Cleanser Review: Laneige Multi Deep-Clean Cleanser

'Ello folksickles. Today's review will be for the Laneige Multi Deep-Clean Cleanser.

Availability: The price of this product varies wildly depending where you purchase it. It is $22 at stylekorean.com, $15.90 at shopatkorea.com, $23 at sephora.com, and $27.14 at yesstyle.com - all for the 150 mL tube. I purchased mine on eBay for around $16.

Would I buy this?: Possibly. 

What is this product designed to address?

According to laneige.com this is what the product is and what it does:

Multi Deep-Clean Cleanser

The cleanser containing plant-derived papain enzyme removes makeup, sun cream, and fine dust and takes care of dead skin cells. The cleanser containing blueberry extract makes the skin clean and bright.

Deep cleansing of makeup and fine dust all at once!

Multi-functional cleansing foam for dead skin cell care without irritation

Key Points 1

Removes all at once

The cleanser removes sun cream, makeup, and fine dust all at once

Key Points 2

Daily dead skin cell care without irritation

Stubborn dead skin cell care with cleanser containing plant-derived papain enzyme and cellulose beads that melt softly on the palm

Key Points 3

Cleansing for healthy skin

The cleanser containing blueberry extract makes the skin clean and bright

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

According to laneige.com:

Papain Enzyme

The enzyme extract from papain fruit removes stubborn dead skin cells and impurities and sebum from pores

Blueberry Extract

The extract from blueberries, one of the 10 super foods selected by Times, provides a refreshing moisturized feel

This also contains:

Glycerin - this attracts and absorbs moisture from the environment into the skin

Lactic Acid - provides exfoliation 

Raspberry Fruit Extract, Coffee Seed Extract, Lycium Chinese Fruit Extract, Sapindus Mukkorossi Fruit Extract, Cranberry Fruit Extract, Strawberry Fruit Extract,Cloudberry Seed Extract: These all contain antioxidants which help protect skin from free radicals and help to either boost collagen production because they contain Vitamin C or help your existing collagen stay intact through antioxidant protection. The Sapindus Mukkorossi , or Soapberry, is a cleaning/disinfecting agent.

What is the texture like?

This has a creamy, soft texture that foams up readily. 

Is it scented?

This has a fresh, clean scent.

My overall experience/comments on the product:

I have to say that this is cleanser that, because of the words "deep cleansing," I was concerned that it might dry out my skin. Not the case at all! I find that this is truly deep cleansing, as its name implies; doing a wonderful job of removing any remnants of makeup on my skin. At the same time though, this leaves my skin feeling clean and fresh, not even a bit dry or tight. I like this a lot, especially for heavy makeup days... which is quite often the case when I wear makeup. Go big or go home.

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

Disclaimer:  I purchased this myself. 

Cleanser Review: Biore Pore Penetrating Charcoal Cleansing Bar

'Ello folksickles. Today's review will be for the Biore Pore Penetrating Charcoal Cleansing Bar

Availability: This product currently retails anywhere from $5.99 - $7.99 depending on where you buy it and is available at drugstores that carry the Biore line. That said, as drugstore items aren't regulated I can't guarantee price or availability.

Would I buy this?: Probably not.

What is this product designed to address?

According to target.com this is what the product is and what it does:
This Pore Penetrating Charcoal Bar has a dual action formula designed to cleanse and exfoliate to draw out dirt and oil that clogs pores for a deep clean. Infused with natural charcoal and jojoba beads the charcoal bar draws out impurities and gently exfoliates for smoother skin. The natural peppermint oil leaves your skin feeling tingly fresh. With Natural Charcoal, known for its ability to draw out and trap deep-down impurities
Scent: Clean
Health Facts: Contains charcoal, dye-free, paraben-free, aluminum-free
Product Form: Bar
Recommended Skin Type: Oily, normal, combination
Beauty Purpose: Basic cleansing, anti-acne
Skin concern: Oiliness, acne and blemishes, visible pores

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Glycerin - is a hydrating agent, it draws water from the environment into the skin
Charcoal Powder - charcoal is very absorbent, hence its "deep-cleaning" property, it's able to absorb excess oil and dirt in the skin. 

What is the texture like?

In its bar form this is a bit rough and feels scrubby; it produces a soft, mild foam that's neither hydrating nor stripping to the skin. 

