My empties have been piling up since January (omg) so get ready for a good round of mini-reviews.
✓ The Body Shop Exfoliating Gloves
I actually threw away a pair of exfoliating gloves that I had bought from Forever 21, because they were just so bad. These are my favourite, always worth the $5.
✓ Jealous Body Scrub
I reviewed this product here and really love the organic potency and long-lasting dry powder format. My skin feels smooth and hydrated after using this scrub. It is a bit too messy for me to use consistently (on shower walls and on your skin if it isn't thoroughly rinsed), so I wouldn't continue to repurchase.
✓ The Body Shop Vineyard Peach Shower Gel
A classic body wash in a delectable scent. Even better as a bubble bath, vineyard peach is one of my favourites. I would repurchase these in the future.
✓ Clean & Clear Morning Burst Hydrating Facial Cleanser
I ended up using this pump out cleanser as my body wash for the gym, since it was a convenient size and quite refreshing. I would not use this as a facial cleanser since the fragrance is just immense and I don't like the excessiveness of the "bursting beads". Still good for the body though.
✓ L'OCCITANE Palmplemousse Rhubarbe Pierre Hermé Shower Gel
A stunning shower gel, in an inconvenient bottle. I love the fragrance (review) and L'OCCITANE is very kind to my skin, but I couldn't stand the flip top lid and tipsy bottle. It was nice while it lasted.
✓ Olay 2 in 1 Essential Oils Ribbons Avocado Oil + Soothing Cucumber Moisturizing Body Wash
I mean, could the name get ANY longer? Nevertheless, this is one of my favourite drugstore shower products for its whipped texture and lovely lather. The cap did break after repeated use, but I guess that's what happens with cheap plastic tubes.
✓ EcoTools Bath & Shower Mitt
Love this! It worked great as an eco-friendly cleaning tool that provided gentle exfoliation and really maximized the life of my body wash. It absolutely has a lifespan since the towel material will take on that musky smell overtime. For $4, I'd recommend. (Review)
Where makeup is concerned, I find myself throwing things out here and there, rarely finishing products completely before they go off. I also like to share many press samples I receive, so oftentimes I never see items right to the end. As for these lovely gems, I used them down to the very last bit.
✓ Essence Soft Touch Mousse Makeup
I purchased this foundation in France two years ago (tutorial here) and I am thrilled to see that it finally made its way to the Canadian market this year (shop!). Like your typical Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse, this lightweight foundation is ideal for oily-combo skin that doesn't have many problems.
✓ Buxom Mini Full-on Lip Polish in Erin
I am obsessed with these glosses. Just amazing! They have a nice sticky texture that isn't uncomfortable and stays on forever. I love the plumping effect and very nourishing feel. A total re-purchase for me, since I tend to have dry, thin lips.
✓ Covergirl Flamed Out Mascara
This is my favourite drugstore mascara. It has an hourglass brush shape and a very light mousse formula that doesn't weigh my lashes down. It isn't too flaky, and it comes off easily. I don't love the new formula as much as this old one, but I'd still recommend it.
✗ Essence Lash Princess Volume Mascara
Not a fan of Essence mascara on a whole. This one was weird, and left my lashes spidery and flaky.
✓ L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara
This is a total classic at the drugstore. I enjoy the original Voluminous mascara, and this rubber bristle brush was okay. I'm not a big fan of rubber brushes, so I wouldn't repurchase. But it's still a good formula.
✓ Benefit Roller Lash Mascara
I liked this! The one rubber brush mascara that really did something good (in addition to Covergirl LashBlast). I'll admit that my opinion did change slightly after writing this review, mainly since the drier formula worked better to amp up the volume once the tube began to get older. I still wouldn't spend the money on it, but I think it's a nice product.
✓ Clinique High Impact Mascara
I love getting these minis because I really enjoy the formula of Clinique High Impact. It has a middle of the road price tag and it's a gentle formula suitable for everyone. It reminds me of L'Oreal Voluminous in that they both have very classic brushes.
