Back again with another 5 empties (fully finished products)! I have a bunch of empties this month, but, as usual, I am keeping these posts to 5 products to keep them short. As always, I’m super excited to take a good look at what I thought of the products I’ve finished and whether or not I’d buy them again. And, of course, thank you so much for being here, and it would mean so much to me if you subscribe here or on Instagram @liftbakelove for new posts.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser – This is a very hydrating facial cleanser was great for my dry skin. It cleaned my skin and didn’t just not strip it of moisturize, but actually added hydration. This bottle also lasted me a really long time because I didn’t need to use very much. That said, I still like the Allies of Skin Molecular Silk Amino Hydrating Cleanser even more and have another bottle of it to get through. I won’t be repurchasing the Kiehl’s Cleanser, but I did really enjoy using it while I had it.
Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator (previous empty) – This continues to be my favorite facial mist of all time. I’ve tried a few others for testing, but I always end up missing this one. It’s so hydrating, it helps my other products sink in better and faster, and it smells amazing too. I’ve used it alone with nothing else if I’m in a pinch and somehow it actually moisturizes my skin enough even with my incredibly dry skin. I have been through so many bottles of this and will definitely grab more when the next Credo/Ulta sale comes around. I’m planning on repurchasing this forever unless something really amazing launches that knocks it out of its HG spot in my routine.
Athena Club Cloud Shave Foam – I have extremely dry skin, and I appreciated the extra moisture from this shave foam when shaving. That said, it’s pretty expensive and not super unique so I switched back to the Flamingo shave gel which I actually found at our local supermarket for $5 (the same price as getting it direct online). I would love recommendations if you have any though because I love testing new shaving gels and foams!
Clinique Moisture Surge Hydrating Supercharged Concentrate (previous empty)– I’ve been using this for years as my hydrating serum in my nighttime routine, and it definitely works really well for what it does. That said, this seems to keep going up in price (it used to be in the high 30s) and doesn’t feel worth it when there are so many great hydrating serums out there. I have a few more of these to get through because I had gotten a bunch of back-ups during a sale on Clinique’s website, but I’m planning to switch over to The Most from PSA Skin (you can read my review here) and will not be repurchasing this.
Phytosurgence Verdant Forcefield – This is described as a skin barrier reinforcing moisturizer that hydrates, softens, moisturizes, and protects with well studied vitamins, actives, and extracts. And it does all of that! I love how quickly is sinks in so I can move on to my next step without any pilling and how much softer my skin feels now that I’ve been all the way through it. Because it’s slightly green tinted, I loved using it under makeup to counter any redness. It’s also only about $11 per ounce, which is a bargain compared to some of my other faves like like the Dr. Jart Ceramidin Cream at $28.4/ounce and Farmacy Honey Drop at $26.4/ounce. I have a bunch of moisturizer to get through, but I will repurchase this at some point.
I’d love to know – what have you finished lately? Like I mentioned, I have a ton more empties that I will be posting about, and I’ll be sharing empties posts every other Friday all year. Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to see here on LiftBakeLove, and thanks for reading! As always, some links may be affiliate links that support the blog, but all reviews/opinions are completely my own and unsponsored.
Kackie has one of my favorite beauty channels to watch – so much so that it’s part of my morning routine Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays when she posts new videos, and I can’t imagine it any other way. What makes her stand out for me is that she actually reviews products rather than fawning over new releases. She covers textures, colors, formulation, packaging, etc. in depth, usually with comparisons to similar products you might already have. She has what she refers to as an encyclopedic knowledge of products, and I think that’s why I find her reviews so helpful. Kackie goes out of her way to give the most pertinent information to help viewers decide why something might or might not work for them and what they should know about the product when making a purchasing decision. For that reason, almost everything I’ve gotten because of her recommending it has become a fast favorite and something I wish I had bought sooner. Because I’m on a no-buy in 2022, I rounded up all the products Kackie made me buy in 2021 since my last “Kackie made me buy it” post. As always, thank you so much for being here, and it would mean so much to me if you subscribe here or on Instagram @liftbakelove for new posts!
Lisa Eldridge Liquid Lurex Eyeshadow in Angelica and Bianca – I absolutely love this eyeshadow. This formula is so quick and easy to use. It’s almost like a mousse and feels halfway between a cream and a liquid. I’ve tried using a brush and fingers, with and without a primer, and applying directly from the doe-foot and from my hand – nothing I tried didn’t work out amazingly. The formula doesn’t crease and looks exactly the same all day. I tested it on a 17-hour makeup day, and it honestly could have just been applied. I’ve used it as one sheer layer, a thicker application, and layered on top of itself, and it looked great all three ways. I love how I have enough time to play with it and blend it out however I want before it sets down. They’re also some of the more spangly eyeshadows I’ve ever used, which may be the thing I love about them the most. Angelica is a rosy bronze that is the absolute perfect shade for me – I feel like I’ve been hunting for this color for years, and here it is. Bianca is a warm, purply-pink that really makes my brown eyes pop.
