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Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eye Primer

Price: $20

Claims: Beloved Eye Primer - Sometimes it’s the behind the scene help that makes the star truly shine. Sometimes, those people even steal the show! This cruelty-free primer enhances your eyeshadow and protects your makeup all day. Have a dinner date after work? No worries, this eyeshadow primer stays locked in all day. So apply in the morning and go all night long without worrying. Need to fit in a quick workout and don’t have time to reapply. We have you covered. Dries quickly and transparently prepping your eyelids for a smooth and even application of your shadow.

Why it’s SOOO good:

It’s Cruelty-Free

Paraben-free formula with a sebum-controlling powder that combats oiliness

Pearl powder that enhances eye shadow color, brightens skin and balances skin tone

Lightweight, well-balanced priming formula that prevents creasing and locks the color payoff in all day

Weightless feeling that’s non-greasy and long-lasting

Evens out the skin tone of eyelids

Ingredients:

Cyclopentasiloxane: Lightweight silicone with a silky, slippery feel that functions as a skin/hair conditioning agent.

Talc: An earth mineral used as a texturizer in cosmetics and also to help make them opaque.

Isododecane: A hydrocarbon ingredient most often used as an emollient. Thanks to its low viscosity and density, it has a high spreadability. Isododecane leaves a weightless feeling on the skin and evaporates easily.

Cyclohexasiloxane: A silicone. Primarily works as a skin conditioning agent and emollient. Like all other silicones, this ingredient has a unique fluidity that makes it easily spreadable. When applied to the skin, it gives a silky & slippery feeling to the touch and acts a mild water repellent by forming a protective barrier on the skin. It can also fill in fine lines/wrinkles, giving the face a temporary “plump” look.

Disteardimonium Hectorite: A vegetable-derived suspending agent used to thicken oil-based products and serve as a stabilizer for emulsions

VP/Hexadecene Copolymer: Synthetic polymer that functions as a binding agent, texture enhancer, and dispersing agent.

Polyisobutene: Polymer of the hydrocarbon isobutylene obtained from petroleum oil. It functions as a thickening and film-forming agent and does not penetrate skin due to its large molecular size.

Trihydroxystearin: Mixture of glycerin and fatty acids that is used as an emollient and thickening agent.

Bismuth Oxychloride: A synthetically prepared white, crystalline powder. A derivative of the metal Bismuth. Functions as a colorant, adding a white pigment to cosmetic products. It's frequently contained in makeup because it provides good slip, a silky feel and an excellent dermal adhesion that enables makeup to stay on the skin for long periods of time. It's especially popular with mineral powder makeup because can give either a white shimmer or pearlescent matte finish to the face. This glow serves several aesthetic purposes because, by reflecting light away from the skin, it helps camouflage wrinkles and age spots. This ingredient also functions as a bulking agent for liquid formulations.

Silica Dimethyl Silylate: A silica derivative used as an anti caking agent, bulking agent, slip modifier, viscosity increasing agent, emollient, and most often as a suspending agent. It is often found in cosmetics because of its ability to thicken while moisturizing, and provide long-lasting wear.

Trimethylsiloxysilicate: A silicone. It is a skin conditioning agent, and it is considered a soft skin adhesive. It can be used as an anti-foaming agent. 

Propylene Carbonate: Liquid used as a solvent and film-forming agent.

Sorbitan Sesquioleate: An emollient. It is added to formulas as a skin soother and moisturizer and is derived from sorbitol, a humectant.

Beeswax: Natural substance made by bees to build the walls of their honeycomb. It is a thickening agent that has some emollient properties

PEG-40 Stearate: Functions as a cleansing agent, but also helps keep ingredients solubilized.

Caprylyl Glycol: Skin and hair conditioning agent that may be plant-derived or synthetic. Often used as part of a preservative blend in cosmetics. 

Dimethicone: A type of silicone, forms a permeable barrier that works to prevent moisture loss and impart a wonderfully silky feel.

Ethylhexylglycerin: A synthetic skin-softening agent also used as a preservative, a carrier, or suspending agent for other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol.

1,2-Hexanediol: A widely used humectant and coupling agent. It is especially useful when bonding silicone products and can be used at lower concentrations than many other coupling agents, therefore reducing its irritation likeliness.

Methicone: A silicone based polymer that is used as a skin conditioning agent and surface modifier. It is primarily used to create a film or barrier for makeup to stick to. This barrier prevents sweat and oils from coming through underneath which would normally cause makeup to wear off. Methicone and all silicone polymers, have a large molecular weight; it is unlikely to be absorbed into the skin, helping it to serve as this barrier between the skin and other products, and also preventing it from penetrating the skin itself. 

Tocopheryl Acetate: Its substantiated benefits include enhancing the efficacy of active sunscreen ingredients, reducing the formation of free radicals from exposure to UV rays, promoting the healing process, strengthening the skin's barrier function, protecting the skin barrier's lipid balance, and reducing transepidermal water loss. Attributed with antioxidant, anti-aging, moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and enhanced SPF properties, tocopherol acetate is valued both as a dietary supplement and skincare active. 

Mica: Earth mineral included in products to give them sparkle and shine. The level and look of the shine mica provides depends on the color and how finely it’s milled. Mica's sheer, translucent and skin-hugging properties make it a popular ingredient in mineral powders. Mica powder reflects light from the face because of its glittering or shimmering properties, and can create the illusion of a smoother, softer and more radiant skin tone.

Titanium Dioxide: An earth mineral used in sunscreens that is capable of blocking both UVA and UVB rays; also used as a pigment.

Iron Oxides: Natural oxides of iron (iron combined with oxygen); pigments are used to enhance colors in cosmetics.

My Thoughts: I adore Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eye Primer. I was lucky enough to receive a same size in one of my ipsy bags. It came in a baby pink squeeze tub with black lettering. It has pointed tip that dispenses the product perfectly and a secure cap that makes it travel friendly. The product itself is a pearl pink but once applied it becomes transparent, its great for any skintone. Thank Me Later Eye Primer has a mousse texture, that becomes silky once applied. A little goes a long way, I only use a small dot for each eyelid. Its incredibly lightweight so it absorb pretty quickly.

Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eye Primer is beyond amazing. It locks in my eyeshadow and concealer. It even helps reduce creasing throughout the day. I see a change in my eyeshadow, its more vivd and intense in pigment. The only drawback would be that this eyeshadow primer did not even-out my skintone like it claims it does.

Would I purchase Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eye Primer? Yes,I love it! I believe its worth the splurge.

Pros:

Sample size from Ipsy

Baby pink squeeze tub

Pointed tip that dispenses product perfectly

Secure cap that makes it travel friendly

Pearl pink to transparent

Can use on any skintone

Mousse texture

Silky finish

A little goes a long way

Lightweight

Absorb quickly

Locks in eyeshadow & concealer

Reduces creasing

Eyeshadows are  more vivd & intense in pigment

Cons:

Does not even-out skintone

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Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

Price: $38

Claims: An ultra-lightweight, gel-cream that instantly cools and refreshes skin while providing intensive hydration. This water-based moisturizer 'floods' the skin with a rush of refreshing hydration and minimizes the appearance of pores for soft, smooth, supple skin. Ideal for normal, combination, and oily skin types.

Ingredients:

Water: Primarily used as a solvent in cosmetics and personal care products in which it dissolves many of the ingredients that impart skin benefits, such as conditioning agents and cleansing agents. Water also forms emulsions in which the oil and water components of the product are combined to form creams and lotions.

Dipropylene Glycol: Used as a solvent, it has also found use as a fragrance, masking agent and in controlling the viscosity of a formulation.

Glycerin: An emollient and humectant derived from vegetable oils that helps skin retain moisture.

Alcohol Denat: Helps visibly tighten pores and control excess oil. It acts as an anti-foaming agent, astringent, antimicrobial agent, and a solvent. It also helps deliver the active ingredients of a product. Almost every type of skincare product lists it as an ingredient, particularly those specifically designed to treat acne. Denatured alcohol (meaning a small amount of denaturant added to ethyl alcohol to make it taste bad.)

Dimethicone: A type of silicone, forms a permeable barrier that works to prevent moisture loss and impart a wonderfully silky feel.

Cyclopentasiloxane: Lightweight silicone with a silky, slippery feel that functions as a skin/hair conditioning agent.

1,2-Hexanediol: A widely used humectant and coupling agent. It is especially useful when bonding silicone products and can be used at lower concentrations than many other coupling agents, therefore reducing its irritation likeliness.

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride: Derived from coconut oil and glycerin, it’s considered an excellent emollient and skin-replenishing ingredient. It’s included in cosmetics due to its mix of fatty acids that skin can use to replenish its surface and resist moisture loss. Also function as a thickener, but its chief job is to moisturize and replenish skin. This ingredient’s value for skin is made greater by the fact that it’s considered gentle.

Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate: An emollient, binder, skin conditioning agent, and viscosity increasing agent.

Alchemilla Vulgaris Leaf Extract: Ability to fight visible signs of aging and skin healing properties.

Equisetum Arvense Leaf Extract: A perennial plant, also called "scouring rush." Its extract is used for its astringent, softening, and strengthening properties.

Stellaria Media (Chickweed) Extract: Remedy to treat itchy skin conditions

Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Extract: Extract that may have skin-soothing properties.

Plantago Lanceolata Leaf Extract: Treatment for skin infections. 

Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract: Grain extract; used to help soothe skin and improve skin's firmness.

Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract: Extracted from the flower of the plant; contains carotenoids and saponin. Used for its soothing and hydrating properties.

Nepeta Cataria Extract: Delays premature aging, treats acne, and speeds up the healing and repairing process of any wounds.

Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Leaf Extract: Extract of the raspberry fruit, helps fight free radicals, soothe and condition skin.

Baptisia Tinctoria Root Extract: Anti-inflammatory benefits, extract stimulates beta endorphin release and provides relief for sensitive skins.

Dimethiconol: A silicone. This ingredient functions as a skin/hair conditioner, anti-foaming agent and emollient. Has a unique fluidity that makes it easily spreadable. When applied to the skin, its known for creating a subtle gloss that feels smooth and silky to touch. It also acts a mild water repellent by forming a protective barrier on the skin, and can fill in fine lines/wrinkles on the face, giving it a temporary “plump” look. Has ability to impart a non-greasy emollience that makes the skin/hair look smooth and silky. It's known to provide a less greasy feel than standard silicones without sacrificing any of its lubrication properties.

Polymethylsilsesquioxane: A silicone ingredient used in many skin care, hair care, and cosmetic formulas, most often as a film former that creates a lubricating, smooth, silky feel and increases the skin or hair's ability to repel water. Can impart anti-caking and slip properties to the skin in hair, in addition to its lubrication and water repellent abilities.

Isohexadecane: Synthetic, dry-finish ingredient with a powder-like finish. Used as a cleansing agent and texture enhancer.

Polysorbate 60: A thickening agent and oily liquid used in cosmetics and skin care formulas "to dissolve in a solvent in which they would not normally dissolve. They also help to form emulsions by reducing the surface tension of the substances to be emulsified.” A surfactant created by reacting sorbitol with ethylene oxide and fatty acids obtained from vegetable fats and oils. It is used to disperse oil in water in formulas.

Cholesterol: Applied topically, cholesterol in cosmetics can help maintain the skin’s healthy feel and appearance. It is also a stabilizer, emollient, and water-binding agent.

Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter: Extracted from the nuts of the karité tree, this emollient is naturally rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate: An emollient, binder, skin conditioning agent, and viscosity increasing agent.

Panthenol: Member of the B complex family of vitamins. A moisturizing humectant and emollient.

