15 Beauty Favourites of 2015

           I have been watching "Best of 2015", "2015 Favourites" and "Top 2015 Products" on YouTube nonstop. I easily picked out my top 15 beauty products of the past year so I thought I would do up a quick overview of items I discovered in 2015 and share them with you. In no particular order we have:

Julep Bare Face Cleansing Oil

           I think this was technically a 2014 discovery but I rediscovered and really fell in love with it this year. I have quite oily skin and I avoided any cleaning oils for a long time, this came in a Julep Maven box and I am so glad I forgot to skip that month. It just melts my makeup off,even if I do have to scrub at waterproof eye makeup there is no stinging or irritation. To help balance oil production I use this at night instead of a more harsh cleanser. I apply once to remove makeup and then again to make sure everything has been removed. I already have one as a back up and as soon as I open that one I will add another to my next Maven box.

 

Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer 

            I originally got a sample of this in a Sample Source package and honestly did not expect much. So wrong. I do not moisturize nearly as much as I should but this makes it so easy. While you are still warm from the shower, before drying off you put this on like normal lotion and then pat dry. I have a full size in my shower and use it everyday, it takes seconds and has really helped keep my skin soft in these winter months. 

 

Clinique Acne Solutions 

            While I no longer use this regularly I will always suggest this to someone struggling with blemishes. I have never been acne prone but for a good portion of this year I could not get my skin to clear up. I decided to try this three step system and before I had to repurchase my skin was clear. Like I said, I do not use this regularly since my skin has returned to its original state but I plan on continuing to keep it at hand for when my skin rebels or I go too many nights without removing my make up.

 

Redken All Soft Shampoo and Conditioner 

           I have always loved Redken products and used many over the years. I have hair that is dry, thin but easily weighed down and prone to get oily very quickly. This set gives my ends the moisture I need without leaving behind greasy build up.

 

 

Urban Decay B6 Complexion Prep Spray

          I live in a small, East Coast, Canadian city so high end makeup is pretty hard to find anywhere but online so when I saw the Urban Decay display at Shoppers I went a little overboard. (Review to come!) One of the items I picked up was this spray. I love what it has done for my skin, my pores are smaller, redness around my nose has been reduced and my skin is becoming less oily. If I have to go right from work to somewhere else I spray this over my makeup for a refresh, powder and go.

 

Crown Brush C476 Crease/Shadow Brush
          This is the perfect eyeshadow brush. Just look at it, what else do I need to say? It is all you need. I have another one coming from Hautelook right now.

 

Straight up stole this photo from tonyatalksbeauty.blogspot.ca. Go check her blog out so it makes it ok.

 

Marcelle Soothing Cleansing Water
          I think this was a Winners find and I use it pretty much everyday. It takes off the most stubborn waterproof makeup without any irritation, redness or leaving any residue. It is also alcohol free and recognized by the Canadian Dermatology Association.

 

 

Revlon Color Stay Gel Envy
           This product was a serious game changer for me. I had converted to exclusively gel polish manicures, even have my own little pink lamp, but it was starting to damage my nails. I mean pealing the polish rather than soaking didn't help but moving on... I decided to give my nails a break and after reading some great reviews I picked up a couple colours, I now have seven or eight and rarely use my actual gel polish anymore. It does not last on me for two full weeks without chipping like some say but I can wear it for two weeks with minimal chips.

 

Covergirl Pop Balm
          I believe I have the entire Pop Balm collection and a couple from the Nude Balm collection as well. I love tinted balms and Covergirl has a great colour range. Check out this post out for a more in-depth review.

 

 

Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder in 01 Stay Buff (VF)
         I have a few Clinique products and have never really been disappointed with the brand. I love this powder, it has light coverage and helps set my makeup and keeps it from looking oily for a little longer through out the day, I have hit pan but will likely be purchasing it again once I use up all my setting powders. If you have oily skin give this powder a shot.

 

Acure Unscented Argon Oil Towelettes 
          I can honestly say these are the best face wipes I have ever used. The came in an Ipsy bag in 2015 and I fell in love. Not only did they remove all my makeup but my face actually felt like I had removed my makeup and used cleanser. I never thought I would get a deep clean from makeup wipes but these were amazing, I might have to break down and order a bunch online.

 

LOC Ultimate Collection 
           I cannot rave enough about this launch from Birchbox and Tati Westbrook. Both the eyeshadow sticks and lip colours have seriously impressive staying power. If you want to hear more click here.
          

 

Beauty Blender 
           I was a little late to the Beauty Blender obsession but now I use it everyday and have a backup waiting for when mine needs to be replaced. With most foundations it leaves a more natural finish, lasts longer and blends seamlessly. Bonus: it is way easier to clean than a brush full of foundation.

