From the Editor’s Desk: Spring 2023 Beauty Empties

Happy Canada Day! I’ve had the craziest quarter with travel and celebrating Pride from May until the last possible second of June, so this is a packed empties with lots of my drag essentials.

For quick reference, WNR stands for Would Not Repurchase/Recommend and WR is Would Repurchase/Recommend. As always, these are my personal opinions and I encourage everyone to find the right products for themselves. Products received as gifts, gratis or PR samples are marked as such. An effort has been made to link each product in a Canadian retailer, but none of the links are affiliates nor am I paid to speak on any product.

Hair

Dippity Do Girls with Curls Curl Shaping Gelée ($7.97*, purchased without review obligation): I simply cannot go about my day without this product. It gives my hair the perfect definition, shine and hold, all with no flaking or residue. WR
African Essence Control Wig Shampoo ($7.99*, purchased without review obligation): I use this to wash my wigs between drag performances, which keeps them clean and fresh. It doesn’t leave a residue, it’s gentle on the wigs and my hands, and the wigs don’t get stripped in the process. Already repurchased. WR
TRESemmé Rich Moisture + Hyaluronic Plex Shampoo with Pump ($8.97*, purchased without review obligation): This continues to be my shampoo of choice for my dry hair. It cleans it thoroughly without any dryness or residue, comes in a giant bottle with a pump, and smells nice. WR
TRESemmé Conditioner Moisture Rich ($13.49*, purchased without review obligation): Same as above, this is my ongoing go-to. The best for my dry curly hair. WR
Sunflower Difeel Premium Hair Mask – Macadamia Oil ($2.99*, received as a gift without review obligation): I never know what the difference between a hair mask and a conditioner is, so I use them interchangeably. This made my hair noticeably softer in the days following use, but the idea of going through these wasteful packets instead of a tub or bottle is a big turnoff. WNR

Body

Equate Aloe Vera Body Wash ($4.27*, purchased without review obligation): A countless repurchase, simply the best body wash for next to nothing. Lathers beautifully, smells great, no harsh ingredients, doesn’t strip my skin, giant bottle. Perfection. WR
Beauty Secrets Non Acetone Nail Polish Remover ($9.99*, purchased without review obligation): Can’t beat the cost of this remover, which handles cream, glitter and top coats like a pro. WR
OUAI St. Barts Body Cleanser ($37.97~*, received as gratis without review obligation): If you feel the need to spend this much money on a body wash, that’s your business. I found that it didn’t lather up as much as I wanted, and the scent didn’t make me swoon. WNR
Equate Soothing Oatmeal & Shea Butter Body Lotion ($3.97*, purchased without review obligation): Another countless repurchase. The best lotion, super hydrating but sinks in right away. Smells delicious and has great ingredients. WR
Equate Moisturizing Hand Soap-Aloe ($3.97*, purchased without review obligation): If you need a hand wash to get your hands feeling clean without drying them out, this is it. WR
Essie Speed Setter Top Coat ($14.99*, purchased without review obligation): A very nice top coat, gives a good strong finish and helps polish dry quicker. Like most polishes, it got thicker once it was down to the last third, but that’s neither here nor there. WR
Farmacy Honey Bubbly Hydrating Body Wash ($40.21~*, received as gratis without review obligation): It’s always a treat when I get one of these, because they smells so decadent and feel so hydrating. I wouldn’t spend this kind of money on body wash, but it’s a wonderful gift idea. WR

