Unfaves From the Boxes

September 6, 2018September 5, 2018 littlebeautyloves4 Comments

I mentioned in my last Faves From the Boxes post that I wanted to share some items that I wasn’t a fan of from my subscription boxes. Usually, if I get an item I know I’m not going to use I pass it along to my friends, family or donate them. Sometimes, I’m intrigued by the item and try it and it doesn’t live up to my expectations. Below are a few that didn’t work out for me.

BareMinerals Face Perfecting Brush
Received in BoxyCharm September 2017

I used this brush quite a bit in the beginning and liked it. I would pump a bit of my foundation into the dip in the centre and blend it over my face. The brush was dense but still soft and I thought it did a good job of applying foundation to my face. That was until I got a bit closer to the mirror and noticed the terrible amount of streak it left. It really just moved product around and I didn’t like the finish it left. The one way I could get it to perform better is if I continued to blend or followed it up with my beauty blender. Now if I’ve got to grab another application tool to make this work, then I’m out!

It’s too bad it didn’t work out for me because the idea behind the brush was really good. I will try this with my mineral foundation and see if it’s better (it is a BareMinerals product after all) but for liquid foundation it’s a no go.

South Mane Beauty Under Eye Gels
Received in BoxyCharm March 2018

The moment I tried these I did not like them! This came in a pack of three so I decided to give it a second shot, but still, it was awful. It has a very uncomfortable tingle and after I removed the gel I felt like it accentuated my dark circles.

Now, there may be an ingredient in this that I’m unaware I’m sensitive to but it just didn’t do what it claims to do on me. If you have sensitive skin, I would not recommend this product.

Laritzy Cosmetics Silicone Makeup Blender
Received in Topbox November 2017

Now I knew I didn’t like these style blenders. I had one from Amazon and it just smeared my foundation everywhere on my face. However, when reading the description of the Laritzy blender they suggested using it to blend skincare products and I thought maybe it could be better for that. I tried it on and off for a few weeks with my skincare and I felt the same way I did about foundation. It really didn’t help spread the skincare and it would just sit on top of my face and didn’t feel like it aided with anything.

I’m much better off using my fingers and gently tapping products in. I also thought this might be good for spreading around clay masks but it was terrible for that, it left everything in a streak. I really don’t know what would be best used for these blenders!

My Thoughts

I know not everything will always work for me and I did try to make the items above work. I’m sure someone is probably really enjoying these products and that’s good because I’m sure it’s what the brands intended.

Have you tried any of the items above? If you get subscription boxes what are some items you’ve received that you did not enjoy?

Lots of love,
Dal

Review, Hightlighter Collection

August 1, 2018August 1, 2018 littlebeautyloves14 Comments

I was going through my makeup box the other day and organizing a lot of it’s contents. Since the time I started sharing my empties each month, I’ve been much more diligent about using up items I have open, rather than just opening new ones. I have quite a lot of highlighters that I haven’t started using and there a select few that I have.

Currently, there are four hightlighters I have in rotation. When you think about how little you need to highlight and how much product a lot of pans hold, I know that these hightlighters will last me a long time. I use highlighter a few times a week and the ones I’m sharing with you below are ones that I really do enjoy.

Becca x Jaclyn Hill Champagne Glow Palette (Holiday 2015)

This one is an oldie but a goodie! I think this was the first Champagne Pop face collection palette that was released after Champagne Pop first came onto the scene and really put highlighters and Becca Cosmetics on the map in my opinion. I use Pearl (pale white shade) and Champagne Pop (peachy-pinky centre shade) the most, however, I have used Blushed Copper (warm copper/red shade) over the eyes before.

Pearl and Champagne Pop look good on their own on me, but I actually love mixing these two colours together. This highlight is definitely my going-out, in your face highlight combo because it’s very intense for me. Champagne Pop is such a nice highlight on my skin tone and although there have been so many new highlighters that are very similar to it, I still just love using this. It’s very pearl-like on the face. Even though this palette isn’t available for purchase the individual shades are because they are part of the Becca Permanent Line.

