Basics with CeraVe - Hydrating Facial Cleanser, PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion, and Eye Repair Cream

8:27:00 AM mandy 0 Comments

I think the last time I shopped at CVS, Walgreens, RiteAid, or Duane Reade for beauty products was in 2014...a whopping 4 years ago! I hadn't found any beauty product I genuinely loved and would repurchase even once during that 4 year period. Yet it took me only one visit to the drugstore last year to find that item I would repurchase not just once but a total of six times thus far. A single lotion got me being a product loyalist for almost a year. Naturally, I grew curious about any other possible skincare gems the brand might have.

CeraVe has products in three main categories: cleansers, moisturizers (lotions, creams, and balms included), and sunscreen. Their entire brand is based on ceramides—3 to be exact...1, 3, and 6-II—claiming to "keep skin soft all day" with their patented technology. They want to help replenish the ceramides (lipids/fat naturally "gluing" our skin together) back to essentially re-strengthen the skin's barrier. It is a mighty claim to make but it seems to work well for many as I have found in the beauty subreddits.

I guess this isn't a true "Basics with CeraVe" post. I chose not to try any of their sunscreens. In my defense, I read reviews and searched swatch photos and many said the mineral-based UV protectors gives an unfortunately intense white cast despite the "InvisibleZinc" technology. But in terms of trying a different variety of skin care products CeraVe has, a Hydrating Facial Cleanser, a PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion, and an Eye Repair Cream isn't a bad representation of the necessities.

***Testing this new combo-review format out. I am not sure I quite like how long it is, but couldn't figure out how to group things to logically make sense while being condensed for this style of post.



CerVe's Description:

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, effectively cleanses and hydrates without disrupting the protective skin barrier. This non-foaming lotion, with 3 essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, gently removes dirt and oil while increasing skin hydration after just one use. Fragrance free formula is suitable for sensitive skin.

MVE® Delivery Technology
Controlled release for 24 hour hydration

Hyaluronic Acid
Helps retain skin's natural moisture

Non-Comedogenic
Won't clog pores

Ceramides
All CeraVe products contain the vital ceramides healthy skin needs to help restore and maintain its natural protective barrier.

Fragrance Free
To avoid fragrance irritation

Type of skin
Normal to dry

Areas of concern
Dry skin, facial cleansing, itchy skin, National Eczema Association accepted, psoriasis prone skin care

Directions
Wet skin with lukewarm water. Massage cleanser into skin in a gentle, circular motion. Rinse.

Ingredients
PURIFIED WATER, GLYCERIN, BEHENTRIMONIUM METHOSULFATE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, CERAMIDE 3, CERAMIDE 6-II, CERAMIDE 1, HYALURONIC ACID, CHOLESTEROL, POLYOXYL 40 STEARATE, GLYCERYL MONOSTEARATE, STEARYL ALCOHOL, POLYSORBATE 20, POTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, DIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE, CETYL ALCOHOL, DISODIUM EDTA, PHYTOSPHINGOSINE, METHYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN, CARBOMER, XANTHAN GUM

Cleanser 355 ml / 12 fl oz

CVS & Walgreens: USD $13.99
Amazon: USD $12.39+
Target: USD $10.99

Packaging

Opaque white bottle with a pump. Nothing extraordinary, just gets the job done. I would prefer if the packaging was a tad more translucent if not clear so that I could physically see how much product is left in the bottle. The biggest gripe I have with it is when dried-up cleanser clogs the pump opening, it will cause the product to fly in unpredictable directions during the next squirt.

Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent

Translucent gel-lotion type cleanser that spreads very easily and doesn't have a scent. It is very lightweight and washes away with little to no effort on clean skin. This is not a foaming cleanser. There is no lather whatsoever so skin never feels tight or dry.

How I Apply

Use mostly in the AM after I wake up (when I still washed with cleanser in the mornings). When in the PM, after a cleansing oil or balm.

