It’s been A GRIP since I’ve done a beauty review. If writing a post in my head while driving or taking a shower counted, I would have done five of these in the last month. But until Google or Elon Musk creates some sort of mind meld app that transcribes your thoughts, I’ll probably still be woefully behind.
To make up for the seriously long delay, I’m coming in hot with a crazy long post with 10 total reviews. Yes, 10. It took me forever but I’m trying out the new format so I think it should make it easier to bounce around. . In full disclosure, I get a lot of these products sent to me to try out (surely the brands thought I’d get it together more quickly) but more than half of the stuff I try out never makes it over here. And that’s not because I am always running behind, it’s because I didn’t love it enough to share it. So while it may seem like I’m giving everything a thumbs up, it’s more that I think you’d rather here about what you should try than what you shouldn’t. Although, I’m sure that would be helpful too. Maybe I’ll do that over on Snapchat or IG stories. Let me know if you want to hear what I ditched too.
But enough about the stuff I tossed, let’s get to the good stuff. When it comes to how I rank or judge products, I am a sucker for anything super moisturizing. If it feels like as cold towel on my face, I’ll probably love it. If it smells great, I’m a sucker. And if it’s easy to apply or use, consider me hooked. My skin is combination of dry/oily and I am prone to stress breakouts. If there’s anything else you’d like to know about any of these or how my skin reacts to them, just drop me a comment or feel free to email me (danielle@louwhatwear.com), I love hearing from you all!
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness Neutralizing Correcting Cream
I truly cannot get enough of this stuff. I thought I loved the Confidence in a Cream moisturizer and then this came around. I’m already getting close to the bottom of the container and it’s making me sad. Obviously, I’ll just buy another jar but you know you love something when running out makes you a little anxious.
It’s beyond moisturizing. It feels like your skin just chugged a bottle of water. And after a month of using it, I’m sold on the redness elimination claims. I struggle with redness and blotchiness which causes me to immediately throw on foundation when I look in the mirror first thing. I’ve noticed in the last couple weeks that I haven’t been rushing to cover up my skin first thing in the morning. My skin tone looks more even and most importantly, my skin is crazy moisturized but doesn’t feel greasy at all.
Grade: A+++
Would I buy it again? Yah duh. Ordering another jar today.
Herbivore Blue Tansy AHA + BHA Resurfacing Clarity Mask
I feel like this is a mask for people who don’t love masks. I enjoy a good clay or mud mask but sometimes that feels like a lot of work. This mask is more of a gel, so it goes on in a thin, cooling layer. It feels like jumping into a swimming pool- super refreshing. I like using it on mornings when I’m recovering from being a little over-served. 🙂 Seriously though, on mornings where your skin is feeling a little dry and blotchy or red, this is a great mask to use as a reset. I feel like it gets you back to a good skin day – those are a thing, right?
The consistency makes it last a long time too since a thin layer is really all you need. Definitely worth adding to your arsenal if you love masks or if you’re not so into them but feel like you should try one out.
Grade: B+
Would I buy it again? Yes, although I don’t foresee needing a new jar anytime soon despite using this weekly.
Pixi Glow Tonic To-Go Pads
I’ve talked before about how much I love Pixi’s Glow Tonic. This is everything that’s wonderful about the original but packed up in these easy travel pads. Perfect for when you’re on the road … or at home, because honestly, that’s where I used mine.
Grade: A+
Would I buy it again? Already have.
Caudalie Micellar Cleansing Water
I’ve tried a lot of micellar waters since they are one of my favorite beauty products. Mostly because I am lazy and far too often I don’t feel like washing my face (see: every Thursday – Saturday). Even when I’m sticking to a routine and washing my face, I prefer using a micellar water to makeup remover since its often less harsh and way less oily.
This one feels light, fresh and smells great. I’ve been using it to get the last bits of makeup off after washing my face and returning to it in the morning when, inevitably, I find the stubborn remnants of the day before’s mascara. I never feel like I have to wipe it off with a clean pad before putting on moisturizer or make-up (I’ve had to do that with other brands before). It also doesn’t dry out my skin rather it feels like a spritz of Evian spray or my favorite Pixi Milky Mist.
The smell is by far the best of any I’ve tried and it does the job perfectly. A solid addition to my bathroom counter.
Grade: A
Would I buy it again? Possibly. The price tag is sightly higher than I normally go but the pump keeps you from wasting too much at one time so I think it lasts way longer than drugstore options.
Lancome Matte Shaker High Pigment Liquid Lipstick
This is lipstick for dummies. And by dummies, I mean me. Anyone else TERRIBLE at applying lipstick? I have the toughest time coloring in-between the lines and this makes it easy. Goes on more like a gloss but the color is powerful and pigmented like lipstick. I want ALL THE COLORS.
It Cosmetics Super Hero Liner
Another idiot-proof product that I love (because clearly I need my make-up VERY simple to use). It goes on smooth and straight despite my mildly shaky hand. I don’t think I’ll ever master the cat eye but this liner has gotten me as close as I’ll ever be.
Grade: A
Would I buy it again? Yes but I feel like by the time I would go to buy it, they’d have something new to try.
Dermalogica Stress Positive Eye Lift
Going along with my cool gel theme, this stuff is a sweet relief on puffy morning eyes. I use it morning and night to keep puffiness at bay but also mostly to feel the super cold iron-like applicator on that delicate under-eye area.
Grade: B
Would I buy it again? Um, it’s a bit pricey for my style but I might get it again in a set.
Soap & Glory Clean on Me
Body Wash
This is the best body wash ever. First off, it smells so so so good and lingers so you get little hints of it hours later. Second, it’s got a thick, creamy lather that doesn’t dry your skin. Third, it lasts forever. The last bottle I had lasted almost three months (I think the pump helps with that).
Grade: A+++
Would I buy it again? I’m on my 10th or 11th bottle. This review was all me although, man oh man do I wish they would send me samples!
French Girl Organics Lumiere Bronzing Oil
My skin gets super dry in the summer. So despite having a pretty decent glow, it would look dull and almost sallow at times. Cue this bronzing oil.
It doesn’t have a ton of color and it’s not too sparkly, so it just gives you a nice glow. Think J.Lo without the amazing hair, designer wardrobe and insane body.
Grade: A-
Would I buy it again? Yes, I bet it would be one of those ‘on a whim’ purchases where I throw it in with my stuff at Dress & Dwell (they carry the line in case you want to check it out).
Draper James Orange Blossom Candle
Okay, so I know this isn’t a beauty product but since I always use it when I’m doing a mask, it feels like it to me.
This candle smells like heaven. Saying it smells good doesn’t do it justice. It’s the perfect mix of fresh and cozy. OOOh I love it so much. I’d drive to the Lexington store for it if I couldn’t order it online.
Grade: A++++
Would I buy it again? YES YES YES.
+ view comments