Bittersweet JJ

Price: $27.50

Claims: 
Lightweight, refreshing eye cream hydrates, brightens. Perks up your look.

Delivers a rush of hydration and instant brightening. Its cool touch and de-puffing tip help tired, puffy eyes look wide-awake, refreshed. Over time, a peptide cocktail helps skin stay smooth, hold hydration, become more resilient. Oil-free formula works under and over makeup. Oil-Free. Non-Acnegenic. Ophthalmologist Tested. Appropriate for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

Ingredients: 

• Water: Primarily used as a solvent in cosmetics and personal care products in which it dissolves many of the ingredients that impart skin benefits, such as conditioning agents and cleansing agents. Water also forms emulsions in which the oil and water components of the product are combined to form creams and lotions.
  
• Glycerin: An emollient and humectant derived from vegetable oils that helps skin retain moisture.
  
• Butylene Glycol: Commonly-used ingredient that has multiple functions in cosmetics, including as a texture enhancer. It’s similar to propylene glycol, but has a lighter texture.
  
• Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter): Extracted from the nuts of the karité tree, this emollient is naturally rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
  
• Squalane: The saturated portion of emollient ingredient squalene, which is a natural component of human skin sebum (oil). It is a wonderfully moisturizing ingredient as well as being a source of replenishing fatty acids and antioxidants. Note that because it’s highly saturated, squalane is less prone to breaking down in the presence of air than less-saturated squalene. 
  
• Cetyl Esters: Synthetic wax used in cosmetics as a texture enhancer and emollient.
  
• Dimethicone: A type of silicone, forms a permeable barrier that works to prevent moisture loss and impart a wonderfully silky feel.
  
• Methyl Gluceth-20: Synthetic liquid that functions as a water-binding and skin-softening agent.
  
• Polyethylene: Used as a stabilizer, binding agent, thickener, and film-forming agent.
  
• Glycereth-26: Synthetic glycerin-based ingredient used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
  
• Polybutene: A oligomeric oil, sometimes derived from petroleum, that is used in its hydrogenated form, as a binder, epilating agent, thickener and lubricant. It is naturally tacky or sticky and is also used for its adhesive properties.
  
• Sucrose:  Monosaccharide that has hydrating properties for skin.
  
• Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract: Derived from the plant’s bark; used to soothe skin.
  
• Sigesbeckia Orientalis (St. Paul’s Wort) Extract: Plant that contains several components that can cause a negative reaction on skin when it is exposed to sunlight; however, this is a bigger concern when St. John’s wort is taken orally. Like most plants, it’s a rich source of antioxidants.
  
• Algae Extract: The hydrolyzed form of algae extract, and a rich source of polysaccharides for skin.
  
• Molasses Extract (Saccharum Officinarum): Sugar canes are the main source of glycolic acid. An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) used to help maintain natural pH levels and gently exfoliate surface skin cells.
  
• Sapindus Mukurossi Fruit Extract: A plant extract that is a natural source of saponin, been shown to have skin-soothing and antioxidant properties
  
• Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7: Synthetic peptide that’s part of Matrixyl 3000, which also contains palmitoyl oligopeptide, and is believed to work as a skin-restoring ingredient with anti-aging benefits.This peptide is composed of four amino acids plus fatty acid palmitic acid to enhance stability and penetration into the skin. Peptides have different functions on skin, and this particular peptide, on its own or as part of Matrixyl 3000, helps to replenish skin’s surface and calm visible signs of sensitization.
  
• Whey Protein: A form of protein derived from milk. An animal-derived ingredient, whey protein functions as a hair-conditioning and skin-softening agent.
  
• Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12: Blend of the fatty acid palmitic acid with several amino acids, including glycine, histidine, and lysine, Also known as pal-KTTKS and formerly under the catchall term palmitoyl oligopeptide. Theoretically, many peptides have skin-restoring ability and this is one of the newer synthetic options that is believed to help skin look and act younger.
  
• Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2: Emulsifying, dispersing, antistatic, smearing and wetting ability. It can avoid the damage of residual substances to the skin’s natural protective layer.
  
• Caffeine: Stimulant; helps revitalize skin; helps encourage circulation; helps visibly tighten skin.
  
• Phytosphingosine: Long-chain, complex fatty alcohol that functions as a water-binding agent and also has preservative qualities. It seems this ingredient can also be a skin-restoring ingredient. 
  
• Acetyl Hexapeptide-8: Water-binding properties and theoretical skin-restoring ability. 
  
• Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1: Also known as pal-GHK and palmitoyl oligopeptide, palmitoyl tripeptide-1 is a synthetic fatty acid-linked peptide that can help repair visible skin damage and strengthen skin’s underlying supportive elements. It’s categorized as a messenger peptide because of its ability to “tell” skin how to look better, specifically in regard to visibly fading signs of sun damage like wrinkles and rough texture. Some research has shown that this peptide has similar anti-aging benefits to retinol, but there’s no reason a person cannot use both ingredients for even greater benefits.
  
