From the Editor’s Desk: Autumn 2023 Beauty Empties

Happy winter solstice! I am so proud of the progress I have made this quarter in using up things and really getting the most of my possessions. Some call it frugality, I call it enjoying every drop.

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’ve lost count of how many of these I’ve been through. It’s the perfect styling product for short curly hair, giving it definition, shine and hold without flaking or crunchiness. Smells great, washes out easily. WR
Dippity Do Girls with Curls Girls With Curls Coconut Curl Gelee, Coconut curl gelee ($7.97*, purchased without review obligation): For a little while I couldn’t get my hands on the above, so I opted for the brand’s other gelee. This is more of your traditional hair gel, with medium-strong hold that works better on longer curls. I have no preference between the two, they’re both excellent. WR
Got 2 B Glued® Blasting Freeze Spray ($10.99*, purchased without review obligation): While this can be difficult to find in stores, it’s a must-have for wig styling. It holds synthetic hair all day, and the fumes are relatively tolerable. WR

Body

Tatcha Hinoki Body Milk Lotion ($65* for full size, received as a gift without review obligation): I love a good body lotion, but there’s no reason to spend this much money on one unless it’s for a specific fragrance you adore (for me – Chanel No.5). This isn’t that, so I don’t care to spend an arm and a leg on it. WNR
Revlon Quick Dry Base Coat™ Nail Care ($7.97*, purchased without review obligation): I was having trouble with my polish chipping, but this really helped to keep my manicure on for at least a week. WR
Cake Beauty Lemon & Cream Ultra Nourishing Hand Cream ($16*, purchased without review obligation): It looks like the set I bought this in is still available, so I’m guessing it’s a fairly popular option. This was a wonderful hand cream, it smelled like lemon cake and coated my hands overnight with a non-greasy glove of hydration. WR
Farmacy Honeymoon Glow Body 12% AHA/BHA Bump-Smoothing Night Serum ($54*, received as gratis without review obligation): The reviews for this product are unanimous in rejecting the smell – which, I concede, is pretty gross. If you can get past that, it’s a lotion with a thin consistency and a high dosage of acids meant to help with KP, body acne and ingrown hairs. I don’t deal so much with those issues, so it was a wasted convenience on me. WNR

