Body hair? – I’ve got lots of it; it’s dark, fine-to-coarse & utterly unattractive… Oh, the tragedies of an Indian Girl. Haha. Unwanted body hair gets the best of us. Unless, you’ve laser-ed it off, we all remove it in some way or another whether at home or the salon. I’ve used a number of different methods & products to remove my unwanted body hair--- waxing always being my least favourite due to the PAIN.

But recently, after reading some rave-reviews I picked up a new Cold Wax that has BLEW MY MIND. No really, I have NEVER used anything like this before. It has AMAZED me like no other and has truly made the once painfully dreadful task of waxing into a semi-pleasant experience (as pleasant as waxing could get?). Let me introduce to you ---Parissa Persian Cold Wax Hair Remover.

PACKAGING

 

Lets take a moment to admire the sleek black & gold packaging this wax comes in. It looks so fancy & elegant-- not the least like a typical hair removal product! The kit comes with an 8 oz container of cold wax ("sugar paste"), 2 wooden spatulas and 20 muslin strips. You’ve got everything you need all in 1 box, so there is no need to go out and spend on strips/spatulas/wax warmers.  You should be able to find it at your local Department Store or Drugstore in most countries. It can also be ordered online directly from Parissa or Amazon. I bought mine from my local Walmart for an affordable price around $14 CAD. 


BUT, what’s so special about this wax, you ask? DRUM-ROLL PLEASE…

PROS

Firstly, it is 100% NATURAL. It’s a formula made only of 3 ingredients--- sugar, water & citric acid – so simple yet so effective. It is essentially a "sugar-paste" and could possibly be made my yourself at home… but after one too many DIY wax disasters in my teen years, I’d never attempt again. Most waxes have fairly long ingredient list--- so a 3 ingredient wax is kind of a big deal.

Also, the wax is WASHABLE and WATER SOLUBLE. All you need is water and the wax effortlessly washes off. You don’t even need soap! Waxing doesn’t have to “sticky mess” with this bad boy. You can wash the wax off your body, clothing, & really anything it gets on.

That brings me to my next point: the STRIPS ARE REUSABLE---No I don’t just mean you can reuse the strip twice or thrice while waxing---rather they can be washed off and are good as new for future waxing sessions. HOW AWESOME?! All you do is: wash & dry. I throw all my used strips in a bowl filled half-way with water, rinse off and then dry on a towel. This is easy on your wallet and environmentally friendly as you don’t have to be continuously discarding the strips and buying new ones.

Also, there is no need to worry about burning yourself with hot wax—because there's NO NEED TO HEAT IT! Most waxes need to be heated up in a wax warmer for a couple of minutes, then you've got to wait till it cools down and what not. But, with this you don’t need to fuss with all that as it's ready to use "cold". But, when the wax has hardened due to the temperature I do heat it in the microwave for maybe 20 seconds at the most to get it to the right spreadable “honey-like” consistency.

 HERE THE BIGGEST PRO OF THEM ALL--- A GAME CHANGER!

You will enter a world of waxing with MUCH, MUCH LESS PAIN. I’m not even kidding!! Yes, you are essentially pulling your hair out of its roots—so it’s bound to hurt. BUT, the pain is tremendously lower compared to other waxes I’ve used. Extremely painful, redness, bumps and scars ---- are just some words associated with previous at-home waxing experiences.  With this, you only feel an ever so slight stinging sensation that goes away instantly. There is slight redness but it quickly disappears. This was a delightful surprise and now  I am no longer afraid to wax!

CONS

Yes, there’s a con --- I guess one product just can’t have it ALL.

This wax is not very effective on “short, coarse, thick, pre-shaven hair”. I used this on my short & coarse under-arm hair that was less than 0.5 cm long and it was NO FUN--  I had to wax the same area MULTIPLE times to remove all the hair!  It’s stated in the instructions that pre-shaven hair is resistant, so it should be waxed when its 0.5 cm or longer – so no surprise. But, who wants to wait it out? I want to wax as soon as my hair is visible! So I’m on the lookout for a wax more suitable for that area.

DIRECTIONS

Very simple-- If wax is too hard then heat it for no more than 20 seconds, apply a very thin layer of wax in direction of hair growth, place the strip & rub, rub, rub. Then, quickly pull in opposite direction of hair growth while staying as parallel as possible to the area.

TIPS

These are some tips I picked up that may make your waxing experience a little more pleasant and effective.

