Indianapolis, IN, USA
02 February 2021

posted by em: . . . . . .


Golden hour’s great and all — just don’t forget the sunscreen! Feat Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Sun Fluid SPF 50+ @SamiJoie

After all of the kerfuffle with Purito, I was left wondering what sunscreen I should use. My skin is picky, if you will, so I wasn’t keen on trying out a new one. Searching for one made me excited (because who doesn’t like adding new products to their skincare collection?) but being on edge in the event I broke out wasn’t.


Thankfully I still have Dr. Jart’s Every Sun Day™️ Fluid SPF 50+ on hand that was sent to me by Influenster a couple of months ago. And thankfully it’s still within it’s 12 month shelf life!! Which means I still have time to look for another sunscreen to add to my skincare shelf while using this one. 😊


When it comes to sunscreens, I have a tendency to hold onto the ones that don’t break me out and don’t leave a white cast. This one fit both of those requirements, however, would I recommend it for my combo skin or oily skin friends?


No.


Unless you’re okay with looking a little shinier than usual — dewy, some might say. Actually, it strikes a fine line between dewy and oily, and, I suppose, it depends on how oily you tend to get in your T-zone. For me, I get fairly shiny after a few hours of wearing this but I refresh my sunscreen with a sunscreen setting powder to combat that. (Remember to re-apply sunscreen ever 2-3 hours!)


Were I to recommend this sunscreen, I’d say that my friends with dry skin and even normal skin would benefit from this! (Really, anyone would benefit from this sunscreen. It all comes down to the oily factor 😅.)


And that’s because of vitamin E. 


Vitamin E is actually one of my favourite ingredients and is one of those ingredients that I would recommend to anyone — especially my friends with dry skin. It’s an antioxidant that hydrates and helps improve skin’s moisture retention. It also supports skin’s firmness and prevents signs of aging. (And it goes well with vitamin C — two ingredients that I love to when it comes to acne!)


Golden hour’s great and all — just don’t forget the sunscreen! Feat Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Sun Fluid SPF 50+ product shot


This sunscreen has a wonderful lightweight texture and sinks into the skin nicely while adding moisture thanks to vitamin E in its formulation. I’m currently enjoying this one for winter since this time of year can be harsh to the skin with how cold it gets out and then the heat coming from a heater. Those Midwest winters, amirite? 


I’m sorry to anyone who thought those pictures were taken in a sunny place because they weren’t! They were taken in my parents’ backyard over the summer.


Speaking of summer, it supposedly has a cooling factor when you apply it, but I didn’t notice that during the summer when I first started using it nor do I notice it now. I’ve read that some people did, though, so this experience varies from person to person.


Have I convinced you to try this? I promise it’s a good product, and  the packaging is so sleek and minimal! (I love that the bottle comes to a tip so that not a lot of air gets into the bottle and spoils the product.) It’s a lovely addition to anyone’s skincare shelf.


Currently, you can purchase it at Sephora here. (Note, anyone from Hawaii will not be able to purchase this as this contains  oxybenzone and/or octinoxate  Also, not an affiliate link.)

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posted by ÀS: em: . . . . . .
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26 April 2020

posted by em: . . . . .

Hallo, hallo, everyone!

How are you?

I hope you're doing well. As for me, I'm feeling accomplished. I finally went through my inboxes and brought them to 20 unread emails a piece, did my laundry, read a little bit of a new book, and got some paperwork in order to be faxed in the next few hours.

Yes, people still use the fax machine.

Emotionally... Well, as with any process, there are ups and downs. I was slightly down (and a little nauseous) today, but my mood shifted when I realised that this post was the last on my to-do list for today!

As you read from the title, I'm trying out 3CE's Velvet Lip Lints. You can watch the video or continue reading for my first impressions and lip swatches (as well as for more info on the products themselves). I picked these up from YesStyle when they were 60% off the original price...and I wasn't the only one haha! I was going to buy all of them, but four of them made it to the final round.

And it's those four we're going to look at today.

THE PRODUCT


Taken from the product images on YesStyle.com, this lip tint "uses an oil-infused formula to deliver vivd colors and velvety matte texture. It encases lips with a layer of oil, allowing the pigment to spread evenly for soft, plump lips." Very, very true. The formula didn't skip around when I tried it!

When trying it on, I noticed that the formula is incredibly comfortable especially for a matte product. This is due to "spherical elastomers [that] construct a rich yet light primer-like formula that smoothly fills in your lips' ridges and adheres seamlessly, leaving a soft and matte finish."

