J:Dew Green Moist Toner and Essence Review

Ivy from Q-depot contacted me not too long ago to review some products from the J:Dew Green Moist Line. I was given the choice of reviewing the cream, emulsion, essence or toner. Much to my surprise and delight I was sent the special skin care set which includes all four products plus two deluxe sized samples.*

Burt's Bees Lipstick Review

I'm trying to make an effort to be selective about the lip products I purchase since I have more than I'll ever need and use. Clearly I'm not making enough of an effort because I couldn't resist the fairly recently launched Burt's Bees Lipsticks. I have been more attracted to the brand lately because I want to incorporate more natural/organic skincare and makeup into my routine.

Here are the claims according to the brands website:
100% natural
8 hour moisture
Smooth, satin finish with a creamy and lightweight feel, ideal for everyday wear
Helps to hydrate and moisturize lips leaving them feeling soft and smooth

Available in 14 full coverage and vibrant shades:

#500 Nile Nude
#501 Blush Basin
#502 Suede Splash
#510 Iced Iris
#511 Magenta Rush
#512 Fuchsia Flood
#514 Brimming Berry
#515 Tulip Tide
#520 Scarlet Soaked-purchased (red with coral undertone)
#521 Ruby Ripple-purchased (medium dark red shade, makes teeth look white)
#523 Sunset Cruise-purchased (medium coral shade)
#530 Lily Lake
#531 Juniper Water
#532 Russet River-purchased (dark brownish red shade)

Ingredients: Diheptyl Succinate, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Cera Alba [Beeswax], Candelilla Cera [Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax], Behenyl Alcohol, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, C12-18 Acid Triglyceride, Lanolin, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Cera Carnauba [Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax], Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed

You can purchase the lipsticks at Ulta for $8.99, Target for $8.99, or directly from the Burt's Bees site for $9. I chose Amazon with Prime to purchase all four shades because I had a gift card. I also have not been able to locate them in a physical store so online shopping was the best option.

The packaging is recyclable and made with 100% #5 plastic and 60% PCR (post consumer recycled plastic) content. In general plastic products marked with the numbers 2, 4, and 5 are the safer choices. I'm big into recycling so this is a major plus for me. There is a honeycomb design on all four sides of the lipstick tube which is durable yet lightweight. You get 0.12 oz of product in each lipstick. The only thing I don't like about the packaging is that you can't twist the lipstick all the way down the tube. If you're short on a time I could easily see the tip of the lipstick getting chopped off when replacing the lid. It's not a big deal but I do find myself being extra careful when putting the lid back on.

From left to right: Scarlet Soaked, Ruby Ripple, Sunset Cruise, and Russet River

There is barely a scent but I do catch a very subtle waxy, berry scent if you hold the product right up to your nose. The lipstick feels more like a lip balm but with excellent pigmentation. They are incredibly moisturizing and perfect for the winter or if you suffer from chronic chapped lips. There's a slightly thicker, slippery texture about these but they feel lightweight on the lips.

From left to right: Scarlet Soaked, Ruby Ripple, Sunset Cruise, and Russet River

The range of shades are excellent from nudes to pinks to reds to plums. The darker colors leave a nice stain after the initial color has worn off. These aren't a long lasting lipstick since they are so hydrating and creamy. You'll get around 4-5 hours of wear time if you don't eat or drink anything and maybe 3 hours if you do. You don't have to worry about the product creasing, clumping, or transferring all over your teeth. It's not necessary to wear a lip liner with the darker shades but it might be your preference if you prefer clean edges around the lips. The color is very buildable so you can build up quite a bit of color. All four shades I purchased have a satin finish but some are more shiny than others.

I love the formula of these Burt's Bees Lipsticks! After testing out all four lipsticks for the past three weeks I really want to purchase a few more shades. They're easy to apply and wear on the go every day and also work appropriate. I love how comfortable they feel on the lips and they feel more like a chapstick or lip treatment than a lipstick. I'm not sure how traditional lipstick lovers are going to feel about the formula but I love how these look and feel on the lips, especially in the colder months.

Follow or like me on Twitter and Facebook for updates. It also helps me out a lot!

Thanks for stopping by,
Jenn

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream Extra-Dry Skin Review

Disclaimer: I received this product complimentary from Neutrogena and Crowdtap. I have not received any compensation for writing this post and all opinions are my own and unbiased.