✓ Marcelle Nano Eyebrow Liner in Medium Brown
Featured in my Travel Makeup Bag, Best in Brows and in this tutorial, I'd totally recommend the Marcelle brow pencils. They don't last very long, but the price point is low compared to most high-end counterparts.
✗ SMASHBOX Brow Tech Matte Pencil in Taupe
Speaking of higher-end counterparts, hi Smashbox! This was a nice pencil with a decent colour payoff, but I would not recommend it. Bad packaging and not enough product for the price. Reviewed here.
✗ LANCOME Hypnose Drama Mascara
Honestly, I've never liked Lancome Mascara. I find them to all be difficult to work with, and flaky throughout the day. This is a no.
✗ Wet n Wild Max Volume Mascara
Never been wow'ed by Wet n Wild mascaras, so sadly I can't recommend this one. I have difficult lashes that tend to droop down and leave marks under my eyes, so I'll stick to CoverGirl, L'Oreal or Maybelline from the drugstore.
✓ Essence Plump No Clump Volume Mascara
Again, not really a brand I'd go to for mascara. This brush was ok and definitely reminded me of CoverGirl LashBlast, which is a drugstore fav across the board.
✓ Dolce by Dolce & Gabanna Purse Spray Eau de Toilette
This is my favourite fragrance ever, and the purse spray size was a great value. Super high quality bottle and a reliable spritz for on the go.
✓ INM Out The Door Fast Drying Top Coat
This is the best top coat out there! I buy it from Nail Polish Canada.com or at Sally's Beauty Supply. I'm using the monster bottle right now.
✓ Formula X Sheer Strength in Wondrous
So. much. yes. This is such an easy polish to apply, with a gorgeous milky pink finish. I bought three of these in one go after using up an entire sample that I had gotten at Sephora. Highly recommend trying out this line of strengthening polishes.
✓OPI Nail Envy Matte
This is my go-to strengthening nail polish base. One bottle lasts forever, and the matte finish means that it grabs on to polish well for a chip-resistant result. I love how it keeps my nails strong and unstained.
✓Rimmel Scandaleyes Liner in Brown
This is the best brown eyeliner at the drugstore. Pigmented, smooth, long-wearing and a gorgeous rich brown shade with a hint of gold shimmer. I'll repurchase this pencil time and time again. (I don't recommend the taupe shade of this pencil - too dry!)
✓Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream in Light
This CC cream is absolutely worth it. Amazing coverage, SPF, long-lasting wear and pretty reliable shades. It's my favourite summer product. Highly recommend.
✓ Neutrogena Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream
I loved this for its lightweight texture and nourishing feel on my combo skin. Neutrogena is one of the only drugstore brands to incorporate ingredients like retinol into their anti-aging products. I would absolutely recommend this product, though I think the packaging/branding has since changed.✓ Tarte TarteGuard SPF 30 Sunscreen
This gorgeous moisturizing sunscreen is wonderful as a daily makeup base. It will leave your skin a bit more oily feeling at the end of the day, if you typically react that way to SPF.
✓ Paula's Choice BHA 9 (sample)
I have a love-hate relationship with this stuff. The full-size product dispenses terribly, as you only need the tiniest amount to cover problem areas. I find that it works very well to calm and clear away congested areas on the T-zone, especially on my nose. I always apply this after extractions.
✓ SkinINC Peeling Gel
Yes to peeling gels! such a satisfying feeling. This one is fantastic, and I'd definitely repurchase it if was available on Sephora.
✓ Clarisonic Sonic Radiance Brightening Activator Serum
A component of one of my 500pt Perks from Sephora, this serum was a hit. I won't repurchase since I have a ton of products to get through, but I'd recommend looking into the gorgeous pink Clarisonic collection if you're in the market.
✗ Dior Hydra Life Jelly Sleeping Mask
No. Way too expensive, way too fragranced, and not effective! Try out Laneige instead.
✓ Mario Badescu Facial Spray
I way prefer my Thayer's Witch Hazel over this spray. The bottle kinda sucks, and I don't like the artificial rose fragrance. I'll admit that it did do a good job at soothing a sunburn earlier in the year when I was in Cuba. Not a re-purchase for me.
