• Laneige BB Cushion Hydra Radiance SPF50 shade 23 sand

    First Impressions with Laneige BB Cushion Hydra Radiance SPF50

    September 19, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    I’m excited to write this review for the Laneige BB Cushion Hydra Radiance SPF50! I was gifted this product, but they didn’t ask me to review it. Since it is a new product, I decided I would share my thoughts on it! Read on to see what I thought about this BB Cushion!

    It retails for $49 CAD on Sephora and it comes with a refill and an extra puff! At the moment though, I don’t think you can just buy a refill for when you finish the two Cushions. Cushion foundations are great to just pop into your bag to touch up throughout the day.

    I chose the shade No. 23 Sand (for light medium skin with neutral undertones); No. 23 is a bit light on me at the moment, but No. 33 would be way too dark. It’s available in 6 shades (neutral undertones): fair porcelain, light, light medium, medium, medium dark and dark.

    It has a very fresh scent that smells like the Laneige Water Bank products.

    A radiance-enhancing, ultra-hydrating version of LANEIGE’s global award-winning BB Cushion, this formula features Melacrusher™ and double-coated pigments that instantly brighten and moisturize.

    I’m not 100% sure if I’m just imagining this, but when I pat the puff into the cushion sponge, it doesn’t seem to saturate the puff as much as other cushion foundations I’ve tried. Perhaps they don’t put as much product in them because they provide you with a refill? Or maybe it’s because the sponge is stiffer than the other ones I’ve used and therefore I’m not pressing my puff into the container as much.

    I tried this product in a few different ways. I wouldn’t say that it’s super long-wearing (in hot weather). I’ll have to try it out again when the weather is cooler. It’s very lightweight and you can see your skin under it.

    I have a bit of redness on and around my nose and it didn’t do the best job of covering it. If you have hyperpigmentation or acne/acne scars, this BB won’t cover those areas, so you’ll definitely need concealer.

    I also tried using this BB cushion with my Dior Backstage foundation and it still looked very nice. You could still see my skin underneath and it had a nice, dewy finish. I used the Dior foundation to help cover up some of the redness that the cushion didn’t cover.

    I think this product will be great for the winter time because it can hydrate dry, winter skin. Plus, I didn’t find it particularly long-wearing in the hot weather, so if I use it in the winter, it won’t be as likely to melt off my face.

    RATING: 4/5

    I think this BB Cushion is best for those who already have nice skin and you just want that extra, dewy glow. As someone with acne-prone skin, I do need to pair it with a good concealer to cover up redness and acne/acne scars, but I love the look of it. At the moment, I don’t think it will become one of my makeup staples because I prefer a foundation that can cover the redness around my nose.

    Have you tried the BB cushion yet?

    Love,

    jen

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  • First Impressions with Neutrogena Hydro Boost

    September 5, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

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

    Hydro Boost Gel Cream

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

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

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

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

    RATING: 3/5

    Hydro Boost Gel Cream Eye

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

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

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

    RATING: 4/5

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

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

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

    Love,

    jen

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  • 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,

    jen

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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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  • elf Lip Exfoliator vs. Milani Keep It Sweet Sugar Scrub

    This Or That | elf Lip Exfoliator vs. Milani Keep It Sweet Sugar Scrub

    August 20, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I’m comparing Lip Scrubs: elf vs. Milani. I received the elf lip exfoliator from Topbox Circle and I purchased the Milani scrub in a haul last year. Both have sugar granules that help to exfoliate. The elf one is packaged like a bullet lipstick and the Milani one comes in a jar.

    elf Lip Exfoliator in Mint Maniac

    Gently exfoliate lips to remove dry, chapped skin with our Lip Exfoliator! A sweet sugar and smoothing sensation, infused with Vitamin E, Shea Butter, Avocado, Grape and Jojoba Oils to nourish and protect. This Lip Exfoliator treats and smoothes lips for a conditioned and revitalized feel.