• Yeast Extract: Large group of fungi that ferment sugars; yeast is a source of beta-glucan, which is a good antioxidant. The types of yeast used in cosmetic products are not harmful and in fact likely contribute to creating a healthier-looking skin surface due to their softening and conditioning action.
  
• Glycine Soja (Soybean) Protein: Contains botanical ceramides used to protect and moisturize skin. Contains significant amounts of all the essential amino acids and is a good source of protein. It is derived from soybean amino acids and is rich in protein, minerals and vitamins, especially vitamin E. As well as for skin conditioning and skin firming because it is a natural emollient and moisturizer.
  
• Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum: Working deep within the skin to boost moisture levels, this seed also strengthens your skin’s natural moisture barrier to help prevent future dehydration. It’s also high in vitamin C and B, as well as complex sugars.
  
• Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer: A synthetic ingredient used to enhance the texture of skincare and haircare products.
  
• Glyceryl Polymethacrylate: Blend of glycerin and polymethacrylic acid that functions as a film-forming agent. It has a smooth finish and is used to enhance the texture and application of many skincare products.
  
• Sucrose Stearate: The ester of stearic acid and sucrose (sugar), sucrose stearate works in cosmetics as an emollient, emulsifier, and cleansing agent. It can be animal-, plant-derived or synthetic, with the plant-derived version being most common. Sucrose stearate is considered safe as used in cosmetics and has been shown to help enhance the effectiveness of other ingredients.
  
• Caprylyl Glycol: Skin and hair conditioning agent that may be plant-derived or synthetic. Often used as part of a preservative blend in cosmetics. 
  
• Peg-8: Cleansing Agent and emollient
  
• Sodium Hyaluronate: The sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, which is a protein occurring in the skin. An excellent skin conditioner and humectant, it helps prevent skin dehydration.
  
• Simethicone: Mixture of dimethicone with silica; related to silicones, but used as an antifoaming agent.
  
• Polysorbate 20: A surfactant, emulsifier, and fragrance ingredient. Serve as a dispersing agent and mix oil and water, work as a fragrance solubilizer and stabilizer, act as a lubricator, and have a soothing effect on the skin 
  
• Carbomer: Group of synthetic texture enhancers used primarily to create gel-like formulations. High amounts of carbomers in a gel may result in the product rolling or balling up of cosmetic products on skin, but this phenomenon depends on other formulary steps taken to minimize this effect.
  
• Sodium Hydroxide: An inorganic compound used to control the pH levels or serve as a buffering agent. Has the ability to dissolve grease, oils, fats and protein based deposits. Considered a strong irritant.
  
• Dextran: Polysaccharide that has water-binding properties for skin.
  
• Hexylene Glycol: A preservative and solvent and viscosity agent. It is used to thin out heavy compositions and create a thinner, more spreadable product. It may be irritating to some skin types. 
  
• Sodium Citrate: Used primarily to control the pH level of a product, this ingredient also has antioxidant and preservative properties.
  
• Phenoxyethanol: A glycol ether and bactericide (that functions as a disinfectant, antiseptic or antibiotic) that is primarily used as a preservative. It is also seen as a fragrance additive.
  
• Mica: Earth mineral included in products to give them sparkle and shine. The level and look of the shine mica provides depends on the color and how finely it’s milled. Mica’s sheer, translucent and skin-hugging properties make it a popular ingredient in mineral powders. Mica powder reflects light from the face because of its glittering or shimmering properties, and can create the illusion of a smoother, softer and more radiant skin tone.
  
• Titanium Dioxide: An earth mineral used in sunscreens that is capable of blocking both UVA and UVB rays; also used as a pigment.
  

My Thoughts: 
I usually love Clinique products however Clinique Pep-Start Eye Cream fell short for my expectations for the brand. Luckily I received a sample size from my January 2018 Play! by Sephora box. It came in a bright orange squeeze tube with a unique round shape applicator. I love that I don’t have to use my fingers for application, I just massage the product in with the round applicator. It helps a tiny bit with depuffing but I feel like it would work much better if it had a zamac tip instead of plastic. 

The texture of Clinique Pep-Start Eye Cream is white and thin cream. Its easily spreadable on the lid and under eye area. A little goes a long way so this small sample size has lasted me a long time, even though I use it every day. The lightweight cream works perfectly under makeup. But I mainly wear it at night once I take off my makeup. It does hydrate the skin pretty well. My disappointment is that it didn’t do anything for my dark circles. It did give me a temporary fresh look but it doesn’t last longer than 3 hours. 

Would I purchase Clinique Pep-Start Eye Cream? No because the results are only temporary, I can’t justify spending that much money for that reason. 

Pros: 

• Received from January 2018 Play! by Sephora box
  
• Sample size
  
• Orange squeeze tube with round shaped applicator. 
  
