• L’Oréal Paris | My Hits & Misses

    Hi Everyone!

    It’s been a while since I’ve posted on the blog. It’s also been a while since I’ve done a Hits & Misses post. So here are my thoughts on L’Oréal products. Some of the products I was gifted and marked with a *.

    Check out my other Hits & Misses posts!

    MAKEUP || Primers | Foundations | Powders | Concealers | Brows | Mascara

    SKINCARE || Eye Creams

    BRANDS || Bobbi Brown | Burt’s Bees | Maybelline | Nude by Nature | NYX | TULA | Volition Beauty

    Before you read this post, please remember that we all have difference preferences and skin types. These are MY hits, misses and likes. You might love something I don’t like or dislike something I love.


    HITS

    Voluminous Original Mascara – This is one of my favourite drugstore mascaras. I like the wand and it’s a good price. 

    Rouge Signature Liquid Lip Colour in I Create 416 – I love this shade and it’s a pretty comfortable matte liquid lipstick. Sometimes I’ll put a bit of gloss on in the middle.

    Colour Riche Shine Lipstick in Varnished Rosewood 904 (read my review) – I bought this one for my mom, it’s a really pretty shade and has a nice shine.

    LIKES

    Bambi Eye Mascara* – I liked this mascara, the shape of the tube made it a bit difficult to open. I don’t have dexterity issues, but someone who does might have trouble opening it.

    Telescopic Intense Lash Length Original Mascara – This is the gold tube one. It works well for bottom lashes.

    Brow Stylist Boost & Set Volumizing Brow Mascara (read my review) – This brow mascara was okay. I liked the small brush, but it made my brows feel crunchy.

    Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream Anti-Redness (read my review) – My mom uses this anti-redness bb cream and it works well. I wish it came in different shades because it’s too brown for me. It also doesn’t smell that great.

    Color Riche Collection Exclusive Lipstick in J Lo’s Nude 370 – I used to looooove this lipstick. I didn’t really love the scent of the lipstick (I think it was the same as the regular Colour Riche lipsticks – either a baby powder scent or a bit floral). I went through 3 tubes of this until I decided to try other products. I prefer lip tints and balms or liquid lipsticks these days.

    Color Riche Oil-Infused Nail Lacquer in 554 Carmin Parisien* – Gorgeous shade and the brush works well. I could do without the rose scent of the polish though. I prefer the regular Color Riche Nail Lacquer (if they still sell that).

    Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Day Moisturizer Fragrance-Free* – This is the only skincare product I’ve liked from L’Oreal because it’s fragrance-free. It did a good job as a moisturizer too, but it’s almost the same price as a non-drugstore brand. So I’d rather use a serum or moisturizer from another brand. 

    Revitalift Triple Power LZR 7-day Treatment Replumping Ampoules* – These were interesting. I would prefer if they sold it in a bottle because it’s expensive for these 7 capsules.

    Le Colour Clear Toning Gloss* – I haven’t coloured my hair in years, so I can only judge the claims to make your hair shine. It did make my hair look very shiny and healthy.

    Dream Lengths 8-second(es) Wonder Water Lamellar Rinse-Out* (read my review) – It detangled hair well, but it didn’t last very long and it was expensive.

    MISSES

    Unfortunately, a lot of the skincare products has a heavy fragrance that gives me a headache, so I was unable to test how well the product actually worked. The serums were all quite tacky which I didn’t love. Here are 3 of their Revitalift serums that were too scented to try: 

    • Revitalift Derm Intensives 12% Pure Vitaminc C, E + Salicylic Acid Face Serum* – smells like that solution to clean the hair tools at a salon
    • Revitalift Hydrating Smoothing Serum* – smells like hairspray from what I remember
    • Revitalift Triple Power LZR 0.3% Pure Retinol Night Serum* – I may be mistaken, but I could’ve sworn that all of the serums had fragrance in them. Maybe there was another reason I didn’t like this one because it claims to be fragrance-free on the website

    Pure-Sugar Scrub for Oily Skin (Kiwi) – When I first tried this, I liked it, but I don’t really use scrubs on my face anymore because of my sensitive skin.

    Pure Clay Masks (Charcoal Brightening Mask for Dull Skin, Red Pore Minimizing 7 Exfoliating for Rough Skin, Green Mattifying Face Mask for Oily Skin)* – As I’ve gotten older, I’ve stopped using face masks as often out of laziness. I prefer to use a mask that I don’t have to clean off. Also, clay masks can make my skin feel dry and tight and I don’t need my skin to be drier (especially in the colder months).

    Concealer Infallible Full Wear, One-Swipe Complete Coverage Matte Finish – This one is too thick for my liking and just made my under eyes look cakey.