Is it scented?

This has a clean, ever-so-slightly earthy scent.

My overall experience/comments on the product:

Overall I have to say I'm surprised by this cleansing bar. Given that it's supposed to be quite deep-cleansing and pore clearing I was concerned that this might dry out my skin or leave it feeling tight and uncomfortable. Fortunately that hasn't been the case. I feel like this gives me a really thorough clean while being gentle to the skin, which is nice. That said I don't find that this does a great job of what I want it to do, which is cleaning the pores. Now one can call my expectations a bit "far out" BUT I want an item that claims to clean the pores to actually clean the pores - I mean I want it... I'm not sure how it would because I'm no skin care expert - but I would want a product labeled "pore cleaning" to dissolve/get rid of sebaceous filaments and leave the skin clear. As in, actually clear the pores of what's in them already, not simply cleanse the surface of the skin. Maybe I am asking for too much. I will say that my nose is the worst offender of having sebaceous filaments and I do notice that when I use this that they're not as prominent but they're still there. Le sigh. In short, I find this does an alright job but I wouldn't go out and purchase it.

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

Disclaimer:  My mom currently works in a medical office and one of the patients/brand reps (not sure) brought little goody bags for the staff that happened to contain this cleansing bar. 

Sally Hansen Big Kwik Dry Top Coat Review

Sally Hansen Big Kwik Dry Top Coat

Availability: This retails at around $5.99 - $7.50 at drugstores that carry Sally Hansen. 

Would I buy this?: So far it's working well but I'm not 100%.

Notes: This is a clear topcoat that is supposed to be quick-drying and having a shiny finish.  It was fairly dry to the touch when I felt my nails about 10 minutes after applying this, that said I like to give my nails a full 30 minutes after I've done painting them to set properly as they can occasionally smudge or chip afterwards or the layers beneath the top one move because they aren't fully set. So far I'm liking it a lot, it's got a nice thin texture and glides onto the nails really smoothly. 

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

Disclaimer: I bought this myself.

Fragrance Review: Body Fantasies Signature Twilight Mist Fragrance Body Spray

Today I will be reviewing Body Fantasies Signature Fragrance Body Spray in Twilight Mist

Availability:This can be purchased anywhere from $3.55-$8 at Walmart along with anywhere else that carries the Body Fantasies line. Given that it's a drugstore line its price and availability aren't regulated. 
Would I buy this?: Probably not

Notes: 

To quote from fragrantica.com: 

Top Notes: Coconut, Mandarin Orange, Plum
Mid Notes: Magnolia, Violet, Tuberose, Orchid
Base Notes: Sandalwood, Musk, Tonka Bean, Vanilla 

Smelling it straight out of the bottle... there's a scent I can't help but describe as being "dark" it's a heady scent that's reminiscent of cassis but sweeter - potentially the plum. It vaguely reminds of Britney Spears Midnight Fantasy. 

Freshly applied...this smells like vanilla with a heavily floral background. It reminds of holiday shopping at Victoria's Secret as its mix of scents all came together to make something similar to this... or at least smelling this reminds me of that. How odd! As the scent settles and begins to dry down I'd say vanilla is still the prominent note with a slight, almost powdery, mandarin scent and once again, that cocktail of flowers. 

In terms of wear, I've had this on for about 6.5 hours thus far and can't smell it at all. 

Disclaimer: My mom works in a medical office and apparently one of the patients or brand reps gave out goody bags that contained this. 

Nail Product Review: Beauty 360 Prep & Set Resurface Ridge-Filling Base Coat

Hello folksickles. Today's review will be for the Beauty 360 Prep & Set Resurface Ridge-Filling Base Coat

Availability: This appears to have been discontinued.

Would I buy this again?: I'll have to keep using it to know for sure.

Notes: So this is supposed to provide a treatment benefit to the nails as well as being a base coat. While I don't have a ridge issue I do have nails that are peeling so I was thinking that if this smoothed over the peel-y layers and perhaps offered some hydration to the nail while also keeping my nail polish in place I'd be happy with it. This has a bit of and off-white tone to it which helps colors show up a bit brighter.

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

Disclaimer: I purchased this myself.

