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.
Today, I’m sharing some brands and their products that I have on my wishlist. Most of the products I want to try aren’t new, but I haven’t had a chance to try yet. I wanted to cut down on my makeup buying this year and finish up what I have before buying more. I have a lot of lip and cheek products on this list.
Biossance
Squalane + Peptide Eye Gel
Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer
Squalane + Rose Vegan Lip Balm
Squalane + Tea Tree Balancing Oil
Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil
I might get the Top Shelfies Kit from Sephora since it has 3/5 items I want to try.
Briogeo
I’ve only tried a sample of Briogeo and that was a long time ago.
Be Gentle Be Kind Banana + Coconut Nourishing Superfood Shampoo & Conditioner
Be Gentle Be Kind Kale + Apple Replenishing Superfood Shampoo & Conditioner
I’ve only tried two products from Charlotte Tilbury. While I do like both, I’m not sure I would repurchase them (Legendary Brows Eyebrow Gel and Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder).
Em Cosmetics
Color Drops Serum Blush
Micro-Fluff Sculpting Brow Cream
True Gloss
Glossier
Balm Dot Com
Boy Brow
Cloud Paint
Jouer
Blush Bouquet Dual Blush Palette
Essential High Coverage Concealer Pen
Essential Lip Enhancer Shine Balm
Soft Focus Hydrate + Set Powder
Sunswept Bronzer Duo
I might get the Essential Lip Care Duo since I like the Essential Lip Enhancer Balm.
Lilah B
Divine Duo Lip & Cheek
Lovingly Lip Tinted Lip Oil
Volition Beauty
Hibiscus Unspottable Correcting Oil
Snow Mushroom Water Serum
Wander Beauty
Mile High Club Mascara
This mascara is a favourite for a lot of people. I don’t usually like to spend more than $15 for a mascara, but I might consider trying it once to see if I like it.
YSL
Glossy Stain Lip Color
Rouge Volupté Shine Oil-in-Stick Lipstick
Tatouage Couture Liquid Matte Lip Stain
There’s more on my wishlist, but these are a few I’m considering trying this year.
I haven’t tried many new products since my last favourites post. I have a few products that I’m enjoying at the moment, but need to test them out more before I add them to a favourites post.
Revlon Salon One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer* (read my review) – While there are adjustments I’d make to the design (making the handle a bit smaller), this is a great brush to dry hair and get some volume.
Wet Detangling Brushes – It doesn’t have to be a specific brand. I have a Tangle Teezer and another brand that’s not as well known. Wet detangling brushes with handles are awesome.
Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Concealer in 202 Light – This is a beautiful, medium coverage concealer that looks natural.
Blume Meltdown Acne & Blemish Oil* – This has been great for those breakouts that hurt during that time of the month. I use it as a spot treatment and the next day, the pimple doesn’t hurt (or it’s not as bad as the day before). It does have a strong (natural) scent to it.
Today, I’m reviewing the Superberry Hydrate & Glow Face Oil from Youth to the People. I purchased this during the Sephora sale last year. I tried it in September and then I had a breakout (unsure if it was from the oil, my diet or something else I was using). I stopped using it and then I started using all of these other products that I wanted to review. I’ve started using it again. Keep reading to find out what I think about the oil!
This ultra-enriched, flash-absorbing face oil packed with rare super berry antioxidants that leaves skin velvety soft, hydrated, and glowing. Intensely hydrating prickly pear and squalane oil lock in moisture with the help of omega fatty acids and high levels of vitamin C.
Maqui, the most antioxidant dense fruit in the world, is combined with açaí and goji, creating a potent antioxidant elixir. Our perfected balance of jojoba and sunflower oil illuminate and revive dehydrated skin without weighing it down.
It comes in a glass jar with a dropper (which I will be keeping after I’ve finished using it). It’s vegan, no there’s no animal testing. It doesn’t contain dimethicone, but it does have natural fragrance. It has a scent that is familiar to me, but I can’t quite place it. I think it smells like a candy I used to eat?
RATING: 2/5
My skin doesn’t look very glowy with this oil. I just don’t think it’s worth the high price tag. My face has been very dry from the weather and it’s not providing enough hydration for me. Maybe in the spring/summer, it would be okay for my dry skin. There are other oils that I prefer that don’t have any fragrance and are much more affordable (e.g. The Ordinary, Good Molecules).
