Review: Topicals Like Butter Hydrating Mask

March 3, 2022February 27, 2022Leave a comment

What It Is: A hydrating mask, best for dry sensitive skin.

What It Does: Soothes, hydrates, and restores.

Active Ingredients: Green Tea, Madecassoside, Tumeric, Rhubarb, and Ginseng.

Verdict: This is by far the softest hydrating mask you’ll ever experience. If, like me, you have oily skin, then you may use this hydrating mask once a week, applying a thin layer of it all over your face and keeping it on for 20 minutes. However, if your skin is more on the dry side, especially during the winter when skin tends to be parched, you can also apply a thin layer of this mask all over and keep it overnight. Once you remove this mask (using a cloth and lukewarm water) you’ll unleash the softest skin you’ve ever imagined possible. It seems to eliminate bumps and any dry patches you may have. I tend to exfoliate my skin prior to putting this mask on, so that the skin can easily soak up all the hydrating and soothing ingredients found within this mask. I really recommend this product if you’re in need of some major hydration. Personally, I can’t wait to try out other skincare products from Topicals.

Price: $34

Where To Buy It: https://mytopicals.com/

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Review: Colourpop Act Natural Mascara in Black

October 14, 2021October 13, 2021Leave a comment

What It Is: Defining mascara for a natural look

Active Ingredients: 100% Vegan

Verdict: Honestly, this is my new fave go-to mascara. Not only is it smudge-proof, flake-proof, and easy to apply without any clumping, the formula is simply so light that you forget that you’re even wearing mascara. Plus, it boosts your lashes in a way that it makes them gain more volume and length. In a way, it’s almost like your natural lashes, only better (or how lash extensions would look). And the best part of all of this is that its cost-effective. For such a high performing product the price is spectacular. So what are you waiting for? Pick up a tube for yourself, or two.

Price: $9

Where To Buy It: https://colourpop.com/

Wearing the Colourpop Act Natural Mascara

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Review: BareMinerals SkinLongevity Vital Power Infusion Serum

April 9, 2020April 5, 2020Leave a comment

What It Is: Serum

What It Does: Hydrates

Active Ingredients: California Poppy and Lempuyang Ginger Extracts

Verdict: I’ll preface by stating that I’ve always loved BareMinerals skincare items, and this is no exception. If you’re need of absolute hydration but still want it to be lightweight, then this serum is for you. Since I have oily skin I’m not a fan of hydrating creams that are too thick or greasy. This one is very lightweight but at the same time provides the kind of hydration that will keep your skin flawless and bouncy. It will give you the so-called summery glow that we’re all aiming for and it also has a light citrus floral scent that makes you feel perked up if used first thing in the morning. I recommend this if you need a serum that doesn’t feel heavy but that packs in a ton of hydration.

Price: $58

Where To Buy It: www.bareminerals.com

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Review: Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser

September 3, 2019September 1, 2019Leave a comment

Not all cleansers are created equal, and just like with moisturizers, you need to find one that best suits your skin needs. I have oily to combination skin, so I often find myself using cleansers more in the morning as I try to was off al the oil that has accumulated on my face while sleeping. And although for many, just water suffices, I often find that using only water doesn’t really combat my oiliness issue, so I often use cleansers as a way to start out with a truly clean canvas.

What It Is: Cleanser that purifies and dissolves makeup & impurities.

Active Ingredients: Cantaloupe and Glycerin

Verdict: I usually opt for cleansers that are not too foamy, but that can still cut through oil but leave skin feeling hydrated and not completely stripped and dry. I can’t recall if I was gifted this cleanser from Sephora or if I found this one of the many Allure Beauty Boxes I have, either way, I was in need of a cleanser and noticed that I had this in my stash and decided that there was no better time than the present to try ti out.

First things first, I absolutely love the packaging! Not because it looks both sleek and cute, but because you don’t have to deal with removing the cap completely to get to the cleanser (which is nice when you’re half asleep first thing in the morning and don’t have to worry about losing the cap somewhere in the bathroom).

Secondly, what I liked about this product is that it wasn’t too foamy, but it did offer a slight lather. Plus, it was so gentle that even if you mistakingly get it in your eye (hey, I’m zombie shuffling in the AM, don’t judge), it doesn’t burn your eyes like some crazy jalapeno.

Overall, this cleanser does a good job of making my skin feel cleansed and it’s so gentle that it still leaves it feeling hydrated too. I would def purchases this if I’m in need of a cleanser in the future.