With wet hands, pump 2-3 times. Rub the product around in my palms first. Then gently massage my face with my hands. Rinse well with water.

Thoughts & Recommendations

I don't think I am ready for non-foaming cleansers. I understand why the Hydrating Facial Cleanser is so beloved by sensitive and drier skin people. It isn't stripping and makes my skin feel soft after a wash. It isn't irritating to rub the product around either.

My brain's connection to "clean" is too strongly linked to lather and bubbles, even if just a little bit. Whenever I use the CeraVe cleanser as a second-step cleanse, I always feel the need to follow up with a cotton round and toner to wipe off "residue". I say in quotes because there isn't ever anything on the pad. Then again...cleansing oils and balms never failed me before; the second-cleanse is just to remove possible oil/balm residue.

Since switching back to a foaming facial cleanser, I have been using the Cerave Hydrating cleanser as a hand cleanser instead for the past few months. My hands get unbearably dry every winter. Using foaming soaps too often only exasperates the crackly tight skin. The biggest challenge I face with the Hydrating Facial Cleanser is against water resistant (mineral) sunscreens. The gel seems to help to unglue the sunscreen from my hands but the lack of a foaming agent means the sunscreen doesn't really lift off from my skin and therefore doesn't wash away with water. If this makes any sense. It is like I rub something that doesn't sink in to my skin around (vaseline-lotion-esque) and then expect it to rinse cleanly. Just doesn't work that way. I always have to thoroughly wipe the remaining residue off with a towel.

That being said, I don't completely hate the product. It just isn't my favorite. I have found a use for it but probably won't run out to the store and stockpile if the bottle is gone.





CerVe's Description:

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion effectively moisturizes and helps to restore the protective skin barrier of the face and neck. This lightweight, non-greasy lotion, with 3 essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, provides all day hydration after just one use. Fragrance free formula is suitable for sensitive skin.

MVE® Delivery Technology
Controlled release for all night hydration

Niacinamide
Helps calm skin

Non-Comedogenic
Won't clog pores

Ceramides
All CeraVe products contain the vital ceramides healthy skin needs to help restore and maintain its natural protective barrier.

Type of skin
Normal to dry

Areas of concern
Acne prone skin care, dry skin

Directions
Apply liberally to face and neck at night, or as directed by a physician.

Ingredients
PURIFIED WATER, GLYCERIN, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDES, NIACINAMIDE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, CERAMIDE 3, CERAMIDE 6-II, CERAMIDE 1, PHYTOSPHINGOSINE, HYALURONIC ACID, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, DIMETHICONE, BEHENTRIMONIUM METHOSULFATE, CETEARETH-20, POLYGLYCERYL-3 DIISOSTEARATE, CHOLESTEROL, XANTHAN GUM, CARBOMER, DISODIUM EDTA, DIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, POTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE, METHYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN

Lotion 89 ml / 3 fl oz

CVS, Walgreens, & Target: USD $16.49+

Packaging

Opaque white bottle with a twist-to-lock pump. I've bought a few bottles of these and some had a white neck and others had a blue one. I am not sure if that is because one is a newer packaging or not.

Again, like the cleanser bottle, it is impossible to see through the packaging (even when held up to the light). The pump dispensing tube doesn't fully reach the bottom either. The only way to find out how much is leftover at the bottom of the bottle when nothing pumps out anymore is to cut it open. Luckily the plastic isn't too difficult to hack through with a box cutter knife. Nonetheless, I am just glad this isn't sold in a jar format.

A bottle lasts me around 1-1.5 months with twice-daily usage.

Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent

White cream straight out of the bottle; becomes clear as it is worked into the skin. It is very lightweight and has a slippery quality to it (possibly from the dimethicone). Once the lotion is absorbed, it leaves behind a matte-ish finish in the sense that there is no residue or tack but not in the sense that it is completely shine-free.

The lotion leaves skin wherever it is applied to immediately feeling soft. There isn't any scent to the lotion; the ingredients list doesn't show any added fragrance or essential oils.