Love It Or Leave It; Review 2.0: Pur Minerals Beauty in Numbers Palette,peripera 10 Be Lovely Wholly Deep Jewel Pot , and peripera 7 Be Trendy Wholly Deep Jewel Pot

Hello folksickles. As a makeup junkie and blogger you may have realized that I review a LOAD of eyeshadow palettes and I like to think of myself as being largely an eyeshadow junkie. In order to de-clutter a bit  I've decided to pick out a palette or series of eyeshadows 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 eyeshadows - 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.

Pur Minerals Beauty in Numbers Palette, peripera 10 Be Lovely Wholly Deep Jewel Pot, and peripera 7 Be Trendy Wholly Deep Jewel Pot 

Here are the looks I did using the palette:

So as you can see I created a bunch of colorful and neutral looks using this palette. I have been using the Decide Now! app and playing "Palette Roulette" as inspired by xsparkage and it's been so much fun and takes the guesswork out of figuring out which colors to use every day. I just roll 5 shades and work with them for the most part - sometimes I'll add a blending shade or highlight as necessary. I have neglected this palette for years, sadly... The majority of the colors in here have a satin finish but they're all beautifully pigmented and blend into one another like a dream. It's a wonderful neutral palette with pops of subtle color like the navy, old gold, soft pink, and muted grey-green. I have really enjoyed busting this out this month and playing with it, I'm definitely holding on to it along with the beautiful glittery pigments - I love the metallic, foiled finish they provide and how technically they can be used on their own or to boost a look when applied over existing eyeshadow. Beautiful!

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

Disclaimer:  I purchased everything you see myself. 

Departures - April 2018

Ok folksickles, I had a thought to have a new "column" in here that I'll be calling Arrivals and Departures which is essentially a two-parter that will happen monthly (or as applies). 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. Elizabeth Mott Tints & Sass Fabulous Lip & Cheek Stain: In all honesty I liked this product when I first got it and I found that it wore for 12+ hours on the cheeks but the sad part is that it was quite splotchy at the end of the day despite its excellent wear time and as for the lips... the color didn't last in the center of my lips for more than an hour or two and while the color lasted quite nicely on the outside rim of my lips it just looked like I was eating and it caused the center of my lip color to disappear and I wasn't about it.

2. Femme Fatale Bear: Although this is a beautiful nail polish and I especially love the way the holographic and flakey pieces look under direct sunlight I gave it a lot of thought and realized this just isn't a polish that would me my first choice to grab for. In the wrong lighting it looks like pretty holographic sludge and just... :/ yeah. I love how unique it is but I'll be passing it along to someone who I hope will give it the love it deserves.

Disclaimer: I purchased these myself.

Arrivals - April 2018

Ok folksickles, I had a thought to have a new "column" in here that I'll be calling Arrivals and Departures which is essentially a two-parter that will happen monthly (or as applies).  Arrivals will feature items I bought this month that are joining my collection. Without further ado.

1. wet n wild photo focus Natural Finish Setting Spray: As you may or may not know I've raved on this blog about how much I love the majority of the wet n wild photo focus line so when my CVS finally restocked this I was all over it. I'm really looking forward to trying this out.

2. Ardell Demi Wispies 4-pack: So I've noticed the majority of the lashes I have are either super colorful or loud somehow and wanted soft, natural lashes for wearing to interviews and what-not; these are perfect and probably my favorite kind of wispy lash that I've tried. I really love the ones with the blue accent pieces but those are harder to find and not as natural-looking.

3. MAC Bare Study Pro Longwear Paint Pot: I knew I was going to MAC to pick up my Back to MAC lipstick but I didn't know what else I should get. I know you don't technically need to make a purchase but I feel guilty in spending someone's time and not getting anything. I am running somewhat low on my Bobbi Brown Illuminate Retouching Face Pencil and figured I'd get a neutral flesh-toned eyeshadow base (which is what I use the Bobbi Brown product for, although that's not its intended purpose). I was debating with this and Painterly to be honest but I had Painterly in the past and really liked the shimmer in this so I thought I'd try something new and give this a go. I think I might also be able to use this as a facial highlighter so win-win-win all around. :)

4. MAC Lipstick in Diva: Ah my Back 2 MAC beauty; I was originally thinking about picking up All Fired Up or Brave Red because technically that's just going down my wish list but I swatched them and while they're cute and all that jazz I just wasn't excited about either because I have colors that look like them. I figured if I was going to pick something up I wanted something unique to my collection but that was a color that I'd use on a semi-frequent basis and wasn't "out there" as how I technically have a handful of blues, greens, oranges, and purples for the lips. Now the brown family is one lacking in my collection and it's mostly because I just don't think brown or brown-toned lipstick looks good on me, that said I swatched this and thought it was so pretty, especially because of the red in it. It's a really lovely berry color with just a hint of brown and I figured ah, it's different from anything else I own but it's also really pretty and just... compared to all the other swatches on my hand I LOVED this one.

