• First Impressions with Saturday Skin

    November 14, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I am reviewing a few Saturday Skin products that I purchased during the Sephora sale. I got the No Bad Days kit ($48 CAD) that includes 4 travel-sized products:

    • Daily Dew Hydrating Essence Mist
    • Wide Awake Brightening Eye Cream
    • Featherweight Daily Moisturizing Cream
    • Rub-A-Dub Refining Peel Gel

    I’ve seen this brand on Instagram and I wanted to try it. I love the pink packaging that they use. Although, it can be quite tricky to photograph without washing out the pink or making the SATURDAY SKIN labels illegible.

    Daily Dew Hydrating Essence Mist

    Hit refresh. Concentrated extracts of kiwi and grape quench and nourish, drenching skin in a veil of moisture.

    RATING: 4/5

    It’s a 2-in-1 product – a toner and an essence. I like that it’s not scented. With the travel-sized bottle, it disperses the liquid so well that you could spray your whole face in one spritz. Originally, when I saw the price for the full-sized bottle, I thought it was expensive, but it’s almost the same as MAC Fix+ or the Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist. It even comes in a larger bottle than those two mists.

    Wide Awake Brightening Eye Cream

    Brighten up. Date Seed extract illuminates and refreshes the area around the eyes.

    RATING: 4/5

    I like the consistency of this eye cream and I like that it doesn’t smell like anything. It feels a little bit tacky after you’ve applied it, but it’s not as bad as another eye cream I tried once. My under eye area can get dry sometimes and this has helped to keep them smooth.

    Featherweight Daily Moisturizing Cream

    This lightweight formula still packs a punch. Avocado protein extract strengthens skin’s own moisture barrier, sealing in hydration to protect and soften skin.

    DERMATOLOGIST TESTED. NO PARABENS, SULFATES, SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCE OR SYNTHETIC COLOR.

    RATING: 3/5

    I like that it’s lightweight and doesn’t make my face feel greasy or tacky. I don’t like the smell of this cream; it’s not scented, but it has this plastic smell. I don’t know if it’s from the tub it comes in or if it’s the product itself. I’ve seen other reviews that mention the smell, so it’s not just me.

    Rub-A-Dub Refining Peel Gel

    Start over by gently rubbing dullness away. Natural cellulose lifts impurities from the skin and aloe extract soothes skin. Packed with papaya and bromelain (pineapple) to help remove impurities.

    RATING: 4/5

    This product made my face feel nice and smooth. While I did like it, there are similar products on the market that are cheaper. I prefer to spend more on skincare products that stay on my face. Since this product is a peel, I’d rather save some money.

    I’m glad I got this kit to try a handful of Saturday Skin products. Although if I had bought the individual items, I’d be able to return them easily. I’m not sure how it works with returning a kit…are you even allowed to return kits?

    Since this is a first impressions review, I will continue to use these products and update you on any changes. Based on my initial thoughts, I would repurchase 2 products from this kit: the Wide Awake Brightening Eye Cream and the Daily Dew Hydrating Essence Mist.

    Have you tried Saturday Skin products? What were your thoughts on them?

    Love,

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  • Haul | October 2018 Sephora VIB Rouge Sale

    November 2, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    I went a little crazy during the Sephora Sale! This is the most I’ve spent at Sephora in one go. I always saw these massive Sephora Hauls and thought, “Wow! This person bought so much!” But, those people are smart because there are usually 3 or more sales each year. So, if you buy everything you’ll need/want during a sale, you’ll be good for the next six months until the next sale. Over the years, I’ve been buying things during the sales AND also buying things throughout the year at full price! WHAT A DUMMY! From now on, I am only going to make purchases during the sales. This will also help me cut down on impulse buying because if I have to wait for the next sale, I can properly test things out and research reviews.

    If you read my wishlist, you’ll know that I didn’t pick up some things and I bought some things that weren’t on the wishlist.

    I didn’t pick up the MAC Fix+, Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector or the Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer Potion, but I bought a Saturday Skin facial spray and eye cream, and I picked up the NARS Eyeshadow Base. I still have half a bottle of the Mac Fix+ and I’ve been using my Thayers Witch Hazel Toner as a spray as well, so I can probably replenish during the next Sephora sale.

    I didn’t get a chance to go in store to get a sample of the Waso Fresh Jelly Lotion, so I decided to pass on it this time. I still have my Clinique Acne Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel, so I didn’t get the Origins Super Spot Remover Blemish Treatment Gel. I think I will skip on getting those types of spot treatments from now on because they have alcohol in them and tea tree oil has been working so far. I still have a concealer and colour corrector for under eyes, so I skipped the Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector. I have two brow pencils at the moment, so I didn’t get the Lancome Brow Pencil.

    All of my purchases were skincare, hair or makeup bases. I didn’t buy any eye, cheek or lip products because I’m trying to finish some of the products I already own before purchasing more. Everything is new to me; I haven’t previously purchased anything on the list. So, here’s what I purchased online during last week’s ROUGE sale.