Makeup

Charlotte Tilbury 3 Neutral Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation ($62*, received as a gift without review obligation): This foundation looks good going on, but it didn’t wear well on me. It broke down too soon and emphasized texture. WNR
INGLOT Duraline ($24*, purchased without review obligation): I’ve been using this mixing medium for years to transform powders into liners, revive dried out gels, and make creams waterproof. It’s a must-have for anybody who considers themselves an artist. WR
L’Oréal Paris True Beige 130 Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Powder Foundation ($20.96*, purchased without review obligation): This is the powder I use to cover my eyebrows for drag. It gives full coverage with a matte finish, yet feels very creamy and not drying. It always shatters halfway through the pan, but I keep coming back to it. WR
Urban Decay Dreamland Glitter Gel ($31*, purchased without review obligation): One of the few products of its kind on the market, unfortunately. The gel adheres the glitters really well, and it looks great as a facial highlight or mixed in with lotion on the body. Will miss it. WR
Jeffree Star Cosmetics C5.5 Magic Star Concealer ($29.78~*, purchased without review obligation): Besides the ornate packaging (which arrived broken for me), there’s nothing that special about this concealer. It has medium-full coverage and doesn’t crease, but I found the applicator doesn’t deposit enough product and I ran through the tube faster than I’m used to. Besides, there’s easier brands to support out there. WNR
Guerlain 02 Kaki Eye Liner (discontinued, purchased without review obligation): This was a limited edition circa 2019, and I’ve used it on a daily basis for nearly the whole time since. Somehow, this single bottle is never ending, and after removing the stopper I could have used up even more (except it got a little messy). This was the most unique shade of eyeliner ever conjured – metallic forest green with gold flecks. It matched my eye colour almost exactly, which garnered compliments every single day. It wore perfectly without fading, cracking, flaking or creasing, and the applicator was perfectly fine for achieving a thin line or thickening it up. I am very sad this is not a permanent product and will miss it. WR
DIOR 616 Pulse Diorshow Mono Professional Eye Shadow (discontinued, purchased without review obligation): For me to have finished an entire shadow single tells you how special it was. It was a fabulous vintage gold pressed glitter that gave the perfect burst of light to the inner corner and brow bone. WR
Sugarpill Supreme False Eyelashes (discontinued, purchased without review obligation): These are huge lashes only really appropriate for a drag look. They were very pretty, lasted a very long time, and held tight no matter how much I thrashed on stage. WR
Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer+ Hydrating Face Primer with Hyaluronic Acid ($52*, received as a gift without review obligation): The cost seems out of touch with the reality of this product. This is a thin, watery moisturizer that doesn’t help makeup go on smoother or last better. WNR
Saie Mascara 101 Lengthening and Lifting ($34*, received as gratis without review obligation): I surprisingly liked this! It remained wet from start to finish, which made it easier to apply. While it could bunch my lashes together if I applied it wrong, most of the time it gave them a nice coat without clumps. No flaking or transfer. WR
Gucci 170W Fluide De Beaute Natural Finish Fluid Foundation (discontinued, received as a gift without review obligation): One of the worst foundations I’ve tried! Light-medium coverage applies patchy, streaky and uneven, is bone dry feeling and looking, and separates in the bottle – not to mention, smells heavily perfumed. Definitely not worth the money. WNR
Chanel SunKiss Ribbon Blush Harmony (discontinued, purchased without review obligation): This was one of my first luxury makeup purchases, and boy was it a good investment. This blush lasted over a year of daily use, and because it had multiple ribbons of bright colours, it always looked lively and vibrant on the cheeks. I will miss it! WR
Cinema Secrets Clown White (discontinued, purchased without review obligation): I used this to highlight my face in drag, and set it with white eye shadow to form an eyeliner. It is super creamy and opaque, smells horrible but works really well. WR
Ben Nye Neutral Set Colorless Face Powder ($47.50*, purchased without review obligation): If you’re a makeup artist working on a lot of people, or apply tons of makeup on yourself (for example: drag), this is a great powder that can’t be beat for value. It mattifies and smooths skin for hours, and it adds an ever so slight amount of coverage. It can be hard to track down, but if you can get it, don’t hesitate. WR
MAC Cosmetics Gesso Matte Eye Shadow ($26*, purchased without review obligation): A perfectly fine matte white shadow, nicely pigmented with no fall out, but pressed really hard into the pan. Not my favourite for the purposes of drag. WNR
MAKE UP FOR EVER Spirit Gum (discontinued, purchased without review obligation): In testament to its strength, the gum glued the cap to my bottle shut. This is a powerful adhesive that I used to glue wigs in place, but it’s difficult to use and can easily cause skin damage if used incorrectly. WNR
Burberry 09 Fawn Rose Liquid Lip Velvet (discontinued, received as gratis without review obligation): I mourn the discontinuation of Burberry Beauty! This was a great liquid lipstick formula, it felt creamy and comfortable at first and wore all day. The colour was a cool toned nude that worked perfectly on me, and the applicator was fine and precise. WR

