From the Editor’s Desk: Winter 2024 Beauty Empties

Happy Spring from a snowy Ontario! We had a fresh snow last night, making spring seem further than it really is. Still, nothing can dampen the joy of a full bag of empties, ready to be recycled!

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): Go back and see how many of these I’ve used for yourself. This is the best gel for my curly hair, it keeps it looking healthy and shiny without flaking or drying out. WR
TRESemmé Rich Moisture + Hyaluronic Plex Shampoo ($8.97*, purchased without review obligation): Been using this for years, it’s a great shampoo for dry hair. Cleanses effectively without stripping the hair. Love the giant bottle with pump, and you can’t beat the price. WR

Body

KAYALI VANILLA | 28 HAND CREAM ($20*, received as a gift without review obligation): I do not purchase or support Huda Beauty as a brand because Huda is a raging antisemite. That said, this hand cream smells incredible, and feels lightweight yet moisturizing. The biggest drawback is the aluminum tube, which cracks, leaks, and makes it impossible to get out the dregs. WNR
Equate Aloe Vera Body Wash ($4.47*, purchased without review obligation): This has been my go-to body wash for years, it comes in a giant bottle with a pump and has gentle ingredients that feel cleansing without stripping the skin. WR
Holo Taco Favourite Sister Nail Polish ($18.85*, purchased without review obligation): I got so many compliments for this gorgeous sparkly red polish. It is very reminiscent of Dorothy’s ruby slippers, and is classic yet fun at the same time. It lasts well, and the brush is easy to use. WR
Farmacy Honeymoon Glow Body 12% AHA/BHA Bump-Smoothing Night Serum ($55*, received as a gift without review obligation): I am not a fan of this product, mostly because it smells horrible but also because I don’t need it. I don’t have issues with the skin on my body that require such potent exfoliating ingredients, so I’d rather get my hydration from a better-smelling lotion. WNR
Dove Men+Care Deodorant Stick ($9.49*, purchased without review obligation): This was one of the few aluminum-free men’s deodorants I could find, and it was good. It kept me from smelling, and didn’t compete with my fragrance. It doesn’t flake, and the moisturizing element is a nice touch. WR
Cake Beauty Heavy Cream Intensive Hand Repair Balm ($7.97*, purchased without review obligation): I’ve enjoyed this Canadian brand’s products for years, and this was the original product that made me fall in love. This hand cream is uber thick but super creamy, making for a decadent glove of moisture that smells like cake batter. I love it! WR

