First Impressions- NYX Worth The Hype Mascara

I purchased the NYX Worth The Hype mascara at Walgreens ($7.99) a few weeks ago and have been using it daily for about two weeks now! In fact, I bought two new tubes for backups. 🙂 No, it hasn’t fully replaced my Benefit Roller Lash, but this mascara is definitely a new favorite!

Photo credit: Walgreens.com

My first thought was that I love love love the full brush! It isn’t bendy and the bristles hug my lashes coating them perfectly.

It was a breeze to do my bottom lashes, as well.

The formula is dry, which I prefer. The product didn’t bombard the brush and clump on my lashes. Any excess was easily removed with a dampened cotton swab.

For a more natural lash, my ride or die mascara is Benefit’s Roller Lash. I doubt I will ever find a mascara to completely replace the Roller Lash, however, the NYX Worth The Hype mascara will definitely be my go to for when I’m in the mood for lush, long, dark lashes. It is simply stunning on my eyes.

My lashes had definite volume, great separation, weren’t clumped together, were long, lush and black. I’d never received compliments on my mascara before but had received many compliments on my eyes in the first two days I used this product. 

The Overalls:

What I like: The wand, the formula, the application, the results, the price! Holy moly, y’all, this mascara is life.

What I don’t like: There isn’t anything I do not like about this mascara. Trust me, I tried to find SOMETHING.  There may be a small amount of transfer from my lower lashes, but it is hardly noticeable.

I am in LOVE with the NYX Cosmetics Worth The Hype mascara. Funny thing is that I haven’t read much about this mascara, or seen it used much on YouTube. It is absolutely worth the hype!

Have you tried the NYX Worth The Hype mascara? What are your thoughts?

Thank you for reading!

 

 

 

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Maybelline totaltemptation Mascara

On a mascara haul, I picked up the Maybelline totaltemptation mascara in Blackest Black. Also, NOT the waterproof formula. Read that debacle with the Covergirl Total Tease mascara here.

This mascara is $7.94 at Walmart. It does come in a waterproof formula and in three colors: Blackest Black, Brownish Black and Very Black. I appreciate that Maybelline has packaged the waterproof formula in a pretty blue tube making it easy to differentiate between the two versions. Yes, sometimes reading packaging is a challenge. 😉

totaltemptation claims from the packaging:

• 85%* saw bold, full volume with no overload
• 92%* saw lengthened lashes
• 4 out of 5* loved their lash look

With this type of mascara formula, I prefer the thick, full brush that this mascara provides. The formula is dry but felt a bit sticky upon application. My initial reaction was that I was definitely going to have major transfer with this mascara. It dried nicely and without flaking.

 

I loved how the wand hugged my lashes and coated them perfectly. The instructions say not to allow the mascara to dry between coats. I used two coats. I even liked the way the mascara applied to my bottom lashes. During the day, I didn’t have any transfer. The mascara has a light fragrance, and I could smell it every so often throughout the day, which was weird, but it wasn’t strong and didn’t irritate my eyes.

I can’t properly photograph my eyes; the photo does not do this mascara justice. My lashes were lush and black.

 

These photos were taken at 6:30pm, after a full day of wear.

After about 4 days of use, the mascara came out of the tube a bit clumpy and didn’t apply to my lashes as nicely. I ended up having to wipe away excess product off the wand before application. It reminded me of how L’Oreal’s Lash Paradise and Too Faced Better Than Sex acted shortly after using. I still liked the mascara and continued to use it daily for 5 days.  Absolutely no transfer, and the mascara held up pretty good for about 10 hours of wear. Cleaning up excess off my skin was a breeze using a dampened cotton swab.

The Overalls:
What I liked: I will definitely continue to use this mascara when I want a dark and lush lash. The wand is perfect for this type of formula. The mascara dries nicely, does not transfer, and wears beautifully for at least 10 hours, and even looks good after an hour sweating at the gym. The mascara is infused with coconut which leads me to believe this is where the scent comes from. The price point is affordable at $7.94. I definitely like this mascara better than the L’Oreal Lash Paradise.

What I did not like: After 4 days, the mascara was clumpy and did not apply as beautifully without having to remove excess from the wand before application. Other than that, I could not find anything else I did not like with the Maybelline totaltemptation mascara.

I give the Maybelline totaltemptation Mascara 4 out of 5 mascara wands. 🙂 The only thing keeping this mascara from being a total 5 is the clumpiness after only 4 days of use. If it behaved more like my beloved Benefit Roller Lash, this mascara would be a 5 and I’d probably not touch my Roller Lash for a long time. I will definitely repurchase and will continue to use the tube I have.

Have you tried the Maybelline totaltemptation Mascara? What were your results?

Thank you for reading! 

 

 

Essence Volume Stylist 18hr Mascara

I watch a lot of YouTube beauty and skin care product reviews. I always want to see how a product works on different people before investing my money, even with products that are easy on my budget.

My favorite reviewer to watch, and one I trust most is Tati. I have purchased more products based on her reviews than of anyone else.