• Taut/ Stretch on surrounding skin tightly before pulling the strip for best results. For under-arms, pull your arm all the way around your head (it makes a huge difference).


•  Do not heat the wax for too long –only a few seconds or else the wax will not be adhesive enough to pull out all the hair—remember it is a cold wax and most effective when used “cold”. 


• Apply a very thin layer of wax or the strip will just pull the extra wax off & not the hair. 

MY OVERALL EXPERIENCE

The MOST PLEASANT WAXING EXPERIENCE I've had thus far for my arms and legs-- All hair was removed on the first attempt with MUCH LESS PAIN than usual. It wasn’t the best for my coarse & short underarm hair as I had to wax the same area several times to remove all the hair. My arms/legs have fine hair whereas my under-arm hair is much thicker. I'd say this wax works best on fine-to-normal hair, but it's not the easiest to use on very thick, coarse & short hair (it still works but takes more pulls).

 I will definitely repurchase and this will be my number 1 choice to remove most of my body hair until I find something better! I'm surprised that it's not more popular. Natural, Washable, Reusable, No Heating & LESS PAIN=AMAZING!

Do you remove hair at home or the salon & how? What are your favourite products?

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Summer Sun-Protection Essentials

Maxi dresses, flip-flops, & popsicles.  Summer is FINALLY here! At last, Good ol’Mister Sun has decided to come down and pay us a visit here in Canada! With 9 months of cold--- we, Canadians, CHERISH our 3 months of hot summer weather. Oh, how I envy any of you with hot weather all-year-long!

 As much I love the bright summer sun & shine, it is so important to be sun protected.  Extended exposure to the sun leads to premature aging of the skin, wrinkles, dark spots, sun burns and even skin cancer. FACT: the sun IS a carcinogen. Even minutes in the sun unprotected can start doing its harm.  And NO sun protection is NOT just for the BEACH---but every day –sun, rain, clouds.

Here are my top 5 essential picks to be sun safe: 

All day, every day! The SINGLE most important thing you can do for your skin is SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN & SUNSCREEN. This is NUMBER #1 before all your anti-aging, firming, dark-spot erasing creams and what not. In the past, I have been SO bad & lazy with suncreen—I hardly EVER used it. I really believed it was only for the beach (horrible- I know!). But I upped my game the past year with regular sunscreen use & have noticed a HUGE difference in my skin.  I kid you not! --- Acne scars lightening, hyper-pigmentation decreasing, and a more evened skin tone. None of my creams/masks/exfoliants had a real effect without this (cause the sun was just damaging it on a daily basis).

 Use a sunscreen with atleast SPF 30 or more of broad spectrum protection (UVA and UVB protection).  I prefer mineral/physical sunscreens with either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the main active ingredients. As they sit on the skin reflecting harmful rays whereas chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin. (Here’s an article on chemical vs. physical sunscreens if you’re interested ).  I use Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 which is a moisturizer + SPF. I've done a short review on this in my Prep and Prime Routine post--- in short I love it to bits!

 I use a different sunscreen for my body--- as I’m picky with what I use on my face (some sunscreens can look shiny, greasy, have white casts, flashbacks, etc.). Apply a broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen to all uncovered body parts-- arms, legs, hands, neck and don't forget your feet in those flip-flops!

If your not sun-blocking the area, then be sure to cover it with clothing (long sleeves, long pants, etc.). On my current must have WANT LIST is La Roche –Posay ANTHELIOS 50 MINERAL Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid. La Roche Posay are KNOWN for their sunscreens---my brother who is SPF-fanatic SWEARS by them!

Don’t forget about your LIPS! Use a lip-balm with a SPF. I use Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm with a SPF of 20. It looks and works just as great as any other lip-balm. I use the shade/flavor Pink Punch and I LOVE it! There are plenty of lip-balms out there with a higher SPF as well.

Protects your eyes + a stylish accessory! I cannot live without sunglasses especially in the summer months. If I ever forget them while driving I will literally drive back home just to get them cause I’m so blinded otherwise.  UV rays can harm the lens, cornea & surrounding tissue of the eyes and lead to problems such as cataracts--- SCARY STUFF. Also, no sunglasses=squinting = wrinkles! So be sure to always wear UV-protection sunglasses when in the sun.  I’ve been lusting over these Classic Aviator Raybans for just about forever!