Makeup

Physicians Formula Creamy Natural Mineral Wear® Talc-Free Mineral Airbrushing Pressed Powder ($17.64*, purchased without review obligation): I was very impressed with the quality of the powder, it is both creamy and full coverage, and never shattered in the pan. However, the build of the compact isn’t great, and the hinge of the mirror broke pretty quickly. That aside, the included brush and the SPF in the formula make it a great travel option. WR
Smashbox Super Fan Lash Lengthening Mascara ($38* for full size, received as a gift without review obligation): Didn’t expect to love this, but I did! It gave really nice glam lashes without clumping, flaking or smudging. The brush is easy to maneuver and the formula stayed wet all three months. WR
Clarins x The Kooples Light Stone Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil (discontinued, purchased without review obligation): More lip gloss than lip oil, this pretty pink sparkly gloss is very moisturizing and shiny on the lips without being sticky. It looked best on me with no other makeup on, and didn’t sit super well over other lipsticks. The applicator is oversized and the product smells great, and never leaks. I enjoyed it, but it’s not super unique. WR
Ardell Diva Silver Lashes ($4.63~*, purchased without review obligation): This is a fun way to add sparkle to your eye makeup without having to work very hard. The lashes are dramatic yet sophisticated, and lasted many wears. Perfect for someone who wants to flirt with glamour without committing to glitter products. WR
Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation ($78*, received as a gift without review obligation): Beautiful medium-full coverage foundation with a natural finish. Lasts all day flawlessly, and applies very smoothly. Colour was spot-on. WR
Maison Jacynthe 02 Blush (discontinued, received as a PR sample for review consideration): This brand seems to have gone through a complete overhaul, so don’t go looking for this pan-only blush. It was so sheer that it was practically a face powder rather than a blush, and it always sat on top of the skin rather than look like it’s coming from within. It smelled oddly like cocoa or shea butter, and the hue was unnatural and unflattering. WNR
MAKE UP FOR EVER 2.0 HD SKIN TWIST & LIGHT 24HR Luminous Finishing Powder ($61*, received as a gift without review obligation): One of the worst products I’ve tried in a long time. The packaging is gimmicky and unnecessary, the powder itself darkens my makeup and contains tons of glitter, and it’s milled too smoothly so that it flies all over the house whenever it is handled. Stay far away. WNR
Inglot 51 Soft Sparkler Face Eyes Body Highlighter ($34*, purchased without review obligation): This is a very subtle baked highlighter in a warm light shade. It was best applied with a natural-bristle fan brush, which gave a light sheen on the skin without a metallic or glittery finish. It was too subtle for my taste, so I couldn’t pick up another one. WNR
Kryolan FS45 TV Paint Stick ($30.96*, purchased without review obligation): This is the go-to foundation for drag performers, because it goes on smoothly, it gives flawless coverage, and it lasts all day under stressful conditions. This is my “skin” shade, and a stick lasts over a year of regular use. I don’t like that it has mineral oil, but there’s nothing better for my needs. WR
INGLOT 63 AMC Eyeliner Gel (discontinued, purchased without review obligation): This shade is gone, but the collection is still popular among makeup junkies, especially shades 77 and 76. I used this to sketch out my drag eyebrows before filling them in with powder, and I liked that it was waterproof. While it dried out years ago, I kept refreshing it with Duraline by INGLOT and it was good until the last drop. If you’re doing some serious liner work, this is a good option. WR
MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin Undetectable Longwear Foundation ($63.50*, received as a gift without review obligation): The previous iteration of this product was one of my least favourite foundations, because it accentuated texture. This one clearly improved on that, and it’s true that it is “undetectable” while delivering medium coverage. I was also pleasantly surprised by the ultra-thin watery consistency, and how smoothly it went on. It lasted all day, didn’t break down or transfer, and didn’t oxidize. If I were a makeup artist, I would happily stock a kit with these (or the travel sizes!). WR
Dior 341 Pure Topaz Diorific Khôl Powder Lipstick (discontinued, purchased without review obligation): The reason I splurged on this at the time was it was such a unique piece of makeup. The packaging alone is stunning (though in hindsight, all I see is a nipple barbell), and the matte finish on such a bright shade, plus the uniquely pointed bullet made for a must-have when it came out circa 2017. It didn’t wear super long, and definitely didn’t feel super hydrating or creamy (it’s matte), but it was very pretty. WR
Essence 04 Matte Ivory Soft Matte Mousse Make-Up ($8.11*, purchased without review obligation): This is an affordable cream foundation option. It gives medium-full coverage, but it has some performance issues. It broke down around my nostrils and forehead wrinkles, and it didn’t blend very well on my nose, looking patchy and uneven. WNR

