trash review: MAC pro eye makeup remover

I recently finished off my huge bottle of MAC pro eye makeup remover.
It lasted me a really long time! I had one that was in older white and black packaging, it now comes in a clear purple hued bottle (shown above).

pro eye makeup remover old packaging:

The new one only comes with 3.4 oz (100 ml) of product, but the older version comes with a whopping 5 oz (150 ml)!!!

Let me tell you, I have a hard time finding eye makeup removers that work for me. They almost always sting, burn and irritate my sensitive eyes.
I usually go for lotions that don't irritate, but then I'm left with blurry eyes from oils that are hard to wash off.

MAC's is so gentle, that it feels like I'm taking off my makeup with water. No irritation at all.
The formula is fragrance free, and the ingredients list is basic, excellent for someone with sensitive eyes.

Ingredients:
Water, PEG-32, Butylene Glycol, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, PEG-6, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Trisodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol

I must mention that I do not use waterproof mascara (I lose too many lashes) so I'm not sure if this would work for that.
I found it to quickly and easily remove regular mascara, waterproof eyeliner and eyeshadow. I didn't have to pull on my eyes at all. When wearing very heavy liner and lots of primer/shadow I did have to go over it twice. But it did take it off.

I will be honest and say that you can probably find something similar to this for a lot cheaper. However, if something works well for me I don't mind spending a bit more money instead of buying cheap stuff that has so much added irritants/fragrance it ends up in the garbage anyways.
MAC also sells the travel size of this (1 oz) for $12 CAD, not too bad if you want to try it out.
If you can find the older packaging at CCO's, definitely get it because it's a great deal-- or grab one for me ;)

repurchase? Absolutely

rating: 4.5/5

price: $23 CAD

Trash review: Revlon colorstay foundation

The latest product I've completely used up is Revlon colorstay foundation for normal/dry skin.
I've had a few issues with my skin in recent months and this foundation has saved me!

A few months ago I had a major breakout from trying a new alpha hydoxy acid lotion, leaving behind horrible scarring on my chin.
I also started a new job where I am doing a lot of physical work and sweating a lot. On top of that it's become very humid here and my skin is now slightly oily yet still dry...very finicky.

So I need a foundation that :
1. will stay on through sweating/blotting/in melting humid hot weather
2. will not clog my pores
3. will cover up redness, scars and pimples
4. will not irritate my sensitive skin
5. will most importantly, match my pale skin!

I usually use L'oreal true match foundation shade N1, (I love this) but it just doesn't stay put all day through heavy sweating and hot weather.

Colorstay has provided my skin with excellent staying power, great coverage and best of all, no break outs! Actually, the best thing is that it doesn't irritate my skin one bit.

Ivory 110 is a perfect match for my skin! It's very neutral, not too pink or yellow. It blends in with my skin quite well.

swatch of colorstay ivory:

blended in:

I love the finish of this foundation. Very natural and skin-like. When I put it on it doesn't look like I'm wearing anything, just great even-toned healthy skin.
This lasts all day until I take it off. It performs like a high-end foundation should.


There are a couple of down sides to colorstay, but I've worked them out!

First, it can be tricky to blend. I apply a thin layer all over my face with my fingers and a second layer patted over the contours of the eye and any spots or blemishes.
One layer won't cover everything. It can look a bit streaky if you don't take the time blend it well, so I take my fluffy face brush and dust over it with some powder to set it and smooth everything out.

Second, it can be difficult to remove. I had a really hard time at first finding a way to remove it at night without stripping off my skin!
I tried using oil to soften it and then used another cleanser to take it all off but I found I was breaking out from the oils. I found an excellent cleanser that is gentle yet effective, clean and clear makeup dissolving foaming cleanser - it is amazing and it takes this off so easily! I will be reviewing that cleanser in the near future.

Overall, I really like this foundation and have already repurchased.
I've tried so many foundations so it's great to finally find one that really works for me.
I should mention a while ago a tried colorstay in ivory for oily/combination skin and it was just a disaster on me. The color oxidized into an orange/pink after applying and it started to break me out. Obviously this was the wrong choice for my skin type.