How I Apply

Squirt 4-6 pumps' worth of lotion (more or less: a pump for each cheek, forehead, chin, and two for my neck) into my palms or directly onto my skin. Spread evenly and then pat.

Use as a hand lotion.

I apply the moisturizer both day and night. There doesn't seem to be any ingredients in it that are sunlight sensitive so I don't see why it can't be used in the daytime as well. Plus, I prefer to use a separate sunscreen so I know for sure I sufficiently cover my face with both cream and SPF.

Thoughts & Recommendations

CeraVe took me by surprise, 100%. Even though I bought it knowing it is a dermatologist recommended product, I have always felt a little indifferent towards drugstore-only skincare.

This lotion doesn't have a particularly captivating design and has a rather simple ingredients list; the standouts are obviously niacinamide and the variety of ceramides. But it also lists a silicone and a fair amount of parabens that we've been told are supposedly "bad". Some say those components are pore-clogging and/or could cause cancer. Some say they have received a bad rap and the quoted studies are old or not well supported. For me, I generally tend to avoid both silicones and parabens but I don't completely ban myself from them either.

Aside from the maybe "harmful" ingredients, I have nothing but nice things to say about the CeraVe PM lotion. My skin has never felt softer, even after I cleanse in the mornings with a foaming cleanser. That is saying a lot to how deeply the moisturizer works. I survived a nearly 2-months long cold, nose rubbed raw and all, thanks to the lotion.

I also think the niacinamide helps a lot with keeping my pores less clogged, especially around the nose and right below the lip. I have noticed a dramatic improvement in my overall skin texture after the many months of using the moisturizing lotion. This isn't to say I am completely blemish-free though, but it is at a much better place than it has been in many years.

However, I don't feel like it is as good for dry skin as CeraVe describes it to be. People with very dry skin may find it too lightweight and the moisture not very longlasting. My skin does an ok job at holding onto the lotion for most of the day but once it gets later a night (6pm+) and/or I've been beaten by strong winds, dry patches really shows through and makes my makeup very cakey. I find myself having to layer other products to compensate, especially on my chin area where the flakes are the toughest.

Since I first bought this at CVS last year around May, I have noticed that the PM lotion has increased by USD $1 (USD $15.49 to $16.49) in my local stores. Target also used to list it at about half of CVS' price (~USD $9) but my most recent search shows it is only about ~70% less now. The brand is recently airing more TV commercials and expanding into newer markets (i.e. into the UK) so I guess it may account for some of the new marketing spendings. Luckily the stores that carry CeraVe has frequent deals and manufacturer's coupons.

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CerVe's Description:

CeraVe Eye Repair Cream helps to restore the protective skin barrier of the delicate eye area. This fast absorbing, non-greasy lotion, with 3 essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, reduces the appearance of dark circles and puffiness for brighter, smoother looking skin. Fragrance-free formula is suitable for sensitive skin.

Marine & Botanical Complex
Helps reduce the look of dark circles and puffiness

Ophthalmologist Tested
Recognized as safe for use around the eye area

NEA Seal of AcceptanceTM
Accepted by the National Eczema Association

Ceramides
All CeraVe products contain the vital ceramides healthy skin needs to help restore and maintain its natural protective barrier.

Type of skin
Normal to oily, normal to dry

Areas of concern
Dark circles, dry skin, National Eczema Association accepted

Directions
Apply liberally to face and neck at night, or as directed by a physician.