 

Aromatherapy Collection from Bath and Body Works
            I am all about the Stress Relief bubble bath from BBW. I also have the candle in the same scent, the Sensual bubble bath and the Sleep Pillow Mist. When I use the candle and bubble bath together I practically go catatonic, for an anxiety case like me it is amazing to be able to let go of all the constant stress and just relax. I have repurchased this many times and will continue to do so. (When it is on sale)

 

 

Aveeno Dry Shampoo
           I have decided that I am going to "train" my hair to need washed less often. This is not going to be easy since I religiously wash my hair everyday. I have tried a number of dry shampoos and for the most part thought they did nothing but make my hair feel gross. My sister used this on my hair over the holidays and while it still felt like I had dry shampoo in my hair I did not feel disgusted every time I touched it and my hair looked great.


          There you have it, 15 of my favourite beauty products from 2015. I hope everyone had a great year and wish you health and happiness in 2016.

Thanks for reading!

A.

 

@dirty_cupcake



Haul Winter 2015

          This is a collective haul I have been sitting on for a while and naturally I have lost the paper I have all my notes on, including the prices. We have some new loves and some items I have already passed on. Let's go:

Mally Beauty Lip Gloss

          I got these off Hautlook and while they are not a bad product I just have others I prefer and I will be passing them on to my cousin without really using them.

Nars Lip Crayons

         I got these as a birthday gift from Sephora as a beauty insider perk. Nars is just one of those cult beauty brands and I was thrilled to receive these. The red is a matte finish and it is beautiful, non-drying and long lasting. The pink is a satin finish and not as long lasting but a beautiful, subtle colour. 

Julep Lipgloss

         I have had a couple Julep lip glosses and am a big fan, I can not find this gloss to save my life and it breaks my heart. It is pretty close to being the perfect red gloss, it has enough colour without being so pigmented that if it gets messed up you look like a crazy person.

Julep Break the Ice Full Coverage Creme Lipstick Mini Trio 

          I really enjoy Julep lip products and I truly believe all lip colours should come in mini sizes. How often do you really use a whole lipstick? Plus it fits on your purse or pockets so much better.  The shades are mingle, primp and charm, all perfect for the season. The little box they came in is also super handy as it is magnetic so it stays shut in your purse or travel bag. 

Kat Von D Lock-it Featherweight Primer + Base

           I had such high hopes for this primer but I was pretty underwhelmed, I have not completely given up on it but I was not immediately wowed. I also suspect that it made my foundation oxidize but more research is required for that one. The packaging is on point though. 

Hard Candy Sheer Glow Illuminator

          I really do not know why I bought this, seriously. Not a clue. My only guess is that I was looking at it and Beast hurried me along so I tossed it in my basket instead of putting it back. I have used it a couple time as a liquid highlighter as well as on my arms and chest for Christmas parties. 

Mally Beauty Liquid Face Defender

From the Mally Beauty website- Shaded Liquid Face Defender is a new art technology and formula that takes your makeup routine to the next level. It mattifies the skin on contact, and can be worn under or over your regular foundation. This innovative formula not only blends beautifully to match your skin tone, but it protects your makeup from fading, creasing, and settling into those pesky lines and wrinkles that seem to love to absorb all that gorgeous makeup you put on!

           Well with a description like that how can you go wrong? I do find this helps my makeup blend very easily. I will also wear it under powder on errand days.I don't know that I would purchase it again, maybe if it was on Hautelook again.

Hard Candy 1000 Lashes Fiberized Lash Weave Mascara

          I am all about mascara and have been trying to find one to replace my love, the Two Faced Better Than Sex Mascara. I did really like this mascara but I have to wear my make up for up to 16 hours and this mascara started to bother me around hour 8, not a bad product but I would only use it on days that I wont have to wear my makeup for such a long period of time.

Marcelle XTRENSION PLUS + PROLASH Growlash Complex

           This mascara, however, I do really like; mostly because of the brush. One set of bristles are longer than the rest so they are perfect for separating and defining lashes. I have not noticed much in terms of growth but I am not losing many eyelashes so maybe it is working.

Rimmel Scandaleyes Mascara
           I have a problem, I know this. I do not think I have ever been disappointed with a Rimmel mascara, this one gives great volume and curl. I am not sure what about it makes me think this but I feel it gives a great retro vibe.

