Bye Bye Empties, June 2019

July 8, 2019July 7, 2019 littlebeautyloves1 Comment

June was a great month! The weather got warmer and although there were still a lot of rainy days, whenever there were sunny ones I took advantage of them. I enjoy the warmer months for hanging out with friends on patios and walking around the city which I did a lot of in June. I’m looking forward to doing more of that in July! It’s been pretty hot and humid the last few days in Toronto and I love it!

Now on to what I used up!

*Note: I’m on a no-buy this year. If I mention repurchasing an item, it just means that I really liked it and would buy again, just not in 2019. However, I did break my No-Buy to purchase the Alyssa Edwards x Anastasia Hills Palette in June, but I’ve been really good otherwise.

Skincare

Aveeno Ultra-Calming Sensitive Skin Make-Up Wipes. These makeup removing wipes were alright. I found that they started to dry out a lot sooner than other wipes I’ve used in the past. I also found the wipe itself to feel a bit harsh. I won’t be repurchasing these.

Dr. Roebuck’s Pure Moisturizer. I got this with other Products from Dr. Roebucks back when I was still subscribed to Topbox. This moisturizer is extreme, it’s great if you have very dry skin and is made for those who may suffer from eczema. I used this at first for my face when I was feeling extremely dry but then I started using it a lot on my hands because they are always dry and really loved this product. I would repurchase this.

Haircare

Pantene Intense Rescue Shots. I received this treatment mask from Influencer to test out and while I did think the mask itself was good, I was not a fan of the packaging. Each tube is supposed to give you enough product for one use which I think gets to be a little wasteful. I’m on the fence whether I would repurchase this.

Shu Uemura Silk Bloom Restorative Treatment. Another hair mask that I used up this month, I absolutely love and recommend this hair mask. You can read my full review here. I would repurchase this product.

Makeup

Lancome Monsieur Big Mascara. I love this mascara because it gives me instantly full and dramatic lashes. At first, I would only wear it when going out because it was super bold on me. As it started to dry though I would were this during the day to use it up and loved how it really made my lashes look flared out. This is one of my favourite mascaras to wear and I have a few small samples of this that I’m going to use up. I would repurchase this.

Ciate London Bamboo Bronzer. I shared a review of this bronzer back in March which you can read here. I loved this warm-toned bronzer but it got more and more difficult to use because this pan was too small that it made it really difficult to dip my large bronzer brush into so I figured I might as well just toss this out now since I can’t get it to evenly cover my brushes.

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I’m happy with my empties for this month. I used up some hair, skincare and makeup items. Now that I’m half-way through my no-buy year I feel like I’m making a lot of progress of using up the items in my collection. I’ve also really started to appreciate the makeup and skincare I have without being consumed with the new products that I have been realized. It feels really good to just use up what I have.

What items have you used up for June?

Lots of Love,
Dal

Project Pan Monthly: June Roundup & July Items

July 4, 2019July 1, 2019 littlebeautyloves3 Comments

Another month, another monthly project pan to discuss on the blog today! I feel like I was consistent with all my products in June not just with one or two of them as I find I have been the last few months. I even got good use out of my lip product which I’m so happy about. I break down my usage below, but I used my products about 27/30 days!

In case you didn’t know, this is my Project Pan objective;

Project Pan Monthly

Each month I choose 4 items to use, sharing reviews of those products if they aren’t already on the blog. At the end of the month, I’ll share an update of how well I did and then list the items for the next month. The products are chosen from these categories;

One Eyeshadow Palette
One Lip Item (lipstick, lip balm, gloss, etc.)
One Face Item (foundation, highlighter, blush, bronzer)
One Random Item (can be another item from the categories above, or be something else like a mascara, liner, skin care, body care, fragrance, etc.)

June Round-Up

Starting with the eye products I chose for June. In the warmer months, I love keeping my makeup really simple and quick and the Lid Lingerie and Jumbo Eye Pencils from NYX were perfect for that. I would usually just pick one colour and sweep it over the lid, add a black or brown eyeliner, mascara and then be out the door. They lasted really long on me too which is great during a hot day. I rediscovered how much I love these products and got really good use out of them this month.