5. Beauty 360 Original Nail Polish Remover: Given that my beloved Sephora version of the "dippy" nail polish remover is all gross and not working well I decided to give the drugstore version a try.

6. Duo Brush-On Lash Glue in Clear: Another product that I needed to replenish - my House of Lashes glue had gotten all goopy and gross. Frankly I find that it's not much better than the Duo and doesn't last me as long.

Disclaimer: I purchased everything with the exception of the MAC lipstick.

April 2018 Favorites

Hey folksickles,

Alright, all the goodies I've been enjoying in the month of April. :) I'll be honest in that I don't really have many new things when it comes to favorites because I tend to reach for the same stuff over and over lately and haven't been trying a bunch of new things. That said:

1. Femme Fatale Shadow Stair - This repeatedly makes it into favorites because I just love it so much. This nail-polish, although it's a somewhat subtle office-friendly kind of color is also a chameleon and that's what I love about it. It's not quite gray, taupe, or purple but some kind of combination of all three with a pretty yet subtle silver sparkle and pink micro-shimmer that becomes noticeable when the light hits it just so. Quite beautiful. 

2. Pur Minerals Beauty in Numbers Palette - I have neglected this palette for years, sadly, and although I used to love it very much and even thought I didn't need all the Naked palettes because I had this I soon began to neglect it after acquiring the said Naked palettes. Now I will say this palette is somewhat less flashy, the majority of the colors in here have a satin finish but they're all beautifully pigmented and blend into one another like a dream. It's a wonderful neutral palette with pops of subtle color like the navy, old gold, soft pink, and muted grey-green. I have really enjoyed busting this out this month and playing with it.

3. I haven't been watching any shows lately but have been re-watching xsparkage's (aka Leesha) videos on Youtube and it's such nostalgia and throwback for me because I remember stumbling on her channel and being like WHAT... pale girls can rock BRIGHTS?!? Teach me Leesha, teach me!!!! (no one will get this reference). I mean, being that I've watched her since 2008 (it's been 10 years! :x) and she is really who I credit for making me completely makeup obsessed I find it kind of sad that she's deleted a bunch of old videos; I can certainly see why she would - people can't get limited edition products from 10 years ago and/or there were copyright issues with the music in those videos but there were golden nuggets there that are no longer and in general I think it's fun/interesting to see a Youtuber's progression along with what kind of products brands used to release versus what they're releasing now. Alas; I've no control over others' Youtube channels. I highly recommend checking her out though as she has a really great bubbly energy.

Disclaimer: I purchased all products mentioned myself. :)

April 2018 Empties

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

1. Kao Essential Moisturizing Frizz-Free Hair Mask: I really love that this mask smells like roses and that it's super moisturizing. That said I can't vouch that it did much for frizz, especially once my hair was dry... if I was to go out in humid weather my hair would get frizzy even when I was using this. Overall I liked this a lot but I wouldn't go out of my way to find it online for re-ordering.

2. beauteesense Eyelashes in 203: These are really lovely voluminous, thick lashes; right up my alley.

3. beauteesense Eyelashes in 221: I'd say these are a slightly larger, thicker, version of the lashes I described above.

4. Holika Holika Skin & Good Cera Super Cream Original x2: This is a really nice, basic, super hydrating moisturizer.

5. Origins A Perfect World Age-Defense Eye Cream with SPF 20: This is a nice eye cream for day because it has SPF as well as hydrating, brightening, and smoothing properties. That said, I think the SPF in this might cause ashy-ness on deeper skin-tones. Overall I liked it but I'm not in love with it.

6. The Body Shop Satsuma Energizing Body Butter: Although I didn't find this body butter to be energizing I will say it moisturizes quite nicely and smells AMAZING - it's got a great citrusy scent. I love it!

