Review | The Face Shop Blackhead Out Aloe Nose Strip

OK GUYS! So I know nose strips aren't the most sustainable way of removing blackheads, but I was itching for instant satisfaction of looking at a used pore strip with all the nasty gunk on it. Hence I decided to give The Face Shop's "Blackhead Out Aloe Nose Strip" a try.

Official Claims:
• removes blackheads and whiteheads
• absorbs oil/sebum deep within pores
• minimizes pores for a smoother nose

nose strip applied all snug!

Application:
• peel off the adhesive
• apply on an EXTREMELY WET & clean nose
• wait 15-20 min
• peel off the nose strip

First Impression:
• unpleasant smell
• adhered well to my nose, as it took quite some effort to peel it off
• pain was minimal even though it pulled at my skin during removal
• upon looking at the strip, only few blackheads were pulled out  (I know it's difficult to see against the light colour but it definitely didn't suffice)

Effectiveness:
• doesn't deep cleanse - blackheads underneath the superficial layer of skin remain
• pulled out more nose fuzz than sebum
• the only plus was that my nose was smooth and moisturized with little irritation afterwards!

Cost: 7 for $6 CAD

In terms of blackhead removal, I'll stick to exfoliating masks as they don't enlarge pores as much as nose strips. However, due to such dissatisfaction, I'm open to trying a better blackhead removal strip when I have this impulse again. Are there any good products that are better than this one?

Haul | Sweater Weather

Review | Boscia Makeup Breakup Cool Cleansing Oil

Cleansing oils are now all the hype because it's been proven to remove makeup more efficiently -without stripping as much of your face's natural oils - than cleansing soaps and have less chemicals. The majority of breakouts is not from the makeup product itself but the remaining makeup staying on the skin for a long time.

So the main reason why I decided to give cleansing oil a try was because I previously used extra virgin olive oil, which worked really well. It removed makeup really easily but had a globby feeling and got into my eyes every single time and blurred my vision, so I needed a better alternative.

Official Claims:
• dissolves makeup
• refreshes face
• for all skin types - including eczema, blemishes, rashes

Ingredients:
• botanical oils (ie. jojoba extract, Eucalyptus leaf oil) - prevents skin irritation
• menthol - for cooling effect
• paraben, sulfate, phthalate free

Texture:
• almost scentless
• not too runny
• has a light feeling
• barely any noticeable tingling sensation from the menthol which is a plus

Application:
• rub in circular motions for 30-60 seconds and rinse off with warm water
• oil provides a smooth soft cushion for easy makeup removal
• a little goes a long way
• very gentle

Effectiveness:
• required longer gentle massaging time for stubborn products (waterproof)
• non-greasy feeling after removal
• works on EVERYTHING (mascara, lipstick, eyeshadow)
• didn't cause any breakouts

Removal of 24 HR waterproof eyeliner

Cost:
• 5oz. (147mL) for $35CAD
• compare to 5.1oz (150mL) for $33 Shiseido Ultimate Cleansing Oil

Even though it's my first cleansing oil, it's become my favourite way of removing makeup by far! I look forward to removing my makeup everyday because it removes everything and feels satisfying.

HG makeup remover right hurr.

Review | $12 Sephora Black Friday kits

So on Black Friday, Sephora had a deal for sample size best-selling products for $12 a box. I ended up picking up 3 boxes, one including three of Origins' masks which I happily gave away~

Boscia Pore-Purifying Duo

Black Charcoal Blotting Linens
Claims:
• black bamboo charcoal purifies pores by absorbing excess oil and reduces shine
Overall:
• I like how it is free of alcohol, which is common in blotting sheets, and induces more oil production 
• My face feels less oily, but I feel less accomplished when absorbing the oil since there isn't a huge visual & textural difference between the oily and dry sheet

Luminizing Black Mask 
Claims:
• minerals detoxify, purify, brighten skin
• antioxidants refine pores, firm skin, reduce inflammation
Overall:
• It definitely was easy to peel and I could see  fine dead skin cells and deep pore impurities collect onto the strip. On top of that, it even removed my face fuzz; what a bonus!
• My pores shrank and my skin's inflammation lessened after the first try
• I had to apply a thick later which used up a lot of product

Tarte Magical Moments Deluxe Best Sellers Essential Kit

Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara
Claims:
• carnauba wax &  rice bran wax: lengthens 
• provitamin b & olive esters: conditions and thickens
• volumizes and curls
Overall:
• was a dry clumpy formula - seemed like it was about to expire
• smudged terribly

Amazonian Clay 12-Hr Blush in "Magic"
Claims:
• made for all skin-types; minimizes oil, hydrates
• fade-free and long-lasting
Overall:
• It did not make me breakout 
• Not buildable colour / very faint shade

Lipsurgence Lip Gloss in "Magic"
Claims:
• antioxidant-rich with vitamin e, jojoba seed oil, flower extract softens and hydrates lips
• smoothens fine lines and wrinkles with plumping
Overall:
• smoothed out fine lines 
• long-lasting gloss due to thick and globby / sticky properties
• lack of colour

Merry Christmas!

Hey everyone! I've been so busy basking in this year's holidays so I apologize for the late post, but I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. It is my favourite holiday of the year because of the winter spirit, warmth, and decor.. and chocolates of course! 

 Large-scale indoor Christmas trees.. Guess where they were located?

 

 Muji had a grand opening in the downtown area as well and these pop-up bristol cards were fascinating! 

My final stop during the Christmas break was the Distillery District's Christmas Market:

Happy Holidays!