Squalane: The saturated portion of emollient ingredient squalene, which is a natural component of human skin sebum (oil). It is a wonderfully moisturizing ingredient as well as being a source of replenishing fatty acids and antioxidants. Note that because it’s highly saturated, squalane is less prone to breaking down in the presence of air than less-saturated squalene. 

Triethylhexanoin: Used as a skin conditioning agent, emollient, anti-static agent, solvent, and fragrance ingredient.

Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil: An emollient used in skincare for its soothing and conditioning properties.

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil: Emollient ingredient that is a mixture of synthetic polyethylene glycol (PEG) with natural castor oil.The weight and size of this ingredient is too large to penetrate beyond skin’s surface, this type of emollient is needed on the surface to stop moisture loss and keep skin feeling soft.

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer: A synthetic ingredient used to enhance the texture of skincare and haircare products.

Arachidyl Glucoside: A mild surfactant (cleansing) and emulsifying agent, made from the condensation of arachidyl alcohol and glucose.

Hydrogenated Lecithin: Phospholipid found in egg yolks and plants. Widely used in cosmetics as an emollient and water-binding agent. Also has skin-restoring ability.

Stearic Acid: Fatty acid used as an emollient and emulsifier. It has been shown to protect skin's surface against water loss and help shore up skin's protective barrier. Stearic acid may be synthetic or animal-derived. 

Carbomer: Group of synthetic texture enhancers used primarily to create gel-like formulations. High amounts of carbomers in a gel may result in the product rolling or balling up of cosmetic products on skin, but this phenomenon depends on other formulary steps taken to minimize this effect.

Tromethamine: A fragrance ingredient, buffering agent, and masking ingredient

Trisodium EDTA: Used as a water-softening and chelating agent (a compound that binds and separates metals, keeping them from bonding to other ingredients).

Citronellol: A volatile fragrance chemical extracted from geranium, rose, and other plants, citronellol has a characteristic grassy, citrus-like scent. Applied to skin, it can cause aggravation when exposed to air. This exposure causes the unstable citronellol molecule to oxidize, which is believed to trigger aggravation on skin.

Limonene: Colorless liquid with a light, fresh, and sweet citrus odor used to make fragrances and flavors. It is naturally occurring substance found in many citrus fruits. 

Citral: A colourless or pale, yellow liquid with a strong, fresh odour of lemon peel.

Geraniol: A colourless liquid; it has a sweet, rose-like odour, with a hint of citrus.

Linalool: Fragrant component of lavender and coriander that can be a potent skin sensitizer. Colorless liquid with a soft, sweet odor. 

PEG-100 Stearate: An emollient and emulsifier. 

Glyceryl Stearate: It acts as a lubricant on the skin’s surface, which gives the skin a soft and smooth appearance. It easily penetrates the skin and slows the loss of water from the skin by forming a barrier on the skin’s surface. It has been shown to protect skin from free-radical damage as well. Used to stabilize products, decrease water evaporation, make products freeze-resistant, and keep them from forming surface crusts. Reduces the greasiness of oils used in certain cosmetics.

Malachite: Antioxidant that neutralizes free radical activity. 

Phenyl Trimethicone: Silicone with a drier finish than dimethicone. It functions as an occlusive and conditioning agent, contributing to a product’s silky texture and feel on skin. It’s one of the better silicone ingredients for those with dry skin due to its higher viscosity. It reduces the tendency of formulas to generate foam when shaken.

Methyl Trimethicone: A silicone. Substance derived from silica (sand is a silica). The unique fluid properties of silicone give it a great deal of slip, and in its various forms it can feel like silk on skin, impart emollience, and be a water-binding agent that holds up well, even when skin becomes wet. The research about silicones have proven them to be superior scar-healing ingredients, soothing agents, non-irritating, and uniquely effective delivery and suspending agents for a wide range of cosmetic ingredients.

Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract (Lady’s Mantle): Provides antioxidants and also has pore minimizing benefits; helps remove free radicals from skin. 

Plantin: Creates moisture seal on skin. 

Oat Husk: Attracts moisture (humectant)

My Thoughts: I received my sample of Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb in my September 2017 Play! by Sephora box. It came in plastic jar that was a decent size, which last me a pretty long time for a sample size. The product has a gel like texture that is light blue, but becomes transparent once applied. Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb smells of a mixture of citrus with a slight smell of alcohol but not overwhelming, that fades once absorb. Once applied to the skin it absorbs very quickly. It has a cooling effect that leaves the skin feeling fresh and clean. Its extremely lightweight and leaves a bit of a dewy finish.

In my case Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb is best to use in the summer, because in the winter I need a lot more hydration and I mean a lot. I have a normal to dry skin, after using this my skin felt only hydrated for about 3 hours at best. I always found myself reaching for anything else to hydrate my skin better than Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb.

Would I purchase Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb? Its not for me especially with the expensive price point.  

Pros:

Received in September 2017 Play! by Sephora box

Sample plastic jar

Last long

Gel texture

Light blue color

Becomes transparent once absorb

Citrus scent

Scents fades once absorb

Absorbs quickly 

Cooling effect 

Skin feels fresh & clean

Extremely lightweight

Dewy finish 

Best used in summer

Cons:

Alcohol scent

Hydrates skin for 3 hours

Expensive

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Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm

Price: $68

Claims: Complete Eye Renewal Balm is truly a multi-tasking product designed to minimize the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles, brighten dark circles, reduce puffiness & fatigue, and hydrate, soothe, & nourish the skin. This rich, nourishing eye cream visibly diminishes signs of aging around the eyes, while decreasing the appearance of puffiness and dark circles. Alguronic Acid combined with vitamin C, caffeine, as well as cucumber, aloe and green tea extracts help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and helps nourish and hydrate the eye area for a recharged and rejuvenated appearance.

Ingredients:

Water: Primarily used as a solvent in cosmetics and personal care products in which it dissolves many of the ingredients that impart skin benefits, such as conditioning agents and cleansing agents. Water also forms emulsions in which the oil and water components of the product are combined to form creams and lotions.

Stearic Acid: Fatty acid used as an emollient and emulsifier. It has been shown to protect skin's surface against water loss and help shore up skin's protective barrier. Stearic acid may be synthetic or animal-derived. 

Isopropyl Isostearate: The ester of isopropyl alcohol and isostearic acid. It is used as a skin-softening agent and emollient in cosmetics products, retaining none of the sensitizing potential pure isopropyl alcohol has.

Glycerin: An emollient and humectant derived from vegetable oils that helps skin retain moisture.

Dimethicone: A type of silicone, forms a permeable barrier that works to prevent moisture loss and impart a wonderfully silky feel.

Pentylene Glycol: A synthetic skin-replenishing agent and solvent.

Glyceryl Stearate SE: Widely used ingredient that is a self-emulsifying (that’s what the “SE” stands for) form of glyceryl stearate.

Dimethicone Crosspolymer: Silicone derivative used as a stabilizing and suspending agent or as a thickener.

Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter: Extracted from the nuts of the karité tree, this emollient is naturally rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

Cetearyl Alcohol: Helps two or more liquids, that don't usually combine to form a single liquid; often referred to as an ‘emulsion'

Undaria Pinnatifida Extract: Form of brown algae. Algae act as thickening agents, water-binding agents, and antioxidants.

Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil: It functions as an emollient and softening agent in skin- and hair-care products. This plant oil is exceedingly stable because it is primarily composed of long chain fatty acids.

Alaria Esculenta Extract: Algae act as thickening agents, water-binding agents, and antioxidants.

Bambusa Vulgaris (Bamboo) Leaf/Stem Extract: Extract from the common bamboo plant. Like many plant extracts, research has shown it is a source of natural antioxidants and can have skin-soothing properties.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice: Extracted from the leaves of the aloe plant; used as a skin softener, anti-irritant, and moisture replenisher.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder: Aloe barabadensis leaf juice powder is the powder form of the aloe plant. It is obtained from dried leaves of the aloe plant and functions as a skin-conditioning agent.

Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract: Tea plant native to Asia that helps fight free radicals; known for its antioxidant and anti-irritant properties.

Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract: Extracted from the pulp of a cucumber; used for its soothing and moisture binding properties.

Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E): Used as an antioxidant and skin conditioner.

Caffeine: Stimulant: helps revitalize skin; helps encourage circulation; helps visibly tighten skin.

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7: Synthetic peptide that's part of Matrixyl 3000, which also contains palmitoyl oligopeptide, and is believed to work as a skin-restoring ingredient with anti-aging benefits.This peptide is composed of four amino acids plus fatty acid palmitic acid to enhance stability and penetration into the skin. Peptides have different functions on skin, and this particular peptide, on its own or as part of Matrixyl 3000, helps to replenish skin's surface and calm visible signs of sensitization.

Palmitoyl Oligopeptide: Amino-based peptide that supports elasticity to encourage younger-looking skin.

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate: Form of vitamin C that is considered stable and is an effective antioxidant for skin. Increases skin’s hydration levels as well as being effective for calming factors in skin that can lead to excess oil and signs of sensitization.

Malus Domestica Fruit (Apple) Cell Culture Extract: Extract of the apple fruit, helps fight free radicals, soothe and condition skin.

Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Leaf Extract: Extract of the raspberry fruit, helps fight free radicals, soothe and condition skin.

Glucosamine HCL: A form of glucosamine, an amino sugar that can be considered a skin-replenishing and soothing ingredient.

Pisum Sativum (Pea) Extract: Latin name for the garden pea. It does have antioxidant activity.

Phospholipids: Phospholipid found in egg yolks and plants. Widely used in cosmetics as an emollient and water-binding agent. Also has skin-restoring ability.

Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone: Citrus bioflavonoid often seen in products claiming to improve the look of dark undereye circles. However, there is no substantiated research proving that it will have this effect when this ingredient is applied topically.

Lecithin: Widely used in cosmetics as an emollient and water-binding agent. Also has skin-restoring ability.

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride: Derived from coconut oil and glycerin, it’s considered an excellent emollient and skin-replenishing ingredient. It’s included in cosmetics due to its mix of fatty acids that skin can use to replenish its surface and resist moisture loss. Also function as a thickener, but its chief job is to moisturize and replenish skin. This ingredient’s value for skin is made greater by the fact that it’s considered gentle.

Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer: Blend of silicone polymers that functions as a thickening agent and texture enhancer.

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer: A synthetic ingredient used to enhance the texture of skincare and haircare products.

Steareth-20: Derived from the benign fatty ingredient stearyl alcohol, this functions primarily as a surfactant but is also used to stabilize products, especially if they contain active ingredients in an emulsion.

Ceteareth-20: Fatty alcohol that is used to thicken cosmetics and keep ingredients mixed together and stable.

Butylene Glycol: Commonly-used ingredient that has multiple functions in cosmetics, including as a texture enhancer. It’s similar to propylene glycol, but has a lighter texture.

Xanthan Gum: Natural ingredient used as a thickening agent, texture enhancer, and to stabilize emulsions, which is a general term for mixtures of unlike substances such as oil and water.

Disodium EDTA: Used as a chelating, meaning it prevents ingredients in a formula from binding with trace elements (mainly minerals) that can be present in water.

Aminomethyl Propanol: An alkanolamine that comes in the form of either a colorless liquid or crystalline solid. Works to adjust PH levels.

Potassium Sorbate: Used as a preservative, almost always used in conjunction with other preservatives.

Caprylyl Glycol: Skin and hair conditioning agent that may be plant-derived or synthetic. Often used as part of a preservative blend in cosmetics. 