Angelica (left) and Bianca (right)
Tower 28 Beauty BeachPlease Lip + Cheek Cream Blush in Happy Hour – This is one of the dewiest blushes I own – it’s super pretty on dry skin. The formula of these is incredibly easy to use and blends out super quickly. It does leave a slight stickiness that isn’t always my favorite, especially if I know I’m going to be wearing a mask. This is described as a warm toned pink, but I find it pulls very peachy-orange on me. Because of that, I haven’t used it that much since we’ve been in the winter months, and I’m excited to use it more in the summer. Of all the blushes Kackie has “made me buy,” I think this is my least favorite, but that’s just because she sets the bar so high with all the other blush recommendations.
Pat Mcgrath Divine Blush in Fleurtatious – The formula is incredibly smoothing and blurring, and it looks so beautiful on my skin. It is one of my most flattering powder blushes, and it’s the one I use when I don’t want to think about how I’m applying my blush. It lasts incredibly well, and it works great to set a cream blush if I want my look to last all day. Fleurtatious is a warm-toned light pink that works so well with the tones that I love to use, and as you can see in the swatch below, it’s just pigmented enough to show up but not too pigmented to take over a look.
Em Cosmetics So Soft Blush – I knew I would love these the first time Kackie described the texture of these – they’re everything I look for in a cream blush. The So Soft formula is incredibly soft and creamy (like the name implies), and that makes it so easy and quick to apply. It blends so seamlessly into the skin without disappearing. It’s actually one of the longest wearing cream blushes I own despite being so blendable. I have the shades Lychee (warm melon), Venetian Rose (vinatge rose), and Pearl Tea (brownish nude), and I get lots of use out of all the shades.
ABH Dewy Set Setting Spray – The Cover FX Dewy Finish Setting Spray had been my favorite for years, but I like this even better. It does just the right amount of dewiness and sets my makeup while still leaving everything skin-like and flexible. I love how this makes my makeup look after everything is said and done and how it provides great lasting power without drying out my skin (in fact, I think it adds another layer of hydration). It’s also less expensive than similar options, like the Hourglass Setting Spray Kackie says it’s a dupe of, so I’m very excited this has come into my makeup routine.
Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation in Melrose – I honestly think this might be my favorite foundation of all time. I’m surprised I haven’t written about it yet! The formula is so incredibly smoothing and glowy. It makes my skin look both perfected and hydrated while feeling super comfortable on the skin. I can put it on with a brush, sponge, or fingers, and it looks great. The wear time is amazing considering how lightweight it is, and it absolutely wears in instead of off. I’m so happy I decided to grab this!
Kosas AirBrow – Kackie convinced me to try this over, and I’m so glad I did! It finally unseated Glossier Boy Browhich I had been using for years. It tints and fills in the brows so quickly and easily without overdoing it or over applying the gel. It doesn’t get crunchy or hard and stays in place all day. I prefer it to the Boy Brow because it’s a bit thicker so it lasts longer and keeps my brows exactly where I want them all day.
Glow-All Super Powder Face Palette – I really struggle with powder products because they tend to stamp on vs deposit color and blend out so it’s super easy for me to overdo. I knew based on Kackie’s description I would have no issues with this formula, and she was right! It’s so easy to work with and you don’t have to think about what you’re doing because it’s so hard to overdo it. The formula is also incredibly creamy and blurring as you can hopefully see in the swatches below. I’m so happy to have this for travel and for quick and easy looks at home. I brought it with me when we visited family for Thanksgiving, and it was great to have everything in one palette, including such different blush colors. You can still get a pretty big brush in the pans, which I really appreciate. The palette is $17.13, and I’m loving it so much more than my Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit – Sculpture Unlocked palette which was $58.
highlighter, bronzer, and blushes from the face palette
Beauty Pie Triple Beauty Luminizing Wand – This blends so easily and quickly and creates a sophisticated glow without glitter. It’s a perfect wash of light-catching pigment and is also blurring. It looks great as a finishing touch to any look I’ve used it in, and I love that it looks great on the cheeks, brow bone, inner corner, or anywhere else I want it to go. I can apply it straight from the wand or use my fingers or a brush and it works great. It only comes in one shade but I think this shade would work for a lot of people because it’s so sheer. Compared to $38 for the Charlotte Tilbury version of this, it’s incredible that this only costs $9.18. I honestly would’ve thought this was a luxury product down to the packaging, and I can’t believe it’s less than $10.