    Colour Riche Ultra Matte Lipstick* (read my review) – These were a bit too matte for my liking. I probably could’ve added a gloss or balm on top, but the shades I tried weren’t ones I would’ve personally chosen. So maybe if I had tried a shade that I like, I would like them better.

    Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara – This is going to be a surprise for some people, but I do not like this mascara’s wand shape. I need a more cone-shaped wand or one that’s wider in the middle, not thinner. 


    I have an Excel sheet of products I’ve tried and whether I would repurchase them or not. I have a few L’Oreal products that I said I wouldn’t repurchase, but unfortunately, I didn’t write why lol, so these fall into that category:

    • Voluminous Original Primer – I could’ve sworn I tried this, but I can’t find it in my records anywhere. I know I tried a mascara primer, but I didn’t want to splurge on one, so I got this one. I remember not liking it because it made my lashes feel so heavy once I put mascara on. It was either this or the Tarte Opening Act Lash Primer.
    • Excellence Crème – I’m pretty sure I’ve used one of their hair colours. I don’t dye my hair often, but I tried a few box dyes a few years ago. So I don’t really have a reference for which ones are good
    • Dream Lengths Shampoo with Keratin and Castor Oil & Dream Lengths Conditioner* – All I wrote in my Excel sheet was “scent was too sweet”
    • Extraordinary Oil Shampoo Fine Coconut Oil – I’m guessing that I didn’t like the oil in it or I didn’t like the coconut scent.
    • EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Strengthening Shampoo & Conditioner* – I usually stick to regular drugstore shampoo brands in bottles (sometimes I will occasionally buy an expensive one and use it for special occasions). I think I didn’t love the scent of this and it was expensive
    • Stylista #BeachWaves Texturizing Mist – I don’t like the feeling of a hair texturizer
    • Stylista #Curls Defining Spray – I remember this being quite fragranced

    I’ve tried a few discontinued products as well:

    • Sublime Soft Micellar Gelee Eye Makeup Remover (read my review)
    • Infallible Pro Contour Palette – This was the first contour palette I tried. I didn’t know what I was doing back then lol. I do remember the contour shade being a good ‘shadow’ shade though
    • Infallible Le Rouge Lipstick in 337 Refined Ruby – This was a pretty red (blue-red, not an orange-red), very shiny too

    While I’ve tried quite a bit from the brand, it also doesn’t seem like a lot once I’ve written it all down. I haven’t tried much of their face makeup, but I don’t feel tempted to try much from the brand. I have considered trying their foundations, but then I just end up trying other brands. Especially since drugstore prices have gone up and they’re comparable to brands at retail stores.

    Love,

  • Live Clean Cool & Fresh Natural Deodorant

    May/June 2020 Faves

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I’m sharing my favourites from the past couple months.

    Live Clean Cool & Fresh Natural Deodorant – I’ve been using this every day and doing Chloe Ting workouts. I’ve been sweating quite a bit and I can still smell the deodorant. I don’t smell sweat (from my armpits). I love the smell of it, it’s very refreshing.

    jouer essential hydrating lip oil

    Jouer Essential Hydrating Lip Oil – This makes your lips glossy without being too sticky. It doesn’t have a scent or taste. It keeps your lips moisturized for a few hours. I wouldn’t put this in my purse though just in case I don’t close it properly. I was taking a picture and put the tube on its side and it started pouring out slowly.

    moom organic hair removal

    Moom Organic Organic & 100% Natural Hair Remover with Lavender* – I was sent this by the brand and I didn’t know how well it would work. Once I tried it though, it lived up to the claims. It said the hair grows back after two weeks which is accurate. I tried it on my arms and the hair started growing back after 2 weeks. It’s almost been a month now and the hair is sparser. I like that it comes with reusable/washable cotton cloths.

    the ordinary 100% cold-pressed rosehip seed oil

    The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil – My dry skin needs a face oil (especially in the winter). I really like this oil. It doesn’t really have a scent and it’s not too greasy.

    Love,

    Products marked with (*) were gifted to me.

  • mascara

    Mascara | Hits & Misses

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I’m reviewing mascara! Find out which ones I love, like and wouldn’t repurchase.

    Check out my other Hits & Misses posts!

    MAKEUP || Primers | Foundations | Powders | Concealers | Brows

    SKINCARE || Eye Creams

    BRANDS || Bobbi Brown | Burt’s Bees | L’OréalMaybelline | Nude by Nature | NYX | TULA | Volition Beauty

    Before you read this post, please remember that we all have difference preferences and skin types. These are MY hits, misses and likes. You might love something I don’t like or dislike something I love.


    HITS

    Buxom Lash Mascara – I really loved this mascara when I tried it and seeing the cost per ounce, it’s actually a better price than other high end ones.

    Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash Mascara – This is an expensive one, but I bought one of those Sephora Favorites kits and redeemed a full size tube of this mascara. The mini size had such a short wand, so I look forward to using the full size wand.