I found that the formula makes it easy to do gradient lips since it melts easily into your lips but doesn't dry out, making blending easy. Granted, it is a velvet matte formula, but it is the velvetiest matte formula that I've tried.

Let me clarify: This product is honestly the velvetiest product that I've tried EVER. It doesn't dry out to a dry pillowy finish but instead stays moist and pillowy on the lips. I love that the color doesn't separate considering there is oil in the formulation.

THE SHADES

When I bought these, only four were available for purchase. As I'm clicking back and forth from the site and writing this post, it shows that 8 are currently in stock as of (25 April 2020). Not even joking, I'm tempted to buy more...

The following pictures, aside from the name of the product being added to them, are straight from the camera!

NEAR AND DEAR


Of all of the shades, I think 3CE and I see eye to eye on how it performs on my lips and skin tone. Near and Dear is described as a "barely-there makeup look in sweet and gentle mauve pink." Totally agree with them on this! It was certainly barely there for me, and I find that it would work well as an inner lip hue that could be mixed with a darker outer shade.

SAVE ME


The site says that this is a "refreshing and bright peach color," but I found it to be a bit like orange Kool Aid on my lips when I tried it in the video. In the picture, however, I see that it's more of a coral-y shade on me. Either way, it's a fun and wearable bright orange shade. I have other oranges that are bright, but they're so bold that they require an occasion to wear them. I like that this one is a little more subdued and easier to wear.

CHILDLIKE


This came off as a mostly orange than red lip tint on me. 3CE's describes it as a "bold, pure and timeless orange red." Okay, another description we see eye to eye on. (If you watch the video, you can see me fall in love with this shade.)

BEST EVER


Okay, 3CE, we don't see eye to eye on this one. They describe this as a "blooming femme-fatale color between pink and red." What I see is a blue-toned femme fatale red -- my favourite type of red.

Initial Thoughts


Check out my initial thoughts on all of the shades as I try them out on screen below! If you want to avoid all of the ASMR-y bits, skip to 2:12. At the end of the day and after dinner, I found that Best Ever barely faded. In the places it did fade, there was still a tint leftover. You can see how my lips look in the last minute of my video.

And, seriously, at the end of the day I'm in love with all of the shades I purchased and can't wait to play around with them some more. And I might be purchasing some more after flipping back and forth from the site and here as I wrote this post... Hehe. Maybe I'll find my true MLBB shade this time around since Near and Dear is a little too light in my opinion.

That's another point: finding your MLBB shade with this line of lippies from 3CE won't be hard. Why? Because the formula is so forgiving and blends in seamlessly with your lips. Not only that, the shades seem to be universally flattering no matter what shade you pick.

Hey, now -- I know you're looking at me because of the Kool Aid shade. To be honest, that shade grew on me, and I'm excited to play with it!

Alright, guys, that's it. Whether you choose to go with the bolder shades in this collection or the nuder ones, either way, you can't go wrong. If you try this out, let know which shade you got! Be sure to use my rewards code SAMIJOIE at checkout to get a little discount and help out the blog a little bit.

What should I try next?

SJ

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18 April 2020

posted by em: .

Hi, hello, how are you?


Aside from being stuck in quarantine, how are you, really? 

Hopefully this new video gives you some new skincare inspiration since we all need to take care of ourselves just a little more during these uncertain times. Whether it be throwing yourself into your hobbies, picking up a new hobby, exercising, reading, or even investing a little more time in your skin, take care of yourself. By doing so, we can become better versions of ourselves. I hope and pray that when this is all over, we come out just a little bit better than when it first started and are able to help each other as we rebuild.

As for me...

Well, I'm rebuilding. It seems April is when things happen in my life with a short prelude in March. I digress -- short doesn't even cover March. March was one massively long prelude that climaxed quickly not too long ago.

But here I am, rebuilding, refocusing, and reworking some plans since COVID-19 rattled them a bit.

I have plans to disappear, but that isn't anything new to this blog! Haha! Don't worry though; I'm not disappearing completely since you'll see posts from me...

Anyway, this is one helluva introduction to a breakdown of my skincare routine. I'll shut up after this PSA:

Be sure to check in on your friends and loved ones during this time. Be there to listen and know when to draw the line so that your energy or their energy isn't zapped. Stay connected while staying at home. And be kind to yourself. Always be kind to yourself and people around you.

The Quarantine 2020 Skincare Routine

If I'm being honest, my routine hasn't changed that much from over a year ago. It's just...I haven't been on here in a while, so I s'pose this is an update of sorts.

