September 2026 Arrivals

Ok folks! I'm back to replenishing on things that I'm running out of and buying mostly just necessities. Now, September is occasionally a month of fun purchases or hauls because it's my birthday month.  But there's a lot this month not because it was my birthday, but because I literally nearly ran out or am running super low on most of these things.

1.  L'Oreal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Mask:  I currently have the yellow L'Oreal Elvive mask and feel like it does a really nice job of replenishing, hydrating, and nourishing my hair. I wanted to buy that again but I couldn't find it anywhere so I decided I'd give the black version a chance. 

 

2. FRUDIA My Orchard Mochi Cleansing Foam in Passion Fruit: I really liked the mango version of this cleanser, so when I saw it came in a passion fruit scent, I was really excited and ordered it right away. Unfortunately, this isn't a cream cleanser as its name suggests. It is a foaming gel rather than a foaming cream, and with it getting cold I just feel like... it smells nice but it doesn't leave my skin feeling as hydrated as I'd want. 

 

3.  Clean Line Soft Scrub with raspberry juice: I ran out of my face scrub and unfortunately it seems like the store I purchased it at no longer stocks it and I have never seen it anywhere else so it was time to try something new. If anything, it seems like this scrub might smell good and it's labeled for dry, sensitive skin so we'll see how I like it. 

 

4. Anua + K-Pop Demon Hunters Eternal Honmoon Anua Vita Brightening Collagen Mask: This mask came as a gift with purchase with my YesStyle order.

 

5.  Dr. Sante Nature & Innovations Hydro Intensive Hyaluron + Aloe SOS Hydrating Mask: I ran out of one of my face masks recently as well and decided that, since we're heading into colder, dryer weather I'd get a mask that I knew hydrated my skin nicely. 

 

6. timeless Skin Care Squalane Oil: I am running low on my current bottle of this and since I love this squalane so much and it comes in an 8 oz bottle, I went ahead and invested so I could just refill my smaller bottles. The 8 oz bottle is an excellent deal if you're someone who either uses squalane daily like I do as their holy grail facial oil or you're someone who also uses it on their body. It's a great anti-inflammatory oil and worked fantastic for eczema breakouts I had or to use on my tattoo back when it was healing. 

 

7.  LEBELAGE High Protection Extreme Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++: This came as a free sample with my YesStyle order.

 

8. Dinto Gumiho Collection Bare-Gloss Lip Tint in 313 On (Warmth): This also came as a free gift with my YesStyle purchase. I wasn't sure what to expect but it is such a pretty slightly rosy neutral shade that goes with literally any look I do. I've been enjoying playing around with it.  

 

9.  DUO Brush On Striplash Adhesive: My lash glue had gotten all gross, goopy, tacky, and stringy so it was definitely time to replace it. 

 

10. L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara in Deep Burgundy: I'm slowly trying out the various colors that this mascara comes in and it was time to replace the mascara I was using because it developed a funky scent. Burgundy is a funny one because this is the shade I meant to try first yet it seems like third time's the charm. It's a really pretty shade that does show up burgundy on my lashes and brings out the subtle hints of hazel in my eye color. It's not so red-toned that it makes my eyes look sickly either. I think it's lots of fun!

 

11.  Physicians Formula Eye Booster Waterproof Ultra-Fine Liquid Eyeliner: As we all know, this is my holy grail eyeliner. My old one was starting to dry out and go wonky so I went ahead and replaced it. I wish they'd launch more colors of this though - I think a deep purple, navy, dark forest green, and/or a deep ocean teal could be really fun.

 

12. L'Oreal Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation: It seems like I'm running low on my current foundation so I decided to give this one a try.

 

13. Maybelline New York Lifter Full Coverage Serum Concealer: I am running low on my concealer currently and since I had coupons to use on this at CVS I decided to just go ahead and repurchase it.

 

14. wet n wild photofocus LOOSE SETTING POWDER in Translucent x2 : I literally ran out of the pink version of this powder and needed to replenish. Honestly, the last jar of pink I had was just too pink and left my skin looking a bit funky sometimes so I wanted to go back to the translucent version of it anyway. These were on sale at buy one get the second 50% off at CVS so I just went for it. 

 

15. MIZON Multi Function Formula Snail Repair Eye Cream x2: It's been so long since I had this eye cream and the ones I've been getting at my Russian-speaking pharmacy were inexpensive but nothing really cut it in terms of being hydrating enough. Hence I decided to go back to an old faithful. They were having a sale on YesStyle for labor day which was even better if you bought the two pack so I went ahead and did that.