    Saturday Skin No Bad Days Set

    • Daily Dew Hydrating Essence Mist
    • Rub-A-Dub Refining Peel Gel
    • Wide Awake Brightening Eye Cream
    • Featherweight Daily Moisturizing Cream

    I’ve heard of Saturday Skin, but never tried anything. The brand is only available online for Sephora Canada. Although, sometimes I see things that are ‘online only’ in store, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen Saturday Skin in store. If I end up liking the products, I will pick up the full size bottles in the next sale.

    Sephora Daily Brush Cleaner

    I bought this years ago and it worked well, so I thought I would get it again. Although, it smells different than it used to (it used to be more perfume-y).

    KOPARI Coconut Deodorant

    I want to start using deodorant that doesn’t have aluminum in it and I’ve see good reviews on this and it smells really good.

    Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Long Wear Foundation Stick SPF21 in 260 Bisque N

    I know a lot of people love the Hourglass stick, but I wanted to try this one and review it first. I will eventually get my hands on the Hourglass stick. I’m planning to test this one out and see if I like it enough to keep it.

    Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Camouflage Concealer in 260 Bisque N

    I bought this concealer to match the foundation since they have the same shade names and I swatched them and it matches. Although, I think the foundation blends out a little better, so we’ll see if this is too dark for me.

    Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo

    The larger size wasn’t available, so I went with the travel size one.

    NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base in Medium

    I’ve seen a lot of positive reviews on their old eyeshadow base and a lot of people commented saying it should be tinted and now they’ve come out with a tinted one. I wanted to get an eyeshadow base that’s not as thick as others I’ve tried.

    Sephora Favorites Party Hair Kit

    • IGK Beach Club Texture Spray
    • Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast
    • Amika Un.Done Volume & Texture Spray
    • Drybar Triple Sec 3-in-1
    • Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray
    • Verb Sea Spray

    I wanted to try out some texturizing sprays, so I thought a Sephora Favorites Kit would be the best way to sample different brands since you get 6 travel-sized bottles.

    So, that’s all I bought online for this sale. Once I’ve properly tested out the products, I will review them on the blog and on Instagram.

    Spot any favourites from my haul? What did you purchase during the sale? If you wrote a post on your haul, link it down below!

    Love,

    jen

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  • Sephora 2018 Wishlist

    October 22, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    I decided to do No Buy October (no makeup or skincare products) in preparation for the Sephora sales. I didn’t realize there would be a sale so soon! I think I will spread out my purchases across the upcoming sales. I will buy the things I NEED during the first one and then things I WANT later.

    I have quite a few products on my wishlist. I probably won’t buy everything on the list during the sale. Whatever I don’t buy, I will pick up during the sales next year. I have some favourites that I want to repurchase, but most of the products on the list are ones that I haven’t tried/purchased before.

    I am on the fence about purchasing a Charlotte Tilbury product. I know I want to own Charlotte Tilbury products (lip cheat, lipstick, blush and airbrush powder), I just don’t know if I should purchase now or wait until my current makeup inventory has gone down.

    …I think I will wait because I have a feeling that I will love the products I purchase and I won’t want to use anything else.

    PRODUCTS I LOVE

    Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo – I looove the smell of this! I got two compliments from my sister and aunt when I used it.

    Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector – I originally got this at the MAC Warehouse Sale, and I really liked it. The metal applicator felt very cooling when I applied it and it helped my under eyes feel moisturized.

    Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer Potion – This is a great eye shadow primer. If I’m finished my current one, I will replenish my stock.

    PRODUCTS TO TRY

    Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector – I want an under eye product that brightens and doesn’t emphasize my dry under eyes.

    Kopari Coconut Deodorant – I want to try a deodorant without aluminum and I’ve read some good reviews on it.

    Origins Super Spot Remover Blemish Treatment Gel – I’ve used the Kate Somerville EradiKate and I wanted to try this one.

    Waso Fresh Jelly Lotion – I tried this out in store and it smells nice and I love the texture of it.

    Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation – I’ve heard amazing things about this and I really want to compare it to the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick. I know they’re different finishes and coverage, but it’d be interesting to see how they compare.

    Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Long Wear Foundation Stick – Before I wanted to get the Hourglass stick, I really wanted to try this because it’s a soft matte finish that feels so smooth when I swatch it on my hand. I’m thinking of getting both sticks to compare them with the Bobbi Brown one.

    Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Camouflage Concealer – I want to get this in the same shade as my foundation because then I don’t have to try and colour match a different brand’s concealer with my foundation.

    Lancôme Brow Shaping Powdery Pencil – I haven’t seen a lot of reviews for this and I was at Sephora and swatched this. The strokes are even finer than the Benefit Precisely, My Brow, so I thought I’d give it a try.

    WISHLIST FOR A FUTURE SEPHORA SALE

    Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder – I’ve heard amazing things about this powder. If it’s in stock, I’m going to grab this.

    Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat – Again, if this is in stock, I will get it in Pillow Talk.

    Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Long Wear Foundation – Lancôme foundations are beautiful and I wanted to get this one after trying a sample.

    Click here to see what I got during the sale!

