I can't \not\ mention my being away for a long time. I don't really have a good excuse, just the usual reasons that I'm sure we're all aware of. Life got busy, things happened. I got a new computer recently, so things are going to be looking generic and pretty boring while I get all my settings figured out and previous fonts transferred over to this new guy. This OWTO batch is pretty big, since I just kept tossing them in my 'toss' bag instead of actually tossing them.
Let's start with skincare, starting with the Almay Oil Free Eye Makeup Removing Pads - These are nice. I bought these in a pack of two these bottles. I like them, but would not purchase again - they leave sort of a sticky residue on my eyes and don't remove mascara well. I don't really wear mascara that much, mostly eyeliner, and this does the trick with eyeliner, but I wouldn't repurchase.
The Body Shop Shower Gels for Earth Lovers - Fig & Rosemary scent - This was a rather nice shower gel, albiet a very watery texture. This didn't bother me, as it foamed up well and was pretty cleansing. This particular scent didn't smell like either fig nor rosemary to me, and smelled like sage - a scent I love dearly that brings back wonderful memories. It's a sharp, spicey scent and I would certainly repurchase if I ever, ever run out of the millions of other shower gels I have sitting around waiting to be used.
Boots No7 Melting Gel Cleanser - I was certain I wrote a review on this but now can't find it. I have featured it in a few posts, the most detailed description of it is here. I like this, and it smelled very nice, but I will not be repurchasing. It was just kind of a hassle to use.
H20 Marine Toner - this toner has long been discontinued by the company. I think the full bottle of it costs $18, which is definitely not worth it for this product. It's not bad, but definitely not life changing. I wouldn't repurchase even if it was still out.
Yes to Cucumbers Calming Night Cream - I loved this moisturizer, loved it so much. It was thick and moisturizing, but sunk in very quickly. It smelled nice and soothing, and always left my skin happy and satisfied. I would definitely repurchase, and probably will.
Mary Kay Timewise Firming Eye Cream - this little bottle cost $30!! I got it as a present and luckily did not pay that much, and I definitely do not recommend. It took far too long to sink in and did literally nothing for my skin; didn't moisturize or plump up the area. The pump, while a nice touch, was also very difficult to control. If you pumped out all the way you'd probably get enough product for your entire face. That being said, there's a lot of product in the bottle, considering how little you really need to cover your eye area.
Meishoku Organic Rose Moisture Cream - this was a light moisturizer that smelled lovely and rosey. I liked it and would recommend; if I get the chance to buy this again I will, but I didn't love it enough to go out of my way to purchase it.
C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve - this is my favorite lip product of all time. It's the only one that really seems to work for me, giving me deep, long lasting moisture. I have repurchased since then and will probably never leave this lip balm.
Mary Kay Suncreen SPF 50 - this was a weird, thick cream that never seemed to sink in and would leave my limbs feeling oily and strange. Would not repurchase.
Yes to Cucumbers Daily Calming Moisturizer SPF 30 - oh my god, the things I could say about this. Bad things, to clarify. It was a thick, white paste that took so much effort to spread in; it smelled like cardboard, always left me ghostly white, and didn't sit well/feel good on my skin. I suppose one could argue that this is more of a sunscreen than a moisturizer, but I'd rather just stick with my Coola sunscreen. I will not be repurchasing.
LO'ocitane Shea Butter Hand Cream - Personally I don't like the scent of shea butter, as it smells too much like diaper ointment to me. This is a really thick hand cream that does deeply moisturize, but the scent just bothered me too much. It also separated into a strange oil/cream mixture towards the end. Will not repurchase.
Be warned, most of this makeup is old and disliked, hence why I'm tossing most of them. The four lip products (Pixi Tinted Brilliance Balm, NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss, Elizabeth Arden lipstick) are all products I just don't use anymore, so why keep them around? They're all fine, but just fine.
NYX HD Concealer - This bottle is half empty, and I still can't make up my mind about it. It's very high coverage, but accentuates any flaws on your skin. So while you could definitely use it to cover up some bumpy, discolored skin (like my chin and nose), it would bring attention to the uneven skin texture and cling desperately to any dry patches of skin. It's also too thick to use under the eyes. I will not be repurchasing.
Sonia Kashuk Liquid Light Concealers - these are my favorite liquid concealers! As the name implies, they have a light texture that is comfortable to wear. The coverage isn't incredible, but the concealers are luminizing and will bounce light from any trouble spots. I have already repurchase both these shades, as they're perfect for my undereyes and on my scars.
NYX Eyeshadow Base - NYX has several versions of this; this is the nude shade. There's also a white color and one to help with glitter, and a liquid HD primer that I happen to love. A lot of people say that this product works excellently for them, but it just didn't cooperate with me. It would crease and ruin any eyeshadow I was wearing on top of it. I really liked the texture though, and the price was definitely agreeable. While I myself wouldn't repurchase, I encourage anyone with $5 to spare to try it out.
Maybelline Color Tattoo 24hr whatever it's called - this product is old as hell, and I've never really used it. Time to go!
Victoria's Secret Volume Plump Mascara - I think this was part of a BOGO deal or something; I didn't expect to like it but I really did! It lasted all day without smudging and always removed easily. It accentuated my lashes and I would repurchase.
NYX Gel Liner and Smudger - this liner is old and drying out. I really liked it, except that it dried out way too fast! But the creaminess and opaqueness of the product definitely warrant a repurchase.
That's all for today, thanks for reading!