A.M./P.M. Skincare Routine

When I'm following my skincare routine, both day and night, I don't have to double cleanse in the morning. But...I haven't been following that so I double cleanse in the morning.

I don't have any pretty pictures for today's post, so it'll be in list format. (To be honest, I didn't really think this post all the way through except that I wanted it to be an addition to my video.)

  1. First thing's first: She wakes up. Yawns, gets cuddled aggressively by her tiny dog, drinks half a litre of water, and stretches.
  2. She -- wait, why am I talking in the third person? I wander into the bathroom, turn on some music, and do my thing. 
  3. I double cleanse using Farmacy's Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm. Oh man, I love massaging this into my face regardless if it's my morning or night routine. It's a peaceful part of my routine. If you're a first time double cleanser, make sure to massage this in, then take a little water to emulsify it so it removes any makeup and oil from your face. After that, use warm water to remove the balm.
  4. To complete the double cleanse, I use either Cetaphil's Daily Cleanser or Goodal's Tone-Up Cleanser.
  5. Now, let's add moisture back to my skin. I start by applying Belif's Moisturizing Eye Bomb around my eyes FIRST. I have a bad habit of forgetting my eye cream, so I put that on before toner. Do you have to use eye cream? Not necessarily, but I know my eyes are always tired and overworked, so I like to give back to them.
  6. And now I tone to prep the skin, to bring it to a pH so that my skincare products will be absorbed properly. Lately I've been using Thayer's Unscented Witch Hazel Toner. I alternate between that and COSRX's AHA/BHA Toner so that I can get some chemical exfoliation in.
  7. And now we add some more moisture! I've been using Fresh's Black Tea Kombucha Essence and loving it. I didn't know until recently (although I should have realized it) that it has some chemical exfoliation, too, since kombucha turns into lactic acid on skin.
  8. Once that's absorbed, I mix a 1:1 ratio (sometimes 2:1) of The Ordinary's Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum with Sunday Riley's CEO Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil and pat that into my face. Vitamin C has been a staple in my skincare routine for as long as I can remember. It provides my skin with the antioxidants it needs to fight off free radicals. Niacinamide was a recent addition, and I've noticed it made the biggest difference in my skin. It brightens and evens out my skin tone so I look like a baby's butt! (Not my words haha. One of the aunties from church said this.)
  9. And now we add on the final layer of moisture: Cerave's Moisturizing Lotion. Nothing much to add here. It's just a good overall moisturizer that's perfect for my semi-sensitive combination skin!
  10. You thought we were done? No. I always follow up with sunscreen even if I'm indoors or if it's overcast and rainy out. I've been using Neutrogena's Clear Face Sunscreen Lotion with SPF 55 for the past year and am happy to report I haven't experienced any breakouts or whitecast from it. I get a little oily in my T-zone, but it's not more than the usual. I'm a happy camper now that I've finally found the one for me!
And that's it, folks! I do this day and night with a few modifications for the evening.

P.M. Skincare Routine Notes

  1. I use the Thayer's toner in the evening. No need to exfoliate twice in a day.
  2. I use retinol one to two times a week and only in the evenings.
  3. I'll throw in a face mask -- sometimes sheet, sometimes clay if I feel like my skin needs a little extra love.
  4. Sometimes I do masks in the morning, too... If I do a sheet mask, I don't use another essence. If I do a clay mask, I'll follow up with essence or use a sheet mask if I have time.
  5. I, of course, don't use sunscreen at night. 

Alright, guys, that's it! That's finally it. Easy, right?

If you're finally getting into a skincare routine, start easy, start gently. Find a mild cleanser, toner, and moisturiser and build your routine off of that foundation. Cerave and Cetaphil both fill that criteria, so I recommend starting there.

Have a good one, lovelies! And let me know what your skincare routine is like! DM me, tweet me, comment down below or in the video. I'd love to know what you're currently using.

SJ



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posted by ÀS: em: .
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23 October 2019

posted by em: . . . .



(Click here if you came from the Instagram post.)

On Wednesdays we wear 𝖈𝖔𝖓𝖋𝖎𝖉𝖊𝖓𝖈𝖊.

Since posting the last picture, quite a few people have asked me how I’m so confident. To be honest, this is a question I’m often asked and, to be honest again, the answer is

𝑰'𝒎 𝒏𝒐𝒕.

It just looks like it.

If you were in a room with me and a few other people, I would 10/10 be the least confident person in the room. In reality that’s not the case, but to me it feels that way. (And to everyone else who might have the slightest bit of low confidence.)