Hexylene Glycol: A preservative and solvent and viscosity agent. It is used to thin out heavy compositions and create a thinner, more spreadable product. It may be irritating to some skin types. 

Ethylhexylglycerin: A synthetic skin-softening agent also used as a preservative, a carrier, or suspending agent for other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol.

Phenoxyethanol: A glycol ether and bactericide (that functions as a disinfectant, antiseptic or antibiotic) that is primarily used as a preservative. It is also seen as a fragrance additive.

Tetrapeptide-21: With anti-aging properties based on the skin's own structures for use in skin care formulations. It activates collagen production and therefore stimulates dermal filling, repair and renewal mechanisms of the skin.

Dipeptide-2: A dipeptide consisting of the standard amino acids valine and tryptophan. Mainly works as a skin conditioning agent. It's also believed to improve lymphatic circulation, and for this reason is often used in eye creams aiming to combat dark and puffy under-eye circles. Many cosmetics manufacturers market it as clinically proven to reduce under-eye bagginess and puffiness

N-Hydroxysuccinimide: An acidic ester. Activates the elimination of blood originated pigments responsible for dark color and inflammation that causes under eye circles. 

Chrysin: A naturally occurring isoflavone that is extracted from plants, most often from the passiflora caerulea (blue passion flower). Well documented for exhibiting anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and anti-carcinogenic capabilities.

Chlorhexidine Digluconate: The salt of chlorhexidine and gluconic acid. It comes in the form of an odorless, white crystalline powder. A topical anti-microbrial agent and disinfectant used to treat fungus, bacteria and other skin infections. In cosmetics, it mainly functions as a biocide, oral care agent and preservative. As a biocidal agent, it helps cleanse the skin and eliminates odor by destroying the growth of microorganisms. In addition to preventing bacterial growth on contact, it also has residual effects that inhibit microbial regrowth after application. Its anti-bacterial properties also make it an effective preservative that protects a cosmetic formulation from contamination and spoilage.

My Thoughts: This was my first Algenist product that I received in my August 2016 Play! by Sephora box. I was excited to see if this eye cream actually works. It comes a standard circle eye jar. The jar I have is a sample size however it has lasted me long time. I been using it since April 2017! So a little goes a long way. I use it in the mornings after I take a shower. I use it mainly on my eyelids, sometimes on my under eye area when I need a little more hydration The texture is on the thicker side but it does a well job at hydrating my eyes. The eye cream doesn’t alter my makeup. After a week of using Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm I found that its a great eye cream that decreases puffiness. But honestly thats all that is great about this product. After about 2 weeks I found a bump on my left eye, close to the lash line. I looked into it when I was writing this review and I found out other people had a similar experience. I tend to get dark circles so having a eye cream that can counter act that is very important. Again Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm failed to do anything for my dark circles. And my eye wrinkles? No change either!

Would I purchase Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm? Nope it, its way to expensive and it barely does anything for me, no to mention it doesn’t smell that great either.

Pros:

Received August 2016 Play! by Sephora box

Sample size last a long time

Been using since April 2017

Use in morning 

Hydrates the eye area

Texture is thick 

Doesn’t alter makeup

Decreases puffiness

Cons:

Gave me a small bump on eye

Doesn’t help dark circles or wrinkles 

Expensive 

Doesn’t smell great

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First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser

Price: $20.00

Claims: A fragrance-free, gentle cleanser that effectively removes makeup, dirt and grime, leaving skin soft and supple. The whipped texture transforms into a sumptuous cream when blended with water.

Infused with a powerful Botanical Antioxidant blend, it helps safeguard skin against environmental aggressors while also calming irritated skin. This non-stripping, pH-balanced formula works to maintain skin’s natural acidity and helps reduce flair ups, never leaving skin feeling tight or dry.

Ingredients: 


Water: Primarily used as a solvent in cosmetics and personal care products in which it dissolves many of the ingredients that impart skin benefits, such as conditioning agents and cleansing agents. Water also forms emulsions in which the oil and water components of the product are combined to form creams and lotions.

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate: Derived from coconut, a mild detergent cleansing agent 

Glycerin: An emollient and humectant derived from vegetable oils that helps skin retain moisture.

Stearic Acid: Fatty acid used as an emollient and emulsifier. It has been shown to protect skin's surface against water loss and help shore up skin's protective barrier. Stearic acid may be synthetic or animal-derived. 

Stearyl Alcohol: A naturaly fatty alcohol derived from stearic acid, coconut oil or vegetable fatty acids, and is used to soothe and soften as a conditioning agent and as an emulsifier. It can also be used to thicken formulas, adding body and viscosity.

Allantoin: Highly regarded for its skin soothing, healing and keratolytic (ability to remove excess skin) properties. It helps shed the outer layer of the epidermis and promotes healthy tissue formation. It also softens the skin and enables it to absorb more moisture. It’s particularly effective at treating wounds, burns, skin ulcers, eczema, and any other abrasion in the skin.

Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Extract: Extract that can be very soothing to skin but also potentially sensitizing if a specific constituent of the feverfew plant known as parthenolide (technically, sesquiterpene lactone) is present. If the parthenolide is removed from feverfew, the ingredient is not a problem for skin and may actually be beneficial because parthenolide-free feverfew has potent skin-soothing properties and can help to diminish redness.

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract: Tea plant native to Asia that helps fight free radicals; known for its antioxidant and anti-irritant properties.

Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract: Used as a whitener, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and moisturizer. Helps control oil production, and helps calm and soothe acne-prone skin. It can be used to reduce dark age spots and whiten skin.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice: Extracted from the leaves of the aloe plant; used as a skin softener, anti-irritant, and moisture replenisher.

Tocopherol (Vitamin E): Used as an antioxidant and skin conditioner.

Ascorbyl Palmitate: Stable and nonacidic form of vitamin C that is effective as an antioxidant. Particularly effective at reducing environmental damage.

Caprylyl Glycol: Skin and hair conditioning agent that may be plant-derived or synthetic. Often used as part of a preservative blend in cosmetics. 

Sodium Pca: Natural component of skin, PCA (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid) is also a very good hydrating agent. Sodium PCA also functions as a skin-replenishing ingredient.

Coco-Glucoside: A mixture of fatty alcohol from coconut and glucose. Chiefly functions as a cleansing agent. May be plant-derived or manufactured synthetically.

Glyceryl Oleate: Mixture of portions of glycerin and oleic acid used as an emollient, surfactant, emulsifier, and  (less often) a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics. May be plant- or animal-derived or synthetic.

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose: HPMC can be dissolved in water to create a solution. Because HPMC is a polymer it forms a film upon drying. It also exhibits ‘thermogelling properties,’ meaning that while it is a liquid form at room temperature, but upon warming the substances it’s viscosity increases, eventually congealing to form a gel type consistency at 50-55 degrees Celsius. This property makes this ingredient very useful as a binding agent, emulsifier, surfactant, stabilizer, adhesive and in the general control of the viscosity of the product. 

Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate: Mild detergent cleansing agent derived from coconut; most often used in facial cleansers.

Lecithin: Phospholipid found in egg yolks and plants. Widely used in cosmetics as an emollient and water-binding agent. Also has skin-restoring ability.

Phenoxyethanol: A glycol ether and bactericide (that functions as a disinfectant, antiseptic or antibiotic) that is primarily used as a preservative. It is also seen as a fragrance additive.

Sodium Chloride (Salt): Used primarily as a binding agent, thickening agent. and occasionally as an abrasive.

Disodium Edta: Used as a chelating, meaning it prevents ingredients in a formula from binding with trace elements (mainly minerals) that can be present in water.

Citric Acid: An alpha hydroxy acid and astringent with antioxidant properties; used to help skin maintain its natural pH level or adjust the pH of a product.

Maltodextrin: A binding agent. May increase anti-aging properties of other ingredients when used in combination with them. It also serves as a film former and suspending agent.

Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate: Can be used as the sole preservative.

EDTA: Short for ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, a stabilizer used in cosmetics to prevent ingredients in a given formula from binding with trace elements (particularly minerals) that can be present in water. Also keeps other ingredients from causing unwanted changes to a product’s texture, odor, and/or consistency. Ingredients that perform this function are known as chelating agents.

My Thoughts: I received First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser in my July 2016 Play! by Sephora box. Its a squeeze tube that of course is a sample size. I use about a pea size for my face and neck. It has a whipped texture that looks a bit frosty. When it comes in contact with water it becomes a bit foamy yet very creamy.  The cleanser does an excellent job at removing any makeup and dirt I had the night before, without drying out my skin. I have forgotten to put on my moisturizer on occasion but using this cleanser I don’t have to worry since it makes my face feel soft and hydrated. I normally use this in my morning showers when I don’t have full glam makeup. However I have used this to remove my full glam makeup twice. First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser is gentle on the skin, but its not tough enough to remove full glam makeup. The upside is that this cleanser is fragrance free, so it doesn’t make my nose go crazy, like some cleansers do.

Pros:

Sample from July 2016 Play! by Sephora box

Squeeze tube

Pea size amount for face & neck

Whipped frosty texture

Add water becomes creamy foam

Removes left over makeup & dirt

Doesn’t dry out skin

Soft & hydrated skin

Gentle on skin

Fragrance free

Cons:

Doesn’t remove full glam makeup

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Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara

Price: $30.00

Claims: The perfect complement to a smokey eye look, this kohl-pigmented mascara delivers high drama by creating extremely black, stretched-out lashes in an instant. Plus, the long-wearing formula holds its own against flaking, smudging, sweat and humidity.

Builds volume lash by lash as opposed to traditional volumizing formulas that create the appearance of volume by clumping lashes together. Plus, a thicker brush base evenly combs through eyelashes from roots to ends, while a tapered tip grabs those small, hard-to-reach lashes.

Ingredients:

Water: Primarily used as a solvent in cosmetics and personal care products in which it dissolves many of the ingredients that impart skin benefits, such as conditioning agents and cleansing agents. Water also forms emulsions in which the oil and water components of the product are combined to form creams and lotions.

Beeswax: Used primarily as an emulsifier.

Copernicia cerifera wax (Carnauba): Botanical Ingredient. This tough and amorphous ingredient has a variety of functions, such as increasing a solution's viscosity, imparting emollience and preventing the oil and water parts of an emulsion from separating (especially in creamy formulations). It's usually used to help thicken the oil portion of stick products like lipstick or chapstick, working to give them structure and solidify them. With regards to lip and eye products, this waxy ingredient not only helps stiffen them, but also contributes a flexibility and plasticity that also helps facilitate their application.

Cichorium Intybus (Chicory) Root Extract: Source of a plant extract with antioxidant properties.

Helianthus Annuus Seed (Sunflower): Ability to help replenish and soothe skin. It’s a rich source of fatty acids skin can use, including linoleic acid, and is excellent for dry skin.

Stearic Acid: Fatty acid used as an emollient and emulsifier. It has been shown to protect skin's surface against water loss and help shore up skin's protective barrier. Stearic acid may be synthetic or animal-derived. 

Palmitic Acid: Obtained from palm oil; used as a surfactant.

Propanediol :A glycol that can enhance the absorption of ingredients (such as salicylic acid) into the skin. Propanediol can be derived naturally (from corn) or synthetically. It has hydrating properties that may leave a smooth, dewy finish. Propanediol is a well-tolerated ingredient, not likely to cause sensitivity.

Triethanolamine: Used in cosmetics as a pH balancer and emulsion stabilizer.

Nylon 6/12: Absorbent, Bulking agent and Opacifying agent.

Galactoarabinan: Polysaccharide extracted from the western larch tree. It's a good hydrating ingredient for skin.