My most recent Tati Approved purchase was the Essence Volume Stylist 18hr Mascara. This mascara is inexpensive at $4.99.

I have two because the first one I purchased seemed a bit dry.

I am always on the hunt for a great mascara. I love a good dark thick mascara because my eyelashes are light in color. My favorites have been Lash Paradise and Benefit’s Roller Lash. The Lash Paradise is nice, and gives my lashes a full volume look, but it’s a clumpy nice full volume look. Benefit’s Roller Lash has been a consistent favorite. It gives my lashes that natural yet voluminous look. I’ve never had an issue with clumping or drying out and I find myself always going back to the Roller Lash.

The packaging of the Essence mascara is lightweight. It does feel cheap with its big ol’ bulky plastic lid.  It reminds me of those fat markers I used as a kid. I also DID NOT LIKE that the packaging was NOT secured with plastic making it tamper-resistant. Anyone can open the tube and either apply to their lashes while in store, or touch it with their fingers. I reached for one waaaaaay in the back hoping no one had opened it.

Besides the huge hygiene issue, I like the wand. It did a great job coating my lashes. At first application, the mascara applied fairly nicely, it did come off a bit clumpy, but by the time I was done coating the one eye, there was a perfect amount of product left on the wand to coat my left lashes. The formula is nice and thick and is a deep black.

There was some odd separation on my lower lash. I took these photos about 30 minutes after application. You can kind of see a bit of transfer on the bottom lashes.

 

Overall, my lashes looked voluminous and long.  After about 30 minutes, I had transfer from my bottom lashes. Throughout the day the transfer was insane. I had raccoon eyes and was constantly wiping away the transfer from my eyelids and under eye. I gave this mascara another try the next day.  The mascara was clumpy out of the tube, so I just wiped off the excess and applied it to my lashes. Again, it looked beautiful on my lashes, but the transfer throughout the day was nuts!

What I like about the Essence Volume Stylist 18hr Mascara is the price point. I also like the way the mascara looks upon application.

What I do not like about the Essence Volume Stylist 18hr Mascara is the packaging not being secured with a tamper seal. I also don’t like the amount of product that comes out on the wand. I either have to wipe off the excess on the tube opening, which creates a big mess, or use a tissue to remove excess and that is a waste of product. I also do not like the transfer. I looked awful after an hour of wear time.

Products that work for others may not work for me, and it appears I am not a good candidate for this mascara. I’ve never experienced this level of transfer. Transfer happens when skin oils come in contact with makeup, but I have never noticed even the slightest bit of oil around my eyelids/undereye area. It’s OK, I’m not mad at it. I’ll still buy Tati Approved products! ❤ She approves them, not makes them. 🙂

I give the Essence Volume Stylist 18hr Mascara one pair of RABID racoon eyes for it’s price point at $4.99, which is great, but RABID raccoon eyes because of the packaging not having a tamper-resistant seal.

Have you tried this mascara? What was your experience?

❤ Cherilyn 

tarte Limited-Edition Blush Bazaar Amazonian Clay Blush Palette

I have wanted this palette for so long; it was on my Christmas Wish List post, but at the time I just could not justify spending $44.00 on a palette I’d only have half a use for. But as it turns out, each shade is gorgeous on my fair skin; I just have to be light-handed with the darker shades.

Well, my wait paid off because just after Christmas, tarte had their 70% off sale and I was able to pick up this blush palette for $20.00!

The tarte Limited Edition Blush Bazaar palette is packed with eight deluxe Amazonian Clay blushes and two highlight shades in both warm and cool tones for every skin tone. The outside packaging is Moroccan inspired and is exquisite. The palette’s look and feel is high-end quality.

The shades are LIFE…

The blushes blend well, the highlight shades are beautiful, and incredibly long-lasting. I am not someone who likes to fuss with my makeup throughout the day. I adore makeup that even without the use of a setting spray, has longevity. I apply and re-apply lip gloss and lip balm more than enough throughout the day to keep me busy!

I am wearing highlight shade Worthy mixed with Whimsical underneath the blush shade Dainty. Please excuse the massive dry skin patch on my nose. Also, I am 45 and have mature skin freekin’ wrinkles.  I wanted so badly to edit them out, but I didn’t. Much. 😉 On a side note, my mascara is Benefit Roller Lash and my lip gloss is Rimmel London Stay Glossy in Dorchester Rose with a bit of Beauty Pageant Lip Ammo from Jeffree Star.

Overall, the tarte Limited Edition Blush Bazaar Amazonian Clay blush palette is incredible and well worth the $44.00. If you can find it, BUY it.  I am in love with this palette, and have used it every day. It has definitely made me a new fan of the Amazonian Clay blushes, that should I ever need another blush in the future, tarte, you got me FOR LIFE. ❤

I give this palette 5 out of 5 Pretty Blushed Faces. 🙂 ❤

Do you have any of the tarte Amazonian Clay blushes? What is your go to blush?

