Review: Kosas Tinted Face Oil

If there is a beauty brand that is on everyone’s radar lately, I would say it is Kosas. Like many brands that are Insta-worthy, it has the minimalist aesthetic similar to coveted brands, like Glossier and Milk Makeup. It also uses “clean’ and “natural” formulas, which seem to be where makeup is heading right now. It is amazing to me, that Sephora even has a whole wall dedicated to clean beauty (well, according to their own terms for the word).

In recent months, their Tinted Face Oil has gotten a lot of good reviews. So many, in fact, that I couldn’t help but jump onto the bandwagon and buy it to try. I also love their lipsticks, so I was hoping for the same quality. Just summarizing off their website, this tinted oil is a mix of skincare and makeup, and is supposed to provide medium coverage. Mineral pigments are mixed in with six botanical oils that evens out your skin, minimizes pores, and hides imperfections. Providing lightweight coverage, it also self-adjusts to your skin tone leaving a velvety finish. So what did I think? The truth is I’m still a bit on the fence, but I’ll break down my thoughts below and you can decide for yourself.

Packaging

This tint comes in a squeeze bottle, which may seem ideal since you can control the number of drops you want. However, the product comes out so quick even with a simple squeeze, I don’t even need to squeeze it. I just let gravity do its work. I think this would be a situation where a dropper would have been more ideal. The product also builds up around the opening, so it can get quite messy. I usually give the opening a wipe every once in a while. You get the gist. I am not fond of the packaging.

Application

If you have read quite a few reviews on this product, you will know that it is “finnicky” to apply. Everyone seems to have their own opinion about what is the best way to apply it. The main problem seems to be that it seems to pill over certain skincare and I did experience that problem as well. Since it is an oil, I find that it seems to go well over my facial oil. My sunscreen is also oil-based too. With regards to primers, I found that it completely pilled over Tatcha The Silk Canvas, but seemed fine over the Fenty Beauty Instant Retouch Primer. I don’t know the science behind this, but I would love to hear which primers have worked for you with this tint. I found the best way to apply this base is to dot it over your skin and then pat it in. If you try to smooth it over with your fingers, it will tend to streak.

Results

I really think the results are what make others love this tint. It does a great job of evening out your skin tone, while leaving a lovely satin finish. I wouldn’t say it was completely pore filling but it does even out your skin texture. Your skin still looks natural, but “better.” I would say the coverage is really on the light side for me, but that is what makes it great for everyday wear.

Now onto the cons. I think the wear time is not that great. It looks the best the first 3 to 4 hours. I have dry skin at this point in my life. At the end of a work day for me, I find that it makes my skin look drier and my fine lines more prominent. I would love to know what your experience with this product is if you have oily skin. I tend to like base productions that wear better over time once it mixes in with your natural oils and this one is the opposite. It does seem to last better with a moisturizing primer though.

VERDICT: I am so undecided about this tint. It has its share of pros and cons. I think you might enjoy it more if you have combo or oily skin.

Review: THREE Shimmering Glow Duo

“Clean” and “natural” beauty brands have begun to pop up a lot more in Japan the last ten years. One of the most luxurious and beautifully packaged brands would be THREE, which focuses on using essential oils and organic ingredients in their products. Over the years, I have tried many of their products and enjoy their foundations and skincare the most. I love the look of cream makeup on my skin, and was excited to try out this blush/highlighter duo.

Not being able to read Japanese, I assumed both pans were highlighters. I did question how a person could use both shades for highlighting because the dark shade is just a whole lot darker. After using Google Translate, I figured out that the darker shade is for blush and the lighter shade is the highlighter. The blush is just meant to be illuminating as well.

Application

The texture of this cream blush is more on the “putty” side. In fact, it gets a bit messy in the pan as it starts to gather and clump together on the sides of the pan. I usually just apply it with fingers and it works great. The pigmentation is on the medium side, but you can definitely built it up a bit. It does take a bit of time to blend it out nicely and seems a little patchy upon initial application. However, after a few hours, as it blends it with the natural oils in your skin, it is not that noticeable.

