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FASHION & BEAUTY

Pat McGrath Labs Mothership IX Eyeshadow Palette: Huetopian Dream Review + Swatches

Pat McGrath Labs Mothership IX Eyeshadow Palette Huetopian Dream review photo

 

Here is an eyeshadow palette that deserves its own review. The Pat McGrath Labs Mothership IX Eyeshadow Palette in Huetopian Dream is an out-of-this-world cosmic and ethereal palette that captivates you all the time. From the moment I saw and tested the palette, I noticed that there is a lot of thought and care put into it. Each shade is beautiful, and each shadeโ€™s texture feels very good to the touch. There are some creamy shades in the palette, and they are so soft and buttery. Even the shimmery shades feel very smooth and soft that they do not scratch the lid at all. Also, the shimmery and glittery shades adhere well to the lid without the need for any eyeshadow primer. There are also no fallouts noted upon testing and wearing the palette.

 

Pat McGrath Labs Mothership IX Eyeshadow Palette Huetopian Dream review

 

There are ten shades in the PMG Huetopian Dream palette, and they are all very pigmented and can be worn as is. Also, three shades in the palette are matte finish, while the rest are on the shimmery and metallic sides. On top of that, one shade is a duo-chrome, and another one is a tri-chrome. Both are really stunning shades. Moreover, two shades in this palette are very spectacular and are my top favorites. They are the last two shades on the farthest right. The lilac shade on the farthest right is very beautiful, and it gives a unicorn look on the lids. It also has a pink tone to it.

 

Pat McGrath Labs Mothership IX Eyeshadow Palette Huetopian Dream swatches

 

The shades do not bleed nor crease, and they never caused any irritation on my lids. Per Sephora, the PMG Huetopian palette is paraben-free, phthalates-free, and sulfate SLS and SLES-free.

The packaging of the palette is very impressive, like most PMG palettes โ€” big, heavy, and feels very robust. Even the box that encases the palette is beautiful and very spring-like. Speaking of spring, I believe most of the shades can be worn in any season, but the PMG Huetopian palette might be suited best for Spring and Summer.

 

Pat McGrath Labs Mothership IX Eyeshadow Palette Huetopian Dream swatch

 

This palette has no brush, but it is expected with most PMG Mothership palettes, where quality is more emphasized than palette freebies. I still wish this palette comes with a brush, like the palettes we see from Urban Decay. However, I believe each PMG palette is created for luxury and superb performance in makeup, and this palette does not disappoint. I still love my other PMG palettes, especially the Mothership V Bronze Seduction palette (reviewed HERE). This Huetopian palette is an excellent addition to my collection of PMG palettes.

 

Pat McGrath Labs Eyeshadow Palette Huetopian Dream photo

 

Overall, if you are looking for a great palette after this Winter, you have to try this otherworldly palette and see how the unique shades blend and complement your lids. This palette is worth your time and dime.

 

 

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The Inkey List Product Feature + Review, Part II.

The Inkey List Skincare review

 

Heya! This review features my top picks in The Inkey List products, as well as some discoveries. The Inkey List is a very exciting skincare and haircare brand that focuses on creating products that specifically address skincare and haircare needs. Their products are worth checking out because they have such interesting ingredients. I have reviewed The Inkey List brand before, along with my first impression of their products (see HERE). Because I enjoyed that review, here are more Inkey List goodies I have been testing.

 

The Inkey List Succinic Acid Acne Treatment

 

Bakuchiol โ€“ We all know that Bakuchiol is the next best thing to Retinol. Retinol has a lot of side effects, while Bakuchiol, though not extensively studied, has not been reported to have harsh effects on peopleโ€™s health and skin. Like Retinol, Bakuchiol helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also even the skintone, which I have noticed on my skin after using this product, and in any Bakuchiol derivatives, in general. Furthermore, this product contains Omega-3 Sacha Inchi oil and Squalane, which are hydrating and nourishing to the skin.

 

Succinic Acid Acne Treatment โ€“ This product is so new to me. This contains 2% Succinic Acid, an antimicrobial treatment derived from amber and sugar cane. Succinic acid treatments work to prevent and control breakouts and clear blemishes. It can also control excess oil from the skin and it can unclog the pores. This product also contains 2% Sulfur and 1% Salicylic Acid to combat any stubborn breakouts. Though I never had any untoward reaction towards this product, I still only use this product as a targeted treatment for any breakouts. Sulfur and Salicylic Acid works well for my skin, so this product has that multitasking and compounding effect when treating potential and uncontrollable breakouts.

 

Caffeine Eye Cream โ€“ This inexpensive eye cream works in depuffing eyebags. It may not brighten the undereyes, but it helps to keep you looking more awake and less tired. The formula is very creamy and easy to blend, while also hydrating on the skin. I have tried this eye cream many times before, and this is still my quick fix whenever I wake up with puffy swollen lids.