    L’Oréal Voluminous Original Mascara – This was one of the first drugstore mascaras I tried. I know the first mascara for everyone would probably be the Maybelline Great Lash Mascara, but I skipped straight to trying this one. It’s still one of my faves.

    Benefit Roller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara – Here’s another mascara that I tried a mini of, but the curve of the wand made it easy for me to apply to my lashes. I would purchase the full size of this one.

    Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara – I really loved the wand of this mascara and it separated my lashes nicely for a natural look (but with an extra oomph). However, this is the most expensive mascara on this list (cost per ounce).

    Essence Volume Stylist 18 hr Lash Extension Mascara – I tried this one out because Tati recommended it. If Tati, someone who tries out tons of mascaras, likes this then you know it’s a pretty good one.

    Maybelline Lash Sensational Full Fan Effect Mascara (read my review) – This is a great mascara that lifts the lashes. I tried the washable one, but I’m sure the waterproof one would be even better.

    Revlon Mega Multiplier Mascara (read my review) – I know there are probably better fiber mascaras out there, but this is one that I’ve tried and enjoyed. It easily washes off with warm water.

    LIKES

    Maybelline Volum’ Express The Falsies Mascara – I tried this mascara before I started reviewing products. From what I remember, this was a great mascara. I’d have to try it again to see if it would get bumped up to my HITS list.

    Maybelline Total Temptation Mascara – Maybelline mascaras are some of my faves. This one isn’t my fave out of the ones I’ve tried, but it’s still a good mascara.

    L’Oréal Telescopic Intense Lash Length Original Mascara – My friend recommended the telescopic mascara, but I bought the wrong one. I think she likes the black one and I bought the gold tube. This one has a nice, thin wand that’s great for bottom lashes.

    Essence The False Lashes Mascara (read my review) – This mascara is not my favourite. While I rated it 3.5/5 in my review, I probably wouldn’t purchase it again. Even at its low price.

    Essence Get BIG! Triple Black Lashes Mascara (read my review) – This brush is too fat for my lashes.

    Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara (read my review) – While I liked this mascara, I would prefer if the wand was a bit more tapered. It’s quite a fat wand and my lashes aren’t that long.

    Clinique High Impact Mascara – I think this was one of the first mascaras I tried. My mom used to buy mostly Clinique makeup and she would buy the makeup during the bonus makeup bag at Hudson’s Bay. The ones that come with eyeshadow, lipstick, perfume and mascara.

    Tarte Amazonian Clay Smart Gifted Mascara (read my review) – This is a great mascara for a natural look.

    Tarte Lights Camera Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara – I liked this mascara, but I probably wouldn’t buy the full size. There are ones I prefer more.

    Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara – The makeup artist for my sister’s wedding used this one. If a makeup artist uses this, then you know it’s a good one.

    Benefit They’re Real! Lengthening & Volumizing Mascara – Benefit mascaras and brow products are some of the best. I enjoyed this mascara and would get it again.

    Benefit BADgal BANG! Volumizing Mascara – I’d say this one is my least fave of the Benefit mascaras, but it’s still a good mascara.

    Urban Decay Perversion Mascara – This makes your lashes look darker and not clumpy at all. This is one of the few mascaras where I’ve tried a mini that has a fairly long wand.

    Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara – I was excited to try this one because I know a few people who really like it. It wasn’t anything special for me. I’d rather buy a drugstore one that I like more.

    Bourjois Twist Up The Volume Mascara (read my review) – This one is cool because you can get two different looks by twisting the brush. It’s not my favourite though.

    MISSES

    L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara (read my review) – I know this is going to be an unpopular opinion, but I don’t like the shape of the wand. I need a cone-shaped/smaller wand because I don’t have long lashes.

    Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara (read my review) – This mascara dries out too quickly (the tubes I’ve tried at least) and I don’t like the shape of the wand.Covergirl Total Tease Mascara (read my review) – While I did like this mascara, I didn’t like the tip of the wand.

    Burt’s Bees Nourishing Mascara – I didn’t love the smell of this one (not that it really makes a difference because you can’t smell it on your eyes). The brush was quite hard and there are better mascaras for a similar price.