Results

This duo gives you the most beautiful glow. It gives your cheeks a more dewy type of glow than a metallic one. I love the highlighter as it gives you that lit from within type of glow. I wear it most often if I have a matter foundation on that day. With regards to longevity, this is not one of those long-wearing blushes, but it does look really good for like 4-6 hours.

VERDICT: If you are looking for a cream blush and highlighter with “cleaner” ingredients, I would recommend this blush. It gives such a beautiful and healthy glow to your skin.

Summer Essentials

I’ll be the first to admit that I am kind of vain and that I am a little obsessed with anti-aging. Over the years though, I have learned to accept that a completely “made up” face is not always necessary when going out. I mean, I can now go to the grocery store without foundation, CC cream, BB cream, or bases of any kind. However, there is one thing I never skimp on and that is sunscreen. As everyone knows, it is supposedly the most important part of your anti-aging arsenal. Here is the arsenal I am using this summer to defend myself against those harmful sun rays.

Hurraw Sun Lip Balm

Hurraw has got to be one of my favourite lip balm brands. I love the oval shape of the tube and how it fits the shape of my lips perfectly. The formula also glides easily over my lips and is very moisturizing. That is why I was excited to try their SPF lip balm last year. I enjoyed it so much last year I decided to repurchase it this summer as well. Why do I enjoy it so much? Most mineral sunscreens leave a white cast, which is not a pretty look on your lips. This one is virtually clear and it has a lovely citrus scent. Definitely my favourite SPF lip balm!

Thinksport Kids Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+

I personally love kid’s sunscreen. First of all, they smell better than the adults versions to me. Thinksport was a brand that I stumbled upon when I was visiting our local general store. I had never heard of Thinksport before this, but soon learned that they are a brand that focuses on making “safe” consumer products. Like a lot of clean products, it doesn’t contain a myriad chemicals and is also cruelty-free and gluten-free. Most importantly, how does this sunscreen preform though? Since it is a physical sunscreen, it is definitely on the thicker side, but not that bad compared to others I have tried. My favourite thing about this sunscreen is that it dries relatively matte. I hate greasy sunscreen!

Meow Meow Tweet Deodorant Cream in Grapefruit

Yes, I am one of those lucky people that doesn’t really sweat much. So I usually will opt for a deodorant most of the time. If it gets really hot, I might switch to an antiperspirant. I have used a deodorant from Schmidt’s for a long time and thought it was about time I switched things up a bit. What can I say. I always get sucked in by cute packaging and it is no different with this deodorant from Meow Meow Tweet. This is one of those tub deodorants where you have to grab a pea-size amount of the product and rub it into your armpits. Yes, I have tried the stick version of these more “natural” deodorants, but I find they tend to crumble more, so I prefer the tub version.

This is an organic, fair-trade, and cruelty-free brand. Instead of baking soda, the main ingredients of arrowroot powder and dietary magnesium help control moisture and odor. Essential oils also give this deodorant a lovely smell that doesn’t really linger too much. I find that it is great at keeping any odor at bay. You will still sweat, but it does minimize the moisture you feel. It is a great everyday deodorant, but probably not enough if you are super sweaty.

Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream

I had seen this infamous green tube all over Instagram and have always wanted to try it. This cream is made of all plant extracts and is for those that have very dry skin. I had heard a light version of this cream had come out recently, so I did expect it to be thick. Boy, I had no idea how thick though! I wouldn’t recommend this as face cream, and maybe not even a hand cream. Like the script on the packaging says, this is meant for rough patches on hands, feet, and elbows. I love to apply this on my eczema and just dry patches on my skin. It has worked great in that capacity. Plus, it has this amazing citrus scent, which I love.