Skincare

innisfree Green Tea Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum ($40.50* for full size, received as a gift without review obligation): If you need an inexpensive serum, this is a pretty good option. It has niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, plus antioxidant-rich green tea. I don’t find it particularly amazing, but it’s solid. WNR
fresh Tea Elixir Niacinamide & Hyaluronic Acid Anti-Aging Serum ($108*, received as a gift without review obligation): If you want the completely overpriced version of the exact same product as the innisfree serum above, this is it. They have practically the same ingredients, except this one costs almost three times as much for less than half the product. WNR
Caudalie Premier Cru Anti Aging Cream Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid ($160* for full size, received as a gift without review obligation): This is way too pricey for such a simple formula. Like the brand Fresh, Caudalie underdelivers while overcharging. While hydrating in a lightweight lotion-like consistency, this is not tightening or antiaging in any noticeable way. WNR
Youth To The People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Oil with Squalane and Antioxidants ($65*, received as a gift without review obligation): Been a fan of this oil for a few years, it smells great and feels thick and greasy in the best way possible. Wonderful for my dry, sensitive skin after shaving, wearing heavy drag makeup, or when the winter gets really nasty. The vitamin C in the formula is pretty insignificant because it’s water-based and not airtight or light-proof, so don’t be duped into thinking this is as good as a serum for antiaging benefits. WR
Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins™ Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Soothing Treatment Lotion ($35*, received as a gift without review obligation): This formula is so full of oils and essences that it may as well be an essential oil perfume. I don’t know what it does for the skin, but it felt refreshing, smelled great, and didn’t irritate my dry sensitive skin even after shaving. If you need a toner in your routine to feel complete, this is a nice one but don’t expect any real results. WR
Farmacy Wake Up Honey Eye Cream with Brightening Vitamin C ($61*, received as gratis without review obligation): This is one of my favourite eye creams out there. It is so velvety and creamy, providing a long-lasting moisture barrier on the eye area. It can be applied on the entire orbital bone area plus the eyelid, and contains active vitamin C derivatives, caffeine and peptides. What’s not to love? WR
Darphin STIMULSKIN PLUS Absolute Renewal Cream ($394*, received as a gift without review obligation): Please don’t be angry with me for saying this is an amazing product. It feels like velvety, buttery goodness going on, and provides hydration for over 24 hours. It smells great, feels soothing, and of course the packaging is divine. If you’re going to spend an arm and a leg on a moisturizer, this is a great option. WR
Herbivore Aquarius BHA + Blue Tansy Clarifying Cleanser ($35*, received as a gift without review obligation): I don’t believe in “treatment” cleansers because they wash off too quickly to do much good. This cleanser is mild and gentle, but barely lathers up and contains very little product. I’d skip it. WNR
Dermalogica Daily Milkfoliant Exfoliator ($92*, received as a gift without review obligation): I was really unclear if this is meant as a daily cleanser or a daily scrub. I didn’t feel like it did anything, and it was messy to use. WNR
Farmacy Tangerine Twist Cleansing Balm (discontinued, received as gratis without review obligation): This is, of course, the best makeup remover out there. It cuts throw the longest wearing, highest pigment product with ease, including glitter and lash glue. It smells great, and this travel size is perfect for weekend trips. WR
Farmacy Very Cherry Clean Cleansing Balm (discontinued, received as gratis without review obligation): Works just as well as the above, but I wasn’t a fan of the cherry fragrance. WNR
Keys Soulcare Golden Cleanser Gentle Face Wash with Manuka Honey ($17*, received as a gift without review obligation): $17 for a made-in-China celebrity skincare brand is such a ripoff. This is a mild foaming cleanser that often needs two rounds in order to properly cleanse all traces of makeup. Definitely not something I would pick up for myself. WNR
Charlotte Tilbury Mini Charlotte’s Magic Cream ($44*, received as a gift without review obligation): I can’t believe they’re charging this much for 15ml, when the full size is $135. This is the world’s best moisturizer, but I’d much rather invest in the full size. It’s super lush for dry and sensitive skin types, moisturizes all day, smells great, has wonderful ingredients, and at least everywhere besides Canada it is listed to have SPF15, making it a perfect day cream. WR
