• YouTubers Made Me Buy It

    July 27, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    Have you ever watched a beauty YouTuber review a product and they rave about it so you have to go buy it too? Or read a beauty blogger and saw swatches of the prettiest highlighter that you had to get? Well, there have been quite a lot of products that I’ve purchased over the past two years because I saw a cool video or I watched/read reviews. I’ll let you know if I liked the product and if I’d repurchase.

    Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patches (read my review) – I love these, but I kind of wish they had different packages for different sizes. Sometimes I have a ton of the smallest size left over until I get a teeny, tiny whitehead.

    Repurchase? Absolutely!!

    Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid – I bought this last year and don’t know if it was working that well. I had to stop because my skin was reacting to something I was using.

    Repurchase? Probably not.

    Cosrx Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser – I quite liked this cleanser and it didn’t dry out my skin too much from the salicylic acid.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    CUCNZN Blackhead Remover Suction Black Peeling Mask – This is kind of messy. If you put too much on, it can drip. It’s very hard to wash off your hands and clothes. The best way is to let it dry and then peel it.

    Repurchase? No, I’d rather try a Biore Pore strip for the face.

    Essence I Love Colour Intensifying Eyeshadow Base – I haven’t put this through testing yet, but I like the formula and I have noticed that it does intensify eyeshadows.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Essence Volume Stylist 18h Lash Extension Mascara –  This mascara is like $5 and it’s great! It does dry out fairly quickly, but it’s not as painful as buying a $30 tube  and having it dry out on you.

    Repurchase? Probably. I just bought two other Essence mascaras to see how they compare.

    Finishing Touch Flawless Facial Hair Remover (read my review) – It removes hair pretty well and I like the light it has attached when you turn it on.

    Repurchase? I’d get the rechargeable one if I get another one.

    Garnier All-in-One Cleansing Micellar Water – Originally, I was like, “why does everyone love this water? Isn’t it just water?” Oh, how wrong I was to think that. I love this stuff!

    Repurchase? Already have!

    Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask (read my review)- I love the smell of this. It smells so fresh and feel so nice on the skin.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder – This powder is very finely milled and comes with a cute little puff. I’m not a huge fan of the mint smell, but it sets and mattifies my makeup nicely.

    Repurchase? Possibly.

    L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise (read my review) – I compared this to the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara and I’m sad to say that I’m not a fan of either one.

    Repurchase? No.

    Makeup Eraser The Original Makeup Eraser (read my review) – I saw this in a BuzzFeed video, I believe and had to see if it really worked. I really like it because it’s so soft.

    Repurchase? I bought a dupe that was a 4-pack, so it’ll take me a while, but I’d repurchase when I need to.

    Maybelline FaceStudio Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter (read my review) – This is a beautiful highlighter that gives that wet, metallic look.

    Repurchase? Yes, I really want some of the other shades.

    Maybelline Fit Me Foundation – I’ve tried the Matte + Poreless and the Hydrate + Smooth, I preferred the Hydrate + Smooth because it gave a dewy finish.

    Repurchase? No. No more drugstore foundations for me.

    Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara – I read that the Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, uses this (don’t know if she still does) and I had to try it for myself.

    Repurchase? I bought this, but haven’t tried it yet.

    Maybelline Super Stay Better Skin Concealer + Corrector – This smells like chemicals to me.

    Repurchase? No, I’d rather get the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer.

    Maybelline Super Stay Better Skin Skin-Transforming Foundation – This was the first drugstore foundation I got. I bought the wrong shade and back then, I didn’t know what primer was or that you had to wet the sponge. Knowing what I know now, I could probably get a better match and get a more beautiful application, but no more drugstore foundations for me.

    Repurchase? No. I didn’t love the smell of this.

    Nars Sheer Glow Foundation – If you read my Mid-Year Inventory on Foundations (click here), you’ll know that I’m looking to find high-end foundations with different finishes and coverage. I didn’t love this one and I’d rather get the Lancome Miracle Cushion Foundation as my sheer foundation.

    Repurchase? No.

    NYX Setting Spray (Matte) – I think I’d rather pay a little more for a better quality setting spray. I don’t know if this helped a whole lot, but it made my eyes water.

    Repurchase? No.

    Physician’s Formula Butter Highlighter – Why pay $50 when you can pay a fraction of that for a gorgeous, butter highlighter?

    Repurchase? Absolutely!! I need more shades!!!

    Physician’s Formula Murumuru Butter Butter Bronzer – Blends like a dream and smells so good (which is surprising because I’m not a huge fan of scented things!!)

    Repurchase? Definitely!!

    Pixi Glow Tonic – I got a pack that had a travel-size bottle of this and I will definitely be picking up a bigger size when I’m done my current toner.

    Repurchase? Definitely!! (UPDATE: I think I’m allergic to witch hazel which means I can no longer use this).

    Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist (read my review) – I love Pixi and it smells so good and keeps the face hydrated.

    Repurchase? YES!

    Pixi Peel & Polish (read my review) – I liked this, but it smells like paint to me and I’ve found other brands I like better.

    Repurchase? Probably not.

    Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge (read my review) – This sponge gets huge when it’s damp and I love that it has a flat side. I bought this at Winners (4 pack for $20) which was cheaper than at the drugstore.

    Repurchase? Absolutely! At Winners though.

    Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler – I didn’t know what I was missing until I bought this eyelash curler. Previously, I’ve used a Tweezerman, Revlon and Sephora lash curler, but this one beats all of those.