 

The Inkey List PCA Bond Repair Hair Treatment

 

Salicylic Acid Cleanser โ€“ This is probably my most beloved product from The Inkey List. It is challenging to find a good Salicylic Acid cleanser nowadays, but I am glad that I found this product. This product does not have any strong scent, and the consistency is very gel-like, which foams easily. I love the big packaging, which lasts a long time, and I am so impressed with how this product controls excess oil from the skin, which helps to mattify and prevent pimples.

 

Niacinamide โ€“ This lightweight clear gel is packed with 10% Niacinamide. Niacinamide is basically Vitamin B3 that has multiple beneficial effects on the skin. First, it prevents and reduces the appearance of breakouts. Second, it evens the skintone. Third, it has brightening effects. Fourth, it reduces excess oil from the skin. Fifth, it reduces redness and blemishes. I believe this product is heaven-sent, and every person in the world who struggles with breakouts should have this. Niacinamide is very effective in improving the skinโ€™s overall vitality and tone, and with 1% Hyaluronic Acid for additional hydration, like this inexpensive and easy-to-layer product, what more can you ask for? ๐Ÿ™‚

 

Hyaluronic Acid โ€“ If you need a skincare product that helps to retain moisture in your skin, especially if you have excessively dry skin, then you might benefit from this Inkey List product. This Hyaluronic Acid serum is a moisture-magnet that helps the skin to attract more moisture. When the skin is moisturized, wrinkles and dry patches will be lessened or will disappear due to the plump and elasticized appearance. My skin is an oily type, so I use this around the cold and dry season when my skin tends to be somewhat dry in some areas.

 

Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment

 

Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment โ€“ What an interesting haircare product this is. This product is a serum that you apply directly to your scalp during the shower. The purpose is to control and balance oil production on the scalp, that is, to prevent flakes, itchiness, redness, and scalp breakouts. If Salicylic Acid can work well on the face, it can work well on the scalp, too, especially if you tend to have itchy scalp and greasy hair. Works very well for me. I will need this in large packaging.

 

PCA Bond Repair Hair Treatment โ€“ This hairspray releases a fine mist that gives a rebonding effect on the hair. The main ingredient is PCA or Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid, which helps repair, protect, and strengthen hair strand damage due to several stresses on the hair (e.g., constant heat styling, bleaching, and coloring treatments). The effect is relaxed, frizz-free hair that seems to continuously improve with time, as I have noticed on my hair. I use this product right after showering when the hair is still damp.

 

Tranexamic Acid Night Treatment โ€“ This product is very interesting. The main ingredient of this product is 2% Tranexamic Acid. Tranexamic Acid is a powerful amino acid commonly used as an antifibrinolytic. On the skin, it acts to lighten any dark spots. Thereby reducing hyperpigmentation and evens the skintone over time. This productโ€™s consistency is very much like a gel that is easy to blend. Other ingredients in this product are 2% Aรงai Berry and 2% Vitamin C. I have yet to see the long-term effect of this product on my skin. So far, I do not have a lot of dark spots to lighten. This product can be used once at night.

 

There goes my second Inkey List product feature. I love the brand because its products target specific skincare and haircare needs. Most of all, the products work well without breaking the bank.

 

Are you an Inkey fan?

 

Note. Products provided by The Inkey List. The review and opinion herein are by the editor.

 

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Loving Right Now, Winter 2021-2022.

top best skincare 2022

 

Happy winter and happy 2022! Here now are my latest preferences in skincare, skincare device, and haircare products. Several of them are the stuff I have been using for months, and a few are my holy grails.

 

Check them out below.

 

PMD Clean Pro Rose Quartz review

 

PMD Clean Pro Rose Quartz โ€“ This beautiful facial exfoliator and facial massager-in-one boast several settings for vibration. This gives you several options for the type of facial cleansing you prefer. There are two sides to this facial cleansing device, one is a side with soft silicone strands, and the other is a rose quartz side. The silicone side allows for daily exfoliating cleanse, while the rose quartz side is meant to apply serums because the quartz warms and helps to improve the application of serums for maximum absorption. Personally, I find this device very useful in terms of how good it is in exfoliating the skin, and the spoon-like shape has a very ergonomic feel. I also like the device’s battery life because it can hold its charge for six months or more. I have been using the device for a year now, and I have only charged it twice. Not that it went on “low batt”, because it never did. I just felt like charging it :-). Overall, the PMD Clean Pro Rose Quartz is a great skincare device to have. I highly recommend it.

 

Glow Recipe Plump Plump Hyaluronic Acid Serum โ€“ How cute is the packaging of this serum? If you tend to suffer from dry skin during the winter months, then this might be your next holy grail. This product contains serious amounts of pure hyaluronic acid, capable of restoring and holding moisture on the skin. Any dry patches will disappear and no more wrinkly sagging skin because the product gives a plumping effect without that oily-skin look. Additionally, the product contains vegan collagen and silk proteins, providing a firm and strengthened skin.

 

Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Oil-Free Matte Moisturizer

 

Caudalie Instant Detox Mask โ€“ This grapeseed and caffeine-blend natural clay mask work its magic within a few seconds of application. You can feel it unclogging and purifying the pores without any harsh ingredients. The mask does not cause any burns or stings, just the minimal normal feeling of tightness that can easily be washed away with water. This is my go-to apart from the Glamglow Mud Mask, and this works almost just the same.