• Don’t have to use fingers to apply
  
• Helps with depuffing the eye area 
  
• Texture is thin & white
  
• Easily spreadable
  
• A little goes a long way
  
• Lightweight 
  
• Wear under makeup
  
• Hydrates 
  

Cons: 

• Wish it had a zamac tip instead of plastic
  
• Doesn’t help with dark circles 
  
• Temporary fresh look last for 3 hours
  
• Expensive 
  

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Price: $34

Claims:
A gentle yet powerful facial exfoliator. This papaya and aloe enriched exfoliator will remove dead skin, reveal a radiant complexion and fight common skin concerns like dull skin, dark spots, acne scars, wrinkles & more. You’ll see results after just one use.

Ingredients:

• Aqua (Water): Primarily used as a solvent in cosmetics and personal care products in which it dissolves many of the ingredients that impart skin benefits, such as conditioning agents and cleansing agents. Water also forms emulsions in which the oil and water components of the product are combined to form creams and lotions.
  
• Emulsifying Wax NF: Helps keep emulsions from separating into their oil and liquid components.
  
• Aluminum Oxide: A crystalline compound of Aluminum and Oxygen. Primarily used as an abrasive and thickening agent, but also functions as an anti-caking agent and absorbent. It also acts as an insoluble carrier for mineral pigment, and is frequently mixed into mineral powder makeup. Because of its abrasive texture, many use these crystals to exfoliate and resurface the skin-particularly with Microdermabrasion.
  
• Cetyl Alcohol: Fatty alcohol used as an emollient, emulsifier, thickener, and carrying agent for other ingredients. It is not an irritant and is not related to SD alcohol, denatured alcohol, or ethyl alcohol. Cetyl alcohol is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
  
• Decyl Glucoside: Sugar-derived ingredient used as a gentle detergent cleansing agent. 
  
• Cocamidopropyl Betaine: Helps to clean or remove dirt and oil, creating foam when used with water
  
• Glycerin: An emollient and humectant derived from vegetable oils that helps skin retain moisture.
  
• Propanediol: A glycol that can enhance the absorption of ingredients into the skin. Propanediol can be derived naturally (from corn) or synthetically. It has hydrating properties that may leave a smooth, dewy finish. Propanediol is a well-tolerated ingredient, not likely to cause sensitivity.
  
• Panthenol: Member of the B complex family of vitamins. A moisturizing humectant and emollient.
  
• Glyceryl Stearate: It acts as a lubricant on the skin’s surface, which gives the skin a soft and smooth appearance. It easily penetrates the skin and slows the loss of water from the skin by forming a barrier on the skin’s surface. It has been shown to protect skin from free-radical damage as well. Used to stabilize products, decrease water evaporation, make products freeze-resistant, and keep them from forming surface crusts. Reduces the greasiness of oils used in certain cosmetics.
  
• Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride: Derived from coconut oil and glycerin, it’s considered an excellent emollient and skin-replenishing ingredient. It’s included in cosmetics due to its mix of fatty acids that skin can use to replenish its surface and resist moisture loss. Also function as a thickener, but its chief job is to moisturize and replenish skin. This ingredient’s value for skin is made greater by the fact that it’s considered gentle.
  
• Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil: Skin conditioning agent to maintain soft and supple skin.
  
• Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice: Extracted from the leaves of the aloe plant; used as a skin softener, anti-irritant, and moisture replenisher.
  
• Tocopheryl Acetate: Its substantiated benefits include enhancing the efficacy of active sunscreen ingredients, reducing the formation of free radicals from exposure to UV rays, promoting the healing process, strengthening the skin’s barrier function, protecting the skin barrier’s lipid balance, and reducing transepidermal water loss. Attributed with antioxidant, anti-aging, moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and enhanced SPF properties, tocopherol acetate is valued both as a dietary supplement and skincare active. 
  
• Papain: Breaks down dead skin cells for easy removal, helps smooth your skin’s surface to uncover healthy glowing skin. Gently dissolves skin cells and debris, helps fade dark spots and evens out your skin tone. Also has natural acne treatment properties
  
• Parfum: One or a blend of volatile and/or fragrant plant oils (or synthetically derived oils) that impart aroma and odor to products. These are often skin sensitizers because they are composed of hundreds of individual chemical components. Fragrance is a leading source of sensitivity to cosmetics.
  
• Phenoxyethanol: A glycol ether and bactericide (that functions as a disinfectant, antiseptic or antibiotic) that is primarily used as a preservative. It is also seen as a fragrance additive.
  
• Caprylyl Glycol: Skin and hair conditioning agent that may be plant-derived or synthetic. Often used as part of a preservative blend in cosmetics.

My Thoughts:
I can’t recall where I received a sample size of Vasanti Brighten Up! Exfoliator, but I am glad I did because its pretty amazing. Vasanti Brighten Up! Exfoliator comes in a large white squeeze tube. It lasted me a long time even for something I used every other day. Its a gritty white paste that contains fine crystals. I only use a little less than a dime size amount each time, a little goes a long way so I never have to use more than that. I slightly damp my face then I scrub it in with small circular motions. I start in the center of my face then move outwards for about 2 minutes. What I love the most is how the crystal don’t dissolve away when I am using it. Once I am done I use warm water to wash it all off.