✓ Clarins Renew Plus Body Serum
If you're in the market for luxurious body treatments, this one is highly rated, for sure! As I only tried a sample, all I can say that it is very smooth and softening. I won't be purchasing due to the high price tag.
✓ La Roche Posay Lipikar Baume AP+
I had picked up this sample at a swap, and I'm happy I did! This is a fantastic moisturizer for itchy, irritated skin. Big thumbs up for La Roche Posay, especially on this.
✓ Advil Liquid Gels
Weird, but completely necessary in my beauty routine. 25 minutes before getting my legs waxed or brows threaded, I take two liquid gels to reduce inflammation, redness and pain. Works like a dream!
✓ Clarisonic Luxe Facial Brush Head - Cashmere Cleanse
This is my favourite brush from the Clarisonic collection. It's so soft and lathers up nicely. Make sure to keep your old brush heads handy, since you can sometimes trade them in for new ones at Clarisonic counters.
✓ MaxEffects by Taiga Eye and Face Makeup Remover
I won this makeup remover in a giveaway and I really enjoyed it. It's a Canadian brand that can be found at some Rexalls and Pharmasaves. The vertical press/pump top is so efficient, and I used the last bits to moisten my dried out makeup wipes. I'd repurchase.
✓ Paula's Choice Resist 1% Retinol Booster
This is a great way to incorporate retinol into your routine. Add a pump to your existing moisturizer and you're good to go.
✓ Sibu Sea Buckthorn Balancing Facial Cleanser
I love the Sibu brand and I'm happy to see their repackaging and revamping of the line. This face wash worked well, but the pump was a bit gunky and tough to use.
✓ Clarisonic Sonic Radiance Skin Illuminating Cleanser
Another product in my 500pt perk from Sephora, this cleanser was so-so. It foamed nicely and made my skin soft, but it was so darn stingy. I can't handle it!
✓ Nivea Sensitive 3-in-1 Micellar Cleansing Water
If my skin is feeling dry, this is my go-to product. I used to wash my face solely with this micellar water in the morning. I have recently resorted to using regular tap water, but I would still highly recommend this product if you suffer from irritation, redness or rosacea caused by harsh tap water. This morning routine of washing with micellar water is very French.
✓ Philosophy Purity Made Simple Cleanser
Such a classic product. I've enjoyed the Philosophy cleanser in both full and sample sizes over the years, though the lavender fragrance and thin texture is not my favourite.
✓ Miracle 10 AHA Cream
Best AHA/lactic acid cream ever. The pot format is not ideal for keeping the product at its best, so I'm going to try a serum alternative (here) when my most recent Sephora order arrives.
✓ COLAB Sheer Invisible London Dry Shampoo
In combination with the Paris dry shampoo below, my second-day hair is saved. I like the scent and the full size is available at Shoppers Drug Mart for $8 on sale.
✓ COLAB Volume Extreme Paris Dry Shampoo
This "floral" fragrance smells more like cologne than flowers. I am obsessed with it, and I'm so upset that the Paris one is impossible to find.
✓ Derma e Scalp Relief Shampoo
I enjoyed this shampoo! Reviewed here, the conditioner from the line makes my hair so silky smooth. I'm not going to repurchase since I don't love the scent and my scalp is in good shape.
✓ Herbal Essences Naked Volume Shampoo
A favourite from the drugstore, and very very affordable. It isn't my top fave, so no repurchase for me. If you are looking for a fresh and fragranced shampoo that will give some volume to oily hair, try it out.
✓ Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk - Natural Shade
There is nothing better than Klorane for dry shampoo. It feels so good, has no harsh fragrance, and never makes my scalp itchy. 100% recommend.
✓ Jack Black Turbo Wash
Not worth the hefty price tag, but does what it says. This body/hair wash had a lovely spa-like scent that lingered. I had got it as my birthday gift from Sephora since the ladies makeup never really works for my skin tone.
And 49 products later, we're complete. What have you finished up lately?
xx
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