For June, I opted to use this IBY Contour and Highlight Palette because it had been a while since I used it. I did share this in one of the Favourites from the Boxes Post but since then I stored it in my makeup box and only used it once in a while so it felt really good to bring this palette back out and use it again. You can tell that the pans are still full which is just because this is pretty pigmented and I didn’t need a lot to highlight or contour my face. I also used these as eye shadow which was great for days I wanted a more matte look. I used this every single time I wore makeup in June which is pretty awesome.

You can’t really tell that any of this VS Body spray was used, but I have made it up to where it says “love me” on the packaging. I sprayed 3-4 sprits every morning during June and I think I brought the bottle down about 10-15 mL. Perfumes and body sprays do take a bit longer to use up, but I’ll continue to use this and hopefully re-introduce it another month in my Project Pan this year.

The biggest surprise to me is how often I ended up using the Sexy Mother Pucker Pillow Plump XXL Lip Plumping Gloss! I actually used this everyday, and sometimes a few times a day! You can’t tell because, but I think I got through 1/4 of the product! I had no idea I would enjoy plumping lip gloss as much as I did. I kept this in my purse and used it a lot! I really like it.

My July Items

This month I’ve chosen;

One Eyeshadow Palette – Nudestix Jetsetter Nude(Art)ist Box Eye Crayons (reviewed here)
One Lip Item – Jetsetter Nude(Art)ist Box Lip Crayons & Dirty Little Secret Lip Pencil
One Face Item – Clinique Perfectly Real Compact Makeup Powder
One Random Item – Using the Jetsetter Box as a highlight, eyeliner and blush

This month I wanted to do something a little different. Since my Jetsetter Palette is full of items that I can create a full-face with I figured I would focus on using it. I also wanted to continue my theme of cream makeup since I enjoy wearing that more in the summer months.

I’ve raved about Nudestix before, whether on my Instagram or here on the blog so I figured I would dedicate a month to using their products. Instead of an eyeshadow palette, I’m going to use the above eyesticks to create eye looks with. Plus, as part of my random item, I can use Gilt as a highlighter on my cheeks.

I’m going to attempt to incorporate three lip items this month into my Project Pan Monthly. I found myself using lip liner a lot the last time I included it in a project pan so I’ve got a new one for this month. I can also use the Lip crayons from Nudestix on my cheeks, I hope I can get more use out of them by doing that.

The last item I’m including in my Project Pan is this Powder from Clinique. I think they’ve since updated the packaging, so this is clearly in need of some good usage. Now, I usually keep my dry skin away from powders but with July generally hot and humid I think it’s the perfect time to use this on my face. I wore this the other day I really enjoyed how it looked on my face and how long it lasted.

How is your progress been for Project Pan this month? Have you noticed a difference in your products?

Lots of Love,
Dal

Unboxing BoxyCharm, June 2019

June 20, 2019 littlebeautyloves4 Comments

Price: $21.00 USD (+$5.00 shipping to Canada)
Number of items: 4-5 full-size items

Boxycharm is a monthly subscription box of full-size makeup, skincare and beauty tools. The theme for this month is “Getaway”. The items in this box really fit the theme since they are items to get you ready for a getaway and to take with you.

PRICES ARE IN USD, CONVERTED TO CAD AT THE END

Tarte Cosmetics Be You Naturally Eyeshadow Palette
MSRP: $36.00 US

You can never go wrong with a palette in my books. Whether I use them myself or give them away as gifts a new palette is always exciting for me to recieve. I enjoy Tarte palettes, I own quite a few in my collection so I’m excited to recieve another one in my box. This has that same delicious vanilla scent that my Tartelette In Bloom palette so I’m really hoping the formula is the same because I love that palette.

Although this is a neutral palette I love the layout and colours in this palette. This has 4 shimmer shades and 4 mattes.

