We are well into November now but I still wanted to share the products I enjoyed and those that we letdowns in the month of October. Let’s jump right in:
LOVES
Freeman Charcoal & Black Sugar Polishing Mask – $4.99 CAD
I’ve been using this “mask” for quite a few months now and I’m so impressed with it! First things first, my preference isn’t to use this as a mask but as a scrub. I’ve tried it a few times as a mask but I didn’t really notice any extra benefits from doing so. Instead I exfoliate my face with this a couple of times a week and it works really, really well. It has a thick grainy texture which really helps to exfoliate dead skin and unclog pores – I particularly love using this around my nose. When applied, this leaves a tingly, warming sensation on my skin and has a pleasant scent (I struggle to describe it – slightly sugary maybe?). Most importantly, I don’t experience any breakouts or sensitivity with this; my skin just feels soft, smooth and clean. For the price, you can’t beat this!
Repurchase?: Yes
Cerave PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion – $14.99 CAD
I’ve been using this off and on since the summer and religiously for the last month or so since I used up by PTR Glycolic Acid moisturizer. When I was using it off and on I didn’t really see much in terms of results from it but now that I’ve been using it regularly, I notice a real difference in my skin. I notice a difference if I’m experiencing breakouts – the next morning they are greatly reduced. It also helps with healing any dry patches that inevitably start appearing at this time of year.
I always appreciate a moisturizer that absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave my skin feeling greasy; that factors in to why I’ve been enjoying this. I”m not big on using super intense, thick moisturizers on a regular basis (only when I feel my skin needs them) and this offers just the right amount of hydration.
Repurchase?: Yes
Original Beauty Blender – $28 CAD
I never thought I’d like the Beauty Blender as much as I do. It’s just a makeup sponge, right? Wrong! It’s definitely not your typical makeup sponge, it’s so much more than that! Not only does it apply my liquid foundation flawlessly, I’ve learned to use it to apply primer, mineral powder foundation, finishing powder, bronzer and blush. I’m not normally a fan of using one tool to apply my entire face, but this makes it possible to do that successfully. Not to mention the fact that I’ve been using this since March this year and it’s still in pretty much perfect condition. I know it says to replace them every 3 months but meh, I wash it regularly and there’s no signs of rips or tears in it, so why not?
Repurchase?: Yes
LIKES
Milani Baked Blush – Bella Rosa
After hearing rave reviews about Milani’s Luminoso, I figured it was time for me to give it a try. The problem: the only place that sells Milani products here was sold out when I went to purchase it. I was disappointed… until I saw Bella Rosa! This is described as a Matte Bright Raspberry Pink and it looked like such a gorgeous colour. I own nothing like it – so I figured I’d try it out. And I’m glad I did!
This is a INTENSE blush. Probably the most pigmented bush I’ve ever used. The only drawback with this is that I have to use what I can only describe as something even less than a light hand. I dip a fluffy blush brush ever so slightly into it and then I blend. And blend. And blend! Because I’m so pale I have to be really careful with this to avoid looking like a clown. So that would be the only drawback. But I’d much rather have a blush that’s too pigmented than one that is not pigmented enough. Thank goodness this is highly blendable!
I’m happy to report that I finally have Luminoso in my hot little hands – I’ve yet to use it but I’ll be reporting on it soon.
Repurchase?: Yes*
*Because this is so pigmented, I feel like this blush will last me until the day I die so I’m not likely to re-purchase it. But I would if i needed to!
Living Proof Instant Texture Mist – $32.00 CAD
I seriously dream about having texture in my hair. Most times it’s so fine, and flat and limp. So when I saw this as a Point Perk option at Sephora, I eagerly exchanged it for 100 points. And like most Living Proof products, it’s great. The sample size was big enough that I got 2 uses out of it (although I sprayed quite a bit of it throughout my hair both times) I sprayed this on damp hair and styled it as usual (loose curls with my curling iron) and the curls lasted much longer than usual. Plus I had extra volume and my hair just felt springy and bouncy. But it didn’t leave any sticky residue behind which is key!