❤ Cherilyn

O’Keefes Lip Repair

I have a strange love affair for lip balms.

I’ve tried just about every one of ’em available from the most popular brands to lesser known brands. Ever since visiting Massachusetts in 2006, my lips have not been the same. I need to wear a lip balm every day, all day, and even slather it on before going to bed at night. I carry one in my pocket, I have three in my handbag, there are two in my Jeep, and I have one in every room of my home.

Recently, I had issues caused from a lip product I received in a beauty box. I received the Skyn Iceland Berry Lip Fix with Wintered Red Algae in my November ipsy bag. I used it several times daily for about a week before I noticed it was causing a horrible allergic reaction. My lips and areas around my mouth were red and incredibly irritated. My lips were a mess. It was painful and uncomfortable, and just looked horrible. I was embarrassed by the redness and wore extra makeup to cover it up. My usual Chicken Poop wasn’t helping, which was surprising because any lip issue I’ve ever had has been fixed by using my Chicken Poop. I tried Vaseline, which helped the dryness, but the redness wouldn’t go away.

Frustrated and feeling as if I was out of options, a friend recommended O’Keeffe’s Lip Repair Lip Balm. I went to Walgreens the next day and bought two of them.

I opened the lip balm and immediately applied it to my dry, irritated lips. No freekin’ lie, within 15 minutes my lips felt better than they had in MONTHS, even before the lip issue from the reaction to the red algea lip balm. I was amazed. The next day I went to Walmart where they had the balm for $1.00 cheaper, so I picked up two more.

THIS STUFF IS THE BEST. The website claims the lip balm “Creates a flexible barrier” and “Provides instant relief and all day moisture in 1 use”. These claims are absolutely true. I put it on in the morning and wear my lip gloss over it. As a bonus, it works as a barrier keeping my lip gloss out of the wrinkles around my lips.

My lips have not been dry, haven’t cracked or felt uncomfortable or red since using. I use it multiple times a day every day and will continue to use it every day.

Overall, I am incredibly impressed and thankful for this product! I give O’Keeffe’s Lip Repair Lip balm 5 outta 5 Soft Smooches!

Have you tried this product? What lip balms do you use?

❤ Cherilyn 

re:p. Bio Fresh Mask

In keeping with the skin care theme from my last post, I thought I’d do a review on the re:p Bio Fresh Mask that I received in my September ipsy bag.

Thanks to Hurricane Irma, my skin currently hates me. I have a triangle of blemishes on my nose and a lovely spot on my right cheek. I don’t normally deal with breakouts unless I stray from my diet, and well, I strayed.  I strayed hard, y’all.  It was really difficult to stay on my diet when I didn’t have power. My first hot meal 4 days after the hurricane was Chick-fil-A. And I drank soda. YUCK.  After the storm when stores were open, soda was the coldest drink we could find because water was sold out everywhere, as was ice.

Ok, so my face was irritated and blotchy with redness and dryness. I washed my face with Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser and went to town applying this mask to my face.  It’s weird because the mask looks like it has orange pulp in it, but it’s crushed calendula and chamomile! Application was a breeze.  Some masks dry before you can cover your entire face.  This one went on with ease. It has a light fresh scent and feels really good on the skin. The instructions call to leave the mask on for 5-10 minutes.  I left it on for 10 minutes.

So while the mask is working its magic, let’s talk about the claims and what’s in it.

Claims:

Calm irritated skin and reduce redness and inflammation. Fresh herbs gently remove debris and dead skin cells while massaging into your skin. Kaolin, a gentle yet powerful mineral clay, draws out impurities for smoother, softer skin. Crushed calendula and chamomile, visible in the formula, reduce inflammation and aid in skin recovery.

Certified cruelty free, Formulated for sensitive skin. Free of mineral oil, sorbic acid, animal ingredients, surfactants, parabens, mineral oil and propylene glycol.

Ingredients:

A whole bunch of stuff no one can pronounce. Seriously.  The list is pretty damned long. Out of 38 ingredients there are only six I can say without spitting.

Final Thoughts:

This mask was calming to my irritated and stressed out skin. My face was free of redness, felt soft not only after my skin dried, but even the following day, and my skin looked refreshed and hydrated. The crushed calendula and chamomile provided gentle exfoliation, which is nice because I am careful when it comes to exfoliation. My skin is easily irritated and exfoliators can do more damage than good.

I give the RE:P Bio Fresh Mask 3.5 out of 5 clean smiley faces. 🙂

If I liked it so much, why only 3.5 clean smiley faces? The mask is nice and made my skin look and feel pretty good, but the price point is pretty high. When the tube I have runs out, I won’t purchase this at $41USD for 4.5oz.  I can get this same feeling with a less expensive mask.

Did you get this mask in your September ipsy?  Have you tried it and if so, what are your thoughts?  Is $41 too much to pay for a face mask?  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist

This is the first Pixi product I’ve purchased and tried. I bought this for $15USD at Target after seeing it on Tati’s channel. The link will take you to her video and at 3:06, you’ll hear her thoughts on this product.