Makeup

Essence lash princess false lash mascara ($5.99*, purchased without review obligation): This definitely lives up to the hype. It does everything you want out of a mascara – coats the lashes perfectly, gives them volume and length, and lasts all day. I will probably opt for the waterproof version in the future as my eyes have been getting watery, but otherwise it’s pretty much perfect. It’ll make you question all of the “luxury” mascaras out there. WR
Givenchy 2-N160 Prisme Libre Skin-Caring Matte Foundation ($72*, received as a gift without review obligation): This is the most smoothing and flattering foundation I’ve used in a long time. While it only gives medium coverage, it glides onto the skin in a way that blurs imperfections and texture. It lasts all day, and smells nice. This shade is a tad light for me in summer, but would probably be perfect in winter. WR
Givenchy 2-W110 Prisme Libre Skin-Caring Glow Foundation ($72*, received as a gift without review obligation): Ditto here. Beautiful stuff. This shade is perfect for me. WR
Givenchy 3 Voile Rosé Prisme Libre Loose Setting and Finishing Powder ($80*, received as a gift without review obligation): I don’t understand the hype about this product at all. The packaging is not only bulky, it’s entirely impractical (note: it can be depotted rather easily by removing the sticker on the bottom to reveal a capped hole). The powder itself is a little dry, and because it’s so strongly tinted it can change the appearance of your foundation or concealer considerably. Finally, as a fan of scents, I found the fragrance of the powder entirely overwhelming and unnecessary, even making me chock on application. WNR
Estee Lauder 120 Sensuous Rose Pure Color Envy Sculpting Blush ($56*, received as a PR sample for review consideration): This has been repackaged, but they kept the same name so I assume it’s still the same product. This is a very wearable coral-peach blush with light payoff and a subtle sheen. Because it’s pressed pretty hard, it’s best used with a natural bristle brush to pick up more product. Nobody can deny that the packaging is elegant and classic, and for the price it ain’t bad. WR
Guerlain 03 Glitter Metallic Liquid Eyeliner (discontinued, purchased without review obligation): This was from the 2019 holiday collection, and I am devastated that it’s gone. This is such an easy to use eyeliner in the most unique metallic burgundy shade. It gave a pop of colour in an unexpected way, taking eye looks to the next level. The packaging is gorgeous, and you literally get years’ worth of product for the price. I wish they came out with more shades besides their standard black and brown. WR
L’Oréal Paris 125 Ivory Buff Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder ($20.96*, purchased without review obligation): I’ve been using this for a while to cover my brows and set my highlights in drag. It’s a really creamy, full coverage powder foundation it a satin-matte finish. Wears beautifully, and the sponge that it comes with is actually really good. Inevitably the powder cracks when the pan gets big enough, but I always feel like I get my money’s worth anyways. WR
Christian Dior 399 Silhouette Addict Extreme Lipstick (discontinued, received as gratis without review obligation): This line of lipsticks is long discontinued, but it was really beautiful when it was around. It was a medium coverage, high-shine lipstick that lasts really well for hours and hours. This was a peachy nude shade that complimented my complexion in summer beautifully. WR
Tatti Lashes 4D TLMitchell Faux False Lashes ($14*, purchased without review obligation): I stopped supporting Mitchell when he came out as anti-Israel, but I’m still sitting on a huge stash of these from when I stocked up back in the day. These are gorgeous drag lashes, they’re huge and fluffy and last at least 10 wears. Too bad he’s an antisemite. WNR
MAC Cosmetics Gesso Matte Eye Shadow ($29*, purchased without review obligation): This is a functional white matte eyeshadow. It’s pressed pretty hard which isn’t ideal for the type of work that I do, but it’s fine. WNR
ROSE INC 50 Skin Enhance Non-Comedogenic Skin Tint Serum Foundation ($66.50*, received as a gift without review obligation): This is a case of the wrong product for the wrong person. I prefer a full coverage foundation, and this tint gives just that – a tint of colour without coverage. It feels very hydrating on the skin, and is packed with skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalene (inspired by sister brand Biossance). The airless pump also allows you to get every drop out. Someone out there will love this, but not me. WNR
Essence super fine eyeliner pen ($4.49*, purchased without review obligation): I was using this to sketch out my drag eyeliner, but found it skipped a lot and wasn’t super wet with product even when it was new. I would also prefer a waterproof version, personally. WNR
Charlotte Tilbury 3 Beautiful Skin Medium to Full Coverage Radiant Concealer with Hyaluronic Acid ($44.50*, received as a gift without review obligation): I flip-flopped hard on this concealer. On the one hand, it forms an incredibly smooth finish under the eyes and covers really well for being such a thin formula. On the other hand, at the first sign of watery eyes, it would bunch up, crease and lift. It was this second part that ultimately made it a no-go for me, because I couldn’t risk that sort of meltdown in winter weather. WNR
Hourglass Mood Light Ambient® Lighting Finishing Powder ($73*, received as a gift without review obligation): The reason this product has mixed reviews online is because people aren’t sure how to use it. To clarify, this is not a highlighter, nor a setting powder, but a powder to dust over set makeup to give it an ethereal glow radiance that is someone not glittery not sweaty-looking. It’s ideal for low-light venues and for dry skin types, and definitely not in the summertime unless you want to look greasy. Apply with a dense natural fiber, and watch the compliments pour in. WR
ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr Light Made for Shade Bronze & Sculpt Trio Palette ($51.50*, received as a gift without review obligation): This is the light version, yet even I with my medium complexion had to be light-handed with it or it was far too dark. I don’t fully grasp the concept behind three bronzer shades for one person – and make no mistake, these are not contour shades as they are far too warm. The formula tended to be patchy and difficult to blend, and had to be applied very carefully to avoid muddy bronzer. The one upside, I suppose, is that because it is so pigmented, it lasts forever, and that the compact is absolutely gorgeous. WNR
Too Faced Major Hangover Replenishing Face Primer ($52.50*, received as a gift without review obligation): This jumbo size appears to be discontinued, but the regular size is still available. This primer is better than nothing, but it’s not great. It has the ingredients of and feels more like a light moisturizer than a primer to make your makeup glide and last. If you have oilier skin you may enjoy using this as your lotion before makeup, but I wanted more from it. It also smelled weird. WNR
ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr Busty Brown Point Made Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner Pen ($26*, received as a gift without review obligation): I was surprised to see that the name of this product has the word waterproof in it, because it most certainly isn’t. At the first sign of sweat, it would streak and disappear from my skin. However, I was very impressed by the longevity of the product itself, which I had been using for the better part of a year before it finally dried out. The brush was easy to manipulate and stayed wet enough to give an even line. If humidity and sweating isn’t an issue for you, it’s a good one. WR

