KISSME Heroine Make Smooth 01 Jet Black Liquid Eyeliner Super Keep Review

Today's eyeliner review is going to be on the KISSME Heroine Make Smooth Liquid Eyeliner Super Keep in 01 Jet Black.

I have this on the upper lash-line

Availability: This ranges from around $11 - $20 and is available at kissme-usa.com and yesstyle.com.

Would I buy this? I'm not sure. 

Notes: I'd say that this is a matte black. It's waterproof and stays put nicely (about 8-11 hours). It glides on very easily. The tip is actually super fine which makes it very easy to create a thin cat-eye. I really like that. To a certain extent, I'm not to using such a fine tip so it's taking me a little bit of adjusting but overall I like the product.

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

Disclaimer: I purchased this myself. 

Maybelline Front Runner 24 HR Color Tattoo Review

Today's eyeliner review is going to be on the Maybelline 24 HR Color Tattoo in Front Runner.

In this look I applied this as a base for my eyeshadow, on the upper lash line, and in my waterline/inner rim of the eye

Availability: This is available at drugstores and retailers that carry Maybelline. The price varies from around $5 - $8. 

Would I buy this again? Possibly

Notes: I'd describe the color of this as an icy champagne. Given that I ran out of nude bases for my eyeshadow and I use nude bases more than anything else, I decided to give this one a try. I think it would make a pretty cheek highlight as well. In terms of texture this is very smooth and glides on easily without pulling or tugging on the eye at all. In terms of wear - I had this on for 10 hours, during which I managed a 6 hour nap -  it works pretty decent as a base, I had very slight creasing but no fading of my eyeshadow, on the upper lash-line this stayed put as well. As for the waterline, this stayed put all day long.

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

Disclaimer: I purchased this myself.

Nail Product Review: Seche Vite dry fast top coat

Seche Vite dry fast top coat

Availability: This can be purchased at any drugstore that carries Seche nail products; the price varies but it ranges from about $6.50 - $11.50. 

Would I buy this?: Possibly. 

Notes: Frankly I let my nails dry for about 30 minutes before doing anything when I paint my nails and make no exceptions for something that claims to be quick-drying. I do this because while fast-dry polishes can dry the top layer of a nail polish quickly, it might still be liquid-y and not fully set underneath. Technically, it takes traditional nail polishes about 24 hours to FULLY set but unless you're going to be doing loads of manual labor 30 minutes is usually a fine amount of time to let your nails dry off. I feel like this really does set nicely within that 30 minute time frame. It dries to a beautiful, shiny, gel-like finish. That said, it can sort of shrink the nail polish back from the tips of the nails in a minor, but noticeable, way. 

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

Disclaimer: I bought this myself.

Makeup Remover review: wondergloss Blossom Balm

'Ello folksickles. Today's review will be for the wondergloss beauty Blossom Balm.

Availability: This is available at wondergloss.com. The retail pricing is $26 for 100 ml (3.3 oz.). You can occasionally find it at a lower price point through their amazon.com shop. 

Would I buy this? Probably not.

What is this product? What is it supposed to do?

Product info according to wondergloss.com:

Calling all busy gals - you are in for a treat. Blossom Balm is a creamy oil cleansing balm that is designed to gently (yet thoroughly) remove all traces of makeup and impurities, including waterproof mascara. This rich formula nourishes and conditions eyelashes and brows and is fragranced with Neroli extract. It emulsifies into a milk to leave an emollient Sweet Almond oil layer behind (say goodbye to dry, stripped skin).
FOR: Normal/Dry/Mature skin types, or use as step one in a double cleanse.
*Natural Orange Blossom Fragrance. We formulate using the minimum amount of fragrance, when needed, to create an enjoyable skincare experience. Fragrance is always less than 0.5% of our formulations, and all fragrances are vegan and free of PCM compounds, acetone, and much more.
Note: This works great as a deep conditioner or pre-shampoo, for dry hair.

Does this contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Once again, according to wondergloss.com:
Sweet Almond oil
Sweet Almond oil is rich in vitamin D, vitamin E (Tocopherol) and various minerals that help soothe the skin from irritation, protect the skin from UV radiation damage and restore the skin’s moisture barrier
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba is unlike any oil, because it's not one. It's the only plant to store liquid wax in its seeds. Sharing the same molecular structure as the natural wax esters found in healthy human skin, making it more receptive to receive vital nutrients and antioxidants, restoring balance, and helping your skin behave as it was always designed to do.

What is the texture like?
This has a balmy feeling to it, as its name implies, it turns into an oil when warmed up in the hands.