CoverFX Custom Enhancer Drops in MoonLight

Speaking of in your face highlighter, the Costom Enhancer Drops from CoverFx are soooooo intense! You really need to be careful with how much you apply but with the perfect amount I can get a very silky looking highlight. This little bottle is actually part of my Project Pan for 2018, but I like it so much that I might splurge on a large bottle once this is done.

With dry skin, I always want to look super dewy. What I’ve started to do, thanks to suggestions from stashy and mufavorites is mixing a little drop of this in my foundation and moisturizers. It gives me a really nice all over glow and doesn’t look too sparkly.

Vintage Cosmetics Illuminating Face Highlighter in Rose Gold

When I first received this product in my December BoxyCharm, I was worried that it would be too sparkly. After using it a few times, I found that it wasn’t as sparkly as I thought and find that the glow on this is very subtle. It has a pretty pink colour that I enjoy wearing over my cheeks as a blush topper.

I like the gold shift in this highlighter so if I’m going for a more warm makeup look I find it ties tge look together. I’m so happy to have discovered this through my subscription box!

Tarte Cosmetics Amazonian Clay in Exposed

Another item from my Project Pan, I have a highlighter from Tarte that I both like and dislike. I love the concept of a nude highlight because sometimes I just want my highlight to be barely there but just give me the tiniest glow when light hits my face. This highlight definitely does that which I really love. The only thing is I’m not sure if the product doesn’t stick to my skin very long or if after sometime I stop noticing it, but sometimes after a few hours it feels like it disappears.

It’s one of those highlights that I’ll wear during the day when I don’t want to go full out with my makeup. make my OK highlighter, I don’t hate it but it doesn’t get me as excited as the ones I mentioned above.

Swatches!

Thoughts

Well there you have it! All the highlighters I’m using right niw. One that I missed including but love is my Mary-LouManizer by The Balm.

The colour range of these all fall within the peachy/pinky zone which I like the best on my skin. I think after reviewing these, I might be open to new suggestions. I do have a hightlighter from Wet N’ Wild that I received in my March Topbox that I’m tempted to crack open!

What’s your favourite hightlighter? Have any suggestions for me to try next?

Lots of Love,
Dal

Review, L’Oreal Blend Artist Infallible Foundation Blender Sponge

July 17, 2018July 16, 2018 littlebeautyloves16 Comments

For the most part, I don’t stray away from using my Beauty Blender to apply foundation. I do at times use a foundation brush, which I will share soon but I gravitate more towards my sponge. What I like to do is pump foundation on to the back of my hand, then dot it over my face with my fingers. I then use a sponge to blend out the foundation.

I have tried a few other makeup sponges in the past that I have enjoyed including the Real Techniques Makeup Sponges and Sephora’s Makeup Sponges but I always go back to the Beauty Blender. I am always interested in trying new sponges because I don’t like spending close to $30 every time I need a new Beauty Blender.

I was shopping in Walmart when I saw the L’Oreal Blend Artist Infallible Foundation Blender Sponge and I figured I would try it out. I put my Beauty Blender to the side and tested out the L’Oreal sponge exclusively for the last three weeks

What it is

A non- disposable, makeup sponge applicator with an exclusive plush material. Designed to be used for liquid and cream foundations it has an easy to grip shape and rounded edges for guaranteed effortless blending (amazon.ca)

Price

This is on Amazon.ca for $13.99 but I’m sure when I got it from Walmart it was about $10.00-11.00 CAD. This is about half of the cost of a Beauty Blender and I’m all about that!

Application

If I compare the texture of this sponge to ones I’ve tried, I’d say it’s very close to the Beauty Blender. It’s very plush-like and porous which makes application of foundation very even. But unlike the Beauty Blender, it doesn’t appear to absorb too much of my liquid foundation and I get more mileage from one pump.

As far as size goes, it’s about the same as my Beauty Blender Pro when dry. It expands a lot more than the Beauty Blender does when wet. Granted the pro blender that I’m comparing this to is a bit different from the original pink blender, but for side-by-side comparisons, I figured it was worth sharing. I think this makes it quicker for applying foundation because the surface area is greater.

Now comparing the bounciness of the sponge, the L’Oreal sponge is not as squishy as the Beauty Blender but it’s soft enough that it bounces on my skin. I’ve tried sponges in the past that are just so hard you feel like your punching yourself with it. Not the case with this one, there is just enough give that it feels really comfortable when applying foundation.

