Hoarders: Lip Gloss Edition + The Ban

We've seen the lip balm and the lipstick collection already so now it's time to showcase the lip glosses.


Count: 20.

It may be hard to believe but the lip gloss stash used to be half this size up until a few months ago! Since I rarely wear lip gloss I feel it is necessary to put a plug on the lip gloss hoarding. Welcome Larie and her group no buy/limited buy plan. Without thinking twice about it, I have volunteered to join in this torturous project.

So starting today up until April 30th, I will not purchase the following items:
mascara, eyeliner, lip gloss, or lip balm (tinted lip balms do not count!). If the aforementioned items pop up in gift sets or pre-packaged sets, those will not count. Otherwise, the ban is pretty straight forward. I figure the shorter and simpler it is, the less room there is for loopholes and more room for victory!

Buuuuut..... if you count a month long break as a loophole then that's the big one. My birthday month (and Liz' - remember that folks!) is March so a break is oh so necessary. The ban will resume as soon as the month is over of course but still, a loophole is a loophole no matter how you justify it.

Although I have fears of failing, I will be strong for my ban buddies; Larie, Liz, and Makeup Morsels. Let's not forget about Tracy, the blush fiend going on a six month long blush ban!
There are more like us and why we torture ourselves like this, I don't know. I just hope we all make it out of our bans sane and maybe even a little bit richer. Wish us luck! 

Review: Marcelle Hydra-C 24H Energizing Hydrating Gel

My love for gel moisturizers will never die. I believe everyone should have at least one favorite/holy grail-status gel moisturizer that works all year round. My holy grail was the Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief but that's all changed because of Marcelle's Hydra-C 24H Energizing Hydrating Gel.

F.Y.I. Marcelle is a Canadian brand garnering a lot of attention lately. I'll admit the brand hasn't been high on my "to try" list but their hydrating gel has converted me. They'll also be the first Canadian brand to launch their own BB cream!

But first, let me draw you in with the Hydra-C 24H Energizing Hydrating Gel (what a mouthful!). Marcelle's hydrating gel contains cucumber, green tea extracts, Vitamin C and E; all good ingredients you should find in any moisturizer. The formula is refreshing and lightweight but the texture isn't a runny which I prefer. I find firm jelly-like moisturizers plump up my skin better. The bonus(es)? The gel is non-sticky, non-greasy, and unscented. This makes it the perfect 5 minute moisture mask and I can use it to top up on make up on drier days without ruining it.

Price wise - $23.95 - it's not great but more affordable than my previous holy grail and it works just the same. Thus, I won't be going back to Clinique Moisture Surge, ever.

Bottom Line:
Marcelle is always going on sale at Shoppers Drug Mart and London Drugs but don't hesitate trying this jar of gel-love at full price. I promise you won't find anything better, highly recommend this one!

Ingredients

* Product in this post was provided in the Vancouver Beauty Bloggers Swag Bag. I am not obligated to write a review nor compensated. All opinions are my own. 

I'm Feeling Empty

Boy, what a depressing blog title...
Don't fret dear, I'm only talking about all of the products I have used up since January to July!
Besides showing off my most amazing purchases, I also love to brag about using up a pile of products. It's insanely hard to use up anything when you're a hoarder like me, believe me.

I'll start off with the small stuff:


My new favorite hair products. If only the Suave dry shampoo was available in Canada.
Good thing I picked up two bottles of it when I was in Seattle because I only used my first bottle ten times before it went empty (wtf??). The Body Shop shampoo & condition will be reviewed very soon. It's good stuff!


I finished a few full sized tubes of mascaras too but I accidentally threw those out yet I remembered to keep the sample sizes... Let's blame my selective memory for that.

I'm really glad I get to throw out this small collection of eye make up though.
The Physicians Formula Eye Booster serum in Clear doesn't work. I'm glad there was a full rebate sticker included because I seriously want my money back.
Clinique mascaras are horrible for my thin, pin straight lashes. They weight down my lashes (can't hold a curl for the life of it) and smudge at the tiniest sight of tears. I have tried Benefit Bad Gal twice now and I still hate it.
Lancome Définicils is the best mascara I have tried for lengthening but it's not something I'd purchase. I don't pay for mascaras over $10 unless it's a Japanese brand. I've been spoiled by Kiss Me Heroine Make and Dejavu Fiberwig!


