[Comparison] CoverGirl Oh Sugar! Balm V.S. Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment

Hello!

Happy Spring! There were so many new beauty product launch lately! This CoverGirl balm caught my eye right away. Honestly, I do not usually look at Covergirl lip products, because I remember the lipsticks were really drying for my lips. When I saw the name "Oh Sugar" vitamin infused balm, I immediately thought of the Sugar lip treatment from Fresh. ( I tried the Fresh sugar treatment awhile back, and I lost the tube already, I can only use the photo from Sephora.) Now that I tried out both lippies, I can tell you whether I think the Covergirl "Oh Sugar" is comparable to Fresh.

Let's get started...

1) Company Product Claims/ Ingredient

Both contains Vitamins C&E and grapeseed oil to act as treatment for softer lips.

Covergirl:

Treat your lips with colorlicious oh sugar! Vitamin infused lip balm.  With the help of grapeseed oil, avocado butter, and Vitamins C & E, it's only natural that this delicious smelling lip treatment leaves your lips soft and nourished with a hint of sheer color.  

Fresh:

Sugar Lip Treatment blends reparative oils and waxes with real sugar, a natural humectant, for delectable and dependable moisture. Sweet and tart black currant oil, rich in plumping essential fatty acids, cushions the lips while antioxidant grapeseed polyphenols and vitamins A, C, and E provide protection from wrinkle-causing free radicals. 

2) Texture/ Finishes

Both products glide on the lip easily without tugging, really feels like a nourishing lip balm! They both leave a slightly glossy finish; however the glossy look goes away after awhile.Even when the glossy finish go away, they both leave a tint on the lips and they both don't dry out the lips through out the lips. Both company did not claim for long wear, and it's understandable that the balmy feel goes away through out the day! Now, something different between the two...

CoverGirl: I find that when I first apply this, I can feel some "sugar particles", like I just at some granulated sugar. The "sugar" disappear after a few minutes. I find that the color payoff is more buildable with the CoverGirl balm.There are 10 shades to choose from in the line. I'm going to insert a swatch photo of the colors, I found this picture on Budgetbeautyblog.com because I only own #9 Jelly. 

Photo source: http://www.budgetbeautyblog.com/

Fresh: It does not have the "granulated sugar" feeling. The colors from the collection are pretty sheer.  I also find that the moisture stays a bit longer with the Fresh balms. Something different is that these lippies have SPF 15, making this product not only treating your lips but also protecting them. It has 12 colored shades and 1 clear balm to choose from. I tried both the Rose and clear. Here I am inserting a photo from Cuteandmundane.com, the swatches do not include the whole collection either.

Photo Source: www.cuteandmundane.com

3) Scent

In my opinion they smell/ taste the same! They both have a citrus/ lemon scent. If you accidentally lick you lips, they both taste really sweet. The scent doesn't bother me, I am so glad the Covergirl one does not smell like plastic.

4) Packaging

Surprisingly, the packaging was not the reason why I thought the two brands may be comparable. The Covergirl one comes in their usual lipstick packaging, a squared, rectangle tube. Whereas the Fresh one comes in a cylinder tube, you have to twist/(screw) on the lid. I think Fresh has better packaging, especially for those who likes to carry their lip products with them because no matter how your lip products move around in the bag, the lid will not come off. I am not saying that the lid for the Covergirl comes off easily, but there is the possibility because it is just a simple click on lid.

5) Prices/ Accessibility

CoverGirl: .

$ 7 CAD 0.13 oz

From walmart/ Shoppers Drug Mart/London drugs/ drugstore 

Fresh:

$28 CAD 0.15oz

Sephora

Overall

I find that both products works pretty much the same! The scent, texture and finishes are almost identical. The major difference for me is that the color tint for the Covergirl stays longer and the moisturizing feeling of the Fresh stays longer. Fresh is about 4 times more expensive than Covergirl. I really enjoyed both balms, if I want to purchase another one, I will try and see if I can find a color from the Covergirl line first. However, buying lip products at the drugstore is tricky, because you usually can't test the color on the lips (sanitary reasons), and swatch a color on the back of the hand is totally different than swatching on the lips! I would recommend both brands, it's up to you to decide what you want from the balms, longer lasting tint? or longer hydration? 

That's all for today, have you tried either of these products? Which one do you like better?  Also, let me know what you think about comparison posts, and let me know what other product comparisons you want to see.