Vasanti Brighten Up! Exfoliator has some amazing results, on the first use I notice how incredibly soft my skin was. It creates a smooth canvas for my makeup, it takes away any flaky skin without drying it out. It quite gentle to use because it doesn’t make my skin red even for using it every other day. After 3 weeks of use I notice that my any acne marks I had were gone, however it didn’t even out my skin tone which was a bummer. It reduce my pores drastically, I never seen a product work so well for my pores. But no matter how long I used it I didn’t see a difference in wrinkles.

Would I purchase Vasanti Brighten Up! Exfoliator? Yes it works great in a lot of areas and last a long time. But I would only purchase it if it was on sale since the price point is a bit high.

Pros:

• Large sample size
  
• White squeeze tube
  
• Gritty white paste
  
• Contains fine crystals
  
• A little goes a long way
  
• Crystal doesn’t dissolve 
  
• Soft skin
  
• Smooth base for makeup
  
• Removes flaky skin
  
• Doesn’t dry out skin
  
• Gentle to use everyday 
  
• Doesn’t make skin red
  
• Removes acne marks
  
• Reduce pores

Cons:

• Doesn’t even out skin tone
  
• Doesn’t help with wrinkles
  
• Expensive

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Price: $30

Claims:
This soap and sulfate-free formula cleans and hydrates dry skin as it melts away dirt, makeup and impurities. Leaves skin clean, fresh and comfortable. Never dry.

Benefits:

• Removes Dirt and Makeup
  
• Hydrates and Calms Skin
  
• Soap and Sulfate-Free
  

Ingredients:

• Water: Primarily used as a solvent in cosmetics and personal care products in which it dissolves many of the ingredients that impart skin benefits, such as conditioning agents and cleansing agents. Water also forms emulsions in which the oil and water components of the product are combined to form creams and lotions.
  
• Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate: Mild detergent cleansing agent derived from coconut; most often used in facial cleansers.
  
• Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil: It functions as an emollient and softening agent in skin- and hair-care products. This plant oil is exceedingly stable because it is primarily composed of long chain fatty acids.
  
• Acrylates Copolymer: A stabilizer mostly used in styling products to set the hair, add body, and protect it from humidity. It possesses a multitude of functions and can work as a film forming agent, hair fixative agent, suspending agent and antistatic agent. It’s also sometimes used as a waterproofing agent, as well as an adhesive. 
  
• Cocamidopropyl Betaine: Helps to clean or remove dirt and oil, creating foam when used with water
  
• Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice: Extracted from the leaves of the aloe plant; used as a skin softener, anti-irritant, and moisture replenisher.
  
• Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil: An emollient used in skincare for its soothing and conditioning properties.
  
• Panthenol: Member of the B complex family of vitamins. A moisturizing humectant and emollient.
  
• Hexylene Glycol: A preservative and solvent and viscosity agent. It is used to thin out heavy compositions and create a thinner, more spreadable product. It may be irritating to some skin types. 
  
• Carbomer: Group of synthetic texture enhancers used primarily to create gel-like formulations. High amounts of carbomers in a gel may result in the product rolling or balling up of cosmetic products on skin, but this phenomenon depends on other formulary steps taken to minimize this effect.
  
• Aminomethyl Propanol: An alkanolamine that comes in the form of either a colorless liquid or crystalline solid. Works to adjust PH levels.
  
• Ethylhexylglycerin: A synthetic skin-softening agent also used as a preservative, a carrier, or suspending agent for other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol.
  
• Caprylyl Glycol: Skin and hair conditioning agent that may be plant-derived or synthetic. Often used as part of a preservative blend in cosmetics. 
  
• Phenoxyethanol: A glycol ether and bactericide (that functions as a disinfectant, antiseptic or antibiotic) that is primarily used as a preservative. It is also seen as a fragrance additive.
  
• Fragrance (Parfum): One or a blend of volatile and/or fragrant plant oils (or synthetically derived oils) that impart aroma and odor to products. These are often skin sensitizers because they are composed of hundreds of individual chemical components. Fragrance is a leading source of sensitivity to cosmetics.
  

My Thoughts:
Skin Laundry Hydrating Cream Face Wash was very disappointing. But at least I didn’t pay full price for it. I received it in my October 2017 Play! by Sephora box. It comes in a cylinder squeeze tube. The texture is silky with an off white color. I use about nickel size amount and I massage my face with it for about 2 minutes, then I wash off with warm water. Immediately I felt my skin was silky smooth. I do love that it doesn’t dry out my skin, even when I use it everyday.

Honestly there is not a lot of good things to say about Skin Laundry Hydrating Cream Face Wash because it doesn’t do much for my skin. It removes dirt but it seems like only a surface layer of dirt is removed, I wish it was a little more powerfully in this area. When it comes to taking off makeup it sucks, especially removing mascara. I still have not been successful at fully removing my mascara with this. I would wake up with mascara on my pillow every morning!

Would I purchase Skin Laundry Hydrating Cream Face Wash? No its way too basic for my skin for that price point.