    ProductPrice in CADSize (oz)Cost per ounce
    Essence Get BIG! Lashes Triple Black3.990.419.73
    Essence Volume Stylist 18hr Lash Extension4.990.412.5
    Covergirl Lash Blast9.990.4422.7
    Maybelline Volum’ Express The Falsies9.490.3130.6
    Maybelline Lash Sensational Full Fan Effect10.490.3232.8
    L’Oréal Voluminous Original10.490.2837.5
    Revlon Mega Multiplier10.990.2839.3
    Burt’s Bees Nourishing15.990.440
    Maybelline Total Temptation11.490.2742.6
    L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise14.490.2851.8
    L’Oréal Telescopic Intense Lash Length Original13.990.2751.8
    Buxom Lash Volumizing280.3775
    Urban Decay Perversion320.480
    Bourjois Twist Up The Volume230.2792.9
    Clinique High Impact260.2892.9
    Hourglass Caution Extreme (mini)18.50.1997.4
    Lancôme Monsieur Big330.33100
    Tarte Gifted Amazonian Clay (mini)160.16100
    Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 (mini)160.16100
    Too Faced Better Than Sex (mini)170.17100
    Hourglass Caution Extreme360.33109
    Benefit BADgal BANG!330.3110
    Benefit Roller Lash330.3110
    Benefit They’re Real!330.3110
    Too Faced Better Than Sex320.27118.5
    Benefit BADgal BANG! (mini)170.14121.4
    Benefit Roller Lash (mini)170.14121.4
    Benefit They’re Real! (mini)170.14121.4
    Tarte Gifted Amazonian Clay300.24125
    Lancôme Monsieur Big (mini)170.13130
    Urban Decay Perversion (mini)180.13138
    Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye410.2205

    What are your favourite mascaras?

    Love,

  • may 2020 empties

    May 2020 Product Empties

    Hi Everyone!

    I’ve got quite a few empties for you this month. I love trying travel-sized products to test things out. I know they’re not the most cost effective, but I’ve found a fair share of products that I don’t like. So I’m glad I didn’t buy the full size versions right away.

    Amorepacific Purify & Polish Set

    Amorepacific Purify & Polish Set (includes Treatment Cleansing Foam and Treatment Enzyme Peel Cleansing Powder) – Both of these cleansers are so strongly fragranced. I have dry skin and I feel like the cleansing foam was too drying for me.  

    Repurchase? No. They’re both quite expensive and too fragranced for my liking.

    Tosowoong Repair Sleeping Hair Pack* – At first, I enjoyed this because it was a rinse free hair mask and it smelled pretty good. But once it dried, it felt like I had left product in my hair and forgot to wash it out. 

    Repurchase? No.

    Institut Esthederm Cellular Water Gel* – I liked the consistency of this, but it was very fragranced. It reminded me a lot of the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel (read my review).

    Repurchase? No.

    tatcha the water cream

    Tatcha The Water Cream – I didn’t want to like this cream because of the price, but it’s quite nice for the warmer weather. It’s very similar to the Sonia Roselli Water Balm (read my review).

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer – I’ve had this concealer for almost 2 years and I thought it was time to declutter it. I really loved it for spot concealing.

    Repurchase? Absolutely!

    Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Brows Eyebrow Gel in Perfect Brow – I loved the size of this brush. I don’t really have any complaints about it, but I think I slightly prefer the Benefit Gimme Brow because of the selection of shades.

    Repurchase? Probably not.

    Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner – This did a good job of cleaning my brushes, but the vanilla scent started to get to me. I originally put this in my July/August 2019 faves post, but I’ve changed my mind. The scent would linger on the brushes and make my room smell like the scent.

    Repurchase? No.

    What products did you finish this month?

    Love,

    Products marked with (*) were sent to me for review.

  • concealers & colour correctors

    Concealers & Colour Correctors | My Hits & Misses

    Hi Everyone!

    I’m sharing my hits and misses for concealers and colour correctors that I’ve tried.

    Check out my other Hits & Misses posts!

    MAKEUP || Primers | Foundations | Powders | Brows | Mascara

    SKINCARE || Eye Creams

    BRANDS || Bobbi Brown | Burt’s Bees | L’OréalMaybelline | Nude by Nature | NYX | TULA | Volition Beauty

    Before you read this post, please remember that we all have difference preferences and skin types. These are MY hits, misses and likes. You might love something I don’t like or dislike something I love.


    HITS

    Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer – This has become one of my favourites. I still need to try the Radiant Creamy Concealer.

    Maybelline Fit Me Concealer – This is a great concealer, but it needs more shades.

    Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer – This is another great concealer from Maybelline, but I feel like I finished it really quickly compared to other concealers.

    Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Concealer – Love this concealer and would definitely repurchase.

    Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Self-Setting Concealer – I really enjoyed this concealer and would definitely repurchase.

    concealers

    LIKES

    Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer – I tried this before I started beauty blogging so I never tested it out in different ways. I really enjoyed it, but I need to try it again to see if I would bump it up to my “Hits List.”

    Cle de Peau Concealer – This is a really nice concealer, but I don’t think it’s worth it for me.

    Coastal Scents Eclipse Palette (read my review) – I liked the colour correcting shades from this palette.

    Milani Retouch + Erase Light-Lifting Concealer – I liked this concealer, but it needs more shades.