I’m pretty bad on keeping up with this one myself because I always FORGET! A wide-brimmed hat will have the most cooling effect on your head, eyes and face. I'm not feeling those summery beach straw hats... I’m much more into a sleek wide brimmed black hat like above from Topshop.  This ones Its less “beachy” or "cow-girly" and not too floppy looking. It definitely goes with more outfits and is practical for everyday.

On that note, GO OUT AND GET YOUR SUMMER ON! – but don’t skimp on the sun protection!

 What are your top summer picks and sunscreen recommendations?!

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My Prep + Prime Routine

A clean & smooth canvas is necessary for any work of art (Your face included)! 

A well prepped & primed face can make your base and overall makeup look just that much better! It can make the world of a difference, in my opinion. I don't do anything too fancy. I just follow a simple 3 step prime & prime routine I've put together before I apply any foundation/concealer. The combination of these products work very well together. I slightly mix it up depending on daytime or nighttime wear. I also always start with a freshly cleansed and toned face. These products are definitely for my oily-skinned girls/guys as I know the pain myself. TIP: I leave a 10-20+ second gap between applying moisturizer, primer and foundation. That way everything is absorbed well into the skin (& not all mixed together).

Lets start! These are my 3 steps and what products I use for each:

1. MOISTURIZE YOUR SKIN

2 Options:  SPF for daytime & SPF-Free for evenings/nights

Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30:

Get your SPF on! On my regular day-time makeup days, I always use a moisturizer with a SPF --- it is SO important! A moisturizer + sunscreen in 1 is great as it combines steps. Otherwise, I'd easily forget to apply a separate sunscreen. This is a great moisturizer with a built-in mineral/physical sunscreen. It has zinc oxide as the main active ingredient acting as a physical sunscreen. I prefer mineral sunscreens over chemical ones as they are safer (more info on Dr. Oz's Sunscreen Article). 

I love this moisturizer because it is light-weight, blends in well and has a full matte finish. Absolutely no shiny/oily look unlike other sunscreens. Its got a bit of a tint to it, which helps to avoid white casts. BONUS: Its got some anti-aging properties as well! I usually hate using moisturizers with SPF when I wear makeup cause of the shiny look, white casts & flashback---but I have no complaints with this one! I have found the one for me *love*.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel:  

 An oily girl's BEST FRIEND! This is hands down my favourite SPF-free moisturizer to wear under makeup. My skin is on the oilier side and using any old moisturizer just does not cut it for me. Especially in the summer months! My skin can look like an oily slick by mid-day--- leading to a lot of blotting + powdering! I generously apply this all over my face, excluding  my under-eye area.

This gel is light-weight and oil-free. It hydrates my skin without looking or feeling at all greasy. It blends so beautifully into my skin--- its invisible once on. It has a matte finish and leaves me with soft, smooth & shine-free skin. The moisturizer you use under makeup truly does matter!--- I learned that the hard way. An oil-free moisturizer with a matte finish like this one has really helped with oil control. This gel is SPF-free which is what I love to use when I want a flawless finish especially for night-outs, without having to worry about flashback/white casts.

2. MOISTURIZE UNDER-EYE AREA

 

Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream:  

An early morning wake-me-up! I use less than a pea sized amount to apply under my eyes and on my eyelids. Personally, I don't believe that a special eye cream is necessary as I mentioned in my Breaking 5 Common Beauty Myths  post. BUT, I really believe this eye-cream STANDS OUT from other eye creams. It does MUCH MORE than simply moisturizing the area.  It BRIGHTENS! It has the tiniest specs of shimmer in it. SHIMMER? No, it isn't anything crazy! It's barely noticeable when applied. Yet, it gives off a slight sheen and radiance that brightens & highlights the area.

Origin claims that it is "a clinically-proven eye cream that instantly de-puffs and reduces dark circles". Personally I'd say it does NA-DA to reduce dark circles! But, it does slightly help to de-puff the under eye area which is the work of the caffeine + other ingredients in this. It immediately feels SO refreshing and soothing when applied---especially for early mornings of late nights. A little goes a long way and this tiny container will probably be enough to last me years!

Its got a bit of sheen to it.