Price: $32

Where To Buy: https://www.drunkelephant.com

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Launching: Nox Girl Cosmetics!

August 1, 2019July 27, 2019Leave a comment

Shades Ophelia & Juliet pictured above.

My love of beauty products is no big secret if you follow my blog and look at the many beauty product reviews I have written, or if you know me personally and see the staggering amount of cosmetics I’ve accumulated over the years. And since I cannot beat my cosmetics addiction, I’ve decided that the next best thing would be to join them. How you may ask? By launching my very own line of cosmetics!

This idea came to me a few years ago but I had trouble executing it right away for various reasons (funding, finding the right lab, etc.). Recently, I found a lab in Canada that will make my products in the way that I envisioned them to be, high quality, cruelty-free, and vegan.

Why vegan?

Well, the main difference between vegan and traditional makeup is the use of animal by-products which are never used in vegan cosmetics. A common side effect and bonus to vegan products is that they are often gentler and safer all around, not only leaving out animal products but also toxic chemicals, parabens, gluten-containing products, and heavy metals.

I know there’s a ton of beauty brands out on the market and there’s a new one coming out of the woodworks every day, so you may wonder, what makes Nox Girl Cosmetics stand out? First of all, all my items will be LIMITED EDITION, meaning that every few months I will be selling a certain number of cosmetics that will encompass a theme. And since my other great love right next to cosmetics is books, each limited edition products will be inspired by literary characters.

For my launch, I decided to go with a classic, Shakespearean heroines. The ones I selected were some of my faves, and creating liquid lipsticks inspired by them was so much fun!

So without further ado, allow me to present you the amazing shades:

Tamora (taken from Titus Queen of the Goths) $20

Tamora is a berry-purple matte shade. The character is strong and bold and you can let your inner queen shine through with this imperious shade.

Ophelia (taken from Hamlet) $20

Critics believe that Ophelia is weak because she goes mad and drowns herself in a brook, but the truth is, she’s not afraid to stand up against the patriarchy, letting her brother know that he shouldn’t chide her to be chaste when he isn’t and how she hates the double standard that exists.

This shade is a pale peach with mandarin hues. Ophelia is sweet, but she’s no pushover, and if in the end, she cracks, it’s the patriarchal society and crazy boyfriend that are to blame, not her. That’s why this colour is both light but bold. Your lips will be sure to stand out in the crowd.

Swatches of Ophelia & Juliet

Juliet (taken from Romeo & Juliet) $20

Juliet is a rose pink shade. The character of Juliet is a hopeless romantic (who isn’t at the age of 14?) and I wanted this shade to reflect the excitement and intensity of first love.

Titania (taken from Midsummer Night’s Dream) $23

She’s Queen of the faeries, and what better way to celebrate this beautiful creature than to create a shade of nude-glittery lipgloss? It’s the perfect lightweight non-sticky lip gloss formula that will have you unleashing some serious faery vibes.

Lady Macbeth (taken from Macbeth) $20

It’s due to Lady Macbeth’s brutal ambition to become Queen, that leads Macbeth to murder the current king while he’s visiting his home. And although she’s viewed as a villain, no one can negate how badass and progressive she is for her time. What better way to celebrate her boldness than to imagine her wearing this blood-red shade? Choose this crimson lipstick if you want to channel a true leader (albeit a ruthless one).

Swatches of Tamora & Titania

Midsummer Night’s Dream Eyeshadow Palette $30

Creating a palette is difficult, especially when you’re trying to create a cohesive look. When creating these shades I tried to envision what someone like Titania would wear, and that made me decide to go with various shades of green. Because nothing shouts woodland faery like these ethereal shades.

You can shop these shades for a limited time at the Nox Girl Cosmetics Shop! These shades will be available till the end of September. In October I’ll be launching new shades (I’ll give you a hint, they’re going to be inspired by famous vampires).

*There’s international shipping for all your orders!

I’m also looking for some influencers (within the U.S & Canada for now) to receive some samples for reviews. If you’re interested please contact me with your platform info (blog or Instagram account).

Shades Tamora & Titania pictured above

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Review: Medusa’s Makeup Sun Kissed Bronzer

June 11, 2019June 8, 2019Leave a comment

Summer is upon us and we all like to look more sun-kissed during these months. Unless you’re like me, who’s pasty white and usually end up having to hide under beach umbrellas or parasols. However, for the rest of you, bronzers are a godsend and truly help achieve that sun-kissed look many strive to achieve.

