Some products may have been received as PR samples - this post contains affiliate links
Glamglow Glowstarter Mega Illuminating Moisturizer in Nude Glow ~ sample size (full size is $64.00 CAN). A daily illuminating moisturizer to give your skin an instant hydrated glow—with hyaluronic acid, green tea, and highlighting pearl particles, your skin will be moisturized, energized, and glowing.
I really like this moisturizer - it's super glowy and bright and it's amazing mixed with a light tinted moisturizer just for a gentle glow to the skin (you can see it on me like that here!) This also smells so good!
Repurchase: I did really like it and I have another sample to use!
Becca First Light Priming Filter Face Primer ~ mini size for $28.00 CAN (full size is $51.00 CAN). A hydrating, color-neutralizing primer that creates the look of healthy, even skin tone with a natural finish.
Spoiler alert for my Project Pan - I finished this primer! If you saw my most recent 20 in 2020 project pan, then you know that I was almost done this in my February update! This primer was pretty and glowy, but I'm not sure it did a ton for longevity for my makeup.
Repurchase: Probably not...
Wet n Wild Photo Focus Foundation in Nude Ivory ~ $7.97 CAN at Walmart or $8.79 CAN at Shoppers. Our new high-performing, skin-perfecting foundation underwent major road testing under seven different photo lighting conditions to deliver flawless camera-ready makeup every time. Specially made with a matte, light-diffusing complex to give your skin #nofilter perfection.
I've raved about this foundation a lot - it was a favourite of 2019 discovery for sure and you can see how it looks on me here! I am in between this shade and Buff Bisque - probably best mixed with these two, but this is a better Winter shade. This is a great foundation and looks best applied with a brush.
Repurchase: Yes I will
BeautyBlender - The Original BeautyBlender ~ $26.00 CAN. An edgeless, non-disposable, high-definition cosmetic sponge applicator.
I'm a pretty big BeautyBlender fan - of all the sponges that I've tried, I just prefer it! But, I tend to use them for too long and is the case with this one, it started to collect a bunch of product at the top and it was time to go! (Although, I didn't think I had this one for too long, only picking it up in November but I need to clean them more as I used them I think).
Repurchase: Yes, I'm trying a different brand first
Grande Cosmetics GrandeMASCARA Lash Boosting Mascara ~ sample shown (full size is $31.00 CAN.) A revolutionary conditioning mascara to flaunt a faux lash look.
This mascara was pretty good - it was really thickening and made my lashes look fluffy. It was a little on the drier side which I liked, but it dried out pretty quickly and started flaking. If it didn't do that it would have been a great formula. You can see it on my lashes here!
Repurchase: Nah...
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask in Vanilla ~ sample size shown (full size is $26.00 CAN). A leave-on lip mask that soothes and moisturizes for smoother, more supple lips overnight.
This is another product that has been around for a little - this lip mask made my Best of Makeup in 2018, so I've been loving this for a while! But, this is even more important in the Winter - my lips are so dry and this is a necessity for me! This goes on nice and thick and works all night so you wake up to super soft and smooth lips! This is a total must-have!
Repurchase: Still have another sample, but likely will pick it up again
Paula's Choice 2% BHA Exfoliant ~ $29.50 US. Our #1 product worldwide + cult favorite, this gentle leave-on exfoliant quickly unclogs pores, smooths wrinkles, and brightens and evens out skin tone.
This product is basically amazing - it made my 2019 Skincare Favourites! This works for daily maintenance (I use it a couple of days a week), but it is amazing on breakouts as well as those horrible deep acne spots. I'm so impressed with this and love that it is a super gentle formula with a lower amount of BHA, so it's not drying or harsh on the skin!
Repurchase: Yes!
Paula's Choice Power Berry Serum ~ $31.00 US. This 95% natural serum gives skin a healthy glow through a potent combination of berries selected for their proven antioxidant power in nature.
This was a really great daily serum - I could use this every day and night and it was really lovely and refreshing on the skin. I thought it was really good and made my skin feel smooth and healthy.
Repurchase: Likely, when I get through the million serums I have to use first!
Bioderma Hydrabio Gel-Cream Moisturizing Cream ~ sample shown (full size is $29.50 CAN). The smooth skin care generates hydration and intense radiance. Normal to combination dehydrated sensitive skin.
This was a nice light-weight gel cream. I think I brought this for our holiday in January and used most of it up, just had to finish a little up when we got back. I thought it worked well in the warm weather and it was pretty good and moisturizing.
Repurchase: Hmm.. not sure... good, but not my favourite
Viver Foaming Cleanser ~ $42.00 CAN. This luxurious medical grade gel cleanser removes impurities, excess oils and makeup, leaving skin feeling clean, smooth and soft.