Is this scented?

This has a rather prominent floral orange blossom scent to it.

What has my experience with the product been like?

I believe I found this for under $20 on Amazon so I figured I'd give it a try. That said, I thought I was ordering the Makeup Assassin where I got this. Both are makeup removers and both work great, but the reason I won't repurchase this is because I like the Makeup Assassin better - it's meant for hardcore makeup like lash glue and if you wear lashes on a regular basis like I do you know the struggle. In addition, this leaves a really thick occlusive layer of product on my skin when I use it. It comes right off between my Makeup Eraser and regular facial cleanser but I just don't love the feeling of it. 

I can't say how this would work as a hair mask - I feel like you'd use the product up quickly that way and my hair currently leans toward the oily side so I will not be trying this for that, just thought I should mention it.

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

Disclaimer: I purchased this myself.

Mask Review: wondergloss Pumpkin Latte Masque

'Ello folksickles. Today's review will be for the wondergloss beauty Pumpkin Latte Masque.

Availability:  This is available at wondergloss.com. The retail pricing is $50 for 50 ml (1.7 oz.). You can occasionally find it at a lower price point through their amazon.com shop. 

Would I buy this? Probably not.

What is this product? What is it supposed to do?

Product info according to wondergloss.com:

This masque is more than just your basic masque. Pumpkin is so helpful for the skin and coffee makes noses happy. Mix them together and you get a creamy, antioxidant and enzyme-rich face treat. Our Pumpkin Latte Masque smells delicious as it brings deep exfoliation and sloughing effects to dry, dull skin.
FOR: Normal/Combination/Oily/Dry skin NOT FOR Sensitive/Reactive skin types
*NOTE* This is a Glycolic Acid based peeling masque. If you're not accustomed to using peels, this masque may feel a BIT intense at first. There is a warm peeling sensation in the first 2 minutes on average.
*Vegan, Cruelty Free, Gluten Free, Paraben Free

Does this contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Once again, according to wondergloss.com:
Glycolic Acid
Provides gentle exfoliation while hydrating and brightening the skin.
Pumpkin Enzymes
Rich in antioxidants that both repair skin and defend it against damage-causing free radicals. Pumpkin gently exfoliates + naturally refines pores while glow-giving vitamins C and E brighten + balance skin. It helps to soften and smooth the top layer of the skin while soothing and brightening.

What is the texture like?

This has a pumpkin puree-like texture to it. 

Is this scented?

If you have ever cooked something that called for pumpkin puree + pumpkin spice - this smells just like that. 

What has my experience with the product been like?

I believe I found this for under $20 on Amazon so I figured I'd give it a try. I'm going to tell you right off the bat not to disregard the warning on here. My skin leans somewhat sensitive and the intense tingling sensation is definitely present with this mask, even though I've been using it regularly for about two months as of the writing of this blog. It leaves my skin very soft, silky, and glowing but I just personally don't love the intensity of the tingling and probably won't purchase this again. I also don't love the scent of it. I was expecting more of a coffee note here and although it's there, it's very subtle. 

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

Disclaimer: I purchased this myself.

Fragrance Review: SOLINOTES Paris Rose Eau de Parfum

Today I will be reviewing SOLINOTES Paris Eau de Parfum in Rose.

Availability: This is available on target.com and jcpenny.com along with their physical store locations (this varies, call your local store ahead of time to be sure they have it). You can also purchase it on solinotes.com, beautyhabit.com, and zulily.com. It retails at $12 - $12.29 for 0.33 fl. oz. (10 mL) or at $20 for 1.7 fl. oz. (50 mL). 
Would I buy this?: Probably not.

Notes: To quote from fragrantica.com: 

Top Notes: Litchi, Bergamot
Mid Notes: Rose, Magnolia
Base Notes: Cedar

Smelling it straight out of the bottle, I get a a combination of the rose and magnolia with just a hint of bergamot.
Freshly applied, I get that sweet rose scent that I'm looking for. As the scent dries down the magnolia and bergamot start to make an appearance. Frankly I'm not the biggest fan of the bergamot. I like a sweet, apple-like rose scent and while the magnolia adds this hint of springtime freshness that I'm not mad at, the bergamot has an earthy, bitter quality that takes away from the sweetness. Personally I would've gone with a vanilla or perhaps a sweet lemon or even sugared grapefruit note here instead. 

In terms of wear, I had this on for just around 13 hours and I get a very faint, fresh note.

Disclaimer: I purchased this myself.