Yours Truly,

Ting

Find me here:
Instagram: @judyy116
Twitter: @jtingsdiary
Email: jtingsdiary@gmail.com

[Comparison] Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz V.S. Chella Eyebrow Color Pencil

Hi! 

Today I am comparing the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz and the Chella Eyebrow Color Pencil. I am sure many people heard of the Anastasia Brow Wiz before, it has been raved by many youtubers when it first came out. I was introduced to the brand Chella by IPSY, if you haven't already, you can read my IPSY May Glambag Unboxing.

Top: Anastasia Brow Wiz/ Bottom: Chella Eyebrow Color Pencil

1) Company Claim

Anastasia

An ultraslim mechanical pencil to shape, define, and fill in your brows for a natural, polished look. Sometimes brows need a little magic. This must-have pencil features an ultrafine, retractable tip to fill in gaps easily and mimic brow hair. Perfect for spot checking areas that may be sparse or over-tweezed, the smear-proof formula wears all day for a natural, fresh look. -"Sephora.ca"

Chella

The fine tip on this sleek European-designed mechanical pencil has a creamy consistency that glides into place and can also be lightly smudged for a more natural look (use the brush/comb attachment on Chella's razor, sold separately, to achieve this effect).-"Chella.com"

2) Product Texture

Left: Chella/ Right: Anastasia

Both products glide on smoothly. I find that the Anastasia one is stiffer in texture, more firm. Dom't get me wrong though, it does not hurt or pull the skin, it glides on smooth. Sometimes it requires a few stroke to see the color. The Chella one; however, feels more creamy, one swipe gets the color I wanted.

3) Staying Power

I did a test with wearing the product one on each side through out the day without brow gel. At the end of the day, my brows were both in place. I used a makeup wipe and it showed that both product were still on my brows. (YAY!) 

4) packaging

Anastasia

The packaging is sleek and black with  copper/ orange writings. It is double ended, with the twist up brow pencil on one side and a spooly on the other side. Even though the spooly is convenient when travelling but it gets really dirty after a while. It is hard to clean but if you use it without cleaning it, there will be some fallout from the spooly. The whole product is a bit longer than other eyeliners or brow pencils, if you want to travel with it, it might be a snugg fit for regular makeup bags. 

Chella

I mentioned in the May Glam Bag post that the white packaging seems a bit cheap to me at first glance. However, I don't mind the white packaging anymore, it is so much easier to find this product especially when it's put next to a bunch of black pencils. The packaging is actually pretty good quality, the cap did not fall off from the pencil when I travel. I like the length of the overall packaging since it is pretty much the same size as other pencil product. This is also a twist up pencil that is convenient. One down side is that it does not have the spooly on the other end, which means I need to bring an extra spooly or eyebrow brush. 

5) Color Range

Left to Right: Anastasia Dark Brown, Chella Tantalizing Taupe, Anastasia Soft Brown

Anastasia

There are 9 colors to choose from. I have the Soft Brown and Dark Brown. I tend to grab the soft brown since I like my brow a bit lighter.

Chella

There are 6 colors in total. I received this in Tantalizing Taupe from my IPSY glam bag. I did not get to choose my color nor did I have the opportunity to try out different color. Having said that, I think this color works well on me.

6) Price/ Availability

Anastasia

$27CAD

This is available at Sephora

Chella

$18 USD

I believe you can only get this from Chella.com 

Overall

Both products are amazing! The both have the convenient twist up applicator, provide easy control and are travel friendly. I really recommend the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz. It has a wider color range and it is available in store for you to find the right shade. The Chella Eyebrow Color Pencil is more creamy and more affordable; however, for Canadians especially, it is not as conveniently reachable. For me even though I love both product, when both of the run out, I will gravitate toward repurchasing the Anastasia Brow Wiz because they are really similar and it is easier for me to find the Anastasia one.

That's all for today, let me know if you have tried any of these products and what you think about it. What other comparisons or posts would you want to see? Let me know on my social media or leave a comment below. Thanks!

Yours Truly,

Ting.

Find me here:

Instagram: judyy116

Twitter: judyting116

Email; jtingsdiary@gmail.com

[Comparison] Clarins HydraQuench VS Neutrogena HydraBoost

Hi!

As I mentioned in my skin care routine, I have recently been into exploring skin care products, especially facial moisturizer.Today I want to share with you a comparison between Clarins HydraQuench Cream Gel and the new Neutrogena HydraBoost Gel Cream. I have already mentioned the Clarins HydraQuench in my April Favorites, so you know I love this product. When I saw the commercial for Neutrogena's HydraBoost, it immediately reminds me of the Clarins HydraQuench. 