Skincare

fresh Kombucha Antioxidant Facial Treatment Essence ($108* for full size, received as a gift without review obligation): Even if I believed in essences – which I don’t (pick a serum or a toner, instead) – I would never pay this much for one. It feels like a hydrating toner, so that price is outrageous. WNR
Tatcha The Rice Wash Skin-Softening Cleanser ($52*, received as a gift with purchase without review obligation): I’m surprised that this cream cleanser is as popular as it is, considering how unpopular cream cleansers are in general. I found this gentle and effective on my dry skin, but there are better and cheaper options out there. WNR
Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50 with Sunflower Extract ($91.78~*, purchased without review obligation): This size is unfortunately unavailable to purchase in Canada, but it’s perfect for a sunscreen enthusiast or a family. This chemical sunscreen feels hydrating and light, doesn’t give a white cast, and gives great protection. It smells lightly citrusy and has an ultra convenient pump. WR
Juice Beauty STEM CELLULAR™ Anti-Wrinkle Booster Serum ($105* for full size, received as a gift without review obligation): Nothing about this serum makes me want to drop $105 on a full bottle. Unremarkable and not worth it. WNR
Biotherm Blue Therapy Amber Algae Revitalize Anti-Aging Night Cream ($105* for full size, received as a gift with purchase without review obligation): Thick and sticky yet somehow not moisturizing. Smells weird, too. WNR
Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Line Erasing Eye Cream ($89* for full size, received as a gift with purchase without review obligation): A fine eye cream, but the retinol in the formula is so deep down the ingredient deck that it’s inconsequential. I’d rather spend my money on something stronger. WNR
ClarinsMen Energizing Gel ($52*, received as gratis without review obligation): I had low expectations for this moisturizer, but found it surprisingly hydrating for its very thin lotion-like texture. I hated the nozzle that kept getting gunked up, but it was an adequate moisturizer besides that. WNR
Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream Plumping & Hydrating Moisturizer ($91* for full size, received as a gift with purchase without review obligation): This was the birthday gift for Beauty Insiders at Sephora a couple years ago, which made it blow up. It has a very rich, thick consistency that feels best on dry skin. While I liked how it felt, it broke me out aggressively in a way I haven’t seen in a long time. I wouldn’t spend this kind of money on it for that reason. WNR
Farmacy Whipped Greens Oil-Free Foaming Cleanser with Moringa and Papaya ($36*, received as gratis without review obligation): Run, don’t walk, to pick this up. This is a cream cleanser that foams gently, washing away everything but leaving skin feeling balanced and hydrated. Smells great and works well. Perfection. WR
Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm ($46*, received as gratis without review obligation): The iconic cleansing balm that removes every trace of makeup and sunscreen without drying out the skin. Smells great, works flawlessly. WR
Farmacy Very Cherry Bright 15% Clean Vitamin C Serum (discontinued, received as gratis without review obligation): I’m not a big fan of vitamin C serums, and this one didn’t feel like it did anything. It has a watery consistency and gunked up on the nozzle constantly. WNR
Farmacy Brighten Up 3% TXA Dark Spot Toner with Azelaic Acid ($44*, received as gratis without review obligation): This is a game changer! A toner that feels like a serum, gently exfoliates without any irritation, and has proven clinicals to fade dark spots and acne scarring. Simply the best. WR
Algenist Triple Algae Eye Renewal Balm Eye Cream ($87*, received as a gift without review obligation): I loved this when I used it years ago, and I still loved it now. It’s the perfect buttery consistency for dry, dry eye skin, and has ingredients to improve texture and hydration. WR
fresh Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Moisturizer ($60* for full size, received as a gift with purchase without review obligation): Great hydrating cream with a rich gel consistency, feels good and smells good. Reasonable price for a luxury product, too. WR
fresh Black Tea Firming and De-Puffing Eye Cream ($90* for full size, received as a gift without review obligation): This was a nice eye cream to use, felt hydrating and smoothing. WR
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream ($80* for full size, received as a gift without review obligation): I can see why this remains such a bestseller. It’s a very lightweight yet supremely moisturizing cream, perfect for dry skin. I enjoyed using it day and night, and would be very curious to try the SPF version. WR
Farmacy Blueberry Blast Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm (discontinued, received as gratis without review obligation): Nothing compares to this cleansing balm for removal of makeup and sunscreen. Silky smooth, leaves no residue, and respects the skin’s moisture barrier. This holiday edition smelled like blueberry yoghurt. WR
Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Brightening Serum ($165* for full size, received as a gift without review obligation): This brand makes no sense to me, and this serum takes the cake for being nonsensical. It smells odd, has more alcohol than it does anything beneficial for the skin, and doesn’t come close to the brightening products on the market for a fraction of the cost. WNR
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid ($85* for full size, received as a gift with purchase without review obligation): I adore traveling with these because I can count on them to soothe my dry, irritable skin and give me the illusion of a well rested complexion. This cream has the perfect consistency for smoothing dry skin. WR
First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser ($31*, received as a gift without review obligation): This is a very unexciting, uninspiring face wash. It has no scent, lathers gently, and leaves skin feeling respected but clean. I’ve used drugstore cleansers that felt similar to this for less. WNR
Farmacy GREEN DEFENSE daily mineral sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($46*, received as gratis without review obligation): This is much better suited for somebody with oilier skin than mine. On me it required a very hydrating moisturizer first or else it made my skin feel parched. You also need to work it in your hands and on your skin quite a bit to get rid of the white cast, but if you don’t mind those things it sits nicely under makeup and doesn’t feel greasy. WNR
Bioderma Atoderm Lip Balm ($10.99*, received as gratis without review obligation): Really nice lip balm, feels moisturizing yet lightweight, no flavor or color makes it easy to wear overnight or in the day. Convenient squeeze tube with slanted applicator, and reasonably priced. WR
Darphin Intral De-Puffing Anti-Oxidant Eye Cream ($84*, received as a gift without review obligation): Darphin is quickly becoming one of my favourite luxury skincare lines. This was a great eye cream, it hydrated while being super lightweight, and felt smoothing and soothing. Loved the packaging. WR
Hermes Eau D’Orange Verte Moisturizing Face & Body Balm ($72*, purchased without review obligation): You probably don’t think of Hermes as a “value” brand, but this product certainly is. The tub contains 200ml of fabulous face cream that I enjoyed using every day and night. It smelled delicious (exactly like the fragrance by the same name), moisturized well, and added a touch of luxury to my day. WR
Keys Soulcare Mini Golden Cleanser Gentle Face Wash with Manuka Honey ($16*, received as a gift without review obligation): If you prefer a very lightly-lathering cleansing gel, this might be for you. Even with my dry and sensitive skin, I found I had to do two passes before I felt clean. WNR
TULA Skincare The Cult Classic Purifying Face Cleanser ($44*, received as gratis without review obligation): The word “purifying” in the title had me worried, but for naught. This is a very gentle gel cleanser, which was actually too gentle for me. It didn’t feel like it was cleansing well, and getting it to lather was a chore. WNR