Review: Make P:rem Safe Me Relief Moisture Cream

The words “safe” and “natural” seem to be used a lot in skincare lately. Whether an ingredients has be natural to be safe is debatable, but knowing more about the ingredients that get absorbed into your skin I figure is a good thing. With only twelve ingredients, Make P:rem’s Safe Me Relief Moisture Cream sounds appealing as we navigate the endless news about the safety of certain skincare ingredients.

Background

Make P:rem is a Korean brand that aims to create effective products using quality raw materials at reasonable prices. Their brand focuses on using Nordic philosophy in its use of ingredients, technology, and design. The Safe Me Relief Moisture Cream uses 93% natural ingredients and contains 12 ingredients. It is meant for those with sensitive skin and they claim it is a non-irritating formula. Some of the main ingredients include squalene, glycerin, sage essential oil, and bergamot fruit oil. This cream is supposed to provide continuous moisture for 48 hours.

Application

Visually, this looks like quite a thick cream, and even when you pick it up from the tub, it seems thick. However, when you apply it, it actually is which lightweight and spreads out really easily on the face. In fact, you quickly learn that you need less than expected to cover your entire face. It sinks in really quickly and doesn’t feel really tacky or anything. It does a have a bit of a sage scent, but it is quite subtle and disappears quickly. Overall, I found it quite a lovely application process.

Results

This was surprisingly moisturizing considering it felt like a lotion when applied. I didn’t try it during the dry, winter dry months, but it kept all my dry patches around my nose at bay in the spring.

Skincare Short Reviews

It is always so intriguing to me how all my skincare seems to run out at the same time. I am always left scrambling to buy new items before the last drops disappear. I honestly feel like there is some universal force working to make this happen or I am just to lazy to buy backups. Presently, as I am scrambling to buy some new skincare online, I thought I would take a break to quickly review three of the skincare products that I have emptied or almost emptied in the last month.

Naturaglacé Point Makeup Remover

I am always on the lookout for a makeup remover that not only removes makeup, but also doesn’t make my eyes sting. Naturaglacé is a natural and organic brand from Japan. I love a lot of their base products, so I thought I would give their makeup remover a try. This is one of those dual-phase makeup removers that you have to shake up before using. It contains argan oil to moisturize the eye area. Luckily for me, it didn’t have much of a scent, which can really affect my opinion of a product. It also did not leave much of an oily residue after using it. Unfortunately though, it does irritate my eyes and make them water a little and just feel more irritated in general. I did finish the whole bottle, but won’t be repurchasing.

Melvita Argan + Face Care Oil

I am totally on one of those face oil kicks. I have combination skin, with an oily T-Zone and dry cheeks and have just found that face oil really keeps my dry cheeks moisturized and looking great under makeup. I decided to pick up this one from Melvita because I love the facial oil I bought from them years ago in Asia. This facial oil contains nourishing argan oil and amino acids that help with firming. I love that the scent of this oil is very subtle and sinks in really quickly. There is nothing worse than an oil that leaves your skin feeling super greasy. It is super moisturizing and lasted four months with me using it in the morning and nighttime. With regards to the firming effect, I think it helped, but it wasn’t anything obvious. I would definitely repurchase.

Scinic The Simple Calming Toner

This is a lesson of buying something that has good ratings, but is not that compatible with your skin type. This Scinic toner had really good reviews on a Korean beauty review app, and I bought it without even reading the brand write-up. It is a solid toner for those with sensitive skin, but not enough for who is looking for anti-aging benefits. It has contains water-lily flower extract which is moisturizing, madecassoside which protects your skin barrier, and aloe vera which is soothing. During application, it sinks in quickly and doesn’t contain much a scent. Overall, it does leave my skin moisturized and soothed, but it is not moisturizing enough for someone with dry skin. I think I would prefer a toner with a few more anti-aging ingredients, so I probably will not repurchase.

