April 2022 Haul!

 

May is that you? I can't believe May is almost half way here, it feels like it was just only yesterday the year started and now, we almost at the 1/3 mark-ish. I feel like the day goes by so quickly when you want to do something fun and relaxing but, when I am in meetings the day go by so slowly.

I got a few goodies this month but, I tried controlling myself. Ha, just kidding!  I heard good things about shampoo and conditioner bars and that they are really good for the environment. I got travel size versions of HiBar Shampoo and Conditioner bars. I recently started trying tablet toothpaste and I kinda like more some days. It definitely less messy but, more expensive unfortunately. I got another cleansing balm because I am completely addicted to them. I love how they can remove the most stubbornest makeup without drying out skin. I got a green tea one from Yadah. I have tried a few skincare products from them and they have been solid.

I got a few lip products because you know that's my thing. I got a new lip gloss from Patrick Ta in "She's Expensive" and yes, this lip balm was so expensive but so glittery! Speaking of glitter, I got some more Lancome Juicy tubes. "Magic Spell" just smells delicious and looks oh so pretty on my lips.

Is there anything you got recently that you are loving?

April 2022 Empties!

 

I finished quite a few things this month! But, I need to hold on to this momentum and not buy anything else...or at least try not to ;)

I finished a few masks this month. I was trying to do a new sheet mask every other day and I think I managed to meet that goal. I like the Let Me Skin mask because it was so hydrating. I am not sure why it was called "ultra bubble" but, it was super hydrating.  I like the Purenskin Natural Effect Real Green Tea Mask but, it was a bit more messy than it needed to be. I also had a hard time to pop the bubble to mix the products. I liked the Super Hyalon G:H8 Super Hyalon Ampoule product. However, I felt like the packaging was a bit wasteful.

I like the creamy Payot Paris Hydra 24+ Creme Glacee. It goes on smoothly and my skin just drinks it up. I wasn't a fan of the Meta~Pora Smile Daily Eye Serum. I didn't really notice any results and felt like it was just regular aloe vera I was rubbing on.

Here is everything I finished this month -

Frecipe Peach Jelly Bomb Mask

Nature Republic Acai Berry Mask Sheet

Jant Blanc Honey Essential Sheet Mask

Bonvivant Botanical Mask Pack - Rose

Miss Spa Brighten Mask

Innisfree Kiwi Face Mask

Let Me Skin Ultra Bubble Bubble 02 Mask

Bathorium Crush Baslam Fir + Frankincense

Innisfree Green Tea Face Mask

Innisfree Pomegranate Face Mask

Feel Brilliant Bamboo Charcoal Sheet Mask

Purenskin Natural Effect Real Green Tea Mask

Bathorium Crush Vanilla Cream

Purenskin Pear Mask

Skinfactory Aqua Skin-in

Flaunt by Lauren Napier Facial Cleansing Wipes

Super Hyalon G:H8 Super Hyalon Ampoule

Y.N.M. Quick Morning Mask

Bathorium Mistletoe + Holly

Dr. Jart+ Pore Minimalist Black Charcoal Sheet Mask

Belif Moisturizing Eye Bomb

Payot Paris Hydra 24+ Creme Glacee

Earth Harbor Tidal Rose Crystal Hydration Mist

Laura Geller Dramalash Maximum Volumizing Mascara

Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo

Meta~Pora Smile Daily Eye Serum

Nuria Defend Skin Shielding Essence

Tsubaki Extra Moist Conditioner

Whish Exfoliating Foot Mask

Earth to Skin Tea Time White Tea Cleanser

Olay Regenerist Regenerating Cream Cleanser

Book Review - The Mary Shelley Club by Goldy Moldavsky

 

The rules are simple when it comes to horror movies. You should avoid abandoned areas at all times, never split up, and if there is a murderer on the loose, be careful of who you hang out with. However, if only real life was this easy.

After a tragic experience, new girl Rachel Chavez likes to watch horror movies for comfort. She prefers watching movies than dealing with the rich kids of Manhattan Prep and  her past trauma.

Rachel comes across a club called the Mary Shelley Club, which is a secret society of students who love watching horror movies. The club hosts Fear Tests that are elaborate pranks that are inspired by movie and urban legend tropes.  At first, Rachel loves the idea and the power that comes with pranking other students. However, as the Fear Tests progress, the competition becomes deadlier and Rachel realizes this is one game she can't afford to lose.