Pros:

• Received in October 2017 Play! by Sephora box
  
• Cylinder squeeze tube
  
• Silky texture with off white color
  
• Use a nickel size amount 
  
• Skin becomes silky smooth
  
• Doesn’t dry out skin
  
• Removes surface dirt
  

Cons:

• Wish it was a bit more powerfully on removing direct beyond the surface
  
• Doesn’t fully take off makeup
  
• Expensive
  

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Price: $7.00

Color: Honey - exfoliating & smoothing (scrub)

Claims:
A range of lip balms and scrubs with a melting and gliding texture that hydrate and nurture lips all day long.

Balms nourish your lips and provide the following targeted lip care benefits, while the lip scrubs soften and prep lips for a treatment or lipstick thanks to gentle sugar exfoliants. Each features a fun flavor and ingredients that suit different concerns.

Ingredients:

• Octyldodecanol: An emollient and emulsifier and solvent. It is a clear, colorless liquid that is often seen as a thickener in moisturizers because of its lubricating and emollient properties. Helps to form emulsions and prevents formulas from separating into its oil and liquid components. It can also reduce the tendency of finished products to generate foam when shaken. Acts as a lubricant on the skin, giving a soft, silky feel.
  
• Polybutene: A oligomeric oil, sometimes derived from petroleum, that is used in its hydrogenated form, as a binder, epilating agent, thickener and lubricant. It is naturally tacky or sticky and is also used for its adhesive properties.
  
• Polyethylene: Form of plastic (synthetic polymer) that has numerous functions in cosmetics products. Rounded polyethylene beads serve as an abrasive agent in many facial scrubs, often used instead of overly abrasive alternatives like walnut shells and ground fruit pits. Also used as a stabilizer, binding agent, thickener, and film-forming agent.
  
• Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil: Skin conditioning agent to maintain soft and supple skin.
  
• Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer: Synthetic polymer that functions as a binding agent, texture enhancer, and dispersing agent.
  
• Diisostearyl Malate: A skin conditioning agent and emollient.
  
• Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride: Derived from coconut oil and glycerin, it’s considered an excellent emollient and skin-replenishing ingredient. It’s included in cosmetics due to its mix of fatty acids that skin can use to replenish its surface and resist moisture loss. Also function as a thickener, but its chief job is to moisturize and replenish skin. This ingredient’s value for skin is made greater by the fact that it’s considered gentle.
  
• Cera Microcristallina (Microcrystalline Wax): Plastic-type, highly refined wax derived from petroleum and purified for use in cosmetics. Used as a thickener and to give products a semi-solid to solid smooth texture.
  
• Dicalcium Phosphate: Opacifying Agent
  
• Glyceryl Behenate/Eicosadioate: A mixture of esters of glycerin, along with behenic and eicosadioic acids, its works as a thickener and stabilizing agent in makeup and skincare products. The independent cosmetic ingredient review has found it is safe as used in cosmetics.
  
• Propylene Carbonate: Liquid used as a solvent and film-forming agent.
  
• Synthetic Wax: A wax derived from a mixture of various oils. It functions as a binding and stabilizing agent and can help enhance a product’s texture.
  
• Trehalose: Plant sugar that has hydrating properties for skin.
  
• Disteardimonium Hectorite: A vegetable-derived suspending agent used to thicken oil-based products and serve as a stabilizer for emulsions
  
• Fragrance: One or a blend of volatile and/or fragrant plant oils (or synthetically derived oils) that impart aroma and odor to products. These are often skin sensitizers because they are composed of hundreds of individual chemical components. Fragrance is a leading source of sensitivity to cosmetics.
  
• Titanium Dioxide: An earth mineral used in sunscreens that is capable of blocking both UVA and UVB rays; also used as a pigment.
  
• Mica: Earth mineral included in products to give them sparkle and shine. The level and look of the shine mica provides depends on the color and how finely it’s milled. Mica’s sheer, translucent and skin-hugging properties make it a popular ingredient in mineral powders. Mica powder reflects light from the face because of its glittering or shimmering properties, and can create the illusion of a smoother, softer and more radiant skin tone.
  
• Iron Oxides: Natural oxides of iron (iron combined with oxygen); pigments are used to enhance colors in cosmetics.
  
• Citric Acid: An alpha hydroxy acid and astringent with antioxidant properties; used to help skin maintain its natural pH level or adjust the pH of a product.
  
• Dipentaerythrityl Tetrahydroxystearate/Tetraisostearate: Skin conditioning. Viscosity controlling.
  
• Butyrospermum Parkii  (Shea Butter): Extracted from the nuts of the karité tree, this emollient is naturally rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
  
• Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil: Skin conditioning agent and viscosity increasing agent. 
  
• Sodium Saccharin: A sweetener, to give them a pleasant flavor.
  
• Mel Extract (Honey Extract): Honey’s primary use in skincare products is related to its potent antioxidant properties; however, it’s role in helping wounds heal has been shown to have some benefits in comparison to traditional medicines and procedures. Honey forms a barrier on skin that can help soothe and protect.
  