 

Kiehls Deluxe Hand and Body Lotion in Grapefruit โ€“ I like anything with grapefruit scents, so this product does not disappoint, even without a very strong grapefruit fragrance. The feel of this is very light, and it is an ideal lotion for those with sensitive skin and a sensitive nose. This lotion has aloe vera and oatmeal, which soothes and smoothens the skin with just one drop. This melts into the skin easily and is perfect for daily use. I tend to use this on my hands, which provides good moisturization.

 

Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Ultra Rick Hyaluronic Treatment Lotion โ€“ This is one of B&B’s latest updates from the Invisible Oil haircare line. This product is SO good at really smoothing and moisturizing the hair with just a tiny drop. I find that frizzes get tamed very easily with this. It must be the hyaluronic acid and the six blends of oils in this product, because the effect is instant. On top of that, this product can be used as a heat protectant, provided that you do not use too much, because this might give a wet and wild look.

 

Dr. Brandt Skincare PoreDermabrasion Pore Perfecting Exfoliator โ€“ Every person needs a good exfoliating product, and yes, this is one. This product is a professional-grade treatment that aims to exfoliate the skin deeply. Even though this is professional-grade, this does not sting and is not harsh on the skin. This is just gritty because the product contains micro-size aluminum oxide crystals, lentil seed extracts, and salicylic acid to control the oil and unclog the pores.

 

Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Oil-Free Matte Moisturizer โ€“ If you need a moisturizer that controls oil and prevents breakouts, then you will most likely enjoy this product. True to the name, this PTR Acne-Clear Oil-Free Matte Moisturizer is indeed one of the few mattifying moisturizers out there. It is very hard to find a good mattifying moisturizer nowadays that actually works. That is why I am so glad that I stumbled on this product. This works very well in controlling any breakouts and in reducing the shine from the face. This goes well with almost any foundation, and the texture is very light and blendable. The main ingredients are: salicylic acid (0.5%), Seboclear-MP 3% (a combination of propanediol and bioflavonoids, which act as humectants and promote good circulation), and Hyaluronic Acid Complex 10%.

 

Clarins Comfort Scrub Exfoliator

 

Clarins Comfort Scrub Exfoliator โ€“ This is a mild exfoliator, which feels more like a blend of a moisturizer and a half-strength exfoliator. This product melts into the skin with gel-like buttery texture, and this provides a bit of exfoliation. I use this with my PMD facial cleansing device, and this does not harm the silicon strands of the device because this product is gentle enough. Overall, I recommend this product if you prefer gentle exfoliators on your skin.

 

ร‰minence Bright Skin Moisturizer SPF 40

 

Belif Aqua Bomb Brightening Vitamin C Cream โ€“ Are you a fan of the original Belif Aqua Bomb moisturizer? Many of us are, and this cream is a twist to the cult-favorite Belif Aqua Bomb. This product still has the same lightweight gel feel as the Aqua Bomb. However, this has a different color, which is slightly yellowish, and the scent is not quite like the Aqua Bomb. I would say that this product does not have much of a scent, perhaps a hint of lemon. Also, this product is loaded with Vitamins C and E. There is added Hyaluronic Acid, and some other anti-inflammatory ingredients. Compared to the original Belif Aqua Bomb, this product is more moisturizing and leaves my skin a bit oily. I think I will go back to using the original Belif Aqua Bomb moisturizer soon after consuming this.

 

ร‰minence Bright Skin Moisturizer SPF 40ย (purchase here)ย โ€“ A moisturizer and SPF hybrid that gives some coverage to the skin. By coverage, I mean this product seems to act a bit like a BB or CC cream because it changes and evens the color of the skintone. I discovered this product during a session with my facialist, who recommended that I try this product and be familiar with the brand. Before all that, I have not heard about the ร‰minence brand of organic skincare before. So, I was really excited and decided to try several of the ร‰minence skincare products. I would say that I really like most of their products, except for the probiotic cleanser, which did not really work for me (more details about that product experience, soon). However, this Bright Skin Moisturizer SPF 40 from ร‰minence skincare is really nice, even though it took me a while to get used to it. The product feels a bit clayish upon application. So, it is not very easy to blend for a moisturizer. However, once applied, it leaves a slight white cast on the skin, making it look like you are wearing a tinted foundation, a la BB cream, or CC cream. The white cast does not really blend to the skintone easily and immediately, so be very careful and try not to put a lot. The nice thing is when applied and blended correctly, the white cast evens out and blurs the blemishes, leaving you with beautiful Kpop-like skin. So, if you have a lighter neck or body and a tanned face, you will most likely enjoy this one and its added SPF. I recommend that you give this product a try.

 

PMD Clean Pro Rose Quartz

 

This concludes my latest skincare, haircare, and other beauty preferences. Stay tuned for more skincare, makeup, and beauty picks.

 

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