I have dry skin and am always looking for different ways to hydrate and moisturize. I was looking forward to trying this product and am impressed with the simple packaging and a sprayer that is AHHHHHH <3.

The mist is fine and has a light floral scent. It’s actually pleasant. Overly fragrant products give me migraines. Upon spraying for the first time, the mist was cooling and it dried pretty quickly on my skin. After drying, my skin didn’t feel sticky; it felt nicely moisturized. Makeup application was just as easy as if I had followed my usual moisturizing routine.

Claims:

• This featherlight mist provides an instant surge of hydration with hyaluronic acid to plump skin
• A blend of black oat, provitamin A, and linoleic acid makes this rejuvenator the perfect first layer of moisture before serums or makeup
• Suits all skin types
• Not tested on animals 🙂
• Paraben free

Ingredients:

A whole bunch of stuff no one can pronounce.

Final thoughts:

I’m giving the Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist 4 out of 5 bottles of moisturizer. 🙂 I love how light this mist feels on my skin. It is incredibly moisturizing without being greasy or sticky.  I will continue to use this daily before makeup application. The price point isn’t too bad and if I continue to like it, I will continue to buy it! I’ll update again in the future especially after trying the mist after makeup application.

Have you used this mist? What are your thoughts?  What is your go-to moisturizer?

 

 

 

 

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara – A Review

I know I have fallen in love with more than a couple of mascaras over the past year, but that’s what anyone who adores makeup does, right?

In July, I purchased the Benefit Roller Lash mascara for $24.00USD from Sephora. I have heard great reviews about this mascara so I decided to try it for myself. Disclaimer: I don’t know how to properly photograph my lashes without looking like a weirdo, so this is the photo y’all get.  🙂  Yes, I am THAT pale fair-complected.

I am super impressed with the Roller Lash mascara.  My lashes without mascara are very light and almost invisible.  Even if I go without makeup, if I leave the house, mascara is a definite must in order to avoid looking soulless.

With the Roller Lash mascara, I have increased volume and length on both top and bottom lashes.  The wand comes out of the tube with just enough product, and isn’t clumpy or flakey. I love how the Roller Lash wand coats my bottom lashes and I can apply the product to my bottom lashes without poking out my eyes. Other brands have fat clunky wands, and I almost always poke my eye. I’m not all that skilled in bottom lash application so I need a mascara wand that makes application a bit easier and a lot less dangerous.

Continuing on with the awesomeness of the Roller Lash mascara, excess mascara is easily wiped away with a cotton swab or makeup brush once dry. I always have excess mascara during application because I am a messy doofus in this department. Also, with a few other brands, I have mascara rub-off on my eyelids.  Not the case with this product.

The Roller Lash mascara looks and wears amazing throughout the day, and even after sweating at the gym for two hours. I’ve had this tube for almost two months, have used it daily, and it’s still going pretty strong.

Benefit Roller Lash Curling and Lifting mascara does come in a travel size for $12.00USD. This is still a bit pricey considering a full size L’Oréal Lash Paradise (a dupe for Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara) is around $9.99USD. I own both the L’Oréal and Too Faced mascaras, and like both, but prefer the Benefit Roller Lash to these.

I give the Benefit Roller Lash Curling and Lifting mascara 4.5 out of 5 mascara wands because even though this mascara is amazing and I will definitely repurchase, the price point is a bit high. However, I included the .5 because Benefit does offer a travel size of this product.

Have you tried the Benefit Roller Lash mascara?  What are your thoughts? What is your ride or die mascara?

❤ Cherilyn

 

Shills Purifying Peel-off Mask – Updated Review

My laptop is still down which is why I haven’t been posting. 😞 I am hoping to take it in next Thursday.

Let’s get on with the post!

I decided to try this pore mask again using a thinner coating, and it worked!

Applying just enough product worked in removing the dirt from my pores.  I was amazed at the dirt that came up on the mask! It really pulled out all the dirt and oil trapped under my skin. Of course it removed hairs, too.

I tried to get pictures but I couldn’t get my phone to focus. I didn’t record this attempt either because I didn’t think it’d be worth the effort. I honestly did not think this was going to work.

I put too thin of a layer on my forehead. Hopefully you can tell how much product was used.

Also, please note that removing the thinner coating hurt like a bitch.

If you use the mask and find it too painful to remove, a cotton ball soaked in witch hazel easily removes the product.
Use the witch hazel after removal as a toner, then moisturize.
I purchased this from Groupon for $7.00.
❤️

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara – UPDATE

In March, I purchased a deluxe sample size of the Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara from Sephora. At the first use, I LOVED this product.  The mascara was unlike any other I’d ever used.  The wand is hourglass shaped and just enough product covered the wand to make for wonderful application.  My lashes looked UH-MAY-ZING. In fact, I was SO in LOVE that I wrote a blog post about it ——-> Read it here (link will open in a new window).