This was one of the worst cleansers I've used - I would use this as a second cleanser and it just wouldn't do much in terms of makeup removal. The only time this cleanser was decent was first thing in the morning as a very gentle cleanse when there was nothing on the skin. The hardest part was the packaging - this was a super thick formula and it did not work with the pump top because one pump was not enough, and it would take forever to try and get a second pump. I honestly got so frustrated with this and tried to use it to clean my brushes and it just hardly worked for that either.
Repurchase: Noooooo
Physicians Formula The Perfect Matcha 3-in-1 Melting Cleansing Balm ~ $15.99 CAN. A gentle 3-in-1 cleansing balm that melts away makeup, deeply cleans away impurities and leaves the skin fully supple and hydrated.
This was a really great formula - it even made my favourites in September 2019! I love that it's at the drugstore and it's pretty affordable (it's often on sale too!) It got rid of all my makeup including mascara and was easy to wash off! A very good formula!
Repurchase: Yes, after trying a few other brands!
Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm ~ $45.00 CAN. A makeup remover and face cleanser that melts virtually all makeup, leaving skin hydrated and silky smooth.
This just made my Monthly Favourites in January and I while I really like the PF balm, I think this one just edges it out a little bit - it removes the makeup just a touch better (this is fantastic with removing eye makeup) and it is very effortless! Also, you need less of this one and it was just really great!
Repurchase: Yes, again after I try a few different brands
Neutrogena Make-Up Removing Cleansing Wipes Night Calming Duo ~ $19.99 CAN for 2 packs of wipes. Gently and effectively dissolve all traces of dirt, oil and make-up from your face.
These "night calming" wipes apparently have a unique scent to help you unwind - I really didn't notice a scent; but, these worked well and removed makeup. This is one of the only type of face wipes that I think actually remove most makeup, so I tend to stick to these ones.
Repurchase: Yes
The Body Shop Banana Truly Nourishing Shampoo ~ $11.00 CAN for 250 ml (also $6.00 CAN for 60 ml and $16.00 CAN for 400 ml). This truly nourishing, cruelty-free shampoo gently cleanses your hair and drenches it in an uplifting, tropical scent. Enriched with deliciously ripe Community Trade organic banana puree from Ecuador.
The Body Shop Banana Truly Nourishing Conditioner ~ $11.00 CAN for 250 ml (also $6.00 CAN for 60 ml). Enriched with real banana puree, this creamy conditioner is irresistible. Use after shampoo for moisturized, tangle-free, healthy looking hair.
These are so amazing - I reviewed a whole lot of The Body Shop banana products on a big post here and these were a standout for sure! These smell amazing and the formula works well for me - I can actually get two days without using dry shampoo (which is rather unheard of for my hair!) They are 100% vegetarian, made with community trade bananas, formulated without silicones, and made for dry to normal hair - and, they are so lovely! They made my Monthly Favourites in August 2019 too and this is the second time using these up!
Repurchase: Yes I will
This product is basically amazing - it made my 2019 Skincare Favourites! This works for daily maintenance (I use it a couple of days a week), but it is amazing on breakouts as well as those horrible deep acne spots. I'm so impressed with this and love that it is a super gentle formula with a lower amount of BHA, so it's not drying or harsh on the skin!
Repurchase: Yes!
Paula's Choice Power Berry Serum ~ $31.00 US. This 95% natural serum gives skin a healthy glow through a potent combination of berries selected for their proven antioxidant power in nature.
This was a really great daily serum - I could use this every day and night and it was really lovely and refreshing on the skin. I thought it was really good and made my skin feel smooth and healthy.
Repurchase: Likely, when I get through the million serums I have to use first!
Bioderma Hydrabio Gel-Cream Moisturizing Cream ~ sample shown (full size is $29.50 CAN). The smooth skin care generates hydration and intense radiance. Normal to combination dehydrated sensitive skin.
This was a nice light-weight gel cream. I think I brought this for our holiday in January and used most of it up, just had to finish a little up when we got back. I thought it worked well in the warm weather and it was pretty good and moisturizing.
Repurchase: Hmm.. not sure... good, but not my favourite
Viver Foaming Cleanser ~ $42.00 CAN. This luxurious medical grade gel cleanser removes impurities, excess oils and makeup, leaving skin feeling clean, smooth and soft.
This was one of the worst cleansers I've used - I would use this as a second cleanser and it just wouldn't do much in terms of makeup removal. The only time this cleanser was decent was first thing in the morning as a very gentle cleanse when there was nothing on the skin. The hardest part was the packaging - this was a super thick formula and it did not work with the pump top because one pump was not enough, and it would take forever to try and get a second pump. I honestly got so frustrated with this and tried to use it to clean my brushes and it just hardly worked for that either.
