Exciting News!

Hello all,

I'm so excited to make this announcement and I will keep it quick. Over the past several years I have had some issues with the images on this blog, especially from posts that were from April 2018 and before that. In those years I did manage to find a great image host and have slowly but surely been taking photos of items I still had in my possession. In order for the blog to, in my opinion, look nice I added those images in and deleted all blogs for which I didn't have the item and therefore was unable to take a photo. I am pleased to say that EVERY. SINGLE. POST. on the blog is now fully functional and has images. I am still working on editing things for grammar/spelling and to remove cringe-y phrases I might've used in the past (I mean we all grow and mature). Thank you for being here with me, I look forward to writing more reviews! 

With gratitude,

Safyre

Exfoliator Review: Aveeno Positively Radiant skin brightening daily scrub

Aveeno Positively Radiant skin brightening daily scrub

Availability: This product retails anywhere from $3.50 - $7.50 and can be found in 2 oz. , 5 oz. , and 7 oz. sizes and can be found at most drugstores that carry the Aveeno brand.

Would I buy this again? Probably not.

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

Product info according to aveeno.com:

Product Overview: Reveal brighter, more radiant skin. Pure, radiance-boosting soy extract meets naturally derived granules to gently exfoliate, cleanse and clarify. Rebalance your skin’s tone and texture with this moisture-rich formula, gentle enough to help you scrub your way to smooth, luminous skin every day.

Evens skin tone and texture

Brightens dull skin

Soap-free

Gentle enough for everyday use

Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic

Uses soy, jojoba oil and castor oil

Good for: Sensitive skin

Texture: Moisture-rich scrub

Does this contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Once again, according to aveeno.com:

Spotlight ingredient

Soy Extract

Soy, one of nature's most effective ingredients, evens tone and texture while enhancing natural radiance.

What is the texture like?

This has a thin liquid texture that I would describe as being that of a gel cleanser with sporadic exfoliating particles in it.

Is this scented?

This has a fresh, clean scent. 

What has my experience with the product been like?

I purchased this because I used to use this literally ages ago as my daily cleanser because I had read some article somewhere that had said that exfoliation helps close up the pores on your nose and had oily skin at the time. This product was great for that given how gentle it is but what I've learned over that time is those "pores" on my nose are filled with mostly sebaceous filaments and getting rid of them entirely is impossible, I'm the only person bothered by them because, generally speaking, they're not that noticeable; and finally, my skin is too sensitive, especially now that it's dry, to be exfoliating daily. Even though this product is probably genuinely gentle enough to do so, I still wouldn't use it daily. That being said, given that I'm used to a more intense physical scrub it feels like this is more of a cleanser versus an exfoliator and while it leaves my skin feeling really hydrated and looking glow-y I'm unsure that I'd repurchase it.

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

Disclaimer: I bought this myself.

Nail Product Review: inm Out the Door Topcoat for Nails

inm Out the Door Topcoat for Nails

Over 3 coats of  Nature Republic 49 Wild Pink Color & Nature Nail Color

Availability: This retails between $2.99 - $16 (for various volume sizes) and can be purchased at walmart.com, target.com, sallybeautysupply.com and potential their physical store locations (I hesitate to say for sure because drugstore availability varies) as well as amazon.com

Would I buy this?: I'm not sure.

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 feel like this does help the surface of the nails FEEL drier to the touch but if you're not careful and do something too hand-involved without giving this at least an hour to FULLY set (I'm talking like, you're playing with slime, knitting, crocheting, or unpacking boxes) the under-layers of the nail polish can still move around. In addition, I'm really unsure how I feel about this because while it was very fast-drying to the touch, my nail polish chipped very quickly - about 3 days into wear. I'm not sure if that was because the topcoat didn't provide enough protection for the nails or because my base coat and nail polish were old. 

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

Disclaimer: I bought this myself.

Fragrance Review: Layered Fragrance Rose Muscat Body Spray

Today I will be reviewing Layered Fragrance Body Spray in Rose Muscat.

Availability: This can be purchased at taosbeauty.com or at tesolife.com for $13.99 for the purse spray size or at $14.99 on amazon.com. I purchased mine at a local Teso Life store.
Would I buy this?: Possibly.

Notes: I am unable to find a note breakdown for this fragrance so I will do my best to describe it. 