One of the great things about this is that it isn't too expensive. One bottle lasts about 3 months which is average for me and liquid foundations. It's readily available and often goes on sale.
I say give it a try if you are looking for a long-wearing comfortable foundation.

repurchase? yes...again and again!

rating: 5/5

price: $16 CAD

trash review: Lancome renergie microlift eye R.A.R.E. superior lifting eye cream

A while ago I snuck into my moms skin care stash and found this eye cream. She didn't like it so I took the liberty of trying it out.

This is the best eye cream I have EVER used. I have tried many, many other brands including vichy, clinique, Neutrogena, even La Mer! - and I'm telling you, this is the one. It is so great that made it onto the #1 spot of my top 10 favorite products of 2010 list.

The reason I use an eye cream is to keep the undereye area moisturized of course, and hopefully 'plump out' any bags and dark circles from lack of sleep or those fine lines that really show when my skin is dehydrated.
Most eye creams don't do anything but irritate my eyes. They are usually the same as any other facial moisturizer, perhaps a little thicker.

Lancome Microlift eye does everything. It plumped up my under eye area, making those pesky fine lines totally disappear. It brightened underneath my eyes, and took away all signs of fatigue.
It literally took years off my eyes.

Here is an example of the result on my hand. In this photo here I have applied a swatch of the cream. Notice how you can see the little lines on my hand?
This photo is after blending the cream in and letting it sink in. All the lines on my hand are plumped out! My skin looks radiant and moisturized.

This stuff works!
Unfortunately, after I stopped using it all signs of fatigue and dehydrated skin came back. To see consistent results you need to continually use this product.

There is only one thing that I do not like about this cream and that is the packaging. I really dislike jar packaging because I'm a little bit OCD around germs. So I actually scoop some out with a spatula to use it. If only it came in a hygienic pump tube or something.

It's not always easy to find $80 to spend on an eye cream. In fact, I am hunting for something a little less expensive to use that delivers the way this does. So far I'm most happy with Philosophy Hope in a tube eye & lip firming cream. It costs $43 which is half that of Lancome and delivers excellent results as well. For now I'm content using hope in a tube, but when I have some extra money I would definitely consider getting some more Lancome renergie microlift.


repurchase? yes.

price: $78.50

rating: 5/5

Trash review: MAC bare study paint pot

The most recent product I've completely used up is MAC paint pot in bare study. This is the second one I've gone through. Time to 'back 2 MAC' it!

I used it every day give or take for almost a year before hitting the glass bottom. I never had any issues with it drying out, I always keep the lid on tight and store it upside down.
Paint pots are a really nice cream eyeshadow product, they don't crease and they last all day. Bare study is a shimmery champagne color. I use it as an eyeshadow base or as an all over lid color wash when I'm in a rush.

Bare Study paint pot swatch:

I like how the shimmer is very fine and not too sparkly. It works well with other shimmery eyeshadows.

Here is bare study on my eye with nothing else:

Paint pots are one of my favorite eyeshadow products. I also use them in the colors painterly and rubenesque all the time. They are great to use alone or under powder eyeshadow. Considering it will last a year or so, it's great value! I can't think of anything bad or disappointing about this product.

Repurchase? Absolutely.

Price: $20 CAD

Rating: 5/5

Trash review: Derma E Vanilla bean cleansing mousse

I recently finished up my bottle of vanilla bean 'age defying' cleanser from Derma E.
It lasted me about 4 months, used once daily.


The main reason I got this cleanser is because I absolutely love vanilla. I thought it would be nice to have a vanilla cleanser to wake me up in the morning.
While it does smell like vanilla, it also has a sort of chemical scent along with it. It bothered me and detracted from the natural claims of the product.

It has a thin creamy texture that feels really nice on the skin. I would not call it a mousse, but maybe a cream?

One pump lathered on to my hand:

It lathers very nicely, and removes all traces of makeup and oil from my skin. It actually made my skin feel rather dry and tight after, so I always made sure to moisturize right away.
I don't like cleansers that 'strip' the skin of it's natural barrier. I prefer more moisturizing cleansers like Dove, especially in this cold winter weather. Not to mention it is quite pricey :/
I don't see how a cleanser can have any 'age defying' effect since the ingredients get washed down the drain, and I didn't notice my skin take on any changes at all while using it.
I wouldn't recommend this to anyone because it is a very average product for the money.