Image Source

Currently I have combination-oily skin; it just depends on how cold and dry it is here in NYC. This moisturizer is geared towards those of you out there with particularly dry skin so you're probably wondering why I have been incorporating this product into my skincare routine. Well, I do have little areas of dry patches on my face due to acne breakouts and spot treatments like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid to speed up the healing process. It's quite unattractive when you can see dry, flaky patches over foundation so I've found it helpful to use the Hydro Boost Gel Cream on certain areas of my face.

I'm not too crazy about the jar packaging since you have to constantly dip your fingers in and out of the jar. I save all my little spatulas that come with Korean products so I've been using these to get the moisturizer out. You can always use a little spoon if you don't have a tiny spatula on hand. This does remind me of the Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream and Sleeping Water Mask which I have used in the past. They have similar packaging and the same water based gel consistency.

One reason I was willing to try a moisturizer that is geared towards dry skin is because of the thin, gel-like consistency. It's light, cooling, fragrance free, and oil free. How and how much I use of this is dependent on how bad my breakouts are in the lower cheek area and right above my jawline. In the AM I will use the gel cream over most of my face, avoiding the T-zone area. It helps my makeup look smoother, almost acting as a primer. And I haven't noticed an increase in oil production while using this which is an added bonus. In the PM I apply the cream like a sleeping pack over my face 3-4 times a week and it leaves my skin incredibly hydrated and soft the next morning. The cream absorbs quickly into the skin so it won't feel greasy at all.

I've been using the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream for almost a month and have not experienced any irritation to my skin or unusual breakouts. This is a solid moisturizer for all skin types and does exactly what the product claims to do, "instantly quench extra dry skin and keep it smooth and hydrated." Keep in mind this is a product for adding and locking in moisture and doesn't claim to do anything else like anti-aging or brightening. I most likely will not be able to use this in the summer months when my skin is excessively oily but this has been an excellent boost of hydration for me this winter. There is a Hydro Boost Water Gel available so this might be more appropriate for those who don't need the extra dry skin formula. You can find the gel cream for extra dry skin at Ulta for $19.99, Neutrogena for $18.99, Target for $17.09, or your local drugstores. Don't forget to use Ebates to get a little cash back when you shop online!

Follow or like me on Twitter and Facebook for updates. It also helps me out a lot!

Thanks for stopping by,
Jenn

Skinfood Royal Honey Cover Bounce Cushion Review (Snoopy Limited Edition)

Product Description: Helps restore a healthy, radiant, smooth skin tone while regenerating the skin, concealing imperfections, and smoothing wrinkles. Royal jelly has antimicrobial properties and honey moisturizes softens and moisturizes the skin. Zinc oxide reduces sebum production, irritation, and inflammation.
There are two shades available:
01 Light Beige
02 Natural Beige

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Aging Perfector Review

Disclaimer: I received this product complimentary from Neutrogena and Crowdtap. I have not received any compensation for writing this post and all opinions are my own and unbiased.

There are six shades available:

10 Ivory to Fair

20 Fair to Light

30 Light to Neutral

40 Neutral to Tan

50 Tan to Medium

60 Medium to Deep

Neutrogena and Crowdtap were kind enough to send me two shades, #10 and #20.

Petitfee Black Pearl & Gold Hydrogel Eye Patch Review

I was digging through my skincare stash last month and unearthed the Petitfee Black Pearl & Gold Hydrogel Eye Patch. I received the patches in a previous Memebox but it must have been a box that didn't contain an information card. I keep all the cards so I can refer to them when I use each product. (I know I'm not the only one out there who collects old Memebox info cards!)

I have normal skin in the under eye area all year round. Sometimes it can get a little oily right under my eyes if it's a particularly hot and humid day. That wasn't really a concern for the month of December although NYC did experience record high temperatures last month. I have some discoloration under the eyes but dark circles are not on my radar right now. As far as eye concerns, I've always had puffy eyes or eye bags and it's definitely gotten worse over the course of my 39 years of existence. And another minor concern is that I'm starting to see fine lines creep in when I smile or laugh.

The patches contain a premium combination of black pearl and pure gold powder which helps to improve blood circulation for a radiant, rosy glow. They are soaked in a blend of green tea, mugwort and tangerine extracts concentrated into a rich essence. These lavish ingredients rejuvenate tired skin and dull eye bags for a brighter and healthier look.

The ingredients list according to CosDNA.

Yikes, carrageenan gets a 5 for a potential acne trigger.