    What’s on your wishlist?

    Love,

    jen

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  • September 2018 Product Empties

    October 1, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    This month I went through a lot of products! So, let’s get started!

    Bioré Blemish Fighting Astringent – This would sometimes sting my skin (even if I didn’t have a pimple. The alcohol content was very high and would make my eyes water.

    Repurchase? No.

    belif bergamot Toner – This was a very nice, gentle toner.

    Repurchase? Maybe.

    Spectro AcneCare Wash – This was a great acne wash that wasn’t too strong.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches (read my review) – Cannot get enough of these patches, they’re amazing!

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Clinique Pep-Start Quick Cleansing Swipes – These were gentle and removed makeup okay.

    Repurchase? No longer available, I believe.

    The Face Shop Clean Face Clear Away Spot Treatment (read my review) – This wasn’t very strong, I would rather buy the Kate Somerville eradiKate or Mario Badescu Drying Lotion.

    Repurchase? Probably not.

    The Face Shop Jeju Volcanic Lava Self-Heating Clay Mask (read my review) – This was interesting. The self-heating factor might be good for body aches (although it would be a bit messy).

    Repurchase? Probably not.

    Live Clean Baby Colloidal Oatmeal Eczema Cream – This cream definitely smelled like oatmeal. I don’t know if it did anything to help. I was using it when I didn’t have any eczema flare ups.

    Repurchase? Probably not, I would rather get a Cetaphil cream bottle.

    got2be Guardian Angel Gloss Finish Flat Iron Balm – I have only ever tried 2 heat protectant sprays, but this did the job and made my hair look glossy.

    Repurchase? I have.

    Remay Shave Gel Bar – I received this for free and while it smelled nice and was very nice to shave with, I probably wouldn’t purchase it.

    Repurchase? Probably not.

    Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo – I got this in a Topbox and I knew it was expensive so I kept not using this little bottle. I love the smell of this dry shampoo and I got compliments twice when using it that I smelled nice.

    Repurchase? I finally splurged and bought a new one. I got a mini because the big size was out of stock.

    Live Clean Mineral Clay Rebalancing Shampoo + Conditioner – I liked this shampoo and conditioner.

    Repurchase? Maybe.

    Coastal Scents Eclipse Palette (read my review) – This is a good concealer palette if you’re just starting out and don’t want to splurge. You can use it to colour correct, conceal and contour.

    Repurchase? No, because Coastal Scents charges shipping to Canada.

    Colourpop No Filter Concealer in Light 20 – This concealer was bought before they added more shades, so there’s no longer a shade called Light 20. This concealer was okay for me. It oxidized really quickly. I would rather get Maybelline Fit Me Concealer since that’s easier for me to pick up.

    Repurchase? No.

    Milani Retouch + Erase Light-Lifting Concealer in 02 Light – This is a thick concealer that blends out nicely. I wasn’t sure if I would like it because I thought it might cause creasing under my eyes, but I wore it for over 8 hours and it didn’t crease 

    Repurchase? Maybe.

    Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer (Colour Correcting- Adjust) (read my review) – This did nothing to cover redness.

    Repurchase? No.

    Nude by Nature Perfecting Primer (read my review) – This was an okay primer, I didn’t love it and didn’t hate it.

    Repurchase? No.

    Make Up For Ever Step 1 Equalizer Primer (Smoothing) – This is one of my fave smoothing primers.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation in Y245 – This was a great foundation, but the shade was too yellow. I think I’d need to mix two shades with different undertones to get the right match.

    Repurchase? Maybe.

    Burt’s Bees Goodness Glows Liquid Foundation in 1025 Natural Beige (read my review) – Because this foundation is very natural, it washed away easily with water. I didn’t like the smell of it either and it lingered after applying it.

    Repurchase? No.

    Fenty Pro’Filtr Soft Matte Longwear Foundation in 150 – This was too matte for me. While it was beautiful, I prefer something more luminous and natural.

    Repurchase? No.

    Coastal Scents Revealed3 Palette (read my review) – These had some great neutral colours if you’re starting out with eyeshadows.

    Repurchase? No.

    Urban Decay troublemaker Mascara – This deluxe sample was hard to judge the full-sized because it was such a short stick, I couldn’t apply the mascara very well to my lashes.

    Repurchase? No.

    Bella Pierre Cheek Stain in Coral – It was pretty, but I feel like I never gave it a fair shot. I think I’d prefer a cheek stain that twists up or in a pan instead of a pot.

    Repurchase? No.

    Burt’s Bees Nourishing Mascara – While this was easy to wash off, it didn’t do much for my lashes.

    Repurchase? No.

    bareMinerals Gen Nude Radiant Lipstick in Tutu – It was a pretty pink shade, but a bit too pale pink on me. I might consider buying a different shade.

    Repurchase? Probably not.

    Dior Addict Lipstick in 983 Insoumise – My mom bought this for my sister’s wedding, but it was way too pink for her and had shimmer in it, so she gave it to me. It’s a beautiful pink shade, but it’s a bit too pink for me too. I would sort of do an ombré lip with this on top of a nude/pink lipstick and it added the perfect amount of shine and pink.