Moisturizer Review: fresh Rose Hydration Cream

Hello folksickles. Today's review will be for the fresh Rose Hydration Cream.

Availability: This product retails at $17 for 0.5 fl. oz. (15 mL), $45 for 1.6 fl. oz. (50 mL) and is available at sephora.com, ulta.com, fresh.com,  jcpenny.com, macys.com, and bluemercury.com along with their physical store locations. 

Would I buy this?: Probably not. 

What is this product designed to address?

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

What it is: A best-selling hyaluronic acid moisturizer featuring a new clean formula with 72-hour hydration and a lightweight texture for plump, dewy skin.

Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily
Skincare Concerns: Dryness, Dullness, and Uneven Texture
Formulation: Cream
What Else You Need to Know: This lightweight moisturizer delivers up to 72 hours of hydration in three ways: a duo of hyaluronic acids hydrates while time-release technology delivers continuous hydration. It also contains damask rose extract to support the skin’s barrier, resulting in dewy skin that’s plumped with moisture.
Clinical Results:
Scientifically proven to deliver 72-hour deep hydration*
Scientifically proven to strengthen the skin’s barrier for 24hrs**
100% said it provided immediate hydration***
*instrumental test, 11 subjects
**instrumental test, 10 subjects, 24 hrs
***self-assessment, 60 subjects, 4 weeks
Clean at Sephora

Clean at Sephora is formulated without a list of over 50 ingredients, including sulfates (SLS and SLES), parabens, phthalates, and more. 

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?
Again, according to sephora.com:

- Damask Rose Extract: Retains moisture and supports the skin’s barrier.

- Hyaluronic Acid Duo (1,500 and 50 kDA): Delivers hydration.

- Time-Release Technology: Helps deliver continuous hydration on the skin’s surface.

What is the texture like?

I'd describe the texture as a refreshing light-weight cream. 

Is it scented?

This has a very soft, cucumber rose-jam type scent that's typical of fresh products.

My overall experience/comments on the product:
I'll be honest that I really love the lightweight, quick-absorbing texture of this. It makes the skin feel hydrated and silky without being heavy at all. Over time, I just don't love fresh's rose scent especially since I've tried products with more of that sweet rose scent that I genuinely enjoy. Otherwise I like this moisturizer; it makes my skin feel very smooth and silky.

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

Disclaimer: This was provided for testing purposes. I am under no obligation to mention this product on this blog.

Moisturizer Review: m-61 Hydraboost Collagen + Peptide Water Cream

Hello folksickles. Today's review will be for m-61 Hydraboost Collagen + Peptide Water Cream.

Availability: This product retails at $76 for 1.7 fl. oz. (50 mL) and is exclusive to macys.com and bluemercury.com along with the latter's physical store locations.

Would I buy this?: Probably not. 

What is this product designed to address?

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

This lightweight anti-wrinkle water cream nourishes and restores moisture, helping to improve the skin's elasticity & tone for a smooth, renewed, youthful-looking complexion.

Key Features / Benefits

Visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time

Works to supplement naturally recurring collagen

Helps to stimulate cell renewal

Helps to improve the skin's elasticity and tone

Helps protect against free radicals

Nourishes and restores moisture

Faster, deeper absorption due to plant-based formula

Lightweight, silky, refreshing gel-cream texture

Creates a smooth, renewed, healthy-looking complexion

Claims

Gluten-free & vegan

Dermatologist & allergy tested

Paraben & phthalate free

Synthetic fragrance-free

Sulfate-free

Free of synthetic dyes

No animal testing

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?
Again, according to bluemercury.com:

Plant-based collagen combined with a powerful bio-peptide work to supplement naturally recurring collagen and help to stimulate cell renewal, visibly reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.

Vitamin B5 binds water to the skin, helping to plump, replenish moisture and reinforce the skin’s barrier.

Antioxidants Japanese lemon balm and kakadu plum extract help to protect against free radicals and reinforce naturally recurring hyaluronic acid and collagen levels, leaving skin looking smooth and luminous.

What is the texture like?

I'd describe the texture as a light-weight cream that feels super refreshing when applied. 

Is it scented?

This has a very soft, clean skin type of scent to it.

My overall experience/comments on the product:
I'll be honest that I really love the lightweight, quick-absorbing texture of this. It makes the skin feel hydrated and silky without being heavy at all. At the end of the day, I like the product and if it was perhaps in the range of $20-40 I'd pick it up but to pay so much money just because I like the texture and hydration of the product feels excessive to me.