    Colourpop No Filter Concealer – I know this concealer is affordable, but it’s hard to find the perfect shade match online. Also, this concealer oxidizes which I didn’t love.

    Cover FX Correct Click Color Corrector in Brick – A Sephora associate suggested this corrector to cover a dark spot I had on my leg for my sister’s wedding. It was a very nice, blendable corrector when I bought it in 2016.   

    Hard Candy Sheer Envy Concealer Palette – I liked the colour correcting shades in this palette. It was very emollient and not too thick. The concealer shades weren’t quite right (even when I tried to mix them to get my shade).

    Urban Decay Naked Skin Color Correcting Fluid in Green – I liked this colour corrector. It was nice and creamy.

    RMS Beauty Un-Cover Up – I liked this concealer, but it started to smell different after a few months.

    Maybelline Super Stay Better Skin Concealer – This concealer was okay, but I prefer the Fit Me Concealer.

    NYX HD Photogenic Concealer in Green – The shade of this colour corrector is very minty-green compared to the Urban Decay one (see swatches).

    Physician’s Formula Concealer Twins 2-in-1 Correct and Cover Cream – I tried this when I was first getting into makeup. It was a great starter concealer and colour corrector.

    concealers

    MISSES

    Marcelle CC Concealer + Corrector (read my review) – This was probably the worst concealer I ever tried. It was gritty!

    Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Concealer – This was too thin to provide any coverage for me. It also settled into lines and made my dry under eyes look even drier.

    Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Camouflage Concealer – This was way too tacky for me. I also got the wrong shade in this one.

    Revlon Colorstay Concealer – I didn’t like the smell of this concealer. It was an okay concealer, but it doesn’t have a very wide shade range.

    Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer – This is an unpopular opinion, but I don’t like this concealer at all. This is too full coverage for me and the scent is way too strong for me.

    Sephora Bright Future Color Corrector (read my review) – I didn’t like this colour corrector.

    Cover FX Correct Click Color Corrector in Yellow – I don’t know if they changed the formula since I purchased the shade Brick in 2016, but the Yellow would pull on my skin and it wasn’t as blendable.


    Concealers I Own, but Haven’t Used

    • Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer in Neutralizer
    • Laura Mercier Secret Concealer

    To Try

    • Bare Minerals BARESKIN Complete Coverage Serum Concealer
    • Bare Minerals BAREPRO 16-Hr Full Coverage Concealer
    • Charlotte Tilbury Magic Away Concealer
    • First Aid Hello FAB Bendy Avocado Concealer
    • Ilia True Skin Serum Concealer
    • Kosas Revealer Concealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer
    • Milk Flex Concealer
    • Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer
    • Revlon PhotoReady Candid Antioxidant Concealer
    • Too Faced Born This Way Super Coverage Multi-Use Sculpting Concealer

    What are your fave concealers?

    Love,

  • smashbox photo finish primer water

    15 Beauty Favourites I’ve Repurchased | 2020

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I’m sharing makeup and skincare products that have become favourites of mine. Either I already have repurchased or plan to repurchase in the future.

    Check out my 2018 list of beauty favourites

    In no particular order, here are 15 of my beauty favourites:

    Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water – I love this primer water so much, that I actually bought 3 during a sale on Smashbox.ca! It’s one of the few products that I’ve bought backups.

    Check out my blog post on buying beauty backups!

    Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil Ultra Fine Shape & Define* – Love this brow pencil. Benefit is one of the few brands that carries brow products with more than 3 shades and also different undertones.

    Colourpop Boss Brow Clear Gel – My friend recommended this brow gel and I love it. It doesn’t make your brows feel crunchy at all!

    Bioderma Sensibio H0 Make Up Removing Micelle Solution – The Garnier and Bioderma Micellar Waters are my favourites. The Garnier one is cheaper, so I repurchase it more, but I do see why everyone loves the Bioderma one too.

    Goldfaden MD Bright Eyes* – I think this would be a great eye cream for the spring/summer time for me. It was very nice and light, but wasn’t quite hydrating enough for Canadian winters.

    Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer – This is one of my favourite primers that keeps my dry skin hydrated throughout the day.

    Good Molecules Pure Cold-Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil* – I have been loving facial oils for my dry skin and this one is a great one from Good Molecules.

    Good Molecules Silicone-Free Priming Moisturizer* – I love that brands are coming out with primers without silicones. This one is a great 2-in-1 product.

    Gummiband Hair Cords – I was originally gifted some hair cords, but I have since purchased more because I love them. Also, they’re a Canadian brand.

    Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder – This is a beautiful powder to set your makeup.

    Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask – This is the only lip mask I’ve tried, so I can’t say it’s my favourite. It is a great lip mask that keeps my lips hydrated at night.

    Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer – A favourite concealer of mine for spot concealing. It blends beautifully into the skin.

    Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector – I really enjoyed this eye cream. It made my under eyes feel smooth and hydrated. I also loved the metal applicator.

    Rael Miracle Patches (read my review) – Love these patches!

    Volition Strawberry-C Brightening Serum* (read my review) – Loved this serum!

    What beauty favourites have you repurchased?

    Love,

    Products marked with (*) were gifted to me.

  • xoluxe.com

    First Impressions with XOLuxe.com | #sponsored

    Hi Everyone!

    Update: This website is no longer accessible.

    This post is sponsored by XOLuxe.com, a Canadian-owned and operated company that sells a variety of different Korean Beauty sheet masks.

    Our philosophy? Beautiful skin begins with great skincare. Our ultimate goal? BARE SKIN CONFIDENCE. Because we believe that beautiful skin is the secret to beauty.

    I love their ultimate goal. I would love to be able to go out of the house without makeup on. My skin has been getting better lately and I’ve been wearing less makeup when I go out.

    XOLUXE has sorted all of their sheets masks into categories to help you choose which one will best suit your needs. They categorize their sheet masks by skin type, skin concern and by brand. You can also buy one of their kits or subscription boxes.

    Skin Type: Combination, Dry, Normal, Oily, Sensitive
    Skin Solutions: Acne Fighters, Age Prevention, Dark Spots & Brightening, Exfoliation, Hydration/Moisturization, Nourishment

    Kits: Rejuvenate, Refresh, Refine, Renew

    Subscription box (5 masks): 1 Month ($25), 2 Months ($47), 3 Months, 6 Months, 1 Year

    LengthPricePrice per mask
    1 month (5 masks)$25$5/mask
    2 months (10 masks)$47$4.70/mask
    3 months (15 masks)$66$4.40/mask
    6 months (30 masks)$125$4.17/mask
    1 Year (60 masks)$240$4/mask

    I think the kits or subscription boxes are great to try out new masks and save some money. Their masks have a price range of $4-6 with most masks in the $5 category.

    So, let’s get onto the reviews for the two masks I received. They were beautifully packaged in tissue paper and came with a little instruction sheet

    How to use sheet masks like a pro:

    1. Wash and tone your beautiful face first – a good cleanse will assure that your skin soaps up every bit of the mask’s serum. (If your pack includes essence apply it to face now)
    2. Place the sheet on your face making sure to align the perforations with your nose, eyes, and moth.
    3. Smooth the mask out to make sure there are no wrinkles for best fit.
    4. Keep mask on for 15-20 minutes, then remove and discard. Rub any remaining serum into the skin. (If your pack includes an eye mask apply it now)

    Enjoy!

    I was sent two sheet masks from the Acne Fighting category. I had never tried either of the brands, but I was excited to try them. So, I’ll be reviewing the Mediheal Teatree Care Solution Essential Sheet Mask EX and Dr. Jayjun AC-Solution Clear Mask.

    Mediheal Teatree Care Solution Essential Sheet Mask EX

    Refresh and Rejuvenate – Tightening, Soothing, Moisturizing, Cooling

    Suitable for All Skin Types

    A concentrated essence created using the natural and effective ingredients of the Tea Tree that efficiently rebuilds, repairs, and soothes irritated skin. It leaves your skin cool refreshed.

    My face was a little red on the day I tried this sheet mask. I usually have redness on my nose, under the nose and on my chin. I washed my face and put on this sheet mask. The mask was nicely soaked in the serum (it wasn’t dripping wet, but it was saturated). I was walking around while I was wearing it and it didn’t slide off my face at all.

    It smelled faintly of tea tree. I’ve used The Body Shop tea tree oil products which definitely have a strong tea tree scent. I couldn’t smell the mask when I was wearing it. I wore it for 15 minutes and then massaged the remaining essence onto my face. It does stay a little tacky, but it doesn’t feel greasy or oily. My face looked a little less red afterwards. I love tea tree oil products because they help dry out those painful underground pimples.

    Dr. Jayjun AC-Solution Clear Mask

    Bye, Bye Dullness!

    Moisturizing, Calming, Restoring, Toning

    Suitable for All Skin Types

    Calms and moisturizes the skin aiding in blemish relief by providing a heavy dose of moisture and essence with a rich blend of 8 indigenous botanical ingredients that help treat areas of concern and a blend of 13 indigenous botanical ingredients that protect against skin barrier build up.

    The sheet mask was very thick. The tea tree scent was stronger than the other mask, but it wasn’t overpowering. When I used this sheet mask, I had an angry pimple on my chin – It was red, but still underground and hadn’t reared its ugly whitehead. After removing the sheet mask, the mask felt warm because it’s so thick, it trapped the heat under it. I massaged the remaining essence onto my face. The essence from this mask felt a bit more oily than other ones I’ve tried. It stayed tacky and it also felt like I had product on my face. My chin pimple looked a little bit calmer. My chin was still a bit pink, but it didn’t look as bad. 