    Repurchase? Not this shade, but I loved how hydrating this lipstick was, so I would definitely consider getting the Dior Addict Lip Glow or purchasing a different shade.

    What products did you finish this month?

    Love,

    jen

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  • 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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  • Haul | August 2018 Sephora VIB Rouge Sale

    August 30, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    I picked up some things from the Sephora Beauty Insider Appreciation Sale, mostly skincare because I’m working on finishing products I have in my current collection. I have so many products in my LOVES list that it was hard to refrain from buying more things. I only bought products I need to replace other things I’ve finished. Although, I did make an order from Tarte as well (first time ordering from them).

    If you haven’t bought anything yet, you still have time! It ends September 3rd!

    What do you guys think of the new updates to their Beauty Insider program? It’s awesome if you’re a VIB or ROUGE, but it’s still kind of the same for Beauty Insiders. I guess it makes sense since they want to reward the people who are spending more money. Somehow, last year, I got to ROUGE status and I’m a a bit mortified at how easy it was to do that. I did buy products for my mom, but the majority was for me…Skincare and makeup tools are expensive. As a ROUGE, I plan to take advantage of it while I still can. I will hopefully only make it to VIB in the following years.

    I bought two things for my grandma too. She loves scented hand creams and a Bobbi Brown lipstick.

    Bobbi Brown Luxe Lipstick in Brocade

    The gold tube is so pretty and you can tell it’s a luxury item. This is a beautiful “bright purple plum” shade and my grandma can really pull off purple lipsticks. It’s definitely very pigmented and has a satin finish.

    A full-coverage, vitamin C and E-infused lipstick that plumps lips, supports natural collagen, and smooths the look of lines and wrinkles.

    L’Occitane Hand Cream in Cherry Blossom

    I almost wrote “Cheryl Blossom” there lol (character from Riverdale). Anyone else ready for shows to start up again? I thought this one smelled nice. I don’t personally like hand creams that are scented, but I don’t mind sniffing them. My grandma loves the L’Occitane Hand Creams. For Christmas one time, we bought her the Roses et Reines (roses), Pivoine Flora (peonies) and Arlésienne Velvet (rose, violet & saffron).

    A collection of luxurious hand creams to help nourish and protect hands. 

    For the things I got for myself, it’s the first time buying all four products. I’ve tried other Clinique Acne Solutions products, but not this one. I was going to pick up the Benefit Gimme Brow, but I realized that the Dior brow gel is actually cheaper (it’s $2 more, but there’s just a little bit more in the tube) and I mean, it’s Dior. Who doesn’t want to own a Dior product and have that signature CD emblem?

    Waso Quick Matte Oil-Free Moisturizer

    Waso is a new brand by Shiseido that’s geared towards Millennials. Similar to the Dior Backstage line, it’s a ‘more affordable’ line from Shiseido. I originally bought this for my mom because she’s looking for a new moisturizer. She decided to go with the Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Day Emulsion Broad Spectrum SPF18 which we will pick up on Sept 5th at Hudson’s Bay when they have the Shiseido gift with purchase. I decided to keep the Waso moisturizer for myself.

    An oil-free, oil-balancing gel emulsion to mattify and balance skin with 24-hour hydration. This formula smooths and hydrates skin with a shine-reducing, sebum-absorbing powder to maintain a matte look. The dewy texture feels refreshing and leaves skin feeling smooth, hydrated, and less shiny. 

    Tarte Maracuja Oil

    I’ve tested the Maracuja Oil on my hand and I was amazed at how smooth my hand felt.

    A vegan face oil for a healthy-looking, radiant complexion with no greasy feel.

    Clinique Acne Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel

    I’ve used the Acne Solutions Cleansing Foam and Cleansing Gel and both worked well for me, but they are kind of pricey. Right now, I’m using a Neutrogena one since it’s a lot cheaper. I prefer to splurge on spot treatments and buy drugstore acne cleansers.

    A daily treatment gel for acne-clearing results equal to a leading topical prescription.

    Diorshow Bold Brow in 002 Dark

    It’d be nice if they had more shades. They only have 3: Light, Medium or Dark. Luckily, I can use dark, but I wouldn’t mind if it was a little darker.

    A brow mascara to achieve lush, full, and groomed brows immediately.

    That’s all I got in the Sephora Haul. I’ll write a post for my Tarte Haul once my order comes in and write reviews on these products once I’ve tested them out.

    Have you tried any of these products? What did you pick up from the Sephora Sale?

    Love,

    jen

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  • real techniques miracle complexion sponge vs sephora total coverage sponge

    Dupe It Out | Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge vs. Sephora Total Coverage Sponge

    August 3, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    I’m back with another Dupe It Out. It’s been a while since I’ve done one. Today’s duel: Real Techniques vs. Sephora! Recently, I purchased a 4-pack of the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion sponges at Winners for $20. I was already using the Sephora Total Coverage Sponge, so I thought I would compare the two. I know Sephora wasn’t the first to come out with a beauty sponge and the Real Techniques one isn’t a dupe for it, but they’re both makeup sponges and they have similar textures and density.

    real techniques sponge

    Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge – If you pick up the sponge from the drugstore, this sponge could be $10 each, but if you pick it up at Winners, and get the 4-pack, it’s $5 each.