“So how do you do it?”

Before answering, let me tell you that I had zero confidence in my looks when I was reviewing these pictures almost a month after they were taken — actually, even right after they were taken.

And here’s why: I can’t help but look at the stretch marks on my arms, how fat they are, the way my chin looks and lack of a defined jaw. And don’t get me started on my nose — and cheekbones. I’ve had makeup artists and friends tell me that I have high cheekbones, but I don’t see it (them?). I hate that you can see the texture from my KP on my arms. I dislike that I don’t have a trim waist (you can see the fat roll in the previous post). I hate how my eyes have different shapes so one looks more rounded and smaller than the other. Makeup already sucks with hooded eyes, let’s add to it by changing the shape just a smidge so it’s THAT much harder to do a winged liner.



This is why I’m behind the camera instead of in front of it. I find the finest details that no one would see because, instead, they see your smile or the way you’re looking at the camera; the way your hair is falling effortlessly when it took a team of people to get it that way; or the way you look in whatever you’re wearing.

But here I am posting these pictures because I know I felt good when I took them. I know that I like my smile, and, damn, my brows look decent for once. I like the lighting — yeah, yeah, I know it has nothing to do with me but the picture overall. I like the way the bralette looks on me. I’m learning to accept my stretch marks and my bat wing arms. I like that my shoulders aren’t sloping as much anymore. And, dare I say it, that little acne scar on my chest is kind of…seductive? 😛 It’s like a beauty mark that leads the eye.

Oh, I’m going to hear from my mother about that one.

My confidence in these pictures came from the fact that I found something cute to wear and wanted to show it off. Other times it comes from dancing around to a catchy song. Most of the time it’s an “F it” mentality or “crap, it HAS to be done” plus an adrenaline rush. In terms of myself, I usually find something I like about myself and run with it. 


The thing is, I’m going to be like everyone else and say that it comes from within, HOWEVER, it can come from external sources like that awesome song (my go to has been Normani’s “Motivation”) that I dance to or my trusted group of girlfriends (thank you, ladies, I love you guys so much!) Confidence, especially self confidence in your own looks, can come from the fact that no one else sees the same imperfections you do. In fact, it’s entirely possible that they don’t see them…or maybe they love them? 😉

Haha! I’m going to leave it at this. I have nothing else to add to what has been said about this topic except that I’m learning to love the imperfections only I see. It’s a process, and one that has been a long time coming.

Oh, one thing to add: Maybe I'll do this again whenever I get new bralettes from Aerie? 😂


Outfit (or lack thereof 😅)
Bralette | Aerie Romantic Lace Padded Bralette
Necklace | Dogeared Pearls of Love



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posted by ÀS: em: . . . .
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Indianapolis, IN, USA
05 September 2019

posted by em: . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hello, lovely!

It's time for my once in a moon blog post, and this time I'm shaking things up a bit: It's not a sponsored post.


via GIPHY


Shocker, right?

I don't always do sponsored posts despite the evidence. I promise I have a ton of post ideas, but I often find myself over editing before I even attempt writing them. Hopefully I can change that? I feel the same way about my videos, too. It seems the theme for 2019 is being open and vulnerable with your audience, and I sort of want to jump on that wagon since there are more Asian American stories being produced. All of us (Asians) have similar yet different stories that are worth sharing because you never know who you can identify with or vice versa.

ANYWAY, let's get on to the post. (That topic is one for another time!)

I present to you an eye look that I managed to pull together prior to missing a mini fashion show at Macy's this past weekend! *cue gasp GIF again*

 I don't know but I was blessed on Saturday, June 29 when my eyes weren't insanely teary so that I could put some shadows on my eyes and keep them for the whole day. Thank you, Lord! I looked good, but I missed the show! I did make the events after it, though! Which included free ice cream from Sub Zero, a mini makeover by Estee Lauder with samples, and a stylist challenge. Those were fun -- especially the ice cream. 😋

       

So Saturday's look was possibly inspired by the sun because it was sweltering hot due to that magnificent star shining bright on a Saturday morning. (And maybe my craving for mangoes?) Thankfully, my makeup didn't melt off until the very end of the day around 10PM when I took it off. I'm seriously surprised it stayed on that long -- especially the eye makeup! Usually it's the first to go along with my T-zone.

