November Favorites (2018)
I noticed that for the month of November many of the products that I finished I repurchased them right away. For someone who loves skincare and trying out new products it says a lot if I repurchase a product or use it on a continuous basis. My November month of skincare has been a mixture of both.
Son and Park Beauty Water $30 for 10 oz.
I’ve reviewed the Son & Park Beauty Water in the past. But I thought I would it add more and update my review on it as I’ve been using it for almost a year now. My original bottle + a mini travel size has lasted me this entire length of time! During the course of time using the Beauty Water I noticed that people used it many different ways. I’ve seen it used as a Micellar water to remove excess make-up or skincare residue, others have used it as a refresher, and some (like myself) use it as a toner.
I like using the Beauty Water with the Shiseido Facial Cotton (see below for full review). I found it quite interesting to see that some people apply their toner with cotton pads while others just press it into the skin. For me I prefer to use it with cotton rounds has it helps to remove excess oil, make-up and dirt from my skin. I feel like if I were to just press the beauty water into my skin I would still be leaving excess residue on my skin.
Photo Credit Yeppeuns
The Son & Park Beauty Water formula is described as a multipurpose product that gently exfoliates with willow bark and papaya extract and hydrates the skin with the use of lavender water, rose water, and orange fruit extract. I honestly think the Beauty Water has contributed to the texture change of my skin making it smoother and more evenly balanced. I’ve tried this toner in conjunction with multiple skincare products. This has been one of the most gentle but yet effective products within my whole skincare routine.
As a skincare lover who is constantly trying out new products. It’s very rare that I repurchase the same products especially right away. I’ve tried other toners and I can’t see myself being without the Beauty Water. That is why I’ve already repurchased another full size bottle! I’m opened to trying additional toners in the future, but I know that every single one that I use will be compared to the Son & Parks Beauty Water with regards to the quality, quanity and price. $30 for 10 ounces of product may sound steep to many, but it’s probably one of the more affordable toners at Sephora. Even with using the toner with a cotton round it has almost lasted me the entire course of this year.
Ingredients: Water, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, PEG-7 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Pentylene Glycol, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Xylitol, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Water, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Oil, Illicium Verum (Anise) Fruit/Seed Oil, Artemisia Absinthium Extract, Rose Flower Oil, Ferula Galbaniflua (Galbanum) Resin Oil, Thuja Occidentalis Leaf Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf (Green Tea) Extract , Mentha Piperita(Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Mentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract, Mentha Spicata Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Origanum Majorana Leaf Extract, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Pelargonium Graveolens Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Decyl Glucoside, 1,2-Hexanediol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Sodium Chloride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Octanediol, Copaifera Officinalis (Balsam Copaiba) Resin, Protease, Alcohol Denat., Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol.
Shiseido Facial Cotton, White - 165 count $10
A few months back while searching through reviews I came across the Shiseido Facial Cotton. During a weak impulsive moment I added the facial cotton to my Sephora cart during one of their sales. The sale brought the cost of the facial cotton down to $8.
You may be asking what’s so special about the Shisedio Facial Cotton? Well it’s 100 percent natural and extremely soft. I love that even when the cotton is soaked, it does not fall or rip apart. It also doesn’t leave little pieces of cotton all over your face like other brands do. I like that I only need to use 1 cotton pad for me entire face to use with my toner and only about 2 when removing a full face of make-up.
As previously mentioned, I do see a difference between using the facial cotton with my toner and micellar water. In my opinion the facial cotton helps to remove impurities better than other cotton rounds that I’ve used in the past.
Although the price is higher than regular drug store prices, I do see and feel a difference with using the Shisedo Facial Cotton as it’s more gentle. Since I do enjoy using them, I will purchase them even at the full price tag. I noticed that many other retailers sell the facial cotton and will look into them in the future for a better price.
gifted to me through a Sunday Riley instagram contest
I’ve been testing out the Sunday Riley Tidal Water cream since October 1st. If you follow me on Instagram, then you would know how highly I think of the Tatcha Water Cream (full review). Therefore, I’m very picky on what I look for in a moisturizer. As someone with combination (normal-oily skin), I look for moisturizers that are hydrating, but do not make my skin look or feel oily. I really like that the Tatcha contains anti-aging properties.
The Sunday Riley Water Cream claims to brighten the appearance of dark spots and discoloration, exfoliates and smooths the upper layer of skin and uses two forms of hyaluronic acid for intense hydration that lasts up to 24 hours.
Initially, I noticed that the Sunday Riley Water cream was hydrating, smells like cucumbers, and is of a consistency that is gel like. I like gel like textured moisturizers. In the past, I noticed that these textures tend to be very hydrating and absorb into the skin well. I can say that this moisturizer does both and more.
I like how light yet moisturizing the Sunday Riley Tidal Water Cream is. I can’t stay much about the claims for clarity due to the fact that I don’t have many spots or discolation on my skin. Also I use other products that claim to brighten the skin, therefore I can’t contribute the Tidal Water cream to these effects. I do think this moisturizer is a bit heavier than the Tatcha Water Cream, therefore making this better for me to use during the cooler and drier temperatures. A little of the product goes a long way and a full size jar can easily last about 4-6 months. For make-up lovers this moisturizer makes a great base to use before your primer.
As for the scent that I mentioned, I don’t hate it, but I don’t love it. I would prefer my skincare to be unscented unless the scent is natural from one of the ingredients. Will I repurchase it? Yes, I likely repurchase this moisturizer in a smaller size or look for it in a set that contains other products.