3. PRIME THE SKIN

 

Smashbox Photofinish Foundation Primer: 

 To prime or not to prime? That is a question I've been trying to answer myself for a long time! For years I've gone without a primer and only recently added it to my routine. Smashbox has a ton of different primers to choose from, all meant to do different things--- the one I use is the original iconic formula. I apply the tiniest amount of this on my face focusing around my T-zone and cheeks (where I tend to get get oily). But does this really make any difference? Well, here's what Smashbox says its meant to do:

Create a perfect canvas for foundation application with this silky, lightweight blend of vitamins A & E, grape seed extract and green tea. Worn alone or under foundation, our best-selling, oil-free primer helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores for flawless skin with a velvety-smooth finish.

I personally do not have fine lines or large, visible pores (as far as I have noticed *YET--eeks*) so I can't speak to that. But, YES! I totally agree that this is a very light-weight formula that makes your skin feel ever so silky, velvety, smooth and ready for foundation. I feel that this primer creates a barrier between my skin and any makeup I apply. My foundation tends to stick on for longer as well. Its also rich in antioxidants which is always a plus!

Have I seen dramatic results giving this a HG status? NOT YET! Is a primer really necessary?! Well...I'm still experimenting with it under different conditions, weather and so on. I'll update when I have a solid opinion. Either way I love to use this as extra protection when I want a flawless, long-lasting finish.

Now, my face is prepped, primed & ready to go "paint" with makeup!

What are your Prep & Prime Products to perfect your base?

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Would You Rather Tag? (Beauty Edition)

I absolutely LOVE doing personal tags! They are one of my favorite types of posts to do cause they are so fun and really get you thinking! Thank-you to the gorgy natashalilibeth for tagging me! I've also tagged some lovely bloggers at the end of this post. Anywho, lets get on to the tag: 

1. Would you rather lose all of your mascaras, eyeliners, lipsticks, and lip glosses or lose all of your palettes and eye shadows?

Bye-bye palettes and eye-shadows!! I NEED my Mascara, eyeliner and lipstick always and forever!I'm not a big eye shadow junkie--- So I can make-do without eye shadows for sure!

2. Would you rather chop all of your hair off or never be able to cut it again?

 CHOP IT OFF cause it will always grow back & will give my hair a fresh start. I'll wear a wig until it does haha. I've always wanted to make drastic change from my long hair but always held back. #longhairproblems.

3. Would you rather have a coral cheek or a pink cheek?

CORAL all the way! I love how coral-peachy blushes instantly warm up your skin and it just looks so much more natural on my olive skin tone ! My favourite coral blush has to be MAC Peaches. Pink cheeks have more of a baby doll look.

4. If you had $1000 to spend, would you rather buy clothes or makeup?

Hmmm...This one got me thinking hard for a while. But I'd have to say CLOTHES. Makeup is something I'd buy even if I didn't have the extra money (woops). But clothes I always wait for sales/offers--- so having $1000 to spare would be mean I could splurge on all the clothes I want without worry! Plus I really need to get my summer closet ready. So really, whose giving me my $1000 now? :(

5. Would you rather apply lipstick as eyeliner, or eyeliner as lipstick?

 I only own/use the blackest of BLACK eyeliners so using that on my lips is just ridiculous. So I'd rather apply LIPSTICK AS EYELINER ---as there are so many colours to choose from.

6. Would you rather only shop at MAC or Sephora?

Without a doubt, I am a total MAC GIRL. I could live it that store if I could. Yes, there are the odd bits that I don't like from MAC but for the most part a lot of my staple/HG products are from MAC. I do love Sephora too but I feel a bit lost in there with all the different brands--- I always have to do my research before shopping there. 

7. Would you rather only use one eye shadow colour or one lip colour for the rest of your life?

1 eye shadow colour my whole life! Like I said, I'm not a huge eye-shadow junkie so I'd could do with one neutral eye-shadow. But when it comes to Lipsticks I'd love to change up now and then!

8. Would you rather wear winter clothes in summer or summer clothes in winter?

WINTER clothes in the SUMMER... because in the winter I love to layer up so in the summer I could just remove some layers of clothes and I'd be fine. Also, I HATE winter and wouldn't  let my self freeze to death with my summer clothes on.

9. Would you rather have dark nails or bright nails all year round?

Colourful and Bright Nails for sure!

10. Would you rather give up your favourite lip colour or favourite eye product?

I can't live without MASCARA! I would much rather keep my favourite Mascara ---L'Oreal Voluminous in Carbon Black. So take my lippie!