Beauty Pie Seamless Foundation Buffing Brush – This brush is really densely packed which ensures it maintains the level of coverage of any product I’m using it with. It also never creates any streaks and cleans really well even with consistently using it with liquid products. While this brush is amazing for foundation, I actually love it even more for cream blush. It blends every formula so seamlessly and quickly and is my go-to for when I’ve overdone my blush and need to blend everything together quickly because of its size. This brush is under $10 and feels similar to my much more expensive synthetic brushes. I now totally understandwhy Kackie said in her review that she wanted tons of these in her collection.
Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to see here on LiftBakeLove, and thanks for reading! As always, some links may be affiliate links that support the blog, but all reviews/opinions are completely my own and unsponsored.
During the 2021 holidays, I was gifted some Glossier products, including the Body Hero Daily Oil Wash, Moisturizing Moon Mask, and Mega Greens Galaxy Pack. I also have been using the Body Hero Dry-Touch Oil Mist for what feels like years, so I decided to pull together a review of the bodycare and skincare items I’ve used from Glossier. As always, thank you so much for being here, and it would mean so much to me if you subscribe here or on Instagram @liftbakelove for new posts!
Glossier Body Hero Dry-Touch Oil Mist – I’m not a huge fan of the packaging (who wants to spray oil everywhere and try to handle a glass bottle with oily hands?), but the oil in here is the most moisturizing body oil I’ve tried. It also smells great – the scent of this is described as a “Orange Blossom Neroli scent (with fresh notes of pear, mandarin, and cypress) that faintly lingers on skin for a whisper of “vacation” throughout the day” and that is so accurate. It always makes me take a moment to just enjoy how good this smells (and feels), and it definitely does continue to smell great for awhile in good way. It absorbs incredibly fast so moisturizing my whole body with this is super quick. I find I actually use this more often because it sinks in so well and just finished my second bottle (which is why it’s not pictured). I poured it into an airless pump bottle from one of my skincare empties though, and I like using it so much more with pump packaging.
Glossier Body Hero Daily Oil Wash – This has the same scent as the oil, which is honestly the thing I like most about it. I feel like I need to use a ton of this to feel like I’m using enough to be clean, and it feels wasteful to be using so many pumps every time I shower. It says it “turns frothy when it mixes with water, then washes away without drying out skin.” I would say that it does both of these things, but it takes a lot of work and product for it to froth up. It also doesn’t dry out the skin, but it doesn’t moisturize it either. As someone with super dry skin, it just doesn’t do enough for me.
Glossier Moisturizing Moon Mask – This mask is one of my favorites for my dry skin. It’s as intensely hydrating as advertised, and my skin always feels so great after I use this. Despite it being incredibly hydrating, it still isn’t quite as moisturizing as the Farmacy Honey Potion Mask, which is my ultimate HG mask. But I’m glad I have both because the Glossier mask doesn’t heat up like the Farmacy one, so it’s way better when I’m not cold, and I’m super excited to have it as an option in Spring and Summer. , but it’s better for when I’m not cold since it doesn’t heat up on the skin like that one does.
Glossier Mega Greens Galaxy Pack – I have incredibly dry skin and haven’t had much luck with clay masks in the past because of that. I only leave this on for about 5 minutes instead of the recommended twenty to avoid having too much moisture pulled from my skin. That said, it’s not too drying and leaves my skin feeling incredibly clear and smooth. It works great following it up with the Moon Mask or any of my other hydrating masks. I thought I wouldn’t like this one but I’m actually really glad I have it!
What products do you want me to review next? Let me know in the comments below! Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to see here on LiftBakeLove, and thanks for reading! As always, some links may be affiliate links that support the blog, but all reviews/opinions are completely my own and unsponsored.
Back again with another 5 empties (fully finished products)! As usual, I am keeping these posts to 5 products to keep them short even though I’ve finished more than these. As always, I’m super excited to take a good look at what I thought of the products I’ve finished and whether or not I’d buy them again. And, of course, thank you so much for being here, and it would mean so much to me if you subscribe here or on Instagram @liftbakelove for new posts.
Dermadoctor Lotion for Dry Rough Bumpy Skin + Keratosis Pilaris with 10% AHAs + PHAs – This honestly didn’t do anything for my KP so I’m glad that I got the travel size. It was hydrating and sunk in quickly but didn’t do much of anything else. It also didn’t have a fragrance. I won’t be repurchasing this and will be trying some of the similar products from First Aid Beauty instead.
KBshimmer Clearly on Top Quick Dry – This top coat is incredible and only $6. It dries so fast, doesn’t cause shrinkage, and is super shiny. I can do a full manicure in less than 30 minutes and go about my day, including going the gym, with no issues. I also have way fewer chips than normal, and my nails last way longer than with other top coats. With how affordable this is, I’m so impressed and can’t imagine going back to more expensive top coats when this works even better than they do. After I finished this, I bought the big refill bottle so I’d never be without this topcoat.