One thing I really like about the L’Oreal sponge is that the sides are indented. This makes it easy to grip and control. The tip of this is small enough that when I squeeze the top of the sponge I can get it to blend out foundation or concealer under my eyes.

It’s a bit too fat to get a sharp contour or highlight, but if you’re like me and prefer a more subtle or blurred-out look it’s great for that. I use my Beauty Blender in the same way so it’s not so different here.

My Thoughts

I’m pretty surprised at how much I like this sponge. I didn’t do any research before buying it so I didn’t know if this was going to be good or not. For the cost, I would feel comfortable buying this again. This is probably the best alternative to the Beauty Blender that I’ve tried so far and I might start to use this more than my Beauty Blender (at least switching the sponges back and forth so that I’m cleaning one sponge daily).

What beauty sponges are you enjoying lately? What recommendations for sponges do you have?

Lots of love,
Dal

No Stink Here! My Favourite Deodorants

May 21, 2018May 19, 2018 littlebeautyloves2 Comments

About three years ago I switched from using antiperspirant to deodorant. It took my body about a month to adjust but after that period I’ve been so happy that I stopped using antiperspirant. At first, I thought I would sweat and smell so much worse when I stopped using antiperspirant and the first little while I was constantly scrubbing my armpits and spraying lots of perfume while my body adjusted. Turns out though that I sweat a lot less now and I don’t stink as much. My body has found a happy balance.

For the last few years, I have been putting so many different deodorants to the test, seeing what would work for my body chemistry and provide me with all day freshness. Of all the ones I’ve tried, the ones I’ve listed below are my favourite. I’ve arranged them from my ultimate favourite to favourite 🙂

1. Kiss My Face Active Life Deodorant (Fragrance-Free)

It’s weird to think that a fragrance free deodorant would keep me feeling really fresh and stink-free! I guess having no scent works great for me and my body chemistry. This is a gel consistency and I like the way it glides under my arms.

It’ll last about 8-9 hours before I feel like I’d need to reapply. Even if I’m having an active day, I know this will keep me protected. Because I can’t find this in store, I always order 3-4 at a time online. I think this comes in other scents but I love the fragrance free formula.

2. Yves Rocher 24h Deodorant in Cotton Flower from India

This is a roller ball deodorant and I’ve mentioned this before in my empties post. At first, this feels really watery so I have to be careful with how much I use for the first few uses. After that, I feel like the consistency thins out and applies a little bit more evenly. It is very creamy so it almost feels like it moisturizes under my arms as well.

I really love the smell of this and unlike the Kiss my Face Deodorant, I feel like it lasts a little bit longer on me. The only other downside is that this empties pretty quickly on me so I find I constantly have to repurchase. I keep backups of this always as well!

3. Pacifica Underarm Deodorant Wipes

I love the scent of these wipes and how they are so perfect for on the go! One wipe is too big for me so I’ll split it into two which is great because then I don’t feel like I’m being wasteful.

If I know I have a long day (ie work then an evening out) I like to use this because I can keep the wipes with me and reapply as needed. I find that this is a great option to keep with you if you want to freshen up later in the day or after the gym. I have not tried the other scents but I really enjoy this coconut scent because it’s light and tropical and reminds me of summer.

Well, there you go! My top deodorants! Let me know if you use deodorants and what your favourite brand is or if you’ve tried any of the ones I’ve listed above.

Lots of Love,
Dal

Loving my Brows! Clinque Pretty Easy Brow Palette Review

May 14, 2018May 12, 2018 littlebeautyloves17 Comments

I usually prefer brow pencils when I fill in my brows but during the holidays I got the Clinique Pretty Easy Brow Palette as a gift and I decided to test it out when my Benefit Brow Definer emptied. Now, I’ve used brow powders before but never really enjoyed them, however, this time around I found myself enjoying the formula of this powder and wanted to share my thoughts.

What it is

Deluxe brow kit features natural-looking brow powder, a powder highlighter, and tinted brow fixative (Clinque.ca).

The compact includes two 2-ended applicators that work really well to apply the products.