The only thing I’m not a fan of is the price. I contemplated picking this up at the Sephora VIB Rouge sale but I actually found what I think might be a comparable option for less so I’m going to use that up first. But eventually I would like to try the full size of this. Or the travel size if I could find it in store.
Repurchase?: Yes
L’oreal Vouminious Extra-Volume Collagen Mascara – $13.99 CAD
I used to use the original Voluminious mascara religiously, until I think they changed the formula and it started flaking and smudging on me. I actually kind of like this one better because it gives me crazy volume and thickness. Must be the collagen in it? The brush is huge and fluffy which also helps.
A few drawbacks – the price! This is never on sale! It can be a little hard to find too – it’s usually hidden away at the bottom of L’oreal’s mascara displays. Also, if I apply to many coats of this, I do find that it flakes off a bit. But I tend to go a little crazy with coats of mascara. And lastly, it can definitely clump. A mascara comb is a necessity with this. I’m always willing to sacrifice a few clumps for thick lashes though.
Repurchase?: Yes. This is my third tube!
LETDOWNS
Fructus Full & Plush Shampoo – $4.98
Shampoo is such a source of frustration for me. If I find something I like, I can use it for a bit and then my hair either gets used to it or just all out rejects it and it stops being as fantastic as it once was. Well didn’t have to worry about that with this one because it didn’t work from day one. Zero volume. Lifeless hair. Wouldn’t hold style. Ironic given that it’s supposed to provide thicker, fuller hair. Fail. At least it was cheap?
Repurchase?: Nope!
Philosophy Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath (French Vanilla Bean)
When Philosophy first became available in Canada I was so excited. I mean, all of their scents just sound amazing, plus they include related recipes right on their bottle! I received a few bottles of their bubble bath a few years ago and I was largely unimpressed. While the scents were nice, it produced next to no bubbles and the scent disapated right after I poured it into my bath. Then my husband bought me this for Christmas last year. I figured I’d give it a try again and basically my opinion didn’t change. Nice scent in the bottle but lackluster in terms of an actual bubble bath.
Then one day I happened to read the back of the bottle. And came across this:
Caution: use only as directed. excessive use or prolonged exposure may cause irritation to the skin and urinary tract. discontinue use if rash, redness or itching occurs. consult your physician if irritation persists. keep out of reach of children.
To which I exclaimed WHAT??!??! WTF is in this stuff? I see that sodium laureth sulfate is listed as the second ingredient which I know isn’t great for you but is a pretty common ingredient in many shampoos and body washes. Beyond that there is a very long list of things that I couldn’t even attempt to announce, Perhaps these are common ingredients in many foam baths but the fact that there is an actual warning on the bottle makes me think there must be additional ingredients in here that aren’t in others. Upon doing a bit of research, I guess its widely known that bath products are known to cause urinary tract infections. The problem being, this is the only bubble bath that I’ve came across that actually has this warning on the product. Regardless, this has totally turned me off Philosophy products – not that I was a huge fan to begin with.
Repurchase?: Hell no!
Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation – $9.99 CAD
This is a foundation I purchased earlier last year and was using it regularly in combination with some other new products and I was experiencing some of the worst skin of my life. I was breaking out like crazy. So I stopped using all those products and tried introducing them back one at a time. In doing so, this got thrown back in my makeup drawer and I forgot about it. Then I re-discovered it a week ago and thought I might as well give it another try. I wore it ONCE. The next day I woke up to breakouts all over my chin. And not just regular, run of the mill breakouts. Painful, under the skin, cystic acne. So I don’t know what is in this that reacts with my skin so badly, but I could care less to find out. I don’t know what it is about Rimmel products but they just never work for me. I’m pretty much scared off of this brand now.
Repurchase?: Never!
And that’s it! I didn’t have a chance to try too many new products this month, it was mostly things that I’ve been using for a while that I realized I needed to talk about. Which is a good thing because I like to make sure I’m making headway on the products I own prior to going out and purchasing more. What were your favorite products in October? Unfavorites? Have you tried any of these? Let me know below!
Thanks for reading!
Classic Maggie 