Repurchase? No. too expensive for a basic cleanser.

Price: $15.99 CAD

Rating: 2.5/5

trash review: Benefit speed brow

The latest product on my stash I've used up is Benefit speed brow. I don't use too many Benefit products since I find the line overpriced and a little gimmicky but I do like the items they offer for eyebrows!

Speed brow wand:

The actual package is tiny, like a mini mascara. The wand is also like a mini mascara wand. So basically, it's brow gel in a mini mascara tube.

swatch:

The color is very sheer and natural looking, making this a great choice for many different hair colors. It has a gel-like consistency that dries to a firm finish. It really holds your brows in place.

My brows before (nothing on them) :

My brows after using speed brow:

This is not a bad product. I like that it is so quick and easy to use. I wish that the color was a little bit more pigmented to help fill in sparse areas. It doesn't help with that.
It does allow you to shape your brows and get them to look neat for the day. That I like.
I used this up within 2 months of daily use. That is the fastest I've ever gone through a brow product! Considering you don't get very much to begin with, I think that it's overpriced. I am going to hunt for something similar, only cheaper!

Repurchase? No, maybe if it came with twice the amount of product.

Price: $21 CAD

Rating: 3/5

trash review: NARS all about eve eyeshadow duo with swatches and photos

The latest item I've completely used up is my NARS eyeshadow duo in All about Eve. I've been using it practically every day for about a year or so.

NARS eyeshadows last a long time! I can't believe how much use I've gotten from this product. I almost thought it would last forever.

All about Eve is a boring, plain, neutral flesh colored duo. The right side is a satiny almost-matte finish, and the left is a shimmery version of the same color.
It was so hard to get good swatches of these, since they are the exact same color as my skin. They completely blend in.

To prove how natural looking this duo really is, here is me wearing it on the right:

you can barely tell!

I'm sure you're wondering why I use this duo every day. Especially since it's so understated and minimalist. The secret is, the right side is the most perfect color to use for blending. I do my darker eyeshadows first and then blend it out with the right color. It's pure magic.
The left side of the duo is the nicest highlight shade I've ever used. It's not too shimmery or bright, it's just perfect.
This duo can be used with any eyeshadow look from smoky to natural, since it's so blendable and neutral toned.

Here is a look I did where I blended with the right side and highlighted with the left:

I have used similar neutral eyeshadows in the past for this exact purpose, but they have been either too shimmery or pink toned, and end up ruining my finished look. All about eve duo adds a finishing touch to bring the look together rather than distracting from it.
It always saves my time when I'm in a rush and need just a little something on my eyes. Slap it on with some mascara and your ready to go!
I highly recommend this if you are in need of a good eyeshadow to blend or highlight with. If you have darker skin, I'd recommend Alhambra duo since it's a shade or so darker.

Repurchase? yes

Price: $32 USD, $35 CAD

Rating: 5/5

trash review: Vichy Aqualia Thermal UV hydrating treatment

The latest product I have used up completely is my lovely Vichy UV moisturizer.
I bought this last Christmas, and I've only run out a couple of weeks ago. It lasted me almost a whole year!

All you need is one pump for your entire face

When blended onto my hand, you can see it absorbed really well, and left behind a very slight 'glow' thanks to the tiny mica particles.

A lot of moisturizers either leave my skin too greasy feeling, or dry. This one leaves my skin just right, and makes a perfect base for makeup application.

Ingredients:
Aqua, Dimethicone, Glycerin, octocrylene, butyrospermum parkii butter/shea butter, Butylmethoxydibenzoylmethane, drometrizole trisiloxane, hexyldecanol, hexyldecyl laurate, terephthalylidene dicamphor , sulfonic acid, sucrose stearate, silica, poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, CI 77891/Titanium Dioxide, Stearic Acid, MICA, Triethenolamine, Dimethiconol, methylparaben sodium polyacrylate, sodium hydroxide, sodium chloride, sodium hyaluronate, Cellulose Acetate Butyrate, aluminium starch octebylsuccinate, phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl acetate, EDTA, ammonium polyacryldimethyltauramide, propylparaben, caprylyl glycol, xanthan gum, acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Butylparaben, polyphosphorylcholine glycol acrylate, Polyvinyl alcohol, butylene glycol, fragrance.