7. Dove Sensitive Skin Nourishing Body Wash: I used this to shave with and I find that it does a great job as a shaving cream. It has a nice refreshing, clean scent and leaves my skin feeling soft. I feel like the sensitive formula moisturizers and provides a smoother shave versus some of the other ones.

8.  Guerlain Terracotta Jolie Teint Natural Healthy Glow Powder Duo in 01 Clair - Brunettes: I feel like this powder lasts FOREVER - I've been using mine for such a long time and frankly it's not in empties because I used it up completely but because it broke and I put it in with my loose powder. I really like this because it gives the skin a warmed up, sunkissed look without the intensity that putting bronzer all over the face would give - it just makes the skin look very natural and isn't flat.

9. Nature Republic 40 Silver Dress Color & Nature Nail Color: So confession - it is very rare for me to use up a bottle of nail polish but I used this up to the last drop. Now it's not because I super duper loved the color, I liked it just fine, but more-so because I've been hit with OCD and felt that every time I "started over" I had to use the nail polish from the "start" and since I have my polishes grouped by color - this was at the "start". Yeah... no bueno... I'm doing my best to kick that OCD and I think that maybe not having this around might help.

10. Tree Hut Sugar Scrub in Marula & Jasmine: As I've raved many times - I LOVE the Tree Hut body scrubs. That said, this one smells kind of odd to me and it's not my favorite scent-wise. It works well though.

11. Sally Hansen Diamond Strength Diamond Flash Top Coat: Honestly speaking this isn't my favorite topcoat, it feels fairly run-of-the-mill but I haven't had nail polishes chip as much as they have when I was using this. :/ I'm not sure if this or the polishes were at fault but they didn't chip with other topcoats so... I also don't love that the bottle is black and opaque, I can't tell when I'm running low.

12. Guerlain Lingerie De Peau BB Cream in Light : I'm so sad to have this go - it's a beautiful, medium-to-full coverage BB cream that just leaves my skin looking flawless and stays put all day long whether I set it with a powder or not.

13. Bath & Body Works Wild Honeysuckle Shower Gel: Another product I'm sad to see come to an end as this is probably my very favorite scent from Bath & Body Works. A really beautiful summer floral.

14. Givenchy Prisme Libre Mat-finish & Enhanced Radiance Loose Powder in 1 Mousseline Pastel: This is a beautiful setting powder, especially for the under-eyes. It doesn't make the area look dry and has a nice brightening effect. I wish this wasn't as pricey as it is because I'd love to buy more. In terms of color-correction I find the effect to be slight but in terms of brightening this is good stuff. It's very smooth and silky as well. I like it a lot. I also adore the beautiful limited-edition packaging with the magnolia flowers.

15. Zum Bar Goat's Milk Soap Zum Bundle: One of my good friends gave me this set for Christmas and I liked it a lot! These soaps smell nice and they're super moisturizing - no crusty winter skin for me. I will say I wish the soap chunks were slightly thicker as they fell apart easily and that the box would tell you which scents you had in there in the event that you want to purchase a full-sized bar. Most of mine smelled quite minty, which I didn't mind.

16. CoverGirl Peacock Flare Mascara: Frankly I am not a fan of this mascara. I find that between the large grooves in the mascara wand that collect excess mascara and the short bristles in the brush it just ends up rather clumpy which is not a look that I like.

17. NOW Essential Oils in Spearmint: Ok so this may sound unpleasant (and it was!) but I had a house-mouse in my room and I wasn't trying to have it. Knowing mice dislike mint I bought this and sprinkled it all around my room (which worked!) and after the fact I used this in my diffuser. That said I find that the scent of this is INTENSE and frankly I prefer the peppermint to this - this has a more earthy scent.

17. Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask Carbonic Acid & Clay Pack: There's so much hype surrounding this mask and while I was hoping to enjoy it I just didn't. It sort of left my skin feeling irritated and itchy and it's just such a pain in the behind to wash off. It also developed an off urine-like scent toward the end of its lifespan. I just wasn't impressed.

18. Ardell Demi Wispies x2: These are some of my favorite soft, natural great for everyday lashes. A pair typically lasts me about a week or two of 5 days/week wear.

Disclaimer: I purchased all of the above with the exception of the Zum Bar and CoverGirl Verb products.