Caprylyl Glycol: Skin and hair conditioning agent that may be plant-derived or synthetic. Often used as part of a preservative blend in cosmetics. 

Aminomethyl Propanediol: Used to adjust pH in cosmetics.

Hydrolyzed Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum (Peruvian Tara Seed): Working deep within the skin to boost moisture levels, this seed also strengthens your skin’s natural moisture barrier to help prevent future dehydration. It’s also high in vitamin C and B, as well as complex sugars.

Acacia Senegal Gum: Herb that can have skin soothing properties, but is used primarily as a thickening agent.

Potassium Sorbate: A mild preservative being used in cosmetic and skin care formulas as a paraben alternative to prevent or retard the growth of microorganisms and protect products from spoiling. Developed from Sorbic Acid, which is naturally found in the berries of the mountain ash tree, Potassium Sorbate is effective against fungi, mold and yeast, but less active against bacteria, and therefore not considered a broad spectrum preservative; it needs to be used in conjunction with other preservatives to ensure formulas are totally protected.

Myristic Acid: A naturally occurring acid; used as a foaming agent.

Behenic Acid: Fatty acid used as a thickening agent and surfactant.

Arachidic Acid: Derived from peanut oil and used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

Oleic Acid: Fatty acid used as a cleansing agent and texture enhancer.

Phenoxyethanol: A glycol ether and bactericide (that functions as a disinfectant, antiseptic or antibiotic) that is primarily used as a preservative. It is also seen as a fragrance additive.

Mica: Earth mineral included in products to give them sparkle and shine. The level and look of the shine mica provides depends on the color and how finely it’s milled. Mica's sheer, translucent and skin-hugging properties make it a popular ingredient in mineral powders. Mica powder reflects light from the face because of its glittering or shimmering properties, and can create the illusion of a smoother, softer and more radiant skin tone.

Titanium Dioxide: An earth mineral used in sunscreens that is capable of blocking both UVA and UVB rays; also used as a pigment.

Iron Oxides: Natural oxides of iron (iron combined with oxygen); pigments are used to enhance colors in cosmetics.

Bismuth Oxychloride: Functions as a colorant, adding a white pigment. Functions as a colorant, adding a white pigment. It's frequently contained in makeup because it provides good slip, a silky feel and an excellent dermal adhesion that enables makeup to stay on the skin for long periods of time. It's especially popular with mineral powder makeup because can give either a white shimmer or pearlescent matte finish to the face. This glow serves several aesthetic purposes because, by reflecting light away from the skin, it helps camouflage wrinkles and age spots. This ingredient also functions as a bulking agent for liquid formulations.

Ultramarines: A bright blue mined mineral pigment.

Ferric Ferrocyanide: Coloring agent, also known as Iron Blue.

Carmine: Natural red color that comes from the dried female cochineal beetle.

Manganese Violet: Coloring agent

Chromium Hydroxide Green: Earth mineral used as a coloring agent

Chromium Oxide Greens: Coloring Agents/Pigments

My Thoughts: I was extremely excited to try out my first ever Bobbi Brown product. It’s a big plus I received this in my December 2016 Play! by Sephora box. I didn’t have to pay full price however it is a sample size. The sample size comes in a black shiny tube. The wand is dense with very close bristles. Since the bristles are close together its difficult to separate each individual lash. But the wand does a fabulous job at coating the lashes with a very black pigment. The very black pigment has a smooth creamy texture. It can be somewhat hard to remove if I make a mistake, but I can fix it with some foundation. The formula never flaked on me not even by the end of the night!

Honestly it took me awhile to warm up to this mascara because of the coating issue. I found that too many coats can cause clumping on the lashes. The more coats I used I found my lashes looked a bit to plastic and artificial. Not to mention it weighed down the lashes and didn’t hold a curl for very long. The best method was only to apply 2 coats to each lash, no more. With this my lashes looked decently separated and didn’t look fake. Also it lengthen it a bit, but not by much. Either way I put the Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara on my lashes had amazing volume.  

Would I purchase Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara? Yes but I think the price is a tad bit too high.

Left side no mascara, right with Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara

Pros:

December 2016 Play! by Sephora box

Standard sample size 

Wand is dense very close bristles 

Coats lashes with very black pigment 

Smooth creamy texture

Never flakes

Only apply 2 coats

Volume

Cons:

Difficult to separate lashes

Hard to remove

Mistakes have to be fix with foundation

Too many coats causes clumping

Too many coats, lashes look plastic

Too many coats weighs down lashes

Too many coats cause the lashes to lose curls

Does length but not much

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Lush Serendipity

Price: $7.95

Claims: Herbal relaxation. Don't leave sweet dreams to chance! Lather up with this skin-soothing French lavender and chamomile lullaby for the sweetest slumbers. You'll feel immediately relaxed gazing at its calming pale purple center and dreamy outer shell, dotted with sprigs of real lavender. Get it sudsy to luxuriate in its thick creamy lather and soothing, herbal fragrance and you'll be drifting off to dreamland before you can say Serendipity.

Ingredients:

Glycerine: A naturally occurring ingredient (also synthetically made) that balances the water levels in skin to facilitate moisture. Helps to retain water to lock in moisture.

Rapeseed Oil: Nonfragrant oil that has emollient and potential antioxidant properties for skin and is a rich source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Coconut Oil: Non-volatile, non-fragrant plant kernel oil whose high saturated fat content has emollient properties for skin. A rich source of medium-chain fatty acids, also known as medium-chain triglycerides. Used by itself as a moisturizer, coconut oil’s effectiveness is similar to that of mineral oil.

Lavender: Aromatic and anti-irritant properties.

Water: Primarily used as a solvent in cosmetics and personal care products in which it dissolves many of the ingredients that impart skin benefits, such as conditioning agents and cleansing agents. 

Sorbitol: A humectant that helps skin feel smoother and less dry.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: Versatile ingredient composed of several non-volatile alcohols. Functions primarily as a surfactant, but can also be used as a skin-conditioning agent, emulsifier, and solvent. 

French Lavender Oil: Used for it’s balancing and soothing qualities making it ideal for irritated skin and scalps, it is also great at calming the mind and aiding a restful sleep.

Sodium Stearate: Emulsifies ingredients and creates lather. It also emulsifies formulas, preventing them from separating into oil and water-based components.

Chamomile Blue Oil: Calming and soothing. It's used to calm irritation and redness on the skin, and contains a high concentration of azulene, the natural component responsible for soothing the skin, making it perfect for sensitive types.

Lavender Absolute: Soothing for irritated skin. Used to help calm the mind, aid restful sleep and promote relaxation. It is also a helpful balancer for the skin and scalp.

Titanium Dioxide: An earth mineral used in sunscreens that is capable of blocking both UVA and UVB rays; also used as a pigment in cosmetics.

Sodium Chloride (Salt): Used primarily as a binding agent, thickening agent. and occasionally as an abrasive.

EDTA: A stabilizer used in cosmetics to prevent ingredients in a given formula from binding with trace elements (particularly minerals) that can be present in water. Also keeps other ingredients from causing unwanted changes to a product’s texture, odor, and/or consistency. Ingredients that perform this function are known as chelating agents. 

Tetrasodium Etidronate: To prevent changes in colour, texture and fragrance.

Sodium Hydroxide: An inorganic compound used to control the pH levels or serve as a buffering agent. Has the ability to dissolve grease, oils, fats and protein based deposits. Considered a strong irritant.

Limonene: Colorless liquid with a light, fresh, and sweet citrus odor used to make fragrances and flavors. It is naturally occurring substance found in many citrus fruits. 

Linalool: Fragrant component of lavender and coriander that can be a potent skin sensitizer. Colorless liquid with a soft, sweet odor.

My Thoughts: Lush has finally redeem themselves with Serendipity!I purchase this the same time I purchased Layer Cake (which wasn’t a great experience for me). But let me tell you about Serendipity, it contains 2 layers. The inner layer has calming pale purple, the outer layer a translucent dark purple with sprig of lavender. I thought it was cool when I purchase it in store that it actually had real sprig lavender. But when I went to go use it in the shower it kind of grossed me out. I kept thinking the sprigs were bugs!

Regardless of that this is still my favorite by far. It contains 2 of my favorite scents which are lavender and chamomile. Take morning showers, and in midst of my morning rush I find the scent very calming and for a brief moment I am truly stress free. Even though the scent doesn’t linger after I get out of the shower the aromatherapy is enough for me. The aromatherapy is at its best when I take a steamy hot shower. Serendipity lathers up easily but it had a creamy lather to it. But I was most surprised when Serendipity didn't dry out my skin. Instead it moisturizers the skin leaving it soft and shiny. It cleansed my skin while soothing it at the same time.

Would I purchase Lush Serendipity again? Hell yes. Its giving me hope with Lush soaps again!

Pros:

Contains 2 layers

Inner calming pale purple 

Outer translucent dark purple

Outer has sprig lavender

Lavender & chamomile scented

Scent is calming 

Makes me stress free 

Aromatherapy

Creamy lather

Doesn’t dry out skin

Moisturizers 

Leaves skin soft & shiny

Soothing

Cons:

Kept thinking the sprigs were bugs in the shower

Scent disappears after I get out of the shower

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Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara

Price: $23.00

Claims:  Smashbox's Full Exposure Mascara was inspired by a technique used at Smashbox Photo Studios L.A. - layering fiber mascara over volumizing mascara for major impact. The formula contains the natural properties of olive oil to keep lashes silky soft. A combination of synthetic and natural waxes gives you softer and flexible coverage and keeps lashes from becoming brittle.

Benefits:

Sweeps on big, glossy lashes

Adds natural-looking length and volume

Builds thickness without clumping, flaking, smudging or spider eyes

Large tapered brush grabs lash at root for extra coverage

Creates scene-stealing lashes from every angle

Cruelty-free

Formulated without parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, phthalates, oil, fragrance and talc.

Ingredients:

Water: Primarily used as a solvent in cosmetics and personal care products in which it dissolves many of the ingredients that impart skin benefits, such as conditioning agents and cleansing agents.

Stearic Acid: Fatty acid used as an emollient and emulsifier. It has been shown to protect skin's surface against water loss and help shore up skin's protective barrier. 

Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax: The hardest of all commercial vegetable waxes, this tough and amorphous ingredient has a variety of functions, such as increasing a solution's viscosity, imparting emollience and preventing the oil and water parts of an emulsion from separating.

Polyisobutene: A synthetic oil that is used as a mineral oil substitute. It is an  emollient & moisturizer, and prevents water loss. It's used for pigment dispersion.

Polyvinyl Acetate: Helps keep emulsions from separating into their oil and water components. It also acts as a binder to hold together the ingredients.

Glyceryl Stearate: It acts as a lubricant.It easily penetrates the skin and slows the loss of water from the skin by forming a barrier on the skin’s surface. It has been shown to protect skin from free-radical damage as well.

Paraffin: Waxy, petroleum-based substance used as a thickener.

Silica: An earth mineral, used to condition. 

Aminomethyl Propanediol: Used to adjust pH in cosmetics.

Isostearic Acid: It is used to thicken most formulas as a binder and emulsifier.

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP): A binder, emulsion stabilizer and film former.

Hydrogenated Olive Oil: Antioxidant-rich, emollient oil; helps fight damage caused by free radicals to protect, condition, and seal moisture.

Cholesterol: It works as a skin conditioner, thickening agent, stabilizer and water binding agent. Helps maintain proper functioning in the epidermis by retaining moisture levels and regulating cell activity. It works to strengthen the outer structure of the skin and protect it from dehydration. It also keeps the water and oil parts of an emulsion from separating and controls the viscosity.