Touch In Sol No Poreblem Prime Essence
MSRP: $23.00 US

I thought this was a primer to wear before makeup but reading the packaging you can use it as the last step of your skincare routine. It’s infused with Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract to tighten pores and keep your skin smooth. I received The Touch In Sol No Poreblem Primer and I absolutely love it so I’m excited to try another product in this line. The essence will come in handy during the summer heat.

Dominque Cosmetics Lemonade Lipgloss in Pink Lemonade
MSRP: $17.00 US

This lip gloss is supposed to add hydration, shine and fullness to your lips. I’m not sure I’m into this colour but if it is hydrating I will give it a try. A lot of reviews on BoxyCharm website have been positive so I hope it’s got a nice formula.

St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse
MSRP: $24.50 US

I have a couple of these little St. Tropez Self Tanning Mousse so I really didn’t care to get another one. Not to say that this is a bad product but I have enough self-tanners in my collection. I appreciate that it came with a mitt which is super helpful for application. I might pass this along to a friend.

Dirty Little Secret Lip Liner in Rosie Posie
MSRP: $15.00 US

I find that I prefer to wear lipliner with a gloss or balm on top vs a lipstick or colourful gloss so I’m pretty happy to have a lip liner in my collection. I already started wearing this item and I think it’s great! It has a dark nude colour which looks really nice with my bronze eyeshadow. The formula is dry but still smooth over the lips. It’s the kind I prefer for this kind of lip liner.

My Thoughts

I’m pretty happy with this month’s box. It really aligns with the theme and I’m very excited about a lot of the items, especially the Tarte eyeshadow palette and the DLS lip liner. I’m also really curious about the Touch In Sol primer essence. We will see how well that works on my skin.

Total Value: $115.50 US ($152.40 CAD)

Did you get BoxyCharm this month? What was in your box? What did you enjoy or not?

Lots of Love,
Dal

Project Pan Monthly: May Roundup & June Items

June 7, 2019 littlebeautyloves13 Comments

Before it gets so much later into June I wanted to share my Project Pan Monthly update for May and share the items I’m going to focus on for June. I feel like except for the first week of May I was very consistent with using my items. I had used my items 24/31 days by the end of the month.

In case you didn’t know, this is my Project Pan objective;

Project Pan Monthly

One Eyeshadow Palette
One Lip Item (lipstick, lip balm, gloss, etc.)
One Face Item (foundation, highlighter, blush, bronzer)
One Random Item (can be another item from the categories above, or be something else like a mascara, liner, skin care, body care, fragrance, etc.)

May Round-Up

I used the Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Vol. II Palette so much this month, especially the lighter shades which I wore a lot for work. I even would do one sweep of certain colours for really easy looks. You can see that I used conch and marina the most. It’s a very crumbly shadow formula so that’s why it looks like chunks are missing, but it does go on the eyes smoothly.

I also used the Vintage Cosmetics Illuminating Face Highlighter pretty often. I used it for highlighter and as a blush topper. There is so much of this product but you can start to see a little dip in the pan.

I finished up my Bad gal Bang! Mascara which was pretty easy given that this is a deluxe sample. Still, I’m happy I was able to use it up. I didn’t use the Bobbi Brown lip gloss as much as I wanted to but I did try to use it every day even if I didn’t re-apply it throughout the day. I think I used up about one third of the product inside this little sample so I’m happy with that.

My June Items

This month I’ve chosen;

One Eyeshadow Palette – NYX Jumbo Eye Pencils & Eye Lingerie (reviewed here)
One Lip Item – Soap & Glory’s Sexy Mother Pucker Pillow Plump XXL Lip Plumping Gloss
One Face Item – IBY Beauty Highlight & Contour Palette (reviewed here)
One Random Item – Victoria’s Secret Noir Love Me Body Mist

Instead of having an eye shadow palette this month, I decided to use some other eye items and do a Face Palette. I also wanted to use up another fragrance this month.

How is your progress been for Project Pan this month? Have you noticed a difference in your products?