Smelling it straight out of the bottle, this has a soapy rose scent. 
Freshly applied, it smells like something between that sweet rose scent I really love and a clean, floral rose with just a hint of soap.  As the scent dries down the rose especially as well as the soapy notes become a bit stronger. Honestly I feel like this is a nice "I've stepped out of the shower and I smell really amazing" type scent because while it's floral, it's still very clean. This is also quite an intense perfume directly out of the bottle so if you're used to being generous with your fragrances (as I can be with certain ones that I own) I would suggest starting out with a minimal amount and building from there.

In terms of wear, I had this on for just around 7.5 hours and I get a very faint, rose note.

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

Disclaimer: I purchased this myself.

Essence Review: COSRX Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence

Hello folksickles. Today's review will be on the COSRX Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence.

A

Availability: This product retails anywhere from $16 - $24 for 100 ml (3.38 fl. oz.) and is available at ulta.com, iHerb.com, stylevana.com, amazon.com, yesstyle.com, and cosrx.com.

Would I buy this again?: Probably not.

What is this product designed to address?

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

Multi - acting enhancer for dull, rough skin!

What it is: Formulated with 95% Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, this essence helps nourish and hydrate the skin, and over time making it appears more radiant and clear.

WHY IT'S SPECIAL:

Brightening & Hydrating properties:

Galactomyces ferment filtate is the key ingredient that helps brightening tired and dull looking skin while delivering hydration and antioxidants to the skin.

Adds extra moisture to your skin:

Hyaluronic acid and panthenol also maintain the skin hydrated and smooth by holding moisture inside the skin.

The lightweight serum:

Texture absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving the skin smooth and supple without feeling greasy.

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate: Has brightening properties.

Niacinamide: Helps reduce redness and regulates oil production in the skin, making pores appear smaller.

Glycerin: Attracts moisture to the skin.

Sodium Hyaluronate: Hyaluronic acid holds up to 1000x its weight in water, helps hold hydration in the skin.

What is the texture like?

I'd describe the texture as being ever so slightly thicker than water. 

Is it scented?

This has an extremely faint, fermentation-type scent but given how light it is I don't really smell it when I use the product. 

My overall experience/comments on the product:
Technically this product is meant to be a more wallet-friendly version of the SK-II Essence but given that I have never had enough of the SK-II to use on a daily basis (I only had samples and wasn't swayed into paying the money for it) I can't say how they compare. The reason I purchased this is because I wanted a toner-type product that would be hydrating, given that my skin has been feeling dry and a bit rough lately. I love products that brighten and hydrate so this was really up my alley. Thus far I've been using it for a little under a week and have been enjoying it thus far. I can't say my skin is particularly clearer or brighter but I definitely feel that little boost of hydration when I put this on my skin after cleansing and I really appreciate that. It gives me that nice boost without being heavy and lays down nicely under other products like serums, moisturizers, and SPF.

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

Disclaimer: I bought this myself.

Cleanser Review: GARNIER green labs Brightening Gel Wash Pinea-C

'Ello folksickles. Today's review will be for the GARNIER green labs Brightening Gel Wash Pinea-C.

Availability: This retails anywhere from $7.50 - $10 and can be purchased at  walmart.com along with their physical store locations that carry the brand (you might want to call before showing up there if you really want this specific item) along with garnierusa.com and amazon.com. 

Would I buy this again?: No.

What is this product designed to address?

According to garnierusa.com:

For Dull & Uneven Skin

Removes makeup and impurities and smooths skin texture for brighter, glowing skin

Garnier Green Labs Brightening Gel Wash is a gentle scrub-free facial cleanser. This pure gel formula, with Pineapple and Vitamin C, removes makeup and impurities, and works to improve dull, uneven skin for skin that is smoother, brighter and glowing. This vegan facial cleanser is suitable for all skin types and skin tones, allergy tested & dermatologist tested for safety and suitable for sensitive skin. No sulfates, microbeads, parabens, or dyes.

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Glycerin: Attracts moisture to the skin.

Pineapple Fruit Extract and Papain: Both contain enzymes which gently exfoliate the skin.

Glycolic Acid: Exfoliates the skin, helping create a smoother texture, and brightens the skin.

What is the texture like?

This has a watery gel texture to it. It foams up lightly.

Is it scented?