Panthenol (Vitamin B5): Member of the B complex family of vitamins. A moisturizing humectant and emollient. primarily as a lubricant, emollient and moisturizer because of its ability to bind to the hair and penetrate the skin, providing both with lubrication and hydration.

Pantethine: Used as an emollient.

Kaolin: A fine white clay powder; used to absorb water and oil secreted by the skin, including excess sebum.

Nylon-6: A bulking and opacifying agent.

Laureth-4: Used either as a cleansing agent or texture enhancer.

Hydroxyethylcellulose: Used as a preservative, emulsifier, binder and thickener.

VP / Eicosene Copolymer: Film-forming agent.

Simethicone: An anti-foaming agent.

Sodium Polyacrylate: A thickener.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE): Used as a bulking agent, slip modifier, binding agent and skin conditioner.

Caprylyl Glycol: A humectant and skin conditioning agent that lends moisturization, emollience and wetting properties to many cosmetic solutions. It also function as a stabilizer and has been shown to increase the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives.

Hexylene Glycol: A preservative and solvent. It is used to thin out heavy compositions and create a thinner, more spreadable product.

Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate: A preservative.

Polyaminopropyl Biguanide: A disinfectant and a preservative used for disinfection on skin. It is also not irritating like more traditional disinfectants. 

Chlorphenesin: It's used as a preservative because of its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. As a preservative, it prevents various products from running into issues such as such as viscosity changes, pH changes, emulsion breakdown, visible microorganism growth, color changes and disagreeable odor formation. 

Phenoxyethanol: A preservative. It is also seen as a fragrance additive, a fixative for perfumes, an insect repellent ingredient.


Mica: A light-diffusing earth mineral; used as a pigment.

Titanium Dioxide: An earth mineral used in sunscreens that is capable of blocking both UVA and UVB rays; also used as a pigment.

Iron Oxides: Pigments are used to enhance colors.

Bismuth Oxychloride: Functions as a colorant, adding a white pigment. It provides good slip, a silky feel and an excellent dermal adhesion that enables makeup to stay on the skin for long periods of time.

My Thoughts: I received Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara from my Sephora Beauty Insider Rewards Bazaar. It came in a standard black mascara tube but in a sample size. I was surprised when I opened it and saw the wand. Its an old school wand that was tapered but huge! It was intimidating on the first few uses, but I eventually got use too it. I can see with someone who has smaller eyes it would be hard to maneuver the wand. The tapered end does help tremendously with the inner corners and the lower lash.The brush also contains a lot of thick natural bristles.

With application I found the mascara does flake a bit, but it does not flake when the formula has dried. Application also takes forever because it takes me 5 minutes on just one lash. I have to layer it a ton because the brush adds a little by little each time. The formula is not too wet. And it doesn’t help the formula dries super fast. I have work quickly because once the formula dries I can’t build it up. If I try to build it up after the formula dries, I end up with clumping.

Whether I build it up for hours, I still won’t get that false lash look with this mascara. Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara separates and enhances my natural lashes but doesn’t create any more volume. Its incredibly light even when it holds a curl. Its ideal to use with false lashes because it blends in seamlessly since it only enhances my natural lashes. The pigment is jet black, any mistake I make with it becomes hard to remove, and I make a lot of mistakes since the wand is so big. Removing the mascara can be difficult especially if I layer it on. With wipes its extremely difficult, once I think it is completely off, the next morning I wake up with raccoon eyes. Its best to remove with makeup oil, it takes a matter of seconds and then I am left with clean lashes.

Would I purchase this again? Most likely not, it didn’t wow me at all and the results weren’t that great. Not to mention the application is a grueling process.

Pros:

Tapered wand

Tapered helps with small areas

Contains thick natural bristles 

No flaking when dries

Separates & enhances natural lashes

Lightweight 

Holds curl

Seamlessly blends with false lashes

Jet black

Best to remove with makeup oil

Cons:

Overly lage wand

Takes time to get use too

Can be hard to maneuver 

Flakes on application 

Dispenses little product at a time

Application process time consuming

Dries too quickly 

Can’t build up when dried 

Build when dry causes clumping

No false lash look

Doesn’t create volume

Mistakes are hard to remove

Can’t fully remove with makeup wipe

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Skin Laundry Hydrating Cream Face Wash

Price: $30

Claims: This soap and sulfate-free formula cleans and hydrates dry skin as it melts away dirt, makeup and impurities. Leaves skin clean, fresh and comfortable. Never dry.

Benefits:

Removes Dirt and Makeup

Hydrates and Calms Skin

Soap and Sulfate-Free

Ingredients:

Water: Primarily used as a solvent in cosmetics and personal care products in which it dissolves many of the ingredients that impart skin benefits, such as conditioning agents and cleansing agents. Water also forms emulsions in which the oil and water components of the product are combined to form creams and lotions.

Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate: Mild detergent cleansing agent derived from coconut; most often used in facial cleansers.

Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil: It functions as an emollient and softening agent in skin- and hair-care products. This plant oil is exceedingly stable because it is primarily composed of long chain fatty acids.

Acrylates Copolymer: A stabilizer mostly used in styling products to set the hair, add body, and protect it from humidity. It possesses a multitude of functions and can work as a film forming agent, hair fixative agent, suspending agent and antistatic agent. It’s also sometimes used as a waterproofing agent, as well as an adhesive. 

Cocamidopropyl Betaine: Helps to clean or remove dirt and oil, creating foam when used with water

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice: Extracted from the leaves of the aloe plant; used as a skin softener, anti-irritant, and moisture replenisher.

Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil: An emollient used in skincare for its soothing and conditioning properties.

Panthenol: Member of the B complex family of vitamins. A moisturizing humectant and emollient.

Hexylene Glycol: A preservative and solvent and viscosity agent. It is used to thin out heavy compositions and create a thinner, more spreadable product. It may be irritating to some skin types. 

Carbomer: Group of synthetic texture enhancers used primarily to create gel-like formulations. High amounts of carbomers in a gel may result in the product rolling or balling up of cosmetic products on skin, but this phenomenon depends on other formulary steps taken to minimize this effect.

Aminomethyl Propanol: An alkanolamine that comes in the form of either a colorless liquid or crystalline solid. Works to adjust PH levels.

Ethylhexylglycerin: A synthetic skin-softening agent also used as a preservative, a carrier, or suspending agent for other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol.

Caprylyl Glycol: Skin and hair conditioning agent that may be plant-derived or synthetic. Often used as part of a preservative blend in cosmetics. 

Phenoxyethanol: A glycol ether and bactericide (that functions as a disinfectant, antiseptic or antibiotic) that is primarily used as a preservative. It is also seen as a fragrance additive.

Fragrance (Parfum): One or a blend of volatile and/or fragrant plant oils (or synthetically derived oils) that impart aroma and odor to products. These are often skin sensitizers because they are composed of hundreds of individual chemical components. Fragrance is a leading source of sensitivity to cosmetics.

My Thoughts: Skin Laundry Hydrating Cream Face Wash was very disappointing. But at least I didn’t pay full price for it. I received it in my October 2017 Play! by Sephora box. It comes in a cylinder squeeze tube. The texture is silky with an off white color. I use about nickel size amount and I massage my face with it for about 2 minutes, then I wash off with warm water. Immediately I felt my skin was silky smooth. I do love that it doesn’t dry out my skin, even when I use it everyday.

Honestly there is not a lot of good things to say about Skin Laundry Hydrating Cream Face Wash because it doesn’t do much for my skin. It removes dirt but it seems like only a surface layer of dirt is removed, I wish it was a little more powerfully in this area. When it comes to taking off makeup it sucks, especially removing mascara. I still have not been successful at fully removing my mascara with this. I would wake up with mascara on my pillow every morning!

Would I purchase Skin Laundry Hydrating Cream Face Wash? No its way too basic for my skin for that price point.

Pros:

Received in October 2017 Play! by Sephora box

Cylinder squeeze tube

Silky texture with off white color

Use a nickel size amount 

Skin becomes silky smooth

Doesn’t dry out skin

Removes surface dirt

Cons:

Wish it was a bit more powerfully on removing direct beyond the surface

Doesn’t fully take off makeup

Expensive

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DR. JART+ Water Drop Hydrating Moisturizer

Price: $36

Claims: What it is: A hydration-replenishing formula to provide long-lasting moisture and brighten dull-looking skin.

Solutions for:

Dryness 

Dullness and uneven texture 

Uneven skintone

If you want to know more… This lightweight, refreshing moisturizer features a special emulsion system with droplets packed full of brightening and nourishing ingredients. The innovative formula bursts into tiny water droplets when applied—providing instant hydration and brightening dull, lackluster skin. Great for all skin types, it relieves dry, sensitive skin, revitalizes, and prevents visible signs of aging with concentrated antioxidants for a healthier-looking complexion.

Ingredients:

Hyaluronic Acid: A protein; used as an excellent skin conditioner and humectant, it helps prevent skin dehydration.

Water: Primarily used as a solvent in cosmetics and personal care products in which it dissolves many of the ingredients that impart skin benefits, such as conditioning agents and cleansing agents. Water also forms emulsions in which the oil and water components of the product are combined to form creams and lotions.

Cyclomethicone: A synthetic silicone oil with a drier finish.

Glycerin: Helps to retain water to lock in moisture. Attracts water to skin and helps skin to feel smoother and softer. However, studies have found that it not only attracts water to the skin, but also helps skin cells mature properly.

Arbutin: A natural skin lightening/whitening agent. It works by slowly releasing hydroquinone through hydrolysis, which in turn blocks Tyrosinase activity and reduces the skin’s melanin (pigmentation) production.

Sodium Chloride: Used primarily as a binding agent in skincare products and occasionally as an abrasive in scrub products. Perhaps the most common use of sodium chloride in cosmetics is as a thickening agent. Used as a preservative.

Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone: A skin/hair conditioning agent, emulsifier and delivery agent. As a silicone it provides emolliency, water binding properties, good slip and a silky touch on the skin. It keeps the water and oil parts of an emulsion from separating, and possesses great trapping capacity that enables it to prolong the release of active molecules, particularly pigmented ones. It also conditions the skin, gives it a smooth and soft look and eliminates any tackiness.

Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract: Tea plant native to Asia that helps fight free radicals; known for its antioxidant and anti-irritant properties.

Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Extract: Known as "the fountain of life,” a  natural, herbal anti-inflammatory and wound healer.

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8: Water-binding properties and theoretical skin-restoring ability.

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate: Increase skin’s hydration levels as well as being effective for calming factors in skin that can lead to excess oil and signs of sensitization.

DMDM Hydantoin: Protects products from growing bacteria, yeasts and mold.

My Thoughts: This moisturizer is insane! It should be the only moisturizer that is constantly out of stock. I received this in my September 2016 Sephora Play box. DR. JART+ Water Drop Hydrating Moisturizer comes in an intriguing chromed out squeeze tube. I found it intriguing because one, who doesn’t love shiny packaging and two, the sample size was quiet big for a sample. It’s the biggest sample I have ever received and I am grateful for that.

I am a tea fanatic, I have a huge collection and always no matter what have tea in stock. When I applied Water Drop the first time I was immerse in a tea aroma. I loved the scent but what was more interesting is the scent immediately gave me a caffeine boost. Once I take in the aroma and it wakes me up. The aroma only lasts about 45 seconds. Normally I would be upset since I love tea so much but since it give me a caffeine boost I love it!