Farmacy Honey Halo Hydrating Ceramide Moisturizer (repeat empty) – This is the best moisturizer I’ve tried for my super dry skin. It’s incredibly thick but still absorbs super quickly and plays well with my other night time skincare products. Usually by this time of year, my skin starts to get flaky and itchy because it’s so dry, but I’ve had no issues since I’ve been using this. It’s honestly been saving my dry skin from totally losing all its hydration overnight. I have a few backups of the jumbo version, so I won’t be buying this gain for a long time, but I will absolutely repurchase again when I’m out.
Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara in Brynn (repeat empty) – This continues to be the best mascara I’ve ever used. I’ve moved on to one of the four minis I have, and I still love it. It makes my lashes look amazing, doesn’t smudge, and actually holds a curl. The best part is that it washes off so easily and quickly. I still have more minis to get through after this and will definitely repurchase until an amazing tubing formula comes out that’s better than this one.
Trader Joe’s Ultra Moisturizing Hand Cream – My husband wanted to include this empty this week and in his words: This hand cream is incredibly thick and feels luxurious. The formula was moisturizing and made my hands feel hydrated. My only issue with this was it was slightly on the oily side and took a few minutes to sink it. He would absolutely repurchase it and already has.
I’d love to know – what have you finished lately? Like I mentioned, I have a ton more empties that I will be posting about, and I’ll be sharing empties posts every other Friday all year. Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to see here on LiftBakeLove, and thanks for reading! As always, some links may be affiliate links that support the blog, but all reviews/opinions are completely my own and unsponsored.
As part of my no-buy year, I’m trying to really get to know and love my collection and starting a “favorite products under $X series” to help me in that process. I’ll be doing posts every month for different dollar amounts, and I’m so excited to dive into my collection in this way. This time, I’m writing about my favorite products under $40. I would love see your favorites and recommendations for under $40 beauty products in the comments! And, of course, thank you so much for being here, and it would mean so much to me if you subscribe here or on Instagram @liftbakelove for new posts.
MAC Glow Play Blush ($31) – This formula has been my go-to for finishing off my cheek looks because it has a really incredible blurring quality that really pulls together any look I’ve done. Because the texture feels like a cross between a powder and a cream, it adds a slight sheen like a cream and has great lasting power like a powder. I own So Natural (golden beige), Blush Please (neutral light mauve), Heat Index (bright pink), and Grand (petal pink) and get a ton of use out of all of them. My favorites are Blush Please and So Natural because they are both fairly neutral and pair so well with so many different eyeshadow, lip product, and blush combinations. I love the pinkier tones too, especially as we head into spring.
Mac Glow Play Blush in Heat Index, Grand, Blush Please, and So Natural
Em Cosmetics Heaven’s Glow Radiant Veil Blush ($34) – This is my other favorite blush to use on top of cream blush. It provides a soft, glowy look without being overly pigmented and is such an easy way to brighten up a look. I also use this to set cream and liquid blushes if I know I’ll be on video calls for 12 hours, and the colors I have cover a wide enough range to match with almost any look I’m doing. There’s a bit of a sheen to them, so they’re great if I’m in a hurry because I can use these without needing a highlighter. My favorite shade right now is Baroque, a beautiful bronzy beige, but I use Magic Hour (peachy-pink) and Venetian Rose (vintage rose) all the time. These are definitely my most used powder blushes (since the Glow Play are more of a hybrid).
Em Cosmetics Heaven’s Glow Radiant Veil Blush in Baroque, Magic Hour, and Venetian Rose
Lisa Eldridge Velvet Matte Lipsticks ($36) – This formula is the most comfortable matte lipstick I’ve tried – they’re not drying at all, have the staying power I expect from a matte lipstick, and looks velvety smooth on the lips. They’re highly pigmented and blurring and cover the lips in one swipe. I have the shades Velvet Fawn, Velvet Muse, Velvet Petal, Velvet Affair, Velvet Midnight, and Velvet Dragon. My most used are definitely the first four lighter shades, but I love dabbing on Velvet Midnight or Velvet Dragon as more of a stain. These are definitely worth it in my opinion, even though they’re some of my most expensive lipsticks.
Lisa Eldridge Velvet Matte Lipsticks in Velvet Fawn, Velvet Muse, Velvet Petal, Velvet Affair, Velvet Midnight, and Velvet Dragon
Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator ($35) – This continues to be my favorite facial mist of all time. I’ve tried a few others for testing, but I always end up missing this one. It’s so hydrating, it helps my other products sink in better and faster, and it smells amazing too. I’ve used it alone with nothing else if I’m in a pinch and somehow it actually moisturizes my skin enough even with my incredibly dry skin. I’m planning on repurchasing this forever unless something really amazing launches that knocks it out of its HG spot in my routine, and it’s totally worth the price to me (though I try to always get it on sale).
Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47 ($34)– This has been my sunscreen of choice for a couple years now since I first tried it. It’s both moisturizing and lightweight and doesn’t leave a white cast despite being an all mineral sunscreen. I love that the formula doesn’t dry out my skin or have a tint that leaves my face looking a strange color like a lot of mineral sunscreens tend to do. It doesn’t pill, it great under makeup, and also smells amazing – every time I put it on, it just cheers me up and helps me get ready to face the day.
Farmacy Honey Potion Renewing Antioxidant Hydration Mask ($38) – This mask warms up as you massage it into your skin, so not only does it work to deeply moisturize and calm my skin, it’s also a really great relaxing experience. It is the perfect mask to use after an exfoliating treatment or when your skin is feeling extra dry. It really is the best face mask of all time and is just so soothing and comforting. It’s my go to for when my skin is feeling stressed, irritated, overly dry, or anything else that requires help. It always comes to the rescue, and my skin feels so cared for after I use this. My 1.7oz jar has lasted forever so it was totally worth the investment.
Allies of Skin Molecular Silk Amino Hydrating Cleanser – This is my favorite cleanser, and it was first cleanser I’ve ever used that doesn’t require putting on moisturizer immediately afterwards. It creates such a luxurious cleansing experience, like you are cleaning your skin with silk. And while it really does clean, it also leaves your skin feeling hydrated. I’ve also used it as a quick mask by leaving it on for a few minutes before washing it off, and I love it that way. It really helps with any extra dryness, and I love that I don’t need to use a separate mask.
What are your favorite products under $40? Let me know in the comments below! Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to see here on LiftBakeLove, and thanks for reading! As always, some links may be affiliate links that support the blog, but all reviews/opinions are completely my own and unsponsored.
I can’t believe March is already almost over, and it’s time for another round of favorites! As always, I’m only featuring products in my favorites that are true favorites that I’ve been using consistently for longer than a couple months. If there’s anything you were looking for a review on or a topic that you want me to cover, please let me know if the comments below! And, of course, thank you so much for being here, and it would mean so much to me if you subscribe here or on Instagram @liftbakelove for new posts.
Beauty Pie Triple Beauty Luminizing Wand – This blends so easily and quickly and creates a sophisticated glow without glitter. It’s a perfect wash of light-catching pigment and is also blurring. It looks great as a finishing touch to any look I’ve used it in, and I love that it looks great on the cheeks, brow bone, inner corner, or anywhere else I want it to go. I can apply it straight from the wand or use my finger – either way, it takes only a few seconds to apply and blend. This is the highlighter I reach for when I need something super quick which has been most days this month.
Ilia True Skin Serum Concealer in Arrowroot – I have been loving this concealer ever since I got it. It has a very hydrating feel and finish without being too glossy or dewy. It’s light to medium coverage which matches with the coverage level I prefer for my foundations. Despite being so hydrating, it’s long-wearing and non-creasing throughout the day. It’s also incredibly blendable and easy to work with. I can use it under my eyes, for spot concealing, or all over as a light coverage foundation, and it works great. I’m so glad I have this one!
Fitglow Beauty Lip Color Serums – I know I talk about the Lip Color Serums all the time, but I really do use them. The formula is incredibly nourishing, thick, hydrating, and long-lasting, and I just reach for them so often especially because they work so well as toppers for more matte lipsticks or lip liners. All the shades are beautiful, and I can always find one to match my look. Lately, I’ve been really loving the shade Halo. It’s described as a soft brown nude, and it’s honestly my favorite neutral lip shade. I only have a tiny bit left of my mini, and I’m definitely going to grab the full size when my no-buy is over, and I’ve had a chance to finish some of my other shades.
Fitglow Beauty Lip Colour Serum in Halo
Holo Taco Sea Foam Home – This is a creme shade that is described as a “cool mint,” but I find that it reads more of a light teal. I’ve been using this in nail art over and over again. I didn’t think it would be this useful of a shade, but it’s been so great to have. Holo Taco’s creme formula is incredibly smooth, self-leveling, and pigmented. It works so well for water marbling and other nail art. These are all from the last month and show how useful this shade of green can be!
Amika Multi-Task Repair Treatment – My hair had been feeling incredibly dry and lifeless lately, but when I added this into my routine, it’s like my hair went right back to normal and then some. It makes my hair feel so soft, so much less frizzy, and way shinier. It also has more volume and movement without me doing anything to it, which I love. I’ve only been using it once a week, and that’s been plenty to see results.
What were your favorites this month? Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to see here on LiftBakeLove, and thanks for reading! As always, some links may be affiliate links that support the blog, but all reviews/opinions are completely my own and unsponsored.
Back again with another 5 empties (fully finished products)! I have a bunch of empties this month, but, as usual, I am keeping these posts to 5 products to keep them short. As always, I’m super excited to take a good look at what I thought of the products I’ve finished and whether or not I’d buy them again. And, of course, thank you so much for being here, and it would mean so much to me if you subscribe here or on Instagram @liftbakelove for new posts.