 

16. BI & LITA Camomile Relaxation Camomile Eye Cream: Unfortunately, I ran out of my eye cream while waiting for the MIZON Multi Function Formula Snail Repair Eye Cream to ship so I went ahead and got this to hold me over in the meantime. 

 

17. Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ x2 : I am running low on my current SPF and since these were also on sale on YesStyle, I decided to pick them up too. Especially since the 120g size is really difficult to come by and I was able to score two of them!

 

18. Being Frenshe Detox Salty Scalp Scrub: I ran out of my current tube of this and I really enjoyed using it, so I went ahead and replenished. I swear by scalp scrubs now because they are the ONLY thing that has mostly cleared up all my dandruff/flake-y scalp issues. I rarely, if ever, get scalp issues since I started using scrubs once a week. Since I have very fine hair, I don't need a lot either. So a tube lasts me nearly an entire year. Absolutely worth investing in!

 

19. Missha M B.B. Boomer Primer: I am running low on my current tube of this and have been loving it as a glowy primer so I decided to replenish. I actually love that they redid the packaging as a true tube now and removed the pump - this will make it a lot easier to get all the product out of it!

 

20. Milani Make It Last Original Natural Finish Setting Spray:  Another holy grail product that I am running really low on so I went ahead and replenished. I love this as a setting spray but I also love it for applying shimmery, metallic eyeshadows wet in order to make them appear more intense.

 

21. Sally Hansen Diamond Strength Hardener: I'm running low on my base coat for nail polish and unfortunately I am still struggling with some of my nails peeling so I decided to give this a try. 

 

Disclaimer: I purchased all the items listed above, with the exception of the gifts/sample with purchase, myself. All opinions are my own. 

September 2026 Empties

All my monthly trash on display for you to see. :P

1. Veleasha Lashes in Sunny T-4 x2: These are a really cute spiky lash, which I tend to like because I feel like they make my eyes look larger. I know for some folks these lashes might seem dramatic but to me they're on the smaller side, I almost wish they were larger - meaning just longer with bigger spikes. My  issue is that not only are the lash bands thick and plastic-y so it takes them a while before they bend to the shape of the eye nicely but they tend to separate from the lash clusters when I pick glue off them, and I'm typically quite gentle, so they don't hold up too well over multiple uses. I have to be careful with them.

2. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer body mist sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 70: I personally like this sunscreen spray because it's very lightweight, doesn't cause me any sensory issues, and I feel as though I do tend to burn less if I'm wearing it. I like that it doesn't pill up or start coming off in clumps. That said, I do a double layer of spray in circle motions and then I rub it in to make sure that I'm fully covered. 

 

3. wet n wild photofocus Loose Setting Powder in Soft Pink: Unfortunately, despite liking this powder in the past and finding it brightening and loving that its pink tone helped to color correct any foundations that happened to be too orange-y or oxidized orange-y on me... I feel like they've reformulated the powder to be a darker and more obvious pink than it once was. It's just too pink for me personally, it looks somewhat odd on my face and I've gone back to purchasing the translucent version. 

 

4. Organic Kitchen Pistachio Mafia Polishing Face Scrub: I'm a bit sad to have used this all up because it seems like my local pharmacy is no longer selling it. This was a nice scrub that was gently gritty but not so much so that it irritated my skin. It left my skin soft, supple, and hydrated. This smelled delicious too!

 

5. Organic Kitchen Silent Hour Revitalizing Face Mask: This mask has a yummy berry yogurt scent. It gave my skin a nice boost of hydration - leaving my skin soft, smooth, and glowing.

 

6. Anua Eternal Honmoon Anua Vita Brightening Collagen Mask in Radiance:  I have stepped away from sheet masks because I feel like they're wasteful in terms of there's so much trash involved in them that they're probably awful for the environment unless they biodegrade. That said, since I received this as a gift with purchase, I did go ahead and use it. My skin was so flaky, dry, and just not doing too cute when I used this mask. I found that the mask did a fantastic job of rehydrating my skin and also left my skin feeling very soft and velvety. 

7. Dove bond strength Damage Therapy Shampoo: I will say this shampoo did a fantastic job of leaving my hair clean and shiny. It also smells amazing! However, I find that these "bond repair" protein products tend to make my hair dry and brittle, so I would not get this again. 

 

8. Dove bond strength Damage Therapy Conditioner: Much like the shampoo, I wasn't a big fan of this. I was hoping for a thick conditioner that would replenish my hair but found that this simply wasn't hydrating enough on its own and had to mix it with another conditioner. 