    Repurchase? When I need to buy a new one, yes!! Although I hear that the Shiseido one is good too and you can buy just the refills for that.

    Wet N Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder – So pretty!! I wish I could get more shades, but Wet N Wild is hard to find in Canada and Rexall only has a selection of Wet N Wild products.

    Repurchase? If I can get my hands on it, yes!!

    A lot of the products on this list, I would repurchase. For most of these, I heard more than a few good reviews, which made me buy them. So, it’s no surprise that I love them too.

    What products have you bought because of a YouTuber’s recommendations?

    Love,

    jen

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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,

    jen

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  • clinique take the day off cleansing balm vs pixi nourhsing cleansing balm

    This or That | Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm vs. Pixi Nourishing Cleansing Balm

    June 22, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    As you all know by now, I love Winners. I spotted the Pixi Nourishing Cleansing Balm and thought I’d give it a try. I already had the Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm, so I thought I’d compare the two.

    Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm – You massage this onto your dry face and wash off with warm water.

    Lightweight makeup remover quickly dissolves tenacious eye and face makeups, sunscreens. Transforms from a solid balm into a silky oil upon application. Cleans thoroughly, rinses off completely. Gently helps remove the stress of pollution so skin looks younger, longer. Non-greasy. Non-drying.

    Pixi Nourishing Cleansing Balm – Like the Clinique balm, you apply it to a dry face, but you have to use a damp wash cloth to remove it. I tried washing it off with just water, but you need the face cloth to wipe off the balm or else it will just feel greasy and you’ll never get it off.

    A gentle cleansing balm that removes all traces of makeup as it nourishes, leaving skin silky-soft.

    WINNER: Clinique’s Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

    Originally, I thought the Clinique one was more expensive, but there’s actually more in the jar than the Pixi one (according to the Sephora website) and it worked out to be cheaper. But, then I was on the Clinique site and the amount in the jar was different- I would assume Clinique’s is more accurate which makes the Clinique one a little more expensive per mL. Either way, Clinique wins in my book. I like it better because you don’t need a damp wash cloth to wipe it off and it rinses off easily with water. I also don’t love the smell of the Pixi one- it has sweet almond oil in it.

    Love,

    jen

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  • This or That | Pixi Peel & Polish vs. Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Frxxxtion Stick 3-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser

    March 10, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I’m comparing two exfoliating scrubs: Pixi’s Peel & Polish and Tarte’s Rainforest of the Sea Frxxxtion Stick 3-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser.

    20180310_093137.jpgPeel & Polish

    This radiance revealing enzyme peel resurfaces for smoother, softer skin, and a healthy looking glow. Natural fruit enzymes loosen dead skins cells, lactic acid gently exfoliates, cellulose peels & sugar extracts polishes, lifting away dullness revealing brighter skin.

    20180310_093151.jpgRainforest of the Sea Frxxxtion Stick 3-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser

    The hypoallergenic gel stick gently sloughs away dead surface cells & polishes skin as it cleanses to fight dullness & pump up the radiance. Great for all skin types, it can be used on a regular basis without stripping skin’s moisture or left on as a treatment mask to absorb toxins & reveal smooth, sexy, glowing skin.

    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.

    20180310_092449.jpg
    Peel & Polish (left), Frxxxtion stick (right)

    The Frxxxtion stick is more gentle than the Peel & Polish. I think I might use them at the same time; use the Frxxxtion stick on cheeks and forehead and use the Peel & Polish on areas that need more exfoliating. Both don’t have the most pleasant smell. The Peel & Polish almost smells like paint, while the Frxxxtion stick has a scent that I can’t quite put my finger on, but since they’re both scrubs that you wash off after a few minutes, it’s not a big deal.

    My face feels super soft after using both of them and the price points are similar so I think the verdict is obvious:

    WINNER: It’s a TIE!

    What exfoliating scrubs do you use?

    Love,

    jen

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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,

    jen

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  • February 2018 Faves

    February 23, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    Here are this month’s favourites:

    strobe.PNG

    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.

    glow.PNG

    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).

    innis.PNG

    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,

    jen

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  • pixi hydrating milky mist

    Review | Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist

    January 18, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    Have you tried Pixi products? I just started using them last year. I first got the Glow Mist. I’ve bought a few other products and I’ll post reviews on them soon. I’ve heard rave reviews about the Hydrating Milky Mist, so I had to give it a try.

    A deeply hydrating mist that provides an invisible layer of skin-soothers, making it the ultimate remedy for dry skin.

    I love this mist, it smells so good and doesn’t make my face feel sticky. It’s super refreshing and the nozzle disperses the mist just right. I usually spray it 1-3 times. It is quite pricey, but it lasts a while.

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    I’ve tried the Glow Mist and I had a like/dislike relationship with it (it wasn’t love/hate because I didn’t hate it). Sometimes the glow mist made my face feel sticky, other times it didn’t (maybe I didn’t shake it enough). It did make my face feel hydrated because of the Argan Oil, I think. It had a citrus smell, which I wasn’t a huge fan of.

    I definitely want to try more Pixi products, like the Makeup Fixing Mist and the Glow Peel Pads.

    UPDATE: Out of nowhere, the nozzle has suddenly stopped misting the product and now it’s a stream that can shoot across the room/squirt me in the face. I tried cleaning the nozzle and tried rinsing it with water which helped a bit (it’s not as strong of a stream now), but it’s still not back to how it used to be. Anyone else experience this with their Pixi mists?

    Have you tried Pixi mists? Which is your fave?

    Love,

    jen

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