    This versatile beauty tool was designed with a revolutionary foam technology to evenly blend makeup for a smooth, enhanced finish. Use damp for a dewy glow or dry for a full coverage.

    • rounded sides blend large areas of the face with a dabbing motion
    • precision tip covers blemishes and imperfections
    • flat edge for contouring around the eyes and nose
    • ideal for liquid foundation
    • latex-free

    For best results, replace your makeup sponge every 1-3 months.

    sephora sponge

    Sephora Total Coverage Sponge – I bought the sponge that comes with the bar soap. Before buying this one, I had only bought ones from Winners that are $4-6.

    This sponge is specially designed to give makeup an expert boost. The wide base can cover the larger surfaces of the face, while the pointed tip is perfect for contouring around curves, and precision application around the nose, chin, and under the eyes. This sponge is intended to be used wet. The wetter the sponge, the more sheer the coverage. It is formulated without natural latex.

    real techniques vs sephora

    Both have the same feel and density (how squishy they are when wet). I’ve used some sponges that are denser and basically bounce off your face because they’re so hard. Most sponges I’ve picked up at Winners have the same feel and density (if you want a cheaper version of the Sephora one).

    I tested out both sponges with liquid and stick foundations and they both performed the same; blending the foundations beautifully. The only thing that sets them apart are the price, shape and size.

    WINNER: Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge won for the following categories:

    • More budget-friendly
    • Faster blending because it’s bigger
    • Easier for baking because of the flat side
    • Better blending for stick foundations

    WINNER: Sephora Total Coverage Sponge won for the following categories:

    • Easier to blend under eyes because tip is smaller

    If I had to choose, Real Techniques would win. I can’t say if it would win against the beauty blender because I’ve never tried one (and I don’t really plan to spend $20+ on a sponge in the near future), but it wins in more categories than the Sephora sponge. If you like smaller sponges, I also saw another Real Techniques pack that had 2 of the regular orange ones, 3 mini ones and 1 pink one that’s shaped more like the Sephora one, but it also has a flat side too.

    ss.jpeg

    OVERALL WINNER: Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

    Which makeup sponge is your favourite?

    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.

    20180709_170647

    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).

    20180709_172032

    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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  • 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).

    Untitled design.png

    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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  • My Mom’s Everyday Makeup | 2018

    March 26, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    I thought it’d be cool to do a post on what makeup my mom uses! Before I got into makeup and before my sister’s wedding, most of my mom’s products consisted of Clinique. Over the past few years, my mom’s makeup stash has expanded to higher end products and more diverse in terms of the brands. Now she has MAC, Smashbox, Estee Lauder, etc.

    Her skin type is oily and she uses powder foundations (she tried a cushion one, but ended up giving it to me). She dislikes eye makeup (especially mascara), so she only ever curls her lashes. Although, for my sister’s wedding, I did a bit of a bronze/gold eye to match her dress.

    My mom asked the Sephora associate to help her choose a shade for the Sephora MicroSmooth Baked Foundation and out of curiosity, during a different visit to Sephora, I asked the associate to match me for the foundation and she chose the same shade my mom uses.

    Primer & Colour Corrector

    Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer- Pore Minimizing

    L’Oreal Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream- Anti-Redness

    Check out my review on the BB Cream!

    She uses the anti-redness BB cream to cover up redness on her cheeks and around her nose. It’s a cool BB cream that starts out green and then blends into your skin and turns skin-coloured. I liked it too, but I didn’t love the smell of it and it was a bit dark on me.

    Foundation

    Sephora MicroSmooth Baked Foundation Face Powder in 25 Beige

    My mom doesn’t like liquid or cushion foundations, so the only option is powder!

    Concealer

    Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Flawless Wear Concealer in Warm Light Medium

    My mom doesn’t have dark circles to correct, so she just uses this concealer for spot concealing.

    Eyes

    Tweezerman Lash Curler

    She doesn’t wear eyeshadow or mascara.

    Blush

    MAC Cosmetics Powder Blush in Mocha

    Clinique Soft-Pressed Powder Blusher in 02 Honey Blush

    She likes blush shades that aren’t too pink. The MAC one is described as a ‘plum-pink.’

    Lips

    Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in 07 Super Strawberry

    Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick in 411 Pink Berry

    Sephora Collection Ultra Shine Lip Gel in 06 Deep Rose

    My mom loves a mauve lip colour. Some of the ones listed above are more pink, but her fave shade is a mauve-pink-nude. If it has the word ‘mauve’ in the name, chances are she’ll love it.

    Makeup she has in her purse to touch-up throughout the day:

    Clinique Superpowder Double Face Makeup in Matte Neutral

    Vaseline

    What do you use for your everyday look?