Review: Naturaglacé Emollient Cream Foundation

Before I went to Tokyo last year, I thought that “organic” and “natural” beauty products would be quite a niche market in Japan. However, I was surprised to find entire stores and sections dedicated to organic and natural beauty products. I have been a long time fan of this Japanese brand, Naturaglacé, which uses 100% natural ingredients. I loved their products so much, I have even ordered them off Ebay. So when I got to try their products in-person at one of their counters in Tokyo, it was hard not to buy everything. Luckily, I was able to restrain myself and only buy two products, which included their cream foundation and eye makeup remover.

Brand Overview

Naturaglacé is a beauty brand from Japan. It uses 100% natural ingredients and their ingredients are also organic. Their formulations are made with essential oils and plant extracts and are targeted at providing the benefits of skincare in makeup. The brand is also cruelty-free and attempts to produce less waste during its manufacturing process.

Claims

This foundation is meant to provide a glowy finish and smooth out the imperfections in your skin. The cream formula is supposed to be highly moisturizing because it contains ingredients like Blackcurrant Seed Oil and Streptomyces Leaf Extract. The foundation comes in six shades and has an SPF 39 PA+++. The sunscreen ingredients do not contain nanoparticles.

Application

I actually really love that this foundation comes in a tube. It is easy to control how much you squeeze out. Since it is a cream foundation, the texture is on the thicker side so the tube packaging makes sense. However, I don’t feel like it is so thick you have to really squeeze it to get the product out of the tube though.

This foundation is definitely best applied with fingers. I tried applying it with a Beauty Blender and it didn’t work at all. I have a feeling it has something to do with the fact that the oil from the foundation and the moisture from the Beauty Blender just don’t mix well together. Usually, I just dab it onto my skin and spread it out. As the name implies, it is definitely on the more emollient side, so it is does take a bit more work to blend it out.

Review

This is definitely one of my favourite foundations. It leaves such a beautiful glowy finish without looking oily. It does a great job smoothing out pores and fine lines. With a primer (I have been using Tatcha The Silk Canvas), your skin looks completely smooth. This is an ideal foundation for dry skin as it leaves even my super dry cheeks moisturized. Ironically, that is the same reason it might not be good for someone with oily skin or to be used as a summer foundation. Other things to note are the coverage is definitely on the light side and the longevity is good. It easily looks great for a 8-hour work day.

VERDICT: A glowy and moisturizing foundation that is perfect for the winter months or someone with dry skin. It provides that natural glow and also evens out your skin, which makes it perfect for everyday wear.

Current Favourites

After a long hiatus, I think it is time for another current favourites. Here are some of favourite things categorized according to the five senses.

Sight

I started collecting used vinyl a year ago. Most of the records I have collected are from the 70s and 80s and they are mostly classic rock albums. So when I went to watch the movie, Bohemian Rhapsody, I was thrilled to learn more about an iconic band, like Queen. To be honest, I knew Queen’s music mostly through it being played during intermissions in hockey games. After watching this movie, I gained a greater appreciation for the band and the mesmerizing power that Freddie Mercury had over his audiences. Music can truly transcend our differences.

Taste

Lately, I have been obsessed with Southern American food. I visited a Cuban restaurant lately and became obsessed with pinto beans and rice. I realized I really didn’t know too much about food in South America. Moreover, my new coworker is from Columbia, and hearing her talk about Columbian food got me more intrigued. Lately, I have tried their national dish, Baneja Paisa, which consists of red beans, ground beef, rice, plantains, chorizo, and chicharron. To be honest, I am not a big meat eater, but I loved the homemade chorizo and really enjoyed the caramelized plantains. I was an Anthropology major in university. I realized one of my great passions continues to be learning about other cultures.

Smell

There are some beauty products you look forward to using just because you love the smell of them. For me, lately, it has to be the Laniege Lip Sleeping Mask in Grapefruit. After seeing this sleeping mask all over Instagram, I had to give it a try, especially since it reminded me of my favourite Nuxe Reve de Miel lip balm. This lip mask provides a lovely sheen on the lips and is not sticky at all. I actually don’t love even enjoy eating grapefruits (they are too sour), but I do love smelling them. So if you love citrusy scents, you will enjoy this. Plus, it really works. In the morning, even though your lips are no longer sheeny, your lips feel softer and less flaky.