11. Would you rather only be able to wear your hair in a ponytail or messy bun?

 MESSY BUN! They look pretty nice & voluminous without the effort---whereas my ponytails tend to look  a little limp + lifeless.

12. Would you rather never be able to paint your nails again or never use lipgloss?

NEVER PAINT MY NAILS! I'm not a big Nail Girl and only ever paint them occasionally. Lipgloss, I also barely use as my lipstick is enough for me, but I'd still rather keep it over nails.

13. Would you rather shave your eyebrows and have none at all or sharpie them in everyday?

LOL WHAT. Okay so I'd have to go with SHAVE my eye-brows because they will GROW BACK! Thank the lord, my eye-brows are naturally full and always grow back even after years of torturing them with my plucker.

14. Would you rather live without makeup or nail polish?

NAIL POLISH- I barely use you anyways! MAKEUP >nail polish Anyday.

That was such a fun tag to do! A little harder than I thought cause I hate having to choose one or the other--  I want it all :( 

 I TAG EVERYBODY reading this! --- In particular I tag some lovely blogs I enjoy:

eeshasglam
 theblushinggiraffe
 beanieandthejets
aspiring-londoner
thescribblingtrain
  SwatchingOddity

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All Time Favourite Beauty Oils

I'm OBSESSED with oils! I love using them for my face, hair, body and so much more. The best thing about them is that they are 100% natural and full of skin-loving & healing ingredients. Here are my TOP 4 OILS FOR MY FACE: 

1. ARGAN OIL: 

 Who hasn't heard of this baby by now? It's my absolute favourite multipurpose oil  that I primarily as a moisturizer for my face. It is a very dry oil and unlike other oils it doesn't leave a greasy residue behind. Massage onto your face and skin quickly absorbs it in! I love to use this on make-up free days and on nights when I'm not applying other serums. Its my go-to product when my skin needs a break.

When I wake up in the morning after using this, my skin feels so soft, supple and refreshed. If you have dry skin, you could definitely use this as a moisturizer under your makeup as well. But since my skin is on the oily side, I do not. I use the Josie Maran 100 percent Pure Argan Oil (which is mega pricey), but I feel that you can use ANY 100% PURE, COLD PRESSED Argan Oil. Once I finish the Josie Maran one, I'll be purchasing it from any other affordable brand.
Properties: Rich in essential fatty acids, Vitamin E, Linoleic acid

2. ROSEHIP OIL:  

Second Runner up! This used-to-be my ultimate favourite facial oil for moisturizing until I discovered argan oil. It is also a "dry oil" but argan is slightly more dry. I was totally sold when I woke up the following morning after applying this for the first time. My skin was GLOWING! I looked so refreshed and awake. I've used this almost every night for around a year until I converted to Argan oil. This oil is said to have anti-aging properties as well as help to reduce acne scarring. Personally, I have not seen any DRAMATIC improvements on either that I can comment on, but I have heard that it has worked for others. 

Why did I make the switch to Argan Oil? Well,  only about 2 months ago I discovered that this oil may be a culprit in exacerbating my breakouts (note: NOT causing). After some research online, I found that some others reported the same and that rosehip oil may indeed have a connection with the worsening of breakouts. I immediately stopped using it daily and now my breakouts are much more under control. Regardless, rosehip oil still makes my favorites list! This is because I still do enjoy this oil whenever my skin is clear and behaving itself as I love the glow it gives my skin. But I am sure to steer away when I have pimples or feel any breakouts emerging.

Note: Pure rosehip oil is is a rich AMBER colour. Yet, there are brands that sell this as a completely clear oil such as the one by NOW Solutions (?!?!).  So, definitely ensure that you use 100% pure, cold pressed oil and that  it is amber coloured. I use the Cocoon Apothecary Organic Rosehip Oil Moisturizing Serum.

Properties: Rich in fatty acids, Linoleic acid, Provitamin A

Left: Cocoon Apothecary Rosehip Oil (amber coloured) | Right: Now Solutions Rosehip oil (clear)

 

3. TEA TREE OIL: 

Only THE BEST NATURAL PIMPLE FIGHTER ever! This is my go-to product to use whenever I feel even the slightest breakout emerging. I hit it with some tea tree oil to stop it in its tracks and BAM by the morning it is nearly GONE. For me, this has been most effective in "Stage 1" of a breakout, when it is just starting to form. After stage 1, tea tree oil is not as powerful at killing an already formed pimple (at least for me especially on those big, ugly zits).  It is said to be almost as effective as Benzoyl Peroxide, but a more natural alternative.