What It Is: Bronzer

Distinguishing Factors: Vegan

Verdict: I’ll be honest, despite having worked as a makeup artist, and used bronzers on my clients, I never quite mastered that technique on myself. I don’t know if my skintone has a lot to do with it (I could give any pasty-faced vampire a run for their money), but any bronzers that I have attempted to use in the past always end up giving me the same result; muddy skin. This is also why I don’t contour my cheeks. And that is why I end up using many bronzers and contour palettes as eyeshadows or crease colours for my eye looks.

Once I opened this bronzer, I fell in love with the colour because it did give the impression of being sunkissed. Not only that, it looked light enough for someone with a zombie complexion like myself. And honestly, even if it didn’t work as a bronzer, it’d still make for a pretty eyeshadow shade.

First of all, the blendability of this is soft and leaves a nice sun-kissed glow. Unfortunately for me, it doesn’t quite translate well on my cheeks (again, looking too orangey) but it looks very pretty on my lids. But I’m sure that other people might find this bronzer to be just as good as the iconic Hula Bronzer.

Price: $13

Where To Buy It: Medusa’s Makeup Site

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Review: Medusa’s Makeup Liquid Eyeshadow

April 9, 2019April 6, 2019Leave a comment

Hello darklings! I can’t believe it’s been so long since my last beauty review! But fret not, I’ll be sharing more beauty related stuff this month as I’ve got a lot of new products to share! My current obsession is liquid eyeshadows….how do you feel about them? A do? A don’t? Let me know in the comments below!

What It Is: Liquid Eyeshadow

Distinguishing Factors: Cruelty-free & Vegan

Review: Lately, I’ve been utterly obsessed with liquid eyeshadows. So I was appropriately excited when Medusa’s Makeup April Beauty Box came equipped with their newest cosmetics venture, their liquid eyeshadows. I was also happy to have received the silver hue (GINGER), (as they have a blue hue, but no matter what shade of blue I’ve used in the past, it has always gone horribly wrong for me). First things first: The formula is long-lasting and crease-free. I don’t know whether it’s because the shadow is actually made that way or probably because I always use eyeshadow primer (currently I’ve been using Milani’s Eyeshadow Primer, as it’s identical to Urban Decay’s Primer Potion but half the price), but once I put on the shadow at 6am (my usual wake-up call during the week) it didn’t budge nor crease all the way to 9pm (when I removed my makeup).

Secondly, the colour was utterly dreamy in an elfish-fairy way. I LOVE that it’s glittery without looking too intense (especially since I wore it for work). However, if you are looking for something a bit more pigmented then the silver shade wouldn’t be your choice, as this goes on a bit sheer (think Glossier’s Lidstars). But overall, I really liked the ethereal feel this shade had and the product itself was amazing! And last but not least….how freaking adorable is the packaging?! I love that it’s both functional and small enough to slip into a tiny bag! After all, Spring is here and less is definitely more!

Price: $13

Where To Buy It: https://medusasmakeup.com/

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Review: Medusa’s Makeup Witch Lash Mascara Bebe Travel Size

November 15, 2018November 15, 2018Leave a comment

It’s no secret that mascara is one of my fave beauty products and also one where I’m willing to try out any new one that comes out (reason why you’ll notice way more mascara reviews on this blog than any other beauty product). One of my favourite mascara products is Medusa’s Makeup Witch Lash Mascara, so when they included a travel size in November’s Beauty Box, I was thrilled.

What It Is: Super thickening waterproof mascara with a fuller bristle brush

What It Does: This mascara helps thicken and define lashes.

Verdict: If you’re looking for a mascara that can offer lift and volume in one easy swipe, then this isn’t the one, purely because it takes multiple swipes to achieve the look. That’s not saying that the mascara isn’t good, quite the contrary. Just like the other Witch Lash, this version’s brush is simply smaller meaning that it won’t fit your whole eye in one sweep, BUT the small size allows it to reach the usually difficult nooks and crannies (such as the inner corner and outer corner of the eye). But unlike the previous Witch Lash, these bristles differ (the others are more rigid which helps separate lashes, whilst these create more of a feathery lash look). One of the major pros of this product though is the size. You can pop this small mascara in your handbag, pocket, or even phone carrier! You’ll never have an excuse to not have amazing lashes with this product on your hands! It’s a mini-miracle worker (step aside ), creating length and volume on even the thinnest and smallest lashes. I absolutely recommend this product if you’re into the whole lash extension look (without the damaging effects that actual extensions cause). And for just $10, it’s definitely worth a try!