    This exfoliator comes in different ‘flavours,’ I received Mint Maniac, but they also have Brown Sugar, Sweet Cherry, Coconut, Pink Grapefruit and Rose. I think I would’ve chosen the mint one anyway. I might’ve considered brown sugar, but to be honest, it looks kind of gross since it has specks of the brown sugar.

    Since the instructions say to use on moist lips, I prefer to use my finger to get some of the scrub and then use my finger to exfoliate instead using the tube. I think using my finger is a little more hygienic especially because my lips are a wet. After exfoliating, I can feel the slight tingle from the mint.

    Milani Keep It Sweet Sugar Lip Scrub

    Smoothes and exfoliates lips for an instant polished and revitalized look. Natural sugar granules soften skin with a kiss of sweetness, leaving lips feeling nourished and prepped for color. Use 2-3 times per week and follow with Keep It Smooth Luxe Lip Treatment for the ultimate lip luxury experience.

    Since this scrub comes in a pot, it’s a bit chunkier and the consistency is like a body sugar scrub. It has a sweet scent that’s not too overpowering.

    WINNER: elf Lip Exfoliator

    For the Milani scrub, my fingers feel greasy after using it- I guess it’s to help moisturize the lips after, but I don’t like the feeling. Personally, I think I prefer the elf one because of the way it’s packaged. Also, I felt like the elf one did a better job at sloughing off the dry skin and it feels gentler (the Milani lip scrub is more chunky and messier).

    What’s your fave lip scrub?

    Love,

    jen
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  • Review | The Face Shop Jeju Volcanic Lava Self-Heating Clay Mask

    August 10, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I’m reviewing The Face Shop’s Jeju Volcanic Lava Self-Heating Clay Mask. If you’re a regular reader of the blog, you’ll know that I love the cleansers from The Face Shop because they make me feel squeaky clean. I picked up the clay mask last year when I bought a few cleansers and popped this into the cart to give it a try. I thought I would review it on the blog because it’s an interesting product and my first time using a self-heating mask- Keep reading to find out if it actually works!

    The heating pore mask containing Jeju Volcanic Ash purifies skin as a warm sensation opens pores upon application.

    Jeju Volcanic Ash is the product of volcanic activity on Jeju Island. Its porous texture absorbs excess sebum and provides intensive pore care.

    City Defender Complex*, formulated with ingredients from Jeju Island, helps defend skin against the elements and fine dust.

    After washing your face, apply a sufficient amount and spread evenly on areas requiring pore care. Gently massage for 3 to 5 minutes and rinse off with warm water.

    The mask comes in a hard plastic bottle that has a silicone applicator. It’s quite interesting because you press the ‘button’ on the side and the mask comes out from a hole in the silicone pad. If you don’t spread it evenly though, it can drip off. So, make sure you have an even layer on your face. The consistency isn’t too thick or runny; it’s kind of like honey and it doesn’t smell like anything. It’s brown and you can see tiny specks of black (the ash). It’s not like other clay masks where you wait for it to dry and then wash it off. You massage it for a few minutes and then wash it off.

    As soon as you apply it, you can feel it start to heat up. I like using a larger silicone pad to massage it in. It easily removes with water (it’s not sticky or anything), but I do like to use a cleanser and use some cold water to close up the pores again. After every use, I also like to run the applicator under some warm water to clean it off.

    RATING: 3/5

    To be honest, I don’t really know how well this works. While my face does feel clean and pretty smooth after using it, I don’t know how deeply it’s cleaning the pores. Therefore, I’m giving it a 3/5 because it works pretty well, but it is kind of pricey (i would wait for a sale). I think I’d rather try other products in the Jeju Volcanic Lava line, possibly the Pore Mud Pack, Pore Scrub Foam or the Peel Off Nose Pack. Although, I did think of a good use for it. Since it opens up the pores, I thought I would take advantage and do a nose strip. I wonder how this would work on sore muscles since it’s self-heating? The perfect time to do it would be right before a shower or something so it’s easy to rinse off. I should give it a try.