I use tea tree oil in its 100% form and do not dilute it with water to effectively treat pimples. But, FIRST TIME USERS, be warned this is a very potent essential oil especially when used in 100% form. I strongly recommend diluting with water for the FIRST few times you use it until you feel you need a higher concentration. Also, do not go crazy with this oil, only use it where and when you need it! I use the Desert Essence 100% Australian Tea Tree Oil

Properties: Antiseptic, Antifungal

4. VITAMIN E OIL:

 A secret Saviour! I have used this on my facial skin for different purposes...BUT it is the absolute best for your LIPS. Lips are on your face... so yes I count that as a face oil (Right?!--lets pretend it is lol). This stuff is AMAZING to get chapped-free, super soft and smooth lips! I apply this every night on my lips and it has worked wonders. My lips have never looked smoother. I've done a full review on Vitamin E Oil for Lips Here.

Now, I haven't seen much difference using Vitamin E oil on my face and actually really dislike the very thick & heavy feeling of this oil against my skin. I've used it as a DIY under-eye cream and also to reduce scarring but saw no real results. And so its a perfect match made for your lips!I use the Jamieson Brand 100% Pure Vitamin E Oil.

Properties: Rich in Antioxidants

 I love me some oils! Do you use oils in your skincare? What are your absolute favourites? Any recommendations?! 

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5 Beauty Products Not Worth The Hype

I may BREAK ALOT OF HEARTS with this... SO before I get into this: SO SORRY if these are YOUR HOLY GRAIL products!!! Please don't hurt me (LOL). I know these products are LOVED by many, but sadly they just didn't work out for me for different reasons--- I'm not saying they are absolute horrendous product rather that they didn't live up to the HYPE for me.

Now, I am a TOTAL SUCKER for hyped up beauty products. I tend to get into this little crazed frenzy until I am able to get my hands on them! That was exactly the case for these 5 products, I searched high and low to get them. I bought them simply based on the hype and sensation they had in the beauty community.
I've had all 5 of these products for a 1 year + and have A LOT of each product left, which speaks for itself. It is safe to say that I took my time to use them in different ways, but just couldn't come around to loving them. I barely EVER reach for any of these products anymore. They are literally in the bottom of makeup bag collecting dust. Trust me, I REALLY, REALLY wish I could have loved them. But they simply did not live up to their hype and my expectations. 

1. EVEPEARL SALMON CONCEALER (TAN): 

 I cannot even believe literally how mental I went just to get my hands on this concealer (as its only sold online) cause of its "salmon or peach" colour. It was raved about its ability to miraculously conceal the darkest under-eye circles. I really don't get whats so special about this concealer. Yes, the peach/salmon undertones are great for counteracting dark-circles but there are TONS of other concealers similar and CHEAPER than this. This is a whopping $36 (US) for only 6.3 grams.

I kind of HATE this concealer, because of its texture. Its so... creamy and doesn't set. It creases almost instantly under my eyes. For those reasons, I'd say its NOT for OILY SKINNED GIRLS! Also, when set with a powder, it looks really cakey and turns into a odd orangey colour. The lasting power is  very poor as it wears off within a couple of hours. The packaging is quite cheaply made. The mirror of my container actually fell out once! Note that I barely ever even used this nor did i ever drop it, so the mirror randomly falling off is a clear indication of cheap material.So seriously, whats to love with this?!

2. REVLON COLOR BURST LIP BUTTER (PINK TRUFFLE):

 A lipstick + lip balm in  1 = Awesome, right?! NO! Okay, so I do agree that the concept behind this product was good but the product itself just went wrong. Firstly, this is way over-priced for a drug store "lip butter". I mean I could easily get a MAC lipstick for a couple more dollars. It is so SHEER and comes with such a small amount of product (compared to other lipsticks). It also easily melts in the packaging itself (nothing too extreme). I mean I barely even used this product and you can see in the picture below that there is only a little bit left.

I only own 1 shade of this lip butter which is "Pink Truffle". It was raved about being a neutral every-day colour, but its actually a lot BRIGHTER than it looks in the tube. All the colours in this lipstick range are on the bright, funky and fun side (for my taste).

