Smudge of Life #1 – Choose to Be Kind

So you might have wondered why I named my blog “Smudges” (or not). I actually named it for my biggest beauty dilemma, which was and still is, smudging eyeliner. I also liked the idea that the word “smudge” meant to smear, rub, and blur (this is all from the Webster Dictionary). Most recently, I was reminded that “smudging” is a technique originating from indigenous people to spiritually cleanse oneself. It suddenly occurred to me the word “smudge” would be perfect for some posts I want to do about thoughts that have made me feel mentally lighter.

The first thought that has helped me feel mentally lighter over the years is the importance of being kind over being right. I find that as we get older, our viewpoints and personality become more distinct and solidified. For example, we know where we stand with certain issues and how far we can be pushed into a corner before we will say something. It is all a part of growing up and helps us feel more confident and well-adjusted as an adult. However, I find that as our opinions get stronger, sometimes our tolerance for other opinions lessens. We like being right. We want to feel good about ourselves and who we are. Sometimes, it is easy to dislike or criticize those that think differently from us without any consideration of their feelings.

Over the years, I have learned that it is much better to seek to understand before you make judgement. Of course, everyone gets upset in the heat of the situation. However, if you try to step and look at a situation from afar, you’ll realize that it might not be as polarizing as you think. If you try to understand that person’s actions in light of their background and personality, you might be able to dial back your anger at least a little bit. Even if you don’t agree with them, you might at least be able to understand where their thinking might be coming from. I also find that many preconceptions are easily cleared up through communication and understanding. I know there will be times where being kind won’t work, and that is ok, because we are all human. However, I find that choosing to be kind, not only often helps a difficult situation, but also makes me happier too because it creates more harmony around me.

The Last Few Drops (a.k.a Empties)

I wanted to title this as an empties post, but I always forget details of a product when I use it up completely. Like how did smell? What was the texture? So for the products I talk about below, I am really at the last few drops or the last few uses of it. All three products are more skincare-related as it just takes a lot longer to finish makeup products.

Make P:rem Black Cleansing Water

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. Their Black Cleansing Water is especially striking because of the black colour that comes from peat moss, which is found in many Northern European countries. It is supposed to absorb impurities and be moisturizing at the same time. Their unique Micro-Trans Moisture technology is supposed to help the product absorb more deeply into the skin. This cleansing water is also infused with many other fermented ingredients and oils which help to moisturize and brighten the skin. You can check out the ingredients on the bottom of the product page on their website here. It is also sold with an extra bottle of the product which is great (if you like it that is).

Review: I really enjoyed this cleansing water. It does what it says and does a great job cleaning your makeup off and leaving your skin plump, moisturized, and even a little tacky. Like many cleansing waters, it is not the greatest at removing waterproof makeup, and will sting your eyes a little bit. I prefer using dual-phase makeup removers for eye makeup anyway so this wasn’t a problem for me. The packaging is very minimal, sleek, and ergonomic. My only gripe would be that the pump is quite strong, so sometimes I end up getting the product everywhere. I also wasn’t a big fan of the scent. It smells earthy, but they also added some fragrance to it which didn’t make for a very enjoyable for me.

Repurchase: Maybe. I feel the scent is a deal-breaker for me because I really didn’t enjoy it. However, if you are not bothered by most scented problems, you will really enjoy this cleansing water.

Aritaum Lip & Eye Remover

I’ve been through my fair share of eye makeup removers. I use quite a bit of waterproof makeup so I tend to like dual-phase makeup removers because they usually can get most of my makeup off. This remover from Aritaum contains fermented beans which helps to moisturize the eyelids. It is also not supposed to irritate sensitive eyes.

Review: This is a very good eye makeup remover. It removes everything from eyeshadow to hardcore Japanese waterproof mascaras. I was impressed. Usually, these type of dual-phased removers can leave your eyelids super oily, but I would say this one is definitely on the less oily side. I also a person who has eyes which will get irritated even using the sensitive version of Bioderma and this formula didn’t irritate me at all. Once again, the scent is quite a big con for me. I can’t read the Korean ingredients, but I suspect fragrance is on the list because it definitely doesn’t smell like beans.

Repurchase: Maybe. The scent again is a deterrent for me. However, it does such a good job of removing makeup and the price is more on the drugstore side, so I would probably pick this on a whim if I needed an eye makeup remover.

Lanolips 101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm

You probably have seen the brand Lanolips all over Instagram. It has a lot going for it, including their super cute packaging, being 100% natural, being against animal testing, and not containing artificial colours, fragrances, parabens, petrolatum, PEG’s, mineral oils, and sulfates. Basically, it sounds like a product that is good for you. The key ingredient in this balm is lanolin, which is derived from Australian sheep. It is supposed to mimic human oils, which makes the product compatible for human use. This superbalm has multiple uses, including moisturizing chapped lips and dry nasal passages, and even helping with insect bites.

Review: I really enjoyed the experience of using this product, but it wasn’t super effective for me. The tube is very convenient to use and is great for on-the-go use. The texture is similar to Vaseline, and other similar petroleum-based balms. When you apply it on the lips, it feels very emollient and as if it will seal your lips from moisture-loss. However, the main reason I didn’t find this product that effective for me was because my lips felt great when I applied it. Yet, hours layer when the product wore off, I felt my lips were just as dry. For super dry winter where I live, this just wasn’t enough to keep my lips from getting chapping and peeling. I really wanted to love it though.

Repurchase: No. However, if you don’t live in a cold and dry environment, it might just be moisturizing enough for you.