    Have you tried self-heating masks or anything from the Jeju Volcanic Lava collection?

    Love,

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  • Maybelline Eyestudio Color Tattoo Metal 24hr Cream Gel Eye Shadow vs. Revlon ColorStay Crème Eye Shadow

    This or That | Maybelline Eyestudio Color Tattoo Metal 24hr Cream Gel Eye Shadow vs. Revlon ColorStay Crème Eye Shadow

    August 6, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    Recently, I was watching a Kathleen Lights video and she said how good the Maybelline Color Tattoo Cream Shadow was, so I thought I’d give it a try. Then, about a day later, I saw an IG pic by editionalbeauty (check out her blog) of her collection of Revlon ColorStay cream shadows. I thought, “I wonder how the two drugstore brands compare!” So, I grabbed the Revlon cream shadow in a shade as similar as the nude/gold one I picked up by Maybelline. The shades aren’t the same, but I am comparing the two shadows for their longevity and quality. Since I chose lighter shades, I can’t say if the pigmentation for the darker ones are different.

    maybelline v revlon shadows (1)

    Maybelline Eyestudio Color Tattoo Metal 24hr Cream Gel Eye Shadow in Barely Branded

    Dare to get inked! Our ink technology creates super-saturated colour. Cream gel smooths on for vibrant colour that lasts for 24-hours. Ophthalmologist tested. Dermatologist tested. Allergy tested. Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

    Step 1. Using fingertips, apply eye shadow from the inner corner and work outwards. Step 2. For added drama, reapply to darken.

    maybelline v revlon shadows

    Revlon ColorStay Crème Eye Shadow in Crème Brûlée 705 – It comes with a brush that slides into the cap. I thought the brush was useless, the pigmentation was better when I used my finger to apply the shadow.

    Introducing 6 new highly-pigmented bold shades with finishes ranging from matte to shimmer. Luxurious, longwear crème eye shadow with a pro-inspired built-in-brush designed for easy, mess free application. Wears up to 24 hours & waterproof. 

    maybelline vs revlon cream shadows
    Maybelline (left), Revlon

    When dipping your finger into the pot, don’t press too hard. I found the best way was to lightly swirl my finger in the pot so that I didn’t get clumps of the shadow on my finger.

    I did a few different wear tests to see how they performed:

    TEST #1- no eyeshadow primer, no shadow

    I wanted to test the longevity of both products without any primer and no shadows on top. By the 2nd hour, both were starting to crease near the inner corner of my eye.

    TEST #2- with eyeshadow primer, and eyeshadow on top (half of lid)

    I used Etude House Proof 10 Eyeshadow Primer and then I used a light brown shade to smoke out the outer corner. Both shadows creased by the 5th or 6th hour, but they held up well until then.

    TEST #3– using the cream shadow as a base

    For the 3rd test, I basically did the same as test #2, but I also applied a shimmery rose gold shade on the lid.

    Both shadows looked good as a shadow on their own and as a base for a shimmery powder shadow. I highly suggest eyeshadow primer when you use it though. It definitely extended the wear time and my lids don’t get super oily.

    maybelline color tattoo, revlon cream shadow
    Maybelline (top), Revlon

    The Revlon isn’t as pigmented after one swipe, but it is buildable. Both look good alone for a simple, shimmery lid. For me, I liked when I used the cream shadows all over the lid and then applied a brown shade on the outer corner and lower lashline to smoke it out.

    Comparing the two shades I got, I think I like the Revlon one better because it’s more rose gold while the Maybelline is more yellow gold. Both are around the same price (around $10), but you get more in the Revlon pot (0.18oz/5.2g) than the Maybelline one (0.14oz/4g). Both come in shimmery and matte shades.

    I don’t know if it’s just me, but I feel like the Revlon shadow is a bit more creamy. When I dip my finger into it, it feels a bit softer.

    Both came off easily with my Garnier Micellar Water. There may be residual sparkles left, but the colour removes easily.

