Trick or Treat? Get ready, Beauties! No Empties post last month means I've been hoarding tons of stuff to share this time around. By the end of my beauty no-buy, I was able to collect more empties than normal. Woohoo!
Let's get into the good stuff ;)
In my little Philosophy corner I have their Hope In a Jar Original Formula Moisturizer said to be suited for all skin types. It's a very well-loved and holy grail item that I'm currently missing. I only really started getting into skincare this year and this product was one of the building blocks to reclaiming and controlling my skin's long time irritated state. It has a unique formula, which they liken to a whipped soufflé, and is like nothing I've ever experienced before. It starts off like a cream and as you work it into the skin, it quickly transforms into a thin, watery consistency that glides over your face like a splash of water.
I've recently purchased it's sister product Renewed Hope In a Jar and though I really enjoy it, I still find my skin craves the OG. I highly recommend the original formula for anyone struggling with dehydrated skin like me. I will say, though, that the only downside to the original is the smell. It has an almost 'unscented' mild yet sharp medicinal smell. I know that must make no sense at all haha, so basically just give it a sniff next time you're around it. It took a long time to get used to, but once I got over that it was smooth sailing from there.
Bottom line: I will definitely repurchase this :) To read more about my thoughts, visit my "June Favorites" blog post.
P.S. I just found their 0.5 oz. trial size on sale here for $10.50 and their (same size) holiday ornament for even cheaper here for just $9 bucks! (Posted 11/01/15)
Right below that is the Philosophy Coconut Frosting shampoo, shower gel & bubble bath. I mostly used this as a shower gel. It did the job, foamed up nicely and smelled pretty good, but I can't say it was life changing. Unless I find it on sale again (I think I picked it up on offer for $8 bucks), I probably won't repurchase simply because I have products that I enjoy using more. It's a nice product, but I personally can't justify spending the full $18 price.
Back up top is the Hope In a Tube High-Density Eye & Lip Firming Cream which, fun fact, was my first product for the eye area. In the beginning, I did notice a difference in hydration and line minimizing because I literally wasn't using very much around that area to begin with. I also suffered from hormonal dry patches around the mouth area and this was a nice added layer around that meanwhile my skin adjusted to reaping the benefits of all this new skincare. After a while, I noticed that my dry patches started going away and there wasn't really too much need for a product like this. I finished it up, enjoyed it, and am now currently trying a different product. I can't say that I miss it tremendously, so for that reason I'm going to have to pass on repurchasing this, at least temporarily. I'll give it another go once I notice the need for more firming action.
TIP: Keep an eye out for their flash sales! All 3 of these products I purchased on the Philosophy website during their 40% off sale a while ago. I know they recently had one for 30% off. Their "Outlet" sale page also regularly features awesome products for really great prices and currently has a lot of great deals on. Savings don't stop there, loves! Don't forget about checking your favorite beauty carrier websites, Marshall's, or TJ Maxx!
Next up is the baby sized Becca Cosmetics Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector that I got in their last "Best of Becca" trial kit from Ulta. Hands down, this is my absolute favorite primer for my oily skin. Though this isn't something I'd suggest for my dry skin beauties, I feel like it's the only primer I've tried that actually does anything for both filling in pores and the longevity of makeup. Big claims, I know!
If you'd like to know how I use it, don't forget to scroll down after all of my reviews for a sting of related Instagram posts. I posted one a couple of days ago on the 2 products I swear by for a flawless face that stays put. If you're looking for a travel friendly version to test out, Sephora has one for $14 here.
I have a couple of Elf Cosmetics items here, the first being one I just could not get on with. The Tone Correcting Powder in Cool is a compact filled with 4 pastel colored shades that are meant to be swirled together, or on their own, to help give your skin a brighter, matter, healthier look with more tone dimension in the skin. Put lightly, this stuff was horrible on me. I'm not sure if it's partly to do with my medium tan complexion, but this did nothing but make me look pasty white and absolutely lackluster with its chalky finish. Very sad about this one as it has great reviews online, but I'm wondering if it's because I got the wrong shade? They also have a Warm version which wasn't sold in store at the time I purchased. Let me know if you've made this work for you somehow. I'll keep it around for a bit longer if anyone replies. Could this just be a case of user error? Either way, based on my experience so far it's not a product I'd recommend let alone repurchase.
The Elf Makeup Remover Cleansing Cloths are another longtime fave of mine. The slick solution does a great job at breaking down makeup and perfect for those lazy nights in place of a cleansing oil. I've repurchased these several times and already have backups.