Redken Diamond Oil Bulletproof shine, Intense

           Normally I do not use hair oil but I wanted something I could put in my hair as an overnight treatment or the occasional hot oil treatment. This is a lovely product, it has helped repair my damaged ends and smells amazing. I have also used on persistent dry skin patches. In 17 years when I use this up I will repurchase the light version so I could use it during the day as well without it being too heavy.

Redken Pillow Proof Blow Dry Express Primer

          Love. Love. Love. This product smoothes my hair, helps it dry faster and protects from heat damage. I will repurchase this as long as they make it.

Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy in Ace of Spades, Checkmate, and Hold 'em
          I occasionally have to work in a restaurant setting and I think there are not many things that look worse than someone serving your food with chipped nail polish. When I was in the restaurant on a regular basis I discovered gel polish and all other nail polish was ruined for me. It was just so durable and did not chip. Unfortunately I have an awful habit of peeling off my gel manicure rather than soaking it off so my nails got pretty haggard. I decided to give Revlon a shot, not expecting much. Then I fell in love. This product was a life changer, it is the ease of regular nail polish with the look of gel and is quite durable.

Thanks for reading!

A

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@dirty_cupcake

Product Raider April 2015

         
 This week I have been creature sitting for my family while they are in Cuba. Jerks. I have had my own fun by raiding my mother and sister's beauty products. It is like shopping without spending the money. 

          Above are the products belonging to my sister, the bubble bath may be my fathers. He is a strange man. 

Redkin's Fashion Work 12 Versatile Working Hairspray 

          I don't think I have ever loved a hairspray so much. This is perfect for curling my hair, it keeps the curls in place all day and I can run my fingers through it with out worrying about losing the shape. I like that it is part styling product and part finishing spray. I will be going out to purchase this in the near future. 

Stainiac by the balm

          I did not like this at all. I believe she got it from Birchbox a couple months ago. It is like putting half set jello on my lips. Not a fan. 

Biosilk Thermal Shield. 

           I really liked this product too, I have thermal protectant at home but I am not in love with it. Princess picked this up at Winners for like $10 less than it usually retails for. If I saw this at Winners I would pick it up in a heartbeat. It does a great job keeping away static and flyways  without leaving gunk behind. 

Orofluido hair oil

           I am pretty sure Princess has had this for years and years. It works well, has a rich smell and clearly you do not need to use a lot. 

Peppermint Vanilla Bubble Bath by Avon

           Pretty standard bubble bath, it smells lovely and the bubbles last a decent amount of time. Avon makes pretty solid bubble bath. 

          And these are Momma's products, she has a lot more I want to try but I do not want to open anything of theirs that has not already been opened. 

Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels by Skyn Iceland 

          I actually gave these to Momma for Christmas but I feel I deserved to use a pair after her idiot dog kept me up all damn night every night. They felt very strange to put on and kind of tingled, I do think they made my eyes less puffy. I would not pay full price for them but if I found them on Hautelook again I might purchases them. I am interested to ask Momma what she thought of them. 

Full and Plush Root Amp Spray Mousse by Garnier 

          This product took some getting used to, the first couple times my hair was kind of crunchy and sticky. I wouldn't use this if I was wearing my hair straight but I think it would be great for the rare times I curl my hair. 

Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser by Neutrogena 

            This is the product I loved the most. Lately my skin has been rebelling like a preacher's daughter on her first spring break. I can not find a balance between dry and oily. This cleanser manages to clean thoroughly and remove makeup all without over drying. I went out and bought another cleanser by Neutrogena in hopes that it will help me find the right balance for my skin. 

         Special thanks to Momma and Princess for unknowingly lending me all these products. 

Thanks for reading!

A. 

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@dirty_cupcake

Empties #3 March 2015

          I have become slightly obsessed with using up products, it is just so satisfying! I have been going through all my beauty and bath items pretty much every day I do not work and picking new items to focus on. So let's get into it:

          I used up quite a few bath items and I was sad to see a few of them go.

Balneotherapy Bath Salts in Be Flexible from Faith Aromatherapy 

          I used a discount code from Ipsy to buy this and something else but I cant remember what. I do remember that whatever it was leaked all over the box and it was a huge mess. When I emailed the company I got no response. I did like the bath salts, they were great to add to the bath after to gym to help relieve sore, tight muscles. I will not be repurchasing because they were not any more impressive than what I could buy at the drug store and I have zero confidence they could get to me safely. 

Ultra-Softening Bath Salts by Village Naturals in White Tea and Jasmine

          This scent is amazing, I keep stopping to smell the container. Before I bought this at Target I rarely used bath salts, I did not really see the point. Oh how young and foolish I was. This not only smells so clean and relaxing but it really is ultra softening. I was shocked how smooth my dry winter skin was after a bath, as someone who believes all baths and showers should be hot enough to burn off at least one layer of skin, bath products that moisturize and soften are a must. If I see this anywhere I will buy it for sure, I would also try any other products from this line in this scent.