I thought the book was a unique and entertaining read. I can't say that I liked any of the characters or liked how Rachel reacted towards the end. However, I was interested in how things will play out.  I didn't care for the romance portion of the book as it was mostly Rachel following any guy who showed her affection. I also didn't like that she kept trying to be a part of something when other people made it obvious they didn't want her there. I did wish that horror portion of the book took place a bit earlier. I felt like during the middle of the book, it was a quiet lull without much going on. The story was an entertaining read and I look forward to reading more books by the author.

February 2022 Empties!

 

I can't believe it is already February, I felt like January went by so quickly. I finished a few things but, it was mostly a lot of face masks, lip balms and moisturizers. I finished a few things that I enjoyed using and will repurchase but, not many things made that list.

I tried a few masks and some were noteworthy. The TULA instant facial mask was okay and it kind of burned when I applied it. I am not sure if the pad was supposed to peel off but, I got little "plant fibers" all over my face that was a pain. I don't foresee myself purchasing this again. The Rain Organica Firefly Facial Mask was one of the most annoying masks I ever used. The large grained mask was hard to apply and stay put. The ingredients were coarsely chopped so most of it was caught in my drain stopper.

I liked the OneKind Dream Cream Nightime Moisturizer as was very creamy and I felt like I noticed my skin more hydrated when I woke up in the morning. The Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser was okay, it didn't really remove tough mascara makeup and I had to use a lot of product before I noticed any results. I loved the Tbg. Lava Face Mask as it smelled like tootsie rolls. I did notice that this mask was very hydrating and it kind of lead to me getting a lot of breakouts after using. However, I love the packaging and the scent so much!

 Is there anything you finished this month that you liked? 

August 2021 Empties!

 

Ah August is here which means summer is almost finished! I can't wait for the cooler weather. I am super proud of myself with all the things I managed to finish this month. I think this is the most I ever finished.

I love using nose strips because its just so satisfying to remove the strip and seeing all the gunk adhere to the strip. The Me Factory 3 step mask I bought was fun to use but some part of the strip didn't stick properly and it didn't work very well. I had bought the strips for $1 and thought that was a fair price. 

Usually, I only take warm baths during the cooler months but I been enjoying a nice warm bath here and there when the weather has been tolerant. I recently re-discovered my love for Burt's Bees Milk baths. They have two - one "herbal" for adults and "buttermilk" for babies. They both have a pleasant scent that disappears quickly but, my skin is left feeling so soft.

I liked the Glo Renew Serum. It had a nice scent and when I applied this after applying a sheet mask, my skin was glowing the next day. I liked the ThisWorks Sleep body lotion. It felt relaxing to put on and made my skin softer when I woke up. However, I am not sure if its worth the $$$ price tag.

Is there anything you finished this month that you adored?

Here is everything I finished this month -

Me Factory 3 Step Pore Cleansing Strips

Burt's Bees Herbal Milk Bath

Midflower Clarifying Black Mask

MediHeal Warming Eye Mask

Honey Jarret Super Beau'Tea Mask Rose

Coscodi Propolis Blanc Cell Mask

Yadah Ba-Fu Facial Mask

Dewytree Skin-Derma Aqua Mask

Burt's Bees Baby Bee Buttermilk Bath

Murad Environmental Shield Essential C Cleanser

Nature Queen Premium Herbal Shampoo

Julep Nail Polish - Quinn

Glo Skin Beauty Solution Clear Renew Serum

Sabon Tropic Sorbet

Erno Laszlo The Famous Black Soap

Clio Gelpresso Eye Liner

Georgette Klinger Collagen & Elastin Mask

Murad Blackhead Remover

Thisworks Deep Sleep Body Cocoon

Coastal Salt + Soul Heavenly Hand Cream Blue Watermint

Yadah Cactus Toner

Neuma reNu Scalp Therapy

Rahua Clasic Conditioner

SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser Gel

h20+ Hydration Oasis Refreshing Gel Moisturizer

It's a 10 Miracle Leave - In Product

June 2021 Haul!

 

 

June is here and we have reached the midpoint of the year! This year has flown by so quickly. It feels like it was just May yesterday. On to the goodies!

As always, I finished zero lip products but, I bought 90 more. I found this makeup store called Absolute NYC that sells makeup that is like NYX and ELF in terms of pricing and quality. I am curious to see how they will perform.Ciate Beauty was having a sale and I have tried their products and loved it. I snagged a few more liquid lipsticks to add to my collection. I bought a few more Milk Makeup Kush lip glazes and balm. I like that they are go on sheer and can be layered for more color.