Not the best pics, but these are the pics I took after the first time using the mascara. I did not apply to my lower lashes because the wand is so bulky that I was afraid I’d poke out my eye.

The claims (Taken from Too Faced’s website):

What I love about the mascara:

My lashes had insane volume and looked longer. The product did not flake or look clumpy.  Each lash was coated perfectly.  Clean up was a cinch!  Excess mascara came off my skin so easily with the swipe of a brush or cotton swab. The mascara held up well during the day, again, with no flaking or transfer. I had never been so impressed with a mascara, so much so that I was going to spend $23 on a full sized tube.  Well, I didn’t have to purchase a full size because a friend saw my post on Facebook and bought me one.  I was elated! I used the travel size for a while longer and then finally cracked open the full size.

What I dislike about the mascara:

In 3 days, the tube was a clumpy mess.  Mascara bunched up on the wand and created a mess on my fingers and on my sink.  It was a mess to apply.  I was so disappointed! I called Sephora and they agreed to allow me to return it for a new one.

The photos don’t do the mess justice.  In fact, I had just wiped the tube just before I thought to take photos, so most of the mess was cleaned up.

I was hopeful that it was just a dud and that my new one wouldn’t behave badly. WRONG. The same happened with the replacement. I was not happy.  A $23 mascara should not do this! On April 3rd, I contacted Too Faced on Facebook on Facebook and messaged them with the photos. I still have not heard from them, and my message still shows as unread. *angry face*

 

Look, I know they’re busy, however, a large company such as Too Faced should have a department (and probably does) solely for social media and responding to messages. It’s discouraging.  I contacted e.l.f. cosmetics about a discontinued product and heard from them within 24 hours.  Jus’sayin’.

I really enjoyed the mascara and wanted to overlook these issues, though at $23, I just can’t let it go. It has such amazing potential. 

I do have to say that I didn’t have ANY issues with the travel size. The travel size actually had a narrow opening for catching excess product. I would gladly spend $12 on the travel size because it is THAT good. 

What are your thoughts on this mascara? What is your ride or die mascara? 

❤️

e.l.f. cosmetics hydrating water sheet mask – A Review

I’m ducking because I know I’ve mentioned this sheet mask several times on my blog that one of you is prepared to throw something at me, but I swear I mention it so many times for good reasons!

Look, for $3 USD, you can’t get a better sheet mask. No, I don’t work for or with e.l.f. cosmetics (e.l.f. cosmetics, if yer reading this, I’m available!).  I just want to share this awesome product with youz guys! I purchase this mask from their website and I buy these suckers in bulk.  You can buy yours here.

Lemme tell you a true story… last night I decided to shave the peach fuzzies off my face. I swear I’m part animal because I’m a freekin’ hairy beast.  In case you’re wondering, I use eos shaving cream with the Touch N Brow razors from Sally Beauty. No, the peach fuzz does not grow back black, coarse and thicker.  I’ve been doing this for years and my peach fuzz is still peach and just as soft as it was the day I was born.  After removing my peach fuzz I used the e.l.f. sheet mask to hydrate my skin.  The cooling sensation from the wet mask felt amazing after I removed my face fur.

Ok, can we just take a moment to whoo hoo over how this sheet mask fits on my face? The mask comes out of the package super goopy with its miracle serum and clings to my face perfectly. I don’t have to continually smooth it out to keep it adhered to my face.  The part above my lip stays above my lip.  The eye holes are perfect.  The mask covers my entire face and stays on my face until I take it off.  JUST LOOK AT THAT FIT!  LOOK!

I kept the mask on for 30 minutes.  I have no idea how long the instructions call for (I just checked, it’s 10-15 minutes), but I did 30 minutes because I’m 44, have mature skin and need all the hydration I can get. After 30 minutes I removed the mask and massaged in the miracle serum left on my face, as well as used the remaining miracle serum in the package.  I just allowed it to absorb into my skin.  I didn’t rinse or apply moisturizer.

I have used all kinds of sheet masks but none compare.  I don’t know what’s in it, all I know is it works at hydrating my dry skin.  Oh, here’s what’s in it:

e.l.f. has most definitely stepped up its game with its skincare line, and there’s no shame in my game using these products vs. high end.  I’ve paid a lot more than $3 for sheet masks at Sephora and Ulta, and none measured up to this mask.  I continue to buy other masks because that’s what I do.  I buy other masks, try ’em out, then post the reviews here for you to either run out and buy them, or save your money.  🙂

I haven’t been able to find these sheet masks in store and I’m hoping that soon changes. I don’t mind ordering online, but when I order online I always end up buying a whole bunch of other products because I CAN’T HELP MYSELF.  I’ll be doing an e.l.f. haul post next week because clearly I have a problem.  😉

Do yourself a favor and buy a few of these sheet masks.  I say to buy a few because you’ll use one and then be mad that you didn’t order more.  TRUST ME.

