The Face Shop Archives

December 2018 Product Empties

December 31, 2018

Hi Everyone!

This is my last post of 2018! I wish everyone a safe and Happy New Year’s Eve!!

I only finished a handful of products this month:

Aussie Hair Insurance Heat Protecting Shine Spray – I don’t even know how long ago I bought this, but I finally finished it! I thought it smelled nice and it definitely made my hair shiny and not at all sticky or anything. One thing I didn’t like was that I thought the nozzle was weird because it was squirting out instead of misting. I transferred it into another spray bottle and it did the same thing. So, it must’ve been the product. I don’t know why though because it was liquid (looked milky, but it wasn’t thick). Instead of spraying it directly into my hair, I would spray it onto my hand and work it into my hair.

Repurchase? Since it didn’t spray out nicely, I don’t think I would repurchase.

Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm – I love this stuff! Although, I do want to try other cleansing balms to compare. This removes makeup easily and didn’t irritate my skin.

Repurchase? I just started using another mini, but I would definitely purchase a full-size pot when I’m done.

Tula Purifying Cleanser – This was a nice cleanser. I bought the Tula Discovery Kit and I started using this product first to ease into using the Tula skincare. While it cleansed well, I don’t know if it made a huge difference in my skin. I think once I started using the other products, that’s when I noticed my skin was improving.

Repurchase? Probably not. I would rather use a cheaper drugstore cleanser and then splurge on serums, oils and other products that stay on my face for longer than a minute.

The Face Shop Beauty Tools Multi 5 Layer Cotton Pads – I got these for free after spending a certain amount of money at The Face Shop. I like the peelable, multi-layer cotton pads. I use two (layers) a day for my skincare regimen and then to remove my makeup I can use up to 5 layers (1 cotton pad).

Repurchase? Assuming they aren’t too expensive, I would buy them again.

Saturday Skin Rub-A-Dub Refining Peel Gel (read my review) – This performed the same as other peeling gels I’ve tried, but I think I prefer other ones because they are cheaper (like the Soo’Ae Purifying Brightening Peeling Gel – it has more in the tube and it’s half the price).

Repurchase? No.

Saturday Skin Daily Dew Hydrating Essence Mist (read my review) – The sprayer on the small bottle was good. The mist would disperse the product onto my face very evenly.

Repurchase? Undecided.

I decided to give the Saturday Skin Wide Awake Brightening Eye Cream and the Featherweight Daily Moisturizing Cream to my sister because I wanted to try the Tula products and lately, the Tarte Maracuja Oil has been helping to keep my under eyes hydrated.

Bio Oil Skincare Oil – I bought this to help with stretch marks on my hips, but when I was using it, I would breakout with bumps on my hips. I’ve used this on other areas like my thighs and knees and I didn’t break out there, but I don’t know if it made a huge difference. I think the only way for stretch marks to fade is with time. I’m not a huge fan of the smell of this oil.

Repurchase? No.

Etude House Eye & Lip Remover – I really liked this makeup remover; while I didn’t have waterproof mascara to test out how well it works, it removed regular eyeshadow and mascara well without leaving behind raccoon eyes.

Repurchase? Probably.

Love,

Read More
October 2018 Faves

October 29, 2018

Hi Everyone!

Here are October’s favourites! I’ve also added some non-beauty faves at the bottom of the post. Keep reading to find out what I’ve been enjoying this month 🙂

Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation in Light-Neutral – I have been absolutely LOOOOVING this foundation, although the shade I chose is a bit dark for me. I’ve used it several times now and it looks like I have a filter on my face because it just blurs out my pores. For about a year, I was having trouble deciding which powder foundation I wanted to try and finally chose this one and I’m so happy I did! I wore it yesterday and I wore it for about five hours and it didn’t break up on my chin or nose (yay!) and my bronzer, blush and highlight layer beautifully on top. I use a kabuki brush and take my time to blend the foundation out so it doesn’t get cakey (one time I wore it, it did get a bit cakey). It did get a bit shiny on my forehead, but that’s to be expected.