    WINNER: Revlon ColorStay Crème Eye Shadow

    Revlon ekes out a victory here. Both perform really well, but I think I prefer Revlon because it blends more nicely for my monolids. Because it’s less pigmented, it looks more seamless when you blend it on the lid. Since I don’t have a crease, I don’t like when shimmery eyeshadows go too high on my lids (that’s just me though).

    Do you use cream shadows? What are your faves?

    Love,

    jen

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  • 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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  • Worth It? | Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation

    July 16, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    When I heard that Dior was coming out with a collection that was geared towards a younger demographic, I was intrigued. I heard it would be a little more affordable and trendier than the classic Dior you think of when you hear the name. I have been looking into getting one of the foundations and I was settled on Diorskin Star Fluid Foundation. But, when I heard that the new Backstage Collection was going to be releasing 40 foundation shades (thank you, Rihanna- I know a lot of other brands had a good shade selection before, but it wasn’t until Fenty Beauty released 40 that other brands started to realize, “hey, we should be more inclusive too”). It’s especially hard to find your shade with a high end brand like Dior. The Diorskin Star Foundation barely has 20 shades, so it’s nice to see that the Backstage Face & Body Foundation has 40 shades that include different undertones.

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    The Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation comes in a translucent plastic bottle (so you can see how much product is left) that has a matte feel and it has a squeeze bottle spout. It’s not like the bottle is squishy, but you can squeeze it so more foundation comes out. The plastic spout looks like it can be removed easily, so you can take off the top and use a spatula to get the last drop when you’re almost done. The silver cap twists off and when you put the cap on, it kind of locks in place so you know it’s twisted on properly. The foundation is quite fluid and when I first opened the bottle, the liquid spurted out a bit.

    The foundation has a matte finish with medium-buildable coverage. It’s lightly scented like the other Dior foundations- I actually like it. It’s a refreshing scent that you can’t smell once you put it on your face. With the Diorskin Star Foundation, my shade is 020, so I decided to wing it and order 2N for this foundation. I think it’s a pretty good match for blindly choosing one. I was worried at first because I watched a few reviews and they said it oxidized, so I thought I should’ve chose a lighter one.

    TITLES JC(2)

    A foundation for the face and body in 40 shades with a natural, matte finish and medium, buildable coverage that’s waterproof and sweat-resistant.

    Dior Backstage Face and Body Foundation is the Dior makeup artists’ secret weapon to create a flawless, runway-ready complexion for both the face and body. This waterproof formula fuses with skin, resisting extreme conditions like workout sessions, water, and even high temperatures and humid environments. It can also be used to camouflage minor imperfections on the neck, shoulders, legs, or anywhere else.

    Sweatproof?

    I’ve been wearing it in this Toronto weather (pretty hot) and it’s hard to tell if it’s sweat or the oils on my t-zone, but it has been breaking up in the t-zone area.

    Waterproof?

    It’s waterproof enough to stay put after being put underwater. I splashed some water on my face and it didn’t come off. Also, the foundation on my hand was still on after running it under water and rubbing it lightly. So, if you were to get caught in the rain, you’d be safe, but I was able to remove the foundation with water and my makeup eraser (read my review).

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    Wear Test

    I tried it with a beauty sponge on one side of my face and a brush on the other- both applied beautifully. I think I would use a brush to apply since I don’t want my sponge absorbing all of the product. Also, since it doesn’t have a pump and it’s more liquid than other foundations, I can’t tell how much I’m actually using.

    Test #1

    Primer used: Sonia Roselli Water Balm (read my review)

    With the Sonia Roselli Water Balm, it looked flawless! Of course, I needed to use concealer to cover up dark spots, but it looked like my skin. To test its longevity, I didn’t powder my t-zone and by the 2nd hour, it was breaking up on and around my nose and chin. This was on a hot day and after doing a little arm workout (where I didn’t quite work up a sweat). By the 4th hour, it was basically gone from under my nose. I don’t know if it was from the heat or if I didn’t use as much as I thought, but when I removed it with a makeup wipe, there wasn’t as much foundation on the wipe as I usually do.

