Departures - May 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. Sephora Collection Curacao Punch Colorful Eyeshadow: So while this eyeshadow isn't bad in any way it reminds me of Surfin USA - which I prefer given that the glitter in Curacao Punch kind of disappears into the abyss and that Curacao Punch is slightly less pigmented.

Disclaimer: This was provided as a 100-point perk from Sephora; anyone with a (free) Beauty Insider account is eligible to redeem their points for deluxe samples. 

Arrivals - May 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.

Ignore the nail polish remover, I forgot that I purchased it last month

1. L'Oreal Paris Smooth & Glow Pure Sugar Scrub: So I'm running toward the lower end of my facial scrub and decided to pick up more. This particular one appealed to my as I'm curious how it compares to the Skinfood Black Sugar Mask Wash Off.

2. L'Oreal Paris Purify & Unclog Pure Sugar Scrub: Given that the pores on my nose are always an issue, especially when it comes to them being "clogged" I decided to pick this up to give it a try.

3. Sally Hansen Big Kwik Dry Top Coat: I believe, but can't tell for sure because it's in an opaque black bottle, that I've run out of my top coat so I decided to pick up something new. This is a nice, somewhat quick-drying (regardless of this claim I give my nails a full 30 minutes to set completely before doing anything too involved with my hands), and mega-shine giving top coat. I love how smoothly it goes onto the nails.

4. Ardell Faux Mink Lashes 4-pack in 811 x3: These were on a buy 2 get one free sale and came to just about $3 per set of lashes - not bad at all. They're dramatic yet the soft mink-like effect makes them not overly intense-looking. I feel that with faux mink lashes there's quite a hit-and-miss situation, I LOVE the way they look but the lash bands on some of them, these included just aren't made properly and I don't know why. I suppose the idea is that they look more "natural" hence this gel-like band is used versus a regular one but I find that the gel lash bands just don't have good structural integrity. If a normal pair of lashes lasts me 5-10 uses on average, I'm lucky to get 3-5 uses out of the gel band ones. Sadness.

5. Clarisonic Luxe Cashmere Cleanse High Performance Facial Brush Heads x2: This is my absolute favorite brush head for the Clarisonic device as it's the cuddliest on the face and, this may be in my head, but I feel like it produces a more foamy wash because of how gentle it is. I really love it, especially when you compare it to how scratchy and intense the regular Clarisonic brush heads feel in comparison.

6. Laneige Multi Cleanser: This has been on my wish-list for a LONG time because way back in the day Bubzbeauty recommended it. Given that I was running low on cleanser and love Korean beauty brands I finally gave in and ordered this on eBay... where it's cheaper. Haha.

7. Laneige Multi Deep-Clean Cleanser : So I was perusing on eBay and saw this when trying to purchase the regular multi cleanser and figured you know what, why don't I try them both to see how this compares.

8. Laneige Moisturizing Foam Cleanser: Another cleanser that I spotted while looking for the multi cleanser, although this was a while back and has been sitting on my wish-list for a while. Given that my skin is dry I want to see how this compares to the other two cleansers in terms of how it leaves my skin feeling.

9. Trader Joe's Rose Water Facial Toner: Alright so I was in Trader Joe's the other day and spotted this in the checkout aisle for $3.99 and figured... y'all know I LOVE the majority of rose products I try, they're my favorite flowers - they look pretty, smell nice, and leave my skin with a beautiful, hydrated glow. Also $3.99! So I tossed it in my basket full of tasty goodies because I figured even if I didn't like it, it's only $4 which is just so much less than most other toners on the market... I mean compare it to something like MAC's Fix+ in Rose which is $26... I smelled it when I got home and it smells amazing - it's got that sweet apple-like rose scent I JUST LOVE. I have a feeling I'm going to really enjoy using this but we'll see, I haven't had very much luck with Trader Joe's skincare thus far. :I

10. Beauty 360 Prep & Set Resurface Ridge-Filling Base Coat: Although I'm only halfway through my current base coat I feel like my nail polish just doesn't stay on for more than 2-3 days without chipping and I feel like it being several years old is probably contributing to its lacking integrity. So I figured I'd pick up a new one. This has an off-white color which makes colors show a bit brighter. While I don't really have ridge issues some of my nails are sort of peeling and I thought perhaps this can smooth over the peeling layers while the nail grows out.

11. wet n wild photo focus Concealer: I've had a tube of this for a while now and have really been enjoying it so I decided to pick up a back-up.

12. Kat Von D 10-Year Anniversary Eyeshadow Palette: You folks, once I touched this palette I HAD TO HAVE IT. I haven't had such excitement about a palette in a long time, not since I started in makeup years ago did I look at a palette and think "oh I want to do a look with these colors and those, I wonder what this combo will be like together" I mean, I have... but not with such glee and excitement. I love how this palette allows you to achieve a bright, rainbow look or a soft pin-up look, high-shine or matte. It's so versatile! Plus there's colors that are unique to my collection - the orange-y yellow, muted teal, olive... gah!