A random assortment of cleansers and make up removers.
I used the Bioré cleansers to clean my facial clothes and make up brushes. Good for the brushes, bad for my face. The make up removers to remove make up of course. I prefer cleansing oils/waters now but these duo-phase make up removers are good. Too bad they're a waste of cotton pads and tissue. Can't you see I'm trying to shrink my carbon foot print??


The Vaseline lotion was only half full (or empty) when I started using it in January. The SO left it with me so he didn't have to take it back home with him on his last visit (lazy); yet it took me half a year to finish it. My excuse is that I have been rotating various lotion samples throughout this time. The Elizabeth Grant Lubricating Body Cream was from a Luxe's May order. Do not like it - it's sticky and smells like glue. Do not like Nivea's lotion either but I had to use it all up, including this extra sample packet of it from an Elle magazine.

When did I buy this exfoliator? It feels like I've had it forever but it can't have been too long.
I actually really like this and will probably do a review on it. If I didn't have the Salux, I would repurchase this or try out the infamous Soap & Glory Flake Away scrub!


Another random assortment of cleansers but toners as well. Eye spy a sad and empty bottle of CURE Natural Aqua Gel, do you?
I have reviewed most of the items in this picture or have spoken briefly about them. The only products I am not a fan of is the Lancôme toner and the Clinique toner. Something about mid to high-end toners always ticks me off. It could be the amount of alcohol that's in them or my skin but I'll stick to softeners and lotions from now on. Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion, anyone?

So this is my collection of empty bottles and tubes dedicated to a post where I can brag about the stuff I have used up instead of stuff I have purchased! I am upset that I can't brag a bit more because of empty bottles that have gone missing but there's always a next time.
In fact, I have a few bottles nearing it's recycling death but I'm saving that for later!

What have you used up recently and do you ever recycle afterwards? I'm thinking of joining Terracycle.com but I normally put my empties in the blue recycling basket for weekly recycling. 

Review: Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15

During the Spring and Summer, I prefer lighter coverage makeup such as tinted moisturizer or mineral powder.
Since Spring has finally sprung into action, I must do so as well! Last week when ruffling through my tinted moisturizer collection, I was unable to find a suitable shade for Spring. This comes as no surprise as I purchased all of my tinted moisturizers during the Summer. With no suitable shade in hand, I hurried to Sears to pick up the Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15 - a new addition to Clinique's Moisture Surge line - which I'm reviewing today.

As always, I'll begin with the brand's blurb:

"Allergy Tested. 100% Fragrance Free.
Sheer, hydrating coverage. Natural finish.

Smooth on an instant moisture boost with SPF protection and a hint of skin-perfecting colour. Refreshingly lightweight formula provides a no-makeup look and feel, yet covers imperfections with a natural, hydrating touch. Long-wearing. Oil-free. "

With only six shades to choose from and most of them leaning on the darker side, I am lucky Shade 02 matches me perfectly. Here is a comparative swatch:


Top 2 Photos:
Left: Clinique Even Better Makeup in 03 Ivory - swatched 2x
Right: Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer in Shade 02 - swatched; blended.
Bottom:
Left: Clinique Even Better Make in 03 Ivory - blended, Right: Moisture Surge Tinted Moisture - blended. As promised, Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer is fragrance-free and feels lightweight. The thin formula absorbs into my skin quickly but there is adequate time to blend for a streak-free finish. While the coverage is sheer, I find my complexion looks less dull and uneven. My blotchy-red cheeks are evenly pink but scars and dark spots are still visible. In other words, major imperfections are covered to a small extent. Typically, I am required to blot my t-zone at 3 hours but Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer lasts about 5 hours before it completely disappears all-over.

