powder Archives – Page 2 of 2

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,

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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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Review | Shiseido Sheer Mattifying Compact Foundation

March 7, 2018

Hi Everyone!

I got the Sheer Mattifying Compact Foundation refill from Winners for $8.99 and OMG, it’s amazing!! I got B60 Natural Deep Beige.

It’s long-lasting, buildable and has a natural matte finish. I wore it for almost 12 hours and only had to touch up once because I was getting a bit shiny on my t-zone. I would assume that it’s good for oily skin since it’s a mattifying foundation. It didn’t look dry or break up around my nose which is always a problem with powders for me and sometimes even liquid foundations.

Unfortunately, Shiseido has discontinued the Sheer Mattifying powder and they’re only selling what’s left in stock on their website. Although they don’t have an exact replacement, the Powdery Foundation is an alternative. If it’s anything like this powder, I definitely want to try it!

RATING: 5/5

I hope they don’t discontinue the powdery foundation once I get my hands on it!

What’s your favourite powder foundation?

Love,

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Where Were Your Beauty Products Made?

February 5, 2018
Hi Everyone!

A few years back, my mom mentioned to me that it’s better to buy products that are made in North America or Europe instead of China, Taiwan, etc. because you never know what they’re putting into the products. Ever since then, I’ve always been a bit conscious about checking where a product is made before purchasing, but sometimes I do slip up and accidentally buy something Made in China.

Do you check the back of cosmetic and skincare products to see where they are made before you purchase them?

There are so many different brands out there that have products that are made in North America or Europe. So, why buy products that are made in China when you don’t know what kind of rules and regulations they have? Especially when it comes to makeup that absorbs through your skin and that you could accidentally ingest from putting on your lips. Even drugstore brands are made in Canada or Germany, so it’s not like you have to splurge on high end products.

For powder products like highlighter or blush, it’s not as bad because I don’t use the same products every day. Same with eyeshadows because the ones I have from China are more vibrant colours that I wouldn’t wear on a day-to-day basis.

For liquid products like foundation and concealer, I am very careful to check that it’s made in North America or Europe because your skin absorbs the product and these are the products that cover the largest area of your face. Same goes for mascara, eyeliner, lipstick and lip gloss. Eye products can easily get into your eyes when you rub them or when you’re removing makeup and lip products are easily ingested.

I went through my makeup stash to see where everything was from and I’ve mapped it out in purple. Most of my products were from the usual countries like the US, Canada, Belgium, France, Germany, and then there were a few Made in China. Some products surprised me- I had eye products made in Czech Republic and Mexico.
- North/South America– Canada, USA, Mexico
- Europe– UK, England, France, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Luxembourg, Poland, Czech Republic
- Asia– China (also listed as PRC- People’s Republic of China), Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia
- Mexico
  - Maybelline EyeStudio Brow Precise Shaping Pencil in Deep Brown
- Czech Republic
  - L’Oreal Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner in Grey
  - Annabelle Kohl Eyeliner in White
- Poland
  - Essence I Love Stage Eyeshadow Base
- Indonesia
  - Benefit Cosmetics Prima Donna Fake Lashes
Although I do my best not to buy products from China, I have purchased a few here and there. The following are Made in China:
- Coastal Scents products
  - Winterberry palette
  - Eclipse palette
  - Shadow pots
  - Revealed 3 palette and Lipstick don’t say where they’re made and I no longer have the boxes they came in, but I’m assuming China because the lipstick is less than $5 and the Revealed 3 palette goes for $20 (and goes on sale for less).
- Wet N Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder
- NYX Matte Setting Spray
I went through my makeup collection to see if I had any other products Made in China/PRC and I was shocked to find some Tarte products had been made in China. Here are the products I have:
- Essence Light Up Your Face Luminizer
  - Most of the other Essence products are Made in Europe, i.e. Germany or Luxembourg
- Eyeko Fat Eye Stick (Made in PRC)
- Smashbox Blush Soft Lights Duo
  - other Smashbox products I have are made in US or Belgium
- Tarte products- it really surprised me that my Tarte products are Made in China, however; the Tarteist Lip Paint from the Sephora Birthday Gift is Made in US
  - Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Paarty (deluxe sample)
  - Tarte Amazonian Clay Matte Waterproof Bronzer in Park Ave Princess (deluxe sample)
  - Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder
- Wet N Wild Mega Protein Mascara
My friend has multiple full-sized Tarte products and she let me know where they were made and I also went to Sephora to take a look at the full-sizes of the blush and bronzer:
- Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blushes (full-size)- USA
- Amazonian Clay Matte Waterproof Bronzer in Park Ave Princess- China
- Tartelette Tease Palette- USA
- Shape Tape- Korea
- Amazonian Clay 12-Hr Full Coverage Foundation- USA
- Maracuja Cheek Tint- Formulated in Japan, Made in China
Other things I found when going through my products:
- Milani’s Retouch + Erase Lightlifting Concealer (Made in US with US & Non-US components)
- Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation (Made in US with US & Non-US components)
- Wet N Wild Photofocus Foundation (Foundation Made in USA, Filled in China)
- Tarte Lights, Camera Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara (Manufactured in Italy, Assembled in Taiwan)
- Tarte Gifted Mascara (Manufactured in Italy, Assembled in Taiwan)
Although the concealer and foundation from Milani both say Made in US with US & Non-US components, I think that’s just for the liquid products. The Color Statement Lipstick was Made in USA, and the XL All Over Glow Bronzer and Baked Blush were both Made in Italy.