Cutex Nourishing Nail Polish Remover – I was trying to find something more cost effective than my favorite remover, the Zoya 3-in-1 Formula Remove + Nail Polish Remover. This just doesn’t remove as well or quickly and felt like it was damaging my cuticle way more than the Zoya one. I’ve already repurchased the Zoya one instead and am planning on buying the bigger refill bottle to save money and plastic packaging.
Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter – I have yet to find another body butter I like more than this one. It is incredibly moisturizing while still being fast absorbing and super lightweight. I love all the scents, but this unscented one is my favorite to mix with any body oils so there’s no competing fragrances. I’ve been using this a ton now that we’re really into winter, and my skin is drier than ever. It’s been so helpful to keep my skin from getting to that “so dry it’s unbearable and itchy” state. I am currently on a backup of this and then have a bunch of other body lotion to get through, but I’m planning on repurchasing this when those all run out.
Pixi Fortifeye Firming Eye Patches – I honestly didn’t feel like these did anything for my undereye area. They felt nice, but otherwise, I’m not sure they had any lasting effects. It’s much also more wasteful than something like the Dieux Forever Eye Mask. The Dieux masks are reusable and do the same type of thing, but I like them so much more because I can use them with eye products that I know are effective and they don’t slide down my face. I will definitely not be repurchasing the Pixi eye patches.
The Inkey List PCA Bond Repair Hair Treatment – I really struggle with breakage and split ends, and this product has completely changed that for me. I use this after every shower and now have way less breakage and almost no split ends despite not getting a hair cut for a long, long time. My hair also feels much softer and less frizzy even if I only used just this product. I’m used to needing to use a couple of different products to get my hair to look and feel great, so that has really impressed me! The only con for me is that I can’t stand this packaging – it’s so hard to spray the product, and I ended up having to pour this into a different container to keep using it. For $12.99, it’s absolutely worth dealing with though, and I’ll repurchase this once I get through some of my other hair treatment products.
Josie Maran Skin Dope Argan Oil + 100 mg CBD – I’ve written about this oil in almost every empties post that included a facial oil I finished because it is my true HG and the one I always miss when I’m not using it. Most facial oils I’ve tried have been equally moisturizing and glow-giving, and they all provide an occlusive layer as my last step in my skincare routine. The thing I love most about the Josie Maran oil is that it sinks in so quickly so I don’t end up with a oil slick on my face when I’m getting into bed. I can also see a big difference in my skin’s brightness and firmness when I use this vs when I don’t. So, I already repurchased this one!
I’d love to know – what have you finished lately? Like I mentioned, I have a ton more empties that I will be posting about, and I’ll be sharing empties posts every other Friday all year. Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to see here on LiftBakeLove, and thanks for reading! As always, some links may be affiliate links that support the blog, but all reviews/opinions are completely my own and unsponsored.
As part of my no-buy year, I’m trying to really get to know and love my collection and starting a “favorite products under $X series” to help me in that process. I’ll be doing posts every month for different dollar amounts, and I’m so excited to dive into my collection in this way. This time, I’m writing about my favorite products under $30. I would love see your favorites and recommendations for under $20 beauty products in the comments! And, of course, thank you so much for being here, and it would mean so much to me if you subscribe here or on Instagram @liftbakelove for new posts.
Glossier Futuredew ($24) – This continues to be one of my favorite products, and it’s one of the only things I consistently use every day in my makeup routine. It provides the most amazing glossy, hydrating base that makes me look like I drank enough water (and if you know me, you know I have never had enough water). It works beautifully with any foundation, concealer, and powder combo I put on top of it and makes them look way better on my skin – no dry patches, no clinging, no flatness. I’ve also used it mixed in with other base products to sheer them out a little bit and make them more hydrating, and that works great too.
Melt Cosmetics Cream Blushlights ($22) – I have the shades Polished (warm pink) and Daydreamer (rich cinnamon), and I love having both a warm and cool option in this formula. It has a really beautiful luminosity to it from a slight amount of shimmer that makes this really special. These are my favorite formula for when I want a super glowy from within blush look. The formula blends so effortlessly and quickly, and I just love the super thin but hydrating texture. They also have great staying power for such an emollient cream blush.
Melt Cosmetics Cream Blushlights in Polished and Daydreamer
Viseart Petite Pro 4 ($30) – I got this during a sale at the end of 2019, and I still reach for it all the time even with all the other eyeshadows I own now. I’m so happy I decided to get it and that I have it in my collection. It’s the perfect mix of neutrals, and I’ve loved how small and compact this is for travel and how easily I can put all the shades into my Salt New York palette with my other single eyeshadows when I’m at home (which is why it’s missing from the picture above). Like all Viseart shadows, these blend seamlessly with little fallout and aren’t overly glittery, so I can put together a look for work super quickly too. I love using the mattes to blend out another look that might need it or use the shimmers as a sophisticated topper.