    I would definitely consider buying one of the kits that XOLuxe offers. It would be a good way to try different brands. I don’t use sheet masks that frequently, so the kits or buying them individually would be the best option for me.

    Do you love sheet masks?

    Love,

  • project pan makeup empties

    Project Pan Update | 2019

    Hi Everyone!

    It’s been six months since my last Project Pan update!

    Check out my last update and my original 2019 Project Pan post!

    STILL IN MY COLLECTION

    Marcelle Velvet Gel Lip Liner in Rosy Nude – Still working on this one because I don’t wear lipstick that often.

    FINISHED

    Bobbi Brown Rich Lip Color in Bare Pink – This was a beautiful lipstick shade. I’ve been leaning more towards glosses and lip balms lately, so I probably wouldn’t repurchase this one.

    Lancôme Skin Feels Good Skin Nourishing Foundation in 01N Nude Vanilla (read my review) – Loved this foundation, but I wish it came in more shades. If they expand to a shade that matches me better, I would definitely repurchase!

    DECLUTTERED

    MAC Cremesheen Glass in It’s A Strike – I bought this at the MAC Warehouse Sale in 2017 and it started to smell different, so I decided to declutter it.

    MAC Patentpolish Lip Pencil in Kittenish – I also bought this at the MAC Warehouse Sale and I liked it, but again, I am leaning more towards glosses and balms.

    TheBalm Batter Up Eyeshadow Sticks in Dugout and Shutout (read my review) – I decided to declutter these because I just didn’t reach for them when I would wear eyeshadows.

    So, my 2019 Project Pan kind of failed since I ended up decluttering quite a few of the products. It did make me realize that I need to think twice before I go and buy something that I can’t return (from a warehouse sale or Winners – TheBalm Batter Up sticks were from Winners). 

    Love,

  • jouer essential lip enhancer conditioning lip treatment balm

    Review | Jouer Essential Lip Enhancer Conditioning Lip Treatment

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I’m writing about the Jouer Essential Lip Enhancer Conditioning Lip Treatment. Tati mentioned it in one of her videos saying she used to buy it all the time so I decided to try it since it’s a translucent pink shade. Tati recommends a lot of beautiful lip products, but because we don’t have the same skin tone, the shades she loves don’t always suit me. I bought this balm during the Sephora VIB sale in May and *spoiler alert* I absolutely love it!

    A refreshing and hydrating translucent light pink lip treatment with a soft rose scent.

    This ultra-rich lip moisturizer nurtures and conditions your lips with the help of Maxi-Lip™, Vitamin E, Shea Butter, and Jojoba Seed Oil. These good-for-you ingredients are incorporated in a smooth silky formula that protects lips from environmentally damaging elements while providing lasting hydration.

    RATING: 5/5

    I don’t normally like rose-scented products, but this is a very subtle scent. It looks beautiful alone or as a topper for your lipstick. It’s glossy, but not overly sticky. I did a swatch on my arm, but it just looks clear, so I won’t bother posting a picture. I wiped it off with a tissue and it doesn’t feel sticky on my arm at all. You know when you swatch lip gloss on your arm and you need makeup remover or something to get rid of the stickiness? It doesn’t do that, although it does feel smooth from the oils of the balm. It has a bit of a taste, so I would avoid licking your lips.

    I will definitely be repurchasing this one in the future.

    Have you tried the Jouer balm?

    Love,

  • Project Pan Update | 2019

    Hi Everyone!

    It’s been a month since I posted my Project Pan 2019 post. It turns out I was pretty close to finishing some of my products, so here’s an update.

    I am very close to finishing the Make Up For Ever Step 1 Equalizer Primer and I’ve finished the Smashbox Under Eye Primer, MAC Radiant Primer, and Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick. I decluttered the Essence Eyeshadow Base because it was older than I thought. I also decided to declutter the Burt’s Bees Blush because I was just using it to finish it and not because I loved it. It’s a gorgeous shade, but I have a love-hate relationship with blush. I either apply too little or too much and making that mistake with a pink blush is not good. I don’t want to look like a clown. Anyway, I have been leaning towards the peachy/nude/coral shades lately instead of bright pink.

    Since I finished so many products already, I added some more:

    • Bobbi Brown Lip Color in Bare Pink
    • MAC Cremesheen Glass in It’s A Strike
    • Marcelle Velvet Gel Lip Liner in Rosy Nude
    • MAC Patentpolish in Kittenish
    • TheBalm Batter Up Eyeshadow Sticks in Dugout and Shutout (read my review)
    • Lancome Skin Feels Good Skin Nourishing Foundation in 01N Nude Vanilla (read my review)

    What products are in your Project Pan?