Lots of Love,
Dal

Bye Bye Empties, May 2019

May 31, 2019May 30, 2019 littlebeautyloves2 Comments

May was such a fun month! The first few days of the month I was in Jamaica so that was fun and when I got back I have been enjoying catching up with friends and walking around walking around the city. One of my best friends had a baby in April and I got to meet him this month which was so fun for me!

The weather had been rainy and mild but there have been a few warm and sunny days that I have been taking advantage of. I am so excited for the summer and looking forward to lots of beautiful days in the city.

Now on to what I used up!

*Note: I’m on a no-buy this year. If I mention repurchasing an item, it just means that I really liked it and would buy again, just not in 2019.

Skincare

Dr. Teal’s Foaming Bath Super Moisturizer Avocado Oil. I enjoy these foaming baths but usually, I get the Himalayan Salt version which creates a lot more bubbles compared to the avocado oil. I would not repurchase this particular one but I would repurchase the Himalayan Salt type.

Kiss My Face Active Life Fragrance-Free Deodorant. I shared a review of my favourite deodorants on the blog which you can read here and this deodorant was one of them. I really like this for every day because it keeps me feeling fresh through the warmer months. I already have another one of these open.

Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer. This deluxe sample came in the Sephora Favorites Clean Beauty Set that I purchased last year. I enjoyed the texture of this moisturizer and I’m starting to realize that I’m into gel moisturizers. This is designed to hydrate, brighten and balance skin. It’s very hydrating. I would repurchase this.

REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Ultra Comforting Rescue Mask. When my skin is feeling extra dry I love using this mask to help bring it back to life. You apply a generous amount and leave it on for 10 to 15 mins. Afterwards, you wipe off the excess. I love using this before I go to bed. It has a lavender scent which I really enjoy as well. I would repurchase this.

Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micellar. I did a re-review of this product a few years ago that you can read here. Basically, when I first tried this I was not in love with it, but I started using this without a cotton pad and just splashing it on my face and now it’s one of my most favourite micellar waters. I like this little size because I can take it on the go and use it when on trips and I used this on my vacation. The only downside is that it’s not refillable so unfortunately, I have to recycle the packaging when I would much prefer to refill using one of my larger bottles. I will not repurchase this size of Bioderma.

Caudalie Micellar Cleansing Water. This is a deluxe sample of micellar water that I got in a Caudalie Best Sellers set from Sephora. I’ve been using this micellar water for a long time because I tend to take it with me on trips because it’s a nice small size. I really enjoy this micellar water and I would get another deluxe sample size to take with me whenever I go.

Urban Decay Quick Fix Hydra-Charged Complexion Prep Priming Spray. I used this every time I applied makeup over the last month or so trying to use up this priming spray because, to be honest, I usually don’t apply primer before I do makeup. I did like this but I don’t think I’d repurchase it.

Makeup

Bourjois Healthy Mix Gel Foundation. I try quite a lot of different foundations but I must say that this one is still a go-to of mine. I had been using other foundations for the last year which is why it’s taken me a while to use it up. If you wanted to read my review of this foundation you can here. I would repurchase this product.

Tarte Lifted Sweatproof Mascara. I took this mascara on my trip because I thought it was great for the hot weather. It’s a brown mascara which I really like to wear every day. It was generally sweatproof because it held up in the Jamaican heat BUT don’t wear it into a salted pool! It started coming off onto my face and I ended up having to remove it, haha! I would repurchase this.

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I feel like I used up a lot of skincare items this month which I’m super happy about! Most items were deluxe sizes but even those can take me a long time to use up so I’m always excited when they empty!

What items have you used up for May?

Lots of Love,
Dal

Review: First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser

May 27, 2019May 25, 2019 littlebeautyloves13 Comments

I keep two types of cleansers on my vanity. One is always a gentle, every day type cleanser. The other is a gritty, exfoliating deep cleansing one. Throughout the week I’ll switch through them. Most days I use a gentle cleanser and then I’ll use my exfoliating cleanser a few times a week inbetween. Then, on lazy days I just use micellar water or a makeup wipe and call it a day! Hehe!