Alrighty, let's begin with the bases. I started off with Urban Decay's famous primer potion on the lids followed by Colourpop's concealer in Medium 28. To be honest, this shade is too light for me to use as a normal, every day concealer (OK, some would disagree), so I thought it would be the perfect base to make these colours POP! I set the concealer on my lids with Weekender from UD's Born to Run palette. Using a brush I got in an Ipsy bag, I applied Riff to the outer corner of my eye and blended that shade out so that it would function as my transition shade. I also brought it over the top part of my eye lid and over to the area above the inner corner of my eye.

And now the fun begins.

Taking Baja on the same brush, I placed it on the outer corner and blended it, bringing it in towards the center of the lid. I made sure that my corners were well saturated with this shade. Once I was happy with how orange my eyes were, I started going in with Hell Ride -- still keeping it on the outer corner, however, not blending it out completely to keep the pigment. I kept it closer to the inner part of the outer corner of my lids -- if that makes sense. 😅 Afterwards, I dotted a bit of the Colourpop concealer onto the center of my lids and covered the center but not the top part where I blended Riff. This is where I heavily applied Colourpop's Mischief from the Yes, Please! palette. I made sure to cover the inner corner of my eye with it as well.

For my waterline, I sprayed the smaller end of a double ended Urban Decay brush (usually comes with one of the Naked palettes) with Flower Beauty's setting mist. I dipped it into Baja and brought that from the outer corner of my eye and halfway in towards the inner corner. Wiping the brush off, I used Blaze from Born to Run as my inner corner highlight. I finished off the look by winging my eyes with Nyx's matte liquid liner, added Ardell's demi wispies, and topped off the lashes with Maybelline's Lash Sensational.

And that's all she wrote!

Okay, I did do the rest of my face. Haha! I primed it with Maybelline's Baby Skin primer, concealed my panda eyes with the Colourpop concealer, and went in with Sephora Collection's 10 Hour foundation. (Shoutout to Nina at Sephora at The Fashion Mall for helping me get the right shade for my skin!) I used a Colourpop highlighter in shade Drive Me Crazy as a blush followed by Ofra's Rodeo Drive on the high points of my cheeks. (Yeah, yeah -- I used two highlighters. It didn't occur to me that I bought a highlighter from Colourpop when I got it. I honestly thought it was a cute blush based on the picture. I didn't really read the title.)

For the lips, I primed them with Burt's Beeswax and followed up with Mamonde's lip creamy tint in Baby Rose. I didn't like how it turned out, so I blotted it away in the hopes of erasing it. Running out of time, I made do with the tint that was left on my lips and topped it off with Elf's lip plumping gloss in Mocha Twist.

I set my face with Laura Mercier's translucent setting powder and sprayed a copious amount of Flower Beauty's setting mist especially on the lids.

And that's all she wrote.

P.S. my brows were already done prior to everything. I used my trusty Anastasia Beverly Hills pomade!

P.S.S I might do a video for this look, so keep an eye on the channel!

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posted by ÀS: em: . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Indianapolis, IN, USA
03 January 2019

posted by em: . . . . .


Hello, lovelies!

How have you been? It's been a hot minute since my last post. Actually, now that I think about it, it hasn't been that long when you consider I post every blue moon.

Sad, but that's the truth.

In any case, I hope you're doing well! And if you're not, I hope you'll be well soon. <3

Let's get straight to the point since you came here for a review on dear Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence SPF 50 PA ++++.

BACK STORY

I spent a good part of this year searching for a POC (person of colour) friendly sunscreen without much success. Believe me, I combed through blog articles of multiple sunscreens that claimed that x sunscreen was THE HOLY GRAIL for POC only to be left disappointed.

The proof is in the collection of drugstore to high end sunscreens on my teeny bathroom counter.

Sighs.

It's not easy looking for sunscreen when you're a POC. On top of looking for one that agrees with your skin, you have to find one that doesn't make you look like ash was dumped on you.

Deeply sighs.

So when I opened the email from Wishtrend a few months ago and filled out the survey for a product that promised it wouldn't leave white cast, I was skeptical.

It didn't help that it's from an Asian skincare brand either. If I couldn't find a sunscreen from American skincare brands, then how on earth do you expect me to find one from Asian skincare brands? Especially since a lot of them are for whitening the complexion or are for lighter complexions?

Multiple deep sighs.

But I took a leap of faith with Wishtrend. They haven't sent me a product that my skin didn't like, so it's unlikely it would start now!

The Product

Packaging

The shipping was fast, although there were a few hiccups since my apartment complex no longer informs the residents when there's a package waiting for them -- but aside from that, I got it within the week of filling out the survey. It came tightly wrapped in bubble wrap so no damage was done to it!