For 30ml of product at $30CAD/$24.50USD, this tinted moisturizer isn't ridiculously priced. Most tinted moisturizers cost within the $25-$40 range. However, I benefit more from a foundation which costs about the same. I also prefer higher SPF as anything below 30 is insufficient in protecting the skin from the sun's harmful UV rays.Luckily, Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer wins over my heart with it's hygienic design. The moisturizer is housed in durable plastic bottle with a twist cap and is squeezed out through a spout. I'd appreciate a flippable lid but I'm glad I'm not digging my fingers into a pot.

Bottom Line:
I do recommend this tinted moisturized. It hasn't broken me out and it does much of what it claims to do. While the Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer seems expensive, it's nothing out of the ordinary. Also, I can easily counteract the low SPF issue by prepping my skin with a sunscreen as I'm sure to do during the summer. The packaging gets two thumbs up aswell!

Hope this review was helpful and thanks for reading ♥

xoxo,
Ashley.

Project 10 Pan - Facial Cleansers (& Masks/Exfoliators)

Uuuhh so I haven't been posting a lot lately. I'm terrible but atleast I'll apologize... I'm sorry!
So I'm back for the night with another P10P (Project 10 Pan) post. This time, I'm doing a mash up of Facial Cleansers and Exfoliators. I know a lot of guys n' gals hate P10P but I LOVE IT!! While I enjoy using 10 of my most cherished and hated products, others can't stand it & give up! I won't give up this fight, oh no I won't! When I do P10P I notice how much I have and how little I need in actuality. It keeps me from buying "back-up's", "spares", "extras" and things just for the heck of it!
Anddd because of of my No-Buy Oath, it's really boosting my resistance in shopping! I feel it is reaaaally helping my addiction but my friends just laugh it off..

With no further introduction, here is my list for Project 10 Pan Facial Cleanser (& masks/exfoliators).

1) The Body Shop Aloe Calming Facial Cleanser

2) The Body Shop The Body Shop Cucumber Cleansing Milk

3) L'Oreal Go 360 Clean Deep Cream Cleanser

5) Clinique Liquid Facial Soap

6) Vichy Normaderm Deep Cleansing Gel

7) Freeman Beauty Good Stuff Organics Smoothing Facial Scrub

8) Freeman Beauty Good Stuff Organics Revitalizing Facial Mask

9) St. Ives Mineral Clay Firming Masque

10) Soap & Glory Scrub Your Nose In It

It will take a fair amount of time to finish this project but I'm going to be dedicated as H***!!

I'm also thinking of doing reviews after I finish each product... but since I feel I have no readers, I'll wait for comments asking for them. Or I could just do a review for the heck of it & maybe someone will find my blog unexpectedly! I believe in destiny hence (makeupkismet) so instead of advertising myself 100%, I'll wait & see how many people eventually find me.
I'll confess, I did something bad! A few weeks ago I passed by The Body Shop to pick up their new deodorant and also grabbed the Passion Fruit Facial Cleansing Gel from their Originals line. While that goes against my No-Buy Oath, I'll have you know... I am shameless! The consequences of my actions are NO STARBUCKS FOR A MONTH. That's right, all of July I will NOT be sippin' on a delicious iced caffeinated beverage :(
I can still have my Tim Horton's Ice Cappucino but it's not the same as a Caramel Frappucino, which makes me want some Starbucks even more (sighhhh)!
The bright side is that balance IS restored because I am super close to finishing 1) The Body Shop Aloe Calming Facial Cleanser and 3) L'Oreal Go 360 Clean Deep Cream Cleanser! Please note that I use the L'Oreal Go 360 Clean Deep Cream Cleanser to wash my make-up brushes aswell as my face. I need to get rid of the product & I don't have a brush cleanser at this moment, so sue me! It's not cheating.. it's a loophole ;)

I think I've covered everything I had to for this post. I'll do a review for Aloe cleanser in my next post because it kind of excites me (even though the product itself is boring...). HA!

Bye-bye for now,
Ashley.