I have been trying to buy more natural, organic and better for you and environment items. I bought this new mascara from W3LL People. I read good reviews online and I hope it works.  I bought two new liquid eye shadow from Kosas. I am really like the Copper Halo color. The color payout is vibrant but, it does take a bit to dry and I am afraid I will get a creases before its dried. 

I had mixed results with Glow Recipe but, I keep buying their products still. I got the Banana Souffle moisture cream and sadly, it doesn't taste like banana cream pie. I got two new products from Tetraforce. One is an acne patch and the other is a wash off mask. I usually have good results from using Korean beauty products.

Have you gotten anything you are excited to try?

May Haul 2021!

 

I can't believe May is half way over! Although, I am looking forward to Halloween :D Mostly for the candy. I didn't go crazy this month but, I did get a few new things I am excited to use.

I got two new body washes from BBW. I already own the lotion version from of the body washes. I got the Stress Relief and Sleep varieties. I got another Fenty Beauty in Unlocked. It's a beautiful magenta color. I got a nice dark Oxblood color from Stila Cosmetics in Rubino. I got two new MAC lipsticks in Russian Red (I heard this is a fan favorite) and Sweet Sakura. Tarte has a new brand line called Sugar Rush. I got this cute gloss in Passion Fruit, that I am really looking forward to using it.

I have tried a few Bliss skincare items. I got a new rose gold rescue moisturizer. The stuff I have used I had good results with. I got a few new Milk Makeup skincare items. I got another watermelon mask, a new melatonin overnight serum, and a vegan milk moisturizer from their line. I got a new ampoule collection from Babor. I have used one of the other ones from them and loved it. I saw results right away.

Have you gotten anything this month that you are excited to use?

November 2020 Haul Part 2!

 

 Wow, I can't believe it's November already!  I can hardly believe it. I felt like it was just Halloween a few days ago. 

I got a few more masks from Facetory to replenish my stock even though I haven't really been using them too often. It's been cold in my area and I didn't want something cold on my face. I bought a few more masks from Facetory's own brand line. I liked their masks so far and I am hoping these are good too.

I have used Kat Von D lip products and got a new dark red. I love NYX products and got two new dark purple colors in subversive socialite and temptress. I got a new "nude" lipstick from Nars and a "nude" Kylie liquid lipstick. I am on the fence with the Kylie product. I am not sure if I would consider her products prestige since it came out that her lip kits used the same formulations and ingredients as Colourpop.

Bath and Body Works released a new foaming luxury bath product. I love taking baths so, I am really excited to try it. I also got another Rituals body wash to replace the one I finished a few months ago. I got a new mud mask that I am excited to try. I am hoping this month I finish a few more things to justify my spending :D :D

Did you get anything new this month that you are excited to try?

October 2020 Empties Part 2!

 

My last batch of empties for October! I finished a few more things than in my first empties for October but, it is also mostly sheet masks. I am happy that I finished my first bottle of perfume in the longest. I had the Chloe scent for years. I been trying to focus on one perfume at a time instead of using all my perfumes at once. Although, I really need to get a move on because I always go overboard during the holiday season because the sales are just too good to pass up.

I did finish another Lush bath bomb that I bought earlier in the year. I had quite a few shopping sprees there and I notice the scents don't last forever. I wonder if its because of their "open/naked" packaging. I finished a Farmacy honey potion which was okay. It felt like rubbing honey on my face and it burned my skin leaving it feeling sensitive. 

The masks other than my favorite BioBelle were basic and nothing noteworthy. I been adding in retinol to my weekly treatments since I am in my 30s. Being old sucks. Hopefully next month I will have finished more exciting things.

Have you tried any of these products? What are you thoughts?

My Desire Paradise Pack

Cosmetea T5 Nourishing Tea Ampoule Mask

Candy O'Lady Candy Mask Calm

BioBelle Replenishes & Hydrates with Sweet Peach Extract and Hyaluronic Acid #Peachy

Huangjisoo Red Fruits Brightening Mask

BioBelle Hydrate & Rejuvenates Seaweed & Pearl Extract #VitaminSea

Dewytree Cica 100 Mask

Chereskin Solution Wrinkle Mask Peptide Special Care

Facetory Everyday Jasmine Moisturizing Mask

Bling Pop Face Mask Aloe Moisturizing and Brightening

Pure Foret Natural Soap Centella Asiatica

Biore Rose Quartz + Charcoal Daily Purifying Cleanser

Alterna Caviar Smoothing Anti-Frizz Blowout Butter

Sunday Riley Luna Retional

Klorane Anti-Pollution Purifying Mist with Aquatic Mist

Raeka Illuminating Turmeric Polish

Farmacy Honey Potion Renewing Antioxidant Hydration Mask

September 2020 Haul!