Fragrance:

Bath & Body Works Mahagony Teakwood Increased Intensity Wallflower ($7.25*, purchased without review obligation): These bulbs give high scent throw that feels masculine and clean. WR
Bath & Body Works Mahogany Teakwood High Intensity Scented Candle ($26.95*, purchased without review obligation): Great scent throw and smells great, enough to mask odors and give the home a welcoming aroma. WR
Puredistance Master Perfumes WHITE Perfume Extrait ($256.41~*, received as a PR sample for review consideration): Let me begin by acknowledging how out of touch this price is for 17.5ml of fragrance. This fragrance is strange in that it doesn’t project very much, but it lasts on clothing in particular for days at a time, somehow improving in quality. It was mistaken once on me for Chanel No 5, which is a fair comparison because it does evoke old Hollywood glamour. You need a certain flair to rock this, or it could read “old.” I enjoyed the powdery yet bright white florals, but I’m not going to be spending this kind of money on a travel spray any time soon. WNR
Dior J’adore Eau de Parfum ($210* for full size, received as gratis without review obligation): This smells so delicate and feminine on me, and has phenomenal longevity. Not sure when the price climbed so high since the days I worked for the brand, but it’s worth it. WR
Katy Perry Killer Queen Eau de Parfum (discontinued, received as a PR sample for review consideration): Say what you want about celebrity perfumes, but they have mass appeal for a reason. This one is a yummy gourmand that has a strong bakery scent, like brownies and cookies. It doesn’t project or last very well, but it was fun and flirty and the bottle was cool to look at. Would be appropriate for a gift for a young girl who wants a fragrance of her own. WR
Bath & Body Works Ocean Scented Candle ($27.50*, purchased without review obligation): Rather unremarkable scent, not strong enough for my taste. WNR
Keys Soulcare Sage & Oat Milk Candle ($62* for full size, received as a gift without review obligation): This had hardly any scent, even unlit. Wouldn’t spend this kind of money on it. WNR

^*Prices true at time of writing. Foreign currencies are converted to CAD and are approximate.

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