1 swatch - its quite sheer

3. MAYBELLINE EYE STUDIO COLOUR TATOO EYESHADOW (BAD TO THE BRONZE):

  I am ONLY speaking about "Bad to the Bronze" Colour Tatoo as it is the only one I have tried--- this does not refer to ALL of the Colour Tatoos. Alright, so I do agree that this is super easy to use,  VERY long-lasting, highly pigmented and a multifunctional eye-shadow. So why don't I like it? The COLOUR!  It looks absolutely gorgeous in pictures/online but when tried on, it certainly is not. I thought it would a beautiful rich bronzey colour. But its more of just a super shiny, frosty & shimmering GLITTER BOMB with brownish-silver undertones. It has cooler undertones to it, I prefer warmer undertones  on my skin-tone. It doesn't compliment me really well even though bronze eye-shadows generally do suit my skin tone.  I would have absolutely loved this colour if it more so like the popular MAC Bronze eye-shadow for example.

I'm not labelling the colour tatoos as a bad product but simply that this colour is over-rated and doesn't suit my olive-medium skin tone.The colour is not a true bronze as the name implies.

Without Flash

With Flash

1 Swatch: doesn't it so frosty almost silvery

4. MAYBELLINE INSTANT AGE REWIND DARK CIRCLE TREATMENT CONCEALER (NEUTRALIZER):  

Firstly, if you are around my skin tone (Olive, NC 42) or any deeper than STEER AWAY!! Not only from the colour "Neutralizer" but from the entire concealer line, cause it is difficult to find a match for you (darkest shade is Honey).  It only comes in 6 shades which are all light to medium shades which are not at all suited for warmer complexions. (THANKS MAYBELLINE!!)

 I bought the shade Neutralizer as I had heard it is yellow based concealer ideal for highlighting. It is actually WAY TO LIGHT! It looks like a NC15-NC20 almost. On me it looks awful and whitish even as a highlight. What a waste, cause this stuff isn't cheap either, it is very over-priced for a drug store concealer (around $14-15 CAD). Again, just a few more dollars more and you would be able to get a higher-end concealer.

See how light and whitish Age Rewind Concealer in Neutralizer is in comparison to Studio Finish NW30 on the right.

 It is also incredibly unsanitary as it has a germ clinging sponge applicator. BUT, I will give it some points as it does not easily crease under your eyes and sets well because it isn't a cream based product. Basically, if you can find a shade match and consider removing the sponge-applicator then this may be a great product for you.

5. BEN NYE LUXURY BANANA POWDER:  

This one may come as the biggest SHOCKER on this list! I've only ever heard good things about this powder, so maybe it's just me. Ever since, Kim K's makeup artist revealed that this powder is used to highlight & set her under-eye area, the hype around this product literally BLEW UP overnight! I'm obsessed with makeup around my under-eye area due to my dark circles. I'm constantly looking for the BEST under-eye products to correct, conceal and highlight that area. I wanted to LOVE this as much as everyone else but sadly couldn't.

Here why:  The application of this product is always a DISASTER FOR ME. I absolutely hate the packaging of this product! It is almost impossible to use the product without making a wasteful mess with the container it comes in. For that reason, It is NOT good for quick on-the-go use. I have decanted some into a smaller jar-type container which makes it only a little easier to use. The brush you use to apply this powder really matters as well. Whenever I use synthetic densely packed brush, it picks up way too much product and again that can get very messy. The best type of brush to use is a small loosely packed brush such as a blending brush or a sponge-applicator. I've wasted so much product in just the application process of this powder.

The nozzle of the container: Super hard to work with!

The word "finely milled"  is always used to describe this powder...which is true, but it has a VERY powdery & dry look and feel to it. I've seen some girls use this as a all over face powder, but I couldn't imagine doing that cause its so drying. When I initially picked up this product over a year ago it was quite affordable at only around maybe $10 (CAD) or so but now the price has gone up steeply. What I do like about this product is the the yellow "banana" colour is great for highlighting  the under-eye area for warm skin tones like myself or darker. I have seen this powder make a huge difference on other people, but only see a slight difference when I use it. It might not workout for paler girls as it may be too dark. Nonetheless, for the reasons mentioned previously it is but not my favourite to reach for.

So those are my 5 over-hyped beauty products that I would NOT repurchase. But I do believe in second chances and think it is so wasteful to toss unfinished products away.  I will try to use them more often and see if anything changes.

WHAT ARE YOUR OVER-HYPED BEAUTY PRODUCTS THAT AREN'T WORTH IT? 

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