Touch

I love the feeling of applying a thick moisturizer on my face. Somehow, it makes me think that a thick barrier keeps my skin more moisturized. One of my favourite moisturizers in the last few months is the COSRX Honey Ceramide Full Moisture Cream. When I scoop it out with my spatula, it is very thick. However, you only need a small amount because it spreads really easily over the skin. It sinks in quickly, but I feel like there is still a layer of product over your skin (which I don’t mind). Usually I have to resort to using snail mucus products during the dry, winter months to keep my skin moisturized, but this cream kept all my dry patches at bay. This is another solid product from COSRX.

Sounds

My sister is a big fan of Lady Gaga and I love her as well, so it made sense that we went to watch “A Star is Born” together. We both really enjoyed the movie and thought the acting was great. “Shallow” was the song that got the most radio play from the movie, but after my sister talked about how much she loved “I’ll Never Love Again,” I went back to listen to it and it is my favourite now too. It is such a heart-wrenching song and truly authentic to the feelings of the characters in the movie. You need to give it a listen if you haven’t already.

Review: Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum

I have always loved skincare, but I never have been too into analyzing ingredients till last year. I realized, that in order to be a “good” reviewer, I really needed to consider all the aspects of a product. This not only includes the ingredients, but also the brand’s ethos, packaging, and source of their ingredients.

I feel like Vitamin C products have been everywhere lately. I am definitely a newbie when it comes to using Vitamin C skincare products. However, my first experience with Vitamin C product was so promising (it was from Wishtrend), I decided to venture out and try more. After, googling Best Vitamin C Serums, I decided to try this one from the Mad Hippie.

You have probably have heard of the benefits of Vitamin C for our health, but how is it beneficial to our skin? After doing some research online, Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to defend against free radicals. It helps with diminishing pigmentation, fine lines, and skin texture. It can also improve hydration and boost collagen production.

Brand Background

Reading through Map Hippie’s website, it is a very “wholesome” brand. It only uses “natural” ingredients and is free from a ton of, what they call, “nasties,”, like parabens, synthetic fragrance, dyes, petrochemicals, PEGs, SLS etc. They are also cruelty-free and care about the impact of the beauty industry on the environment. For example, their boxes are printed with soy ink and their facilities run on alternative energy.

Ingredients

Like the infamous Skinceuticals C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, Mad Hippie’s version uses a Vitamin C derivative, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, combined with Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid. This combination seems to really boost the effectiveness of Vitamin C. Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate may be less researched and applauded version of Vitamin C, compared to L-Ascorbic Acid. However, it is more stable and less irritating. The formula also includes Hyaluronic Acid which is great for hydration and other soothing ingredients like Konjac Root and Chamomile Extract.

Application

This serum has a lightweight-watery texture and sinks in quickly. It has a very faint floral scent, which dissipates quickly. I use about 2-3 drops for my entire face. Using it AM and PM, it lasted me for about almost 3 months. I usually used it as my first step of skincare as recommended on their website.

Results

I loved the application of this product as it felt like I was just applying a hydrating serum. There was no irritation or purging stage for me at all. In fact, for a while, I really didn’t think it made any difference to my skin at all. However, we all know it takes a while for skincare to show results. After 2 months, I definitely noticed my skin texture was smoother. More obvious, was the brown spots I had on my cheeks had definitely lightened. However, compared to other Vitamin C serums that use L-Ascorbic Acid I have tried, I didn’t find the brightening effect as obvious.

VERDICT: If you are looking for a Vitamin C Serum that is non-irritating and helps fight pigmentation and improve your skin texture, I totally recommend this one. Also, if you are also getting into skincare with “clean” ingredients, this would be a good pick.