If you wanted to read my makeup remover post you can here.

Next week I’ll share a review of my Vasanti Cosmetics Exfoliating Cleanser but today I wanted to share a review of the gentle cleanser I’ve been enjoying. My First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser.

What It Is

A fragrance-free, gentle cleanser that effectively removes makeup, dirt, and grime, leaving skin soft and supple. (Sephora.ca)

I read that this is good for dryness and redness. I suffer from dry skin so I always love cleansers that are designed to be hydrating. This has aloe and glycerin which nourishes, and hydrates the skin and FAB Antioxidant Booster to help with environmental agressors.

This is Allergy-Tested, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Oil-Free, Soy-Free, Suitable for Sensitive Skin, Vegan, Nano-Free. (FirstAidBeauty.com)

Price

$14.00 CAD (2oz). This is pretty reasonably priced especially since you need very little when washing your face. A pea-sized amount is enough for me.

Application

This is a very creamy cleanser that doesn’t foam up too much. The texture reminds me of Origin’s Checks & Balances cleanser because it’s a thicker consistency. Whenever I use it I find that it feels more like cleanser/moisturizer hybrid. It feels very good.

I think it’s super effective at removing makeup. Like, really effective. It might be one of the best makeup removing cleansers I’ve ever tried. It’s very gentle and doesn’t sting my eyes which makes it a dream for removing makeup around my eyes and lashes which is where I tend to wear the heaviest makeup. Even if a little gets in my eyes, it won’t sting them like other cleansers have in the past. It leaves my skin feeling super clean, when I rinse it off. I dry my face with a white towel and a rarely get makeup residue on it. I don’t even need to use a makeup wipe before or after, it’s really good on its own.

My skin always feels really clean, but unlike a harsh cleanser, it still leaves it feeling supple. I find that my skin just feels good and clear and I usually just apply a serum or moisturizer afterwards and call it a day.

My Thoughts

I’ve tried sample packets of this cleanser and liked it but this is my first time using a whole tube of it consistently over the last few weeks. Generally, my skin doesn’t feel tight or dry and it hasn’t been irritated by this product. It’s very good. I would wholeheartedly recommend this! If you are looking for a good every day, gentle cleanser, this is the one!

Have you tried the First Aid Beauty Cleanser? What are your thoughts? Have you tried anything else from this brand?

Lots of Love,
Dal

Unboxing BoxyCharm, May 2019

May 20, 2019May 19, 2019 littlebeautyloves4 Comments

Price: $21.00 USD (+$5.00 shipping to Canada)
Number of items: 4-5 full-size items

First off, Happy Victoria Day to my fellow Canadians!

Boxycharm is a monthly subscription box of full-size makeup, skincare and beauty tools. The theme for this month is “Make Waves”. I am getting so excited with this summer themed boxes, I can’t wait for the weather to get warmer! It has still been pretty cold and rainy in Toronto! Come on SUMMER!!!

PRICES ARE IN USD, CONVERTED TO CAD AT THE END

Glamglow GentleBubble Cleanser
MSRP: $28.00 US

I was super excited when I saw this was in my BoxyCharm. This gel cleanser is made for all skin types and is vegan. It has oat amino acids, apple extract, vitamin E and green tea extract. I think the packaging is really fun and I love that it’s a large size tube! I’m pretty impressed! I love GlamGlow masks so I’m really excited to give this a try.

Alamar Colorette Blushe Trio
MSRP: $22.00 US

This is a pretty blush trio and if it’s anything like the Alamar eyeshadow powder it is probably a good formula. This is described as highly pigmented & completely vegan formula to deliver a sun-kissed flush.

I think the colours are really pretty, I’m most excited for Paraiso since I love pink but Scorcher could be a fun golden summer shade for me too. I got the fair-light palette which is perfect for me. BoxyCharm was also including the medium/tan and dark/rich palette in other variations of this box.