    Test #2

    Primer used: Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Primer (Smoothing), Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil

    Powder used: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

    I tried building up the coverage with two layers of foundation and set it with powder. By the second hour, it looked horrible- it was collecting around my nose. The makeup felt heavy and looked cakey.

    Test #3

    Primer used: Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Primer (Hydrating)

    Powder used: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

    By the 3rd hour, the foundation was settling into fine lines between my brows (making it look like I had wrinkles) and wore off under my nose. It didn’t look terrible, but it would require a touch up.

    Test #4

    Primer used: Sonia Roselli Water Balm

    Sunscreen used: Vichy Idéal Soleil Anti-Shine Dry Touch Lotion SPF60 (read my review)

    Powder used: Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder

    Less than 2 hours after applying, it looked powdery and was collecting around the nose. I think the sunscreen made the foundation apply on top of my skin, creating a layer on top of my skin instead of sinking into the skin.

    Test #5

    Primer used: Stellar Brilliant Primer

    This was the worst combo. Since the primer doesn’t hydrate, it accentuated my dry spots.

    Test #6

    Primers used: Smashbox Photo Finish Reduce Redness Primer, Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil (on t-zone)

    Setting Spray: NYX Makeup Setting Spray (Matte)

    Powder: Bare Minerals barePRO Performance Wear Pressed Powder Foundation in Cashmere 06

    I mixed the Dior foundation with my Lancôme Skin Feels Good Skin Nourishing Foundation in 01N Nude Vanilla (read my review). It looked absolutely flawless!! After wearing it for six hours when I was out in the heat, you could tell it broke up a bit on my chin, but around my nose, it still looked pretty good.

    Worth It?

    This foundation is worth it if you’re looking for a natural matte finish. This foundation is beautiful, but I don’t think it will become a staple in my foundation lineup. Lately, I’ve been into radiant, natural finishes to give that glow from within look and since this one has a matte finish, it’s not what I’m looking for in a foundation.

    The winning combination for me was Test #6.

    • Sonia Roselli Water Balm as a moisturizer and primer
    • Using a smoothing primer to minimize the appearance of pores on my cheeks and forehead
    • Smashbox Primer Oil on and around my nose
    • Mixing the Dior Foundation with the Lancome Skin Feels Good Skin Nourishing Foundation
    • To set, I dabbed some Bare Minerals powder on my t-zone to get rid of the shine and used my NYX setting spray.

    RATING: 4/5

    I have to dock a point for the packaging- no pump and it’s in a plastic bottle. I know that the plastic packaging is so that it’s more portable and won’t break if you throw into your bag, but if I’m paying more than $40, I expect a pump and a glass bottle. I just prefer pumps because then I know how much I’m using. It’s hard to tell if I’m squeezing out the same amount each time.

    Have you tried products from the Dior Backstage collection?

    Love,

    jen

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  • 2018 Mid-Year Makeup Inventory | Bronzers

    July 5, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    Check out my other makeup inventory posts:

    Primers & Foundations | Bronzers | Blushes | Mascaras | Highlighters

    I have a handful of bronzers that are all fairly popular, so I thought I would swatch them all side-by-side to compare them and give a mini review about what I think about them. However, some are matte and some radiant and several are a bit darker than what I should be using on my skin tone, but it’s nothing a good blending can’t fix. The Bobbi Brown one is from an eyes and cheek palette, the Too Faced one was part of a rewards kit from Sephora and the Physicians Formula one was what was left at my Shoppers when it was on sale and I really wanted to try it.

    Current bronzer inventory: 6

    • 2 Matte- Bobbi Brown, Too Faced
    • 1 Natural- Jennifer Lopez Inglot (in the description, it doesn’t say whether this is matte or not, but I would describe this as natural because it’s between matte and radiant)
    • 3 Radiant- Milani, Physicians Formula, Tarte (Park Ave Princess is also available in matte)

    Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in Medium

    Golden Light would probably be better suited to my skin tone, but it’s what comes in this palette.