Skincare

Caudalie Vinoclean Gentle Foam Cleanser ($38*, received as a gift without review obligation): This is marketed for dry and normal skin types, but as somebody with dry, sensitive skin, this was too harsh and left my skin feeling “squeaky clean” (not a good thing). While I enjoyed the velvety foam and the light green scent, it was just too harsh for me. WNR
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid ($135* for full size, received as a gift with purchase without review obligation): This is my all-time favourite moisturizer. It not only has all of the best antiaging ingredients, it can also be counted on to deliver plumping moisture in a cocooning texture. WR
Pixi Milky Remedy Mask ($34*, purchased without review obligation): The value of this product is undeniable, but sadly the mask is super underwhelming. It’s got all sorts of calming and hydrating ingredients, but my dry and sensitive skin didn’t feel better after using it, and I definitely needed to apply moisturizer afterwards (unlike other hydrating masks I’ve used). The included spoon is unnecessary in my opinion, and the “use by” period of six months is much too fast for a tub of this volume. WNR
Live Clean Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 45 ($17.97*, purchased without review obligation): This sunscreen may be clean, but it’s a nightmare to work with. Thick, shiny, heavily white-cast, it takes a long time to work into the skin and can be sticky if applied onto the body. WNR
Farmacy Tangerine Twist Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm (discontinued, received as gratis without review obligation): This was one of the more successful limited edition scented balms from the range. It had the effect of washing your face with orange juice! Of course, nothing beats this formula for removing makeup and sunscreen, and the travel size was perfect for on-the-go. WR
Keys Soulcare Golden Cleanser Gentle Face Wash with Manuka Honey ($17*, received as a gift without review obligation): Maybe if this was the price of the full size rather than the travel size, I would endorse it. It feels weird to be paying luxury prices for e.l.f’s made-in-China skincare. This is a fine cleanser that smells a little odd, but I wouldn’t purchase anything from this brand personally. WNR
fresh Black Tea Firming and De-Puffing Eye Cream ($92* for full size, received as a gift without review obligation): Really enjoyed this thick, cream eye cream for my dry eyes. Be careful not to overdo it because it is so rich. WR
Neutrogena Mineral Ultra sheer dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion Spf 30 ($22.99*, purchased without review obligation): I liked the watery-thin consistency of this sunscreen, which made it easy to spread. I didn’t like the white-cast it gives, and it definitely needs to be removed with an oil cleanser or your skin won’t feel clean. Ultimately, it’s not perfect, so the search for the ideal sunscreen continues. WNR
Farmacy Strawberry Shortcake Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm (discontinued, received as gratis without review obligation): While this one never launched in Canada, it was a nice touch that proceeds from its sales went to Second Harvest and Feeding America. It worked beautifully and smelled lovely. WR
fresh Lotus Anti- Aging Daily Moisturizer ($73* for full size, received as a gift without review obligation): This is a classic moisturizer that’s lightweight and smells pleasant. I don’t think it’s worth the cost, though, as it doesn’t provide any active benefits. WNR
Youth To The People 15% Vitamin C + Caffeine Energy Brightening Serum for Uneven Tone ($93*, received as a gift without review obligation): There are some fatal flaws in this product that detract from its claims. First, the vitamin C in this formula is not pure, but rather derivatives. In addition, the water in the formula and the light bottle make the vitamin C unstable. These things make it hard for me to justify the high pricetag. WNR
innisfree Green Tea Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum ($40.50* for full size, received as a gift without review obligation): They highlight the hyaluronic acid in this product’s name, completely ignoring that it has less of that than niacinamide, squalene, glycerin or indeed – alcohol denat. It’s a fine starter serum for younger skin that doesn’t break the bank, but I think I need a little more power in my treatments. WNR
fresh Tea Elixir Niacinamide & Hyaluronic Acid Anti-Aging Serum ($108*, received as a gift without review obligation): This is the more expensive version of the above, with many of the same ingredients. Save your money, opt for the innisfree option. WNR
Farmacy Pear Punch Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm (discontinued, received as gratis without review obligation): A complete must-have, this is the best makeup remover for me. This limited edition smelled sweet and fruity. WR
Farmacy Cheer Up Brightening Vitamin C Eye Cream (discontinued, received as gratis without review obligation): I can see why Farmacy decided to replace this with Wake Up Honey. While they have a lot in common, the biggest difference is the jelly-like consistency of Cheer Up this is both difficult to pick up, and takes longer to absorb. This also has a less advanced type of vitamin C, which has been improved in the new formula. WNR
Origins High-Potency Night-a-Mins™ Resurfacing Cream with Fruit-Derived AHAs ($73*, received as a gift without review obligation): I was pleasantly surprised by this cream! It has an airy yet plush consistency that feels super moisturizing both overnight and over the day. It smells divine, has gentle AHA’s to resurface the skin overnight, and contains actives like niacinamide, vitamin C, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid. Strongly recommended. WR
Sebocalm Cleansing Cream ($26.94~*, purchased without review obligation): This is something I repurchase whenever I travel to Israel, it’s a great thick cleansing cream with a spa-like aroma. Extremely gentle on dry, sensitive skin, yet powerful enough to remove traces of makeup. WR
Farmacy Sweet Apple Clean Cleansing Balm ($48.58~*, purchased without review obligation): As you know I adore these balms, and this one smelled like washing my face with apple juice. It was perfectly sweet and fruity without smelling artificial. Even though this was a limit edition many years ago, it’s surprisingly still available from the brand’s site – run, don’t walk! WR
Origins A PERFECT WORLD™SPF 40 Age-Defense Moisturizer With White Tea ($73*, received as a gift without review obligation): Again, Origins blew me away. This is a great daytime moisturizer for dry skin. It applies smooth like velvet and provides long-lasting hydrating plus a high dose of SPF, antioxidants, squalene and other beneficial ingredients. WR
First Aid Beauty Firming Cream with Peptides, Niacinimide + Collagen ($60* for full size, received as a gift without review obligation): I really can’t tell the difference between this and the Ultra Repair Cream, even though I know it has more powerful ingredients. It’s really rather unremarkable. WNR