Ciate London Eye Lustre Creme Eyeshadow
MSRP: $22.00 US

This is a pretty cream eye shadow. I saw a review of this and it looks to be a lot sheerer than it is in the package. I actually prefer to try something sheerer since I have more glittery shadows for when I really want to wear a dramatic eye look. I think it’ll look really pretty over my lids and I look forward to wearing it every day.

Dose of Colors
MSRP: $18.00 US

I’ve never tried anything from Dose of Colors but I’ve been curious to especially since a lot of YouTubers I follow have collaborated with this brand. This is a liquid matte lipstick with long-wearing colour. Reading the description, this applies liquid but dries down to a comfortable matte finish. The colour is pretty bright for my liking but I would try the formula and who knows, it might become my summer colour!

Mellow Brow Definer
MSRP: $18.00 US

I’m happy to get a new eyebrow product. I’m always open to trying new ones and I like ones similar to the Mellow style which are thicker pencil-like eyebrow applicators. This one is great because it has a triangular tip and a spooly on the other end.

My Thoughts

This is such a great box! I like all the items in it and am really excited to start using. I’m most excited for the Brow Definer and the Glamglow cleanser.

Total Value: $108 US ($147 CAD)

Did you get BoxyCharm this month? What is in your box?

Lots of Love,
Dal

Project Pan Monthly: April Roundup & May Items

May 13, 2019May 11, 2019 littlebeautyloves6 Comments

I think I made good progress with my April Project Pan. A lot of items are easy, everyday products so they were ones I constantly wanted to reach for. One thing I didn’t do was travel with my April products so the last few days of April I didn’t get to make any progress. In total, I used my April Project Pan Products 15/30 days.

Likewise, I did not choose any new items for May until the 6th so I missed about a weeks worth of usage for my May Project Pan products. Anyways I’m not really too concerned. This is all supposed to be fun and just encourage me to use up what I have.

I also wasn’t tempted to do any Sephora VIB Sale shopping and I’m so proud of myself for that! I’m keeping true to my no-buy. Did you get any items during the sale?

In case you didn’t know, this is my Project Pan objective;

Project Pan Monthly

Each month I chose 4 items to use, sharing reviews of those products if they aren’t already on the blog. At the end of the month, I’ll share an update of how well I did and then list the items for the next month. The products are chosen from these categories;

One Eyeshadow Palette
One Lip Item (lipstick, lip balm, gloss, etc.)
One Face Item (foundation, highlighter, blush, bronzer)
One Random Item (can be another item from the categories above, or be something else like a mascara, liner, skin care, body care, fragrance, etc.)

April Roundup

Tarte Tartelette In Bloom Palette (reviewed here). I used flower child quite a bit and I can start to see a little dip in that. It was a perfect shade to sweep over my whole lid as a base. I then equally used the second column for crease colours and the third and last column for a lid liner or to deepen the crease. I think I used every colour in this palette which is why I really love it.

Bite Beauty Lip Pencil in 020 Beige Nude. I used this way more than I do lipstick which I’m pretty happy about. The colour worked with whatever shade I put on my eyes so I felt like I enjoyed wearing it whenever I was wearing my Tartelette palette. I would use the lip pencil all over my lips and then apply a line gloss on top. I like that it lasted all day and the colour wasn’t super bold. I sharpened this about 2 times so you don’t see a huge difference but for me, wearing anything on my lips for more than a week is huge progress.

Ciate London Bamboo Bronzer (reviewed here). Do you see that pan! I’m so happy with how much I used up! I think this will be empty by the summer with the amount of wear I’m getting out of it.

Shiseido Ibuki Smart Filtering Smoother (reviewed here). I used this item the least, maybe about 10/30 days in the month because it’s just not made from my skin type. It may work better for me in the summer so I’ll try it again then.

