April 2015 Favorites

This is one of my favorite type of video to watch, monthly favorites.

During April, I explored many new skin care products and makeup, so this month would be a perfect to start writing/ reviewing/ sharing monthly favorites.

Here, just to clarify a few points:

1) 

I have sensitive and dehydrated skin. Occasional oily T-zone. Funny story, I actually just found out I have sensitive skin this past few months, After seeing myself through the little screen on FaceTime, that's where I realized my face has been having allergic reaction. Without makeup, it's completely red....Then I quickly(not really) found out that the burning sensation from my whitening toner and some other skin care products is actually allergic reaction from alcohol...( wow) I can't believe it took me all those years to realize this.

2)

I am subscribed to IPSY, so I get to try out a few new products every month. I'll also write about my IPSY unboxing every month. :)

3)

You might see a lot of travel size/ deluxe size products. The reason is that I order from Sephora a lot, and if you are familiar with shopping online at Sephora, you can use a coupon code to get deluxe samples! Also keep in mind that some of the IPSY products are also deluxe sizes. Having said that, I do like getting deluxe/ travel size products. This way I get to try out more product without committing to a full size product I may or may not like.

I guess that's all . Future posts will not contain all that↑↑↑ Let's get into my April favs. (From left to right)

Make Up Forever- Step 1 Skin Equalizer- Nourishing Primer

[photo from Sephora.ca]

I got this with my sephora.ca order. I have been using it everyday since I got it, it really does what it says. The skin around my nose, area between my forehead and my chin can be really flakey. This primer prevents flaking and dry patches, which allows a more flawless look. I will continue to use this and purchase the full size after I finish this bottle. This little guy contains a lot of product!!

Essence- Lash Princess Mascara

[photo from essence.eu]

To be honest, I hate mascaras. The ones I tried either don't work on my lashes or they're really hard to take off. My lashes are not short but it's stick straight and points downward. Every time I curl my lashes, it will fall right back down when I put on mascara.  I can only use waterproof formulas to keep the curls. Hence I barely use mascara. This product came with my IPSY bag but I've used another volumizing mascara from this brand before. Essence is really affordable and the quality is awesome! (win-win!) I like how it has a drier formula compared to the Benefit Roller Lash. Even though it didn't say it's waterproof, it holds my curls (Yes!) and it's easy to remove. The brush gives volume while not being clumpy. The packaging is super cute too, I love the black and the baby pink detail. Anyways, I will definitely try out more mascara from the Essence brand. If you have never tried this product, you need to find it and try it out!

Where to find it:

Canadian: Shopper's Drug Mart carries this Brand!!

USA: You can find this on Ulta.com

Clarins- HydraQuench Intensive Serum Bi-Phase 

[Photo from Clarins.ca]

As I mentioned earlier, I just found out my skin is sensitive and dehydrated. Then I discovered this HydraQuench line from Clarins, This product contains plant extract that help moisturize and soothe my irritated (allergies, rashes from previous products) skin. I didn't know much about serum before but when I visited the Clarins counter at The Bay, she told me that this will help the skin to better absorb the moisturizer. And yes it did! Right now there's a limited edition bottle of 50ml for only CAD$72 and normally it is CAD$60 for 30ml.

Where to find it:

Canadian: Clarins Canada website, the Bay.com

Clarins- HydraQuench Cream Gel for Normal to Combination Skin

[Photo from Clarins.ca]

I actually got this before the serum. I was at Sephora during the VIB sale just trying to find a new moisturizer and the girl had me try on this one. First, I love the scent. Second, I love how it absorbs quickly, leaving the skin smooth and hydrated for hours! The great thing is that it calmed my skin and my skin hasn't been flakey ever since I started using this. I use this day and night after the serum. I wonder how this compares to the Neutrogena Hydra Boost cream gel. Maybe I will get that and compare the too. It will be great if they work the same, Neutrogena is fraction the price!!

I really recommend looking into the Clarins HydraQuench line if you have sensitive and dry skin. Since I had to give away almost all my sheet masks, I am debating whether I should try the sleeping mask from the HydraQuench line! I tried the nourishing lipbalm few days ago and I really really really love it! -> Maybe just a little obsessed with the HydraQuench line.

Maybelline Eyes and lips makeup remover

[Photo from maybelline.com.tw]

I bought this from Taiwan and I haven't seen this product in Canada. This has the oil and water formula where you have to shake it up before using it. It claims to remove waterproof makeup and it does! Even the most stubborn matte lipstick like the M.A.C. lipstick in Ruby Woo. It's comparable to the Lancome BI-FACIL - Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover but the maybelline one doesn't feel as greasy as the Lancome one. The oil from the makeup remover prevents me from pulling my eye lid and lashes out when I try to remove stubborn makeup!

Bioderma Sensibio H20

[photo from Bioderma.ca]

This is a cleansing water that removes excess makeup and residues after using makeup remover. This is hypoallergenic and is suitable for sensitive skin. I know this may be a little difficult to find in the States (check amazon.com) but for Canadians, you can find this brand in Shopper's Drug Mart and Rexall.

Clarins Extra-Comfort toning Lotion- Alcohol-free

[photo from Clarins.ca]

YAY! It's alcohol free! I love this product because it smells great and I can really feel that this toner calms my skin. I am currently using this only at night because I want this product to last longer.

Dior Addict Lip Glow in Pink and Coral

[Photo from Sephora.ca]

I have been alternating between the two colors. I just keep them in my purse and bring them everywhere. It's easy to just apply on the lips without a mirror. If you're not familiar with this product, it goes on clear and the color changes according to your temperature. It has a little minty taste to it and it's very moisturizing on the lips. Although the color do fade but it does stain the lips so it's not a high maintenance lip product { more like a lipbalm)

YSL VOLUPTÉ SHEER CANDY - Glossy Balm Crystal Color in the shade 15 Rose Candy

[Photo from Sephora.ca]

I love the scent of this!! It tastes so yummy like Candy?! I would say it brings more of a floral scent. This shade is supposedly a Sephora exclusive shade. This goes on literally like a glossy lip balm with a nice color! Although this is not totally opaque, but I can still tell there's a color, a my lips but better color! The packaging is absolutely luxurious and ahhh, just SO PRETTY! This is my first YSL lippy and is certainly not going to be my last!

I hope you are still awake and enjoyed reading what I was loving in April. Please share with me your April favorites in the comments, on twitter or instagram. Also leave your requests of "posts" you would like to see and please provide any constructive feedback for me! Thank you! :)

Yours Truly,

Ting

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