Buy ’em ———-> here

Thank you for reading! ❤

Dermactin-TS Moisturizing Sheet Mask – A Review

Yesterday morning I decided to try this Dermactin-TS moisturizing sheet mask.  I’ve never tried this brand before; I recently picked up this mask at Sally Beauty.  I prefer hydrating and moisturizing masks because while my skin is normal to dry, currently I am experiencing bouts of dry patches.

I opened the pack and immediately it smelled slightly medicinal. I unfolded the mask and was surprised to find that it was in two pieces.  The eye holes had flaps, so I don’t know if I was supposed to cover my eyes. I just left the flappy eye parts down. As you can see in the photo, the nose piece was really large.  It was just a strange mask.

I placed it on my freshly cleansed face. This mask was saturated pretty well.  It felt nice on my face and I like that I didn’t have to continuously press the mask onto my skin.  It held on pretty well. The instructions called to leave it on for 15-20 minutes and then wash off any remaining residue with warm water.

After 20 minutes, I removed the mask and rinsed off the residue.  My skin looked somewhat moisturized, and I smelled the medicinal serum.  Even after applying moisturizer, I could still smell the serum from the mask.  It’s not overpowering, just noticeable.

I don’t have anything negative to say about the mask.  My face did look moisturized and hydrated, and my skin felt nice.  Thirty minutes later, my skin still felt really good.

I give this mask 4 **** out of 5 asterisks. 🙂

Have you tried masks from this brand? What are your go-to sheet masks?

Thank you for reading! ❤

 

Cargo Cosmetics Essential Lipgloss (Umbria) – A Review

I received the Cargo Cosmetics Essential Lipgloss in the color Umbria in my April Boxycharm (retails for $16).  It’s a beautiful sheer bronze shade lipgloss.

The packaging is pretty with the Cargo Cosmetics logo imprinted on the chrome lid.  The tube is plastic.  The doe foot applicator is incredibly cheap and easily bends making application almost a sloppy process.  This lipgloss came in a beauty box so I can get over that detail, however, if I had paid $16 for this, I’d not be happy.

The color is very sheer.  You can see the swatch on my arm shows a shimmery bronze, but when applied, it sheers out to almost clear in color.  It’s still very pretty when on my lips.  The lipgloss isn’t sticky, has a sweet smell, it might be vanilla, which is pleasant and not overpowering.  The product feels nice and moisturizing on my lips.

I like this lipgloss and will definitely continue to use it, but unless the applicator is different in a store bought gloss, I will not repurchase.

 

I am giving the Cargo Cosmetics Essentials Lipgloss in Umbria *** 3 asterisks out of 5 because the packaging is cool, the color and texture is pretty, and it wears nicely.

Do you own any of the Cargo Cosmetics Essentials Lipglosses?  What are your thoughts?

Thank you for reading! ❤

 

Dr. Jart+ Water Replenishment Sheet Mask – A Review

I am OBSESSED with sheet masks and regular masks and exfoliators and moisturizers. OH  MY!

I went to Sephora yesterday morning to exchange my Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara (OMG that’s a post I have to write), and I decided to browse the sheet masks.  I picked up seven of the nine shown, with the last one on the right one that I just used.

I have used several of the e.l.f. hydrating water sheet masks and I LOVE them.  For $3, it is AMAZING and I highly recommend it, even if you do not have dry skin. The others I have not yet tried.

Yesterday afternoon I used the Dr. Jart+ Water Replenishment Sheet Mask.  This mask is $7.50 at Sephora.  This mask does not contain parabens, sulfates or phthalates.  Here’s all the goodness it contains:

• Chamomile flower water to hydrate skin.
• Marine collagen which absorbs well, enhances moisture, improves skin texture, and provides anti-fine wrinkle effect.
• Witch hazel extract to improve corneum barrier function and prevent water evaporation, also provides a moisturizing effect.
• Cactus extract which contains 12 vitamins, provides an acne calming effect and moisturizing effect.

My thoughts:  The sheet mask was large, too large, especially above the lip, and the nose and chin area. The mask was saturated pretty well in the serum, but I had a difficult time keeping it on my face, and I had to constantly smooth it out onto my skin. The directions are to keep the mask on for 15-20 minutes, which I did, and then massage the remaining serum into the skin.  My skin LOVED the serum and my face looks incredibly refreshed and hydrated. I’ll probably buy this mask again just because my skin reacted well to the serum.  It is a bit pricey, but my skin did soak up the magic, and it didn’t make my face itch or break out in a rash, so it’s money well spent.

**** <—— I’m giving it 4 out of 5 asterisks just because the sheet mask was so large and clunky on my average sized face.

I’d prefer to just buy a tube or a jar of the serum and massage it into my skin, but I don’t think that’s an option.  Ahem, Dr. Jart+ (and you others), GET ON THAT.  🙂

I am curious to try the other masks but limit myself to one mask biweekly, unless my skin is a disaster and needs the help. I also have tubes of masks and exfoliators that I love.  I’ll have to share those another time.  Sheet masks seem to be the rage right now.

Do you have a favorite sheet mask?  What is your skin type and skin care routine?