Resources

How Does Vitamin C Help Skin?

Vitamin C Derivatives – Which One is For You?

Vitamin C: The Multi-functional Skincare Work Horse

Loves of the Year

Let’s just get to it. These are my favourite beauty products of the year. This year, I have combined skincare and makeup in this post because I think I actually bought less this year. Ironically, having a blog and a couple of social media accounts has made me want to buy less. I think I realized how wasteful it can be to buy a bunch of products just to review. For this year’s favourites, I pretty much scrolled through my Instagram feed and picked out the products I wanted to repurchase or couldn’t live without anymore.

Belif Moisturizing and Firming Eye Cream

If there was an award for products I just loved applying this year, this one would definitely make it on the list. This eye cream has that thick texture which makes you think that it is really moisturizing, but yet it sinks in and is not heavy at all. It creates the perfect cushiony base for concealer and you need so little, it lasts forever. Due to the shape of the jar, I couldn’t tell how much was left in there. I actually had to put my whole finger in to double-check how much product was left.

Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo

For the mere fact that it makes my life easier, I would put this in my favourites list. Let’s just be honest, I am not into haircare or hairstyling. Makeup and skincare will always be my first love. However, the best makeup look will be hindered by terrible hair. I have always had issues with oily dandruff and buildup. I only use this once a week but it does such a great job of detoxing my scalp. The word exfoliating often brings up images of gritty particles sloughing away everything off your skin. This shampoo doesn’t do that at all. The vegetable-derived micro-exfoliators clean the scalp gently and leaves it refreshed and balanced. I highly recommend you try this product if you have a problem with oily dandruff.

Hurraw! Sun Lip Balm

I think I have found my favourite lip balm with SPF this year. I have been on a mission for years to find a lip balm with SPF that didn’t leave a white cast or was super thick. I have always loved Hurraw! lip balms. They hold their shape and glide onto your lips effortlessly. I have also always loved the oval shape of the lip balm because it fits the lips nicely. This lip balm is formulated to be a little thicker to stay on your lips longer to provide that sun protection. I don’t find it too thick, but you do feel a layer of product on your lips. It also has nice citrusy scent which I enjoy. However, it must be noted it only has an SPF of 15 (non-nano zinc oxide), so you have to reapply quite often, but I guess that is to be expected from a lip product.

Kosås Weightless Lip Colour

I don’t know where this brand came from, but this year, it seemed to be everywhere. If you wanted to get into more natural and organic makeup, I feel like lipstick is the easily way to switch over. For the longest time, I was in love with Bite Beauty’s creamy lipsticks, but now that I have switched over to Kosås lipsticks, I find that I love these more. Kosås lipsticks have a really lovely cream-oil formula that glides over your lips. It is again one of those products I love to apply. The formula is full of nourishing oils and butters, which keep your lips moisturized. The pigmentation is also pretty full coverage and adds a hint of shine on the lips. Plus, the scent is quite minimal, which I adore. I heard the new packaging also has a magnetic closure, which I can’t wait to try.

Herbivore Brighten Pineapple + Gemstone Mask

If there is a mask that will actually get me to mask regularly, it is definitely a favourite, if not a revolutionary product for me. I have never been able to get into sheet masks because the sudden shock of putting a cold sheet mask on my face is too jarring for me. However, with a wash-off mask, you can apply it on gradually and only on certain areas. Let’s face it, I still don’t that much, but since using this Herbivore mask, I will mask at least once a week. I love the gel formula of this mask. It almost feels like putting on a sleeping mask. Most of all, you notice immediate effects, as your skin looks brighter (as per the name) and smoother. It is just a lovely pick-me-upper during the week and is totally worth the 10 minutes of having to wear it.

Recent Roundup

I thought that I would do a little roundup of things I have purchased, loved, and used up. I still enjoy blogging, but I have been really obsessed with Instagram this year, and post more regularly there. If you are interested, my instagram is itsmudges.