My Thoughts:
I thought it was very interesting to have a lip scrub in the form of a twist up tube. I saw Sephora Collection Lip Balm & Scrub in Honey was on sale for $6 so I decided to give it a try. I was surprised to find out that the twist up tube outer layer is made of cardboard. I was worried that it would be easily damaged over time but it ended up being very sturdy. Not only very secure but also pretty, with its yellow honeycomb design.

Sephora Collection Lip Balm & Scrub in Honey smells of good with a hint of honey. Its a gentle exfoliator, the sugar melts within 30 seconds so its best for mild chapped lips. After the sugar melts it becomes a normal lip balm that hydrates decently. I typically used this every night since its so gentle. When I had heavier chapped lips this did not work for me, I would need something that doesn’t melt away so quickly.

Would I purchase Sephora Collection Lip Balm & Scrub in Honey again? Yes I do like the idea of a mild exfoliator that turns into a balm.

Pros:

• Twist up tube 
  
• Sturdy cardboard packaging
  
• Yellow honeycomb design
  
• Hint of honey scented
  
• Gentle exfoliator 
  
• Sugar melts into a balm
  
• Best for mild chapped lips
  
• Can be used once a day
  

Cons:

• Will not work with heavy chapped lips
  

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Price: $18

Claims:
Remove every trace of both waterproof and regular mascara with the most effective, gentlest remover that coats lashes base-to-tip with our conditioning, oil-based formula.

• Conditioning, oil-based formula dissolves even the strongest waterproof mascara
• Antioxidant-rich Green Tea Extract infused to protect lashes
•  Rice Lipids Extract to condition lashes

Ingredients:

• Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate: Used as an emollient and texture enhancer.
  
• Isohexadecane: Synthetic, dry-finish ingredient with a powder-like finish. Used as a cleansing agent and texture enhancer.
  
• Disteardimonium Hectorite: A vegetable-derived suspending agent used to thicken oil-based products and serve as a stabilizer for emulsions
  
• Propylene Carbonate: Liquid used as a solvent and film-forming agent.
  
• Di-PPG-3 Myristyl Ether Adipate: Derivative of myristyl alcohol (a fatty alcohol) and adipic acid (a buffering and neutralizing ingredient). It is used as a skin-conditioning agent and solvent in cosmetics.
  
• Squalane: The saturated portion of emollient ingredient squalene, which is a natural component of human skin sebum (oil). It is a wonderfully moisturizing ingredient as well as being a source of replenishing fatty acids and antioxidants. Note that because it’s highly saturated, squalane is less prone to breaking down in the presence of air than less-saturated squalene. 
  
• Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract: This emollient oil is an excellent skin conditioner and antioxidant.
  
• Hexyldecanol: A synthetic, non-drying fatty alcohol used as an emollient and skin-softening agent.
  
• Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil: Contains botanical ceramides used to protect and moisturize skin. Contains significant amounts of all the essential amino acids and is a good source of protein. It is derived from soybean amino acids and is rich in protein, minerals and vitamins, especially vitamin E. As well as for skin conditioning and skin firming because it is a natural emollient and moisturizer.
  
• Bisabolol: Soothing agent typically extracted from chamomile, but also derived synthetically. 
  
• Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide: This preservative free wax is an excellent compound to maintain intact skin and hair as well as to support the repair of damaged skin and hair.
  
• Stearic Acid: Fatty acid used as an emollient and emulsifier. It has been shown to protect skin’s surface against water loss and help shore up skin’s protective barrier. Stearic acid may be synthetic or animal-derived. 
  
• Rapeseed Oil: Nonfragrant oil that has emollient and potential antioxidant properties for skin and is a rich source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
  
• Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract: Tea plant native to Asia that helps fight free radicals; known for its antioxidant and anti-irritant properties.
  
• Phenoxyethanol: A glycol ether and bactericide (that functions as a disinfectant, antiseptic or antibiotic) that is primarily used as a preservative. It is also seen as a fragrance additive.
  

My Thoughts:
When I first picked up Too Faced Mascara Melt-Off Mascara Remover I thought it was a mascara. I notice that it had an oil base so I had to double check what I actually picked up. I was quiet please when I found out this was a mascara remover, I wish I knew it existed sooner. Too Faced Mascara Melt-Off Mascara Remover comes in slim black mascara tube, with a plastic wand that has little ridges and groves. The wand helps disperse the cleansing oil from root to tip of the lash.

I coat Too Faced Mascara Melt-Off Mascara Remover onto my lashes and also apply it to my eyeliner. The wand tip makes it easy to apply the cleansing oil directly over my eyeliner. I wait about 2 minutes, while waiting I take off the rest of my face makeup with a makeup wipe. The waiting period is important since the oil has to breakdown the mascara and eyeliner. Once the 2 minutes are over I take a makeup wipe or cotton pad and gently wipe the mascara and eyeliner off.