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

Disclaimer: This was provided for testing purposes. I am under no obligation to mention this product on this blog.

Mask Review: Caudalie Instant Detox Mask

'Ello folksickles. Today's review will be for the Caudalie Instant Detox Mask.

Availability:  This is available at bluemercury.com as well as their physical store locations along with us.caudalie.com and dermstore.com. The retail pricing is $39 for 75 ml (2.5 fl. oz.).

Would I buy this again? Possibly.

What is this product? What is it supposed to do?

Product info according to bluemercury.com:

Detoxifying mask that offers true rehab for stressed and tired skin by reaching deep into clogged pores to draw out accumulated toxins. Grape marc -- the solid remains of grapes after pressing -- detoxifies and drains, pink clay clarifies and papaya enzymes bestow immediate radiance. The result is a thoroughly revitalized and invigorated complexion.
Key Features / Benefits: Penetrates deeply to cleanse and detoxify clogged pores. Imparts an instant glow.

Does this contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Once again, according to bluemercury.com:
Grape Marc: The solid remains of grapes after pressing, containing the skins, pulp, seeds and stems of the fruit. 

Pink Clay: A mixture of white and red kaolin clays, offers an ideal balance for sensitive skin that needs oil removal and gentle exfoliation.

Papaya Enzymes: Helps remove dead skin cells to exfoliate and brighten skin. 

Contains antioxidants vitamins A, C, E and carotenoids reduce inflammation of the skin.

What is the texture like?

This has a creamy clay feeling to it. 

Is this scented?

This has what I would describe as an earthy, citrusy scent. 

What has my experience with the product been like?

So I personally adore this mask because it's a mask meant to clear out impurities in the pores but is gentle enough to use on my eczema-prone dry skin. It does feel tight when it dries sometimes but my skin doesn't dry out when I rinse this off, as it can with more hard-core clay and mud masks. This does leave my skin feeling a lot cleaner BUT it doesn't do very much to rid me of what I consider obvious (or at least, obvious to me) sebaceous filaments on my nose/cheek area.

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

Disclaimer: I purchased this myself.

Moisturizer Review: Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base

Hello folksickles. Today's review will be for the Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base.

Availability: This product retails at $20 for .50 fl. oz. (15 mL), $64 for 1.7 fl. oz. (50 mL), or $95 for 3.38 fl. oz. (100 mL) and is available at sephora.com, nordstrom.com, jcpenny.com, macys.com, bloomingdales.com, and bluemercury.com along with their physical store locations. This can also be purchase at bobbibrowncosmetics.com.

Would I buy this?: Possibly, I do really like it.

What is this product designed to address?

According to sephora.com this is what the product is and what it does:
What it is: A primer with moisturizing benefits for smooth makeup application—it’s the best of both worlds.
Skin Type: Normal, Combination, and Oily
Skincare Concerns: Dryness, Fine Lines and Wrinkles, and Oiliness
Formulation: Cream
Ingredient Callouts: Free of sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, and phthalates. This product is also vegan and gluten-free.
What Else You Need to Know: This formula combines the moisturizing power of Shea butter with vitamins B, C, and E. Grapefruit and geranium fragrances leave a light, uplifting scent on skin. With daily use, skin looks and feels its best.

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?
Again, according to bluemercury.com (sephora.com doesn't have an ingredient list at all, let alone a breakdown):

Shea Butter: Has anti-inflammatory benefits. 

Vitamin C: Helps to protect against future UVA and UVB sun damage by neutralizing free radicals. Helps to minimize the appearance of existing photo-damage. Helps to alleviate skin inflammation Vitamin E: Helps to neutralizes free radicals . Helps protect against UV damage and promotes healing.

What is the texture like?

I'd describe the texture as a whipped butter - it's very hydrating but isn't super heavy due to its whipped texture. It feels refreshing and extremely hydrating. 

Is it scented?

The geranium grapefruit scent mentioned above is rather prominent here so if either of those, or scent in general, bothers you I would recommend avoiding this product. 

My overall experience/comments on the product:
I actually really enjoy this moisturizer both because I enjoy its texture and how well it hydrates. That said, for me this is more of a nighttime moisturizer despite its ability to smooth the skin and prime because this doesn't have SPF in it. I mean yes I can use SPF along with it but I find that the combination of an SPF and a moisturizer, unless they're already packaged as one product, is too heavy for my skin so that's a no-go for me personally. Like I said though, I like this even if I'm not using it to prep my skin for makeup. 

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

Disclaimer: This was provided for testing purposes. I am under no obligation to mention this product on this blog.