Repurchase: Noooooo
Physicians Formula The Perfect Matcha 3-in-1 Melting Cleansing Balm ~ $15.99 CAN. A gentle 3-in-1 cleansing balm that melts away makeup, deeply cleans away impurities and leaves the skin fully supple and hydrated.
This was a really great formula - it even made my favourites in September 2019! I love that it's at the drugstore and it's pretty affordable (it's often on sale too!) It got rid of all my makeup including mascara and was easy to wash off! A very good formula!
Repurchase: Yes, after trying a few other brands!
Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm ~ $45.00 CAN. A makeup remover and face cleanser that melts virtually all makeup, leaving skin hydrated and silky smooth.
This just made my Monthly Favourites in January and I while I really like the PF balm, I think this one just edges it out a little bit - it removes the makeup just a touch better (this is fantastic with removing eye makeup) and it is very effortless! Also, you need less of this one and it was just really great!
Repurchase: Yes, again after I try a few different brands
Neutrogena Make-Up Removing Cleansing Wipes Night Calming Duo ~ $19.99 CAN for 2 packs of wipes. Gently and effectively dissolve all traces of dirt, oil and make-up from your face.
These "night calming" wipes apparently have a unique scent to help you unwind - I really didn't notice a scent; but, these worked well and removed makeup. This is one of the only type of face wipes that I think actually remove most makeup, so I tend to stick to these ones.
Repurchase: Yes
The Body Shop Banana Truly Nourishing Shampoo ~ $11.00 CAN for 250 ml (also $6.00 CAN for 60 ml and $16.00 CAN for 400 ml). This truly nourishing, cruelty-free shampoo gently cleanses your hair and drenches it in an uplifting, tropical scent. Enriched with deliciously ripe Community Trade organic banana puree from Ecuador.
The Body Shop Banana Truly Nourishing Conditioner ~ $11.00 CAN for 250 ml (also $6.00 CAN for 60 ml). Enriched with real banana puree, this creamy conditioner is irresistible. Use after shampoo for moisturized, tangle-free, healthy looking hair.
These are so amazing - I reviewed a whole lot of The Body Shop banana products on a big post here and these were a standout for sure! These smell amazing and the formula works well for me - I can actually get two days without using dry shampoo (which is rather unheard of for my hair!) They are 100% vegetarian, made with community trade bananas, formulated without silicones, and made for dry to normal hair - and, they are so lovely! They made my Monthly Favourites in August 2019 too and this is the second time using these up!
Repurchase: Yes I will
Briogeo Rosarco Milk Reparative Leave-In Conditioning Spray ~ $26.00 CAN. An ultra-light, leave-in conditioning spray that brings hydration and moisture to locks without weighing them down.
This made my Monthly Favorites all the way back in July 2017! I really liked this product so much for my hair - which can be dry and frizzy, but also very fine so I need a product that was light but effective product! This smelled really good and I really enjoyed it and then stopped using it for a while so I could try a few different brands, but I finally came back to this one and I really enjoyed it!
This made my Monthly Favorites all the way back in July 2017! I really liked this product so much for my hair - which can be dry and frizzy, but also very fine so I need a product that was light but effective product! This smelled really good and I really enjoyed it and then stopped using it for a while so I could try a few different brands, but I finally came back to this one and I really enjoyed it!
Repurchase: Most likely, I have a few other ones to use up!
Raspberry Mint Body Oil - Strawberry ~ $12.00 CAN. A blend of coconut and grapeseed oil with a soothing aroma. Use to moisturize and nourish skin. Formulated WITHOUT artificial colours, fragrances, or synthetic preservatives.
These body oils come in a spray bottle for easy application and this smells so good! This smells like raspberries and absorbs quickly in the skin and leaves the skin extra soft and smooth. This is an older product (and the brand is not even around anymore) but I did want to finish it up and I liked the spray application.
These body oils come in a spray bottle for easy application and this smells so good! This smells like raspberries and absorbs quickly in the skin and leaves the skin extra soft and smooth. This is an older product (and the brand is not even around anymore) but I did want to finish it up and I liked the spray application.
Repurchase: No
L'oreal Paris Magic Shampoo Tropical Splash Invisible Dry Shampoo ~ $9.99 CAN. Refreshes hair without leaving visible white residue. Volumizes roots and creates body. Perfumes hair with a tropical fragrance.
Alright, I feel like I've turned so picky about my dry shampoo (or it's just that I've been trying really crappy ones) and this one was not good at all - it just added grit to the hair without getting rid of oil or adding volume. No no no.
Repurchase: Noooo
Sensodyne Toothpaste ~ $4.99 for full size - travel size shown here. Sensodyne is specially formulated to relieve sensitivity.