My skin is very sensitive and reactive, so I can't use just any moisturizer. It also gets horribly dry in the winter, I need something that is going to provide a good barrier for my skin.
Last but not least, having very fair skin requires using adequate sun protection 365 days a year to avoid premature wrinkles.
Vichy UV totally fits the criteria for all my winter skin needs!
It hydrates, has broad spectrum UVA And UVB protection, and doesn't irritate or clog my skin.
Definitely a winner for me, and anyone who needs a good daytime moisturizer.
It might seem expensive, but with a product like this a little goes a long way and I totally think it's worth it.

Repurchase? yes

Price: $28 USD, $30 CAD


Rating: 5/5

Trash Review: Sally Hansen Carmindy Natural Beauty Your Skin Makeup

My trash reviews are written when I completely finish up a product and throw it away.

The lastest beauty product I've completley used up: Sally Hansen inspired by Carmindy your skin makeup in Ecru Beige. This foundation is unlike anything I've used before. It actually looks like your skin when it's on, the texture is just amazing.

Ecru Beige is possibly the most wearable color. It's completely neutral without any strange undertones. I think it would suit most fair complexions well.

Dot of Ecru Beige on NC10 skin:

Blended in, it looks like I have more healthy looking even toned skin

Left: No makeup Right: With your skin makeup

I use my hands to apply this, since it is quite emollient. Once it's blended, my skin looks really natural and glows.
It's oil based yet it stays on really really well. It adheres to the skin better than any foundation I've used, while still managing to look natural.
Your skin makeup is oil based, which could be a problem for some with acne prone skin.
My skin is dry but clog-prone and this surprisingly didn't cause any breakouts or clogged pores for me.

Ingredients list:

Water (Aqua), Cyclopentasiloane, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Ethylhenyl Palmitate, Pentylene Glycol, Trimethysilosilicate, Butylene Glycol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Glyceryl Ethylhexanoate/Stearate/Adipate/ Ethylhexyglycerin, Methicone, Disodium EDTA, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether, Polysorbate 80, Retinyl Palmitate, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil, Xylitol, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Edtract, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Quercus Suber Bark Extract,
may Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Zinc Oxide.

I absolutely love this foundation, it's one of my favorites. Sadly, this is not sold at drug stores in Canada, but I managed to find it at my local Dollarama for $2. They are all sold out now and I hope they get more in. Check it out Canadian girls!
In the US this foundation is sold at CVS and Rite Aid.

Repurchase? Most definitely

Price: $13 USD

Rating: 5/5

trash review: MAC Internationalist Dazzleglass photos and swatches

My very first trash review!
This is the latest product I've completely used up, and have already taken it to MAC along with 5 other empties (mainly depotted lipsticks and eyeshadows) for the back 2 MAC recycling program.
This has got to be one of my favorite lipglosses of all time.
Internationalist is a medium rosy pink with these absolutely gorgeous blue sparkles.

I'm very sad, the blue sparklies just refused to show up in these photos.

After the gloss wears off, the blue sparkles stay on practically all day!

The main reason I adore this color is because it brightens up my face and the sparkles just put me in a good mood. Maybe I'm a bit weird.
I really like MAC dazzleglasses in general, I own about 10 of them. I don't find them to be quite as sticky as regular lipglass, and of course the multidimensional sparkles make them really unique. They are on the pricey side for a gloss, but I like to indulge every once and a while.
The vanilla scent of all MAC lip products is really nice.
If you don't have any yet than I suggest you try internationalist dazzleglass, since MAC has made this one of their permanent colors in the line.

Repurchase? yes

Price: $21 CAD

Rating: 5/5

Introducing, my trash can reviews!

Recently I was thinking I need to review more products, and I just have no idea where to start. Well, I thought it would be neat, that every time I completely finish a beauty product I will do a review on it.
That way you can have confidence that I have personally used the item up, and see first hand an honest review of it.
Products reviewed will range from hair care, body care, skin care and of course, most importantly - makeup!
So look forward to seeing a lot more reviews, coming soon!