Quick Notes on my skin

• Sensitive
• Dehydrated
• Occasional oily t-zone
• Occasional flaky nose

Let's get started!

1) Company Product Claims

Clarins:

Clarins’ Hydraquench line is a saving grace for normal to combination skin types, which are more prone to dullness and the subtle signs of ageing. Hydraquench Cream-Gel for Normal to Combination Skin offers deep hydration and a cooling sensation to dehydrated skin while tightening the pores. This unique complex turns to water upon contact with the skin. This hydrating face cream soothes and refreshes the skin while working to tone and refine the skin’s surface. This results in a smooth and long-lasting matte complexion with no trace of oily residue or shine

Neutrogena:

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is a refreshing, lightweight water gel that instantly quenches and continuously hydrates skin. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, it boosts hydration and locks it in so skin stays hydrated, smooth and supple day after day. Applies effortlessly, absorbing quickly into skin without leaving behind an oily or greasy feel.Hydro Boost hydrates skin through an approach of replenishing water and strengthening skin’s moisture barrier, leveraging two key ingredients:

2) Special Ingredient

Both contains Hyaluronic Acid. I did some research on this ingredient. According to Paulaschoice.com, Hyaluronic Acid boost skin's moisture content, reduce inflammation, have cell-communicating abilitites, and help prevent moisture loss. It also acts like a sponge for dry skin cells, that absorb water and slowly but continuously releases moisture back into skin, keeping skin hydrated throughout the day. This is an important ingredient to have for moisturizers that are made for dehydrated skin, and sensitive skin. 

Clarins:

Katafray extract: helps reinforce skin's surface barrier effect and helps prevent dehydration. 
Sorbier bud extract: reinforces skin hydration and radiance. 

Pomegranate extract: tightens pores. 

Alpine willow herb extract: helps reduce skin shine.

Neutrogena

Olive Extract: Strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier, prevent excessive moisture loss. It also helps leave skin feeling soft and smooth without tackiness.

3) Formula

Left: Clarins/ Right: Neutrogena

Both products have Cream Gel formula. The formulas are light weight, absorbs easily and quickly. Both formula works pretty much the same. I would apply it on my face, quickly massage it into my skin. Few seconds after application, my face feels instantly moisturized but does not feel wet. I really enjoy the cream gel formula; however, I need to be careful because products that absorb easily usually contains alcohol. This is a perfect consistency/ texture for spring and summer because it does not linger on the face and is not sticky. Another advantage is that it can be worn underneath makeup.

Clarins: It has a dryer consistency. The product itself is white but blends out clear. Even though it is marketed for normal to combination skin but it works for my skin.

Neutrogena: The formula is pretty white, juggles around in the container. It has a light blue color that also blends out clear.

4) Scent

They both have some sort of scents. Clarins has a light fresh scent while the Neutrogena one has a pretty strong soapy scent. I am not bothered by any of these scents; however, the Neutrogena one took me some time to get used to. To be fair, I was used to Clarin's scent since I started to use that prior to the Neutrogena one.

5) Packaging

Honestly, the similarity between the two packaging is the first thing that caught my eye. Both has a blue container with a white cap. Clarin's packaging feels more luxurious because the container itself is made with glass and it also has a stopper underneath the lid. Neutrogena on the other hand, has a plastic-like container without the stopper. I wish the Neutrogena one comes with a stopper; like I mentioned earlier, this formula is a lot runnier, having the stopper would really help.

6) Prices/ Accessibility

Clarins: .

$ 50 CAD 50ml

From Clarins/ Shoppers Drug Mart/Sephora

Neutrogena:

$24.99 CAD 47ml

From any drugstore that sells Neutrogena

Overall

I tried both product together on my face for a few times.I find that both products did what it claimed to do, providing moisture and calms my irritated skin. I find that the Neutrogena HydraBoost absorbs a little faster than the Clarin's HydraQuench. However, I prefer the scent of the Clarins  HydraQuench. I think the Neutrogena HydraBoost is definitely a good alternative for the Clarins HydraQuench since the results are the same and it is about half the price. I really recommend using one of these two products if you have dehydrated skin, sensitive skin and or irritated skin.

That's all for today, let me know what you think about comparison posts, and let me know what other product comparisons you want to see.

Yours Truly,

Ting

Find me here:

Instagram: judyy116

Twitter: judyting116

Email: jtingsdiary@gmail.com