Viseart Petite Pro 4 Swatches
Urban Decay 24/7 Moondust Eyeshadow in Space Cowboy ($22) – I own a ton of single glittery/topper type eyeshadows and love them all, but I think my absolute favorite is this one. I’ve used it on top of my eyeshadow almost every single time I’ve used my eyeshadow since I bought it, and I’m so happy with the effect it has. It’s a sheer shimmery eyeshadow that adds a wet look to any shadow without really adding any color or changing the color of the look underneath. It’s also incredibly reflective and glossy, doesn’t have any fallout, and is so easy to apply with a brush or fingers (and doesn’t require any glitter glue).
Lisa Eldridge Liquid Lurex Eyeshadow in Angelica and Bianca ($27) – I absolutely love this eyeshadow. This formula is so quick and easy to use. It’s almost like a mousse and feels halfway between a cream and a liquid. I’ve tried using a brush and fingers, with and without a primer, and applying directly from the doe-foot and from my hand – nothing I tried didn’t work out amazingly. The formula doesn’t crease and looks exactly the same all day. I tested it on a 17-hour makeup day, and it honestly could have just been applied. I even did an hour and a half long gym session, and it didn’t budge. I’ve used it as one sheer layer, a thicker application, and layered on top of itself, and it looked great all three ways. I love how I have enough time to play with it and blend it out however I want before it sets down. They’re also some of the more spangly eyeshadows I’ve ever used, which may be the thing I love about them the most. Angelica is a rosy bronze that is the absolute perfect shade for me – I feel like I’ve been hunting for this color for years, and here it is. Bianca is a warm, purply-pink that really makes my brown eyes pop. Regardless of price, these are some of my favorite eyeshadows in my collection.
Angelica (left) and Bianca (right)
Chantecaille Brightening Eye Nude Kajal ($29) – This is the only eye liner I’ve found that is the right color to brighten up my eyes when I use it in the waterline – it’s not too white or pink. It just looks like I actually get enough sleep and makes my eyes look less red, even if it’s from allergies. It also stays all day and doesn’t irritate my eyes. It’s on the pricier side for an eyeliner at $29, but mine has lasted me so long, and I think it’s completely worth it.
Em Cosmetics Lip Cushion in Magic Hour and Venetian Rose ($23) – I’m honestly surprised I haven’t panned one of these yet. I keep them at my desk to have an easy, full pigment lip color that’s incredibly easy to swipe on without a mirror. The formula is incredibly moisturizing and has enough thickness to not disappear right away even if I’m talking a lot. Either color completely brightens up my face, and I love having both a brighter pink and dusty rose shade at hand.
Em Cosmetics Lip Cushion in Magic Hour and Venetian Rose
Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Foundation Brush ($28) – This is one of my favorite foundation brushes (and I have a lot of brushes). I find myself continually going back to it instead of any others I have. It has such a perfect shape for foundation and even concealer because the angles and edges make it super easy to get into all the contours of my face. It’s also really densely packed which ensures it maintains the level of coverage of any product I’m using it with. It also never creates any streaks and cleans really well even with consistently using it with liquid products.
Olaplex No. 3 Hair Repair Perfector ($28) – Every time I use this, I feel like my hair has been transformed. It feels way smoother, stronger, and shinier without being weighed down. I notice a huge difference when I don’t use this treatment, and it’s incredibly worth it to me. My hair is normally super prone to breakage, and this is one of the only products I’ve tried that actually helps with that. It also helps my hair feel way less dry than usual without making it greasy. This is one of my only true hair staples (outside of my Bumble & Bumble loves) that I continue to repurchase over and over again.
What are your favorite products under $30? Let me know in the comments below! Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to see here on LiftBakeLove, and thanks for reading! As always, some links may be affiliate links that support the blog, but all reviews/opinions are completely my own and unsponsored.
Shout to my friend who suggested a post all about the things that help me stop and appreciate something small and comforting. I had a great time thinking through all the things I use that help me destress and take a moment to relax, and these are some of my favorites! As always, thank you so much for being here, and it would mean so much to me if you subscribe here or on Instagram @liftbakelove for new posts!
Necessaire The Body Wash in Eucalyptus and Sandalwood– I love the eucalyptus for when I need a mood boost (like a morning shower or a “I hype myself up for the rest of the day after the gym” shower). It’s such a fresh, awakening scent, and it’s just strong enough. The sandalwood is great for creating a sense of calm and a very spa like experience. The packaging definitely also enhances the experience because it’s easy to squeeze out just what I need. The formula is perfect for my dry skin even in the winter – it’s super nourishing and a joy to use.