 

9. scent theory Brazilian Coconut Moisturizing Spray hand sanitizer: I'm in a Facebook group where someone said this smelled like Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa '62 Eau de Parfum so I decided to pick it up and give it a try. I do like that this is a fine mist, it is hydrating, and it smells yummy. That said, I don't find this to be a direct dupe of the Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa '62 Eau de Parfum , but more of a close approximation. I didn't love it enough to want to purchase it again. I find these spray hand sanitizers are quite pricey for what they are and they are more bulky to carry around versus traditional small bottles of gel hand sanitizer. 

 

10. equate Island Coconut Shea Sugar Scrub:  I love how gritty this scrub is. This has a really yummy clean, watery smelling coconut scent to it, it has a very slight sweet creaminess to it but I'd say it's more of a "clean" scent. This leaves my skin feeling very soft and smooth, it's also great for shave prep.  

11. Children's Soap with Chamomile: I love this soap very much! It leaves my skin feeling very clean but also soft and hydrated without triggering any eczema flares.  It's also got a very silky, frothy foam to it which I enjoy. It's not as hydrating, in my opinion, as the bur-marigold variety though, so going forward I'd rather get that other one. 

 

12. Being frenshe Detox Scalp Scrub: I like this scalp scrub because it's gentle and not overly gritty, but between the scrub granules and the little scrubber attachment on it, I feel like it's quite effective at getting any dry skin or residue off my scalp. This feels very deep cleansing. It has a really nice ocean-y yet musky yet clean scent to it. It's not a scent I personally would gravitate toward but I actually really like it in a scalp scrub.   

13. Vaseline Cocoa Radiant Body Lotion:  I really enjoy using this body lotion because it's lightweight yet I find that it's deeply hydrating. Even the soles of my feet seem to stay generally on the softer side when I'm using this. This also has a really yummy warm scent to it. 

 

14. Dove sensitive hypoallergenic body wash: I really enjoy how hydrating this body wash is. It leaves my skin so silky smooth and is the perfect sub for shave gel. I find these bottles last me a month if not longer whereas, because I am a hairy beast, shave gel is something that only lasts me a week. When shaving with this, my skin is left so smooth yet hydrated. My skin isn't irritated at all. I really enjoy it.

 

15.  ogx smoothing + coconut coffee Scrub & Body Wash: I essentially use this as just body wash because the scrubbies in it are so gentle that I don't find that they're sufficient as a body scrub for me personally. This smells nice and I purchased it because I've had it before and I really love how soft and smooth it leaves my skin feeling. However, it has a scent that reminds me of burnt caramel. I wish it were more discernible as coconut coffee or at least had a discernible note of either in it. 

 

16. Milani Make It Last Original Natural Finish Setting Spray: This setting spray has become a holy grail for me in my collection and I never want to be without it. It really sets my makeup in place for all-day wear but in a way where my skin feels very soft, smooth, and hydrated. It takes away that powdery look while leaving a velvety feel. It's also fantastic for applying metallic or loose eyeshadows wet. In short, I absolutely adore it!

 

17. Misc mermaid flat shader brush: Unfortunately the ferrule of the brush just snapped off the handle so it's time to part ways with this brush. 

 

18. Misc unicorn large dense fluffy brush: When I first started using this for foundation, I really liked the finish it gave me and how quickly it would blend everything out because of how large this brush is. That said, it's so large that I couldn't really get into smaller areas with it. Additionally, it is shedding so much that it's become intolerable and the entire brush head popped out of the ferule.

 

19. L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara in 960 Deep Green:  I loved the violet version of this mascara so much that I wanted to try the other colors. That said though, the green doesn't ever really show up as green. It's more of a black with a greenish shimmer through it and looks black on the lashes. I so wish it were clearly green. This mascara also develops something of a funky scent to it when it's time to replace it.

 

20. DUO QUICK-SET Striplash Adhesive: Unfortunately this glue had started to become very goopy so it was time to replace it.

 

21. MIZON Multi Function Formula Snail Repair Intensive BB Cream SPF 50+ PA+++ : After I fell in love with the MIZON Multi Function Formula Snail Repair Eye Cream I thought I'd like the other products in the snail line too and picked this up because I was running low on BB Cream at the time. Unfortunately, this BB cream is thick and felt somewhat uncomfortable in hot, sticky weather wherein I'd feel it sitting on my face. It gave me nice coverage but I wish the formula were more thin and lightweight. It also wasn't as hydrating as I wish it were given that it has snail secretion filtrate in it.

 

22.  LEBELAGE High Protection Extreme Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++: This is a really hydrating SPF cream but I found its texture a bit too thick for my personal taste.