Typically I test out a product for about a month before I write a review to gather my thoughts and form an opinion. I've been using the Petitfee Black Pearl & Gold Eye Patch for 20 days on a daily basis. There are 60 patches in each jar for 30 uses so I've used 2/3 of the product, enough for me to have an opinion.

Use product within 2 months of opening the jar.

The biggest downside to this product is the scent! It's pretty overpowering and I can smell it on my face for the next few hours. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to continue using the patches after the first use. I've sort of built up a tolerance to the scent now and it doesn't bother me nearly as much. I'm not sure how to exactly describe the scent but it has a very sweet, strong, floral scent. Stay clear of this if you're sensitive to fragrance and/or you do not like floral scents.

I strongly recommend keeping the protective seal on the product to keep the patches from drying out. I would actually shake the jar/container upside down (you can hear the essence in there) to sufficiently soak the patches on top since the essence is concentrated at the bottom of the jar. The protective seal helps to keep the liquid from dripping out and getting everywhere.

You can see gold flecks in the patches.

You could probably use the eye patches on smile lines but I did not. Since I'm very acne prone on the lower half of my face and there is a pretty high acne trigger in the product, I didn't want to take a chance and risk a breakout.

Don't lose the spatula since the patches are slippery and difficult to pick up without it.

I love how instantly cooling these patches are. I read some reviews where people complained about an instant burning sensation when using these and, thankfully, I didn't experience that. I'm guessing they were sensitive to an ingredient(s) in them so make sure to read the ingredients list carefully before using. I have the most eye puffiness in the morning so it was most beneficial to me for use in the mornings. You can dry your hair, eat some breakfast, brush your teeth, and take off the patches 25-30 minutes later. If you want the patches even colder, store them in the refrigerator. They're also nice to use in the middle of the day if your eyes are feeling tired.

As far as product claims, I wouldn't say this offers intense hydration. It's quite moisturizing for me but it won't provide enough moisture for someone with a dry-very dry eye area in my opinion. You'd be better off using an eye cream. However, the cooling properties of the patches do help with decreasing puffiness and improve the appearance of eye bags for a "brighter and healthier look." It's a temporary solution for eye bags and something you will need to use on a regular basis. Since I used the patches every day I did see noticeable improvement but I'm sure the eye bags will be back with decreased usage.

You can find the Petitfee Eye Patch at Memebox for $18, Amazon for $9.98 with Prime, Korea Depart for $6.33 plus shipping by weight, and RoseRoseShop for 4.91 plus shipping by weight. Wow, that's a big price difference between RRShop and Memebox!

I'd give the Petitfee Black Pearl & Gold Hydrogel Eye Patch a 3.5/5 stars which is not too bad in my book. I knocked off 1 star for the overwhelming scent and 1/2 a star for the lack of intensive hydration. I wouldn't recommend this product for anyone who has a dry under eye area, particularly sensitive to fragrance, looking to decrease fine lines or wrinkles that aren't considered minor, and suffering from dark circles. While I liked what this did for eye puffiness and a little extra hydration, I won't repurchase it again after I finish the product. I'm going to continue searching for eye patches that have the same benefits without the strong fragrance.

Follow or like me on Twitter and Facebook for updates. It also helps me out a lot!

As always, thanks for stopping by!
Jennifer

theBalm In theBalm of Your Hand Palette Review

The sleeve arrived with a gash through it!

I've always been attracted to theBalm products and their retro packaging. Currently the only product I own and have tried from the brand is the Nude 'tude palette. You can read my review of it here if you're interested. (Oh wait, I have that tiny sample of Bahama Mama from Birchbox that's the size of my fingernail.)  I really wanted to purchase the In theBalm of Your Hand Palette Greatest Hits Vol. 1 when I saw it was released for the holidays. I contacted theBalm and they confirmed my suspicions...The palette IS a limited edition product so grab it NOW if it's calling your name!

XO Memebox I'm Lip Tint, Tint Balm, and Lip Crayon Review

Not too long ago, I hauled a few lip products from the XO Memebox collection. Here are my thoughts about the I'm Lip Tint, I'm Tint Balm, and the recently repackaged I'm Lip Crayon.

Memebox Pony Shine Easy Glam Eyeshadow 1 Palette Review

Pony is a self-taught makeup artist who has been gaining quite a bit of attention recently as CL's (from the group 2NE1) makeup artist. She has a large following on both Instagram and YouTube. She personally selected 8 must have shades for a Korean eye makeup style in her first collaboration product with Memebox. Pony, in conjunction with Memebox, has released a new 2.0 version of the Shine Easy Glam Eyeshadow Palette with an improved formula and better packaging. Unfortunately, I did not purchase the first version of the palette so I will not be able to make comparisons or contrasts between the two palettes. This is a review of version 2.0.