    A lightweight powder bronzer with a soft, matte finish—your secret to achieving a sun-kissed look year-round (or just when you want to warm up sallow skin).

    Formulated with the perfect balance of red and brown tones (the colors that exist in a true tan), this lightweight, mica-free formula creates the most natural look.

    Inglot x Jennifer Lopez Boogie Down Bronze Bronzing Powder in J217 Safari (read my review)

    This is kind of light, I could probably go up a shade.

    Feel fabulous with a natural-looking tan and a sun-kissed glow with Boogie Down Bronze. This sheer, pressed powder leaves your complexion feeling instantly warmer and radiant. The formula allows seamless blending with a powdery, velvet finish that doesn’t smudge. Define your cheekbones by brushing across them lightly to enjoy all-over warmth day and night.

    Milani Bronzer XL in 01 Bronze Glow

    At first, I thought this was too orange, but it blends out nicely with a fluffy brush. Go in with a very light hand and build it up.

    UPDATE (July 29): I’ve mostly been using this bronzer because it’s my least fave of my collection. I think the fragrance in this has caused my cheeks to break out a bit. So, I decided to declutter it.

    Bronzer XL is an instant, healthy looking kiss of summer color in one no-fuss powder compact. The matte half acts as a base and contour for the face, neck and body, and the shimmery highlighter side will take you anywhere you want to glow. With a silky finish and oil-free formula, this bronzer stays where you want it to and lasts as long as you do.

    Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Butter Bronzer in Deep Bronzer

    I chose Deep Bronzer because it was on sale at the time and it was the only one in stock. I don’t think it’s too dark for me, but I could probably get the Bronzer shade next time.

    Ultra-luxurious bronzer, infused with Murumuru Butter, delivers a radiant Brazilian goddess glow! Incredibly creamy and soft texture combines the best features of a powder and cream bronzer, to deliver a lit-from-within tropical glow unlike any other.

    Packed with essential fatty acids and pro-vitamins that soften, condition and moisturize skin, leaving it silky soft. Ultra-rich bronzer formula instantly melts into skin, sealing-in moisture to deliver instant and lasting hydration. Features ultra-refined pearl and soft-focus pigments that smooth skin texture, brighten skin tone and deliver a gorgeous bronze finish.

    Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Bronzer in Park Ave Princess

    If I were to pick this up in the store again, I would choose the matte one.

    An ultralight, mineral-based bronzing powder.

    Tarte Mineral Powder Bronzer is an oil-free bronzer that fuses earthly minerals with naturally-derived ingredients for a natural-looking finish. It contains Skinvigorating™ ingredients like vitamins A and E, which act as antioxidants to fight free radical damage, and it’s infused with mineral pigments that are known for their soothing and softening properties.

    Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer in Chocolate Soleil

    If I were to get this, I would need Milk Chocolate, but it was in a Rewards Bonus Kit. I just have to be light-handed with this bronzer and maybe use it as an eyeshadow to help use it up.

    A long-wearing, rich, matte bronzer infused with 100 percent real cocoa powder.

    Bronzing has never been so delicious. Create all-over warmth and dimension while achieving a rich, matte, buildable tan. The formula is infused with 100 percent real cocoa powder for skin-loving benefits and a long-wear bronze that smells as good as it looks.

    For the Milani bronzer, I swirled my finger into both the bronzer and highlight to get the swatch above.

    Inglot, Tarte and Bobbi Brown’s bronzers aren’t scented, while the Physicians Formula, Milani and Too Faced are scented. Physicians Formula smells like coconut, Too Faced smells like chocolate (because of the cocoa powder) and Milani smells like perfume.

    Even though the Bobbi Brown one is the most expensive, I had the most trouble swatching it. It was going on patchy while most of the others went on smoothly.