 

23. Physicians Formula Eye Booster Waterproof Ultra-Fine Liquid Eyeliner: This was starting to dry out so it was time to go ahead and replace it. 

 

24. now essential oils 100% pure peppermint: I like to have this around to deter any critters from invading my space. It's great to just drip a bit on carpet or to use in an oil diffuser. I also find that peppermint helps to unclog my sinuses.  

 

25. L'Oreal Paris Eye Defense Eye Cream: I found that this eye cream, despite having a nice brightening function, did not provide enough hydration for me. Toward the end of the jar, it would leave my eyelids irritated and inflamed so I'm happy to just be done with it.

 

Disclaimer: I purchased all of the products mentioned above with the exception of the mermaid and unicorn brushes which I received as a gift. The Anua mask and the LEBALAGE SPF I got as gifts/samples with purchase. All opinions are my own. 

Nail Polish Review: OPI Yoga-ta Get This Blue! Nail Lacquer

Nail polish: OPI Yoga-ta Get This Blue! Nail Lacquer

 

   

  

What the brush looks like:

My nails with 2 coats of polish; all nails have inm Out the Door Topcoat for Nails on:

Availability: This is available through orlybeauty.com, amazon.com, beyondpolish.com, and happynailsupply.com and retails at about $9.25 - $12 for .5 fl oz (15 mL).
Would I buy this again?: Yes! 
Notes: According to opi.com this is a: deep, dark blue nail polish. I'd describe the color as being an inky midnight blue with a shifting teal-blue-purple pearl throughout. It reminds me of sapphire crystals which are my birthstone, and I love that about it! I was able to reach decent opacity with just one coat, but I applied two to ensure full coverage and smoothness. This wore for just about four days prior to noticeable chipping occurring. As someone who loves navy, I think this would probably work for any time of the year but I think it would be especially nice as a winter shade.

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments. 

Disclaimer: I purchased this myself. All opinions are my own. 

Love It Or Leave It; Review 2.0: Sleek Makeup i-Divine Vintage Romance Palette

 

Hello folks. As a makeup junkie and blogger you may have realized that I review a LOAD of eye shadow palettes and I like to think of myself as being largely an eye shadow junkie. In order to de-clutter a bit I've decided to pick out a palette or series of eye shadows for the month and have that be my monthly selection for those instances where I'm not doing a tutorial for the blog. Every month I'll do a recap on the eye shadows - how I feel about them and whether I'll be keeping them or giving them away (and why :P) as well as if I think it's worth its price tag. 

Sleek Makeup i-Divine Vintage Romance Palette

These are the looks I created this month:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So as you can see I created all sorts of softly colorful and slightly smoky looks with these shadows. Generally speaking, the quality of this palette is fantastic - the shades have great color payoff and blend together easily. That said, I will be passing this palette along. The reason for this is that I feel that I have dupes for nearly all of the shades here in other palettes that I'm more likely to reach for. I haven't reached for this palette before when I wanted to wear shades like the ones in it, and likely won't start now. 

 

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Disclaimer: I purchased this myself. All opinions are my own. 

August 2026 Departures

Hi folks! Departure blogs will contain items that aren't empties but that are going to be given away for one reason or another. I'm working hard to curate my makeup collection and want it to include only the products that I think truly work well, that I reach for often and do what they're supposed to do.

1. Sleek Makeup i-Divine E10 palette: There is nothing inherently wrong with this palette. I think the shadows themselves are pretty, the quality is good, they are pigmented, easy to work with, they're buttery and blend well. All that said, I have not reached for this palette other than to play with it back in August and I simply never think to reach for it. I have similar colors in other palettes so I'd rather pass this along to someone who could give it more love. 

 

Disclaimer: I purchased this palette myself. All opinions are my own. 

August 2026 Favorites

Hey folks,

Alright, what I've been enjoying in August :) 

1. My New Boss Is Goofy: So as we know, occasionally, I step outside the beauty realm on this blog and discuss what I've enjoyed watching in my favorites section. I watched this anime and really enjoyed it. I found it really heartwarming that the main character went from a job where his boss treated him horribly, and frankly no doubt was outright violating human rights to a place where his boss and coworkers took him seriously and cared for him as a person. That was really nice to see! Additionally, the little kitty in the anime is just absolutely precious and adorable! He's a little tsudenre that acts all nonchalant when receiving affection but secretly absolutely adores it. Also his little paw pads are heart shaped and I think that's the cutest thing ever!

 

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own. 