    Love,

    jen

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  • Make Up For Ever Artisan Brush 106S vs. Arbonne Liquid Foundation Brush vs. Sephora Liquid Foundation Brush

    This or That | Make Up For Ever Artisan Brush 106S vs. Arbonne Liquid Foundation Brush vs. Sephora Liquid Foundation Brush

    January 2, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    Today I’m doing a 3-way This or That because I had three different brands of foundation brushes. Each of the brushes I bought as part of a set:

    • Sephora- to be honest, I can’t remember what this brush came with and it’s not in my order history. I think it was a travel brush kit. This brush from the PRO collection looks the most similar out of the brushes they currently offer.
    • Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Foundation + Smoothing Skin Equalizer Customizable Set | $83 CAD
      • Step 1 Skin Equalizer smoothing primer
      • Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation (your choice)
      • Artisan Brush 106S (the brush is a short version of the 106)
    • Arbonne Cosmetics Brush Set #7098 (6-piece brush set) | $47 CAD

    The only reason I have a MUFE foundation brush is because it came in the set. I prefer applying my liquid foundation with sponges, so I probably wouldn’t buy a liquid foundation brush on its own.

    sephora brush.PNGSephora liquid foundation brush

    I do have another Sephora foundation brush, but it’s a little worse for wear. It is softer than this travel-sized brush, but performs about the same.

    arbonneArbonne

    100% vegan and cruelty-free

    Liquid Foundation / Flat Brush: Great for liquid foundations
    and concealer for proper blending; features a rounded head to match the natural contours of the face such as the corners under the eyes.

    mufeMake Up For Ever Artisan Brush

    This is a larger variation of a foundation brush for applying and blending ultra fast for an even result with fuller coverage. It can be used with all types of foundations and features straight fibers.

    brushes

    I used the Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Foundation for the swatches (the swatches are aligned with the picture of the brushes- top swatch is Sephora, middle is Arbonne and bottom is MUFE). I pumped once directly onto the brush just to see how much product it absorbed. The swatches are after two swipes of the brush. As you can see, the Sephora swatch on the top is shiny which means the foundation was still wet. When I did the second swipe, I did my best to go directly on top of the previous swatches. The Sephora brush fanned out a bit when it touched my skin. The Arbonne brush is denser/thicker (the other two are flatter). The Make Up For Ever brush is the widest and the swatch above shows that. The Sephora brush’s bristles aren’t as soft as the other two. Out of the three, the MUFE one is the softest, but it absorbs the most product.liquid foundation brushes.PNG

    I wanted to do swatches on a flat surface that wouldn’t absorb product, so I used a foundation palette. I pumped three equal-sized dots of Maybelline’s Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation and I swiped the brushes twice to see how much product absorbs into the brush. Again, the swatches are in the same order: Sephora (top), Arbonne and MUFE. The Sephora one is the darkest and MUFE is the lightest swatch because the Sephora brush barely absorbs any foundation and the MUFE one absorbs the most. The Sephora brush has the stiffest bristles which reminds me of a paintbrush. The Arbonne brush is okay, but it’s not as wide as the other two, but it’s denser which means a lot of product gets lost in the brush. The MUFE brush is wide and flat and the bristles are soft. That’s why I have to give the win to the MUFE brush.

    WINNER: Make Up For Ever Artisan Brush

    Do you prefer sponges or brushes to apply liquid foundation? What’s your favourite brand for brushes/sponges?

    Love,

    jen

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  • Haul | November 2017 Sephora VIB

    November 15, 2017

    Hi Everyone!

    I just received my little haul from Sephora. I went crazy buying things at the MAC/Estée Lauder Warehouse Sale in September, I didn’t buy too many things from the sale. I just couldn’t resist buying something…20% off was too good to pass up. I bought the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, the Sephora Mighty Minis Brush & Sponge set, and the Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Flawless Wear Concealer for my mom.

    • Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler (comes with a replacement pad)
    • Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Flawless Wear Concealer in Warm Light Medium
    • Sephora Mighty Minis Brush & Sponge set
      • Total Coverage Sponge
      • Classic Mini Multitasker Brush #45.5
      • Solid Clean: Solid Brush Cleaner

    I chose foundation and concealer samples for my three free ones:

    • Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer in 9 Neutral
    • Hourglass Immaculate® Liquid Powder Foundation Mattifying Oil Free in Shell (light, neutral undertone)
    • Benefit Boi-ing Industrial Strength Concealer in No.2 (light medium)

    I also received the Sephora PRO Flawless Airbrush #56 (mini) as a VIB Rouge Welcome Gift.

    What did you purchase from the Sephora VIB sale?

    Love,

    jen

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  • Finding the Right Foundation Shade

    August 16, 2017

    Hi Everyone!

    I am on the hunt for a new foundation and it’s taking me a while to find a shade that matches me (most of the ones I’ve been colour matched with are too light). I researched a few foundations beforehand to see which ones suit my skin type and which are highly recommended and rated. I usually walk around the store and swatch the foundations on my hand to see if I like the consistency and scent before I ask an associate to colour match me and get a sample. I’ve learned my lesson from previous times where I got colour matched on the spot and purchased that shade right away. The shades looked fine in the store, but once I went in natural lighting or dimmer lighting, it looked too pale.