    As you can see from the swatches, the Bobbi Brown and Too Faced ones are the darkest because both of those are for medium skin tones. I would consider purchasing Too Faced in the correct shade, but i don’t think i will be picking up a Bobbi Brown Bronzer. The Milani Bronzer is the most orange of all of them. A little goes a long way, but once you blend it out, it looks really nice. I wanted to try it because it was such a good deal for such a big pan.

    I think my favourite has to be the Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Butter Bronzer. It’s buttery, blends easily and I love the price. Normally I don’t like scented things, especially if it’s very strong, but I’m okay with the coconut scent from this bronzer. I’m also still figuring out how to apply bronzer properly and spending more than $25 for a bronzer seems like a bit much since I’m still learning. I’d rather spend the money on a good primer or foundation.

    What are your favourite bronzers?

    Love,

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  • the body shop tea tree oil

    June 2018 Faves

    June 29, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    Here are June’s beauty faves!

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    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).

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    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)!

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    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.

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    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.

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    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,

    jen

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  • First Impressions with Vasanti Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator

    June 18, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    Today’s review is on the Vasanti Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator. A while back, I made a Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutique order and I got a bunch of samples. I kind of forgot about all the samples because I put them in a drawer, but I discovered them the other day and decided to give some of them a try.

    Peeling gels slough off dead skin and then you have these gross balls of dead skin you have to wash off your face. The exfoliating scrubs have a gritty texture that helps brighten your face. The Vasanti Face Rejuvenator is similar to Tarte’s Frxxxtion stick, but it comes in a tube instead of a stick. After using it, my face felt soft and smooth. It smells better than the Pixi Peel & Polish and the Tarte Frxxxtion stick. It’s weird though, if you smell it directly, it can sort of smell like papaya mixed with plastic (even though there’s no plastic), but once you wash it off, it leaves a nice,refreshing scent behind.

    IMG_20180617_065741_676

    Say hello to Vasanti’s #1 seller! This powerful scrub uses microdermabrasion technology to brighten, exfoliate and cleanse your skin gently to provide instant results. Enriched with papaya, professional microcrystals and aloe for a triple action power.

    Exfoliates, brightens, and hydrates at once with the triple action power of papaya enzymes, professional micro-crystals, and aloe that rivals a day at the spa

    Provides instant results, with visibly smoother, brighter, glowing skin after just one use

    Gentle enough to be used on the most sensitive skin

    Helps with it all: fine lines, wrinkles, scarring, dark spots acne, dulling skin, and large pores

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    To apply the face rejuvenator, you wet your face and massage a small amount in circular motions. The suggested use is 3-5 times a week and it says that one bottle will last 6 months.

    RATING: 4.5/5

    I can see why it’s Vasanti’s #1 seller. It smells amazing and didn’t aggravate my sensitive skin. It might be on the expensive side, but I think it’s definitely worth it. I would probably use it 2-3 times instead so I can make the bottle last longer. I will definitely be picking up a full-size bottle.

    Love,

    jen

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  • Review | Clionadh Cosmetics Mother of Pearl Highlighter

    June 14, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    Last weekend, I attended Indie Expo Canada (independent beauty brands showcase their products- it’s mostly Indie nail polish brands). The majority of the vendors sell nail polish, but some had essential oils, wax, bath bombs, etc.

    From one of the vendors, Clionadh Cosmetics, I picked up an absolutely gorgeous highlighter that you can also use as eyeshadow or on the body, but it’s not intended for the lips. I got the Mother of Pearl highlighter (which is on sale right now for $13 CAD). It’s stamped with a seashell impression. The products are 100% Vegan and Cruelty-Free and 100% Talc and Paraben-Free.

    The Mother of Pearl highlighter is part of the Tropic of Capricorn Collection (a set of five summer-inspired marble highlighters).

    Mother of Pearl: A five-toned marble consisting of grey-silver, pastel pink, green, blue and peach. The end result is a frosted pink-lilac with pearlescent notes of blue and silver.