Price

$46.00 CAD. This is about double the cost of most pencils that I use but considering that brow powders take longer for me to use up I think I’ll get more mileage out of this. Plus, you get the brow highlight and fixative. If I bought these items individually they might come up to the same price as this compact.

Packaging

This is a sleek metallic package that is compact and reflective. I like this guy because you can take it on the go and have all the brow items you need making it a good travel item for me. I also like that it has a clear, good quality mirror that is the size of the compact which is great to use when applying your brows.

Application & Wear

I’m going to address the shade range here; there isn’t one. There is only one universal colour that I guess is supposed to match light to medium brown hair tones. I don’t think this will work for anyone with blonde or dark hair. I have brown brows so it’s a good match on me, it’s just about one shade lighter so I can make it work because I only use brow products to fill inside my brows and not to create brow hairs. I hope that provides a good comparison.

Back to the applicators that came with this product. I think they are great! I use the angled side “3” to apply the brow powder to my brows and the sponge applicator side “1” to apply the fixative. Basically, I switched the two compared to what is suggested in the guide provided in the compact but that’s what works for me. I kept the little guide on the mirror because I use my bathroom mirror to apply my brows.

I like the formula of the brow powder because it’s soft but not flaky and you can apply it lightly and build it up the brows. The fixative is also surprisingly nice. It feels more like a cream than it does a gel and it doesn’t leave my brows feeling stiff like some brow waxes will. They do stay relatively in place which is fine for my everyday makeup routine. If I was going out and wanted my brows to stay firm, I’d use a different brow gel (like the Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel)

The powder highlight has a pearl-like sheen and is a nice peachy-white colour. I don’t wear brow highlight often only because my brow bone is so high and naturally protrudes.

I thought this lasted the work day for me. It’s not as good as my pencil applicators but enough that I don’t feel like my brows look spotty during the day. I wonder how well it’ll work as the days get warmer and if it’s sweat proof, but it’s not bad for spring weather.

My Thoughts

I really enjoy this! I would totally recommend it if you like to wear your brows naturally or just want to lightly fill them in. It’s a nice little set that you can take everywhere you go or want everything in front of you to make brow application quick.

Have you tried any brow product you’ve enjoyed recently? What’s your favourite brow applicator type? Pencil, gel, or powder?

Lots of Love,
Dal

Favourites from the Boxes: February & March 2018

April 11, 2018April 11, 2018 littlebeautyloves8 Comments

It’s been difficult using items from my subscription boxes because I really want to use up my Project Pan items. There are still items that I have been testing and using lately so I wanted to share them here. I enjoy sharing the items I love in my boxes and doing the mini-reviews here because I think it’s useful if anyone was debating getting a subscription box.

There are also some items I get that I don’t enjoy. It’s not as often but I might start sharing the Unloves from the boxes every once in a while too.

RealHer Blush Kit
Received in BoxyCharm December 2017

When you first look at the pans you might think, oh boy some of those are bright, but they are a beautiful sheer wash of colour on the cheeks. I have been using the colours Fearless and Limitless the most in this palette and I think they are wonderful for my everyday makeup looks.

The formula is really smooth so it doesn’t patch up on my skin. Fearless looks very shimmery in the pan but it actually applies matte with just a subtle sheen that makes my cheeks look highlighted.

Limitless looks like a really bright coral but it actually just enhances my natural cheek colour and appears natural on the skin. I’m super impressed with both of these. Although I have not used Unstoppable yet, I will give it a try when I want a more bronzy blush.

Crown Pro Blush Brush
Received in BoxyCharm February 2018

I may have just received this brush but it immediately replaced my older angled blush brush. I use this all the time and I love that it’s dense at the base but fluffy at the top so application of blush is very sheer and easy to build up.

The brush is super soft and although I don’t love the thickness of the handle, it’s very light. I think it’s a very cute style with the all white and pink tips. This came in a trio and although I also enjoy the medium sized brush for concealer, this is my favourite of the three.

Professional Sebastian Shaper Plus Extra Hold Hairspray
Received in Topbox November 2017

I didn’t use too much hairspray before but now that I’ve cut my hair I like to applying it whenever I style my hair. I love this hairspray, and it’s not like anything I’ve used before. It holds my style all day but my hair still feels really soft to the touch and it actually makes it super shiny.

