August 2018 Loves
As per the recent poll on my Instagram page (BeautyEtc.blog), August Monthly Favorites won over August Empties for the next blog post. I'm very much a creature of habit, so I feel like a lot of my favorites are often repeats. I'm trying my best to finish products that are open along with trying out new products. During the last Sephora Sale and some recent purchases I've incorporated some new brands and products into my routines. Stay tuned for new product reviews!
Overview of my August Favorites
These are a few of my favorite things.........
Hair
Backstory: At the current time my hair is natural, but extremely heat damage. Therefore, I'm looking to incorporate products that will be great for holding curls, strengthening and also hold.
Hicks Edge Control Pomade - I recently finished my last container of Hick's Edge Control during the month of August. After trying so many different products and going back and forth, I've decided that this edge control forever needs to be in my collection.
The Hicks Edge Control Pomade is a clear pomade that is great for holding my hair around the perimeter of my face in place (edges). I love that it doesn't it flake and provides a light hold. The 4 ounces size retails anywhere from $13-$15 depending on location and lasts me several months.
Ingredients: Water, Ceteareth-25 PEG-7 Glceryl Cocoate, Propylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Casteroil DMDM Hydration and Iodopropynyl bulycarbanate, Fragrance
As previously mentioned, my hair is really going through it at the moment with heat damage. After doing extensive research online, I came across the Olaplex brand. I was very hesitant to purchasing the Hair Perfector No. 3 You may ask why. Well the Hair Perfector only comes in one size, 3 ounces, and retails for $28. The reviews that I came across regarding the results were pretty much positive. I figured if I didn't like it within the first-second use I would return it back to Sephora.
I was able to tell a difference with my hair around the 3-4 week of using it. My hair feels stronger and is not shedding as much. Before even begore finishing the bottle I thought it would be a great idea to pick up another bottle during the Sephora VIB Rouge Appreciation Sale and I'm so happy I did!
Ingredients: -Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate. Water, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, Propylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Phytantriol, Panthenol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Hydroxyethyl Ethylcellulose, Quaternium-91, Cetrimonium Methosulfate,Cetrimonium Chloride, Fragrance, Polyquaternium-37, Tetrasodium EDTA, Magnesium Nitrate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Magnesium Chloride, Etidronic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Benzoate.
EcoStyler Styling Hair Gel - Blackcastor & Flaxseed Oil
For a few months I ventured out and tried several different gels that are avaliable in the drugstore. After using the Ecostyler Blackcastor oil gel for the past month and a half, I can honestly say that I love it! I've tried almost every single version of the Ecostyler gels and this one is my favorite. The smell is not too over powering. The hold that It provides is more on the light side and doesn't leave my hair crunchy. Best of all- it doesn't flake!!
Ingredients: Standard Water, Polygel HG, FD&C Yellow 5, Standard Water, Flamenco Super Pearl, Glycerine 99%, PVP K-90, Glycosperse L-20, Fragrange (Parfum), Suttocide A, TEA 99%, Dissolvine Na-X, Flaxseed Oil, Castor Oil
Texture Shot
Skincare
Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Gel
The month of August was extremely hot and humid here in NYC. With so much humidity, I really didn't have the need to use a lot of moisture. On many of the days I used the Drunk Elephant B-Hydra as a moisturizer instead of the moisture serum booster that it was intended for.
I have a full review on the B-Hydra on how I use it before the gym here.
Ingredients: Water, Coconut Alkanes, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Wheat Amino Acids, Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract, Berberis Vulgaris Root Extract, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract, Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Panthenol, Sodium PCA, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Niacinamide, Cyclodextrin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Lactate, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyproline, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Citric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Ethylhexylglycerin.
Algenist Genius Liquid Collagen
I was introduced to the Algenist Genius Liquid Collagen through a rep at Sephora during a facial. I really like the texture and how quickly it absorbs into the skin. I don't suffer from any wrinkles or any major skin concerns. I primarily use this Liquid Collagen as a preventive measure during my night time skincare routine.
At the current time I have 2 deluxe size samples of the Liquid Collagen. I'm not sure if I'll be purchasing the full size. I think the true test would be for me to use the collagen everyday for at least a week and monitor the results with pictures. Unfortunately, the serum only comes in a 1 ounce size and retails for $115. As someone who purchases pricey skincare items, even that price tag is a little hard to digest.
Ingredients: Collagen, Water, Propanediol, Isononyl Isononanoate, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Betaine, Pentylene Glycol, Dextrin Palmitate, Collagen Amino Acids, Parachlorella Beijerinckii Exopolysaccharides, Chlorella Protothecoides Oil, Helichrysum Stoechas Extract, Cylindrotheca Fusiformis Extract, Niacinamide, Tocopherol, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Adenosine, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Palmitic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Carbomer, Sodium Lactate, Amodimethicone, Homosalate, Polysorbate 20, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Octocrylene, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance (Parfum), Limonene, Beta-Carotene (CI 75130).
Fresh Black Team Age Delay Eye Concentrate
The Fresh Black Tea Line is one of my favorites. The line is known to contain high levels of antioxidants and protects against air pollution. I live in a big city (NYC) and it's always helpful if a product contains these extra benefits. The eye concentrate aims to reduce dark circles, puffiness and help with loss of firmness.
I really enjoyed using this eye cream during the PM hours. The texture is more of a cream and I feel like it provided a great level of moisture for the overnight hours. Due to the texture, a little of the product goes a long way. I have an abundance of eye cream at the moment, but in the future I would like to purchase the full size.