Ingredients: Water, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride,Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Tamarindus Indica(Tamarind) Seed Gum, Ethyl Macadamiate, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer (and) Lecithin, Isododecane, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol Crosspolymer, Lauryl Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Strelitzia Nicolai (Bird of Paradise flower) Seed Aril Extract, Alpha-Arbutin, Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) seed extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Allantoin, Papain (and) Carbomer 1 (and) 2-Hexanediol (and) Caprylyl Glycol (and) Algin, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Extract, Melia Azadirachta (Neem) Leaf Extract (and) Melia Azadirachta Flower (Neem) Extract (and) Mimosa Terniflora Extract (and) Amber Extract (and) Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract (and) Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract (and) Lawsonia Inermis Extract (and) Ocimum Sanctum Leaf (Holy Basil) Extract, Pearl Powder, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Titanium Dioxide, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
Farmacy Honey Potion Mask (full review)
The Farmacy Honey Potion Mask has been a cult classic within the beauty community, especially for those who have dry skin textures. As someone who has normal to oily skin I was hesistant in trying out the mask. I was thinking this mask would make my skin feel or look oily. The Honey Potion mask did not do any of these things, but it has helped to keep my skin hydrated and toned. I can see this mask being suitable for all skin types.
After trying out the Honey Potion mini size of the mask I purchased the full size. In fact I purchased the full size before I could even finish the mini size. A of little of the product goes a long way, which is why I was able to get so many uses out of the mini size. As for the full size, I love the transparent packaging and that fact it comes with a spatula; which makes for an easy application.
Price: 4.1 oz $56, 1.7 oz $38
Ingredients: Glycerin, Diglycerin, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Honey Extract, Propolis Extract, Royal Jelly Extract, Panthenol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Allantoin, Phenoxyethanol, Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract, Honey, Water, Flavor, Vanillyl Butyl Ether.
I picked up the Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask in the color Smashed (sheer candy apple red) during one of Sephora’s weekly wow deals. Instead of paying $26 the lip mask was down to $12 with an additional 20% off. With a deal that great I thought it would be worth it to try out the lip mask along with all of the great reviews that I heard about the mask.
This is very much a lip mask as it has a very thick consistency, not sticky, and once it’s worn off it leaves your lips hydrated. This is one of the best lip masks that I’ve used and believe me I’ve tried a ton. I would categorize this lip mask as more an everyday one or one that you would want to use for occasions (if you get a colored one).
The scent and taste smells slightly sweet and is not overpowering. A little of this mask goes a long way. The only con I can say for the Agave Lips Mask is that you have to use your finger to apply it. It doesn’t come with an applicator to apply it and even it did it would be difficult to apply it due to how thick the product is. I foresee the lip mask to last quite a long time. Once it’s finished I will likely repurchase it.
Ingredients: Lanolin* (Pharma Grade), Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Glyceryl Rosinate*, Agave Tequilana (Blue Agave) Nectar**, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil Unsaponifiables*, Cera Alba (Beeswax)**, Flavor (Aroma), Siraitia Grosvenorii (Monk Fruit) Extract*, Vanilla Tahitensis (Vanilla) Fruit Extract*, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax*, Hydrogenated Castor Oil *, Trans-Resveratrol*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil**, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract**, Tocopherol *, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract (And) Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract (And) Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850).
Let me start by saying I don’t like using primers. Most of the primers that I've tried in the past have a waxy silicone feel. Primers like this are great for filling your pores and providing a smooth canvas for your foundation. I received a sample of the Peter Thomas Roth Skin to Die for Primer from a previous Sephora Playbox.
I really like the results that this primer gives me. It helps to smooth over my face before I apply foundation. I really like the way the primer feels on my face. It also helps to keep my skin from looking overly oily during the summer months. With some primers I feel like they dry out my skin, the Peter Thomas Roth Skin to Die Primer does not do that. I will likely purchase this in the full size when my sample(s) (yes, plural. I have a few) run out!
Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Isododecane, Dimethicone, Stearoxymethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer, Isononyl Isononanoate, Silica, Polysilicone-11, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Diamond Powder, Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract, Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide, Saccharide Isomerate, Lysophosphatidic Acid, Bht, Lecithin, Oleanolic Acid, Mica, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Methicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Water, Amodimethicone, Titanium Dioxide, Alumina, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol Crosspolymer, Calcium Silicate, Vp/Va Copolymer, Dimethiconol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Laureth-12, Lysolecithin, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Chlorphenesin, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Iron Oxides (Ci 77499, Ci 77492, Ci 77491).
Drunk Elephant Eye serum Shaba $60 (full review)
I reviewed the Drunk Elephant Shaba Eye Serum in the past. But after using it for several months my love for it has really grown. Please check out my previous review. To add on to it I would like to reference some other benefits of the Shaba Eye Serum (see below).
Ingredients: Water, Octyldodecanol, Glycerin, Boron Nitride, Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment, Coconut Alkanes, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Niacinamide, Copper Tripeptide-1, Leontopodium Alpinum Meristem Cell Culture, Dipeptide-2, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Copper Lysinate/Prolinate, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan), Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Steareth-20, Lecithin, Panthenol, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Ubiquinone, Citric Acid, Thioctic Acid, Tocopherol, Chrysin, Sclerotium Gum, Methylglucoside Phosphate, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Pentylene Glycol / Ethylhexylglycerin