I love multi-layer cotton pads from The Face Shop. They’re so handy for toner and each pad is 5 layers. I’ve been looking into making reusable pads because as nice as these are, the multi-layer cotton pads can be expensive. I also love these cotton swabs from Winners (just a random brand) that have a pointed end and a flat end. The pointy end is great for cleaning up your winged liner. The flat end is great for using my Clinique acne gel and also it’s easier to use for removing nail polish (for those harder to reach corners that a cotton pad can’t get).

I’m really liking this Thayers Witch Hazel Cucumber Toner! It smells refreshing and I’ve been using it in the morning. I’m so glad I spotted this at Winners last month. I’ve poured some into a spray bottle so I can use it as a facial spray. I checked the Thayers website and both the toner and the facial spray have the exact same ingredients, so I’m assuming that it’s the same product in a different bottle.

I broke out while I was using the Witch Hazel Toner.

Read about my experience here!

I guess it’s a Tarte Appreciation month. I have been loving this Timeless Smoothing Primer. I have a Limited Edition one, so the lid is different than the regular primer (which has a gold lid). Check out my full review on the primer.

5 Songs I’ve Been Listening To

These weren’t necessarily released this month, but I discovered them this month.

After hearing this song on Tati’s Halo Launch Party Video, I have been listening to this song non-stop: Ruelle – Hold Your Breath. After listening to some of her other songs and reading comments, someone mentioned The Originals. I looked it up and found out that this song is from 5×03. No wonder I like it. I’ve gotten so many songs from The Originals.

Rita Ora – Let You Love Me

Halsey – Without Me

Nick Jonas & Robin Schulz – Right Now

The Chainsmokers ft. Kelsea Ballerini – This Feeling

What were your faves from this month?

Love,

Read More
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,

Read More
August 2018 Product Empties

September 3, 2018

Hi Everyone!

I finished some makeup products which brings me one step closer to streamlining my makeup collection! Yay for progress! → Check out my makeup goals

Pearlessence Cucumber Water – I bought this at Winners for $10. I liked that it was in a glass bottle, but the mist would sting my eyes. I got it in my mouth a few times and it tasted horrible.

Repurchase? No.

Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer in 01 Creamy Vanilla – If you’ve been reading my blog for a while now, you’ll know that I am planning to only purchase high-end foundations from now on. This was a very thick foundation/concealer, if you used a beauty sponge to blend it, it could sheer out a bit. It looked nice, but it was way too full coverage for me. I’d rather use a sheer, dewy foundation and then use a spot concealer on areas that need covering up. I would’ve used this more as a concealer, but the shade I bought was a tad too yellow for me. So, if I didn’t use it all over the face, I would have random yellow splotches on my face. It had a bit of a perfume-y scent to it that I didn’t really like. I didn’t really give this a proper wear test (as a foundation). I mostly used it when I took pictures for Instagram and practised applying my makeup.

Repurchase? No.

The Body Shop All-in-One BB Cream Colour-Adapting Tinted Cream (read my review) – I gave this a 5/5 in my review, but since then, I have tried the Lancome Skin Feels Good Skin Nourishing Foundation which I really love (read my review).

L’Oréal Colour Riche Collection Exclusive Lipstick in 370 Jennifer’s Nude – This is one of my fave lipsticks! It’s interesting because when I swatch it on my arm, it’s like a sheer peachy-pink, but when it’s on my lips, it’s a beautiful pinky-nude.

Repurchase? I bought another tube a few months after purchasing the first one because I thought it was going to be limited edition. I think I will wait until I’ve used up some other lipsticks before breaking out the new tube though.

GOSH Click’N Conceal Pen in 01 Light (read my review) – I liked this concealer, but they no longer sell it at Shoppers Drug Mart.

Repurchase? Unavailable.

Repurchase? Probably not. I really like it, but I looove the Lancome Skin Feels Good Skin Nourishing Foundation.

Live Clean Exotic Nectar Argan Oil Restorative Shampoo – I don’t love the smell of this one, but it does make my hair look shiny and feel soft.

