Love It Or Leave It; Review 2.0: Milani Gilded Rouge Palette

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 declutter 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. 

Milani Gilded Rouge Palette

You can find a look I did with the palette here. These are the looks I created this month:

So as you can see I created all sorts of colorful, some soft, some smoky, some glittery looks with these shadows. Generally speaking, the quality of this palette is fairly good - the shades have great color payoff and blend together easily. That said, I will be passing this palette along.  The main thing that turned me off from the palette is how difficult the glitters are to work with - they're difficult to apply smoothly, even when I use a wet brush (which is usually the most efficient way for me) and tend to crease on the eyelid and cause whatever eyeshadow I applied under them to crease as well. They are also difficult to remove at the end of the day.  Initially, I thought about keeping the palette and just not using the glitter shades but I really feel that I have dupes for nearly all of the shades here in other palettes that I'm more likely to reach for. So to me, it makes more sense to part ways with it.

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

Disclaimer: My wifey gifted me this palette, all opinions are my own. 

Cleanser Review: Lebelage Snail Cleansing Foam

'Ello folks. Today's review will be for the Lebelage Snail Cleansing Foam.

Availability: This  retails at $7-15 and can be purchased at yesstyle.com.

Would I buy this again?: Probably not.

What is this product designed to address?

According to yesstyle.com:

Benefits:

This cleansing foam is designed to cleanse off impurities in the skin with mild ingredients.

Infused with Snail Secretion Filtrate that helps recover damaged skin and aids in skin regeneration.

Enriched with Aloe Ferox Leaf Extract that moisturizes sensitive and dry skin.

The tube design enhances portability without leaking.

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Glycerin: Attracts moisture to the skin.

Stearic Acid and Myristic Acid: Help prevent moisture loss from the skin barrier, have hydrating properties. 

Snail Secretion Extract: Has hydrating, skin plumping, and exfoliating properties.

Allantoin: Has hydrating, anti-inflammatory, exfoliating, and skin plumping properties. 

What is the texture like?

I would describe the texture of this as a cream that foams up in contact with water.

Is it scented?

This has a very subtle "soapy" scent to it. 

 

My overall experience/comments on the product:

As I mentioned in my previous cleanser review, I tend to prefer cleansers with this cream-to-foam texture where they're hydrating but foam up. That said, I feel like this cleanser is ok and isn't as hydrating as I personally prefer. I think it's fine for the summertime but it leaves my skin feeling not hydrated enough after I rinse it off. I'll use it up but I am unlikely to purchase this again.

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

Disclaimer: I purchased this myself. 

Nail Polish Review: Lily' Cute LC-103 Gel Polish

Nail polish: Lily' Cute Gel Polish in LC-103

What the brush looks like:

My nails with 3 coats of polish, all nails have Beetles Gel Polish Top Coat Top Gel on:

Availability: It appears as though this has been discontinued.
Would I buy this?: Yes!
Notes: I'd describe the color as being a cool-toned light pastel pink with silver and holographic glitter. I absolutely love this color! I am such a sucker for a pastel pink, I feel like it just looks good with everything but the glitter in here gives it some personality which I think is super fun. This cures a bit tacky until cured with the topcoat on.  On the nails, this wore for slightly over a week prior to noticeable peeling occurring. 

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

Disclaimer: I received this polish as a birthday gift. All opinions are my own. 

August 2025 Empties

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

1. ProBeauty Essentials Wispies Lashes x2: I honestly feel like these lashes are a bit frustrating to work with because they're so thin and have such thin bands that rather than being easy to apply, they're outright flimsy and bend funny. Due to the way they bend and are stubborn about gluing to the inner corner in a way that flows with my eye shape nicely, I feel like they make my eyes look droopy.

2. equate Almond & Shea Shea Sugar Scrub: I love how gritty this scrub is and how delicious it smells. This has an almond cookie scent that isn't overly sweet or heavily amaretto-ish either. It leaves my skin feeling very soft and smooth and is great for shave prep. 