13. Beauty Blender Pro Solid Brush Soap: Be warned, this soap is pricey but I have sung the praises of the original Beauty Blender Solid so much that I knew I had to have this. It's over 5x as big - giving you a whopping $35 savings over buying the 1 oz size. People are saying it works even better than the OG! I can't wait to try it out! Now I do use Dr. Bronner's as a supplement to the original Beauty Blender soap to have it last longer - both last me about 6 months when used together - I will use the Dr. Bronner's for eyeshadow brushes and to give a pre-wash to face brushes and then I complete washing the face brushes with the Beauty Blender soap as it gets out every last drop of makeup. I'm thinking this chunk will last me for at least a year.

14.  Sephora Collection Eyelashes in Vivacious: These remind me so much of the Scarlett lashes  from Huda Beauty so I had to pick up a pair to see how they compare. It'd be great if these turned out to be the same thing for half the price. 

15. Pantene Pro-V In the Shower Daily Moisture Renewal Foam Conditioner: Influenster sent me this for review and I thought it was a cool idea in theory; a mousse-based conditioner that's very light on the hair. That said, while it's light on the hair, it feels more like a co-wash than a downright hydrating product the way I expect conditioner to be. Mixed feelings so far.

Disclaimer: I purchased everything listed above with the exception of the Pantene product which was sent for review by Influenster. 

May 2018 Favorites

Hey folksickles,

Alright, all the goodies I've been enjoying in the month of May. :) 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. Clinique Moisture Surge 72 Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator - This moisturizer has such a wonderful texture, which, I've noticed, happens to be my #1 deciding factor in whether or not I like a moisturizer, followed closely by scent. The reason I like this so much is because it's a very lightweight gel-cream that hydrates like a much more intense, heavy product. Now as someone with dry skin that, if I was to put a rich moisturizer on it pulls a "hey just so you know, we're not absorbing this, it's going to sit on top of the skin and feel like a sticky blanket of grossness" this is perfection. It hydrates so well given the aloe water it contains and it's "watermill" technology - it repairs the skin's natural moisture barrier and helps it to cycle moisture - hence the 72 hour claim. Truth be told I haven't been using it long enough to say that the watermill technology works for me but what I can say is that because it feels so good to put it on, I look forward to putting it on at night - I used a moisturizer with SPF for the daytime. Now, because of my OCD-ish habits, I will do my night-time skincare routine 99% of the time regardless of if I'm looking forward to it or not... but honestly looking forward helps. Also... I mean because it's not summer I have yet to get a sunburn... and obviously even in the summer I try and avoid being burned and becoming a target for skin cancer... HOWEVER, this feels so nice when applied that it's recommended for burns and I bet you it will help and feel really soothing on your burned skin. Allegedly it can be applied on top of makeup but I haven't tried, part of me fears it'll break down the makeup. 

2. Korres Mango Lip Butter - This isn't the first time this has hit the favorites section but it just feels so good to apply that I can't help but want to add it again. The texture is silky and moisturizing yet lightweight and I like the slight hint of color it gives me. I wish they didn't discontinue this shade as I'd absolutely get it again.

Disclaimer: The Clinique moisturizer was provided for testing, I am not being compensated in any way for mentioning it on this blog. I purchased the Korres product myself. 

May 2018 Empties

All my garbage of the month! :D

1. the SAEM Healing Tea Garden White Tea Cleansing Foam: This is a nice, kind of basic cleansing foam. Usually I like white tea items and items from the SAEM but somehow this just wasn't something that really excited me - it doesn't smell like tea and it doesn't leave my skin as hydrated as other cleansers I've used so while it was by no means bad, I wouldn't go out and buy it again.

2. L.A. Girl Pro Setting HD High Definition Setting Spray Long Lasting Matte Finish: I had no clue that this gave a "matte" finish until I just typed up its name. Overall this is a nice setting spray, it holds my makeup in place all day long and feels nice and refreshing when sprayed on. Given how inexpensive it is I'd say it's a good basic setting spray.

3. Sephora Collection Instant Nail Polish Remover: My favorite nail polish remover for the fingers - its design and formula make removing even stubborn polish and absolute breeze. It takes me a maximum of 5 minutes to get polishes off using this... usually much less. Definitely worth every penny. A bottle generally lasts me 6-12 months, depending on the type and color of the polishes I wear.

4. A La Maison de Provence All Purpose Soap in Lavender Aloe: This is a really great all-purpose soap, as the name implies. I got this at Marshall's because I couldn't find any Dr. Bronner's and needed something to wash my brushes with. This does a fantastic job and smells nice without being heavy. I'd definitely get it again if I could find it.

5. Aquaphor Healing Ointment: Given I had a decent-size tube I thought it might be a good idea to use this as a moisturizer and while it works for that I really, really wouldn't recommend it. It's very thick and doesn't absorb easily. If you have really badly dried, on-the-verge-of-cracking heels - this is great, if your nose is chapped because you're sick and your poor nose is inflamed - it's great, if your lips are chapped, windburned, sunburned, and hurting - it's great, if you shaved your legs and you want to moisturize them after - it's not great. :P Overall I probably will pick it up again in some point but I'll probably get a travel-size of it as I really don't use, or need, it that frequently.

6. Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub in Lychee and Plum: This is a really nice, intense sugar scrub with a fruity-floral scent. I like it a lot. One thing I haven't mentioned in the praises I sing to these scrubs is that they are all non-greasy which is so important when using a body scrub in the shower. I hate scrubs with a layer of oil sitting at the top because you just know that's a slipping hazard and I really don't have to worry with these.

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 moisturizes and provides a smoother shave versus some of the other ones.

8. Belif the True Cream Moisturizing Bomb: I am so sad to see this moisturizer go as I've gotten to loving it so much. I feel that I say that with several Belif products and that's because they're SO GOOD. In particular - the moisturizers. I can see why they're bestsellers in Korea. The texture of this is so pillow-y and smooth, it hydrates in a fairly lightweight way and leaves my skin feeling hydrated. I would definitely suggest checking it out if your skin is dry.

9. Marc Jacobs Decadence Eau So Decadent: While this is not a favorite of mine I do like this on me, it's a sultry, sexy scent which normally I don't go for but it was nice to have a little sample to play with.

10. Bumble and Bumble Surf Infusion: This is a salt-based texture spray infused with oil to keep the salt from drying out the hair. That said find I can get similar results in terms of texture and hold from using mousse on its own and just don't want to spend the money on this.

11. Ardell Demi Wispies 4-pack: These are some of my favorites for natural, everyday wear lashes. They add a bit of volume and thickness without being anything too crazy and are super lightweight. I find that they're great lashes for beginners because of how natural and light they are; they also have a thin lash band which makes them easy to work with and they don't really need to be trimmed unless one's lash-line is quite small, I find myself having to trim most of my lashes but I don't to trim these at all.

12. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion: This was a pretty decent basic moisturizer. It's sort of gel-based which is really funky and not my favorite for a body lotion. To be honest I prefer a more cream-based moisturizer for the body. I do like that this is oat-based and non-irritating.

13. House of Lashes Eyelash Adhesive in Clear/White: I really like this lash glue, it works well, it holds the lashes in place, it's easy to apply. I wish Sephora didn't decide to stop selling it but that's beyond my control.

14. Sephora Collection Craig & Karl Felt Eyeliner in White: To be honest with y'all I like the way this looked - I found that it gave the definition of a black liner but without being harsh, it added an interesting contrast to looks. That said, I find that the formula required quite some layering to be opaque and, especially toward the end, it would apply really unevenly.

15. Belle Ame Shea & Olive Oil Soap in Grapefruit Twist: I loved this soap initially - the poppy seeds at the top were nicely scrubby. That said after a few weeks this became a slimy mess and for a chunk of soap that's $8 it's really sad for it to become a slimy mess.

16. NOW Essential Oils 100% Grapefruit Oil: A really lovely grapefruit-zest scented oil. I like this one a lot.

17. Tree Hut Firming Sugar Scrub in Italian Mocha: This is a really nice, intense sugar scrub with a wake-you-up delicious mocha scent. I LOVE IT and it helps to get me going in the morning. One thing I haven't mentioned in the praises I sing to these scrubs is that they are all non-greasy which is so important when using a body scrub in the shower. I hate scrubs with a layer of oil sitting at the top because you just know that's a slipping hazard and I really don't have to worry with these.

18. Bath & Body Works Wild Honeysuckle Fragrance Mist: I'm so sad to see this come to an end as, you all know, Wild Honeysuckle is my favorite Bath & Body Works scent and I'm still salty that they won't bring the EDP back as I never got a chance to purchase it. That said, I've had this bottle for a whopping 7 years so it's time... it still smells good which... I mean I don't know what that tells you about the quality.

19. Bumble and Bumble BB Repair Blow Dry: Honestly speaking I air dry my hair 99.9% of the time and don't really heat-style it either so I cannot speak for the heat protection or repairing properties this would have had I heat-styled my hair in any way. That said it made a really nice styling cream, I found that it would tame frizz and fly-away-s and add a lightweight boost of hydration to my hair.

20. Belle Ame Lime, Mandarin, & Basil Soap: While I'll say this soap smelled really nice it fell apart a few weeks into using it and became a disgusting slimy mush. Just... no... really sad.

21. Bath & Body Works Sparkling Limoncello Shower Gel: A really refreshing, lemony shower gel. I like this one a lot.

22. Murad Acne Spot Fast Fix: A really fantastic acne spot treatment. What I really love about this is that it really draws out the gunky bits in the acne you're having and also helps it to heal much faster while also leaving the area hydrated, not scaly or crusty. Definitely a must-have spot-treatment in my opinion.

23. Nature Republic Argan Essential Deep Care Shampoo: This is a really nice, hydrating shampoo. The bottle lasted me FOREVER so it's a really great value for its price.

24. Clinique Turnaround Radiance Peel: This stuff is intense and very astringent-like but it left my skin looking very glow-y and feeling baby's butt smooth.

Disclaimer: I purchased all of the above with the exception of the Belif, Murad, Clinique and Bumble and Bumble products. The Marc Jacobs was provided as a sample-with-purchase. 

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.