August 2026 Empties

All my monthly trash on display for you to see. :P

1. Veleasha Lashes in Sunny T-4 x3: These are a really cute spiky lash, which I tend to like because I feel like they make my eyes look larger. I know for some folks these lashes might seem dramatic but to me they're on the smaller side, I almost wish they were larger - meaning just longer with bigger spikes. My  issue is that not only are the lash bands thick and plastic-y so it takes them a while before they bend to the shape of the eye nicely but they tend to separate from the lash clusters when I pick glue off them, and I'm typically quite gentle, so they don't hold up too well over multiple uses. I have to be careful with them.

2. deal worthy Fresh Scent Body Lotion: As you know, I liked this lotion and found it to be a good basic body moisturizer that lasted me quite a while because the bottle is large. I'm kind of annoyed because, as its name suggests, this was affordable and now it seems like they've stopped making it. 

 

3. Skinfood Facial Water Vita C Cream: This was a really nice moisturizer for the face. It is a gel cream texture so while it provided moisture, it was also lightweight and refreshing which was great during the summer heat.

 

4. COSRX Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence: This is just a holy grail serum product for me and one I constantly repurchase. I feel like it makes my skin feel so smooth, hydrated, supple, and bouncy. I never want to be without it.

5.Children's Soap with Celandine: In truth, I love this soap very much! It leaves my skin feeling very clean but also soft and hydrated without triggering any eczema flares.  It's also got a very silky, frothy foam to it which I enjoy. Frankly, in Soviet culture, celandine is considered a calming and cleansing herb so it makes sense that my skin is good with it. 

 

6. equate Tropical Mango Shea Sugar Scrub:  I love how gritty this scrub is. This has a really yummy sweet, juicy, ripe mango scent to it. It leaves my skin feeling very soft and smooth, and is great for shave prep.  

7. Cococare 100% Natural Peppermint Oil: During this time of year I sprinkle this oil all over my carpet nightly to deter any critters from coming to my room.

 

8. inm Out the Door Topcoat for Nails: Unfortunately this top coat is running low and has become goopy so it's time to bust out my new bottle. 

 

9. Bath & Body Works PocketBac Island Margarita Anti-Bacterial Hand Gel: I love this scent so much, it's just nostalgic for me at this point. It has a very yummy sweet margarita scent to it.

 

10. equate Green Apple Shea Sugar Scrub:  I love how gritty this scrub is. This has a really yummy juicy sweet-tart apple scent to it. It leaves my skin feeling very soft and smooth, it's also great for shave prep.  

11. Children's Soap with Bur-Marigold: I love this soap very much! It leaves my skin feeling very clean but also soft and hydrated without triggering any eczema flares.  It's also got a very silky, frothy foam to it which I enjoy. 

 

12. BEAKEY Triangle Powder Puff: I really love these triangle-shaped puffs! They're plush, soft, and because of their shape they get into tight areas like underneath the eye or around the nose easily. They're great for cleanup work for contour or around the eye area as well. 

13. beauty blender BLENDERCLEANSER Solid Charcoal Brush Cleanser:  I  am just absolutely gutted that I'm done with this because it appears that they've discontinued it in the jumbo size. I feel like this was such a good deal and, as you know, I love the solid cleanser for deep cleaning brushes that I use for liquids or creams. I'm so sad that I can't outright replace this. That said, they likely discontinued it because this chunk of soap would last me over a year even with weekly brush deep cleaning, so people weren't replenishing on this size much. 

 

14. Green Pharmacy Rose Water and Almond Oil Facial Toner: As I've mentioned in the past, I like to use this as my daily toner because it is lightweight but leaves my skin feeling hydrated and replenished. 

15. Kose softymo Deep Cleansing Oil: I absolutely love this oil for removing my makeup - or at least helping to break down most of it before I go in with my Makeup Eraser cloths. I feel like this is deeply cleansing but, because it's an oil, it also leaves my skin soft, nourished,  and hydrated. 

 

16.  IVON Cuticle Trimmer: I feel like these do a good job of removing excess dead tissue along the sides of my nails and around the cuticle area. That said, they can be sharp so it's important to be gentle and careful with them not to take off too much skin. 

 

17. Misc small flat-top blending mermaid brush: I received a set of these brushes for my birthday a few years ago and they're cute but unfortunately this started to fray and fall apart. 

 

18. Shiseido Prepare Dermaplaning Razor: I like to use these once weekly to really get any stray hairs on my face due to my PCOS.  It's about time to replace this razor, as it's getting a bit dull. 

 

Disclaimer: I purchased all of the products mentioned above with the exception of the mermaid brush which I received as a gift. All opinions are my own.