Reviews and Other Stuff

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Samples of The Week: Coola, Lancer, Tarte, By Terry, Charlotte Tilbury, Burberry, Boscia, Ren, Laura Geller, & Ciate

REN Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream

 

Happy Labor Day guys! I hope you’re all having a great time. I have some samples to review today which are quite interesting and somewhat new. So, without further ado, let’s get this Labor Day review started.

 

 

Burberry, My Burberry Blush Eau de Parfum review

Burberry, My Burberry Blush Eau de Parfum (0.25 oz/rollerball: $29, 1 oz: $68, 1.6 oz: $90, 3 oz: $120) – I surprising LOVE THIS SCENT the moment I sprayed it on my wrist. It’s a breathtaking fruity floral scent that is irresistible, yummy, sweet, feminine, and pretty at the same time. I haven’t been a fan of floral scents lately (except YSL Mon Paris) because a lot of them tend to be sickly sweet, but this one is different. It has the right kind of sweetness that is not overbearing because there’s a bit of freshness to it. The pomegranate tone is refreshing to the senses. I’m a fan of Burberry scents like the “My Burberry Eau de Toilette“, “Brit Sheer“, and even the “Mr. Burberry Eau de Parfum” for men, and this My Burberry Blush definitely does not disappoint.

 

By Terry Hyaluronic Face Glow in #2 Nude Glow review

Boscia Charcoal Deep-Pore Exfoliating Peel Gel with Volcanic Sand (5 oz: $34) – This is a mild facial peel gel in which the scent reminds me a lot of Boscia Detoxifying Black Cleanser (reviewed HERE). This one has a very similar consistency with that cleanser as well, and at first, it has a gritty/exfoliating texture, but once applied on the face, you’ll realize that there’s some kind of tiny leaf residue that sorta balls up or clumps the moment you scrub this black gel on your face. The nice thing is it’s not gonna be a rough scrub, but more like a mild one, but the problem is that the whole process can be messy since the clumpy residues tend to fall off the face easily, making a mess on the floor or on the sink. It does clean and soften the face though.

Boscia Charcoal Deep-Pore Exfoliating Peel Gel with Volcanic Sand review

By Terry Hyaluronic Face Glow in #2 Nude Glow (1.43 oz: $66) – I was so surprised by the amazing powdery jasmine scent of this one. It’s a strong scent, but it’s also a nice one. The type that’s kinda hard to resist. The coverage of this is very sheer, so it’s almost better to layer or mix this with your favorite BB or CC Cream, or any foundation as well. I love the very subtle glow that it gives on the face even if it’s quite sheer.

 

Tarte Tarteist PRO Glow Liquid Highlighter in Stunner

Coola Mineral Face Spf 30 Matte Tint Unscented (1.7 oz: $36)– A light coverage sunscreen/BB cream that has a whipped texture and it feels cushiony like the Coola Dawn Patrol Primer (reviewed HERE). It is creamy and it slightly blurs some redness on the face. I still use some foundation after using this because the coverage of this is not enough to cover my blemishes or some post acne marks. I love that this feels really lightweight and didnโ€™t break out my skin.

 

Lancer Dani Glowing Skin Perfector (1 oz: $95) โ€“ This luminizing cream has a floral scent, but itโ€™s not extremely strong. Its shimmers are also very fine, thus giving a natural subtle glow on the face. I wish thereโ€™s a bit more coverage to it because this oneโ€™s really sheer, but itโ€™s great to mix with BB creams or with some other foundations. It really does make the face look luminous and less flat.

 

Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Magic Cream Treat & Transform Moisturizer (1.7 oz: $100, 5 oz: $255) – This cream has a similar scent to Fresh Rose Face Mask or Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Cream, Serum & Eye Gel. It also reminds me of Sisley Paris Black Rose Cream Mask, both with scent and consistency, although the Sisley one has a more whipped formulation. This one from Charlotte Tilbury is quite balanced in texture and in consistency that is also very hydrating and my skin absorbs this easily. It even kept my face hydrated when I applied this on my face overnight.