Dr. Lip Bangs Lip Freak Buzzing Balm – A Review

This stuff is weird.

This came recommended by a friend because of my love of lip balms. Two weeks ago I headed over to Ulta to purchase.  It’s $4.95 USD. I picked up the flavor Sin-o-Mint. 🙂

I couldn’t wait to try it because of the buzzing feeling that was described to me and advertised on the packaging. I opened up my new balm, wiped off my Chicken Poop, and applied this new gem to my lips. It took a few seconds before the buzzing kicked in.  It is bizarre to say, but yes, it makes your lips feel like they’re buzzing!  It’s the craziest thing! Your lips don’t feel cool or soothing as if you used peppermint balm, like Burt’s Bees.  It really is a buzzing feeling!

Lip Freak is 100% natural, but is not vegan as it is made from humanely harvested white beeswax.

From the Lip Bang’s website: Lip Freak contains the following ingredients: Beeswax, Proprietary Essential Oil Blend Including; Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond Oil),Cinnamomum Zeylanicum (Cinnamon Oil), Natural Tocopherols (vitamin e), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary Oil Extract), Stevia Rebadiana Leaf Extract, Natural Flavors. Some flavors may also contain Mentha Piperia (Terpene Free Peppermint) Oil.

The website claims what makes it buzz is “a super-secret, patent-pending blend of pure essential oils that, when combined together, create that unique buzzing sensation”.

I like it but I don’t know if I like it.  I’m not sure it’s a lip balm I can reapply throughout the day because I think the buzzing would soon grow to annoy me.  But, as something to use every now and again for a weird sensation, I’m into this, and at $4.95, it’s no big loss if I don’t use it all the time.

Have you tried this lip balm?  Do you find it as weird as I do? Do you have a favorite flavor?

 

TonyMoly I’m Real Avocado Mask – A Review

A friend of mine gave me this TonyMoly I’m Real Avocado sheet mask a few days ago and I decided tonight was the night to treat my face to some nutrition.  This mask can be purchased at Ulta for $3.75.

Upon opening the package, the goo smelled really good.  Oddly, it did not smell like avocado.

The mask was super saturated but to the point where it easily tore removing it from the package.  You can also see that the mask tore on my forehead from adjusting it to my face.

Do not be fooled by the unpleasant look on my face.  I’m happy, I really am.  🙂  The instructions say to leave the mask on for 20-30 minutes and then massage remaining goo into skin.  I decided to leave it on for 30 minutes.  I recently had an eczema breakout on my face thanks to an allergic reaction to coconut water/oil in a few products I had been using, so I haven’t really used any masks except for the e.l.f. water sheet mask, which is AMAZING for hydrating your skin.

Afterthoughts:  I like this mask and the way it smells and feels while on my skin.  The goo also dried pretty fast and my skin does look a bit healthier.  It’s always hard to tell if these masks really do anything.  It didn’t irritate my skin, which is a huge bonus, and it looks to have helped with the remaining bit of eczema that’s hanging around my face like an annoying ex-boyfriend.

For $3.75 USD, I’d buy this product.

Have you tried this mask, or any other masks by TonyMoly?  What are your thoughts?

 

The Original Beauty Blender – A Review

Finally! My beauty blender review!  I kept putting off posting this review because I wanted to continue using the beauty blender a few more times in hopes that I’d fall in love with it.  But, that just didn’t happen. *sad trombone* 

Here we go…

So, a month ago, I decided to splurge and purchase my first original beauty blender.  I’d used the Real Techniques beauty sponges prior, and wasn’t a big fan.  I mean, they were just OK. I decided it was time to try the REAL, the Original Beauty Blender.

I used the beauty blender the next morning and I liked it. I thought the application of my foundation looked nice and streak-free. I do feel as if it only provided medium coverage regardless of if I used a full coverage foundation. The beauty blender is a bit more bouncier, softer, and easier to squeeze out excess water than the Real Techniques sponge.  I was impressed with the difference, BUT…

I used it again the next day, and for the next several days.  I cannot lie, after each use, I found myself goin’ back with my Morphe brush to apply more foundation.  I just wasn’t feelin’ it.  It seemed like a lot more work to apply foundation. With my Morphe brush (or any of the other brushes I have for foundation application), application is effortless and my foundation looks flawless.  I never have to add more foundation.  I still continued to use the beauty blender, and even used it one day to apply cream blush and contour. I used it to apply powder, and used it dry to remove any product from under my eyes.

Overall, I do like the beauty blender, but I will not repurchase when this one falls apart.  I prefer to apply my foundation with a brush.  I also do not bake my face or use concealer under my eyes, so the beauty blender really doesn’t provide much of a purpose for me.  I really wanted to like it enough to use every day.  Now, I will say that I do find myself reaching for it should I accidentally get some product under my eyes, or accidentally go ham with the foundation.

The beauty blender is good product, it does as it promises, but it’s quite a lot of work for me, and just too pricey for my needs.