A Quick Clinique Review

I haven't blogged at all since last week and instead of coming back with another Project 10 Pan list, I'll do a short review. It's not a nice one so reader beware!
Tonight (it's 11:20PM here) I'll be going over the Clinique Super Rescue Antioxidant Night Moisturizer (for dry/combination skin).


I've been using this night moisturizer on and off now for about six months with little to no results. For the past week or so I've been having trouble with it to the point where I threw it out. Most facial moisturizers or face creams last about twenty-four months (or) two years.
I'm not sure if I should take it into factor that I got this as a sample from a gift with purchase instead of the full sized product. My sample comes in a pot (y'gotta dip your fingers in it) instead of the full sized squeeze-y tube. I assure you all that I am very hygenic when it comes to my face creams! My hands and fingers are ALWAYS clean before dipping my fingers in the devilish pots. I also never double dip. (I'm kind of getting hungry here...)
Onwards to tonight where while doing my nightly regime I faced a very disgusting result with my Clinique cream. After gently rubbing the moisturizer into my skin, I felt the cream start to pill. Yes, I said PILL. Like when you use a Japanese or Korean peeling gel? Where your "dead" skin starts to appear in tiny gel-ish balls?? Gross, I know!
I didn't do anything different tonight so why the weird and disgusting pilling?! I don't know but maybe it has to do with ..
The Clinique Super Rescue Antioxidant Night Moisturizer (maybe) being aimed for older women and men, aged 30 & up also. Being 19 and all I'm not that old or old enough so I don't exactly qualify. While I didn't face any tragic accidents before tonight with this cream, it wasn't a bad product. It is moisturizing but does not sport a thick consistancy or texture. I think some might like the fact that it wasn't greasy either (A+, duh). I prefer gel creams/lotions/moisturizers but for a night cream, it felt about right. So although it wasn't super thin or super thick, it met inbetween! Even when the moisturizer absorbed into my skin, it didn't sink in fully but it didn't sit on top. I certainly felt there was something on my face but nothing too heavy or rich for my pillow case! Aside from being quite moisturizing I felt there were no other results (booooo!). The acne on my forehead is still as red & patchy, my cheeks the same. It isn't meant to cure or prevent pimples and break outs, it does what it should. And then what it shouldn't..
I'm not sure how much this retails for but in the future, I don't think I'd reach for it anyhow. I am more interested in jojoba oil than middle to high end skincare products now. Well... for moisturizing purposes atleast!

Clinique Brush-On Cream Liner - Review

Creamy liner brushes on deep, smoky, eye-defining colour. Long-wearing, waterproof formula. Ophthalmologist tested."

The first cream eye liner I ever used was the Clinique Brush-On Cream Liner in True Black. I purchased it over three years ago for $16.00CAD and I still have it! Back when I was 16 (a complete make-up newb) I decided to try cream eyeliner because all of the drugstore pencil/kohl liners I tried weren't working for me.
Every guy n' gal is looking for a waterproof, smudgeproof, oil-proof eyeliner. Well I know I am/was and I still am! My initial thoughts on Clinique's cream liner was that it was great. Now I find it is so-so. There is always some bad to the good so let's start with the good first!


The Good: True Black is truly black and dries to a semi-matte finish. The texture is creamy making it easy to apply. I don't use it daily but even after 3 years, it still hasn't dried out. It is just as creamy as when I first used it. To take it off, simply use water or oil-free eye make-up remover.

The Bad: It isn't waterproof, smudgeproof & it will transfer if you have oily lids. You will need a primer if you do not want it to transfer. You may find "cracks" in your line because this cream liner also flakes after 4 hours or more. For $16.00, I wish it did atleast one of the things it claimed to do.

So all and all, it isn't perfect. You will need a primer (FYI - I didn't even know what primer was until last year). It isn't waterproof as it says it is and it also isn't long wearing. If you find you have dry eyelids, I would still recommend using an eye primer. I would use this is only during a short trip to the grocery store or practicing doing the perfect flick or cat eye.

P.S. - The brush it comes with is small so it is fairly easy to lose. If you have giant hands then there is another one! However, the brush (minus the size factor) was easy to use & create neat lines with.