Unboxing it was a dream, since Klairs' packaging is so simple and beautiful. It comes in the standard glossy white box with a holographic image of the product on the front. On the rest of the box, you have Korean and English translations of what the product does and how to use it.

 What I love about this product packaging wise, is that the tube comes to a tip and that fits into a raised circular surface in the cap. This allows for the product to stay fresh

Description

Description taken from Wishtrend.com.

The Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence SPF 50 PA++++ is an everyday sun protector for sensitive skin. As is it water-based, it holds a gel-type texture to give a soft weightless and light finish. Also with its high SPF and PA level, it completely guards the skin against UVA, UVB without leaving any greasiness or white cast.
Volume: 80mlAll skin types
Containing ingredients that helps to brighten, hydrate, and protect:
  • Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil (aka Sea Buckthorn Oil), in Korean cosmetic, the ingredient is listed as 'Vitamin Tree Oil' and it helps to supply the skin with moisture.
  • Tocopherol is an antioxidant that fights against free radicals found in the skin.
  • Panthenol, beta-glucan, and allantoin soothes, relieves skin irritations.
  • Niacinamide is a skin brightening agent and helps to brighten the overall skin tone.

Let's revisit Sea Buckthorn Oil. I learned a little bit more about this powerful and potent ingredient from articles on Into the Gloss and the US National Library of Medicine. According to them, this little berry's oil is full of carotenoids; vitamins A, C, and E; and omega 3, 6, 7, and 9 oils. All of these ingredients help with aging, moisture retention, collagen production, and healing skin damage and scarring.

Ingredients

Water (Aqua), Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Butylene Glycol, Dibutyl Adipate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Silica, Cetearyl Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Olivate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Sorbitan Stearate, Panthenol, Beta-Glucan, Disodium EDTA, Citrus Junos Fruit Extract, Adenosine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Allantoin, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil


 Here's a link to the CosDNA page with a full rundown of the ingredients that I uploaded: http://www.cosdna.com/eng/cosmetic_3076402350.html.

Note that there are essential oils, but they're non-irritating. Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil gives the sunscreen an orange-citrus scent while Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil and Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil help retain skin moisture.

Review

Going off of the last section, I didn't notice a scent when I first applied this product, however I read that other reviewers have. I swear, that's the only thing I was looking for in other people's reviews! I didn't notice any scent, so I wanted to know if anyone else did or if it was just me. I guess it all depends on the wearer's nose.

Aside from that, I am madly in love with this sunscreen! Like I said earlier, I've gone through a few sunscreens since this spring/summer, and this is the only one that works for me. It doesn't leave me with white cast, doesn't leave me greasy, and is nourishing and hydrating for my skin.

Okay, let me clarify the greasy part. I have combination skin, so it can't be helped that my T-zone will get oily after wearing this or any non-mattifying sunscreen. It doesn't bother me, but it does bother my mum who prefers the matte look. To get rid of the shine (or dewy look, depending on who's looking), I always keep a pack of blotting sheets in my bag. Sometimes I'll use my setting powder if I pack it -- which isn't often. Usually that's when I'm travelling and have my makeup bag on me.

The texture is amazing and sinks into my skin without any problems. With other sunscreens, I notice that I'm sticky for quite some time after application, but with this sunscreen, I don't notice any stickiness after a couple of minutes!

And as for white cast? I love that there isn't any! Oh my gosh, YAS THERE IS NO WHITE CAST! None when you apply it, none when it sets in. Absolutely no white cast.

And on top of all of this, I haven't broken out since I started using it back in September.

Yes, I've been testing it out for that long.

 (Again, I'm sorry, Team Wishtrend!)

Not once did I break out because of this product. Usually it's because of poor diet, lack of sleep, hormones, or some combination of all or two of those. (I may have forgotten to wash my face in the evening more than a couple of times -- okay frequently. You caught me.) Anyway, I can say for sure, without a shadow of a doubt, that this product did not break me out.

All in all, because this is the only sunscreen that has won my seal of approval this past year, it definitely deserves a solid rating of

5/5

 because it has little to no scent, the wealth of nourishing ingredients, amazing texture, zero white cast, and no breakouts!

YouTube

And, hey, definitely check out my video down below! I swatch the product on my face and include a few other points that aren't included in this post.


I hope you guys enjoyed reading and/or watching! I'd love to know if any of you have tried this, and if you have, what are your thoughts? OR are you going to try it? I'd love to know either way!

I hope you guys have a great one! If it's not a great one, make it a great one, and I'll talk to you in the next one!