Chicken Poop Lip Junk – A Review

Yes, you read that right.  This review is about a lip balm called Chicken Poop. A disclaimer on the balm : Contains no poop.

I first bought Chicken Poop Lip Junk three years ago.  Ever since a visit to Massachusetts in 2006, my lips haven’t been the same. I am constantly needing to apply lip balms, lip gloss, anything to keep my lips moisturized. I have a bin full of balms and rotate through them depending on my mood.  Burt’s Bees has been a favorite for years as I love the cooling effect it provides, but it just doesn’t hydrate.  I still keep my Burt’s Bees on hand, but my go-to balm for the past couple months has been my Chicken Poop.

I found Chicken Poop by searching online for natural lip balms.  I am allergic to almost everything, so I have to be careful and read ingredients.  I have incredibly sensitive, and sometimes dry, skin (eczema survivor right here), and I’m allergic to almost everything soothing to the skin, including coconut oil.  RIGHT?!  How is that even possible?  I am also sensitive to 100% pure aloe.  Hi, my name is Cherilyn. I have weird toes and eczema and I’m allergic to aloe vera and coconut oil. *sigh*

So, I was searching online and came across the Chicken Poop website.  I decided to buy one. It has a light scent, almost smells like green tea.  It doesn’t have peppermint so there isn’t a cooling effect, but it’s super hydrating and feels really good on my lips.  I wear it all day when I’m not wearing lip gloss, and I never fail to smear it all over my lips before bed.  I had an annoying smidge of dry skin smack in the middle of my bottom lip that even with exfoliation, I could NOT get rid of. It was driving me insane.  I’d pick it off and it’d reappear.  I started using my Chicken Poop and I haven’t had the dry skin patch since.

One tube of Chicken Poop is $4.  They also have a Chicken Poop- Outdoors.  I bought two, but not a fan because it’s white like sunblock.  I may use it outdoors when kayaking, but I love my Baby Lips lip balm by Maybelline because it has SPF and is clear in color.

If you have dry lips, go to Chicken Poop’s website and find a retailer near you, or order a tube online.  It’s great lip balm, and a great conversation starter when someone notices your lip balm is Chicken Poop. 🙂

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara – A Mini Review

Late last night I received my Sephora package containing my ABH Nicole Guerriero Glow Kit, and also in the box was a sample of the Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara in a pretty pink tube.

I used it this morning and OMG I am in love!  My eyelashes looked AMAZING. The wand grabbed each lash and perfectly separated and coated each one.  My lashes look long and just amazing! That wand is perfection.

I haven’t paid more than $6 for a mascara in years, but I am so damned impressed with this stuff that I’m going out tomorrow to buy a full size.

Do you use the Better Than Sex mascara? If not, what is your holy grail mascara?

 

Equate Beauty Cleansing Facial Wipes – A Review

I recently went on a 3 day primitive camping trip and purchased these so that I could cleanse my face.  I’d use one in the morning, sometimes one in the afternoon, and one in the evening.  I’ve used facial wipes before and they were not my favorite, but these are actually pretty good!

They were $3.48 for a package of 40 at Walmart.

While camping, I’d use a wipe to cleanse my face and then I used the Equate Beauty moisturizer (similar to the Cerave moisturizer) on my face.  The combination worked wonderfully on my sensitive skin.  At the time, I had a small eczema break out and these wipes (or the lotion) did not irritate my skin.

Since I have been home from camping, I thought I’d set the wipes aside and keep just for camping, but I have been using these wipes after work to remove my makeup and cleanse my face.  I pair the use of the wipe with the e.l.f. Revitalizing Mist, which I LOVE LOVE LOVE.

I probably go through one bottle a week!  Ok, so I just checked e.l.f.’s website and do not see the mist anymore!  OMG. This is upsetting!  I just sent them a message on Facebook. This cannot be happening!

Get a grip, Cherilyn!  Ok, let’s get back to the wipes.  They are pretty large in size, they’re nice and thick, really heavy duty which is good because the wipe won’t tear during use, and unlike most wipes, you can use the other side because your makeup hasn’t seeped through.  They work great at removing eye makeup, but be careful not to get the wipe in your eye as it will irritate. Just as you do with the micellar water, or any cleanser, hold it against your closed eye for a few seconds then wipe away your eye makeup.  The wipes are fragrance free and do not leave a residue on your skin.  The claim of for sensitive skin rings true, as I have sensitive skin and the wipes are not irritating at all.

As mentioned, I use the cleansing wipe, spray my face with the e.l.f. Revitalizing Mist, and if my skin is in need of extra hydration, once the mist has dried, I will apply the Equate Beauty moisturizer.  Before purchasing these wipes, I’d use micellar water to cleanse my face after a hard day’s work, but I actually prefer these wipes.  I’m sure I’ll rotate the use of both products.

These cleansing wipes are a definite must have in my vanity.

What product(s) or method(s) do you use to remove your makeup and cleanse your face?

Setting Sprays

OMG I love setting sprays!

I am expecting a new package today!  Excited to get them and post a review! 🙂