Recent Purchases

Herbivore Hydrate + Glow Natural Skincare Mini Collection

Herbivore is a brand that is hard to resist. It has the most beautiful and chic packaging. Their brand focus on safe and effective skincare also feels modern and appealing. I had previously never tried anything from Herbivore before so I thought this set was a perfect overview of some of their bestsellers. This set contains four products: Pink Cloud Rosewater Moisture Creme, Phoenix Regenerating Facial Oil, Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Face Mist, and Brighten Pineapple + Gemstone Glow Mask.

Quick Impressions and Review: I have used up the Creme and love it. It smells lovely (not like roses though) and gives you this dewy glow. I would say it would be a great summer moisturizer. Out of everything I have tried in this kit, the oil is definitely my favourite. It doesn’t smell to strong, sinks in beautifully, and is so moisturizing. My dry cheeks have been loving it. I am still getting used to the mask as it is different from my really moisturizing Korean mist toners. The mask is lovely as well. It is a bit tingly, but gives you the most beautiful after you wash it off.

Melvita Face Care Oil

My love for facial oil continues with this purchase from Melvita. I was introduced to Melvita when I picked it up in Taiwan a few years back. Previously, I noticed it featured in a lot of Japanese magazines I read. Melvita is actually a brand from France that has been around for 30 years. They specialize in organic high-performance formulas in skincare. This particular face oil highlights the anti-aging benefits of argan oil and amino acids. As I was reading their website, I learned that argan oil is full of omegas and sterols which nourish and maintain the youthfulness of your skin. I am excited to use this oil as it says it is a dry oil. I hope it will sink in quickly unlike some other oils that will cause my makeup to shift throughout the day.

Sidmool AC Bye Trouble Skin Handmade Soap

I love facial soap so I am always on the hunt for a new one. Being a longtime lover of Korean skincare, I realized I had never tried any of their facial soap. So I decided to pick this one up by Sidmool. This soap contains olive oil and snail mucus as its top ingredients and is geared towards acne prone skin. I will report back after I have used it for a while. Also, if you want to be environmental, bar soap is usually touted as the better choice than liquid soap.

Conscious Consumerism

To be honest, I don’t even know what the best term for this is. There seems to be an endless amount of terminology to describe this action. There is ethical consumerism, environmentalism, green beauty, and the list goes on. Over the last few years, I have just become more aware of what I buy and how it affects the world. I am not a saint or anything, but if I can do a few things to help the world, I thought why not? Here are a few actions I have taken to become a more ethical shopper.

Just Buy Less

I find that this is harder said than done, but I feel I have just gradually bought less over the years. I guess, having a mortgage kind of jumped started this process. I started having a one-in and one-out policy with most of my beauty products. I mean, it is not perfect or as streamlined as I wish, but I try my best. For example, I usually only own one blush, but then I do spit it into a cream and powder blush.

Refillable Makeup

Nowadays, I tend to pause I think before I buy anything. It allows me to reflect on whether I truly need something, and most importantly, how my purchase will effect the environment. There are more brands that are putting out refillable makeup which I think is such a great idea. Many times, the case is so pretty, you don’t even want to throw it out. Some brands I have been loving with refillable makeup are Kjaer Weis and MiMC.

Green Beauty

Of course, the obvious way to be more ethical is to buy from brands who claim to be more clean, green, and sustainable. I know, a lot of these words have been thrown around without much respect for the original meaning and some brands just use it as a form of marketing. However, I would like to believe that there are some brands that truly want to make a difference. It is important to do your research. On the other hand, I don’t think any brand is perfect, and being conscious about your purchasing decisions doesn’t mean I nitpick every single thing that the brand does. Some of my favourites are Herbivore, Kosas, RMS Beauty, and Kjaer Weis.

If you are interested in reading some in-depth reviews of some products I have tried lately, check out my review of the RMS Beauty Signature Set in Pop Collection and Belif Moisturizing and Firming Eye Cream.