NBM Cuticle Buddy in Cashmere Sweater and Lavender – My nails have never been healthier or stronger since I starting using these, and I don’t freak out about nail breaks anymore because they grow back so fast now. The Lavender Cuticle Buddy has been a very important part of my nighttime routine since it’s such a calming scent paired with the relaxing routine of oiling my nails. Since I ran out of that scent, I’ve been using the Cashmere Sweater scent (which is retiring soon but coming back again in the winter!). It’s also great for winding down at night, with notes of vanilla and rich amber and hints of smoky cedarwood. I can’t wait to see what spring launch comes out that will take up the spot as my nighttime calming cuticle buddy! As always, you can use my affiliate code with Shop NBM to get 10% off sitewide: LIFT10.
Farmacy Honey Potion Renewing Antioxidant Hydration Mask – This mask warms up as you massage it into your skin, so not only does it work to deeply moisturize and calm my skin, it’s also a really great relaxing experience. It is the perfect mask to use after an exfoliating treatment or when your skin is feeling extra dry. It really is the best face mask of all time and is just so soothing and comforting. It’s my go to for when my skin is feeling stressed, irritated, overly dry, or anything else that requires help. It always comes to the rescue, and my skin feels so cared for after I use this.
KBShimmer Hand & Body Sugar Scrub in Warm Apple Cider – Using this body scrub in such a joy! It smells exactly like fresh apple pie and cider in the fall welcoming into a cozy evening. It’s just super comforting to me, and it also works really well. It’s incredibly moisturizing while also being an effective scrub – I usually don’t even need body lotion when I use this since. This particular scent was limited edition for September, but they have tons of other scents on their site which I’m sure are equally amazing. It is heavily fragranced so keep that in mind if that’s something that will bother you, but I absolutely love how this smells and how well it sticks around for my whole shower.
Oakley Soap Co Shower Steamers – These are my favorite shower steamers, which I use when I’m taking a shower to create a super spa-like experience. Depending on which scent you use, you can have a very relaxing or energizing shower – Keep Calm is a calming lavender scent, Morning Sun is an energizing citrus blend, and Just Breathe is an even more awakening blend of eucalyptus and peppermint. I love all the scents and highly recommend the variety pack to try them all out!
Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to see here on LiftBakeLove, and thanks for reading! As always, some links may be affiliate links that support the blog, but all reviews/opinions are completely my own and unsponsored.
Back again with another 5 empties (fully finished products)! I have a bunch of empties this month, but, as usual, I am keeping these posts to 5 products to keep them short. As always, I’m super excited to take a good look at what I thought of the products I’ve finished and whether or not I’d buy them again.
Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara in Brynn (rich black)– This continues to be the best mascara I’ve ever used. I’ve moved on to one of the four minis I have, and I still love it. It makes my lashes look amazing, doesn’t smudge, and actually holds a curl. The best part is that it washes off so easily and quickly. I still have more minis to get through after this and will definitely repurchase until an amazing tubing formula comes out that’s better than this one.
Glossier Body Hero Dry-Touch Oil Mist – I’m not a huge fan of the packaging (who wants to spray oil everywhere and try to handle a glass bottle with oily hands?), but the oil in here is the most moisturizing body oil I’ve tried. It also smells great and absorbs incredibly fast so moisturizing my whole body with this is super fast. I find I actually use this more often because it’s so quick so I’ve had way less dry areas since I got it. I have a back-up I’m planning to start once I get through some other things and will probably repurchase it when I’m totally out of it and the rest of my body oils.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask – I have to imagine that I would love this if I had normal to oily skin, but as someone with very dry skin, it didn’t do enough for me. It smells amazing and sinks in so quickly. It definitely is moisturizing and makes my skin feel hydrated and glowy in the morning. That said, I find that I have to layer on at least 2 other moisturizers with this, and I would love something that’s a heavier hitter than this. So, I won’t be repurchasing this.
Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm – I’ve written about this a few times already, and it’s because it’s my HG makeup remover. I had been trying the cleansing oil for awhile, but found that the balm was more effective at removing makeup if I was wearing more of it. The cleansing oil is great for the summer and really light makeup days, but the balm is what I need (both in terms of effectiveness and hydration) in the fall/winter and whenever my skin is irritated by spring allergies. I have 2 more back-ups of this in the full size so not going to rebuy any time soon.
Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve – I’m trying to use up my hand creams so have them all over our apartment, and this lands in the middle of the pack in terms of formula and is scent free. It’s definitely hydrating and effective but it doesn’t provide as long-lasting nourishment as some of the others I’m using right now, so I’m not planning on repurchasing this.
I’d love to know – what have you finished lately? Like I mentioned, I have a ton more empties that I will be posting about, and I’ll be sharing empties posts every other Friday all year. Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to see here on LiftBakeLove, and thanks for reading! As always, some links may be affiliate links that support the blog, but all reviews/opinions are completely my own and unsponsored.
Makeup and Skincare Reviews 