Contents of this post:
- Skincare Favorites
- Makeup Favorites
- Makeup Swatches
Skincare
Of all the products that I've tried this year (according to my spreadsheet, a total of 43 o_o), there are five that have made the biggest difference; Leaders Mediu Amino Moisture Mask, Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief, Mizon Acence Blemish Out Pink Spot, Scinic Honey All in One Ampoule, and Banila Co. Clean it Zero.
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| Skincare Favorites Most of these are mentioned in my previous post about my skincare wardrobe. |
I thought masks were just a gimmick - they can't possibly provide any benefits when compared to serums, essences, or moisturizers. It depends on the sheet masks and the ingredients they have. Most are meant to give a boost of hydration and temporary effects. If you find ones with proven ingredients and consistently use them, you could potentially see a noticeable, lasting effect. I personally look for sheet masks with beneficial ingredients for short-term improvement. If they provide a long-term effect as well, that's just a bonus! Anyways, on to the mini-reviews!
Leaders Mediu Amino Moisture Mask: This was my first Leaders sheet mask and is by far my favorite. These masks are drenched in essence and form to my face incredibly well! There is an obvious scent that is not overbearing. It's a pleasant scent that is hard to describe. Slightly sweet, yet clean and refreshing? Yeah, I'm bad at identifying scents... The scent does linger after you take off the mask, just something to be aware of. These are great for everyday use or for a weekly pick-me-up. They are hydrating, slightly brightening, and the effects last through the next day.
Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief: This is my go-to day-time moisturizer that works great under makeup. It contains skin soothing ingredients and has no noticeable scent. It contains silicone which almost acts as a primer to prep and smooth the skin for makeup. The only downside is the $39 price tag. That's a tad high for a moisturizer that only moisturizes. While I'll continue to purchase this because no other moisturizer compares, I wouldn't be too disappointed to find a new favorite in the future.
Mizon Acence Blemish Out Pink Spot: This is the best spot treatment for blemishes! I apply this to small inflamed spots at night and they are visibly reduced to almost nothing by morning. A larger blemish will usually come to ahead and then it is only a matter of time before it is gone completely (usually one more night).
Scinic Honey All in One Ampoule: I tried a decant of this and fell in love. Since adding this to my routine, I feel that my skin bounces back from irritation and blemishes much quicker. The star ingredient is honey, but it also includes niacinamide, a proven ingredient that brightens and smooths skin. During the summer, it was moisturizing enough to be used alone but requires something extra in the colder months. Smells lightly of honey.
Banila Co. Clean it Zero: It is a solid cleansing balm that is great for removing makeup and sunscreen. I like to gently massage my face and this has helped reduce the size of my pores. It's perfect for travel because it's a solid and doesn't leave any oily residue.
Makeup
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| Makeup Favorites |
I started wearing makeup in middle school, mainly eyeliner and tinted lip balm. In high school I started experimenting more, but looking back now that was a mess! I didn't know how to properly apply it and most nights I didn't even take it off... and I wondered why I had horrendous acne (￢_￢) I've come a long way from then and would like to think I know my way around makeup. Here are my 2015 favorites:
Hera UV Mist Ultra Moisture Cushion in 23: I first heard about this cushion from meejmuse on YouTube. The Hera cushions were some of her favorites and I couldn't help but buy it when I saw the limited edition on sale! It gives a flawless, natural coverage that is buildable without looking cakey. I like to spray the cushion puff with a mist for a sheer, dewy application. I tend to touch my face a lot, but it doesn't rub off at all and lasts through a whole workday. There is a slight scent when you're applying the product, but it disappears after a few minutes. I have ordered backups during the holiday sales because I can't see myself without them. Their original and limited edition packaging are gorgeous! I just want to collect them all (≧◡≦) ♡
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| Spray mist cushion puff for natural coverage |
e.l.f. Mineral Revitalizing Mist: I didn't see the point of mists because the ones in the U.S. were glorified water in a can. I started learning more about Asian beauty products and found a whole new world of mists! They can give a burst of hydration throughout the day without ruining your makeup. It's refreshing on a hot summer day. My favorite is e.l.f. Mineral Revitalizing Mist, which contains ingredients like witch hazel, aloe, and green tea. I love to use it with cushion foundations, but alone it soothes my skin when it is irritated and red. It has no scent and is really affordable!
Makeup Revolution Iconic 3 Palette: Makeup Revolution is a UK brand that is sold at Ulta. I was interested in trying their palettes after hearing that they are dupes of more expensive palettes (UD Naked, Lorac PRO, Too Faced Chocolate Bare, etc.) at a fraction of the cost. I only own the Urban Decay Smoky palette, so I can't say how much of a dupe they truly are. The swatches were very similar and the prices were a fraction of the cost! I picked up the Iconic 3 palette, which is supposed to be a dupe for Urban Decay Naked 3. Comparing the eye shadow quality to the Smoky palette, I was surprised at how comparable they were! From the swatches below, you can see that the shadows are really pigmented. If you wanted to try a rose-hued palette, give this one a shot. It's definitely affordable and worth the money.
$7.00 at Ulta
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| Makeup Revolution Iconic 3 Palette |
$2.99 at Walgreens (currently on sale for $1.99)
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| Wet n Wild Eye Shadow Trio in Walking on Eggshells |
Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Mattes Lipstick in 660 Touch of Spice: A my-lips-but-better color that is slightly darker. It's a perfect every day shade. All of the lipsticks in the Maybelline Color Sensational line are phenomenal and have great staying power.
Clinique Long Last Soft Matte Lipstick in Matte Plum: I never thought I would wear purple lipstick, but this one is more on the pinky side. If you've been wanting to try a wearable purple, I suggest this one!
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| Top to Bottom: Milani, Maybelline, and Clinique |
Makeup Swatches
Now on to the makeup swatches!
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| From L-R: No makeup, cushion foundation, lips and eyes |
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| Clinique Long Last Soft Matte Lipstick in Matte Plum (limited edition packaging) |
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| Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Mattes Lipstick in 660 Touch of Spice |
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| Milani Color Statement Lipstick in 24 Black Cherry (so hard to photograph the color!) |
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| First 6 shadows |
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| Last 6 shadows |
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| Wet n Wild Eye Shadow Trio Walking on Eggshells |
Note: All of these products were purchased with my own money With the exception of Makeup Academy Eyeliner and Clinique Long Last Soft Matte Lipstick. The eyeliner was a free gift with purchase through CVS (Side note - did you know CVS gives free samples with purchase online?). The lipstick was also a free gift with purchase through their website. I was not paid for this review and all opinions are my own. Thank you for reading!
Love, Fiona
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