I stopped using it again and my skin is looking better. I haven’t changed any other skincare products in my routine so I know it’s this oil that’s causing the breakouts. I know it’s a waste, but I started using it on my hands and feet to finish the rest of the bottle.
I haven’t tried much from the brand, but I did like the Superfood Air Whip Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer.
Hi Everyone! It’s been almost six months since Part 1 of Revisiting My 2018 Favourites. So, here’s Part 2! This post is for July to December’s beauty faves.
BCL Spa Sugar Scrub Lavender + Mint – I absolutely loved this. It smelled amazing and the scrub made my skin feel so soft and smell good.
Repurchase? If I could find it for cheaper than $40 somewhere, I would! I’ll have to check salons in Toronto to see if they sell in-store. I’ve only found the brand on Amazon for $50+ or on wholesale sites.
BCL Spa Dead Sea Salt Soak Lavender + Mint – As much as I loved this, I probably wouldn’t buy it again since it’s so expensive. I would rather buy the sugar scrub.
Repurchase? No.
Sonia Roselli Water Balm – Loved this!! It was a great moisturizer and primer, I will definitely get this again!
Repurchase? Yes!
Tarte Tarteist Creamy Matte Lip Paint in Birthday Suit – I liked this, but I need to find a shade that’s more my style.
Repurchase? Yes.
Colors by Llarowe Nail Polish in The Deep End – This is a pretty mermaid-y shade.
Repurchase? I would repurchase from the brand, but I probably wouldn’t buy a similar shade. I want to streamline my nail polishes and purchase shades that don’t have shimmer (neutrals, reds, wines, etc.)
AUGUST
Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge -I love the flat side of this sponge.
Repurchase? Yes! It would be great if I can find a 4-pack for $20 again!
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil – I enjoyed the little deluxe sample I had!
Repurchase? YES!
Soo’Ae Juice Mango Glow Mask – No offense to face masks, but I feel like (for the most part), they all feel the same. Unless one is specifically meant for something like drawing out impurities, the hydrating, brightening, plumping sheet masks all make my face feel the same.
Repurchase? Yes.
elf Studio Matte Lip Color in Tea Rose -This lipstick felt nice for a matte lip colour. This specific shade did not look good on me. It looked okay once I topped it with gloss though.
Repurchase? No, I prefer satin finish lipsticks.
Laneige BB Cushion Hydra Radiance SPF50 – As someone who deals with acne, I can’t just use this product. I need something with a bit more coverage. This is a very nice and affordable product, but I need something with a bit more coverage than what this offers.
Repurchase? Possibly (when my skin is clear and when they have a better shade range). Although the scent is quite strong.
SEPTEMBER
Benefit Precisely, My Brow Ultra Fine Shape & Define in 6 – LOVE THIS!
Repurchase? Absolutely!
Diorshow Bold Brow in 002 Dark – I love this, but won’t repurchase until they expand the shades (if that ever happens). The shade 002 Dark is the darkest and it leans gray.
Repurchase? I would if they had a darker shade.
OPI Nail Lacquer in Step Right Up! – I love this shade! It’s a beautiful sheer pink.
Repurchase? If It’s still available when I finish my current bottle, I would definitely repurchase.
Clinique Acne Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel– This gel works well, but since it has salicylic acid, it can make my face a bit itchy and/or red.
Repurchase? Maybe.
Pixi Aspyn Ovard Glow-y Powder in Santorini Sunset – This is a beautiful champagne highlighter.
Repurchase? No longer available.
OCTOBER
Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation in Light-Neutral – Loooove this powder! I think I need a lighter shade though.
Repurchase? Yes!!
Thayers Witch Hazel Alcohol-Free Cucumber Toner – I think I’m allergic to witch hazel (or at least, I can’t tolerate a heavy concentration of it).
Repurchase? No.
The Face Shop Multi-Layer Cotton Pads – I love these! They are much stronger than the Muji Peelable Cotton Pads.
Repurchase? Yes.
Unknown Brand of Cotton Swabs (flat end and pointy end) – These are really useful! I like that it has a pointy end.
Repurchase? Yes.