Farmacy Honey Savior All-in-One Skin Repair Salve ($46*, received as gratis without review obligation): I have been raving about this product since the first time I reviewed it on this blog in 2017. It is a wonderfully thick, emollient salve that provides instant hydration and relief to my dry and sensitive skin, especially when it’s been harassed by harsh weather, heavy drag makeup, or shaving. I’ve used it on the eczema on my hands to soothe itchy, angry skin, and my mom uses it on her hands as a teacher who constantly washes them. You can use it alone or use it to “slug” without petrolatum. I adore this and think everyone needs a tube. WR
Tata Harper Superkind Brightening Refining Cleanser for Skin Barrier Support ($111*, received as a gift without review obligation): This is a really bad cleanser. Not only doesn’t it remove traces of oil and makeup, it also has abrasive bits that are definitely not sensitive skin friendly. I don’t know what they were thinking marketing this to reactive skin types, or charging so much for it. WNR
Tata Harper Superkind Gentle AHA Radiance Mask for Skin Barrier Repair ($92* for full size, received as a gift without review obligation): I don’t get this brand’s obsession with exfoliation. This is designed for dry, sensitive, barrier-compromised skin, yet it features lactic acid, an irritating exfoliating acid. They kinda copied Farmacy’s Honey Potion Plus format with the gel-to-cream concept, but this one doesn’t heat and doesn’t wow as much as that one. WNR
Juice Beauty STEM CELLULAR™ Anti-Wrinkle Moisturizer ($95*, received as a gift without review obligation): Very impressive formula, comprised almost entirely of plant-based and organic ingredients, including panthenol and vitamin E for conditioning, grape and apple for antioxidants, and water-soluble vitamin C for brightening and tightening. I like the airless pump, and the consistency of the cream was light yet creamy. I would definitely consider this for a day cream in the future. WR
Farmacy Honey Potion Plus Ceramide Hydration Mask ($56*, received as gratis without review obligation): I usually write off masks, but this is something special. Not only does it heat up on the skin (glycerin), it also leaves your skin so hydrated that you could get away without a moisturizer afterwards. It has ceramides for the moisture barrier, panthenol for conditioning, niacinamide for smoothing, and the brand’s signature honey-propolis-royal-jelly blend for hydration and antioxidants. I was even pleased with the included magnetic spatula, which makes application easy and hygienic. It’s the perfect wintertime treat for the skin, and the ideal gift. WR
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads with Glycolic + Lactic Acids Refillable ($51*, received as a gift without review obligation): I am not somebody who is addicted to exfoliating every day, but if you are then this is a gentle way to do that. You could probably get better value from a product that doesn’t come with the cotton rounds included. WNR
Juice Beauty KATE HUDSON loves JUICE BEAUTY Revitalizing Acacia + Rose Powder Mask ($52.50*, received as a gift without review obligation): I threw this away after one use. It was too messy to use, the consistency wasn’t pleasant on my skin, and I didn’t see any benefits. WNR
Charlotte Tilbury Multi-Miracle Glow Cleansing Balm ($81*, received as a gift without review obligation): I’ve loved this cleansing cream for year. It is super gentle yet effectively cleanses, feels velvety on the skin, and smells divine. Wish it came in a bigger tub. WR
Farmacy Honey Butter Beeswax Lip Balm ($17*, received as gratis without review obligation): I love this lip balm! It feels very smooth on the lips without being greasy. WR

Fragrance:

Dior Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet Eau de Toilette ($135* for full size, received as a gift with purchase without review obligation): This is a very beautiful modern floral scent that can be dressed up or down. It’s rather feminine, has a bit of citrus notes and a freshness that lasts a long while on both skin and hair. WR
Bath & Body Works Marshmallow Fireside Scented Candle (discontinued, purchased without review obligation): This iteration of the candle seems to have issues staying lit for the final bit of wax, burning out prematurely in all the candles I purchased for the holidays. The smell is great and the scent is strong, I think it should be a year-round scent. WR
Philosophy Live Joyously Eau de Parfum (discontinued, received as gratis without review obligation): The playful appearance of the bottle and the joyful name implied a fruity floral number that is easy to wear. This, however, is a full-blown rose scent right out of the gate, making it a lot more mature than it appears. Sadly, it has absolutely no projection or longevity on it. I could hardly tell I was wearing it, and while it got a few compliments, I don’t think it’s a head-turner. WNR
Lancôme Idôle Eau de Parfum ($153.50* for full size, received as gratis without review obligation): A very pretty fruity floral scent that got a lot of compliments and is very strong. It’s not remarkable, but it is a very safe option that could be worn by a lot of people. WNR

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

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