Price: $10

Where To Buy It: https://medusasmakeup.com

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Review: Medusa’s Makeup Afterglow Facial Serum

September 11, 2018September 8, 2018Leave a comment

IMG_1160 modified

I’ve been a fan of Medusa’s Makeup for awhile, because not only are their products edgy looking and all around awesome, but they’re vegan which is always a plus in my book. They recently debuted a Facial Serum, and being heavily into skincare I was happy to find it in my September Beauty Box.

Packaging: A cute glass bottle with a dropper dispenser.

What It Does: Keeps skin hydrated, use morning or night.

Active Ingredients: Grapeseed Oil and Grapefruit Oil

Benefits: Grape seed oil is non-comedogenic, treats acne, tightens skin, helps diminish dark circles around the eyes, moisturizers, and reduces scars. Grapefruit oil can help curb hangovers, headaches, mental fatigue, and depression. It is also known to treat acne, prevent oily skin, and help reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Verdict: This serum is amazing! Especially if you have oily or acne prone skin as myself. It is lightweight enough that if can be worn under makeup in the mornings, although I prefer to use it at night before going to bed. It’s never sticky and smells fresh, so if used in the mornings, it feels very refreshing. I find that this serum helps curb my oily skin, leaving glowing but NOT oily skin, looking youthful and fresh-faced. I absolutely recommend this especially if you have problem skin and wish to keep your skin hydrated without clogging up your pores even more so.

Price: $16

Where To Buy It: Medusa’s Makeup Site

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Review: Jeffree Star Cosmetics – Velour Liquid Lipstick Summer Collection 2018

June 28, 2018June 24, 2018Leave a comment

Ever since Jeffree Star launched his cosmetics line, I’ve been a mega-fan! I love how bold his lipstick colour choices are and the fierce packaging, but apart from the looks what I absolutely LOVE about his velour liquid lipsticks is the formula, so far the best I’ve encountered out of the liquid lipsticks I’ve tried in the past year or so.

Swatch of Cherry Wet.

What It Is: Liquid Lipstick

Important Detail: Cruelty-free and Vegan

Shade: Cherry Wet

Verdict: The moment Jeffree Star announced his Summer Collection 2018 on his youtube channel, I knew that I had to have the shade Cherry Wet as I’m a HUGE fan of cherry red lips. This red shade is a very summery shade as it’s a hybrid between red and hot pink. I absolutely LOVE this colour, and the formula is the same as the other Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick Mattes, meaning that the pigmentation is HIGH, the power-stay is over 10+hrs. without bleeding/and or smudging, and the product feels absolutely light-weight on your lips, making you feel as though you’re not wearing anything! As all the previous Jeffree Star products I’ve used, I’m very pleased with this one, and do truly recommend it, because although you may find a dupe colour-wise for a cheaper option, what makes me return back and back again to Star’s products aren’t just the colours, but for the top-notch formulas that just can’t be beat!

Tip: If you have particularly dry lips, I recommend that you apply a light coat of lip balm, let it sink into your lips for 5-10mins. and then apply the liquid lipstick.

Price: $18

Where To Buy It: https://jeffreestarcosmetics.com/collections/summer-collection

Pictured above: Me wearing Cherry Wet.

The Inkblotters

A Writer's Lifestyle Blog

Tag: vegan

Review: Topicals Like Butter Hydrating Mask

Review: Colourpop Act Natural Mascara in Black

Review: BareMinerals SkinLongevity Vital Power Infusion Serum

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Review: Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser

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Launching: Nox Girl Cosmetics!

Why vegan?

Tamora (taken from Titus Queen of the Goths) $20

Ophelia (taken from Hamlet) $20

Juliet (taken from Romeo & Juliet) $20

Titania (taken from Midsummer Night’s Dream) $23

Lady Macbeth (taken from Macbeth) $20

Midsummer Night’s Dream Eyeshadow Palette $30

You can shop these shades for a limited time at the Nox Girl Cosmetics Shop! These shades will be available till the end of September. In October I’ll be launching new shades (I’ll give you a hint, they’re going to be inspired by famous vampires).

*There’s international shipping for all your orders!

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Review: Medusa’s Makeup Sun Kissed Bronzer

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Review: Medusa’s Makeup Liquid Eyeshadow

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Review: Medusa’s Makeup Witch Lash Mascara Bebe Travel Size

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Review: Medusa’s Makeup Afterglow Facial Serum

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Review: Jeffree Star Cosmetics – Velour Liquid Lipstick Summer Collection 2018