Tarte Timeless Smoothing Primer – I love this primer.
Repurchase? Yes.
NOVEMBER
Kopari Coconut Deodorant – It’s aluminum-free! It also smells really nice when you sniff it from the tube, but it can sometimes be too much for me (especially since I don’t looooove coconut). Also, since it’s got a strong scent, I feel like I shouldn’t wear my perfume when I do wear it because it will clash.
Repurchase? Yes, I would try one of the other scents (or even unscented).
Etude House Lip & Eye Remover – This is great for removing my makeup.
Repurchase? Yes.
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer in Light – Really love this concealer.
Repurchase? Yes.
TULA Acne Clearing + Tone Correcting Gel– When I first got this, I was using it twice a day and then I stopped for a bit and realized that while it does work, my face was so dry because of the salicylic acid. I’ve cut down to using it only when I feel a pimple coming (like a spot treatment) instead of using it all over.
Repurchase? I would.
DECEMBER
NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer – This concealer is awesome for spot concealing and I would definitely purchase in a lighter shade as an under eye concealer.
Repurchase? Yes.
The Body Shop Aloe Calming Foaming Wash – This was very gentle and I love foaming cleansers.
Repurchase? Yes, but on sale.
EcoTools Shading Brush – Love this brush. It’s so soft!!
Repurchase? I would definitely buy more EcoTools brushes.
Kat Von D Shade + Light Contour Palette – I really just wanted to try this once to see why everyone loved it so much. I’m glad that they offer a duo now instead of having to get all six shades.
Repurchase? I love the sombre shade for contouring, but I would rather buy another brand for obvious reasons.
As you may have already gathered, I really like The Body Shop skincare products. The tea tree oil line has been great for controlling and preventing acne.
The Body Shop was having a Buy 2, Get 1 Free sale, so I decided to pick up products that I haven’t tried yet. I chose three of the tea tree oil products, an aloe cleanser and the pink grapefruit exfoliating gel scrub.
Tea Tree Oil
I tried this out already and it’s not oily like the Tarte Maracuja Oil (which I was expecting), it was similar to the Anti-Imperfection Daily Solution. It smells very strong (more than the solution).
Targeted care for blemished skin
Can be used direct on skin or for facial steaming
Soothing
Does not dry out skin
Tea Tree Oil Anti-Imperfection Night Mask
I have not tried this yet, but I’m excited to see how well it works.
Skin instantly looks and feels refreshed, purified, and soothed.
In the morning, imperfections* appear reduced.
Skin looks healthier, smoother, and mattified.
Improves appearance of pores.
Helps maintain clearer-looking skin.
Tone, texture, and oiliness
Features a refreshing memory-gel texture and is infused with tea tree oil grown in the foothills of Mount Kenya.
Alcohol-free, no pillow-staining formula.
TOP TIP: Pop the Night Mask in the fridge for an ultra-refreshing feeling.
Tea Tree Oil Skin Clearing Mattifying Toner
I haven’t tried this yet because I recently picked up the Thayers Witch Hazel toner and just started using it. I didn’t want to try too many new products all at once.
Refreshing, purifying toner
Made with purifying tea tree oil from the foothills of Mount Kenya
Removes residual make-up and impurities
Shake-to-activate mattifying powders reduce shine
Skin appears visibly clearer
Pores appear tighter
Pink Grapefruit Exfoliating Body Scrub
I’ve used their body scrub before, but they’ve reformulated it since then. I’ve tried the one that’s more like a sugar scrub. This one is interesting because it’s a gel texuture, but then when you rub it in, you can feel the grittiness of it. It smells refreshing and it works well. Is it worth $22 though? I’m not sure.
Body exfoliator
Smoothes and refines skin
Buffs away dead skin cells
Leaves skin beautifully softer and refined
Fresh, energizing gel texture
Energizing scent
Aloe Vera Gentle Foaming Wash
This is very light and I like that it’s foamy. My sensitive skin hasn’t reacted to it, but it is a bit pricey when it’s regular price.
Formulated for sensitive skin
Pure Community Trade aloe from Campeche, Mexico
No added fragrance, color or alcohol
Formulated without preservatives
I will post reviews of the Tea Tree Oil products once I’ve tested them out properly.