For someone who has sensitive teeth, I don't actually really enjoy this formula! I just didn't think it worked that well and it didn't taste very good. I just finished it because we brought it travelling with us.
Repurchase: Not likely
Lush Candy Cane Toothpaste Jelly ~ $9.95 CAN. Sweeten up the season with this toothpaste jelly packed full of menthol crystals to cleanse teeth and soothe gums.
This sounded so weird that I really want to try it! It is a jelly consistency, but there is a couple chunky hard pieces in it. This does foam really nicely and makes your teeth feel nice and clean - but it's so minty that it actually is a little too spicy for me - like it slightly tingles and I find it a little too rough for my sensitive gums. This just got weirder too as it went on. This wasn't good for me.
Repurchase: Nooo
Clear Care Plus Cleaning and Disinfecting Solution ~ $19.97 CAN. Not only does CLEAR CARE® PLUS Cleaning and Disinfecting Solution clean and disinfect your contact lenses with the bubbling power of hydrogen peroxide, it also surrounds your lenses with long-lasting moisture.
This is a great contact solution - I switched to a hydrogen peroxide solution over a year ago (with only one mishap of not letting it rinse long enough). This is at least a 6 hour solution; but, it's great! Much better at cleaning than regular solutions!
Repurchase: Yes!
This is a great contact solution - I switched to a hydrogen peroxide solution over a year ago (with only one mishap of not letting it rinse long enough). This is at least a 6 hour solution; but, it's great! Much better at cleaning than regular solutions!
Repurchase: Yes!
Joe Fresh Cotton Pads ~ $2.00 CAN.
I always say that these are just good; but, once you use a really crappy cotton pad, you realize that these ones are actually really good! Really good! These ones work well for my face and nails, so they are good!
Repurchase: Yes
Listerine Floss ~ $?
Alright, I know this isn't an exciting product, but seriously who finishes a floss?! I know I don't do it often, so I had to include it!
Repurchase: I have enough to last a life time
Repurchase: I have enough to last a life time
Lush Shark Fin Soap ~ $5.95 CAN. Save sharks with this sea-inspired sudser.
Lush releases this limited edition soap once per year - you can see a full post on the soap and Lush's efforts to save the sharks here. This soap has a really nice, clean fresh scent that is a little citrusy! I'm a fan of Lush's soap formula - it's always nice and gentle and non-drying.
Repurchase: Yes I will
And, here are the couple of masks that I used in February:
Peach Slices Hydrate Mask ~ $2.49 US. Without moisture, your skin can become slack, dull, crack and even break out. Instantly refresh and rejuvenate skin with this natural cotton sheet mask with intense hydration from antioxidant-rich thyme and the Chinese morning calm flower.
Peach Slices is a harder-to-find brand in Canada, so I stocked up when I was in the States on holidays. This mask just made my February Favourites - I thought this mask fit well, had lots of essence, and wore so well - it was very hydrating and made my skin look and feel so fresh and soft!
Peach Slices is a harder-to-find brand in Canada, so I stocked up when I was in the States on holidays. This mask just made my February Favourites - I thought this mask fit well, had lots of essence, and wore so well - it was very hydrating and made my skin look and feel so fresh and soft!
Repurchase: Yes
Peach Slices Clarify Mask ~ $2.49 US. An innovative blend of luxurious and time-tested ingredients such as soothing loquat from the plum family and vitamin-packed, skin-toning persimmon leaves help draw out impurities like dirt and dead skin cells for cleaner, clearer, happier skin after wearing this cotton sheet mask.
This mask came with a slightly cooling effect and it fit really well. It had a lightly minty smell and it was clarifying and my skin did look clearer and more refreshed the next morning. I really liked this!
Repurchase: Yes
Ciate London Watermelon Burst Hydrating Eye Patches ~ $30.00 CAN for 6 sets of eye masks. Each hydro-gel patch is infused with skin-smoothing niacinamide, a boosting vitamin complex, and brightening watermelon extract. These skin superstars help to restore, revitalize, and reduce the appearance of fine lines for refreshed under eyes.
I just shared a full review post of these Watermelon Masks on a Skincare Sunday post - I thought that they were just okay. They added a quick burst of hydration, but didn't offer much beyond that (I mean, they also looked adorable)!
Repurchase: Nah, probably not
So, in February I used up 27 products and I'm going to add up the totals of each category I'm using up to see how much I use up by the end of 2020, so these numbers are from the start of the year:
-Makeup: 13
-Skincare: 19
-Bath and Body: 6
-Haircare: 5
-Nails: 1
-Masks: 8
-Other: 10
No comments :
Post a Comment