I remember I had a Bella Pierre Mineral Foundation and Mineral Blush that I bought from a mall kiosk and they were made in the US. But, I have seen kits at Winners for $14.99 that have smaller sizes of the foundation, bronzer, illuminator and concealer. I checked the back of one and it was made in PRC, but there was another kit with other products and it was made in the US. So, make sure you check where kits are made. Even if full-sized products are made in the US, the smaller, trial-sized ones could be made elsewhere.

Do you avoid buying products depending on where they’re made? Are you more cautious with certain types of products?

Love,
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Winners Haul | February 2018

February 5, 2018
Hi Everyone!

Everyone loves a good deal! I love going to Winners to find some great deals on products. Yes, a lot of the times, they’re discontinued items, but sometimes you get new products! I picked up these items and each of them were under $10 (paid under $60 total).
- L’Oreal Sublime Soft Micellar Gelee Eye Makeup Remover (read my review)
- Simple Kind to Skin Cleansing Wipes
- Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free 3-in-1 Correcting Bronzer
- MAC Lip Pencil
- My Beauty Spot Rubber Hair Rollers 5/8″ (12-pack)
- Shiseido Sheer Mattifying Compact Refill (read my review)
Do you shop at Winners? What deals have you found?

Love,
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November/December 2017 Faves

January 19, 2018

Hi Everyone!

Here are November & December’s faves:

Clean and Clear Morning Burst Fruit Infusions Purifying Cleanser is my fave to use in the morning. There are strawberry seeds in it that gently exfoliate. It may not give me that squeaky clean feel like cleansers from The Face Shop, but the refreshing citrus scent helps me wake up in the morning.

I love the Dove Nutritive Solutions Coconut and Hydration Shampoo. It smells good and makes my hair feel smooth and moisturized. It’s scented with coconut water and sweet lime. I’ve used a few other Dove shampoos, but I think this one smells the best so far out of the ones I’ve tried: Energize, Daily Moisture and Cool Moisture.

I bought the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler during the Sephora sale (check out my haul here!) and I must say that I am loving it! I got it for $25 CAD. It just works so much better than the other ones I’ve used and I don’t have to worry about it pinching my eyelid by accident. I’ve used several other curlers, I still have a Tweezerman and a Sephora one. The Tweezerman is a pretty good dupe in terms of how the curler looks, but you can feel the difference when you squeeze the curler to curl your lashes. The shu is almost springy whereas the Tweezerman opens really wide. It’s hard to describe unless you have both and you’re trying them out. I have a purple Sephora one and it’s definitely not suited for Asian/hooded eyes (especially if your lashes are short). I don’t think any of the Sephora ones would be good for Asians (even though they might be $5 cheaper or around the same price, I’d rather spend $25 on the shu. For the Sephora one, I have to hold it at an angle just to get the curler to line up with my lashes.

I only wish they sold replacement pads separately (it comes with one replacement in the box), but then you need to buy a new curler. I’ve heard the Shiseido ones fit in the curler, but they’re just a tad shorter than the shu ones and Sephora sells replacements for $8 CAD. It’s a bit ridiculous because on the box it says that a rubber pad will last about 3 months and you should replace the whole curler once the refill pad has worn down. I don’t use my eyelash curler daily, but my other eyelash curlers’ pads have lasted longer than 3 months. I wish they sold replacement pads separately. I think it’s too expensive to have to shell out another $25 every six months according to the box.

Smashbox’s Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer and Essence’s I 🖤 Colour Intensifying Eyeshadow Base. The Smashbox helps brighten my under eyes and the Essence eyeshadow base makes my shadow colours even more vibrant and it’s less than $6!

I love both of these powder bronzers that I got as deluxe samples from Sephora. I would definitely buy the full-sized versions. I have loved everything I’ve tried that’s from Tarte (except for the Opening Act Lash Primer), so it’s no surprise I love this bronzer. I have Tarte’s Amazonian Clay Waterproof Bronzer in Park Ave Princess and Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer in Medium/Deep Matte. Both blend well and are great for contouring.