I wash my hair every few days and I like that it keeps my hair feeling good and not stiff at all. The nozzle is great because it disperses the product evenly and thiny through my hair. This was a small sample but I hope that it lasts me a while. I know I’m likely going to get this in a full size when it empties.

There you have it! Items I have been loving from my subscription boxes the last few months. Are there any items in your boxes you have been enjoying?

Lots of Love,
Dal

Review: Aveeno’s Positively Radiant Body Collection

April 2, 2018April 1, 2018 littlebeautyloves14 Comments

I can feel warmer weather on the horizon in Toronto! With that comes shorts and skirts and showing off my legs! I’ve been extremely diligent with my body care routine to keep my legs and body hydrated and even-toned so using products that help me achieve that is important. I’m really excited to share this review of Aveeno’s Positively Radiant Body Collection* on the blog today!

I’ve been a long time user of Aveeno and it all started with their oat body wash. When I first started shaving my legs, they would feel extremely dry and itchy and the only thing that I felt was gentle and moisturizing enough for them was that body wash. I later remember grabbing a body lotion from Aveeno and feeling like it improved the moisture on my skin.

Recently, Aveeno launched their new Positively Radiant Body Lotion, Exfoliating Body Wash and Dark Spot Corrector and I was able to test them out.

This collection has their ACTIVE NATURALS Total Soy Complex to correct tone. According to Aveeno, the body lotion and body work together to visibly transform the look of all 5 factors of radiance (tone, texture, dullness, blotchiness and brown spots). Using this collection reveals healthy, more visibly radiant skin and fades the look of dark spots and uneven skin tone. (Aveeno)

I used the Exfoliating Body Wash and Body Lotion every day for the last week and a half.

The Exfoliating Body Wash is pretty gentle although it has exfoliants. It helps to buff my skin without it feeling like scratching. This is soap-free, dye-free, hypoallergenic so I didn’t feel like it stripped my skin of its natural oils and I felt pretty moisturized after my shower. I know it’s good for me because even after I shower, I felt hydrated before even using the body lotion.

The Body Lotion is my favourite item in the collection. It’s creamy and thick but absorbed into my skin quickly. I knew the lotion was going to be good because I’ve tried Aveeno lotions before and loved them. It doesn’t have a greasy feeling which I absolutely love and it helped calm my skin those days I did shave my legs. The formula has natural light reflecting minerals to give off a radiant look.

It feels like my skin is slightly more radiant and is more even-toned. This will come in handy as the weather gets warmer and I start wearing more clothing that shows off my legs!

The Dark Spot Corrector will also come in handy closer to the summer months to help even out my skin tone on my legs. This corrector evens out the look of dark spots, discolouration and uneven skin tone. I have some discolouration on my legs (especially since I shave them in the summer) so I look forward to them looking even and radiant!

You can learn more about these products by heading to www.aveeno.ca

So who’s ready for warm weather in the city!? What products will you use to help prep your skin?

Lots of Love,
Dal

Disclosure: This post is powered by Brandbacker. The items above were sent to me for reviewing purposes.

Review Update: GrandeLASH™ MD Lash Enhancing Serum, One Tube Later

March 20, 2018March 19, 2018 littlebeautyloves10 Comments

I wanted to do an update on the results I’ve been experiencing since I started using the GrandeLash MD Lash Enhancing Serum.

Take a read at my original review where I talk about my first 8 weeks of using the product. In that post, I go in-depth on the application and other product details. The instructions said users would get the full results in 3 months, so here we are!

NOTE: Although I tried to be as consistent as possible there were some nights that I simply forgot to use this. I still see results but I think if I was more diligent with applying this every night they might have been better!

After finishing up a whole bottle this is what my lashes look like!

This after using the whole tube. If you want to see my week-by-week progress, please read my original review here.

I feel that my photos don’t do this justice. My lashes are not noticeable in the photos, but in person my they are longer and much more curled. They feel thicker to the touch as well.