Ingredients
PURIFIED WATER, NIACINAMIDE, CETYL ALCOHOL, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, GLYCERIN, PROPANEDIOL, ISONONYL ISONONANOATE, JOJOBA ESTERS, PEG-20 METHYL GLUCOSE SESQUISTEARATE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, DIMETHICONE, METHYL GLUCOSE SESQUISTEARATE, CERAMIDE 3, CERAMIDE 6-LL, CERAMIDE 1, HYALURONIC ACID, ZINC CITRATE, PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS (ALMOND) OIL, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE, CHRYSANTHELLUM INDICUM EXTRACT, TOCOPHEROL, EQUISETUM ARVENSE EXTRACT, ASPARAGOPSIS ARMATA EXTRACT, ASCOPHYLLUM NODOSUM EXTRACT, PHENOXYETHANOL, CARBOMER, BEHENTRIMONIUM METHOSULFATE, SORBITOL, TRIETHANOLMANIE, LAURETH-4, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OIL, TETRASODIUM EDTA, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, PHYTOSPHINGOSINE, CHOLESTEROL, XANTHAN GUM

Lotion 14.2 ml / 0.5 fl oz

CVS & Walgreens: USD $16.99+
Target: USD $14.99
Amazon: USD $13.99

Packaging

Opaque squeeze tube with a twist off cap and a precision tip nozzle. I don't mind the lack of transparentness since the packaging is malleable. I easily can feel how much product is left by utilizing the tube squeezing contraptions.

I have come to appreciate the fact that an eye product comes in a tube format and not a jar. I also love the pointed tip as opposed to a typical blunt end found in other tubular container goods.

Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent

Following the theme of all other CeraVe products...their eye cream is also a bit white but the translucent stiff cream eventually blends out clear. There is no scent and is also very lightweight.

The cream can come out sort of curdle-y. Sometimes there are spots in the tube where the formulation is a little separated and bits of liquid squirts out along with the lotion.

How I Apply

Squeeze the cream directly onto my undereye area, following the dark circle U shape. Use my ring finger to lightly press down on the cream to break it down. Gently rub and tap the product in.

Thoughts & Recommendations

The Eye Repair Cream is, disappointing to say, just average. It is a very bare-boned eye cream and great for those who just want an extra layer of hydration under the eyes, but I don't think it does what the brand says it would do (reduce dark circles, brighten, and smooth). Granted, I did not decide to buy this eye cream because of the promised benefits. I just wanted something moisturizing for the under eyes. Even still the amount of hydration isn't mindblowing. Okay not great. Definitely not enough for very dry skin types.

For the price, I think the PM Lotion does an equally good job and costs the same if not less (depending on the vendor) while offering more product. The texture isn't the best either. The biggest thing it has going for it is the packaging. An overall pass from me.

heimish All Clean Balm

12:40:00 AM mandy 0 Comments

Good thing I was patient. Good thing I gave this a second chance. The heimish All Clean Balm has become my favorite cleansing balm tried to date. But credit should be given in part to the company for tweaking the packaging (and possibly formulation) of a beloved product of many to be even better.



memebox's description:

Aromatic and free of parabens, fragrace, or artificial pigments, Heimish's hypoallergenic All Clean Balm will relax and de-stress you as you massage your day's makeup and buildup away. Infused with Coconut Extract and Shea Butter, the balm melts into your skin and emulsifies with water to wash away dust, dirt, and even your heaviest makeup without an oily residue. It also moisturizes and soothes skin with natural botanical extracts like Freesia and Iris, so you won't be left tight and dry.

Directions
Step 1. Spread 3-4 scoops on face with DRY hands
Step 2. Massage in a circular motion with fingertips on point makeup
Step 3. Wash it off with tepid water like rubbing

Ingredients
ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, CETYL ETHYLHEXANOATE, PEG-20 GLYCERYL TRIISOSTEARATE, POLYETHYLENE, PEG-8 ISOSTEARATE, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER, COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) FRUIT EXTRACT, CITRUS AURANTIFOLIA (LIME) FRUIT EXTRACT, FREESIA REFRACTA EXTRACT, IRIS VERSICOLOR EXTRACT, JASMINUM OFFICINALE (JASMINE) EXTRACT, LILIUM TIGRINUM EXTRACT, LEONTOPODIUM ALPINUM EXTRACT, NELUMBIUM SPECIOSUM FLOWER EXTRACT, NARCISSUS PSEUDO-NARCISSUS (DAFFODIL) FLOWER EXTRACT, ROSE EXTRACT, CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS (ORANGE) PEEL OIL, LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA (LAVENDER) OIL, PELARGONIUM GRAVEOLENS FLOWER OIL, AMYRIS BALSAMIFERA BARK OIL, CITRUS PARADISI (GRAPEFRUIT) PEEL OIL, EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS LEAF OIL, MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA (TEA TREE) LEAF OIL, JUNIPERUS MEXICANA OIL, BOSWELLIA CARTERII OIL, CITRUS AURANTIUM BERGAMIA (BERGAMOT) FRUIT OIL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, WATER, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, CITRIC ACID, PHENOXYETHANOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN

Balm 120 ml

Heimish (Korean retail): ₩18,000
oo35mm: USD $20.99
OHLOLLY: USD $19.00
StyleKorean: USD $18.50
Jolse: USD $18.00
YesStyle: USD $17.16

Packaging

Opaque white tub with a flip top lid. The diameter of the jar is larger than average but has a shallow height; this is a design choice I appreciate as I would rather have the option to comfortably use my knuckles to scoop over my fingertips and nails.

Not long after I bought my first jar of All Clean Balm to try, heimish re-released it in this current packaging. I had mentioned how I would love to see a brand incorporate a flip-top lid in my Banila Co. cleansing balm review and lo-and-behold someone finally did it! Not that it had anything to do with my sole comment; these small changes probably take ages to plan and execute. But still, I'm sure enough people voice their thoughts that heimish decided they had to take action. I can say this is my favorite cleansing balm, to date, based solely on the packaging. There's no more fuss over handling a jar, a separate lid, and a spatula while juggling a scoop of balm in my palm.

Besides the most obvious change, heimish also switched up the spatula as well. The newer one, left in the photo above, is a tiny bit longer and the scoop portion is a larger, more circular paddle shape instead of the lean and oblong one from before. The new touch lets me scoop out more product in one go.

Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent

The cleansing balm, old and new, is white. Both have a solidified coconut oil-like consistency; the new one is much smoother straight out of the tub than the older balm though. After body-heat is added in and some massage action takes place, there is no discernable difference.

I was the most turned off by the scent of the original All Clean Balm—some days it smelled citrusy, some days it stank like smelly feet. After months of using the older tub, the latter scent was a more prevalent than the former. Due to that one reason alone, I never thought I would repurchase this product ever again. Luckily, the newer version doesn't have that rancid smell at all. It doesn't have a scent period.

I am not sure what it was since the ingredients list seems to be the same. Maybe they adjusted the essential oil amounts? Maybe I got a dud? Then again...Bestie C used the older version of the cleansing balm as well and said she never thought it smelled bad, let alone stink like feet.

How I Apply

1. Scoop an appropriate amount (varies depending on how much makeup I had put on my face).
2. Massage it gently all over. Focus on crevices and areas with higher concentration of colors.
3. Sometimes wet my hands a little and emulsify the balm.
4. Continuously splash my face with water to fully rinse dissolved makeup and balm away.

Thoughts & Recommendations

Had I not tried the renewed version, I would have recommended people to steer away from this product. The smell was that bad and that persistent. However, the scent is a non-issue now and I only have good things to say about the cleansing balm.

• The price point is good. (around USD $20 plus or minus)
• Amount of product is highly generous. (80ml is standard, 100ml is generous, 120+ml is abnormal)
• The flip-top lid is very convenient. LOVE!
• Works well without stripping my skin. Doesn't leave a film.
• Potentially good for sensitive skin; formulated without mineral oil, color, parabens, and fragrance.

There are only a few things I could see being a nuisance to people.

• Isn't the best at removing fresh waterproof pen eyeliner or lip products that stain. I won't hold that against it because the balm works well enough on worn-out makeup at the end of the day. Even the highly popular Banila Co. Clean It cleansing balm didn't work against the same eyeliner and tint.
• Can give me cloudy eyes but I find that unavoidable since the balm emulsifies once it meets water and my eyeballs aren't dry. The cloudiness goes away after some rinsing.
• Has a ton of essential oils. Some people are reactive to it. I did not to this product.