The texture is jellylike that is milky in color and is completely translucent when spread on the skin. Water Drop spreads out evenly and absorbs quickly like it just melts into the skin. I used a pea size amount for my whole face and neck. When I apply I spread it evenly, then I gently pat my face until it feels like I didn’t apply anything at all. The process only takes a minute tops. On application I get this slight cooling, soothing sensation but once absorbed the feeling is gone. I know its a small amount but it seriously hydrates my skin. I have used a dime size amount just to test what happens when I use more product. I found that on application it felt like I actually had water drops on my face. I felt the cool, soothing sensation more intense with this method. Once the Water Drop took about 3 minutes to absorb the intense sensation was gone. However I did not see a change in hydrating. So I’d rather use less product each time to make this sample last longer.

DR. Jart+ has made one remarkable product that works with every skin type. I have normal to dry skin and it works to perfection. Its comfortable to in any weather, especially hot or humid ones. Its the most lights moisturizer I have ever come across. I normally apply once a day in the mornings however most nights when I take off my makeup I find myself reaching for this moisturizer. It makes my skin feel soft without making my skin feel greasy. I love DR. JART+ Water Drop Hydrating Moisturizer because it brightens up my skin as well. Over the 3 weeks I can see some of my acne scars slowly being removed. I know Water Drop is expensive but I strongly believe its worth every penny and I will be purchasing it again. I would most definitely recommend it to my readers to try it out!

Pros:

Received in Sephora Play box

Beautiful chrome squeeze tube packaging 

Sample is huge

Tea aroma 

Aroma gives a caffeine boost 

Jellylike texture

Milky in color but translucent

Spends out evenly 

Absorbs quickly 

Pea size amount for each time

Quick application process

Cooling & Soothing sensation 

Hydrates skin

Using dime size amount feels like water drops on skin

Dime size more intense sensation 

Dime size takes 3 minutes to absorb

Using pea size the sample will last longer 

Comfortable to wear in any weather 

Lightest moisturizer

Soft skin

Non greasy 

Brightens skin

Slowly removes acne scars

Cons:

Aroma only lasts 45 seconds 

Using dime size amount no change in hydration 

Expensive

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Andrea 5 of a Kind Lash #45 with Applicator

Price: $11.99

Claims: Andrea's 5 of a Kind Lash #45 are lightweight and reusable lashes. This pack comes with a precision lash applicator making application quick and simple. Use a tweezer end for quick application to help gently secure and place lashes.

My Thoughts: I’ve been wearing natural makeup with false lashes instead of getting full glam on most family events. Andrea #45 is a natural long curly spidery lash look. I thought it would go perfectly with my current look. Plus Ulta had their usual buy 1 get 1 50% off so I could not resist. The lash hairs are very long, if I cut the ends to fit my eye, its like I never cut the ends off at all! The lashes came with a applicator however I did not test it because I am still practicing with my Tweezerman.

I wish I bought these lashes when I first started to use false lashes. I prefer these lashes over Ardell even though I only tried this lash style by Andrea. Andrea lashes are a lot better for beginners. They are lightweight but durable. Each pair of lash last a long time because they are reusable. The longest I kept mine was for about 6 uses. I could have used it longer however I usually lose them or most cases my dog eats them when I am not watching.

Andrea lashes are easy to put on. The band on the lash is what I believe is the secret and is the main reason why I love Andrea lashes so much. Its long, strong and thick but still small enough to blend into my natural lashes. These lashes are long enough for any eye shape. I have big eyes and even I have to cut them down to fit. I strongly recommend cutting down lashes because it looks stupid when its way too big for your eye.

With my Tweezerman I am able to grip the band to apply it to the lash line as closest as possible. Before application I put some glue on my toothpick then I spread it  evenly on the lash band. I still hold the lashes with my Tweezerman while the glue is drying making sure the lash band is face down. This way if I applied too much glue, the glue doesn’t get onto the lashes. The lash band makes application easy because it hugs the lash line immediately, I just adjust it and let it dry. Once its almost dry, I pinch the false lashes and my natural lashes together with my fingers, to make sure they are in place. Each lash application takes me a total of 7 minuets to do.

Cleaning the lashes was a piece of cake.I didn’t even have to be gentle with cleaning since the lashes were so durable. All I need was my Tweezerman, I just picked off any dry glue without ever damaging the lashes. If I ever make a mistake like get glue on the lash hairs, I just let the glue dry and pick it off with my Tweezerman. No water or makeup removers required mainly because I don’t put mascara on my false lashes. By not putting mascara directly on it extends the life of the false lashes. I only use mascara on my natural lashes once the mascara dries I then put on the false lashes.

Pros:

Natural 

Long

Curly 

Spidery lash

Usually on sale

Prefer these lashes over Ardell

Best for beginners 

Lightweight 

Durable 

Reusable 

Easy application

Band is strong, long & thick 

Blends in well

Easy to clean

Cons:

None

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Essence Make Me Brow Eyebrow Gel Mascara

Price: $2.99

Shade: Soft Browny Brows 02

Claims: Proud brows! The Essence Make Me Brow Eyebrow Gel Mascara has a tinted gel formula that contains tiny fibers to fill in gaps to create fuller, more defined eyebrows. The perfectly sized fiber brush shapes and tames to brow perfection. Not tested on animals.

Ingredients:

Aqua (Water): Primarily used as a solvent in cosmetics and personal care products in which it dissolves many of the ingredients that impart skin benefits, such as conditioning agents and cleansing agents. Water also forms emulsions in which the oil and water components of the product are combined to form creams and lotions.

Alcohol Denat: Helps visibly control excess oil.

VP/VA Copolymer: A film former. Ability to inhibit the hair from absorbing moisture; it dries and forms a thin barrier on hair. It allows hair to hold a style longer by preventing moisture from entering the hair shaft.

Glycerin: Used as a lubricant and humectant.Helps to retain water to lock in moisture.

Acrylates / C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer: A film forming agent that's used as a thickener and stabilizer.

Butylene Glycol: A humectant.

Caprylyl Glycol: A humectant and skin conditioning agent that lends moisturization, emollience and wetting properties. It also function as a stabilizer and has been shown to increase the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives.

1,2-Hexanediol: A widely used humectant and coupling agent.

Nylon-6: A bulking and opacifying agent.

Disodium EDTA: Primarily works as a preservative, chelator and stabilizer.

Galactoarabinan: Hydrating ingredient

Sodium Hydroxide: A pH adjuster. Considered a strong irritant.

Mica: Provides visual and color effect. A light-diffusing earth mineral; used as a pigment in cosmetics. Also has skin-hugging properties. 

Iron Oxides: Pigments are used to enhance colors in cosmetics.


Titanium Dioxide: Colors the product.

My Thoughts: On one of my Ulta trips my friend was looking for Essence Make Me Brow Eyebrow Gel Mascara. She heard it was an exact dupe of Benefit Gimme Brow (I have never tried that either). Since Essence Make Me Brow Eyebrow Gel Mascara was so cheap, I didn’t think it would hurt if I tried it. Plus I never had tried a tinted brow gel before. The packaging is fantastic because it so compact and easy to travel with it. It comes in a small round tube like a mini mascara. The color of the tube is the same color as the gel. I am madly in love with the mini spoolie applicator. With the spoolie being small its easy to control when applying. I thought the bristles would be harsh on my skin but I was wrong. No matter how much pressure I applied it never hurt me.

When I was at Ulta I was debating to get Soft Browny Brows 03 or Soft Browny Brows 02. I went with Soft Browny Brows 02 because it seemed like a better fit for my brows. However since they are so cheap, I will most likely pick up the other one to see the difference in color. The texture is of course, gel but its not that thick. It also contains tiny fibers. Packed fibers help to thicken and add volume to my brows. The tint has the perfect amount pigment.

This was the first time I used a brow gel and to be honest I didn’t know how to use it. Nor did I know what the right method was. I explored 2 methods of application. The first method I tried was only to use Essence Make Me Brow Eyebrow Gel Mascara. Which was a bit of a challenge with lining my brows. I found the best way to actual get a line is to use the first row of bristles in an angle. I usually get a pretty decent line, but I still clean it up with concealer. If I ever make a mistake the formula is forgiving, regardless if it was wet or dry. Filling my brows was the easiest and quickest part of the application process. Glides on smoothly and effortlessly.  The second method I tried is lining my brows with eyeshadow powder. I filled it in with Essence Make Me Brow Eyebrow Gel Mascara. While I was filling it in I was using the spoolie to blend out any harsh lines left behind by the eyeshadow. I was impressed at how great the spoolie blended everything together. I still used concealer to clean it up a bit. I found the second method is better because its more cleaner and precise.

Either method I chose the gel formula kept my brow hairs in place until I wanted to take it off. I didn’t have a problem with patchy application. The only downfall is if over applying can cause the brow hairs to be crunchy and look over done with pigment. But I did find a fix I use a clean spoolie (so I don’t add anymore pigment) to brush the crunchiness out and blending everything together. Even with that one downfall I would still repurchase this over and over again because its that amazing!

Pros:

Cheap

Tinted brow gel with fibers

Compact, perfect for traveling 

Tube is the color of the tint 

Spoolie Applicator is small & easy to control 

Bristles aren’t harsh on the skin

Not a thick gel  

Fibers help thicken & add volume

Perfect amount of pigment 

Formula is forgiving wet or dry

Application process is quick

Smooth & effortlessly application 

Spoolie blends out any harsh lines

Keeps brows in place

No patchy application

Cons:

Can’t link brows precisely with this 

Have to use concealer to clean up. 

Over applying can make brows crunchy & overdone.

Lined with Tarte Tartelette In Bloom Clay Eyeshadow Palette in “Activist,” filled in with Essence Make Me Brow Eyebrow Gel Mascara in “Soft Browny Brows 02″

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BareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick

Price: $23

Shade: Speak Your Mind

Claims: A creamy, super saturated, ultra-pigmented lipstick with full coverage and a rich, satin finish.

Make an impact with rich color that glides on like butter to make lips look fuller and more voluptuous. An infusion of minerals revitalizes lips for a healthy-looking pout, while a moisture-loaded hydrating complex helps to nourish and condition with abyssinian oil and omega fatty acids for supple, baby-soft smoothness. All the while, an encapsulated vitamin A, C, and E complex helps to deliver antioxidant defense, so you’re ready for anything and everything.

Ingredients:

Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate: An emollient, binder, skin conditioning agent, and viscosity increasing agent.


Ricinus Communis (Castor Seed Oil): Skin conditioning agent to maintain soft and supple skin.

Polybutene: A binder, epilating agent, thickener and lubricant.

Isostearyl Isostearate: A fluid emollient for oils. It provides a rich feel and improves spreading on the skin.

Polyethylene: A versatile ingredient seen as an emulsion stabilizer, viscosity increasing agent, and binding agent. 

Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2: A sticky paste. It's valued for its high water-binding properties, excellent adhesion to the skin and glossy finish

Pentaerythrityl Hydrogenated Rosinate: Cosmetic grade resin derived from the esterification of a highly stabilized gum rosin and pentaerythritol. This thermoplastic resin has excellent resistance to oxidation and discoloration caused by heat and aging. 

Ozokerite: A paraffin wax. A binder, emulsion stabilizer, and viscosity increasing agent. 

Polymethyl Methacrylate: A plastic filler. Added to make it easier to apply cosmetics smoothly, cover up wrinkles, and change their texture. 

Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax: A plant derived substitute for beeswax. It increases the residence time of natural emollients on the skin and to help provide a protective, moisture resistant environment for skin

Microcrystalline Wax: A petroleum-based wax. A structure formation, viscosity agent, binder and emollient, and is often considered an alternative to paraffin wax. 