I see the greatest difference when I’m wearing mascara because I notice how much longer the lashes have become. Since I wear mascara every day I notice that my lashes look a lot more dramatic compared to 3 months ago. I don’t feel like I have more lashes, but that the lashes I do have are longer, thicker and curlier.

I’ve included two sets of photos below from my palette review series posts because you can see the difference my lashes look like with mascara on.

Here’s a photo from my Review of Estee Lauder’s Color Envy Palette from November 2017

Here’s a photo of the same eye, in February when I did a review of the Too Faced Just Peachy Mattes Palette.

I think I used They’re Real mascara in the top photo and Monsieur Big in the bottom photos but those mascaras don’t apply too differently on my lashes. Look at how much furth my lash looks when you compare the length against my crease. I hope you can see that the lashes in the centre of my eye look longer. You can go through my Palette Collection Review Series posts in the tab above and you’ll notice that my lashes have changed from now to three + months ago.

I’ve been very happy with my lash the results and have already invested in a second tube. After the first three months, you can apply this every other or third day just to maintain the lash length. I wonder how my lashes will look long term. If I notice a bigger difference I will let you know!

Have there been any lash enhancing serums you’ve tried?

Lots of Love,
Dal

Review: Using and Testing Makeup Removers

March 8, 2018March 7, 2018 littlebeautyloves9 Comments

The other day I was going through my bathroom cabinets and noticed that I have a few different makeup removers open. I began to realize that I use each one to remove a specific type of makeup be it everyday, heavy eye makeup, mascara etc.

I rotate through different makeup remover brands but the items themselves are always the same. I always have a micellar water, makeup remover/ cleanser wipe and makeup removing balm. I always follow up removing my makeup with a cleanser but these items really help to break down most, if not all, of the makeup on my face.

Makeup-Removing Wipes

Garnier Makeup Removing Micellar Wipes
$7.97 CAD, 25 Wipes

I use makeup removing wipes to remove my workday/everyday makeup because it tends to be a lot lighter. These wipes remove any light coverage foundation or bb creams, concealer, eye makeup pretty well. When I’m feeling really lazy, I can just use the wipe to clean my face and call it a day.

I rotate through so many makeup wipes but so far I like this one from Garnier the best! The cloth is so soft and it’s not crazy saturated with the product but enough that I feel like one cloth is good for my whole face. It even rivals the Simple makeup removing wipes or the Neutrogena wipes that I’ve used before because this is much better at removing makeup in my opinion. I also like that I don’t get left with a greasy/filmy feeling after using this that I sometimes experience with other makeup wipes.

Micellar Waters

Yves Rocher Sebo Vegetal Purifying Micellar Water 2 in 1
$29.00 CAD (390 mL) – Yves Rocher always has a promotion but this is the usual retail price

I like using micellar water similar to makeup removing/cleanser wipes. They are perfect for when I’m wearing a work day or everyday makeup look. What I like about micellar waters is that they are usually more gentle for use around my eyes so I like using them to remove eyeliner and mascara. I’ve noticed that the effectiveness of the micellar water improves when I use a good cotton pad. I find the Shiseido Facial Cotton really good with my micellar water because I don’t need to saturate them as much so a little product goes a long way. The cotton itself absorbs the product in such a way that it makes it easier to spread over my eyes. I’ve said this before but Shiseido really marries technology with beauty because you can tell that a lot of thought and innovation went into their products, or they are all wizards in those labs. Another more affordable option is the MUJI Cut Cotton, I actually prefer these peelable ones.

Although the Yves Rocher micellar water is designed for oily/combination skin, I still find it effective for my dry skin. It does a decent job of removing my makeup but unlike the ones from Bioderma or even the one I’ve tried from Vichy, it’s not the best at removing mascara. I have this in the large bottle so I will use it up but I don’t think I’d get this one again. I find with Yves Rocher a lot of their items are hit or miss for me so I either love and repurchase an item over and over or I get something and am super unimpressed by it, this one is of the latter.

Makeup-Removing Balms

Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm
$38.00 CAD (125 mL)

If I’m wearing a lot of makeup, say for an evening out or event I like using balms to remove it because they break down my mascara, eyeshadow, foundation so well without me needing to tug on my skin. I don’t use them every day only because they can feel oily and I don’t like that feeling on my skin all the time.