And just like that Too Faced Mascara Melt-Off Mascara Remover allows to remove all  the mascara and eyeliner off without harsh rubbing. Its always important to be gentle around the eye area since its so delicate, this product makes it easier to do so. No more pulling out my lashes when I take my makeup off. With every use my lashes get softer too. I love that the next morning I don’t wake up with raccoon eyes!

Would I purchase Too Faced Mascara Melt-Off Mascara Remover? Yes, but only when it goes sale. This cleansing oil isn’t worth the price point for just removing mascara and eyeliner. I plan on using the wand with another cleansing oil.

Pros:

• Oil base
  
• Slim black mascara tube
  
• Plastic wand with ridges and groves
  
• Wand help coat the lashes 
  
• Use for mascara & eyeliner
  
• Wand tip helps for applying on eyeliner 
  
• 2 minutes for the oil to breakdown makeup
  
• Wipe off with makeup wipes or cotton pad
  
• Removes all mascara & eyeliner
  
• No harsh rubbing required
  
• No more pulling out lashes
  
• Softens lashes
  
• No raccoon eyes.   
  
• Wand can be reused with different cleansing oil
  

Cons:

• Expensive
  

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Price: $38

Claims:
This water-gel moisturizer instantly quenches skin and provides ongoing moisture. Clinically proven to more than double skin’s hydration and hydrates skin for 24 hours.

Ingredients:

• Water: Primarily used as a solvent in cosmetics and personal care products in which it dissolves many of the ingredients that impart skin benefits, such as conditioning agents and cleansing agents. Water also forms emulsions in which the oil and water components of the product are combined to form creams and lotions.
  
• Propylene Glycol: A versatile moisturizer. Propylene Glycol acts by retaining the moisture content of skin or the formula, preventing the escape of moisture or water.
  
• Glycerin: An emollient and humectant derived from vegetable oils that helps skin retain moisture.
  
• Dimethicone: A type of silicone, forms a permeable barrier that works to prevent moisture loss and impart a wonderfully silky feel.
  
• Laminaria Digitata Extract: Which helps skin revitalization and supports collagen and elasticity.
  
• Sea Salt: Can be effective as a topical scrub, but if left on skin, it can increase the risk of a sensitized reaction.
  
• Phospholipids: Emollients and Skin-Replenishing. Type of lipid (fat) composed of glycerol, fatty acids, and phosphate. 
  
• Nymphaea Coerulea Flower Extract: Blue Lotus extract is a powerhouse antioxidant with anti-inflammatory benefits known to combat against free radical damage 
  
• Zostera Marina Extract: It keeps the skin firm and luminous by boosting the horny cell layer’s moisture-retaining function.
  
• Diatomaceous Earth: Light-colored porous rock composed of the skeletons of minute sea creatures called diatoms. Typically used as an abrasive material in scrub products.
  
• Sodium Carrageenan: Seaweed gum used in cosmetics as a thickening agent with water-binding properties.
  
• Magnesium Chloride: A salt compound used to increase viscosity. 
  
• Potassium Chloride: Controls the consistency of a product
  
• Leuconostoc / Radish Root Ferment Filtrate: Can be used as the sole preservative. 
  
• Panthenol: Member of the B complex family of vitamins. A moisturizing humectant and emollient.
  
• Sorbitol: A humectant that helps skin feel smoother and less dry.
  
• Retinyl Palmitate: A form of vitamin A that is used to promote natural cell turnover, elasticity, and suppleness and minimize the appearance of fine lines.
  
• Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate: Form of vitamin C that is considered stable and is an effective antioxidant for skin. Increases skin’s hydration levels as well as being effective for calming factors in skin that can lead to excess oil and signs of sensitization.
  
• Tocopheryl Acetate: Its substantiated benefits include enhancing the efficacy of active sunscreen ingredients, reducing the formation of free radicals from exposure to UV rays, promoting the healing process, strengthening the skin’s barrier function, protecting the skin barrier’s lipid balance, and reducing transepidermal water loss. Attributed with antioxidant, anti-aging, moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and enhanced SPF properties, tocopherol acetate is valued both as a dietary supplement and skincare active. 
  
• Lecithin: Phospholipid found in egg yolks and plants. Widely used in cosmetics as an emollient and water-binding agent. Also has skin-restoring ability.
  
• Sodium Metabisulfite: An inorganic salt used as a disinfectant and preservative agent. It is also considered a reducing agent that donates hydrogen molecules to other substances. Sometimes function as an antioxidant, preventing or slowing deterioration of formulas caused by chemical reactions with oxygen.
  
• Zinc PCA: A synthetic skin-conditioning ingredient derived from zinc. Research has shown it has anti-aging benefits due to its ability to thwart destructive enzymes in skin that can damage its surface and lead to an aged, wrinkled appearance.
  
• Sorbic Acid: Preservative derived from mountain ash berries or manufactured synthetically.
  
• Carbomer: Group of synthetic texture enhancers used primarily to create gel-like formulations. High amounts of carbomers in a gel may result in the product rolling or balling up of cosmetic products on skin, but this phenomenon depends on other formulary steps taken to minimize this effect.
  