This has a scent that has just a very tiny hint of pineapple and mostly smells like cleaning product.

 

My overall experience/comments on the product:

I had this on my wish list because as you all know, I love pineapple, I love Vitamin C products (although this doesn't appear to actually contain Vitamin C), and I love anything meant to brighten so this seemed like it was up my alley. Alas, this doesn't foam up a lot, which you all know is a thing that I don't love in cleansers and thus I feel like I have to use more product than I normally would to produce a foam that I like. Generally speaking, it is alright and leaves my skin feeling clean and soft after use but I will not be going out to purchase it again. I also really hate the scent, it's not entirely intolerable but I wish this smelled like pineapple juice, not like something I'd clean the bathroom with.

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

Disclaimer: I purchased this myself.

Farmacy Very Cherry Clean makeup meltaway cleansing balm Review

'Ello folksickles. Today's review will be for Farmacy makeup meltaway cleansing balm in Very Cherry Clean

Availability:  This appears to have been discontinued. 

Would I buy this again? Honestly I think I would.

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

Product info according to farmacybeauty.com:

What It Is
A pink, cherry-scented limited-edition version of our Green Clean cleansing balm! This nourishing makeup cleansing balm gently melts away stubborn makeup and impurities caused by pollution, without stripping skin. Cleanse effortlessly and indulge your senses with this balm-to-oil formula that smells like summer!
Infused with acerola cherry. Our newest, juiciest, farm-fresh ingredient is one of the richest sources of vitamin C found in nature! This antioxidant-rich tropical fruit helps brighten, firm and hydrate skin.
Melts makeup + pollution residue. Sunflower and moringa seed oils gently remove even the boldest eye makeup and long-wear foundation without stripping or drying, leaving skin hydrated and silky smooth. Moringa extract lifts away dirt, grime and impurities from pollution.
Gently exfoliates. Papaya extract gently exfoliates to retexture skin and reveal a youthful glow. Never harsh, it’s safe for all skin types, including dry and delicate skin.
Ready for travel. A unique makeup cleansing balm, it stays solid (no spills!) until it melts into a silky oil on contact with skin, which means it’s carry-on friendly and ready for travel.

Does this contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Well we already know Vitamin C brightens, lightens, and tightens the skin; it also has antioxidant properties. 

Moringa Seed/Oil Extract: Has antibacterial properties, is meant to be preventative against breakouts and clogged pores.
Papaya Extract, Turmeric Extract: Have anti-inflammatory properties.

Sweet Almond Extract, Sunflower Seed Oil: These contain Vitamin E and thereby has antioxidant properties, they're also  lightweight hydrators.

Glycerin: Draws moisture to skin.
Melia Azadirachta Extract: Has antiseptic and anti-acne properties.
Eclipta Prostata Extract: Has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Soybean Extract: Has anti-inflammatory and collagen-stimulating properties.
Vitamin E: Has antioxidant properties.

What is the texture like?

This starts off as a very lightweight balm that turns into an oil when warmed up in the hands. 

Is this scented?

The scent of this is very distinct and smells exactly like the cherry stuff they used in the mid 90s/early 00s in dentists' office on kids - I think it was tooth polish but I'm not sure. This smells EXACTLY like it.

What has my experience with the product been like?

You all know how much I love my wondergloss beauty Makeup Assassin: 2 in 1 Makeup Remover and Oil Cleanser and I've seen some people recommending this but since it's slightly pricier I was always hesitant but figured, given I'm a product junkie, what if I'm missing out on something really great? I've only used it twice thus far and I can already tell you I am impressed. I don't need a lot of product at all and it really dissolves my waterproof eyeliner no problem at all and it also removes lash glue residue! Which, frankly, is a rarity in makeup removers. In addition, this has a softer scent and doesn't leave behind an oily residue the way that wondergloss does. I still double cleanse when I use this but I can see why someone who's lazy and has dry skin maybe won't want to because, like I said, it rinses clean with pretty much no oily or balmy film. The only negative I have for this is that, like other cleansing balms I've used in the past, this leaves a temporary film on my eyes that takes a few minutes to go away after I've used it. Other than that, color me impressed. If this jar lasts me a few months and I don't go through it quickly I will definitely be picking up more. It seems like they release these in fun scents every once in a while.

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

Disclaimer: I purchased this myself.