Clinique’s Take the Day Off is a balm that melts into an oil over the skin, removing with it even the toughest makeup. I love this guy because unlike a wipe or micellar water it works perfectly around the eyes. For me, mascara can be very tough to remove, especially because I prefer ones that are waterproof but balms just help the product slip off without damaging my lashes.

Another brand I want to include here is The Body Shop’s Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter because it works just as good and is $17.00 CAD (90 mL). Whenever this guy is on sale I pick it up but the one from Clinique is more affordable if you compare the cost per mL. This does the same thing and is very gentle on the skin.

Urban Decay Makeup Meltdown
$32.00 CAD (100 mL)

I remember there being so much hype when Urban Decays’ makeup remover line first launched but since then I hardly hear about them. I’ve included this in the makeup removing balm category because like the balms this is more of an oil makeup remover that works super well for heavy makeup removal. I LOVE THIS! You are supposed to spray this onto your hand or cotton pad before applying to the face but I’ve been lazy and sprayed it directly on my face.

Two sprays have removed my most stubborn makeup and are the best for removing glitter on me. I might rotate through different wipes, micellar waters or even balms, but this product is probably the only one I would repurchase the same of. I’m not sure how many makeups removing sprays there are out there but this is hands down the best.

These are the makeup removers I’ve been using and testing for the last while. What are some of your favourites or ones that you’ve been trying out? I’m always looking for something new.

Lots of Love,
Dal

Favourites from the Boxes, January 2018

January 29, 2018January 22, 2018 littlebeautyloves9 Comments

I wanted to share some items from my subscription boxes that I have been enjoying lately. It’s always fun to discover some great items!

Luxie Brushes 221T and 227T
Received in BoxyCharm November 2017

I enjoy the quad of brushes received but these two are my favourites of the bunch. The Blender Brush (227T) is great because it’s fluffy and flat so it’s great for blending in the crease. The style is similar to the Sigma E25/MAC 217 although it’s a lot fluffier. I like that I can use it as a shader brush or a blending brush.

I really enjoy the flat definer brush (221T) for applying shadow to my upper and lower lash line. It’s very flat so it creates a precise line.

The best part about both these brushes is that the handles are small. This makes them easier for me to hold and travel with. I really love them and use them all the time!

bareMinerals Translucent Powder Duo
Received in BoxyCharm July 2017

I enjoy using the matte side for those rare occasions that I set my undereye but I’ve included this duo in my favourites because of the glow side.

This gives just a hint of luminosity with fine glitter that my skin looks dewy when I apply it all over. Another thing I will do if I don’t apply this all over my face is to swipe it on the tops of my cheeks before I add highlighter just to give it that extra oomph.

Benefit Boi-ing Airbrush Concealer in No.1
Received in Topbox July 2017

This gives decent coverage under the eyes and I enjoy mixing it with other concealers. I also love putting this on my lid before primer to cancel out the darkness and veins around my eyes and give me a base for my eyeshadows.

It’s creamy and blends nicely around the eyes. I had originally likened it to the Becca under eye concealer but this one is not as sticky or shiny. I actually like this formula way better in comparison. My only drawback is that this is in a jar but I understand that this type of formula would not work in a tube.

There you have it! Items I have been testing, using and loving from my boxes. If you get subscription boxes, what items have been standing out to you?

Have you tried any of the items I’ve listed above? What are your thoughts?

Lots of Love,
Dal

littlebeautyloves

I like Makeup and I blog about it!

Category: Reviews

Unfaves From the Boxes

Review, Hightlighter Collection

Review, L’Oreal Blend Artist Infallible Foundation Blender Sponge

No Stink Here! My Favourite Deodorants

Loving my Brows! Clinque Pretty Easy Brow Palette Review

Favourites from the Boxes: February & March 2018

Review: Aveeno’s Positively Radiant Body Collection

Disclosure: This post is powered by Brandbacker. The items above were sent to me for reviewing purposes.

Review Update: GrandeLASH™ MD Lash Enhancing Serum, One Tube Later

Review: Using and Testing Makeup Removers

Makeup-Removing Wipes

Micellar Waters

Makeup-Removing Balms

Favourites from the Boxes, January 2018