Review | Dermalogica PreCleanse Oil-Busting Emulsifyer & Wipes

Press Sample

One of the biggest skincare game-changers for me was the discovery of cleansing oil. For years I struggled with never being able to remove all of my foundation using regular foaming cleanser... I'd scrub and scrub, but inevitably there'd always be a bit of residue left behind. Nowadays I use an oil cleanser to dissolve my makeup and follow up with a foaming cleanser to make sure my face is totally clean, and do you know what? It really works! The process is quick too. Keeping that in mind, today I'll be reviewing an oily product that promises to make your cleansing life easier: Dermalogica's PreCleanse system.

Review | ATRUE Real Black Tea True Active CC Cushion SPF50+ PA+++

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I'm always on the lookout for foundations and BB creams with a good level of sun protection. I wear dedicated sunscreen under my makeup, but being pale and prone to sunburns makes you welcome any extra coverage you can get. Today I'll reviewing a CC cream that boasts excellent sun protection and nearly BB-like coverage: The ATRUE Real Black Tea True Active CC Cushion (SPF50+/PA+++).

Review | Missha The Style Liquid Sharp Eyeliner

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I'm always on the search for good, budget-friendly liquid eyeliners. There are a few brands that I like, but it can be tough to find a liner that's awesome and cheap enough that I don't weep for my wallet when I have to replace it every two or three months. The latest hopeful in my eyeliner talent search is Missha The Style Liquid Sharp Eyeliner, which promises to create crisp lines that are also water-resistant. So... does it work? Read on to find out!

Review | Dessange Paris Oleo Miracle Haircare Collection (via Influenster)

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How Influenster selects folks for their voxboxes is still a mystery to me. I got an email a few weeks ago saying I'd be getting the Dessange Haircare/#JAdoreDessange box to try—yay! I don't remember filling out a qualification survey, but still, yay! Apparently there were a couple different versions of the box sent out—mine contained all three products from the Dessange Oleo Miracle line.

Review | Pacifica Beauty Purify Coconut Water Cleansing Wipes

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Cleansing wipes both are and aren't a part of my regular beauty routine. I learned a long time ago that oil cleansers are really the best at dissolving makeup and heavy-duty grime, but they also require more rinsing and—gasp—EFFORT. Sometimes I just don't have the patience for that. Of course not all wipes are created equal... today I'll be reviewing the Purify Coconut Water Cleansing Wipes by Pacifica, which is perhaps one of the best-known natural beauty brands.

Review & Swatches | Coastal Scents Revealed 2 Palette (+ GIVEAWAY!)

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Sometimes I'm late to the party. I've finally manged to collect my thoughts about the Coastal Scents Revealed 2 palette, right after the Revealed 3 palette was released. Whoops! Some things are worth the wait though: Revealed 2 is a truly delightful, budget-friendly palette. And I like it so much that I've picked up an extra to give away to one of you, yay!

Review | Paula's Choice Clinical KP Treatment Cloths

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It's finally starting to warm up here in New York (it's a whopping 56°F/13°C today! Woo!) Short sleeve weather soon? Please? In any case, I've already been testing out a bunch of body treatment products in the hopes of smoothing out the rough mess that is my skin so people don't recoil in horror when I take off my coat. The latest of the bunch: Paula's Choice Clinical KP Treatment Cloths, which are chemical exfoliant wipes designed to combat Keratosis Pilaris and body acne. So... do they work? Read on to find out!

Update: This product appears to have been discontinued. Paula's Choice makes other body exfoliant products, check 'em out here!

Project Low-Buy 2015, Update #1: What I bought, what I didn't buy, and thoughts on careful shopping

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It's been about a month since I introduced my three-month low-buy challenge for 2015, so I'd say it's about time I shared my progress so far! Just to quickly recap, here's the basic gist of the challenge:

GOAL: Reduce frivolous buying by spending no more than $75 out of pocket over the course of three months.

RULES: Other than basic living and blog or work-related expenses (outlined here), all purchases must be counted towards the budget. The budget can be increased by selling items I already own or if I receive a monetary gift. Purchases made with rewards points, referral credits etc. do not count towards the budget.

So, have I stayed on track so far? Keep reading to find out!

Review & Swatches | XO Memebox/Soothing Sista #EYELOVE SF Eyeshadow Quad

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Happy March! What better way to kick off the month than with an eyeshadow quad filled with lovely, rose-colored neutrals? (Spring is almost here. I can taste it. Through the snow, of course.) The palette du jour is Memebox's collaboration with YouTuber Stephanie Villa (AKA SoothingSista): The #EYELOVE SF Eyeshadow Quad.