Bath and Body Works Stress Relief Eucalyptus Spearmint Luxury Bath

          AMAZING. I love this product, so much so that I am confident in saying that it is my favorite bath product ever. I usually used this with the White Tea and Jasmine bath salts as the scents went so well together and I was practically in a coma I was so relaxed. The aromatherapy collections from Bath and Body Works are a little pricey but at least the stress relief line works. I also have the body lotion and the two of them together will undo many a bad day. The bubbles last forever, through washing my hair, body and just relaxing. Longer than any of the hundreds of bubble baths I have tried.

Hello Kitty Bubble Bath in Strawberry

          I got this from my sister for Christmas, the bubble bath was so-so but how cute is the container? I am going to peel off the Hello Kitty wrapper and use it for other bubble baths so I do not have to keep big, ugly containers by the tub.

White Citrus Bath Gel from Bath and Body Works

          This was a little sample I got from Bonjour Jolie. It is a good body wash, the scent lingers without being overpowering. If I ever use up all the body wash I have I would consider buying this.

Christmas Cookie Bubble Bath from Avon

          I think I got this for Christmas and it really did smell like Christmas cookies. Avon has pretty decent bubble baths for a great price.

Colgate Total Toothpaste

          It's toothpaste, got it for Christmas. It is gone now.

J.R. Watkins Hand and Body Lotion in Lavender 

         This was part of a set of four in a sort of sample box I bought during the Target clearance sale. I am a fan of the lotion but the packaging is horrible. I had another scent standing upside down on my desk for a week and I still could not get any out. I have not actually used all of the lotion up but the container is empty because I ended up scooping it all out and putting it in a cleaned out foundation jar. I saw this same brand at Shoppers and the full size have pumps in them so I will consider purchasing it again once I use up some of the many lotions I have kicking around.

Biore Self Heating One Minute Masks with Charcoal 

          I have used up a couple of these and have another pack in my bathroom. These are the best masks I have ever used. After rinsing my face feels deep down clean, like all the yuckies hiding in my pores have been sucked out. I will buy these again and again and you should too.

Redken Color Extend Conditioner

          I bought this from The Head Shoppe after getting my hair dyed. I have used this and the shampoo many times, great shampoo for colour treated hair. As with most salon products it is a little pricey but the Head Shoppe has deals and sales often enough that I can usually get it for a little cheaper.

Hydrating Facial Ceanser from Epice

         I got this as part of a sample set using a code from Ipsy, it was a really gentle cleanser but still removed all traces of makeup. 

Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Deep Hydrating Conditioning Treatment by Marc Anthony

          I have used this a couple times and it is a great product and I think each package is only a few bucks. It just brings dead, dull hair back to life and the smell is amazing. It does weigh my hair down a bit so I make sure to use a clarifying shampoo first and not leave it on for too long. The package has quite a bit of product, about three uses so I empty it into another container to avoid making a mess or wasting it. 

Glacial Cleansing Cloths from Skyn Iceland

         I got this from Ipsy and I love getting the packs of ten or so wipes, perfect for my gym bag or my purse. These ones however I was not a fan of, they were dry, did not really do a good job of removing makeup and stung a little bit. They had a nice clean smell and that is about the only nice thing I can say about them. I would expect more from these considering how expensive anything from this brand is.

Facial for Hands Glycolic Hand Scrub by Julep

          I love this product. My hands feel softer than ever when I use this after doing my nails. The back of the tube says it best: "Unique double-exfoliating action of glycolic acid and apricot seeds reaveals noticeably softer and younger looking hands after just one use." All true, also hand cream just goes on so much better after this scrub. I just used some of my Julep points to order the body scrub and if it is anything like this I will be over the moon.

Detoxifying Face Mask with Lotus Flower and Ginseng from Balea

         This is normally a product I would love, I enjoy trying out all kinds of face masks but for whatever reason this one stung so bad I had to take it off after like 45 seconds. It was likely just because my skin was so dry but I will not be trying that one again.

          That is all I have used up so far, my next post will hopefully have more makeup items. I have quite a few foundations that are almost empty and I want to get rid of those. I also have some eye shadows and palettes I want to work though but I don't know if I have the dedication to stick with a project pan so that is still up in the air. The more I watch Ashley Elizabeth on YouTube the more I want to commit to a project pan, hopefully she keeps it up and I will finally use up some palettes and single eye shadows.

Thanks for reading!

A.

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@Dirty_cupcake

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