 

Tarte Tarteist PRO Glow Liquid Highlighter in Stunner (0.56 oz: $29) – This liquid highlighter’s glow is blinding and out of this world, but a huge challenge to work around. You don’t need to apply a lot of this because a little bit goes a long way, and it’s also easy to blend, but it sets pretty fast which can make the application patchy. The effect can be blinding like you have too much glitter on because the shimmers are not finely-milled. It’s super glowy and ultra-luminous which makes the glow on the face quite unnatural.

 

Ciate London Liquid Velvet Moisturizing Matte Liquid Lipstick in Bitter Sweet

REN Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream (1.7 oz: $45) – This cream is really moisturizing and it’s great for sensitive skin, but I just couldn’t quite like it, no matter how hard I tried it several times. It’s that after-application scent that’s kinda acidic like a strong lemon and rose mix with some citronella (anti-mosquito). It’s a weird scent and I can’t seem to get used to it. Other than that, this cream really moisturizes any dry skin very well.

 

Laura Geller Color Luster Lip Gloss in Cookie Dough (0.21 oz: $21) – This is a very lightweight long lasting lip gloss that has a medium coverage. It doesn’t feel sticky at all and has no discernible scent. I’m not usually a fan of shiny pouts but this one gives a natural shine that doesn’t look over the top, and it keeps the lips hydrated all day.

 

Ciate London Liquid Velvet Moisturizing Matte Liquid Lipstick in Bitter Sweet (0.22 oz: $19) – A brownish gray shade that is simply pretty and quite like in the 90’s. It complements any skin tone, and it’s even more complementing for medium to dark complexions. It has a strong soapy jasmine scent with a true matte finish that’s long lasting and not so drying. It’s pretty much one of the best matte liquid lipsticks out there. More shades reviewed HERE.

Ciate London Liquid Velvet Moisturizing Matte Liquid Lipstick in Bitter Sweet

These are really interesting set of samples that I’ve played lately, and a lot of them are really nice to have in full sizes, but if I have to narrow them down to my top 3, I’d say, the Burberry Blush Eau de Parfum is really at the top of my list, followed by By Terry Hyaluronic Face Glow and Lancer Dani Glowing Skin Perfector.

 

Have you tried any of these?

 

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Tarte Rainforest of The Sea Color Splash Lipstick Review + Swatches

Hey there! I’ve been really impressed with the Tarte Rainforest of The Sea Color Splash Lipstick (0.12 oz for $21) from the moment it was released, and I have a bunch of reasons why. This lipstick is almost perfection. From its packaging, down to its finish and shades.

 

Tarte Color Splash Lipstick

 

Ever since this lipstick came out, I had a feeling that I’m gonna love it. The swatches seem to be all wearable and there are different variations of warm nudes and mauves. Perfect for any skintone. Just my kind of lipstick.

 

Tarte Rainforest of The Sea Color Splash Lipstick review

 

If you’re the type that’s kind of bored with matte liquid lipsticks and you’d want something hydrating but not too glossy, then I truly recommend this. Just like most of Tarte’s Rainforest of The Sea products, this Color Splash Lipstick is probably one of the best lipsticks I’ve ever tried. The formulation and the finish are just about right. It is moisturizing and hydrating without feeling heavy on the lips. It’s not overly shiny nor shimmery. It has a semi-matte finish without drying the lips, a bit like Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Matte Finish but way creamier. It doesn’t have a distinctive flavor nor scent, but perhaps slightly buttery.

Tarte Color Splash Lipstick review

There are several shades from this line and they’re all pretty. I really had a hard time picking out the best that I like the most. It seems like every shade I swatched were all gorgeous. The lipstick is also well-pigmented and I love that there are different variations of nudes and mauves in this line. There are coral-ish nudes, rosy nudes, brown mauves, rosy mauves, etc. Apart from the beautiful array of shades, I find this lipstick to be a good value for the money. It’s long-wearing that even after 2 meals (without reapplying), I could still see the shade on my lips. Such is the staying power of this lipstick.