I am loving this original Tory Burch perfume…it’s a mix of citrus and floral and great for winter and fall. I use Giorgio Armani’s Acqua Di Gioia in the spring and summer because it’s got that acquatic, fresh smell. I love the bottle of the Tory Burch perfume and it makes me feel more grown up. It has neroli, grapefruit and peony to name a few notes.

I’m loving the GummiBand hair cords. They don’t make my hair crease after wearing my hair up for hours and they don’t tug on my hair like regular hair bands. I love the colour variety and they’re a Canadian brand!

Read my review and get a coupon code for the GummiBand hair cords!

Everyone loves a red lip for the holidays. This L’Oreal Infallible Le Rouge lipstick in 337 Refined Ruby is a beautiful satiny blue-red. I don’t wear red that often so finding a beautiful red at a drugstore price was my goal.

What were your faves from November and December?

Check out my other monthly favourites:

2017

Sept/Oct

Love,

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Review | Bumble and bumble Soft Black Hair Powder

January 9, 2018

Hi Everyone!

I bought a two-pack of the Bumble and bumble Soft Black Hair Powder at the MAC Warehouse Sale and just got around to trying it out. It was $25 for 2 cans, regular price at Sephora is $49.50 CAD for 4.4 oz. I’ve been reading about this to get an exact idea of what this is because nowhere on the can does it say that it’s a dry shampoo, but the exact definition of a dry shampoo is “a dry substance that cleans your hair without the use of water. Dry shampoo works by absorbing oil from your scalp and hair, and making it look and feel freshly washed again” (www.womansday.com, 2011). Also, when you click ‘Dry Shampoo’ on the Bumble and bumble website, the Blondish and Brownish hair powders come up on the page.

A tinted, dry cleanser for dark, inky brown, and black hair colors.

What it does:
This hair cleanser absorbs excess oil and adds volume. Use it to extend the life of a blow-dry and leave hair with a matte texture.

The tint easily washes off clothes or fingers, but that also means it’s easily transferable. If you accidentally touch your head or lie on a pillow, it will probably come off.

It smells likes the stuff you spray on your boots to waterproof them. This product wasn’t for me. If I’m going to spend $50 for a dry shampoo or powder (which I wouldn’t), I want it to smell nicer than this hair powder does. I don’t even spend half that for my regular shampoo. Since it’s in an aerosol can, it starts off as a liquid like spray paint, but then you let it dry and it’s more powder-like. After letting it dry though, it has a sticky hairspray feeling. Also, the fact that it sprays means you have to protect your clothes and don’t get too close to any walls in your bathroom or wherever you’re spraying it. Other dry shampoos that are cheaper smell a lot better than this. I’d rather use the amika perk up dry shampoo which smells amazing and it’s $28.60 CAD for 5.3 oz)

RATING: 1/5

I’ve only ever tried aerosolized dry shampoos, I’ve never used a powder one, but I think if I were to try a powder shampoo, I would get Cake’s The All Powderful Tinted Dry Shampoo (Dark). It comes in powder form in a regular bottle so it’s not bad for the environment to dispose of like aerosol cans. Plus, you’d be able to take it on a plane.

What are your fave dry shampoos? Have you used Bumble and bumble products?

Love,

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Review | Colab Sheer + Invisible Dry Shampoo

July 18, 2017

Hi Everyone!

Last year, I got a travel-sized Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo in my 1st TopBox. It smells absolutely amazing and I wanted to save it because a full-size can of the shampoo is expensive (about $30 CAD for a 5.3 oz can). So I thought I would try a different dry shampoo. I went to Winners and to giveaway as prizes for C’s wedding shower, I bought a three-pack of Colab Sheer+Invisible Dry Shampoo Rio Tropical. I saw a full-sized can at Rexall on clearance for less than $4, so I bought a full-sized one too.

RATING: 4/5

I give it a 4/5 because it’s a good price and does what it’s supposed to do, but I just didn’t like the smell of this one. Maybe I will try a different scent next time. I did like that it is invisible when you spray it on. If I missed a spot when I was massaging it into my hair, it wouldn’t look like I have white hair or I was recently snowed on. It did what it was supposed to do, made my hair look less oily and gave it a bit of volume.

I might try a powder one next since aerosol cans aren’t good for the environment. I know batiste is said to be a good brand for dry shampoos, so I might give that a try too.

Any suggestions? I’d love to hear your thoughts on dry shampoos (aerosol or powder).

Love,

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Check out my other monthly favourites:

2017