    Love,

  • August 2018 Product Empties

    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

  • 15 Beauty Favourites I’ve Repurchased | 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    I love a lot of different makeup products, but surprisingly I’ve only repurchased a small number of products and most of them are skincare. There are so many amazing products out there that I want to try and I only really started getting into makeup a few years ago. I mean I’ve always liked makeup, but I’m still learning and hearing about new brands and products.

    Before 2013, I never wore foundation or primers. My first foundation was the Becca Ever-Matte Shine Proof Foundation. I rarely wore it because it was so expensive and I had no idea what I was doing. I didn’t know primer was a thing back then and I told the Sephora lady that I wanted full coverage and I liked matte. She told me to buy a flat liquid foundation brush because it’s better for applying full coverage. I learned about using sponges years later and even then, I didn’t know it was supposed to be damp. *idea pops into head*…maybe I’ll do a blog post on things I’ve learned over the past few years. It could help someone who’s just getting into makeup. Watching videos on YouTube and reading other blogs has helped me a lot. There have been so many times where I was like “OOOHHH!!!! that makes so much more sense!!!” Anyway, the Becca foundation went bad before I even finished it (it oxidized- I had no idea what ‘oxidizing’ was back then. I just knew that the foundation had turned orange). Before 2016, I had never worn bronzer or highlighter and didn’t like wearing lipstick; I mostly wore lip balm, vaseline or gloss.

    I have yet to find a lot of my holy grail products. I have a lot of favourites, but I don’t have products in each category that I could safely say, “I only need to buy this mascara/concealer/foundation from now on!” In my favourites list, I have a lot of products that I am planning to repurchase, I just haven’t had the chance to do so. I want to finish up other products I have first (as you’ll know from my mid-year makeup inventory). Since doing my makeup inventory, I’ve decluttered a lot of things.

    Here are the 15 products I’ve repurchased (I’m sure there’s more, but these are the ones I could think of so far):

    L’Oreal Voluminous Original Mascara – This was a favourite of mine in high school and I decided to get it again. It’s still a fave of mine- I wouldn’t say it gives amazing volume, but it helps my lashes.

    L’Oreal Colour Riche Collection Exclusive Lipstick in 370 Jennifer’s Nude – I’ve probably talked about this lipstick so much that you’re tired of it by now, but it’s such a beautiful pinky-peachy-nude (it’s peachy when I swatch it, but not on my lips).

    NYX Micro Brow Pencil – I love this brow pencil. It’s a great pencil for the price, but recently, I have been loving the Benefit Precisely My Brow Pencil.

    Glow Recipe Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser (read my review) – I really like this cleanser and the fact that it removes makeup is a plus. I’ve been buying the tiny travel-sized ones from Winners because it’s hard to get Glow Recipe in Canada (their website ships to Canada, but I’m worried I’ll get charged duties- anyone order from Glow Recipe and know if there’s any duties?)

    Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask (read my review) – This sleeping mask smells so good and when I wake up in the morning, my face feels hydrated.

    Garnier Micellar Water – I love this micellar water. I feel like I should try a different brand just to compare it. Maybe I’ll do that once I’ve finished the bottles I have.

    The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Targeted Gel Blemish Stick (read my review) – I bought more of these on sale, but I think I will purchase something else for spot treatments. I don’t really like how it’s like a concealer where you use a doefoot applicator to apply it and then put it back into the tube.

    The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Anti-Imperfection Daily Solution (read my review) – I used this everyday until I finished the bottle. As a test, I stopped using it for a few weeks and then started applying it again and my face cleared up. Of course, I still have the dark spots from the acne, but it flattened them out which makes it easier to apply makeup.

    COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches (read my review) – These things are great. If you haven’t tried acne patches, you should!

    The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Rice Bran Foaming Cleanser, The Face Shop Phyto Charcoal Cleanser & The Face Shop 365 Spearmint Cleanser – I’ve bought these cleansers multiple times. I would use them every day when I showered (rotating between the two that I had in the bathroom). I think these cleansers were so good that they were making my face dry because I ran out of these cleansers a while ago and I’ve noticed my face hasn’t been as dry (still dry in some areas, but not as bad). When I buy these cleansers again, I’ll only buy one at a time and use it once or twice a week instead of daily.

    Simple Makeup Wipes – I’ve been buying these at Winners because they’re cheaper there. I really like these makeup wipes and they’re great on the go, but since I’ve been using them, I haven’t been using my micellar water as much. Once I finish my current pack, I’ll go back to micellar water.

    Soo’Ae Purifying Brightening Peeling Gel (read my review) – This peeling gel is awesome. It’s disgusting how your skin exfoliates off in little balls, but it works so well.

    Pixi Glow Tonic – When I was using the little bottle of this from a holiday kit, my face looked brighter and clearer.

    What products have you repurchased?

    Love,