    I got home and tried it out and realized it was scented. You can choose to order scented or unscented. It smells like those sweet tart candies. Since I don’t love scented products that are sweet, I think I’d choose the unscented.

    I did two swatches with my finger: the top one is what it looks like normally and the bottom one is when it’s wet. Unlike other highlighters and eyeshadows I’ve tried, it sort of sheers out if you wet it. So, if you want the maximum payoff for this highlighter, don’t wet the brush or your finger when applying it

    RATING: 4/5

    This highlighter is so pretty and I love the marble effect when you mix the colours. I also love to support my fellow Canadians, especially when it’s an independent brand. A lot of the times, it’s just easier to buy the mainstream products from the drugstore or Sephora because they’re so easily accessible and you see their ads when you scroll through Instagram and Facebook. Indie Expo Canada is a great way to find new brands. I also picked up some nail polishes which I will review in the coming weeks.

    Love,

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  • lancome skin feels good foundation hydrating skin tint healthy glow

    First Impressions with Lancôme SKIN FEELS GOOD Skin Nourishing Foundation

    June 11, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    I picked up the Lancôme SKIN FEELS GOOD Skin Nourishing Foundation SPF23 from the Sephora sale in April. I finally had time to properly test it out. I chose 01N Nude Vanilla (for light skin with neutral undertones). It has light coverage and a radiant finish.

    Make-up infused with skincare that works even after you wash it off. This lightweight skin tint is enriched with skin-loving ingredients such as vegetal glycerin, hyaluronic acid and Moringa tree extracts to actively improve and protect your skin. Its flawless sheer coverage provides a healthy luminous complexion, while its fresh water-made texture wakes up your skin and gives it an instant boost of hydration.

    It has a scent that I can’t quite place. The first time I smelled it, I thought it was candy (like a sour candy). It smells sweet and fresh, but not too strong.

    Wearability

    I applied it without powdering my t-zone to see how it held up. I wore it for 6-7 hours and I definitely needed to blot or powder my nose. I did a close-up check on it at the end of the day and it hadn’t worn off around my nose and chin. Those areas are where other foundation tends to break up. So, I was pleasantly surprised.

    I tried mixing it with Milani’s foundation and also powdered my face and it wore pretty well. After a full day of wearing makeup, it was breaking up on my chin (possibly because the Milani foundation is a lot thicker).

    RATING: 5/5

    Lancôme has been around a long time and their foundations are amazing. I loved the Miracle Cushion foundation and I have plans to buy the Teint Idole stick foundation once I finish up some of my other foundations. Since this foundation is light coverage, it’s not cakey at all and you can see your skin underneath. If your skin is good and you’re just looking for something to give you a radiant finish, then this is a great skin tint/foundation to pick up.

    What are your fave light coverage foundations/skin tints?

    Love,

    jen

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  • Review | Sephora Collection Bright Future Color Corrector

    May 21, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    I bought the Sephora Bright Future Color Corrector (02 Yellow) because it was on sale for $9 and I thought I’d give it a try. I got the yellow colour correcting one to cover dark circles under my eyes.

    Ideal for the under-eye area, blemishes, and areas around the nose and mouth, these gel-serum color correctors are feather light and buildable depending on your concern. Pineapple extract helps to improve the appearance of skin texture and add brightness, while the cotton swab-like applicator provides the perfect amount of product every time. Just dip, dot, and blend to neutralize before you conceal.

    It has an applicator that isn’t very spongey. It’s really hard and it doesn’t bend. It barely picks up any concealer (or the concealer is wiped off when it comes through the top).

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    RATING: 2/5

    It was so sheer that it didn’t cover anything. It might be buildable, but you have to keep dipping the wand back into the tube because it doesn’t pick up a lot.

    I’d rather get a drugstore brand colour correcting concealer or use the yellow or purple shades from the Coastal Scents Eclipse Palette (read my review).

    Have you tried Sephora’s concealers? What were your thoughts on them?

    Love,

    jen

     

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