 

Tarte Rainforest of The Sea Color Splash Lipstick swatches

 

Island LifeRosy Mauve. A muted mauve rose that’s perfect whether you live on the island, in the city, or in the jungle. This is one of my fave shade in this line.

 

Set SailDark Nude. Gorgeous perfect nude shade for light to medium complexions.

 

SiestaBrown Nude. I’d say this is a true neutral nude shade that could work for any skin tone, especially to those who are in the range of fair to light.ย 

 

Surf’s UpMauve. This doesn’t look mauve at all, at least not on my lips. The shade itself is warm nude mixed with a muted orange/coral/terracotta hue. It’s very unique and very beautiful.

 

VacayDark Cool Rose. Gorgeous. Just the right blend of slightly dark rose and mauve. A warmer version of Island Life. This is a great pop of color on the lips be it day or night. Also, great for the upcoming Fall.

 

5 o’clockDark Mauve. Looks more like a mauve brown to me, but more on the mid-brown side. Very wearable like a darker version of Siesta.

 

Tarte Rainforest of The Sea Color Splash Lipstick swatch

 

The packaging of this lipstick has a whole Summer vibe that is totally unique and cute. I love the blue marble-style tubes with golden accents. The Tarte Rainforest of The Sea Color Splash lipstick is a comfortable, creamy, and hydrating lipstick with an incredible range of shades. Its lasting power and very good pigments are really good and something I highly recommend.

 

Tarte Rainforest of The Sea Color Splash Lipsticks

 

 

Have you tried these already?ย 

Tarte Rainforest of The Sea Color Splash Lipstick review swatches

 

The Tarte Rainforest of The Sea Color Splash Lipstick is available at Sephora

 

See ya later,

 

Follow on Instagram: @reviewsandotherstuff

 

 

Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Drink of H20 Hydrating Boost Moisturizer

Hello Peeps! Here a moisturizer that is so hard to resist, the Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Drink of H20 Moisturizer (1.7 oz for $39) is probably one of the most irresistible moisturizers I’ve ever tried. From the moment I’ve sniffed this at Sephora, I was totally blown away by its awesome and delicious scent. Even the total package of the moisturizer is hard to ignore. Such beauty and such quality.

 

Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Drink of H20 Hydrating Boost Moisturizer review

 

 

This Drink of H20 Moisturizer from Tarte has a catchy vibrant packaging and it smells like a thousand citruses, sweet oranges and fresh lavenders all rolled into one. It’s delicious, fresh and invigorating at the same time. This gel moisturizer has a bluish aqua-tinge like a fresh marine water, and it feels very cooling on the skin. It soothes and it refreshes without feeling greasy and it hydrates very well. It has hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and electrolyte-balancing sea salt.

 

Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Drink of H20 Hydrating Boost Moisturizer

 

 

This is also vegan, hypoallergenic, and it works on any skin type. I love how it feels on my skin, especially in this hot and humid summer. It cools my skin down and it’s not sticky. It also feels light like you’re not wearing any moisturizer at all and my skin absorbs this very well, with no break out whatsoever.

 

Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Drink of H20 Hydrating Boost Moisturizer

 

If you have an oily-prone skin, this is definitely one of the product to have or to at least try. I love its gel formulation and in fact, the whole Tarte Rainforest of the Sea line seems to be really good. From their wonderful 4-in-1 Setting Mist to their Color Splash Lipsticks, men, I love Tarte this summer.

 

Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Drink of H20 Hydrating Boost Moisturizer

 

I don’t really have a lot of critics for this moisturizer. It smells good, it’s very light, it’s vegan, it spreads easily all over the face, it’s not oily, it’s calming, it’s super hydrating and it’s great to layer under makeup. My skin felt so soft after using this and the packaging is beautiful and very Instagrammable, LOL. It’s really awesome and I truly recommend it. I can only wish that the container was a bit larger or that they’d make another one with Spf in it. Dontcha think?

 

 

 

The Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Drink of H20 Moisturizer is available at Sephora and QVC

 

Have a happy Thursday guys!

 

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