MAYBELLINE SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick - 15 Lover

1:50:00 AM mandy 0 Comments

I think I can safely say I have a growing affinity for matte lip products; they leave little to no tackiness and feel as if I had applied nothing onto my lips while being insanely pigmented in color. But the ones I have tried so far have been on the pricier end of the spectrum, ranging USD $20+ per stick of pigment.

The sensible side of me has kept me from splurging on more of the JUNGSAEMMOOL High Color Lipsticks. The frugal side of me took the chance to stack coupons and deals in order to test different colored matte lips. Maybelline's SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in 15 Lover seemed to have a big fanbase, judging solely by number ratings, and the muted pink shade looked perfect for everyday wear.


MAYBELLINE's Description:

SuperStay Matte Ink™ Liquid Lipstick gives you a flawless matte finish in a range of super saturated shades.

Ink your lips in up to 16 HR saturated liquid matte. SuperStay Matte Ink™ features a unique arrow applicator for precise application and is available in a range of super saturated shades.

Directions
1. Apply liquid lipstick in the center of your upper lip and follow the contours of your mouth.
2. Glide the liquid lipstick across the entire bottom lip.

Ingredients
DIMETHICONE, TRIMETHYLSILOXYSILICATE, ISODODECANE, NYLON-611/DIMETHICONE COPOLYMER, DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, C30-45 ALKYLDIMETHYLSILYL POLYPROPYLSILSESQUIOXANE, LAUROYL LYSINE, ALUMINA, SILICA SILYLATE, DISODIUM STEAROYL GLUTAMATE, PHENOXYETHANOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, LIMONENE, ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE, PARAFFIN, BENZYL BENZOATE, BENZYL ALCOHOL, CITRONELLOL, PARFUM / FRAGRANCE [+/- MAY CONTAIN / PEUT CONTENIR CI 45410 / RED 28 LAKE CI 77891 / TITANIUM DIOXIDE CI 15850 / RED 7 CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 / IRON OXIDES CI 45380 / RED 22 LAKE CI 15985 / YELLOW 6 LAKE CI 19140 / YELLOW 5 LAKE CI 42090 / BLUE 1 LAKE CI 15850 / RED 6 CI 17200 / RED 33 LAKE MICA] F.I.L. D197345/2

Lipstick tube 5.0 ml / 0.17 fl. oz.

Maybelline (MSRP): USD $9.49

Packaging

Comes in a sturdy opaque plastic tube. One end is colored to match the liquid lipstick. There is a click-lock protrusion to stop anyone from over-tightening the tube. The applicator is arrow-shaped and hollow in the middle.

Since the applicator is bulbous in shape and there is a stopper bit near the top of the tube, it takes a slight tug to release the wand portion of the lipstick from the bottle. When done too quickly, liquid lipstick can fly out. When done slowly, the stopper acts as a scaper of sorts to slightly remove excess product from the tip.

Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent

Maybelline doesn't describe any of the colors of this line on their website. Lover, in my eyes, fall in the dusty rose color category. It leans cool-blue in most situations, purple in certain lighting. When applied in a light, very light, layer the blue tones aren't as apparent.

The liquid lipstick is very sticky and tacky. I saw it the moment I tried to pull the applicator wand out and was greeted by a string of dangling lacquer. No matter how thin or thick a layer I apply, the lipstick never fails to act like a glue keeping my lips together.

True to its name the SuperStay Matte Ink dries matte. There is an initial sheen if applied in a thicker manner but it eventually becomes shine-less.

There is a scent. I can't quite pinpoint what it is but it is definitely not an unpleasant one. I want to say it is like shea butter but that isn't an ingredient on the list.