Love,
SamiJoie

Links





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posted by ÀS: em: . . . . .
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Indianapolis, IN, USA
02 November 2018

posted by em: . . . . . . . .

So what do you do when you're given a $25 Sephora Gift Card? I've seen the memes where people wonder why there are even $25 Sephora gift cards because one item tends to be about that much. There's also this one that makes me chuckle:


via me.me


But it's true: when you're a makeup/skincare junkie such as myself, it's hard to stay within a $25 budget when you shop at Sephora. Fortunately there are options -- some of which I compiled into this list since your girl got a $25 gift card for graduation! (Thanks, Sarah and Whitney! 💕)


 NOTE, I didn't stick within that $25 budget when I created the list and you'll see that. A majority of the items can be covered with a $25 gift card but you'll have to come up with the difference. At least 13 of the items fit on a $25 gift card and, possibly, toe the line a little bit. (I'm looking at those $24 items!)

 Let's dive in, shall we? Starting with makeup!
Makeup
Lips
1. Sephora Rouge Lipstick in Reckless 69 ($7)
Of all the lip options, this is the only one that I chose a shade for. I don't know why that is, but it is what it is. This shade looks like it could be a MLBB (my lips but better) shade that's a bit darker and vampier than my lip colour. It is fall, so 'tis the season for dark and vampy looks!

 2. Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Liquified Lip ($24)
I've tried a mini sample of their lipstick thanks to the June birthday gift as well as their lip masks and love them! So, naturally, I have to try the liquid lip especially since I'm still on the hunt for a good formula for my dry lips. According to the reviews on Sephora's website, this product sounds promising since moisturizing monoi butter and coconut oil are included in the ingredients list.

 3. YSL Vinyl Cream Lip Stain ($37)
Like Bite Beauty, I've also tried a product from YSL (albeit a full sized and not sample). Because of this exposure, I definitely want to try some of their other lines!

 4. Giorgio Armani Beauty Lip Maestro ($38)
I don't know what to say about this since I haven't encountered it in store, but I would love to try it out!

 5. Giorgio Armani Beauty Ecstasy Lacquer ($38)

 The description says it's non-sticky and non-drying -- I'm in! Also, is anyone else over super drying matte lippies? 
Eyes
6. Kat von D Tattoo Liner ($20)

 The ever popular eyeliner is on this list because, lo and behold, I have not added it to my eyeliner arsenal. Yet. I've played with it in store and like it, but I haven't bought it -- yet!

 7. Kaja Beauty Bento Bouncy Shimmer Eyeshadow Trio ($21)

CAN WE TALK ABOUT HOW CUTE THIS IS?! And compact? I love how the shadows are stacked so it's easy to grab and go. I'd like to try all of them, but if I were to pick one bento I'd go with either Orange Blossom or Toasted Caramel. (The one pictured is Rose Water.)

 8. Stila All That Shimmers & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow Set ($25)
Another popular product I've heard about.I haven't gotten into glitter, but I can see myself using these as highlighters! What can I say? I love a good highlighter. 

 9. Huda Beauty Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette ($27)
I always see these in store and tell myself I'm going to get one. The colours are vibrant and eye catching, and the palette itself is the perfect size for travel! The Mauve palette looks right up my alley with the berry/wine shades that I gravitate towards.

 10. Urban Decay Naked Palette ($27) NO LONGER BEING SOLD as of 02 November 2018
RIP -- even though it's still being sold? I get it. It's no longer apart of the all-star lineup but it will be in our hearts! I need to replace my beat up palette with a new one...and get it for nostalgia.

Skincare
11. Boscia Tsubaki Jelly Ball Cleanser ($20)
DOES. THIS. NOT. LOOK. LIKE. THE COOLEST. CLEANSER. EVER?! There's also a charcoal version of this soap for anyone who wants to tackle oily skin.

 12. Too Cool For School Pumpkin Sleeping Pack ($20)
I love sleeping packs! They always leave my skin bouncy, hydrated, and glowy -- the picture of perfect health even though I might have some skin concerns like hyperpigmentation. This would be the perfect mask for fall since it is pumpkin season! 

 13. Belif The True Cream Moisturising Bomb Deco ($22)

 I'm a lover of Belif products! They always leave my skin moisturised -- especially the skin under my eye whenever I use their eye bomb! I definitely recommend checking out this K-beauty line.