3. ORLY Nail Lacquer in Crawford's Wine: I am so sad to be parting ways with this nail polish! It is a gorgeous metallic wine red and I just loved wearing it. But that said, unfortunately, the formula has become thick and goopy where I feel like it's best to part ways.

4. L'Oreal Paris Excellence Creme Caring Deep Conditioner: I honestly wish they'd sell this separate from the hair color because it is deeply conditioning as its name implies and makes my hair, even if it's not color treated (it's currently not, my mom gave this to me), feel very silky and manageable.

5.Cococare 100% Natural Peppermint Oil: This time of year I use this oil as a deterrent for critters getting into my room and scaring me in the middle of the night. Unfortunately it doesn't do anything for centipedes but it seems fairly effective otherwise. 

6. Bath & Body Works Raspberry Tangerine Anti-Bacterial Hand Gel: This is such a yummy scented hand sanitizer! It smells mostly of raspberry jam with a very slight citrusy hint to it. 

7. Compliment Lychee and Peach Face Mask: I found that this mask worked well in the sense that it left my skin feeling soft and deeply cleansed after I used it. That said, this particular one made the skin around my nose tingle in an uncomfortable way so I probably won't be getting it again. 

8. wet n wild photo focus Dewy Foundation in Rose Ivory: Over time this has become something of a holy grail foundation for me because it provides the right level of coverage where it's medium and buildable, it stays put well throughout the day, and it just has my skin looking really perfected. My only issue is that it tends to oxidize a bit so I don't really have a perfect shade match. 

9. Kirk's Since 1839 100% Premium Coconut Oil Castile Soap in Soothing Aloe Vera: I purchased this for washing my brushes since the Dr. Bronner's wasn't available at the time and it did a good job of getting my brushes clean. I did find it to be fairly non-drying to my skin too, I find that the Dr. Bronner's soap can be a bit harsh on my skin right after I've washed my brushes.

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

11. 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 I try to be careful not to nip at the eponychium because that can be quite painful and cause nail damage. 

12. Kose softymo Deep Cleansing Oil: I feel like this does a fantastic job of removing my makeup and leaving my skin feeling soft and conditioned afterwards. It is a great first step in a double cleansing routine. That said, it can leave residue and not fully remove eyeliner so I also like going in with a Makeup Eraser to get any excess off due to the fact that I typically wear quite heavy makeup. 

13. Flower Knows Powder Puff: I have to admit that I'm a little bit disappointed in this puff because the top of it ripped during the first week of use. I did manage to get three months of use out of it. I like to wash these puffs weekly and replace them right about every three months. This was otherwise a nice puff and was easy to use. I like the finger strap that it has on the back because that makes it easier to hold when using it. 

14. wet n wild Loose Setting Powder: This is one of my favorite setting powders because it really helps keep makeup in place but it keeps your skin feeling like real, velvety skin instead of feeling powdery. It doesn't look cakey or heavy on the skin either and doesn't emphasize any dry patches.

15. fino Premium Touch Hair Mask:  This mask made my hair feel really nourished and silky. It smells really delicious as well - in fact I really liked its scent and I like that the scent lingers in the hair afterward. 

Disclaimer: I purchased all of the products mentioned above. All opinions are my own.

Nail Polish Review: Arte Clavo 1428 gel polish soak-off

 Nail polish: Arte Clavo gel polish soak-off in 1428

What the brush looks like:

My nails with 3 coats of polish, all nails have Beetles Gel Polish Top Coat Top Gel on:

Availability: It appears as though this has been discontinued.
Would I buy this?: Yes.
Notes: I'd describe the color as being a metallic gunmetal. I absolutely loved this color! I was thinking it would be a glittery black. It being gunmetal and therefore a bit less harsh than straight up black and super metallic/sparkly just had me in love with it.. This cures a bit tacky until cured with the topcoat on.  On the nails, this wore for a week and a half prior to noticeable peeling occurring. 

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

Disclaimer: I received this polish as a birthday gift. All opinions are my own. 

Serum Review: Green Pharmacy Cactus Squalane Ultramoisturizing Face Serum

 Today's review will be for the Green Pharmacy Cactus Squalane Ultramoisturizing Face Serum

Availability: It doesn't seem like there's a reputable seller for this online, although you can get it on eBay or onebioshop.com. As you can see, I purchased this for $7.50 at my local pharmacy but it retails anywhere from $12-$25 online.