Beeswax: Used primarily as an emulsifier.

Ethylhexyl Palmitate: A derivative of palm oil lipid and is an ultra mild, skin smoothing ester. Used as a solvent, carrying agent, pigment wetting agent, fragrance fixative and emollient.


Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba Seed Oil): Works as a natural skin emollient, lubricant and cleanser. Anti-inflammatory and skin soothing properties as well.

Tribehenin: A conditioning agent, a smoothing lubricant and humectant.

Vanillin: Flavoring agent derived from vanilla. It has antioxidant properties.

Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower Seed Oil): Shown to have anti-inflammatory, acne reductive and moisturizing properties.

Cocos Nucifera (Coconut oil): Emollient oil expressed from coconut kernels, a moisturizing surfactant and emollient.  

Sorbitan Isostearate: Function as surfactants - emulsifing agents.

Olea Europaea (Olive Oil): Antioxidant-rich, emollient oil; helps fight damage caused by free radicals to protect, condition, and seal moisture into skin.

Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil: Ability to act as a natural lubricant.

Mentha Piperita (Peppermint Oil): Skin conditioning properties.

Pyrus Malus (Apple Fruit Extract): Helps fight free radicals, soothe and condition skin.

Copper Gluconate: Effective for wound healing and for anti-aging.

Zinc Gluconate: Helps heal skin and has the ability to kill bacteria.

Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C): A free radical–fighting antioxidant and collagen-supporter used to help fight visible fine lines and even out skin tone.

Tocopherol (Vitamin E): Used as an antioxidant and skin conditioner.

Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E): Used as an antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, skin conditioner and enhanced SPF properties.

Gardenia Tahitensis Flower Extract: Antiseptic properties due to the richness of essential oils, as well as calming and purifying properties.

Limonene: Colorless liquid with a light, fresh, and sweet citrus odor used to make fragrances and flavors. 

Glycine Soja (Soybean oil): Used to protect and moisturize skin.

Palmitoyl Oligopeptide: Amino-based peptide that supports elasticity to encourage younger-looking skin.

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C): A free radical–fighting antioxidant and collagen-supporter used to help fight visible fine lines and even out skin tone.

Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A): A form of vitamin A that is used to promote natural cell turnover, elasticity, and suppleness and minimize the appearance of fine lines.

Sodium Chloride (Salt): Used as a preservative, oral care agent, flavoring agent, viscosity increasing agent, and a thickener. 

Linalool: Colorless liquid with a soft, sweet odor. 

Mica: A light-diffusing earth mineral; used as a pigment. Reflects light from the face because of its glittering or shimmering properties, and can create the illusion of a smoother, softer and more radiant skin.

Titanium Dioxide: An earth mineral used in sunscreens that is capable of blocking both UVA and UVB rays; also used as a pigment.

Iron Oxides: Pigments are used to enhance colors.

My Thoughts: Brace yourself another product review from the BareMinerals Fabled Favorites Kit. This kit seems like an endless pit. But I shouldn’t be complaining since I am a makeup junkie. I want to mention that BareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick is very hard to find. I couldn’t even find it on BareMinerals website! I am pretty sure the line has been discontinued since its not on their website anymore. Although I was able to find some at QVC and Sephora but only on their Canada website. Sephora prices it as $23 but QVC is a lot cheaper at $18!

My BareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick has a different packaging than buying it individually. Since this is from the BareMinerals Fabled Favorites Kit its a small sample. It comes in a black casing, with a silver tube inside that twist up to reveal the lipstick. I didn’t like the cap because it felt like the cap can come loose at any moment. However that has yet to happen, I store it in my purse everyday and have traveled with it and it has never come off.

The texture of the lipstick is soft and creamy. The first time I used this lipstick it looked horrid on my lips. It didn’t apply evenly at all, I would get a jagged line when lining my lips. I desperately needed a lip liner but didn’t bring one at the time. It emphasize my chapped lips by a million and no matter how many layers I put on, it was patchy. I was in my car and I had to immediately wipe it off, but since I didn’t have a tissue I had to use a receipt hahaha.

After that experience it was hard to convince myself to give it another go. However I eventually got the courage to try it again but this time with exfoliated lips and it became a whole different experience. I didn’t need a lip liner because application was perfect. It glides on smoothly, even with a little bit of chapped lips. I only needed 2 coats to fill my lips. It didn’t settle in fine lines nor was it patchy. BareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick is comfortable on the lips with its lightweight and moisturizing formula. I strongly blame my extremely chapped lips for my first experience with this lipstick because I never experience that again.

The bubble gum pink creme sheen finish is an amazing color payoff because its extremely pigmented. I love pairing this lipstick with a lipgloss, the BareMinerals Fabled Favorites Kit even includes one that works perfectly together! The lipstick doesn’t move about on the lips nor does it flake off. It wears up to 3 hours without eating or drinking. When eating it does come completely off and I am force to reapply. With drinking it can survive for 2 hours, it does leave behind a stain but I do have to reapply eventually. What I found annoying is that the lipstick fades unevenly. When I freshly applied it does have the tendency to transfer completely off when drinking. But either way I use this more for everyday at work rather than an event because it doesn't last that long and I am forced to reapply. I occasionally wear this with a smokey eye because its great at keeping the focus on eyes instead of the lips.

Pros:

Soft & Creamy texture

No lip liner required

Glides on smooth

Comfortable on the lips

Lightweight

Moisturizing 

Bubble gum pink

Creme sheen finish 

Very pigmented

Pairs perfectly with lip gloss

Doesn’t budge or flake

Drinking leaves behind a stain

Cons:

Hard to find where to buy

Cap doesn’t seem secure 

Very chapped lips looks horrible 

Have to exfoliate lips 

Have to reapply after eating

Fades unevenly

Freshly applied transfer completely off

Last for 3 hours

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Luxie Dreamcatcher Tapered Highlight Brush 522

Price: Not sold individually, sold in brush set ($150)

Claims: Use this fluffy, tapered brush to apply your favorite highlighting powders to emphasize the high points of your face for a mesmerizing glow or setting your under eyes.

My Thoughts: When I first started my beauty blog the first brush set purchase I made was with Luxie. I had been waiting for Luxie brush to show up in one of my Ipsy bags for a long time. Everyone seemed to be getting them but me! For my April 2016 Ipsy bag I received the Luxie Dreamcatcher Tapered Highlight Brush 522. Its a a full size brush, that contains soft bristles that are synthetic which form a tapered shape. I was drawn to the wooden periwinkle handle with the rose gold ferrule. I am a sucker for anything rose gold!

Even though the brush is memorizing to look at its cheaply put together. The first week the rose gold ferrule kept rattling when I used it. On the 3rd week the ferrule disconnected from the periwinkle handle! For a good week I was just using Luxie Dreamcatcher Tapered Highlight Brush 522 without the wooden handle. My amazing husband was able to super glue it back together. Now it doesn’t even rattle anymore. I thought the nightmare was over however when I first washed, it was not easy to clean. The powder came off easily but the brush itself started to shed. I gently washed the brush too because I knew how fragile it was, but a clump bristles came off so easily.

Its a little unbelievable with all that trouble I have gone through that Luxie Dreamcatcher Tapered Highlight Brush 522 is still one of my favorite brushes! The brush is so versatile. It can be used for blush, contouring, setting my under eye area and of course for highlighters. I mainly use it for my highlight. It picks up powder well. I gently dust it on and it instantly falls into place, with hardly any blending required. I only use this with blush when I want to use a small amount on my cheeks, so basically to achieve a natural look. But I can build up if I wanted too. For setting my under area it works perfectly, the brush is tapered so it can reach smaller, harder to reach areas.

Would I purchase Luxie Dreamcatcher Tapered Highlight Brush 522? No because its not individually sold, I would have to buy a complete set which is really expensive for a cheaply assembled brush.

Pros:

Received in April 2016 Ipsy bag

Full size brush

Soft synthetic bristles 

Tapered brush

Periwinkle wooden handle

Rose gold ferrule

Versatile brush

Used for blush, contouring, setting under area & highlighter 

Brush picks up powder well

Blends easily

Light application &  buildable 

Works well reaching smaller areas

Cons:

Cheaply assembled together

Ferrule kept rattling

Ferrule disconnected from handle

Sheds during cleaning

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AmorePacific Treatment Cleansing Foam

Price: $50.00

Claims: A sulfate-free, non-drying, foaming cleanser that effectively removes impurities and makeup while providing antioxidant and antibacterial protection for the skin.

Effectively removes makeup and impurities while helping to treat and prevent breakouts

Micro-encapsulated Vitamin E beads provide antioxidant protection

Leaves skin feeling clean and smooth

Ingredients:

Water: Primarily used as a solvent in cosmetics and personal care products in which it dissolves many of the ingredients that impart skin benefits, such as conditioning agents and cleansing agents. Water also forms emulsions in which the oil and water components of the product are combined to form creams and lotions.

Glycerin: Helps to retain water to lock in moisture. Simply stated, glycerin attracts water to skin and helps skin to feel smoother and softer. However, studies have found that it not only attracts water to the skin, but also helps skin cells mature properly. Glycerin works as a signal to help direct skin cells through their four normal stages of maturity. In the endless cycle of skin-cell production, the youngest cells move up from the deepest layer and switch from replicating as their main function to eventually becoming mature surface cells that spit out lipids to help form the skin's protective barrier.

Stearic Acid: Fatty acid used as an emollient and emulsifier. It has been shown to protect skin's surface against water loss and help shore up skin's protective barrier. 

Myristic Acid: A naturally occurring acid; used as a foaming agent. One of its primary properties is as a lubricant, due to its high rate of absorption by the skin.

Potassium Hydroxide: A pH adjuster and buffering agent. It has a unique ability to attract water molecules from its environment, and ultimately dissolve into the water that it had originally absorbed, balancing the formula without creating excess weight or changing the composition.

Lauric Acid: Has moisturizing abilities, and is also recognized as an acne-fighter thanks to its anti-microbial properties.

Glyceryl Stearate: It acts as a lubricant on the skin’s surface, which gives the skin a soft and smooth appearance. It easily penetrates the skin and slows the loss of water from the skin by forming a barrier on the skin’s surface. It has been shown to protect skin from free-radical damage as well. Used to stabilize products, decrease water evaporation, make products freeze-resistant, and keep them from forming surface crusts. Reduces the greasiness of oils used in certain cosmetics.

Peg-32: Texture Enhancer. Also functions as an emulsifier, which is a type of ingredient that keeps unlike substances (such as oil and water) from separating.

Sorbitol: A humectant that helps skin feel smoother and less dry.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine: Helps to clean or remove dirt and oil, creating foam when used with water

Phyllostachis Bambusoides Juice: A soothing anti-inflammatory.

Panax Ginseng Root Extract: The root extract is used for its soothing and softening properties.

Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter: Plant-based emollient as it is a rich source of fatty acids and skin-soothing ingredients. 

Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil: Antioxidant-rich, emollient oil; helps fight damage caused by free radicals to protect, condition, and seal moisture into skin without clogging pores.

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil: Has the ability to help replenish and soothe skin. It’s a rich source of fatty acids skin can use, including linoleic acid, and is excellent for dry skin.

Algae Extract: Act as thickening agents, water-binding agents, and antioxidants.

Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract: Used as a whitener, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and moisturizer. Helps control oil production, and helps calm and soothe acne-prone skin.

Corallina Officinalis Extract: Help maintain the skin in good condition.

Lactose: Has the ability to hydrate skin.

Disodium Edta: Forms a complex with and inactivate metallic ions in order to prevent their adverse effects on the stability or appearance of cosmetic products.