Fragrance:

Maison Margiela ‘REPLICA’ Beach Vibes Scented Candle ($91*, received as a gift without review obligation): A candle at this price better be pretty spectacular, and this one was. It had a fantastically strong throw, and smelled just like the brand’s Beach Walk fragrance, all salty fresh ocean air and suntan lotion. Happily, it fits in the limited-edition carousels from DIPTYQUE. This would be a beautiful gift. WR
Maison Margiela ’REPLICA’ Jazz Club Scented Candle ($91*, received as a gift without review obligation): Unfortunately, this candle had absolutely no throw. It also burned very sooty. WNR
Maison Margiela ‘REPLICA’ By The Fireplace Scented Candle ($91*, received as a gift without review obligation): This had much better throw than the above, it smelled like sweet roasted marshmallows and burned all the way down. WR
John Varvatos Artisan Eau De Toilette ($46.17*, received as a PR sample for review consideration): This is a classic clean, fresh, citrusy splashy cologne with a hint of a spicy base that’s easy to throw on in warm weather. It’s very unisex, reminiscent of Dior Homme Sport or YSL L’Homme. Problem is this has very little longevity, and needs to be applied liberally to get continued enjoyment. For that reason I’ll have to pass. WNR
Bath & Body Works Marshmallow Fireside 3-Wick Candle ($27.50*, purchased without review obligation): Smells sweet and comforting, throws decently strong without being overpowering. Burned clean, but left some wax at the base of the candle. WR
Demeter Fragrance Library Musk #7 Pick Me Up Cologne (discontinued, received as a PR sample for review consideration): A clean, powdery, woodsy scent that smells more like a candle than a fine fragrance. Very unisex, better for colder weather as it does have a warmth to it. Not something I looked forward to wearing, to be honest. WNR
Dior JOY by Dior Eau de Parfum ($210* for full size, received as gratis without review obligation): This decant came to me before the fragrance was launched, and even before the name was announced – hence the cryptic “New Dior” label. For some reason it seems to have flopped at the box office, which is a shame. It’s a very wearable powdery fruity floral scent that leans feminine and sophisticated. It’s casual enough to wear every day, or to be dressed up at night in summer. It is a scent that makes me feel happy, which is fitting for the name. Longevity is not great, but it projects well for a short while. WR
Dior Balade Sauvage Eau De Parfum ($420* for full size, received as a gift with purchase without review obligation): I keep flip-flopping whether or not I like this scent. On the one hand, it smells like fresh, slightly spiced wet greens, evoking a sort of earthy masculine energy that I enjoy. On the other hand, sometimes it comes across like a faded white floral that I find offputting. Perhaps it was good to only have a small vial of this, rather than ho and hum over a bigger bottle. WNR
Philosophy amazing grace spray fragrance ($76*, received as gratis without review obligation): I have to give credit where it’s due, this fragrance is iconic and reasonably priced. It smells like clean, warm, cuddly sheets and a mother’s gentle touch – truly! My bottle was unfortunately faulty and wouldn’t spray further than halfway down, but I still loved it and will probably crave it in the future. WR

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

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