• PEG-12 Dimethicone: A silicone-based polymer used to give formulas a smooth feel, promote spreadability, and add lubrication. 
  
• Ethylhexylglycerin: A synthetic skin-softening agent also used as a preservative, a carrier, or suspending agent for other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol.
  
• Xanthan Gum: Natural ingredient used as a thickening agent, texture enhancer, and to stabilize emulsions, which is a general term for mixtures of unlike substances such as oil and water.
  
• Benzyl Alcohol: Organic alcohol that occurs naturally in some fruits (apricots, cranberries) and teas. Its chief function in cosmetics is as a preservative, and it’s among the least sensitizing preservatives in use. High amounts of benzyl alcohol can impart a noticeable floral-like scent to products, as it is part of the fragrance makeup of some essential oils such as jasmine. As a volatile alcohol, it can pose a risk of sensitivity when used in high amounts, but is considered safe as used in cosmetics.
  
• Caprylyl Glycol: Skin and hair conditioning agent that may be plant-derived or synthetic. Often used as part of a preservative blend in cosmetics. 
  
• Glyceryl Caprylate: A co-emulsifier also restores the oils of the skin, regulates the skin moisture and acts as a humidifier to the skin.
  
• Potassium Sorbate: Used as a preservative, almost always used in conjunction with other preservatives.
  
• Sodium Benzoate: A preservative.
  
• Benzalkonium Chloride: Used as a preservative in skincare products. It can be a skin sensitizer.
  
• Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride: Derived from coconut oil and glycerin, it’s considered an excellent emollient and skin-replenishing ingredient. It’s included in cosmetics due to its mix of fatty acids that skin can use to replenish its surface and resist moisture loss. Also function as a thickener, but its chief job is to moisturize and replenish skin. This ingredient’s value for skin is made greater by the fact that it’s considered gentle.
  
• Citric Acid: An alpha hydroxy acid and astringent with antioxidant properties; used to help skin maintain its natural pH level or adjust the pH of a product.
  
• Disodium Phosphate: Function as buffering agents
  
• Benzophenone-4: A photostabilizer and sunscreen agent used for its ability to absorb UV rays. It helps prevent the integrity of other cosmetic ingredients from deteriorating under the sun. Though it covers UVB and short UVA (UVA-2) range rays, it’s an inadequate sunscreen agent when used alone. 
  
• Polysorbate 80: A surfactant and emulsifier because of its ability to help other ingredients dissolve in a solvent in which they normally would not be able to dissolve. It can also help to reduce surface tension of substances that need to be emulsified.
  
• Disodium EDTA: Used as a chelating, meaning it prevents ingredients in a formula from binding with trace elements (mainly minerals) that can be present in water.
  
• Triethanolamine: Used in cosmetics as a pH balancer and emulsion stabilizer.
  
• Phenoxyethanol: A glycol ether and bactericide (that functions as a disinfectant, antiseptic or antibiotic) that is primarily used as a preservative. It is also seen as a fragrance additive.
  
• Parfum / Fragrance: One or a blend of volatile and/or fragrant plant oils (or synthetically derived oils) that impart aroma and odor to products. These are often skin sensitizers because they are composed of hundreds of individual chemical components. Fragrance is a leading source of sensitivity to cosmetics.
  
• Linalool: Fragrant component of lavender and coriander that can be a potent skin sensitizer. Colorless liquid with a soft, sweet odor.
  

My Thoughts:
H2O+ Oasis Hydrating Treatment  comes in a simple white jar. I love jars because I can actually use all the product in it unlike tubes which leads to product waste. However with jars its more prone to exposure to bacteria each time I use it since I have to dip my fingers into it.

H2O+ Oasis Hydrating Treatment is a beautiful turquoise blue gel. The gel texture is perfect since it is not on the watery side by more thick. Even though it is thick it doesn’t feel heavy its actually pretty lightweight. Once applied it does absorb fairly quickly, so I mainly use this before I put on my makeup. A little goes a long way, over applying can cause my skin to be sticky and takes a bit for it to be fully absorbed.

I am obsessed with H2O+ Oasis Hydrating Treatment, it leaves my skin feeling plumper and smoother. Every time I use it my skin feels fresh and clean. On days I don’t want to wear makeup I use this because it gives my skin a lovely glow finish. I have normal to dry skin and it keeps me hydrated all day. However if you have very dry skin I doubt this will hydrate your skin that well.

Would I purchase H2O+ Oasis Hydrating Treatment again? Yes its lightweight and hydrating.

Pros:

• White jar packaging 
  
• No product waste
  
• Turquoise blue gel texture
  
• Thick but lightweight
  
• Absorbs fairly quickly 
  
• A little goes a long way
  
• Pump & smooth skin
  
• Glow finish
  
• Hydration all day
  
• Fresh & clean feel
  

Cons:

• Jar can lead to bacteria exposure
  
• Over application can cause stickiness 
  
• Not for very dry skin
  

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