurchase? No.

Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer in 030 Classic Beige – I really like this concealer for my under eyes. It doesn’t fully cover dark circles, but since it’s a thinner concealer, I can use it with a colour corrector and it won’t look cakey. It’s one of the few concealers I’ve tried that doesn’t smell like chemicals- it actually reminds me of popsicles (like the popsicle stick after you’ve finished eating it).

Repurchase? Absolutely!

Lancome Miracle Cushion Foundation in 025 Beige Naturel – I loved this foundation. It never made my nose look dry and it gave a beautiful finish.

Repurchase? Absolutely! It’s expensive, but worth it if you can find your shade.

Garnier Grow Strong Fortifying Hair Mask (read my review) – This was the first time I tried a hair mask. I bought it on clearance at Rexall. I really liked it, but I didn’t love the scent.

Repurchase? Yes.

Garnier Papaya Hair Mask (read my review)* – I received this from GlamSense for review purposes. I got the papaya one, but there are other scents available that cater to different hair needs. I think I would buy the avocado or coconut one since my hair isn’t damaged. I would prefer if it came in a tube like the Grow Strong one (this one comes in a tub where you stick your hand in).

Repurchase? Yes.

What have you finished in the past two months so far? What would you repurchase?

Love,

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February 2018 Faves

February 23, 2018

Hi Everyone!

Here are this month’s favourites:

Get a gorgeous, healthy glow using the MAC Strobe Cream in Pinklite! I bought mine at the MAC sale. They have other shades now: goldlite, peachlight, silverlite and redlite. I love how you can wear it on its own, or wear it under or over foundation to give a beautiul, dewy look. I don’t use it all over my face, I just put it on the places I would put highlighter.

Every Pixi product I’ve tried, I absolutely love. The Pixi Glow Tonic is no exception. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now. After I get out of the shower, I use it before applying my serums and moisturizers. I bought the Glow Tonic as part of the $25 Peel & Reveal kit from Shoppers Drug Mart. It came with the Rose Flash Balm and the Peel & Polish. I wanted to see if I liked them before purchasing full-sized versions. The Glow Tonic has a nice scent to it (not too strong). It has definitely made my skin feel smoother because it gently exfoliates. I am definitely going to purchase the full-sized bottle once I finish the little one I have. After using it for a longer period of time, I noticed that the redness under my nose was worse when I used it. I stopped using it and it got better. I think I am allergic to witch hazel (read about it here).

I love the Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder with Jeju natural mineral and natural originated mint. I bought it from Chuusi.ca (see my haul) for $9 CAD, and I have been using it to set my makeup. It comes in a small plastic container with a twist-off top and a puff. The puff is incredibly soft and squishy and super useful if you like to carry your powder around (or you can purchase the compact which is $16 CAD). The powder is very finely milled and translucent so you don’t have to worry about matching your skin tone. It leaves my under eye area silky smooth and my concealer has never creased. The mint smell is a bit strong and smells like Chinese herbal medicine.

What were your faves this month?

Love,

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