My May Items

This month I’ve chosen;

One Eyeshadow Palette – Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Vol. II Palette (reviewed here)
One Lip Item – Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss in Bare Sparkle
One Face Item – Vintage Cosmetics Illuminating Face Highlighter in Rose Gold (reviewed here)
One Random Item – Benefit Bad Gal Bang Mascara (reviewed here)

I wasn’t planning on putting in another Tarte Palette into my Project Pan Monthly, but since I had been using it anyway this month I thought why not. These items are ones that I find I’m reaching for a lot in May so far. I’m hoping I can make some dent in the Vintage Cosmetics Highlighter and I hope to use up the Benefit Mascara.

How is your progress been for Project Pan this month? Have you noticed a difference in your products?

Lots of Love,
Dal

Bye Bye Empties, April 2019

May 9, 2019May 8, 2019 littlebeautyloves8 Comments

Soooo….. This is being posted later than I usually upload my empties but I was away at the end of April and I’ve been in vacation mode even after I got back! haha!

April was such a fun month for me. Earlier in the month, I travelled to Quebec to my favourite spa for a super relaxing weekend and at the end of the month, I took a trip to Jamaica for an unplugged week in the beautiful sun! If you follow me on Instagram you would have seen photos and stories of my time there. April was all about shifting the focus onto myself and just hitting reset. I have more fun planned for May so I’m just excited to have this year rolling!

What are your personal highlights from April?

Now on to what I used up!

*Note: I’m on a no-buy this year. If I mention repurchasing an item, it just means that I really liked it and would buy again, just not in 2019.

Body Care

Bath & Body Works Forever Sunshine Shower Gel. I love summer scents from Bath & Body Works so this one is definitely a favourite of mine. These body washes lather up so nicely and are great for cleansing the skin. I am on a no-buy BUT I think I’m going to need body wash soon which is perfect timing for me to get new B&BW shower gels in summer scents!

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Sunscreen SPF 50. I used this up on my trip to Jamaica and let me say that it is amazing! I wish it came in a large tube because it really is all I need for the summer. The gel formula blends into my skin quickly and left me hydrated without that greasy feel that I usually experience with sunscreen. It also has a pleasant scent which I greatly enjoy. I think I have another half-full bottle of this that I can use up. I currently have enough sunscreens for this year that I won’t need to purchase a new one but I would repurchase this and totally recommend it if you have dry skin like me.

Aveda Hand Relief Moisturizing Creme. This is a good hand cream, especially if you like them a little bit thicker like I do. It’s a sample size tube so I can easily carry it with me in the winter months to apply on the go. I used this a lot during the last few months and I was impressed by how long this lasted. I have a lot of hand creams so I won’t be repurchasing this.

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum. This is a really hydrating serum. Sometimes, I would apply just this product and skip moisturizer because it’s that good. It has a concentration of the Vichy Thermal Spa Water and hyaluronic acid which is perfect for my dry skin. I would repurchase this.

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser. Again, I’ve used up another one of these cleansers. It’s one of my favourite every-day cleansers that is so gentle on my skin but super effective at clearing it of makeup and impurities. I think I have another one to use up but right now I have other cleansers that I’m enjoying and need to use up before I open another one. I would definitely repurchase this.

L’Oreal Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Cleansing Scrub. I always keep a daily cleanser and scrub available for use on my vanity because I love to alternate between to two so that I can ensure every few days I give my skin a deep skin but also give it a break by using products without exfoliators. This one from L’Oreal is great because it has large granules and glycolic acid. I would repurchase this.

Haircare

Novex Bamboo Sprout Leave-In Conditioner. I got this in my November 2016 Topbox which is a pretty long time to be holding on to a product. I got four uses out of this product because I was really trying to use it up. I thought it was alright, it doesn’t leave my hair has silky soft and hydrated as other Leave In Conditioners I’ve tried so I won’t be purchasing this.

Briogeo Rosarco Milk Reparative Leave-In Conditioning Spray. Thanks to BoxyCharm and Ipsy, I’ve been able to build a nice little collection of Briogeo products and I’m not mad at that. I love their products! What I really love about a leave-in spray verse a cream like the Novex one is that I can use this AFTER I get out of the shower. What I do is apply this to my hair when it’s damp and then style it. Even when I don’t style my hair I like applying this because it really rehydrates my hair. I would repurchase this.