I do have to note that I have heard people say that it stings their eyes. I've never had this experience myself, but if you're someone who has a sensitive eye area, I'd inquire/research a bit more before purchasing. At $3 though, it's not that big of a loss to give it a go. That's the beauty about Elf :) You can always use them for removing swatches if they don't work out.
Too Faced's Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer is a fave and I won't lie…the smell has a lot to do with it. So yummy! I always pick up the small version mostly because I have so many existing choices in my collection…but even so, the shade of this bronzer is so unique. It's the perfect combination of warm and cool without being too dark. It's great for bronzing, contouring, and even as an eyeshadow. It's my favorite bronzer/contour for my nose in particular. I already have a back up that I just opened yesterday. Smells like fresh hot cocoa, perfect for these cooler months.
The shade selection is Milk Chocolate, Chocolate, & Dark Chocolate. I suggest trying out samples or trial sizes of any new items when you can. The full range and trial kits can be purchased at Sephora and Ulta.
MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ I rarely use all over the face because of my oily skin, but mostly for using pressed shadows and pigments wet. It's the best I've found for shadows to really max their potential. I've tried the Elf Mist & Set hoping to find a more cost effective alternative for my specific use, but no luck here. I've already repurchased this product, but if you have any other suggestions, I'm totally open :) I will say that I love the mildly sweet/fresh smell. Ahhh…
This jumbo Pacifica Color Quench Lip Tint in Sugared Fig has been milked for the longest time. I purchased this for just $3.99 at Marshall's a whiiile back and have really enjoyed the look and feel it gives. I have a hard time with lip products actually doing a decent job at hydrating, so when I find a formula I like I tend to stick to it. I've repurchased this in Blood Orange and really enjoy that one as well, but I'm already missing this color in particular.
Sugared Fig is a medium mauve neutral shade with blue toned pink reflects running through it. Beautiful with played up makeup or even on super casual days. Even now, I'm talking myself into running out and buying this shade again lol I really do genuinely love it and it makes my lips so soft.
The 100% vegan and cruelty free brand is definitely one I'd like to get into more. If you have any product suggestions, please let me know!
(Their regular sized Lip Tints are currently on sale for $5.25 from $7 on their company website.)
Directly next to the Lip Quench is this NYC Liquid Eyeliner in Black which has been talked about to death by me. To make this quick and painless, here's the rundown: it's a very black liquid liner that dries to a matte finish, the applicator is a slim brush tip that is the best thing I've ever tried to really flick out the tail of a fierce liner look, and all of that goodness is topped off with the fact that it's under $3 bucks at the drugstore! Just can't beat it. They also have a 'Pearlized Black' version, so be careful to differentiate the two before purchasing.
Click here to read more about this eyeliner in my last "Beauty On a Budget" post.
(Eyeliner pictured above with Lip Quench)
Soap & Glory's Foam Call Body Wash (UK) is probably my favorite of their body wash scents. So fresh, clean and invigorating! Sadly, I have a feeling this item may be pulled from the line here in the U.S., BUT the silver lining is that I've found it online here for $10 bucks! Thank goodness for the drugstore.com website. It's where I was purchasing all of my Soap & Glory items during their product migration back to the drugstore. Just as a heads up, the drugstore.com website carries a larger variety of products from both body care and cosmetics line. Not the full range our lucky Brit friends get over the pond, but definitely more than I've seen carried at Ulta or Walgreens. I've already repurchased this and a few other hard to find goodies from the brand.
I've featured this body wash in a Soap & Glory "Buy or Bye" here on the blog. Head there to read a bit more about the brand and products I've been loving from them.
Lastly, are two oral hygiene products from the brand Hello. I purchased this mouthwash once before after seeing it featured in an Estee Lalonde (Essie Button) video. I'll be honest and say that the grapefruit mint flavor is what drew me to it the most, but once I saw that it was 99% natural I was sold. I really enjoyed it then, and again now, so I decided to pick up the matching toothpaste. Great flavor, but the toothpaste packaging was a bit hard to squeeze the last bit out at the end and I ended up wasting a lot of product. Luckily, I've seen that they've repackaged since purchasing this and are now using tubes. I'd for sure repurchase again in the future.
As always, thank you so much for taking the time to read! Please feel free to suggest any ways of using items I didn't get on with or any other similar products that you've been loving. As previously mentioned, keep scrolling to view a string of my related Instagram posts from the past.
Don't forget to keep in touch with me on Instagram & Tumblr. Love you guys!