    I decided to put Sephora and Mac associates to the test- I wanted to see if the different associates would colour match me with the same shades. I went to multiple MACs and Sephoras. The lighting in Sephora is so bright that even a shade that’s actually too light looks like it matches you. In store, it looks like you’ve found a perfect match, but then you go somewhere with dimmer lighting and you look like a ghost. I know I can always warm up my foundation with some bronzer or a darker powder, but if I’m going to spend about $50-70 on a foundation, I want it to be a good match where I don’t have to darken it with powder.

    Click here to see other foundation/concealer matches

    Here are my findings:

    MAC- I went to 3 MAC stores

    • Studio Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation ($41 CAD)
      • Colour Match: NC20
      • All 3 ladies matched me with NC20. At 2 of the stores, they matched the foundation on my hand and at the 3rd store, the lady matched the foundation on my jawline and neck.

    Sephora- I went to several Sephoras (one store I went twice, but on a different day)

    Listed below are products that I like and plan to purchase in the future, so I got multiple samples of each:

    • Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream ($37 CAD)
      • Colour Matches: Vanilla 02 (for light skin with neutral tones) and Bamboo 5.5 (light to medium skin golden tone)
      • 2 ladies matched me with Vanilla and 1 matched me with the Bamboo. Since this is a tinted cream, the shades weren’t completely off even though there are 4 shades between Vanilla and Bamboo. I think Vanilla matches better though because the Bamboo made my skin look a bit more yellow.
    • Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Water Foundation ($51 CAD)
      • Colour Matches: Fair Neutral (fair skin with yellow and pink undertones) and  Fair-Light Neutral (fair to light skin with yellow and pink undertones)
      • I got 2 samples of this foundation and one lady matched me with Fair Neutral and the other with Fair-Light Neutral. I think Fair-Light Neutral looks slightly better, the Fair neutral is a bit light.

    The following foundations are colour matches by associates from Sephora, Nordstrom and Hudson’s Bay:

    • Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Radiance Awakening Foundation ($65 CAD)
      • Colour Match: BD10 Warm Porcelain
    • Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation ($65 CAD)
      • Colour Match: No. 22 Rose
    • Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation ($68 CAD)
      • Colour Match: 4
    • Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35 ($50 CAD)
      • Colour Match: Light

    The following shades are ones I tried at the store and looked like a pretty close match:

    • Burberry Fresh Glow Fluid Foundation ($62 CAD) OR Burberry Cashmere Foundation Fluid ($62 CAD)
      • Shade: Porcelain No. 11 or Ochre Nude No. 12
    • Nars Sheer Glow Foundation ($59 CAD)
      • Shade: Fiji

    I just bought a foundation and BB cream from Shoppers and The Body Shop:

    • Maybelline Fit Me Foundation- Hydrate + Smooth ($5.99 CAD on sale at Shoppers)
      • 130 Buff Beige (I love how natural this foundation looks, but the undertone is a bit too pink for me)
    • The Body Shop All-in-One BB Cream- Colour Adapting Tinted Cream ($23 CAD)
      • 01 (Lighter Skin Tones)

    Foundations I currently own:

    • Nars Sheer Glow Foundation ($59 CAD)
      • Deauville (way too light)
    • Lancome Miracle Cushion Foundation ($50 CAD)
      • 025 Beige Naturel (a pretty good match)
    • Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation ($52 CAD)
      • 120 = Y245 Soft Sand (a bit too light, but the next shade up, Y255, is too dark)

    Thoughts: Before you spend $50-70 on a foundation, get 3 samples from Sephora from different people to see if different people match you with the same shade. Even one shade lighter or darker can make a huge difference.

    Tip: For those of you looking for higher end makeup or skincare products. Go to Nordstrom!! They have sample containers and you can pump out or spoon out your own samples without asking an associate to help you! Make sure you close the lid tightly and properly. I recommend bringing a ziploc sandwich bag to put the samples in your purse. Mine exploded and by bringing a sandwich bag, I saved my Longchamp tote and all my things in my purse from getting ruined! You can even get your own samples of fragrances too!

    See my other foundation matches and concealer shades.

    What are your foundation recommendations (drugstore or designer)? I have normal/dry skin (dry nose area), I’d love to hear any suggestions if you have the same skin type!

    Love,

    jen

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  • First Impressions with Kat Von D Saint & Sinner Perfume Samples

    July 31, 2017

    Hi Everyone!

    I received a complimentary VoxBox from Influenster Canada with samples of Kat Von D’s Saint and Sinner Perfumes (the little bottles look like poison vials). I was pleasantly surprised by how good they smelled. Apparently Kat Von D released the perfumes 10 years ago and brought them back. I can see why they were a cult favourite. I’m not good at describing scents and I don’t actually know what certain things in this perfume smell like, so I will just leave a description from Sephora.