SIZE 0.5 oz/ 15 mL | $68.00
Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Squalane, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Steareth-21, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Juice, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Litchi Chinensis Seed Extract, Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry) Leaf Extract, Acacia Senegal Gum, Adenosine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Tocopherol, Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Glycerides, Glyceryl Hydroxystearate, Steareth-2, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Sodium Polyacrylate, Fragrance, Dimethicone, Silica, Propylene Carbonate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Maltodextrin, Tromethamine, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Biosaccharide Gum-2, Caramel, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Algin, Bht, Sodium Citrate, Tin Oxide, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Serine, Biotin, Linalool, Phenoxyethanol.
One of my co-workers was so nice and brought me back a ton of sheet masks during her recent trip to China. The sheet masks, all 21, were all different scents and aimed to help achieve different effects. Prior to her gifting me these sheet masks I never heard of the brand Etude House. During the month of August I used at least 1-2 of these sheet masks per week.
Once I complete my current stock of the masks I will definitely be purchasing more!
Ingredients: Water,Glycereth-26,Dipropylene Glycol,Propanediol,Alcohol,Hydroxyethyl Urea,Butylene Glycol,Glycerin,1,2-Hexanediol,Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract,Sodium Carbomer,Allantoin,Hydroxyethylcellulose,Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract,Coptis Japonica Root Extract,Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract,Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract,Dehydroacetic Acid,Sodium Hyaluronate,Disodium Edta,Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate,Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate,Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate,Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride,Boswellia Serrata Gum,Beta-Glucan,Hydrogenated Lecithin,Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil,Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil,Geranium Maculatum Oil,Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Oil,Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract,Pinus Palustris Oil,Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate,Ceramide Np
Beauty and Etc...
Sephora Lip Balms (Coconut & Watermelon)
Watermelon Lip Balm: is rich in antioxidants, to protects lips and prevent them from drying.
Coconut Lip Balm: nourishes for lips that feel more comfortable.
One of my close friends introduced me to these Sephora Lip Balms and I've been hooked ever since. The past month I had at least one of these balms with me at all times. I honestly can't say which flavor I like the most as I equally like them both! For the $6 price tag I think they're both worth trying out and keeping in my purse.
Ingredients (Watermelon): Octyldodecanol, Polybutene, Dipentaerythrityl Tetrahydroxystearate/Tetraisostearate, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Polyethylene, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)), VP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Diisostearyl Malate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Cera Microcristallina (Microcrystalline Wax), Glyceryl Behenate/Eicosadioate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Fragrance, Propylene Carbonate, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Mica, CI 15850 (Red 6), Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract, CI 15850 (Red 7 Lake), Sorbitan Tristearate.
Tocca Florence Fragrance (Rollerball)
Notes: Italian Bergamot, Grapefruit Leaves, Green Pear, Apple, Ivory Gardenia, Crushed Violet Petals, Jasmine, Tuberose, Blue Iris, Blonde Wood, White Musk.
Style: Sophisticated. Romantic. Feminine.
I mentioned the Tocca Florence Perfume in a previous post (check it out here) and ever since I've purchased it I've used it almost everyday during the month of August! The roller-ball size made it perfect size to carry around. I've used quite a bit amount of the perfume during the month and I think I'll be purchasing the full size soon!
Benefit Precisely My Brow Pencil
I've used the Precisely My Brow pencil in the past, but received a full size pencil from Influenster back in July. This is probably one of the best brow pencils that I've ever used. The point is small and extremely precise (like the name), which helps to provide perfect hairlike strokes. The pencil is available in multiple colors to suit many different hair shades.
My only complain is that the pencil does not last very long (size wise) and retails for $24. When I purchased my initial pencil in the past, it only lasted about a month. I do plan on purchasing more of the pencils when I am able to get them on sale.
Maybelline Total Temptation Eyebrow Pencil
Prior to trying out the Maybelline Eyebrow pencil, I used the Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip-brow Pomade. What made me decide me to try out the pencil was hearing about one of my favorite Youtubers rave about it. The definer pencil made it really easy for me to fill in my brow along with shaping them.
I'm happy to say that the pencil lasted a few months. The Maybelline pencil averages around $8-$10 and is well worth the price. I will defintely be purchasing this pencil in the future when I'm unable to get the Benefit Preceisly My Brow Pencil.
Clinque Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss- Black Cherry
I used to use the Clinque Superbalm Gloss back in high school and college in the regular pinkish shade. I love that the gloss delivers a high gloss shine and lasts a long time. After the gloss fades my lips are still very moisturized.
I was so happy to find out the superbalm was offered in the Black Honey shade. The Black Honey offers a light wash color to the lips. During the end of August this was defintely my go to when I was looking for a little bit of oomph.
Ingredients: Polybutene , Polydecene , Petrolatum , Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2 , Octyldodecanol , Microcrystalline Wax/Cera Microcristallina/Cire Microcristalline , Tocopheryl Acetate , Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Extract , Betula Alba (Birch) Extract , Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Extract , Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract , Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) Extract/Extrait D'Orge , Cholesterol , Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate , Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil , Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate , Linoleic Acid , Squalane , Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate , Caprylyl Glycol , Hexylene Glycol , Potassium Sulfate , Phenoxyethanol , [+/- Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891) , Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850) , Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499) , Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140) , Red 22 Lake (Ci 45380) , Red 30 Lake (Ci 73360) , Carmine (Ci 75470) , Red 33 Lake (Ci 17200) , Red 28 Lake (Ci 45410) , Mica , Red 6 (Ci 15850) , Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090) , Yellow 6 Lake (Ci 15985)]