Is it already September? Boy did the year fly but, I am not mad. I am really excited for Fall to start. I can't wait for Halloween season..yes, SEASON to start. 

I bought a few new facial sheet mask. I love trying new masks. I bought a few more lip products but, haven't finished a single one in the last few months :/ I am excited to try the Biore Rose Quartz face scrub. I heard that products infused with crystals help promote healthier wellbeing. I bought a few new face lotions that help with dark spots since I been suffering from a lot more acne breakouts.

Have you tried any of these products? Anything I should look forward to trying?

August 2020 Empties Part 2!

Ah, I can't believe August is over! It feels like the year just blew right by. But, at least Fall is almost there and I am really excited to put the hot days behind me. I didn't finish much for this batch other than a few more face masks. I am definitely been trying to finish the ones I have but, I always seem to get more than I can finish.

I got a few more masks from the Facetory line. I feel like these masks are definitely more basic and affordable. They are perfect if you just want to target one area of concern. I tried the Aorh mask and oh boy! It was so refreshing, relaxing, soothing and so pleasant to use. I am looking forward to trying their other masks.

I love Bite Beauty's lipsticks and lip pencils but, I am finding some of their lip treatment items lacking. I like that the night lip therapy was thick like honey but, I felt like it wore off too quickly. I found that I had better luck swiping on a thick layer of Vaseline instead. Their scrub was very mushy and ended being messy. I think I like the scrubs with the bigger sugar pieces.

Here is a list of everything I finished -

Friendvita Perfect Skin Adhesion Firming Gold Glow Mask

Farm Stay Real Peach Essence Mask

Soo'ae Panda Eye Brightening Mask

Facetory Everyday Rice Bran Soothing Mask

Facetory Everyday Pearl Brightening Mask

Sur Medic Vital Collagen Mask

Elakoko Noni Enriched Nourishing Mask

Bonvivant Botanical Mask Pack - Sodium Hyaluronate + Lotus

Facetory Everyday Charcoal Detoxifying Mask

Aorh This Mask Packs Makes Your Skin Feel Soothes and Moisturizes

Jant Blanc Aloe Essential Sheet Mask

Bite Beauty Agave+ Nighttime Lip Therapy

Bite Beauty Fruit Scrub Whipped Cherry

Clean Scene by Murad Gaga for Glow Gentle Facial Scrub

Briogeo Don't Despair Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask

July 2020 Haul!

I noticed that being home almost every day other than to forage for food, I been trying to spend more time taking care of myself. I ended up digging through a few of my hoard and found some new products I am excited to try.  I have to keep telling myself to stop buying new things before finishing out things. But saying and doing are definitely two different things.

I received a sample of the SocialCBD muscle rub and was surprised how well it worked and quickly. I also got a container of their foot renewal cream. Granted, no one is probably going to see my feet for the new few months/years but, at least it will look nice when they make their debut. I am excited to try the Lancer mask and the GlamGlow. Both are highly reviewed products so I am hoping they work well. I also got quite a few lip products but, I have nowhere to go. I definitely have been putting on my lipstick when I am home alone.

Let me know if you have tried any of the products above!

June 2020 Haul Part 2!

It feels like it has been forever since I was able to leave home and go about life. However, I am not complaining because the heat lately has been a killer and I can barely step foot outside before running back in to hide under a fan. I am also glad to still have a job which allows me to buy more things...hahah

I would like to say I tried to show restraint in the last few weeks but, that's an absolute lie. I bought ten new nail polishes (not pictured) and I didn't even open them but, the colors just make me so happy. I also got a bunch of lip products even though no one will see them but me. I have been wearing bold lipsticks while reading at night. A different color for each new book. I am excited to try the dark red Coloured Raine lipstick and the red lipstick from Lipstick Queen. I own several LP products but, not this specific shade. I also restocked my oils and creams since I am going through them like crazy. I feel like as soon as a bit of skincare hits my skin, I just sweat the whole thing off. I am looking forward to trying the Kypris (look at that fancy label!) and the Akar facial oil.