    I personally prefer fruity or aquatic perfumes instead of floral. If you like vanilla scents, I think you’ll like SAINT and if you like a bit spicy, you’ll like SINNER. Let’s start with the sweet:

    SAINT20170721_230737

    • Fragrance Family: Floral
    • Scent Type:  Classic Floral
    • Key Notes: Vanilla, Musk, Jasmine

    Meet Saint- soft, alluring, and dreamy, this gourmand fragrance sweetens a bouquet of jasmine and tiaré flower with notes of mandarin, caramel, and sparling Mirabelle plum. Vanilla, sandalwood, and creamy musk build to the romance of the perfume. Saint shares the same floral soul as Sinner, with a sweet gourmand twist.

    SINNER20170721_230745

    • Fragrance Family: Warm & Spicy
    • Scent Type: Cool Spices
    • Key Notes: Patchouli, Wood, Cinnamon

    Kat Von D Beauty’s most requested collection of all time is returning at last and better than ever. Meet Sinner—dark, sultry, and empowering, this enticing fragrance sweetens a bouquet of jasmine and orange blossom with notes of vanilla, mandarin, and Mirabelle plum. Spicy cinnamon envelops white florals at the heart of the fragrance, while base notes of vetiver, patchouli, and wood form the deeper, darker nuances. Experience confidence in a bottle; Sinner is the fragrant embodiment of the edgy, unapologetic, and outspoken Kat Von D we know and love. Sinner shares the same floral soul as Saint, with a bold, spicy twist.

    The two scents can be worn alone or separately. For both, I liked when I had been wearing them for a few hours and absorbed into my skin and mixed with my natural oils. When I first put them on, they were both too powerful (too sweet or too spicy). I think Sinner would be a good unisex perfume/cologne. I love when guys wear spicy colognes. I used both separately and then together. When I mixed them, I noticed that the first fragrance I applied would be the more dominant smell, i.e. if I put Sinner on first, then it would be more spicy.

    RATING: 4/5

    I give it a 4/5 because both perfumes are a bit too strong for me when you first put them on. (Either a bit too sweet or a bit too spicy, but once I wore them for a few hours, and they mixed with my natural oils, I liked them because they were lighter).Thoughts: I’m not sure if I would buy Saint or Sinner, but I definitely recommend them to someone who likes the scents of either of the perfumes.

    What are your favourite perfumes?

    Love,

    jen

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  • First Impressions with Laneige Hydration Trial Kit

    January 20, 2017

    Hi Everyone!

    Last month, I decided to get into the Korean skincare game, so I started my research into which brands and products to try. Since everyone’s skin is different and it’s hard to go by what other people like and dislike, I decided to just look at some of the products on Sephora and buy a trial kit from the best sellers list. I didn’t want to pay $50 for a bottle of serum that I may not like, so I thought a trial kit with travel size bottles was the best option. I decided to go with the Laneige Hydration Kit that comes with six different products (pictured below- taken from google). It was $38 CAD ($75 value according to Sephora) for:

    – 1 oz Multi Cleanser
    – 1.6 oz Power Essential Skin Toner
    – 1.6 oz Balancing Emulsion for Normal to Dry Skin
    – 1 oz Water Bank Serum
    – 0.6 oz Water Bank Moisture Cream
    – 0.6 oz Water Sleeping Mask

    My nose is very sensitive to smell, a strong smelling moisturizer can give me a headache or make me feel sick. The Laneige products in this kit have a very light scent, and it’s one of the few moisturizers I actually like the smell. Some ones I’ve tried have been too floral or too strong.

    I’ve been using these products for about a month now and I have to say that my face does look brighter and feel more hydrated. It definitely takes longer to do my nightly skincare routine now, I was previously only using cleanser and putting on moisturizer. Adding the extra steps has definitely helped my skin feel softer and hydrated.

    I like the Multi Cleanser, it has a light scent like the other products. There are micro-cellular beads that gently exfoliate, it makes your skin feel clean. I know that the beads are very gentle, but I only use it once a week so that it’s not too abrasive on my skin. My skin is very sensitive, so I don’t want to use an exfoliating cleanser with beads too often, especially not on my face.

    The skin toner smells great and doesn’t feel sticky after applying (like some other ones I’ve tried).

    The balancing emulsion and water bank serum are my faves. The only thing I don’t love about the emulsion is that there’s no pump for the travel size bottle and it’s like getting ketchup out of a glass bottle (the full size version comes with a pump).

    The water bank moisture cream is a bit thicker than I’m used to, I think I will only use it on the areas of my face that tend to get dry.

    The water sleeping mask is meant to be used once or twice a week and washed off in the morning. I’ve only used it a few times, I don’t mind it, but I’m not sure I would buy the full sized-version.

    RATING: 4/5

    I give it a 4/5 because I didn’t like all the products in the kit, but liked the majority of them.

    Thoughts: Out of the six products, I would definitely buy the full-size versions of the toner, emulsion and serum. Since I already have other cleansers that I use and I think the emulsion and serum hydrate my face enough that I don’t need the moisture cream or the sleeping mask.

    What products are in your daily skincare routine?

    Love,

    jen

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