Fragrance

Marc Jacobs Daisy. If you want my thoughts on this you can read my review here. I still have a full-size of this so I won’t be repurchasing this anytime soon, but I always love having a fresh scent like this around.

Gucci Gucci Premier. I love these little samples because then I get to test out a scent and they are so perfect for travelling. I brought this and my sample of Daisy above to my trip to Jamaica and they were perfect sizes for a one-week trip. This scent is sweet but still has a very fresh element. It has top notes of orange blossom (I love this scent) and Bergamot. I had never tried it before but I really love the smell so I would definitely repurchase.

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Compared to last month, I used up more items which I’m really happy with. It’s mostly due to me taking a lot of the items above on vacation so I ended up only using those items whereas at home I’m always using different things! haha!

What items have you used up for April?

Lots of Love,
Dal

Review, Shiseido Ibuki Smart Filtering Smoother (discontinued)

April 22, 2019April 22, 2019 littlebeautyloves4 Comments

I love Shiseido products so I was very excited to receive their Ibuki Smart Filtering Smoother through Influenster. I thought it was a primer to wear under the skin at first and was excited about the “smoothing” part of it, but it’s actually a product you wear to help cover shine.

Although this item is discontinued, I’m going to share a review since this is part of my Project Pan Monthly for April.

What It Is

Skin-blurring filter for smooth, picture-perfect skin. I liken it to blotting paper but in liquid form.

Price

$29.00 CAD (20 mL) This is pricey for such a tiny little product. You don’t need much so at least it lasts long.

Application

The Smart Filtering Primer is very liquid so it spreads easily over the skin. I’ve tried it both over makeup and under makeup. Since it’s designed to reduce shine it does dry out my skin which partly why I don’t use it too often.

When I’ve worn it under makeup I found that it helps to smooth my skin, especially on my cheeks or forehead. It’s not the best on my nose which is the driest part of my face because I find it accentuated the dryness and made my foundation crack.

I know when I first received this I used it a lot in the summer to help keep my skin dry during the hot months. I am traveling at the end of this month so I’ll be taking this with me to help reduce sweat and shine on my face.

Over the last month, I’ve been wearing this over my makeup to help blend everything together and reduce some of the shine on my dewy foundations. I put a little drop onto my finger tips and then pat it over my cheeks and forehead.

This really isn’t for my dry skin but I have it so I will use it. I think if I had normal-oily skin I would enjoy this more.

My Thoughts

I don’t absolutely hate this, it just wasn’t made for me and my skin type. I’m using it for my Project Pan and trying it in the areas of my skin that do have more shine. I’ve also been applying it over my makeup to make it more matte. All in all, I think this is mostly just going to be best used in the summer.

Have you ever tried this product or something like it? What are your thoughts? Any ideas on how I might enjoy a product like this more? Let me know!

Lots of Love,
Dal

littlebeautyloves

I like Makeup and I blog about it!

Author: littlebeautyloves

Bye Bye Empties, June 2019

Skincare

Haircare

Makeup

Project Pan Monthly: June Roundup & July Items

Project Pan Monthly

June Round-Up

My July Items

Unboxing BoxyCharm, June 2019

PRICES ARE IN USD, CONVERTED TO CAD AT THE END

Project Pan Monthly: May Roundup & June Items

Project Pan Monthly

May Round-Up

My June Items

Bye Bye Empties, May 2019

Skincare

Makeup

Review: First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser

Unboxing BoxyCharm, May 2019

PRICES ARE IN USD, CONVERTED TO CAD AT THE END

Project Pan Monthly: April Roundup & May Items

Project Pan Monthly

April Roundup

My May Items

Bye Bye Empties, April 2019

Body Care

Haircare

Fragrance

Review, Shiseido Ibuki Smart Filtering Smoother (discontinued)