Even though I usually reserve taking baths during the winter, I still crave one every so often. I came across these bubble bars at Walgreens. They have a bit of a chemical scent but, they were a lot cheaper than Lush. I am hoping that once the bubble bar hits the water, it starts smelling delicious.

Has anyone tried any of these items? If so, let me know!

June 2020 Haul

I realize I have a habit of mass buying things when I like it. I go through phases where I would buy all the niche nail polish, different lipsticks, tons of Lush products, and my latest addiction - sheet mask. I definitely have a tendency of stocking piling things before I can even finish using them. Thankfully now that majority of us are home all day, I made a promise to myself that I can still shop but, I have to use up my stuff more. I have been trying to use at least 25 sheet masks a month. I am giving myself some leeway for days where all I want to do is sleep or don't want to move. So far, last month I managed to finish around 37 sheet masks! I am definitely proud of myself. 

I decided to replenish my stock from Facetory since I am "running low". Facetory is becoming my new "Memebox". Memebox has its own private labels such as I Dew Care, Nooni, and Kaja.  I have tried a few masks from both Memebox's  I Dew Care and Facetory and found them both to be affordable and work well. I am also excited to try the seaweed mask (the last line on the bottom) and the 3 steps masks from Wonjin Effect. Thankfully, since I been remaining indoors and doing a lot of self-care my skin hasn't been acting up too much but, usually during the season changes my skin likes to revolt. 

Check back in a few weeks and let's see what I finished! Also, please let me know your thoughts on the new format. I  must say I really do miss writing reviews at times but, other times it was really a big-time suck.....and now I get more time to just play with all the things I bought. (Also, I think if you are new to Facetory, existing users can send you a discount for your first purchase. Hit me up if you need that! I have tons of points from my recent haul to spare)

Facetory Ace That Face Collage Mask

 Sheet masks are one of my favorite things to use. It gives me the perfect excuse to lay down and read a book and just do me especially when I am frazzled. The mask is enriched with hydrolyzed collagen and mushroom extract to nourish and hydrate your skin. I felt like the mask fit my face well and hung on tightly without dripping serum all over me. I am not sure about the plump claim as my face is already chubby, I don't need to get plumper ;) The mask left my face feeling hydrated and revitalized. I can't wait to try the other masks in their line.

Celavi Pomegranate Sheet Mask

Since I have more "free time" on my hands being stuck in quarantine, I have been using all the sheet masks "I never had time for". I bought this off Amazon as a package of assorted "flavors" but, all from the same brand. I always loved pomegranates so, this was one of the first masks I tried from this brand. The mask went on easy and fit my face well. It didn't have a strong noticeable scent. My face felt refresh and hydrated but, it didn't wow me. I felt like this was a very basic mask that was mostly for hydration purposes. For around $2 a pop, it was an okay buy and I might get it again if I am looking for a hydration mask and on a budget.

Erno Laszlo Multi-Task Eye Serum Mask

The hydro-gel eye mask is packed with algae extract, vitamin B3, amino acids, and allantoin. It promises to fight signs of dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles.  The eye gels had a pleasant cooling effect when applied to my skin. The masks weren't drenched in serum so, they stayed in place. However, even with continued use, I have not noticed a difference and probably use a cheaper eye mask for relaxation purposes.

Esfolio Milk Essence Mask Sheet

The creamy mask is enriched with milk protein to leave skin feeling soft, smooth, and refreshed. The mask is under $3 and it works well for an everyday mask. My face felt hydrated after the removal of the mask. There was an added fragrance to the mask which wasn't very pleasant.

Celavi Cucumber Mask Facial Sheet

I bought this basic mask off Amazon in bulk for less than $2 apiece. The mask is like your average "low end" mask. It hydrates and leaves skin smooth.  The mask is enriched with cucumber extracts to soften skin and improve complexion. It's not the best mask I ever used but, it affordable treat to wind down after a hard day.

Grace and Stella Dead Sea Mud Mask

I love putting on a mask and taking a nice relaxing bath. This creamy mud mask is enriched with Dead Sea mud, kaolin, shea butter, sunflower oil, aloe vera juice, jojoba oil, hickory bark extract, and calendula oil. The clay mask went on smoothly and didn't leave my skin feeling tight. The mask dried quickly without causing that cracked mud look on the skin.