Microcrystalline Cellulose: Used as a texturizer, an anti-caking agent, a fat substitute, an emulsifier, an extender, and a bulking agent. 

Butylene Glycol: Commonly-used ingredient that has multiple functions in cosmetics, including as a texture enhancer. It’s similar to propylene glycol, but has a lighter texture.

Sucrose: A soothing, anti-irritating emulsifier, derived from plain old sugar.

Alcohol: Helps visibly tighten pores and control excess oil. 

Zea Mays (Corn) Starch: It is highly absorbent, making it ideal for use to mop up moisture. Its fine texture makes skin feel silky and smooth.

Ultramarines (Lapis Lazuli): A bright blue mined mineral pigment.

Xanthan Gum: A thickening agent.

Tocopheryl Acetate: Used as an antioxidant and skin conditioner.

Trehalose: A sugar used as a moisturizer and flavoring agent

Triclosan: An antibacterial ingredient used in soaps. 

Phosphatidylcholine: Considered a very good water-binding agent and aids in the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It absorbs well without feeling greasy or heavy.

Propylene Glycol: A versatile moisturizer. Acts by retaining the moisture content of skin or the formula, preventing the escape of moisture or water.

Peg-100 Stearate: An emollient and emulsifier. Known to clean the skin and hair by helping water to mix with oil and dirt so that they can be rinsed away.


Hydrogenated Lecithin: An emulsifying agent that penetrates the skin.

Sodium Benzoate: As a preservative, it prevents bacteria and fungi from developing in products and formulas and changing their compositions.


 My Thoughts: I love taking advantage of Sephora’s reward program. Because, every once in a while they will send me an email for a free sample set! I received this in June 2016 from Sephora, of course I had to order something online to redeem the set. I am always excited to try out Asian beauty products because I feel a lot of ingredients they use I actually see results! AmorePacific Treatment Cleansing Foam came in a simple but elegant white squeeze tube, sample size of course. Since this was a sample size I only used this as a cleaner and not as a makeup remover.

AmorePacific Treatment Cleansing Foam starts out a white liquid cleansers that contains little beads. These are micro encapsulated vitamin E beads that purifies and protects the skin. The texture of the cleanser is creamy. Even when it lathers into foam it is still creamy. I made the mistake of using a dime size the first time. It has a super rich lather, which was too much for my face and neck. After the first use I started using a pea size, and this size is perfect for my face and neck. Even though the cleanser is creamy, after I was it off my face feels clean and light. AmorePacific Treatment Cleansing Foam is for normal to oil skin types, which now I understand why my face felt a little dry since I have normal to dry skin.

I used AmorePacific Treatment Cleansing Foam in the mornings when I take a shower. So I never had makeup on when I used this. But I did notice that it did remover any left over makeup that was left behind from the night before when I did not take it off. I had to stop using in the spring time because the florally scent made my allergies crazy. When I stopped using it I would break out a lot more  and more importantly I couldn’t get rid of my acne marks. I realized after allergy season was almost over that it was because I stop using AmorePacific Treatment Cleansing Foam!

Would I purchase AmorePacific Treatment Cleansing Foam again? Hell no, for one it is not for my skin type and two it is crazy expensive. Even though its an amazing cleanser, I am not made of money AmorePacific! If they lower the price I might pick up the cleanser again. 



Pros:

Sample size white squeeze tube 

Contains vitamin E beads

Purifies & protects the skin

Texture is creamy 

Lathers but still creamy

A little goes a long way

Feels clean and light after

Removes any left over makeup I had from night before

Floral scent

Prevents breakout

Removes acne marks

Cons:

Normal to oil skin types

Made my skin a little dry

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DryBar Detox Dry Shampoo

Price: $23

Claims: Absorbs oils and leaves hair feeling fresh and clean between washes. Adds lift and body to roots that need a boost. Formula disappears as oil gets absorbed. Deodorizes dirty hair. Includes our Original Scent with notes of jasmine, sandalwood and Madagascar vanilla.

Ingredients:

Isobutane: A hydrocarbon gas, used as a propellant in aerosolized product.

Propane: A hydrocarbon gas, used as a propellant in aerosolized products.

Alcohol Denat: Control excess oil. 


Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate: Acts as an anti-caking agent, a viscosity (resistance to flow) increasing agent, and an absorbent. 

AMP Isostearoyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein: Helps keep the hair elastic by controlling the rate of moisture loss from the hair.   This prevents breakage. Improved combability, smooth feel (silky feel), moisturization and help maintain the natural structure of hair. 

Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract: Ability to encourage a firmer, tighter look, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Citrus Junos Seed Extract: Shine and moisture to dry lips.

Cyperus Esculentus Root Oil: Provides moisturizing and antioxidant properties.

Prunus Insititia Seed Oil: A rich source of several potent antioxidants.The oil form of this plant ingredient is likely more potent in term of its antioxidant potential than isolated extracts. As such, this plant oil packs extra benefits for dry skin.

Panthenol  (Vitamin B5): Member of the B complex family of vitamins. A moisturizing humectant and emollient.


Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate: Used as a sunscreen agent to absorb ultraviolet light.

Isopropyl Myristate: A synthetic oil used as an emollient, thickening agent, or lubricant. Ability to reduce the greasy feel. This synthetic oil is often added to beauty products to give them a slicker, sheer feel rather than an oily one. 

Cyclopentasiloxane: A silicone. Unique fluidity that makes it easily spreadable. When applied to the skin and hair, it gives a silky and slippery feeling to the touch and acts a mild water repellent by forming a protective barrier on the skin. It’s particularly useful in hair conditioners because it provides a silky feel without weighing the hair down with greasy residue.

Acrylates Copolymer: A stabilizer mostly used in styling products to set the hair, add body, and protect it from humidity. It possesses a multitude of functions and can work as a film forming agent, hair fixative agent, suspending agent and antistatic agent. 

Water (Aqua): Primarily used as a solvent in cosmetics and personal care products in which it dissolves many of the ingredients that impart skin benefits, such as conditioning agents and cleansing agents. 

Magnesium Carbonate: Inorganic mineral salt used as an absorbent, opacifying agent, coloring agent, or to adjust the pH of cosmetic products.

VP/VA Copolymer: A film former. Ability to inhibit the hair from absorbing moisture; it dries and forms a thin barrier on hair. It allows hair to hold a style longer by preventing moisture from entering the hair shaft. Also used to hold together the ingredients of a compressed tablet or cake and helps to distribute or to suspend an insoluble solid in a liquid.

Triethoxycaprylylsilane: A binding agent and emulsifier. Serves as a reactive surface-treating agent that chemically bonds pigments to form a stable coating, even at a low pH; the silicone components allow pigments to disperse well.

Butylene Glycol: Texture enhancer.

Talc: An earth mineral used as a texturizer in cosmetics and also to help make them opaque.

Pentylene Glycol: A humectant. Also secondarily used as a solvent and preservative. It is both water and oil-soluble and can have moisture-binding and antimicrobial properties.


Citric Acid: An alpha hydroxy acid and astringent with antioxidant properties; used to help skin maintain its natural pH level or adjust the pH of a product.

BHT: Used as a preservative.

Linalool: Fragrant component of lavender and coriander that can be a potent skin sensitizer.

Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone: Used as a perfume. 

Eugenol: A fragrance.

Iron Oxides: Pigments are used to enhance colors.

My Thoughts: I have been dying to try DryBar products. I was thrilled when my December 2016 Play! Sephora box arrived because it included my first DryBar product which was the Detox Dry Shampoo. DryBar Detox Dry Shampoo came in a elegant robin egg blue metal can which was small because it was a sample.

The sample didn’t last long, however I was surprised how very little product I had to use each time. One spray goes a very very long way, because its super absorbent. Once I spray I just gently blend the product in and it eliminates any oil, greasy and dirt from my hair immediately with no residue left behind. I never even have to spray my roots because the product spreads out evenly. Which is a plus because it wouldn’t weigh my roots down. The formula is featherweight, so if I did spray my roots it wouldn’t weigh it down. Instead it created a lot of volume even with my thin lifeless hair. I know for a fact I used less product when using DryBar Detox Dry Shampoo than any other dry shampoo product. And that is what separates DryBar Detox Dry Shampoo from other products.

What I hate about some dry shampoo is when I wear black clothing, and I see white powder from my hair on my clothes! Luckily with DryBar Detox Dry Shampoo there is not trace that I used a dry shampoo at all. I even put it to test while wearing a black dress. I found no residue fell on the dress nor did it transferred from my hands to the dress after application. DryBar Detox Dry Shampoo smells of a mixture of jasmine and vanilla but the scent is very short lived. As soon as the shampoo hits my hair it is gone. I love my drugstore dry shampoo however I would splurge for DryBar Detox Dry Shampoo because its the best one I have tried yet!

Pros:

Received from Play! Sephora box

Elegant robin egg blue metal can (sample)

One spray goes a long way

Spreadable 

Super absorbent

Removes oil, greasy & dirt

No residue

Weightless 

Creates volume

Used less product each time than any other dry shampoo

No trace of using dry shampoo on clothes 

Jasmine & Vanilla scented

Cons:

Scent fades immediately

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The Vintage Cosmetic Company Pink Floral Satin Shower Cap

Price: $6.99

Claims: Take your pampering game to the next level with this adorable, vintage inspired Pink Floral Satin Shower Cap. Designed in The Vintage Cosmetic Company's signature floral print, it's luxuriously soft and will keep your tresses dry and frizz-free, so you can spend time getting squeaky-clean. It's lined with waterproof pink polka dots, reminiscent of 1950's glamour and the elasticated pretty pink trim, allows for a comfortable fit for those with both fine and thick hair. So why not indulge in those shower bubbles and start 'singing in the rain', safe in the knowledge that your luscious locks won't be getting wet.

My Thoughts: I am a sucker for anything vintage, especially if it has a floral pattern. Naturally when I found The Vintage Cosmetic Company Pink Floral Satin Shower Cap on one of my Ulta trips, I fell head over heels over it. The outside of the cap is a light pink satin with a floral pattern that includes a pink trim. The trim does a decent job at keeping the water from getting on the hairline. On a few occasion the back hairline does get a little damp from time to time. On the inside it has an additional lining that is waterproof with a pink polk dot pattern. The inside layer protects the hair from getting wet.

No doubt The Vintage Cosmetic Company Pink Floral Satin Shower Cap is a beauty but it does have its flaws. It is quite a small shower cap. I have a small head and thin hair and it barely fits me. Luckily I can pull the shower cap over my ears and hairline. But I still  can’t see anyone with thick long hair using this successfully. I use it with a headband to pull the hair back and a relatively small clip to clip my hair up. This way its easier to get all my hair into the shower cap. I have tried to use a bigger clip but I ended up puncturing a small hole in the inner lining. Even with the hole in the inner lining it still protected my hair from the water. When I am done using the shower cap I hang it to dry, and its completely dries by the next use. I have been using this since November 2016 and never once has it smelled of mildew like other shower caps I have tested before.  

Would I purchase The Vintage Cosmetic Company Pink Floral Satin Shower Cap again? Without hesitation I would. The vintage inspired shower cap is beautiful compared to other shower caps.

Pros:

Outside light pink satin with a floral pattern

Pink trim

Keeps water from getting on the hairline

Inside has a waterproof pink polk dot lining

Protects hair from getting wet

Dries by the next use

Never smells of mildew

Best used with headband & small clip

Cons:

Back of hairline occasionally gets damp

Small shower cap

Not best for thick long hair

Big clips may puncture a hole

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