November 2015 Favorites

I skipped a favorites post for October because I spent a lot of time alternating between products I wanted to review and products I was trying to use up. I didn't really have a chance to use anything consistently enough to consider it a favorite. But, I'm back for a favorites for the month of November since there were quite a few products I used every day.

Dr. MJ Real Mucin Restore Cushion ($22.68 at Korea Depart)

This has a SPF of 50 PA+++ and claims to be different from other BB creams by being closer to a skincare item than just a simple BB. The cushion is packed with nutrients from snail filtrates and various moisturizing agents to add more glow and radiance. Free from paraben, mineral oil, benzophenone, talc, and alcohol.

I've had a slight reaction to moisturizers with snail filtrates in the past but my skin has been fine with this cushion. I definitely will not be able to use this in the warmer months when my skin is incredibly oily. The cushion leaves a dewy, moisturized finish so it's not ideal for anyone with oily skin. I always set it with powder and blot every few hours. Benzoyl peroxide has left my active acne spots dry and flaky and the product applies smoothly over these spots without emphasizing the dry patches. The coverage is also excellent and you can build it up with a few layers without worrying about a cakey face.

Memebox I'm Concealer (9000 won at Tester Korea)

Full coverage and moisturizing liquid type concealer designed to cover major imperfections such as scars, hyperpigmention, and other blemishes for the look of perfect skin. Dries to a powdery finish.
2 shades available: #01 Vanilla, and #02 Custard
I've talked about this concealer in the Perfect Cover Set review here. It's amazing if you're looking for a full coverage concealer. I have some really stubborn hyperpigmentation that is difficult to cover and this almost covers everything. I prefer this concealer over Make Up For Ever's Full Cover Concealer. This paired with the Dr. MJ Cushion was on my face for most of November.

Holika Holika Vita Up! Facial Water in Vita Violet ($12 at Urban Outfitters)

This is a vitamin facial mist which hydrates skin and delivers nutrients. It contains 12 kinds of vitamins and minerals from plant extracts and Japan's Hita Tenryosui water. There are also fruit extracts like blueberries and raspberries that promote youthful and clear skin.
Also available in Green and Orange.
I haven't noticed significant benefits from the mist but I love the way it smells, a combination of fruity and floral. Plus it feels refreshing and does offer a little bit of hydration to the face.

Rimmel Exaggerate Full Colour Lip Liner in Eastend Snob 063 ($5.99 at Ulta)

A soft textured, automatic lip liner that delivers rich color and precise definition.
Eastend Snob is a pinky nude which looks great on its own or paired with another lip product. It's very much a MLBB shade. You have to be careful with the product. If you twist out too much of the liner the tip can/will break off. You also need to twist the liner back in all the way or the cap will break off the tip. It's a very affordable product (purchased mine at Harmon for under $4) and the shade is beautiful so I can forgive the issues.

Tarte LipSurgence Lip Luster in Achiote

A lip treatment that gives lips a natural shimmering flush while softening and moisturizing lips.
I'm pretty sure this product has been discontinued because it seems to only be available online at Amazon or eBay. I received it in a holiday set with a matching blush two years ago. I don't really like a shimmery or frosty lip but I do like the Tarte paired with the Rimmel liner. I never wear the Tarte Lip Luster on its own. Somehow the lip liner takes out some of the shimmer. Achiote is a pinky peach shade. I've been wearing the two products paired together almost daily since they're great for an everyday neutral look.

NYX Butter Gloss in Cherry Pie ($4.99 at Ulta)

If you're interested, I have a more detailed review about the NYX Butter Glosses here. I don't love lip gloss but I love the butter glosses. They're opaque, hydrating, non-sticky, and smell just like sugar cookies. Cherry Pie is a bright tomato red which I find to be flattering for a variety of skin tones.

Here's a swatch of all 3 lip shades.

From left to right: Rimmel, Tarte, and NYX

NUXE Reve de Miel Ultra Nourishing Lip Balm ($13.68 at Lovely Skin)

A repairing, nourishing lip balm with a rich, delicious texture to restore suppleness and comfort to dry and chapped lips. This concentrated skincare nourishes, repairs, soothes and protects the lips (Honey, Plant Oils, Shea Butter, Grapefruit Essence).
I just discovered the beauty and power of this lip balm on a recent trip to Paris. If you are there, stock up! I purchased the lip balm for 6.48 euros and most places in the U.S. sell it for $19. I use the NUXE primarily at night and it leaves my lips soft and very nourished the next morning. It smells like honey and grapefruit to me. What's interesting is the lip balm does not leave the lips glossy and instead gives a matte finish.

Secret Key Lemon D-Toc Peeling Gel ($10 at Memebox)

This provides gentle exfoliation by mildly removing dead skin cells from the skin. It detoxifies the skin and is rich in brightening properties with lemon as a key component.

I use the peeling gel about twice a week and am addicted to it. You can see dead skin peeling off your face which I find fascinating. Your face must be dry before you use the product on your face. Afterwards, my face feels "baby" soft and slightly brighter. I was hoping to see a difference in some acne scars but no such luck yet. I prefer the peeling gel over a scrub because it's much more gentle and soothing on my sometimes irritated face.

So that's it for November and we're now heading into holiday season. My next post will be a holiday giveaway so don't forget to come back and enter for a chance to win some makeup and skincare!

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Thanks for stopping by!
Jennifer