The Beauty Update: Spring 2019
When pay-checks come in, they go to the following areas (other than savings, of course): Food & Drinks, a little bit of Entertainment here and there, and beauty products. Though as the pretty decent money-saver that I am, I don’t buy things unless I absolutely need to - aka when I run out of product - OR when things are on sale; that was the case for most of these Spring 2019 purchases. I was PRETTY happy about this “haul” that is honestly more skincare than makeup this time around, and has been helping me on the journey to achieve glowing, flawless skin (will still be some time, but progress is solid). I guess the Saje items aren’t really beauty… BUT they make me feel good, and that’s what matters.
GLOSSIER
“The pH-balanced, creamy gel formula is made with a blend of five skin conditioners so your face is left feeling healthy and soft, never tight.” - Glossier
I’ve heard so many rave reviews about this, so I had to try it for myself. I love how the rosewater gives it a light fragrance, and the jelly texture is so pleasant to the hands and face.
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Key ingredients: Poloxamer (strong yet mild cleansing agent used in contact lens solution), Rosewater (soothing, smells great), Comfrey Root Extract (heals dry, stressed skin), Aquaxyl (refills skin’s water reserves, improves barriers to prevent dehydration), Pro-Vitamin B5 (powerful, natural moisturizer).
“A perfectly-proportioned combination of micellar water and weightless oil is the strength behind [this product’s] dissolving powers.” - Glossier
I wish this product came in a larger size (it’s currently only sold at 100mL - perfect travel size, though) because I LOVE it! It removes waterproof eye-makeup very cleanly without the greasiness you might get from other removers. But make sure you shake it well to get the best results.
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Key ingredients: Micellar Water (attracts dirt, oil, and makeup like a magnet), Pro-Vitamin B5, Comfrey Root Extract.
“A hydrating, long-lasting, multipurpose lip balm and skin salve that’s packed with antioxidants and natural emollients to nourish and repair dry, chafed skin.” - Glossier
Birthday Balm has a clear, light shimmering sheen, and smells like vanilla cake with rainbow icing! The product is as moisturizing and as delicious as they say it is. One thing I find though is that because of its thick consistency, I have to really rub it in my lips following application.
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Key ingredients: Castor Seed Oil (to lock in moisture), Beeswax (a natural protective barrier), Cupuacu Fruit Extract (long-lasting moisturizer with Omega-6 & Omega-9), Rice Bran and Rosemary Leaf Extracts (antioxidants to combat free-radical skin damage).
Institut esthederm + saje
“A facial lotion formulated with Propolis, an ingredient with a combination of resinous substances that has synergistic, decongesting and soothing properties to help diminish residual marks.” Institut Esthederm
Been getting some bad breakouts recently (I’m talking “ large-bumps-underneath-the-skin” bad…), so my aesthetician recommended this lotion/toner to me. It has really helped speed up the disinfecting and healing process, but is quite intensive (as the name accurately suggests), so should be used carefully.
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Key ingredients: Cellular Water (boost skincare efficiency), Propolis Extract (50%), Zinc Gluconate (absorbs oil on skin).
“A soft serum that soothes sensitive or reactive skin and improves the skin’s resistance to external aggressions.” - Institut Esthederm
Basically, it helps to reduce the redness of skin, through its soothing properties. I haven’t noticed any super dramatic difference (I can see some subtle results though), but paired with all my other skincare, it’s at least got my skin looking and feeling soft and nourished.
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Key ingredients: Cellular Water, Vitamin E2 (antioxidant; reduces skin’s sensitivity & reactivity).
saje: eater’s digest / bliss
“When your eyes are bigger than your stomach and your belly protests, smooth on this remedy to help soothe stomach discomfort and support healthy digestive function.” - Saje
Eater’s Digest is my LIFESAVER for all of my stomach problems, whether it be gas or just general upset. 100% recommend.
Key ingredients: Fennel (helps relieve digestive complaints), Chamomile (natural nervous sedative), Peppermint (relieves symptoms of indigestion).
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“Feel an exhilarating rush of pure happiness with this sweet and uplifting blend. Citrusy orange boosts your mood, refreshing grapefruit heightens your awareness and floral rose soothes your emotions.” - Saje
Key ingredients: Orange (promotes relaxation & feelings of happiness), Geranium (brightens mood, encourages balance), Rose (nervous sedative).
Other great hauls
Side note: that odd, round thing is a Banksia Seed Pod from Australia that has been hand-crafted into an all-natural aroma diffuser. You can find more information about it here.
“This gentle, super-fine, cloud-like mist envelops skin in moisture to help set and refresh the look of makeup for a long-lasting, fresh look.” - Sephora/BECCA
I have to confess right off the bat: this is a pretty pricey setting spray… but it was intriguing, so I splurged a bit. The mist is as super-fine as advertised, and sprays very evenly onto the skin. The scent is refreshing, but not too overpowering. And it leaves you with a nice, subtle glow.
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Key ingredients: Hawaiian Sea Water and Desert Spring Water (hydrates skin), Goji Berry, Blueberry Extract, Cranberry Extract, Vitamin E (nourishes & nurtures skin).
Limited-edition pastel-blue case with chrome cap inspired by the Marc Jacobs Spring 2019 fashion Show.
“Experience ultimate volume and the look of thick, false lashes. The lash-maximizing, curvy brush places the most volume at the hard-to-reach centre lash line, and the defining tip styles lashes for major drama.” - Sephora/Marc Jacobs
I have yet to try another mascara that’s as volumizing & lengthening as this one; I actually had someone ask me if I had lash extensions done, and I was proud to say “Nope, it’s all natural!” It has easily become one of my “Holy Grail” makeup products.
“A bestselling, cult-favourite lip treatment that moisturizes, protects, and smooths the lips with a blend of moisture-preserving sugar and nourishing oils, antioxidant-rich polyphenols, and essential SPF protection, delivering long-lasting moisture for soft, supple lips.” - Sephora/FRESH
Got this mini version at Sephora as a beauty reward. Again, I’ve heard a lot of positive things about this line, and I’m glad I only got the sample and not the full size; I didn’t know it contains SPF, which my lips don’t react well to… otherwise, it’s great! Love the packaging and colour!
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Key ingredients: Sugar (prevents moisture loss), Meadowfoam and Black Currant Seed Oils (maintain hydration levels), Grapeseed Oil, Vitamin C & E (smooth & soften; rich in antioxidants to protect from damaging free radicals).
“Iconic, non-greasy vegan face oil, made even more luxurious with gold flakes. Lightweight oil helps quench thirsty skin & balance acne-prone skin without clogging pores. Leave your complexion glowing.” tarte
This has pretty much replaced my evening moisturizer. I love it so much, I’ve already gone through a whole bottle of the original version, but decided to add some glam with the gold edition (it’s only $2 more). Nice light scent, very moisturizing and not greasy at all - absorbs really well into my skin.
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Key ingredients: Maracuja Oil (rich in essential fatty acids & vitamin C for firmer, brighter, smoother skin).
