Beauty Product Reviews | Page 4

Stunning color story

I love the mix of colors in these palettes! Every color story they've put out so far appeals to me. I purchased the Cashmerie Palette first and was not disappointed. The soft, pinky/neutral colors are perfect for everyday use. The quality is consistent with the high standards of Viseart palettes in terms of having the right level of pigment and ease with blending out the shadows. There is even a perfect matte brow bone shade included (at least for my skin tone). As much as I love Cashmerie, I found Le Marais to be even more of a step up in terms of the more interesting color selection. This palette is definitely less subtle and more fun than Cashmerie. I find the matte shades to be a bit more pigmented and blend out even easier than Cashmerie. I left out swatches for Cashmerie, as I see reviewers have done a wonderful job already. I did want to show you how stunning Le Marais is! I hope to get my hands on more palettes, and I can't wait to see the color story that comes out next!

Clarifying but not drying

When my skin was more combo/oily, I could handle the traditional clay mask that soaked up the excess oils and stripped the skin. My skin was more oily and naturally hydrated, so I feared no clay mask. Now that I've gotten older and my skin is more combo/dry, I definitely still need something to clear out congestion in my pores but not make the skin even drier. I find this mask very effective at absorbing excess sebum in the pores, which are visibly less congested after use. Most importantly, this mask does not completely dry down like traditional clay masks and stays hydrating/tacky even for up to an hour of wear. Now I don't have to compromise by having my skin stripped of its moisture in exchange for less congestion; this mask gives me the best of both worlds. My only complaint is that this is a bit difficult to rinse off, especially since I like a more substantial layer of product. I imagine if you go in with a thinner layer, this will not be an issue.

Excellent for dry skin!

When my skin is very dry, I reach for this the night before to ensure I do not wake up with dry, flakey skin. It has a creamy texture that adds hydration from the glycerin content but also has oils and mango seed butter to deeply moisturize the skin. The best part is this cream provides great occlusion to prevent transepidermal water loss while feeling comfortable on the skin. I'm not going to tell you this is as lightweight as a gel cream, as it is rich and has body to the texture that allows it to nourish the skin and keep the moisture in. My skin is chronically dry to the point of flaking during the day, and this is the only product that can truly help. The other cream I found that is just as effective is the original La Mer, but it isn't the most cost-effective and, by comparison, feels a bit heavier than this formula. I can even use this during the day, and although not the lightest in texture, it still feels comfortable and not suffocating. This is so good that I've already stocked up after my first tube, and I got my boyfriend hooked on this as well!

Natural, fluttery and comfortable to wear

I am kicking myself for not buying a backup of the Second Nature lashes sooner, as they're now sold out. I have naturally short, stubby Asian lashes, so whenever I wear a dramatic lash, it is a dead giveaway, as my lower lashes don't even come close. I prefer a natural-looking lash that will compliment my eye look and not overwhelm my smaller features. I had very good luck finding the Velour Secret Weapon, which is about the same length as these but more densely packed with lashes. Whereas Secret Weapon is slightly more glam for me, these are perfect everyday lashes. They are more fluttery, perfected and prettier than natural lashes for sure, but it doesn't look so obvious that they're false lashes. They're also among the most comfortable false lashes I've ever worn. The band is thinner than the Secret Weapon style, and most of the time, I honestly can't tell they're on. I'm definitely waiting for a restock with bated breath and will be sure to stock up whenever they do.

Creamy but doesn't budge

This deep brown liner is very pigmented and goes on the lash line with ease. I have been using my Charlotte Tilbury Rock 'N' Kohl Liner in Barbarella Brown for some time, which is slightly creamier than this liner, but it smudges just ever so slightly on the under eyes. Whereas I would have to be more careful with the Charlotte Tilbury liner due to the creaminess, this liner is the perfect balance between creaminess and firmness with better staying power. I can also smudge out the liner with my Sonia G Smudger Two very effortlessly, but it does set down after a minute so you have to work fast or apply one eye at a time. It stays on the waterline all day and does not budge or smudge. I tried this liner on the recommendation of the Youtuber Michelle Wang and have not been disappointed. I will definitely be purchasing other shades, like Obsidian and Chestnut, with my next order.

Best traditional lipstick formula

This is a full-opacity lipstick that is somehow creamy but clings onto the lips very well. As the other reviewers mentioned, the slimmer bullet allows you to sculpt the perfect lip line without a liner, and it never bleeds. From day to day, I usually go for a lip tint, but when looking for that full-on pigmented lipstick, this is the formula I go for. I also really love the look of blotting the lips after application, as it gives a softer version of the color and is still very even with this formula. The packaging is weighted and beautiful, evocative of a vintage cigarette holder. The only drawback I can think of is if you travel with it as I did, the customs agents may consider it a sharp object, and then you'd have to explain it's just lipstick.

Light as air and non-greasy

This oil adds that perfect finishing touch to any style. It sprays out a fine mist of dry oil that absorbs quickly into the hair without weighing it down. For straight hairstyles, I love my Sisley Precious Hair Oil to smooth out the hair and add shine. However, oils in that format have to be dispersed into the hair by hand, which can take down the volume a bit, in my experience. When I curl my hair, this oil spray is a must! It is so light that it really just kisses the strands, adding shine and smoothness without sacrificing volume.

Sophisticated, Sultry Take on Peach

I didn't think I would love this as much as I did. I love the scent of peaches but wasn't sure how the bitter part would work. As it turns out, the smell is evocative of the way the peach pit smells. It has a hint of peach but with way more depth. It develops on the skin interestingly as you get a peachy/herbaceous scent, but sometimes more floral and sometimes more sultry. It has so many dimensions to it and is far from being one note or flat. It makes perfect sense that this is Tom Ford's take on peach.

Effective Exfoliation

Since I have acne-prone skin, regular exfoliation with AHA/BHA is crucial in my routine to keep my skin clear. For years, I've used The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, but the drawback is the product stings quite a bit and is very uncomfortable for 10 minutes until I wash it off (and burns a bit even after I wash it off). To be honest, the peel from The Ordinary is more effective if you are looking for the strongest chemical exfoliation you can get without going in for a professional peel. In comparison, the BeautyStat Universal Triple Action Daily Peel is a bit gentler on the skin and is a leave-on product as opposed to a rinse-off. I find it is still effective to help slough off the top layer of dead skin cells and prevent them from mixing with sebum, which can lead to clogged pores. It does sting a tiny bit for a few minutes when you first swipe the product-soaked sheet onto the skin, but it does dissipate and is MUCH more tolerable than The Ordinary peel. Since it isn't as strong, I do have to use the peel 2-3 times a week to get the same amount of exfoliation. I follow up this product with hydrating/nourishing serums and a moisturizer and wake up with smoother, clearer skin (without dreading the process)!

Cuts Blow Dry Time in Half!

For years, I've only let my hair air dry, thinking that was better for the condition of my hair. I've recently found that keeping the hair damp for a long time is actually worse as the hair is more prone to damage when wet. I have thick and long hair that takes forever to dry, even with a Dyson dryer. Since I really don't love holding up the dryer until my arm falls off, this product has been such a godsend as it cuts blow-dry time in half! The product also adds some nourishment to my hair and protects it from the heat at the same time. With this product, I can crank up the heat to high on my Dyson dryer and voila, my hair is dry in 5 minutes, no exaggeration. My hair is protected from damage and comes out silky soft and even a little shiny!