XO Memebox I'm Eyeshadow Review

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
From the K-drama inspired “no makeup” makeup look all the way to K-Pop star inspired dollish, sparkly makeup, get the eye makeup looks Koreans are crushing on. These eyeshadows go on buttery smooth, saturating the eyes with rich pigmentation that lasts all day.

• Matte, Shimmer, or Glitter; 35 gorgeous colors to fit every mood
• Super pigmented; Pro Fix formula locks the color in place
• Long-lasting; Sebum Control Powder acts as a primer that prevents oil build up and creasing
• Silky smooth and blendable; Oil Binder System allows even application and minimizes fall
• outs

Photo by Memebox

Memebox I'm Lipstick Review

Let's take a look at the new and improved formula in the Memebox I'm Lipstick line.

Son & Park Skin Fit Foundation SPF 45 PA++ Review

I have a weakness for stick foundations so I had to try out the Skin Fit Foundation from Son & Park when I saw it sold on Memebox in early August. (I reviewed two lip crayons from Son & Park not too long ago. Read here if you're interested.)

Maybelline Lip Studio Color Blur Review

Product Description
Maybelline's Lip Studio Color Blur redefines the rules of color with a cream matte pencil and blurring smudger. The cream matte pencil feels extremely smooth and comfortable on lips, while the blurring smudger creates your own looks from full-on bold to softly blurred. Color Blur comes in 10 shades ranging from vivids to neutrals.

Son & Park Lip Crayon Review

Son & Park is a brand created by two popular Korean celebrity makeup artists, Son Dae Sik and Park Dae Yun. They serve as exclusive makeup artists for many famous Korean actors and actresses. Son is the official makeup artist for Jun Ji Hyun. (Her breakout film was My Sassy Girl in 2001 which was a huge hit in Korea and throughout Asia. If you haven't watched it, you need to! After wearing YSL Rouge Pur Couture No 52 in My Love From The Star, the lipstick sold out worldwide.)
Back to Son & Park, the two have been friends since high school and known for bringing the natural dewy look to life.  Dewy, glowing skin has been a trend with Korean women for quite some time now. They developed the technique with their own hands and it became their signature at editorial shoots and fashion shows. Their logo is a hand with the cursive letters S and P.

Tarte Amazonian Butter Lipstick Trio Review

Tarte held a friends & family event at the end of last month and I took advantage of the 30% discount on most products sold online. One of the items I grabbed was the Tarte Amazonian Butter Lipstick Trio which can be found at QVC, Tarte, and sometimes Ulta.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blush and Sheer Highlighting Blush Review

While I've tried many of Neutrogena's skincare products, I'm not all that familiar with their makeup. I have a few of the Moisture Smooth Color Sticks and have tried the Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup in the past. I had the chance to *try out and test two new blush products from the brand so here are my thoughts about them.

It's Skin Star CC Cream Review

Product Description

• 7 in 1 multi-cream (moisture + whitening + primer + wrinkle repair + makeup base + UV block + illumination)
• Gentle texture covers uneven skin and pores to create smooth skin
• Great for covering up unsightly blemishes and evening out the skin tone
• Discreetly corrects and perfects skin tone while providing a naturally healthy glow
• Use it for skin brightening and diminishing the look of wrinkles
• Daily sun protection with UVA/UVB SPF 36 PA++

Indeed Laboratories Nanoblur Review

Indeed Laboratories is a Canadian brand with a range of anti-aging products at a reasonable price point. *Nanoblur is their most popular product as it claims to "make you look 10 years younger in 40 seconds" and "erase pores, lines and imperfections."

E.L.F. Mad For Matte Eyeshadow Palette Review

E.L.F. has been releasing quite a few interesting palettes recently and I couldn't resist ordering the Matte Palette during their free shipping promotion.

Innisfree Long Wear Cushion SPF 50+/PA+++ Review

It's summer here in NYC and the last thing I want is to wear heavy makeup that will melt off during the hot and humid days. Enter the Innisfree Long Wear Cushion which is geared towards oily/combination skin. It's meant for those long hot summer days and claims to last for 12 hours. Keep in mind the Innisfree Water Glow Cushion is recommended for those with dry to normal skin.