How I Apply

Gradient // Scrape off most of/all the excess product from the applicator. Lightly swipe the arrow-shaped tip onto the inner portions of my bottom lip only. Smack my lips together to distribute some color onto the upper lip. Feather out the edges with my fingertips.

Thoughts & Recommendations

One thing I know for sure, I love the color of Lover when applied in a light-handed manner. Pink without being overbearing. It is my ideal MLBB shade (if that is still a thing in the beauty world).

The other thing I really like about the formulation is the lack of transfer. I don't have to worry about dirtying mugs, reusable bottles, scarves nor think about reapplying lip color. It only comes off when I eating something oily.

That said, the formulation is also the downfall. I have adjusted to my lips sticking together throughout the day. But the same tackiness makes it difficult to reapply. New layers are always uneven and blotchy. At the same time, the thicker the initial layer the more gluing power there is. Plainly said, don't apply a lot if you talk a lot.

While I can agree with Maybelline on the "saturated shade" part of their description, "16-hour wear" is a bit of a stretch. I am assuming they tested that on someone who did not eat or drink anything with even a tiny bit oily. The SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick does stay a very long time—the lipstick is difficult to blend once it has settled. But when it meets oil, bye-bye!

My biggest pet peeve with this particular product though is the way it wears off on my lips...in flakes. It always looks like peeling paint after a meal with the inner lip areas the most naked. Paired with any of the cons I mentioned above, it is impossible to remove without carrying around extra makeup remover and unideal to reapply more color without starting with bare lips.

This wasn't a bad buy considering the price I paid (nearly half the suggested retail). I had a bit of a learning curve. Once I got over the hurdle, it didn't feel as terrible. I reach for this tube of liquid lipstick often now just because of the color alone. If high color pigmentation and transferability is most important, go for it.

Daily Look | Dusty Rose

12:49:00 AM mandy 0 Comments

I wanted to share an update on how Project Make a Dent was going but realized many of the products don't look much different from my first post since it's only been two months. The next best option was to show how I have been incorporating the chosen items into my makeup routine during this time period.

Dusty rose was a trending makeup look a while back on YouTube. I was always a little apprehensive towards one-color trends because it felt kind of tacky, like wearing head-to-toe in one color and becoming a walking crayon sans the costume. It might look chic if white, gray, or black; anything else takes someone more fashionable than me to pull off. Throw a pink shade into the mix and it could easily make my face look blotchy instead of put-together.

Somehow, one day I played around with the colors I forced upon myself this year and the monochrome theme didn't look as bad as I imagined it to be.





There hasn't been a big change in the steps of my morning routine. The biggest changes from December's "Daily Look" post is a few product removals and a bunch of color swaps.

On this particular day, I still started with a light layer of Clio Kill Cover Pro Artist Liquid Concealer in Green. I followed with a layer of just the foundation in the VDL MULE Ultimate Cover Palette in A03 that was set with a dusting of Kate Lasting High Coverage Powder Foundation in OC-C, focusing mostly on the eye area and T-zone. Afterward, I applied the bronzer shade from MAC Cosmetics Mineralize Skinfinish in Pink Power under my cheekbones and temples of my forehead. I used the Milani Minerals Blush in Sweet Rose on top of my cheeks and lightly over my eyelids. For highlight, I opted to use Urban Decay in Virgin.

I applied Urban Decay in Toasted all over the lid as well to add a bit of shimmer and textural contrast to the eyes. It is barely noticeable but I swept the Hustle shade close to the lash line on the outer corner of the lids, to give my eyes more depth...I think? Then I curled my lashes and applied Clio Hitch Eye-King Mascara in Volume, lined my eyes with L'Oreal Paris Infallible Matte-Matic Waterproof Eyeliner in Deep Brown, and filled in my brows with JUNGSAEMMOOL  Refining Color-Bony Brow in Smoky Bony. The finishing touch is always a light coating of Maybelline Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in Lover on the innermost part of the lips.

What do you think? Not bad or tacky? Should I continue this series when I change up my look for the warmer months?