Repurchase? Not this particular Live Clean shampoo.

Live Clean Apple Cider Ultra Light Conditioner – Like the shampoo, this conditioner smells like apple juice to me. It doesn’t make my hair feel as soft as the other ones.

Repurchase? Not this particular Live Clean conditioner.

The Ordinary “Buffet” Multi-Technology Peptide Serum (read my review) – After my initial first impressions review, I realized just how tacky it made my face feel. I want a skincare product that doesn’t feel tacky or cause my makeup to pill.

Repurchase? No.

Love,

Read More
15 Beauty Favourites I’ve Repurchased | 2018

August 13, 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,

Read More
This or That | The Face Shop Smart Peeling Mild Papaya vs. Soo’Ae Purifying Brightening Peeling Gel

May 2, 2018

Hi Everyone!

Today, I’m comparing two peeling gels that are mild exfoliants. Unlike my previous This or That post on exfoliating scrubs, these are gentler. The Tarte Frxxxtion Stick and Pixi Peel & Polish both have more gritty textures. The Soo’Ae gel is similar to the Peel & Polish, but it’s not as gritty and it smells nicer. The Face Shop’s peeling gel doesn’t feel gritty at all and it’s thicker and more like a jelly.

Soo’Ae Canada Purifying Brightening Peeling Gel

A super gentle and nutrient infused defoliator mild enough for even delicate skin types.

The Face Shop Smart Peeling Mild Papaya

An exfoliator with natural papaya enzymes and hyaluronic acid that smoothes and enriches skin with moisture.

Soo’Ae gel is on the left in both pics and The Face Shop peeling gel on the right. The Face Shop gel is more like a jelly and it’s a bit messier.

Since these are so gentle, sometimes I use these peeling gels on the underarms too.

WINNER: Soo’Ae Canada’s Purifying Brightening Peeling Gel

I have to give the win to the purifying brightening peeling gel because it’s gentle, but it’s not as gloopy as The Face Shop’s. I actually think I prefer the Soo’Ae peeling gel to the Pixi Peel & Polish because it’s less expensive and smells nicer.

Have you tried peeling gels or exfoliants? What are your faves?

Love,

Read More
Review | The Face Shop Clean Face Clear Away Spot Treatment

December 28, 2017

Hi Everyone!

If you have acne-prone skin like I do, you probably know about Kate Somerville’s EradiKate Acne Spot Treatment and Mario Badescu’s Drying Lotion. Last year, I bought The Face Shop’s Clean Face Clear Away Spot Treatment thinking it was a dupe, but it contains different ingredients. The EradiKate and Drying Lotion contain sulfur, whereas the Clean Face Clear Away Spot contains salicylic acid and tea tree extract.

It works in the same way as the Drying Lotion and EradiKate, you use a q-tip to pick up the sediment at the bottom and dab it onto your problem areas. Because it doesn’t have sulfur, the smell isn’t nearly as strong, it smells more like rubbing alcohol and tea tree oil.

I bought the acne treatment for $17 CAD for 18 mL (at the time of purchase last year, price may have gone up).

A special care product that instantly soothes and controls breakouts

Contains Tea Tree Extract that soothes the acne and purify the skin, and Salicylic Acid that removes dead skin cells effectively

Provides soothing effects and controls the excessive sebum production with Calamine Powder

Prevents inflammation, pigmentation, and anti-aging concerns such as wrinkles and dehydration

To compare, I have the EradiKate (I’ve never used the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion). I have acne-prone and sensitive skin, so my skin gets very dry from products that contain ingredients like benzoyl peroxide.

I wouldn’t suggest using this overnight because after a few minutes, it hardens and gets very flaky. If your face makes the slightest movement, it will start to flake off.

RATING: 4/5

Obviously it doesn’t work as well as the EradiKate, but if you’re looking for something gentler than the EradiKate or Drying Lotion, this is a great alternative because of the salicylic acid.

What acne treatments do you use?