 14. Drunk Elephant Rise & Glow Duo ($23)
I love vitamin C products because I've noticed they help brighten my hyperpigmentation, so I'm sure this will be a hit with me! I'm curious about the B-Hydra™ Intensive Hydration Serum since it claims to quench and illuminate the skin. I like that you can use both together, too.

 15. First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Banish Acne Kit ($24)
I've been curious about First Aid Beauty for a while. The name makes me think that the products provide quick results, so I wonder if this acne kit would be the holy grail for my skin? (Side note, I'm wary of acne products nowadays...)

 16. Tatcha Pore-Perfecting Moisturizer Cleanser Duo ($25)
Yes, yes, and yes! I love Tatcha. I've only used samples, but that rice enzyme wash is no joke with how gentle and purifying it is, so I'm sure the Deep Cleanse gel cleanser will be the same! I have yet to try their moisturizers, but I have no doubt that it will do what it promises.

 17.  Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Gold Eye Masks ($25)
Have you SEEN my eye bags? They're so heavy that I have to check them in every time I fly (which isn't often). My dark circles are so dark that I'm passable for a panda. Honestly. I wish I was joking. So what better way to get rid of that heavy baggage than with a gold foil eye mask? Sounds so luxe and the perfect way to unwind at the end of the week or before an event -- or just to feel yourself?

 18. Herbivore True Blue Skin Clarifying Duo ($29)
I LOVE THE BLUE TANSY FACE MASK, so I'm glad that there's a budget friendly size of it that comes with another product that complements it! I would love to try the oil since it's getting cooler out and using oils help keep prevent my face from drying out.

 19. Glow Recipe Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser ($34)
I don't think I've watched a K-skincare guru who hasn't raved about this product or brand. I love that it has one of my favourite ingredients, AHA, in it!

 20. Herbivore Blue Tansy ($48)
I wasn't joking when I said I love this mask. Unfortunately I am out of it at the moment, so I can't wait to get my hands on another one! It's a wonderful mask that clears up my skin and makes it smoother.

Fragrance
21. Commodity Style Guide Fragrance Discovery Kit ($24)
If you're hunting for a new fragrance, I definitely recommend picking up one of these discovery kits. It doesn't necessarily have to be form Commodity (I listed it since I enjoy this line!!) 

 22. Commodity Rollerball in Gold ($26)
"Stay gold, Ponyboy." With this scent you will stay gold! It's a sweet and heavy scent that's layerable. The more you put on, the more of a dominating presence you'll have in any room you walk in -- in a good way. It's the scent that draws people to you and you're beautiful personality.


 23. Elizabeth & James Rollerball in Bourbon ($28)
THIS, THIS scent is my absolute favourite scent since I discovered it a few years ago when choosing a fall/winter scent at Sephora. It's a smoky, buttery vanilla that instantly makes you feel warm and cozy. I'm not great at describing fragrances so just know that this is the one I always grab when it's fall/winter!

UPDATE: GUYS, ONLY THE PERFUME IS BEING SOLD. It's $85. BRB I'm gonna go cry in a corner. (You could probably buy the rollerball elsewhere though!)


Hair
24. Living Proof Dry Shampoo ($23)
I'm on the hunt for a high end dry shampoo! I tested this out in store when my hair was uncontrollably oily (haha, yes, I walked into a Sephora with lard hair), and walked out with normal, defatted hair! It was a beautiful and sweet-smelling transformation that lasted me well into the morning of the next day. (I went in the evening.)


Tools
25. Shiseido Eyelash Curler ($20)
I have notoriously straight hair -- even my eyelashes are straight! I have been through a few eyelash curlers that don't seem to grab onto my lashes right or crimp my lashes into a 90 degree angle, so I'm on the hunt for a good one. After reading reviews, maybe this one will be THE ONE? Especially since it's by Shiseido, so it should be for Asian eyes.


Honourable Mention
26. Kaja Beauty ($14 - 24)
This is a Korean beauty brand that was launched by Sephora. It has adorable, on the go packaging that's reminiscent of cutesy packaging Korean beauty products usually have while having a minimalistic feel. Aside from the eyeshadow trio, I'd definitely love to try out the blush!
So, what do you guys think? I know a few of the items will require you pay out of pocket, but there are others on here that won't require you to do so along with many more options that I did not include in this list! 

 That being said, what would you buy if you got got a $25 Sephora gift card? I know what I'm getting! Actually, I already bought it, so keep your eyes peeled for my next post!
Love ya much!
SJ


Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. All images were taken from Sephora except for the Elizabeth and James Bourbon photo. I found that on LiveRove.com, to which I am not affiliated.


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