Would I buy this again?: Yes.

What is this product designed to address?

According to the box:
Using the products of this series will help to effectively address the issue of facial skin dryness, providing regeneration, moisturizing and soothing. Due to its light consistency the serum is quickly absorbed, and the wealth of active ingredients helps to improve the condition of the skin. Properties:

• moisturizing
• improving skin texture 
• soothing
• increasing skin elasticity
• reducing the signs of premature skin aging
• skin radiance
• reducing the appearance of wrinkles
• preserving skin youthfulness and elasticity 

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Once again, from the box:

Cactus Water: Is an ideal ingredient used for both dry and oily skin. It provides very good hydration and skin toning. Thanks to a large amount of vitamins and minerals, it gives the skin moisturizing, firmness, and radiant appearance.  

Squalane: Is a vegetable ingredient extracted from olive oil, shows a wide spectrum of action on the skin, moisturizes and prevents excessive water loss. It gives the skin moistness and elasticity. 

What is the texture like?

This has a slightly viscous watery gel texture to it. It feels refreshing to apply. 

Is it scented?

This has a fresh, "green" scent to it. 

My overall experience/comments on the product:

I've been using this for several weeks out and really enjoying it. As you know the COSRX Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence has been a holy grail due to how hydrating it is, but I feel like this gives it competition. This feels refreshing and lightweight. It leaves my skin deeply hydrated without being thick or heavy which is perfect for my because my skin actually absorbs it. This also makes my skin look really supple, soft, and leaves it with a healthy glow. I've been really enjoying it so far.

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

Disclaimer: I purchased this myself. 

August 2025 Departures

Ok folksickles. 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. Green Pharmacy Damask Rose Revitalization Washing Face Emulsion: Unfortunately, because this cleanser doesn't foam up, it just doesn't agree with my skin. I feel like the ingredient list makes it seem like it would be hydrating and help soothe my skin but in practice this kind of lotion texture that doesn't foam ends up irritating my skin. 

2. Milani Gilded Noir Palette: Honestly there's nothing inherently wrong with this palette - the shades in here have good color payoff and they all blend together well. That said, the color story in the palette itself is a bit too dark for my liking and I feel like I have these shades in other palettes. So for that reason I have passed it along.

Disclaimer: I purchased the cleanser myself. The Milani palette was a gift from my wifey. All opinions are my own. 

August 2025 Arrivals

Ok folksickles! I'm back to replenishing on things that I'm running out of and buying mostly just necessities.

1. wet n wild photo focus Dewy Foundation in Rose Ivory: I'm running low on my current bottle and decided to just restock on a tried and true. I find this foundation makes my skin look nice, provides buildable coverage, and stays put on my skin all day even in hot and humid weather. 

2. Kose softymo Deep Cleansing Oil: I'm running low on my bottle and since I love this for taking my makeup off with, I went ahead and got another bottle.

3. Green Pharmacy Damask Rose Revitalization Washing Face Emulsion: It seems as though my local pharmacy expanded the range they carry from this brand and since I'm running low on face wash and like the toner from this line, I decided to get this and try it out. 

4. Green Pharmacy Cactus Squalane Ultramoisturizing Face Serum: So, we all know I absolutely stan the COSRX Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence for a face serum that keeps my skin plump and hydrated. That said, this looked promising so I decided I'd give it a try and see how I like it. 

5. Green Pharmacy Pomegranate & Argan Oil Mask for Dry, Damaged Hair: Alright so honestly, my hair is currently not dry or damaged but I do like to use a hair mask weekly and the scent of this one seemed more promising than the chamomile one they had. I'm running low on my current hair mask so I decided I'd give this a try.

6. Lebelage Snail Cleansing Foam: Unfortunately the rose cleanser I mentioned above didn't work out for me so I decided to go ahead and pick this up in hopes it would be more agreeable with my skin. 

Disclaimer: I purchased all the items listed above myself. All opinions are my own.