Love,

Read More
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,

Save

Save

Save

Read More
Topbox | July 2016

July 26, 2016
Hi Everyone!

I got my first Topbox in the mail and enough time has passed that everyone should have received theirs, so I wouldn’t be ruining what’s inside for anyone. Topbox sends a spoiler alert email anyway saying what’s inside the box, but since Canada Post was possibly going on strike and the delivery of the boxes may have been delayed, Topbox was sweet enough to include a bonus item as a thank you for waiting. I must say, the container that the makeup comes in is so cute. I even like the pattern. As soon as I opened the box, I could smell the hand cream’s scent.

The contents of July’s box were:
- The Face Shop Character Face mask (Pig-moisturizing)
- Be Delectable Ultra Nourishing Hand Cream (coconut and cream)
- Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
- Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo (Sea Buckthorn Berry- Obliphica)
- Starlooks Gem Pencil Eyeliner (GP5B- Ultra Turquoise)
I’ve used TheFaceShop’s character face masks (pig- moisturizing) before, so that one wasn’t a big deal for me. They’re moisturizing and my face feels soft after using them.

The hand cream has shea butter, coconut oil and aloe vera. I’ve used shea butter hand cream before and I find that it smells really nice in the bottle, but once I use it, it smells different. Maybe because my body oils and chemicals are changing the smell, or it’s just how it smells once it’s outside of the bottle, but either way, it always smells nicer in the bottle.

I’ve heard of the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, but I never pay more than $15 for mascara because I would prefer to have multiple mascaras for different uses (lengthening, volumizing, etc.) than only have one mascara. Since I usually stick to drug store brand mascaras like Maybelline and L’Oreal, this mascara was a treat for me, even if it is a travel size one. I compared it with another mascara I have (right now, I actually have about 6 mascaras and most of them were free- I got them from Sephora promos and Beauty Insider points). I believe I used Make Up For Ever’s Smoky Extravagant mascara on one eye and the Better Than Sex Mascara on the other. What a difference! I liked the Too Faced Mascara much better because 1) it didn’t look clumpy 2) my lashes felt super soft 3) When I used my finger to feel the lashes, no mascara came off on my finger (it did for the Make Up For Ever mascara). I probably wouldn’t splurge on the Too Faced mascara, but I definitely see why people love it.

This was my first time trying dry shampoo, so I read up on how to use it. I absolutely love the smell of the shampoo and the little can it came in is adorable. It’s great for travelling and you want to freshen up a bit after a long drive or something. Given the normal price tag, I would never buy it, but, similar to the Too Faced mascara, I see why it’s popular.

I got a bonus eyeliner in ultra turquoise. It has a bit of sparkle to it. It’s really pretty on and great for a night out. It’s not waterproof, so the colour smudges easily, but the sparkles stay on your skin. I was cleaning the swatch off my hand and the colour smudged off easily, but the sparkles went all over my hand where I had rubbed it off. There’s still a few sparkles that I missed with the soap on my wrist right now.

I can’t wait to see what’s in next month’s box!

What beauty subscription boxes have you tried?

Love,

Save
Read More
Face Masks and Cleansers

April 25, 2016

Hi Everyone!

Korean face masks and make up products have become increasingly popular in the past couple years. I haven’t tried a lot of Korean make up products yet, but I absolutely love the charcoal sheet masks which I bought from a kiosk and cleansers from The Face Shop: Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam, Herb Day Cleanser 365 Spearmint Cleanser (for Men) and Phyto Powder Foam Cleanser- Charcoal.

I alternate between the two cleansers everyday with a facial brush and my skin feels refreshed and squeaky clean after. As for the sheet masks, you look like Hannibal Lecter for about 20 minutes, but they are great in bringing out impurities and cleansing pores. They are affordable and good for my skin because I get break outs every now and then. I like to use the charcoal sheet masks every couple weeks. The character (animal) ones from the Face Shop creep me out, I scared myself in the mirror when using the pig one. Even though they creep me out and I got it for free, it did a good job moisturizing my skin.

Love,

Read More

5 Songs I’ve Been Listening To